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

Sex Equity

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

Any student may file a sex equity complaint by using School Board Policy 2:260 – Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the School Board's resolution of the complaint to the appropriate Intermediate Service Center (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8).

Administrative Implementation

The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator.  The Superintendent and Building Principal shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy and grievance procedure.

LEGAL REF.:   42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.  McKinney Homeless Assistance Act,

20 U.S.C. § 1681; et seq., Title IX, of the Education Amendments implemented by 34 C.F.R. Part 106

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 791 et seq.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 775 ILCS 35/5.

Ill. Constitution, Art. I, § 18.

Good News Club v Milford Central School, 121 S.CT. 2093 (2001).

105 ILCS 5/3.25b, 3.25d(b), 10-20.12, 10-22.5, and 27-1

775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.

23 Ill. Admin. Code § 1.240 and Part 200.

CROSS REF.:   2:260, 6:220, 7:20, 7:50, 7:130, 7,180, 7:330, 8:20

ADOPTED:       October 4, 1999

REVISED:         February 19, 2001; August 19, 2002; October 28, 2002

UPDATED:       April 2008; December 18, 2008; June 24, 2010; December 17, 2010;

                        November 19, 2015

Surveys

All surveys requesting 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 as identified in Board Policy 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, or assist students’ career choices.  This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified and regardless of who created the survey.

Surveys Created by a Third Party

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(s)/guardian(s) may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request.

This section 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.

Survey Requesting Personal Information

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

1.    Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent/guardian.

2.    Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.

3.    Behavior or attitudes about sex.

4.    Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

5.    Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships.

6.    Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

7.    Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.

8.    Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may:

1.    Inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or

2.    Refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in the activity described above. The school shall not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercised this option.

Instructional Material

A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child/ward’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.

Physical Exams or Screenings

No school official or staff member shall subject a student to a non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as a condition of school attendance.  The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening.

The above paragraph does not apply to any physical examination or screening that:

1.    Is permitted or required by an applicable State law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification.

2.    Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.).

3.    Is administered pursuant to the District’s extracurricular drug and alcohol testing program (see Policy 7:240, Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities).

4.    Is otherwise authorized by Board policy.

Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information Is Prohibited

No school official or staff member shall 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.

The above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) 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:

1.    College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment.

2.    Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products.

3.    Curriculum and instructional materials used by secondary schools.

4.    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.

5.    The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities.

6.    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.

Notification of Rights and Procedures

The Superintendent or designee shall notify students’ parent(s)/guardian(s) of:

1.    This policy as well as its availability upon request from the general administration office.

2.    How to opt their child or ward out of participation in activities as provided in this policy.

3.    The approximate dates during the school year when a survey requesting personal information, as described above, is scheduled or expected to be scheduled.

4.    How to request access to any survey or other material described in this policy.

This notification shall be given parent(s)/guardian(s) at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change in this policy.

The rights provided to parent(s)/guardian(s) in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor.

LEGAL REF.:    Protection of Pupil Rights Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232h.
                        Children’s Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act 325 ILCS 17/1 et seq.
                        105 ILCS 5/10-20.38.

CROSS REF.:   2:260, 6:210, 6:220, 6:260, 7:130; 7:240, 7:300

ADOPTED:       November 25, 2002

REVISED:         June 24, 2004; April 2008 (formatting only); December 22, 2016

Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment Prohibited.

No person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge; status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic.   The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying, whether verbal, physical, sexual or visual, that effects 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

Sexual harassment of students is prohibited.  Any person, including a district employee or agent, or student, engages in sexual harassment whenever he or she makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors and/or engages in other verbal or physical conduct including sexual violence of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that:

1. denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student's academic status; or
2. has the purpose or effect of:
1. substantially interfering with a student's educational environment; 
2. creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; 
3. depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or 
4. making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student.

The terms "intimidating," "hostile," and "offensive" include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include, touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person's alleged sexual activities.  The term sexual violence includes a number of different acts. Examples of sexual violence include, but are not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion.

Making a Complaint

Students are encouraged to report claims or incidences of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Associate Principal, Dean of Students, Complaint Manager or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking with  A student may choose to report to a person of the student's same sex. An allegation that a student was -a victim of any prohibited conduct perpetrated by school personnel, including a school vendor or volunteer, shall be processed and reviewed according to policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting, in addition to any response required by this policy. The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the District's current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers.   At least one of these individuals will be female, and at least one will be male.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

Complaint Managers:

The Superintendent shall also use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy,, by including1. For students, age-appropriate information about the contents of this policy in the District’s student handbook(s), on the District’s website, and, if applicable, in any other areas where policies, rules, and standards of conduct are otherwise posted in each school.

2. For staff members, this policy in the appropriate employee handbook(s), if applicable, and/or in any other areas where policies, rules, and standards of conduct are otherwise made available to staff.

Investigation Process

Supervisors, Building Principals, or administrators who receive a report or complaint of harassment must promptly forward the report or complaint to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager. A supervisor or administrator who fails to promptly comply may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

Reports and complaints of 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.

The District shall investigate alleged harassment of students when the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager becomes aware of an allegation, regardless of whether a written report or complaint is filed.

Alleged Incidents of Sexual Abuse

An alleged incident of sexual abuse is an incident of sexual abuse of a child, as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1A(b), that is alleged to have been perpetrated by school personnel, including a school vendor or volunteer, that occurred: on school grounds during a school activity; or outside of school grounds or not during a school activity.

Any complaint alleging an incident of sexual abuse shall be processed and reviewed according to policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting, in addition to any response required by this policy.

Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the discipline policy.  Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students. 

LEGAL REF.: 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., Title IX of the Educational Amendments

34 C.F.R. Part 106.

105 ILCS 5/10-20.12, 10-22.5, 5/27-1, and 5/27-23.7.

775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq., Illinois Human Rights Act.

23 Ill. Admin. Code § 1.240 and Part 200.

Franklin v. Gwinnett Co. Public Schools, 112 S.Ct. 1028 (1992).

Gebser  v. Lago Vista Independent School District, 118 S.Ct. 1989 (1998).

Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, 119 S.Ct. 1661 (1999).

West v. Derby Unified School District No. 260, 206 F.3d 1358 (10th Cir., 2000).

CROSS REF.: 2:260, 5:20, 7:10, 7:180, 7:180, 7:185, 7:190, 7:240 

ADOPTED: October 4, 1999

REVISED: October 23, 2000; January 31, 2008; February 26, 2009; August 2009; June 24, 2010; November 18, 2010; July 1, 2011; July 1, 2014; November 20, 2014; July 1, 2015 (update of Complaint Manager name/contact information only). March 2020

The School District is divided into school attendance areas.  The Superintendent willreview the boundary lines annually and recommend any changes to the School Board.  The Superintendent or designee shall maintain amap of the District showing current school attendance areas.  Students living in a given school attendance area will be assigned to that school.  Homeless children shall be assigned according to Board Policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children. 

Transfers Within the District

A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may request the student be transferred to a District school other than the one to which the student was assigned.  The Board may grant an exception when the parent(s)/guardian(s) demonstrate that the student could be better accommodated by the education program at another school, provided space is available.  Students who are granted a transfer within the District shall be responsible for their own transportation.  The provisions in this section have no applicability to transfers pursuant to the Unsafe School Choice Option covered in Board Policy 4:170, Safety.

Any student finishing one or more years at one of the District High Schools and whose parent(s)/guardian(s) change residence to a neighborhood served by another high school in the District may elect to continue his or her education at the former high school until graduation.

All parent(s)/guardian(s) electing to continue their son or daughter in a high school not serving their residence shall be responsible for transportation of the student to and from school.

LEGAL REF.:   105 ILCS 5/10-21.3, 5/21.3a and 5/10-22.50.

CROSS REF.:  4:170, 6:30, 6:140

ADOPTED:       October 4, 1999

REVISED:        January 29, 2004; October 26, 2006; December 22, 2016

• Admission Procedure

   

  All students must register for school each year on the dates and at the place designated by the Superintendent.

   

  Parents/guardians of students enrolling in the District for the first time must present:

   

  1. A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate. If a birth certificate is not presented, the Superintendent or designee shall notify in writing the person enrolling the student that within 30 days he or she must provide a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate.  A student will be enrolled without a birth certificate. When a certified copy of the birth certificate is presented, the school shall promptly make a copy for its records, place the copy in the student’s permanent record, and return the certified copy to the person enrolling the child. If a person enrolling a student fails to provide a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, and shall also notify the person enrolling the student in writing that, unless he or she complies within ten  days, the case will be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation. If compliance is not obtained within that ten-day period, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately report to the local law enforcement authority any material received pursuant to this paragraph that appears inaccurate or suspicious in form or content.

   

  1. Proof of residence, as required by Board policy 7:60, Residence.

   

  1. Proof of disease immunization or detection and the required physical examination, as required by State law and Board policy 7:100, Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students. 

   

  The individual enrolling a student shall be given the opportunity to voluntarily state whether the student has a parent or guardian who is a member of a branch of the U. S. Armed Forces and who is either deployed to active duty or expects to be deployed to active duty during the school year.  Students who are children of active duty military personnel transferring will be allowed to enter (a) the same grade level in which they studied at the school from which they transferred, if the transfer occurs during the District’s school year, or (b) the grade level following the last grade completed.

   

  Homeless Children

   

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

   

  Foster Care Students

   

  The Superintendent will appoint at least one employee to act as a liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Ill DeparT of Children and Family Services when enrolling in or changing schools.

   

  Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools

   

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

   

  Foreign Exchange Students

   

  The District accepts foreign exchange students with a J-1 visa and who reside within the District as participants in an exchange program sponsored by organizations screened by administration for a period of time not to exceed twelve months.  Exchange students on a J-1 visa are not required to pay tuition.  There shall be a limit of two exchange students admitted in any given year at each of the attendance centers.  Exchange students must comply with District immunization requirements.  Once admitted, exchange students become subject to all District policies and regulations governing students.

   

  Re-Enrollment

   

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

   

  LEGAL REF:        McKinney-VentoHomeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.

  Illegal Immigrant and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, 8 U.S.C. § 1101.

  Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, 20 U.S.C. §1400

  et seq

  Rehabilitation Act, Section 504, 29 U.S.C. §794

  105 ILCS 5/2-3.13a.5/10-20.12, 5/10-22.5a, 5/14-1.02, 5/14-1.03a, 5/26-1, 5/26-2, 5/27-8.1, 10/8.1, 45/ and 70/

  325 ILCS 50/ and 55/.

  410.ILCS 315/2e.

  20 Ill.Admin.Code Part 1290 , Missing Person Birth Records and School Registration.

  23 Ill. Admin.Code Part 375, Student Records.

  CROSS REF.:         4:110, 6:30, 6:110, 6:140, 6:300, 6:310, 7:60, 7:70, 7:100, 7:340

  ADOPTED:          October 4, 1999

  REVISED:            February 19, 2001; August 19, 2002; October 28, 2002; September 25, 2003;        January 27, 2005; September 29, 2005; February 23, 2006; February 26, 2009; August 2010; February 24, 2011; October 25, 2012; April 30, 2015; December 22, 2016, October 25, 2018

   

Resident Students

Only students who are residents of the District may attend a District school without a tuition charge, except as otherwise provided below or in State law.   A student's residence is the same as the person who has legal custody of the student.

A person asserting legal custody over a student, who is not the child’s natural or adoptive parent, shall complete a signed statement, stating:

(a)  that he or she has assumed and exercises legal responsibility for the child,

(b)  the reason the child lives with him or her, other than to receive an education in the District, and

(c)   that he or she exercises full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency.  If the District knows the current address of the child’s natural or adoptive parent, the District shall request in writing that the person complete a signed statement or Power of Attorney stating: (a) the role and responsibility of the person with whom their child is living, and (b) that the person with whom the child is living has full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency.

A student whose family moves out of the District during the school year will be permitted to attend school for the remainder of the year without payment of tuition.

When a student’s change of residence is due to the military service obligation of the student’s legal parent/guardian, the student’s residence is deemed to be unchanged for the duration of the parent/guardian’s military service obligation if the student’s parent/guardian made a written request.  The District, however, is not responsible for the student’s transportation to or from school.

If at the time of enrollment a dependent child of military personnel is housed in temporary housing located outside the District, but will be living within the District within 60 days after the time of initial enrollment, the child is allowed to enroll, subject to the requirements of State law, and must not be charged tuition.

Requests for Non-resident Student Admission

Non-resident students may attend District schools upon the approval of a request submitted by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) for non-resident admission.  The Superintendent may approve the request subject to the following:

1.    The student will attend on a year-to-year basis.  Approval for any one year is not authorization to attend a following year.

2.    The student will be accepted only if there is sufficient room.

3.    The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be charged the maximum amount of tuition as allowed by State law.

4.    The students will attend the school designated by the School Board.

5.    The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be responsible for transporting the student to and from school.

Admission of Non-resident Students Pursuant to an Agreement or Order

Non-resident students may attend District schools tuition-free pursuant to:

1. A written agreement with an adjacent school district to provide for tuition-free attendance by a student of that district, provided both the Superintendent or designee and the adjacent district determine that the student’s health and safety will be served by such attendance.          

2. A written agreement with cultural exchange organizations and institutions supported by charity to provide for tuition-free attendance by foreign exchange students and nonresident pupils of charitable institutions.    

3. According to an intergovernmental agreement.    

4. Whenever any State or federal law or a court order mandates the acceptance of a nonresident student.

Homeless Children

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

Challenging a Student's Residence Status

If the Superintendent or designee determines that a student attending school on a tuition-free basis is a non-resident of the District for whom tuition is required to be charged, he or she on behalf of the Board shall notify the person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due.  The notice shall detail the specific reasons why the Board believes that the student is a nonresident of the District and shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested.  The person who enrolled the student may challenge this determination and request a hearing as provided by The School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12b.

LEGAL REF.:  McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.

105 ILCS 5/10-20.12a, 5/10-20.12b, and 5/10-22.5.

105 ILCS 45/ and 70.

23 Ill. Admin. Code § 1.240.

Israel S. by Owens v. Board of Educ. of Oak Park and River Forest High School Dist. 200, 601 N.E.2d 1264(Ill. App.1, 1992).

Joel R. v. School Board of Manheim School District 83, 686 N.E.2d 650 (Ill. App. 1997).

Kraut v. Rachford, 366 N.E.2d 497 (1st Dist. 1977).

CROSS REF.: 6:140, 7:50, 7:70

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       October 28, 2002; June 30, 2003; January 27, 2005; May 22, 2006; April 30, 2009; December 17, 2010; December 22, 2016

Compulsory School Attendance

This policy applies to individuals who have custody or control of a child: (a) between the ages of six (on or before September 1) and 17 years (unless the child has graduated from high school), or (b) who is enrolled in any of grades kindergarten through 12 in the public school regardless of age.

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 his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program.

The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled must authorize all absences from school and notify the school in advance or at the time of the student’s absence. A valid cause for absence includes illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, other situations beyond the control of the student, other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s safety or health, or other reason as approved by the Superintendent or designee.

Absenteeism and Truancy Program

The Superintendent or designee shall manage an absenteeism and truancy program in accordance with The School Code and School Board policy. The program shall include but not be limited to:

1. A protocol for excusing a student from attendance who is necessarily and lawfully employed. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to determine when the student’s absence is justified.
2. A protocol for excusing a student in Grades 9 through 12 from attendance to sound Taps at a military honors funeral held in Illinois for a deceased veteran.
3. A protocol for excusing a student from attendance on a particular day (s) or at a particular time of day when his/her 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.
4. A process to telephone, within two hours after the first class, the parents/guardians of students in grade 8 or below who are absent without prior parent/guardian notification.
5. A process to identify and track students who are truants, chronic or habitual truants, or truant minors as defined in The School Code, Section 26-2a
6. A description of diagnostic procedures for identifying the cause(s) of a student’s unexcused absenteeism, including interviews with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and staff members or other people who may have information about the reasons for the student’s attendance problem.
7. The identification of supportive services that may be offered to truant or chronically truant students, including parent-teacher conferences, student and/or family counseling, or information about community agency services. See Board policy 6:110, Programs for Students at Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program
8. Reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to teachers, administrators, Board members, school resource officers, and staff on the appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement
9. A process to request the assistance and resources of outside agencies, such as, the juvenile officer of the local police department or the truant office of the appropriate Intermediate Service Center, if truancy continues after supportive services have been offered.
10. A protocol for cooperating with non-District agencies including County or municipal authorities, the Regional Superintendent, truant officers, the Community Truancy Review Board, and a comprehensive community based youth service agency. Any disclosure of school student records must be consistent with Board policy 7:340, Student Records, as well as State and federal law concerning school student records.
11. An acknowledgement that no punitive action, including out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, or court action, shall be taken against a chronic truant for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student.
12. The criteria to determine whether a student’s non-attendance is due to extraordinary circumstances shall include economic or medical necessity or family hardship and such other criteria that the Superintendent believes qualifies.
13. A process for a 17-year old resident to participate in the District’s various programs and resources for truants. The student must provide documentation of his/her dropout status for the previous six months. A request from an individual 19 years of age or older to re-enroll after having dropped out of school is handled according to provisions in 7:50, Students School Admissions and Student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools.
14. A process for the temporary exclusion of a student 17 years of age or older for failing to meet minimum attendance standards according to provisions in State law. A parent/guardian has the right to appeal a decision to exclude a student.

LEGAL REF.:  105 ILCS 5/26-1 through 16.

                        705 ILCS 405/3-33.5.

                        23 Ill. Admin. Code §§ 1.242 and 1.290.

CROSS REF.: 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 6:110, 6:150, 7:10, 7:50, 7:60, 7:80, 7:190,  

                        7:340

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       February 19, 2001; January 27 2005; August 30, 2007; January 31, 2008;                                     September 24, 2009; December 17, 2010; July 31, 2014; December 22, 2016

                        May 2018, February 2019

For safety and security reasons, a prior written or oral consent of the student’s custodial parent/guardian is required before a student is released during school hours:

1. at any time before the regular dismissal time or other times before a school is officially closed, and/or

2. to any person other than a  custodial parent/guardian.

Early Dismissal Announcement

The Superintendent or designee shall make reasonable efforts to issue an announcement whenever it is necessary to close school early due to inclement weather or other reason.

CROSS REF.: 4:170

ADOPTED: October 4, 1999

REVISED: July 2006;  October 25, 2007; September 2010

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

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

A student’s parents/guardians shall present proof that the student received a health examination with proof of the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health,(IDPH) within one year prior to:

1. entering the ninth grade;
2. enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student's grade (including students transferring into Illinois from out-of-state or out-of-country); and
3. whenever a health examination is deemed necessary by school authority (participation in athletic program – Policy 7:300).

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 6 and 12.

 As required by State law:

1. The required health examination must be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, an advanced practice nurse who has a written collaborative agreement with a collaborating physician authorizing the advanced practice nurse to perform health examinations, or a physician assistant who has been delegated the performance of health examinations by a supervising physician.
2. A diabetes screening is a required part of each health examination; diabetes testing is not required.
3. Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, an age-appropriate development screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination. A Student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening
4. The District will provide informational materials regarding influenza, influenza vaccinations, meningococcal disease, and meningococcal vaccinations developed, provided, or approved by the IDPH when it provides information on immunizations, infectious diseases, medications, or other school health issues to students’ parent(s)/guardian(s).

Unless an exemption or extension applies, the failure to comply with the above requirements by the first day of the current school year will result in the student's exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the District.  New students who register after the first day of the current school year shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations.  If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by the first day of the current school year, the student must present, by the first day of the current school year, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay.  The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by the physician, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant,or local health department responsible for administering the immunizations.

A student transferring from out-of-state who does not have the required proof of immunizations may attend classes only if he or she has proof that an appointment for the required vaccinations is scheduled with a party authorized to submit proof of the required vaccinations.  If the required proof of vaccination is not submitted within 30 days after the student is permitted to attend classes, the student may no longer attend classes until proof of the vaccinations is properly submitted.

Eye Examination

Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their children undergo an eye examination whenever health examinations are required.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of transfer students entering an Illinois school for the first time shall present proof at registration of the current school year that the student received an eye examination within one year prior to entry in the school.  A physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed optometrist must perform the required eye examination.

If a student fails to present proof at the time of registration, the school may hold the student’s report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after the day of registration.  The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of this eye examination requirement in compliance with the rules of the IDPA. Schools shall not exclude a student from attending school due to failure to obtain an eye examination.

All children in kindergarten and the second, sixth, and ninth grades must present proof of having been examined by a licensed dentist before May 15 of the current school year in accordance with rules adopted by the IDPH.

If a child in the second, sixth, or ninth grade fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child’s report card until the child presents proof: (1) of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of this dental examination requirement at least 60 days before May 15 of each school year. 

Exemptions

In accordance with rules adopted by the IDPH, a student will be exempted from this policy’s requirements for:

1. Religious grounds, if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) present the IDPH’s Certificate of Religious Exemption form to the Superintendent or designee. When a Certificate of Religious Exemption form is presented, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately inform the parents/guardians of exclusion procedures pursuant to Board policy 7:280, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease and State rules if there is an outbreak of one or more diseases from which the student is not protected.
2. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if the examining physician, advanced registered practice nurse, or physician assistant provides written verification;
3. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) show an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or
4. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

Homeless Child

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

LEGAL REF.:  42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act,

105 ILCS 5/27-8.1.

410 ILCS 45/7.1 and 315/2e, 23 IL.Admin.Code §1.530.

77 Ill. Admin. Code Part 665.

77 Ill.Admin Code Part 690

77 Ill. Admin Code Part 695.

CROSS REF.: 6:30, 6:140, 6:180, 7:50; 7:280

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       October 28, 2002; September 25, 2003; May 22, 2006; May 29, 2008;                               December 19, 2009; February 24, 2011; May 31, 2012; December 19, 2013;               

                        May 28, 2015; April 28, 2016, June 2017, February 2019

All students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a school setting.  Students should exercise these rights reasonably and avoid violating the rights of others. Students who violate the rights of others or violate District policies or rules will be subject to disciplinary measures.  

Students may, during the school day, during noninstructional time, voluntarily engage in individually or collectively initiated, non-disruptive prayer or religious-based meetings that, consistent with the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions, are not sponsored, promoted, or endorsed in any manner by the school or any school employee.  Noninstructional time means time set aside by a school before actual classroom instruction begins or after actual classroom instruction ends.

LEGAL REF.:  20 U.S.C. §7904.

105 ILCS 20/5.

                        Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District, 89 S.Ct. 733 (1969).

CROSS REF.:            7:140, 7:150, 7:160, 7:190

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       August 30, 2007; April 28, 2016

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

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

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

The Superintendent 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

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

• outside the view of others, including students;

• in the presence of a school administrator or adult witness; and

• by a certificated employee or liaison police officer of the same sex as the student.

Immediately following a search, a written report shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search, and given to the Superintendent.  The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified of the search as soon as possible.   

Seizure of Property

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

Notification Regarding Student Accounts or Profiles on Social Networking Websites

The Superintendent or designee shall notify students and their parents/guardians of each of the following in accordance with the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, 105 ILCS 75:  

(1) School officials may not request or require a student or his or her parent/guardian to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website.  

(2) 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.

LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6, and 5/10-22.10a.

Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, 105 ILCS 75/.

Cornfield v. Consolidated High School Dist. No. 230, 991 F.2d 1316 (7th Cir. 1993).

People v. Dilworth, 661 N.E.2d 310 (Ill. 1996), cert. denied, 116 S.Ct. 1692 (1996)

People v. Pruitt, 662 N.E. 2d 540 (Ill. App. 1, 1996), app. denied, 667 N.E. 2d 1061 (Ill.App.1, 1996)

T.L.O. v. New Jersey, 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985).

Veronia School District 47J v. Acton, 115 S.Ct. 2385 (1995).

CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:140, 7:140-R, 7:190

ADOPTED: October 4, 1999

REVISED: August 19, 2002; April 2010; June 26, 2014; November 19, 2015

The Superintendent shall develop procedures to manage requests by agency officials or police officers to interview students at school. Procedures will:  (1) recognize individual student rights and privacy, (2) minimize potential disruption, (3) foster a cooperative relationship with public agencies and law enforcement, and (4) comply with State law.

LEGAL REF.:  325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
                        705 ILCS 80/1                        

                        55 ILCS 80/, Children’s Advocacy Center Act.

                        720 ILCS 5/31-1 et seq., Interference with Public Officers Act.

                        725 ILCS 120/, Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act.

CROSS REF.:            7:130, 7:140, 7:190

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       September 2010; May 26, 2016

The School Board will seek restitution from students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) for vandalism or other student acts which cause damage to school property.  The Parental Responsibility Law makes parent(s)/guardian(s) of unemancipated minors, 11 through 18 years of age, liable for actual damages, up to $20,000, for malicious acts.

LEGAL REF.: 740 ILCS 115/ 5 as amended by P.A. 94-130 et seq.

CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:190

ADOPTED: October 4, 1999

REVISED: May 22, 2006

5-YEAR REVIEW: August 2014 (no changes)

D230 Annual Review:  October 2016

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

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

1. During any school-sponsored education program or activity.

2. While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.

3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.

4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a 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. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any non-school-related activity, function, or program.

Definitions from Section 27-23.7 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-23.7)

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

1. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;

2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;

3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or

4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

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

Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, that: (i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and community, (ii) contribute to maintaining school safety, (iii) protect the integrity of a positive and productive learning climate, (iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to be successful in school and society, (v) serve to build and restore relationships among students, families, schools, and communities, and (vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in school.

School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district, including without limitation school and school district administrators, teachers, school guidance counselors, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards.

Bullying Prevention and Response Plan

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the District’s goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassment. This plan must be consistent with the requirements listed below; each numbered requirement, 1-12, corresponds with the same number in the list of required policy components in 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(b) 1-12.

1. The District uses the definition of bullying as provided in this policy.

2. Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of this District. However, nothing in the District’s bullying prevention and response plan is intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution.

3. Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the District Complaint Manager or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the District Complaint Manager or any staff member. Anonymous reports are also accepted.

Complaint Manager:

4. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the Superintendent or designee shall promptly inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of every student involved in an alleged incident of bullying and discuss, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures.

5. The Superintendent or designee shall promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, by, among other things:

1. Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of a bullying incident was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported bullying incident.

2. Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as deemed appropriate, in the investigation process.

3. Notifying the Building Principal or school administrator or designee of the reported incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received.

4. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the Building Principal or school administrator or his or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying.

The Superintendent or designee shall investigate whether a reported incident of bullying is within the permissible scope of the District’s jurisdiction and shall require that the District provide the victim with information regarding services that are available within the District and community, such as counseling, support services, and other programs.

6. The Superintendent or designee shall use interventions to address bullying, that may include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community-based services.

7. 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.

8. A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’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.

9. The District’s bullying prevention and response plan must be based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including students and parents/guardians.

10. The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the District’s Internet website, if any, and include it in the student handbook, and, where applicable, post it where other policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted. The policy must also be distributed annually to parents/guardians, students, and school personnel, including new employees when hired.

11. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. This process shall include, without limitation:

1. The frequency of victimization;

2. Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school;

3. Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs;

4. The types of bullying utilized; and

5. Bystander intervention or participation.

The evaluation process may use relevant data and information that the District already collects for other purposes. The Superintendent or designee must post the information developed as a result of the policy evaluation on the District’s website, or if a website is not available, the information must be provided to school administrators, Board members, school personnel, parents/guardians, and students.

12. The Superintendent or designee shall fully implement the Board policies, including without limitation, the following:

1. 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may use this policy to complain about bullying.

2. 6:60, Curriculum Content. Bullying prevention and character instruction is provided in all grades in accordance with State law.

3. 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development. Student social and emotional development is incorporated into the District’s educational program as required by State law.

4. 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks. This policy states that the use of the District’s electronic networks is limited to: (1) support of education and/or research, or (2) a legitimate business use.

5. 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing, intimidating, or bullying a student based on an identified actual or perceived characteristic (the list of characteristics in 7:20 is the same as the list in this policy).

6. 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. This policy prohibits teen dating violence on school property, at school sponsored activities, and in vehicles used for school-provided transportation.

7. 7:190, Student Discipline. This policy prohibits, and provides consequences for, hazing, bullying, or other aggressive behaviors, or urging other students to engage in such conduct.

8. 7:310, Restrictions on Publications. This policy prohibits students from and provides consequences for: (1) accessing and/or distributing at school any written, printed, or electronic material, including material from the Internet, that will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, and (2) creating and/or distributing written, printed, or electronic material, including photographic material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.

LEGAL REF.: 405 ILCS 49/, Children’s Mental Health Act.

105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/24-24, and 5/27-23.7.

23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.240 and §1.280

CROSS REF.: 2:240, 2:260, 4:170, 5:230, 6:60, 6:65, 6:235, 7:20, 7:185, 7:190, 7:220, 7:230, 7:240, 7:285, 7:310

ADOPTED: January 31, 2008; June 24, 2010; November 18, 2010; June 26, 2014; November 20, 2014

D230 Annual Review:  October 2016

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 13 to 19 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.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program to respond to incidents of teen dating violence that:

1. Fully implements and enforces each of the following Board policies:

a. 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing intimidating, or bullying a student based on the student’s actual or perceived characteristics of sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; and gender-related identity or expression (this policy includes more protected statuses).

b. 7:180, Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment. This policy prohibits students from engaging in bullying, intimidation, and harassment at school, school-related events and electronically. Prohibited conduct includes threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

2. Encourages anyone with information about incidents of teen dating violence to report them to any of the following individuals:

a. Any school staff member. School staff shall respond to incidents of teen dating violence by following the District’s established procedures for the prevention, identification, investigation, and response to bullying and school violence.

b. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager identified in Policy 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited.

3. Incorporates age-appropriate instruction in grades 7 through 12, in accordance with the District’s comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District’s educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development.

4. Incorporates education for school staff, as recommended by the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager

5. Notifies students and parents/guardians of this policy.

Incorporated

by Reference: 7:180-AP1

LEGAL REF.:   105 ILCS 110/3.10.

CROSS REF.: 2:240, 5:100, 5;230, 6:60, 6:65, 7:20, 7:180, 7:190, 7:220, 7:230,

                               7:240

DATE:                      June 26, 2014

D230 Annual Review: October 2016

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

When and Where Conduct Rules Apply

The grounds for disciplinary action, including those described more thoroughly later in this policy, apply whenever the student's conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities including but not limited to:

1.    On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;

2.    Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity, or event, or any activity or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school;

3.    Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function or event; or

4.    Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

Prohibited Student Conduct

The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to:

1.    Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco or nicotine materials, including without limitation, electronic cigarettes.

2.    Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages.  Students who are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession.

3.    Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling, or offering for sale:

                       a.    Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including medical

                              cannabis, marijuana and hashish).

      b.   Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a                           physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.

c.     Any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois High School Association’s most   current banned substance list unless administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.

d.    Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a physician or licensed practitioner, or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician’s or licensed practitioner’s instructions.  The use or possession of medical cannabis, even by a student for whom medical cannabis has been prescribed, is prohibited.

e.    Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system.  The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications.

f.      Any substance inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, or otherwise ingested or absorbed with the intention of causing a physiological or psychological change in the body, including without limitation, pure caffeine in tablet or powdered form.

g.    “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance that is not prohibited by this policy, but one: (1) 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 (2) 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 or controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy.

h.    Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (1) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substance. 

Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.

4.  Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a “weapon” as that term is defined in the Weapons section of this policy, or violating the Weapons section of this policy.

5.   Using an electronic device such as a cellular telephone, smartphone, tablet, Bluetooth

      speaker, video recording device, smartwatch, or any wearable technology, in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs (i.e. in locker rooms or bathrooms), cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone.  Devices must be off and out of sight in locker rooms, washrooms, and detention areas.  Students may use school issued or personal devices in general areas that include lunch rooms, commons, hallways, mezzanines and general exterior school grounds. Students may use school issued or personal devices in classrooms, libraries, Media Centers, and computer labs if (a) the supervising teacher grants permission, (b) use of the device is included in a student’s IEP, or (c) the device is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff or other individuals. Earbuds are permitted unless otherwise directed by a staff member. Over-the-ear headphones and Bluetooth speakers are not permitted. Electronic devices are prohibited while driving per Illinois State Law.

6.  Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.

7.  Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials.  Examples of disobeying staff directives including, but not limited to, refusing a District staff member’s request to stop, present school identification, or submit to a search.8.  Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.

8.  Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.

9.  Engaging in hazing or any kind of bullying or aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student, or urging other students to engage in such conduct.  Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using a school computer or a school computer network, or other comparable conduct. 

10.  Engaging in in any sexual behavior, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including “mooning”), sexual assault, and sexual activity. This does not include the non-disruptive: (a) expression of gender or sexual orientation or preference, or(b) display of affection during non-instructional time.

11. Teen dating violence, as described by Board Policy 7:185 – “Teen Dating Violence Prohibited.”

12.  Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person's personal property.

13.  Entering school property or a school facility without proper authority.

14. In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (911), signaling or setting off alarms or signs indicating the presence of an emergency, or indicating the presence of a bomb or an explosive device on school grounds, school bus, or at any school activity.

15.  Being absent without recognized excuse; State law and Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants.

16.  Being involved withany public school fraternity, sorority or secret society, by

a.  Being a member,

b.  Promising to join,

c.  Pledging to become a member, or

d.  Soliciting any other person to join, promise to join, or be pledged to become a member.

 17. Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, including the display of gang symbols or paraphernalia.

18.  Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, hazing, and reckless driving.

19.  Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.

 20. Operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the Superintended or designee.

21.  Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or attempted intimidation of a staff member; (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property, or (c) limit access to the network for any staff or students. 

For purposes of this policy, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance,  including situations where the item is: (a) on the student’s person, or (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, automobile, or (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property, or (d) at any other location on school property or at a school-sponsored event.

Efforts, including the use of positive interventions and supports, shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school-related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else.  The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the parent/guardian of a student who engages in aggressive behavior is notified of the incident.  The failure to provide such notification does not limit the Board’s authority to impose discipline, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior.

No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psycho-stimulant medication to the student.

Disciplinary Measures

School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and 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 voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties.  Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following measures:

1.    Notifying parent(s)/guardian(s).

2.    Disciplinary conference.

3.    Withholding or loss of privileges.

4.    Loss of or restricted network access.

5.    Temporary removal from the classroom.

6.    Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

7.    In-school suspension. The Building Principal or a designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised.

8.    After-school or Saturday study, provided the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) have been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative disciplinary measure must be used.  The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or a designee.

9.  Community Service to School with local public and non-profit agencies that enhances community efforts to meet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs.  The District will not provide transportation.  School Administration shall use this option only as an alternative to another disciplinary measure, giving the student and/or parent/guardian the choice.  The hours and activity will be determined by School Administration, will not result in additional supervision for students, and will not count toward the Service Learning graduation requirement.

10. Seizure of contraband, confiscation and temporary retention of personal property that was used to violate this policy or school disciplinary rules.

11.  Suspension of bus riding privileges in accordance with Board Policies 7:200 – Suspension Procedure and 7:220 – Bus Conduct.

12. Out of School Suspension from school and all activities in accordance with Board Policy 7:200 – Suspension Procedures.  A student who has been suspended shall also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities.

13. Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed two calendar years in accordance with Board Policy 7:210 – Expulsion Procedures.  A student who has been expelled shall also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities.

14. Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for the transfer under the State law.  The transfer shall be in the manner provided in Article 13A or 13B of the School Code.

15. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement when the conduct involves criminal activity including but not limited to, illegal drugs (controlled substances), “lookalikes,” 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 and expulsion, will not be appropriate and available, and the only reasonable and practical way to resolve the threat and/or address the disruption is a suspension or expulsion.

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

Weapons

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

1.    A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, or weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 921), firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65/), or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (720 ILCS 5/24‑1).

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

The expulsion requirement under either paragraph one or two above may be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the Board on a case-by-case basis.  The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon prior request of an adult supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts, and similar programs, whether or not school-sponsored, provided the item is not equipped nor intended, to do bodily harm. 

This policy’s prohibitions concerning weapons apply regardless of whether: (1) a student is licensed to carry a concealed firearm, or (2) the Board permits visitors who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm to store a firearm in a locked vehicle in a school parking area.

Re-Engagement of Returning Student.

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

Required Notices

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

Delegation of Authority

Each teacher, and any other school personnel when students are under his or her charge, is authorized to impose any disciplinary measure, other than suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment or in-school suspension, that is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student discipline.  Teachers, other certificated (licensed) educational employees, and other persons providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.  Teachers may temporarily remove students from a classroom for disruptive behavior.  

The Superintendent, Building Principal, Associate/Assistant Building Principal or Dean of Students is authorized to impose the same disciplinary measures as teachers and may suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct from school (including all school functions) and from riding the school bus, up to ten consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed.   The School Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of ten days for safety reasons.

Student Handbook

The Superintendent, with input from the parent-teacher advisory committee, shall prepare disciplinary rules implementing the District's disciplinary policies.  These disciplinary rules shall be presented annually to the Board for its review and approval.

A student handbook, including the District disciplinary policies and rules, shall be distributed to the students' parent(s)/guardian(s) within 15 days of the beginning of the school year or a student's enrollment.

LEGAL REF.: Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7151et seq.

Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. § 6081.

105 ILCS 5/10-20.5b, 5/10-20.14, 5.10-20.28, 5/10-20.36, 5/10-21.7, 5/10-21.10, 5/10-22.6, 5/10-27.1A, 5/10-27.1B, 5/24-24, 5/26-12, 5/27-23.7, and 5/31-3.

23 Ill. Admin. Code § 1.210 and 1. 280.CROSS REF.2:240, 5:230, 6:110, 7:70, 7:130, 7:140, 7:150, 7:160, 7:170, 7:180,                     

                       7:200, 7:210, 7:220, 7:230, 7:240, 7:270, 7:310, 8:30

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

UPDATED:     April 2008 (formatting & legal/cross references)

REVISED:       February 19, 2001; September 23, 2002; September 29, 2005; October 25, 2007; January 28, 2010; February 25, 2010; January 27, 2011; July 1, 2011; May 31, 2012; February 28, 2013; September 26, 2013; February 27, 2014; June 26, 2014; May 28, 2015; November 19, 2015; April 28, 2016; December 22, 2016

This policy becomes effective and replaces the current policy on Suspension Procedures on August 1, 2016.

In School Suspension

The Superintendent or designee is authorized to maintain an in-school suspension program.  The program shall include, at a minimum, each of the following:

1.    Before assigning a student to in-school suspension, the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges.

2.    Students are supervised by licensed school personnel.

3.    Students are given the opportunity to complete classroom work during the in-school suspension for equivalent academic credit.

Out-of-School Suspension

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

1.    A conference during which the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges before he or she may be suspended.

2.    A pre-suspension conference is not required, and the student can be immediately suspended when the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process.  In such cases, the notice and conference shall follow as soon as practicable.

3.    An attempted phone call to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).

4.    A written notice of the suspension to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student, which shall:

a.    Provide notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their child’s right to a review of the suspension;

b.    Include information about an opportunity to make up work missed during the suspension for equivalent academic credit;

c.    Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend;

d.    Provide rationale or an explanation of how the chosen number of suspension days will address the threat or disruption posed by the student or his or her act of gross disobedience or misconduct; and

e.    Depending upon the length of the suspension, include the following applicable information:

i.      For a suspension of three school days or less, an explanation that the student’s continuing presence in school would either pose: 

a)    A threat to school safety, or

b)    A disruption to other students’ learning opportunities.

ii.     For a suspension of four or more school days, an explanation:

a)    That other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted,

b)    As to whether school officials attempted other interventions or determined that no other interventions were available for the student, and

c)    That the student’s continuing presence in school would either:

i)      Pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or

ii)     Substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school.

iii)    For a suspension of 5 or more school days, the information listed in section 4.e.ii. above, along with documentation by the Superintendent or designee determining what, if any, appropriate and available support services will be provided to the student during the length of his or her suspension.

5.    A summary of the notice, including the reason for the suspension and the suspension length, must be given to the Board by the Superintendent or designee.

6.    Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board.  At the review, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer and may be represented by counsel.  After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall take such action as it finds appropriate. If the suspension is upheld, the Board’s written suspension decision shall specifically detail items (a) and (e) in number 4, above.

LEGAL REF.:  Goss v. Lopez, 95 S.Ct. 729 (1975).

                        Sieck v. Oak Park-River Forest H.S., 807 F.Supp. 73 (N.D.Ill., E.D. 1992).

                        105 ILCS 5/10-22.6

CROSS REF.:            5:100, 7:130, 7:190; 7:220

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999;

REVISED:       November 18, 2010; November 20, 2014; April 28, 2016

This policy becomes effective and replaces the current policy on Expulsion Procedures on August 1, 2016.

Expulsion Procedures

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

1.    Before a student may be expelled, the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided a written request to appear at a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled.  The request shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.  The request shall:

a.     Include the time, date, and place for the hearing.

b.     Briefly describe what will happen during the hearing.

c.    Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to recommend expulsion.

d.    List the student’s prior suspension(s).

e.   State that The School Code allows the School Board to expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

f.   Ask that the student or parent(s)/guardian(s) or attorney inform the Superintendent or Board Attorney if the student will be represented by an attorney and, if so, the attorney’s name and contact information.

2.    Unless the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) indicate that they do not want a hearing or fail to appear at the designated time and place, the hearing will proceed.  It shall be conducted by the School Board or a hearing officer appointed by it.  If a hearing officer is appointed, he or she shall report to the Board the evidence presented at the hearing and the Board shall take such final action as it finds appropriate.

3.    During the expulsion hearing, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence concerning whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience or misconduct as charged.  School officials must provide: (1) testimony of any other interventions attempted and exhausted or of their determination that no other appropriate and available interventions were available for the student, and (2) evidence of the threat or disruption posed by the student.  The student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) may be represented by counsel, offer evidence, present witnesses, cross-examine witnesses who testified, and otherwise present reasons why the student should not be expelled.  After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue of guilt and take such action as it finds appropriate.

4.    If the Board acts to expel the student, its written expulsion decision shall:

a.  Detail the specific reason by removing the student form his or her learning environment

     is in the best interest of the school.

b.  Provide a rationale for the specific duration of the recommended expulsion.

c.  Document how school officials determined that all behavioral and disciplinary

    interventions have been exhausted by specifying which interventions were attempted or

    whether school officials determined that no other appropriate and available interventions

    existed for the student.

d. Document how the student’s continuing presence in school would (1) pose a threat to     

    the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or (2)

    substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school.

5.  Upon expulsion, the District may refer the student to appropriate and available support

     services.

LEGAL REF.:    Goss v. Lopez, 95 S.Ct. 729 (1975).

                        105 ILCS 5/10-22.6(a).

CROSS REF.:   5:100, 7:130, 7:190, 7:200, 7:230

ADOPTED:       October 4, 1999

REVISED:         February 26, 2009; April 28, 2016

All students must follow the District’s School Bus Safety Rules.

School Bus Suspensions

The Superintendent, or any designee as permitted in The School Code, is authorized to suspend a student from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including, but not limited to, the following:

1.    Prohibited student conduct as defined in the Board Policy 7:190, Student Behavior.

2.    Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.

3.    Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.

4.    Repeated use of profanity.

5.    Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.

6.    Such other behavior as the Superintendent or designee deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the School Board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons.  The District’s regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student’s privilege to ride a school bus.

Academic Credit for Missed Classes During School Bus Suspension.

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

Electronic Recordings on School Buses

Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school-related activity.  Notice of electronic recordings shall be displayed on the exterior of the vehicle’s entrance door and front interior bulkhead in compliance with State law and the rules of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Students are prohibited from tampering with electronic recording devices.  Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with the Board’s discipline policy and shall reimburse the School District for any necessary repairs or replacement.

LEGAL REF.:    Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C.§1232(g); 34 C.F.R.Part 99.

                        105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6, and10/1.

                        720 ILCS 5/14-3(m).

                        23 Ill Admin.Code Part 375, Student Records

CROSS REF.:   4:110, 4:170, 7:130, 7:170, 7:190, 7:200, 7:230, 7:340

ADOPTED:       October 4, 1999

REVISED:         February 19, 2001; December 21, 2006; January 31, 2008; October 25, 2012;

May 26, 2016

The Superintendent or designee, using input from coaches and sponsors of Competitive and/or Performance activities, shall develop an Honor Code of Conduct for all participants in competitive and/or performance activities consistent with Board Policy and the rules adopted by the Illinois High School Association.  The Honor Code of Conduct shall:

1. Require participants in competitive and/or performance activities to conduct themselves as good citizens and exemplars of their school at all times, including after school, on days when school is not in session, and whether on or off school property, and
2. Emphasize that hazing and bullying activities are strictly prohibited; and
3. Notify participants that failure to abide by it could result in removal from the activity.

The Honor Code of Conduct shall be reviewed by the Building Principal periodically at his or her discretion and presented to the Board.

Participants in r competitive and/or performance activities must abide by the Honor Code of Conduct for the activity and Board policy 7:190, Student Behavior.  All coaches and sponsors of competitive and/or performance activities shall annually review the Honor Code of Conduct with participants and provide participants with a copy.  In addition, coaches and sponsors of interscholastic athletic programs shall provide instruction on steroid abuse prevention to students in grades 9 through 12 participating in these programs.

Performance Enhancing Drug Testing of High School Student Athletes

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA prohibits participants in an athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by IHSA from ingesting or otherwise using any performance enhancing substance on its banned substance list, without a written prescription and medical documentation provided by a licensed physician who evaluated the student-athlete for a legitimate medical condition.  IHSA administers a performance enhancing substance testing program.  Under this program, student athletes are subject to random drug testing for the presence in their bodies of performance enhancing substances on the IHSA’s banned substance list. In addition to being penalized by IHSA, a student may be disciplined according to Board policy 7:190, Student Behavior.

LEGAL REF.:     Board of Education of Independent School District 92 v Earls, 122 S.Ct.  2559 (2002).

                           Clements v. Board of Education of Decatur, 478 N.E.2d 1209 (Ill.App.4,1985).

                           Kevin Jordan v O’Fallon THSD 203, 706 N.E.2d 137 (Ill.App.5,1999).

                           Todd v Rush County Schools, 133 F.3d 984 (7th Cir., 1998).

                           Veronica School Dist. 475 v Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995).

                          105 ILCS 5/24-24, 5/27-23.3, 25/2.

CROSS REF.:   5:280, 6:190, 7:180, 7:190, 7:300

ADOPTED:        October 4, 1999

REVISED:          April 27, 2006; February 25, 2010; September 30, 2010; November 20, 2014; May 26,

   2016, June 2017

The following services may be provided by the School District:

1. Health services supervised by qualified school nurse(s). The Superintendent or designee may implement procedures to further a healthy school environment and prevent or reduce the spread of disease.
2. Educational and psychological testing services and the services of a school psychologist as needed. In all cases, written permission to administer a psychological examination must be obtained from a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The results will be given to the parent(s)/ guardian(s), with interpretation, as well as to the appropriate professional staff.
3. The services of a social worker. A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must consent to regular or continuing services from a social worker.
4. Guidance and counseling services.
5. A liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services when enrolling in or changing schools

The Superintendent or designee shall develop protocols for responding to students with social, emotional, or mental health needs that impact learning ability.  The District, however, assumes no liability for preventing, identifying, or treating such needs.

This policy shall be implemented in a manner consistent with State and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.

LEGAL REF.:  Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003, 405 ILCS 49/1 et seq.

                        105 ILCS 5/10-20.58

CROSS REF.: 6:65, 6:270, 7:100, 7:280, 7:340

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       August 26, 2004; December 22, 2016, February 28, 2019

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. 

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

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

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

1.  He or she (a) is in grades 9-12, (b) his or her 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

2.  He or she (a) has 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 requirement adapted physical education must receive that service in accordance with his or her Individualized Educational Program/Plan (IEP).

A student in grades 9-12, unless otherwise stated, may submit a written request to the Building Principal to be excused from physical education courses for the reasons stated in 6:310, High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students.

The Superintendent or designee shall maintain records showing that the criteria set forth in this policy were applied to the student’s individual circumstances, as appropriate.

LEGAL REF.:  105 ILCS 5/27-6.

                        225 ILCS 60/, Medical Practice Act

                        23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.420(p) and §1.425(d), (e), (f)

CROSS REF.: 6:60; 6:310

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       May 19, 2011; November 19, 2015; December 22, 2016

Administering Medicines to Students 

Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours, or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the District’s procedures on dispensing medication.

No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed “School Medication Authorization Form” (SMA Form) is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian.  No student shall possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this policy and its implementing procedures.  

Self-Administration of Medication

A student may possess and self-administer  an epinephrine injector, e.g., EpiPen®, and/or asthma medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a SMA Form. The Superintendent or designee will ensure an Emergency Action Plan is developed for each self-administering student. 

A student may self-administer medication required under a qualifying plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed an SMA Form. A qualifying plan means: (1) an asthma action plan, (2) an Individual Health Care Action Plan, (3) an Ill. Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan and Treatment Authorization Form, (4) a plan pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or (5) a plan pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The 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 auto-injector asthma medication and/or a medication required under a qualifying plan.  

School District Supply of Undesignated Asthma Medication 

The Superintendent or designee shall implement 105 ILCS 522-30(f) and maintain a supply of undesignated asthma medication in the name of the District and provide or administer them as necessary according to State law. Undesignated asthma medication means an asthma medication prescribed in the name of the District or one of its schools. A school nurse or trained personnel, as defined in State law, may administer an undesignated asthma medication to a person when they, in good faith, believe a person is having respiratory distress. Respiratory distress may be characterized as mild-to-moderate or severe. Each building administrator and/or his or her corresponding school nurse shall maintain the names of trained personnel who have received a statement of certification pursuant to State law.

School District Supply of Undesignated Epinephrine Injectors 

The Superintendent or designee shall implement 105 ILCS 522-30(f)Code and maintain a supply of undesignated epinephrine injectors in the name of the District and provide or administer them as necessary according to State law. Undesignated epinephrine injector means an epinephrine injector prescribed in the name of the District or one of its schools.  A school nurse or trained personnel, as defined in State law, may administer an undesignated epinephrine injector to a person when they, in good faith, believe a person is having an anaphylactic reaction.  Each building administrator and/or his or her corresponding school nurse shall maintain the names of trained personnel who have received a statement of certification pursuant to State law.

School District Supply of Undesignated Glucagon

The Superintendent or designee shall implement 105 ILCS 145/27 and maintain a supply of undesignated glucagon in the name of the District in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

When a student’s prescribed glucagon is not available or has expired, a school nurse or delegated care aide may administer undesignated glucagon only if he or she is authorized to do so by a student’s diabetes care plan.

Administration of Medical Cannabis 

The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act allows a medical cannabis infused product to be administered to a student by one or more of the following individuals: 

1. A parent/guardian of a student who is a minor to register with the Ill. Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) as a designated caregiver to administer medical cannabis to their child. A designated caregiver may also be another individual other than the student’s parent/guardian. Any designated caregiver must be at least 21 years old and is allowed to administer a medical cannabis infused product to a child who is a student on the premises of his or her school or on his or her school bus if:
   1. Both the student and the designated caregiver possess valid registry identification cards issued by IDPH; 
   2. Copies of the registry identification cards are provided to the District; and 
   3. That student’s parent/guardian completed, signed, and submitted a School Medication Authorization Form - Medical Cannabis.
   4. After administering the product to the student, the designated caregiver immediately removes it from school premises or the school bus. 

2.   A properly trained school nurse or administrator, who shall be allowed to administer the medical cannabis infused product to the student on the premises of the child’s school, at a school-sponsored activity, or before/after normal school activities, including while the student is in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property or while being transported on a school bus. 

Medical cannabis infused product (product) includes oils, ointments, foods, and other products that contain usable cannabis but are not smoked or vaped. Smoking and/or vaping medical cannabis is prohibited. 

The product may not be administered in a manner that, in the opinion of the District or school, would create a disruption to the educational environment or cause exposure of the product to other students. A school employee shall not be required to administer the product. 

Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver or by a school nurse or administrator pursuant to this policy 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. 

Void Policy 

The School District Supply of Undesignated Asthma Medication section of the policy is void whenever the Superintendent or designee is, for whatever reason, unable to: (1) obtain for the District a prescription for undesignated asthma medication from a physician or advanced practice nurse licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, or (2) fill the District’s prescription for undesignated school asthma medication.

The School District Supply of Undesignated Epinephrine Injectors section of the policy is void whenever the Superintendent or designee is, for whatever reason, unable to: (1) obtain for the District a prescription for undesignated epinephrine injectors from a physician or advanced practice nurse licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, or (2) fill the District’s prescription for undesignated school epinephrine injectors.

The School District Supply of Undesignated Glucagon section of the policy is void whenever the Superintendent or designee is, for whatever reason, unable to: (1) obtain for the District a prescription for glucagon from a qualifying prescriber, or (2) fill the District’s prescription for undesignated school glucagon.

The Designated Caregiver Administration of Medical Cannabis section of the policy is void and the District reserves the right not to implement it if the District or school is in danger of losing federal funding. 

Administration of Undesignated Medication 

Upon any administration of an undesignated medication permitted by State law, the Superintendent or designee(s) must ensure all notifications required by State law and administrative procedures occur. 

Undesignated Medication Disclaimers 

Upon implementation of this policy, the protections from liability and hold harmless provisions applicable under State law apply. 

No one, including without limitation parent(s)/guardian(s) of students, should rely on the District for the availability of undesignated medications This policy does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).

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

The Building Principal shall include this policy in the Student Handbook and shall provide a copy to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of students. 

LEGAL REF.: 05 ILCS 5/10-20.14b, 5/10-22.21b, 5/22-30, and 5/22-33.

105 ILCS 145/, Care of Students with Diabetes Act.

410 ILCS 130/, Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act, and scheduled to be repealed on July 1, 2020.

720 ILCS 550/, Cannabis Control Act.

23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.540.

CROSS REF.: 7:285 

ADOPTED: October 4, 1999

REVISED: February 19, 2001; August 19, 2002; March 22, 2007; December 17, 2010; May 31, 2012; May 28, 2015; December 22, 2016, April 25, 2019, February 2020

1. Fully implements the following goals established in The School Code: (a) identifying students with food allergies, (b) preventing exposure to known allergens, (c) responding to allergic reactions with prompt recognition of symptoms and treatment, and (d) educating and training all staff about management of students with food allergies, including administration of medication with an auto-injector, and providing an in-service training program for staff who work with students that is conducted by a person with expertise in anaphylactic reactions and management.
2. Follows and references the applicable best practices specific to the District’s needs in the joint State Board of Education and Ill. Dept. of Public Health publication Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Schools, available at: www.isbe.net/nutrition/pdf/food_allergy_guidelines.pdf.
3. Complies with State and federal law and is in alignment with Board policies.

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment.  It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important Board goals.

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program

The Superintendent or designee shall develop, implement, and maintain a suicide and depression awareness and prevention program (Program) that advances the Board’s goals of increasing awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. This program must be consistent with the requirements of Ann Marie’s Law listed below; each listed requirement, 1-6, corresponds with the list of required policy components in the School Code Section 5/2-3.166(c)(2)-(7). The Program shall include:

1. Protocols for administering youth suicide awareness and prevention education to students and staff.
   1. For students, implementation will incorporate Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, which implements 105 ILCS 5.2-3.139 and 105 ILCS 5/27-7 (requiring education for students to develop a sound mind and a healthy body).
   2. For staff, implementation will incorporate Board policy 5:100, Staff Development, and teacher’s institutes under 105 ILCS 5/3-14.8 (requiring coverage of the warning signs of suicidal behavior).
2. Procedures for methods of suicide prevention with the goal of early identification and referral of students possibly at risk of suicide. Implementation will incorporate:
   1. The training required by 105 ILCS 5/10-22.39 for licensed school personnel and administrators who work with students to identify the warning signs of suicidal behavior in youth along with appropriate intervention and referral techniques, including methods of prevention, procedures for early identification, and referral of students at risk of suicide; and
   2. Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)-recommended guidelines and educational materials for staff training and professional development, along with ISBE-recommended resources for students containing age-appropriate educational materials on youth suicide and awareness, if available pursuant to Ann Marie’s Law on ISBE’s website.
3. Methods of intervention, including procedures that address an emotional or mental health safety plan for use during the school day and at school-sponsored events for a student identified as being at increased risk of suicide. Implementation will incorporate paragraph number 2, above, along with:
   1. Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development, implementing the goals and benchmarks of the Ill. Learning Standards and 405 ILCS 49/15(b) (requiring student social and emotional development in the District’s educational program);
   2. Board policy 6:270, Guidance and Counseling Program, implementing guidance and counseling program(s) for students, and 105 ILCS 5/10-22.24a and 22.24b, which allow a qualified guidance specialist or any licensed staff member to provide school counseling services.
   3. Board policy 7:250, Student Support Services, implementing the Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003, 405 ILCS 49/ (requiring protocols for responding to students with social, emotional, or mental health issues that impact learning ability); and
   4. State and/or federal resources that address emotional or mental health safety plans for students who are possibly at an increased risk for suicide, if available on the ISBE’s website pursuant to Ann Marie’s Law.
4. Methods of responding to a student or staff suicide or suicide attempt. Implementation of this requirement shall incorporate building-level Student Support Committee(s) established through Board policy 7:250, Student Support Services.
5. Reporting procedures. Implementation of this requirement shall incorporate Board policy 6:270, Guidance and Counseling Program, and Board policy 7:250, Student Support Services, in addition to other State and/or federal resources that address reporting procedures.
6. A process to incorporate ISBE-recommend resources on youth suicide awareness and prevention programs, including current contact information for such programs in the District’s Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program.

Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Committee

The Superintendent or designee shall attempt to develop a relationship between the District and the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Committee, the Illinois Suicide Prevention Coalition Alliance, and/or a community mental health agency. The purpose of the relationship is to discuss how to incorporate the goals and objectives of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan into the District’s Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Program.

Monitoring

The Board will review and update this policy pursuant to Ann Marie’s Law and Board policy 2:240, Board Policy Development.

Information to Staff, Parents/Guardians, and Students

The Superintendent shall inform each school district employee about this policy and ensure its posting on the District’s website. The Superintendent or designee shall provide a copy of this policy to the parent or legal guardian of each student enrolled in the District.

Implementation

This policy shall be implemented in a manner consistent with State and federal laws, including the Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003, 405 ILCS 49/, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, 740 ILCS 110/, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.

The District, Board, and its staff are protected from liability by the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Services provided pursuant to this policy: (1) do not replace the care of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed medical practitioner or professionally trained in suicide prevention, assessments and counseling services, (2) are strictly limited to the available resources within the District, (3) do not extend beyond the school day and/or school-sponsored events, and (4) cannot guarantee or ensure the safety of a student or the student body.

LEGAL REF.:              105 ILCS 5/2-3.163, 5/14-1.01 et seq., 5/14-7.02, and 5/14-7.02b.

                          745 ILCS 10/.

CROSS REF.: 2:240, 5:100, 6:60, 6:65, 6:120, 6:270, 7:180, 7:250

ADOPTED:     February 24, 2011

 REVISED:        April 28, 2016, February 28, 2019

Student participation in school-sponsored co-curricular athletic activities is contingent upon the following:

1. The student must meet the academic criteria set forth in Board policy 6:190, Co-Curricular Activities.
2. A parent/guardian of the student must provide written permission for the student’s participation, giving the District full waiver of responsibility of the risks involved.
3. The student must present a current certificate of physical fitness issued by a licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse, or a physician assistant. The Pre-Participation Physical Examination Form, offered by the Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Elementary School Association, is the preferred certificate of physical fitness.
4. The student must show proof of accident insurance coverage either by a policy purchased through the District-approved insurance plan or a parent(s)/guardian(s) written statement that the student is covered under a family insurance plan.
5. The student must agree to follow all conduct rules and the coaches’ instructions.
6. The student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must: (a) comply with the eligibility rules of, and complete any forms required by, any sponsoring association (such as, the Illinois Elementary School Association, the Illinois High School Association, or the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association), and (b) complete all forms required by the District including, without limitation, signing an acknowledgment of receiving information about the Board’s concussion policy 7:305, Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries.

The Superintendent or designee (1) is authorized to impose additional requirements for a student to participate in extracurricular athletics, provided the requirement(s) comply with Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, and (2) shall maintain the necessary records to ensure student compliance with this policy.

LEGAL REF.:  105 ILCS 5/10-20.30, 5/10-20.54, 5/22-80, and 25/2
                        23 Ill.Admin. Code § 1.530(b).

CROSS REF.: 4:100, 4:170, 6:190, 7:10, 7:240, 7:305, 7:340

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       November 20, 2003; March 30, 2010; September 30, 2010; April 28, 2016

                       June 29, 2017

Any student who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall not be permitted to return to school or to play in any competitions or practices until cleared by an appropriate health care professional or health care provider as defined herein.  Any student athlete shall be immediately removed from a contest [or practice].

In cases when an athlete has been removed from a contest due to a possible head injury, the student athlete may only return to play the day of the contest [or practice] if he/she is cleared to return to play by a certified athletic trainer and/or a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois. 

In cases when an athlete is not cleared to return to play the same day as he/she is removed from a contest or practice following a possible head injury (i.e., concussion), the student athlete shall not return to school, play or practice until the athlete is evaluated by and receives written clearance from a licensed health care provider to return to school and play.

A concussion oversight team, consisting of an Athletic Trainer, a School Nurse, and either an Athletic Director and/or Director of Guidance, will establish a return-to-play protocol and a return-to-learn protocol based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence consistent with Center for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines.          

The Board of Education hereby adopts the attached Protocol, which is in compliance with the IHSA Protocol for Implementation of NFHS Sports Playing Rule for Concussions, to implement this return to play policy.     

For the purposes of this policy, licensed health care providers consist of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois and certified athletic trainers working in conjunction with physicians licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois.

LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.53

ADOPTED:     September 29, 2011

REVISED:       October 29, 2015

Definitions

School official means a Building Principal or designee.

School-sponsored media means any material that is prepared, substantially written, published, or broadcast by a student journalist, distributed or generally made available to members of the student body, and prepared under the direction of a student media advisor. It does not include media intended for distribution or transmission solely in the classroom in which the media is produced.   

Student journalist means a public high school student who gathers, compiles, writes, edits, photographs, records, or prepares information for dissemination in school-sponsored media.

Student media advisor means an individual employed, appointed, or designated by the District to supervise or provide instruction relating to school-sponsored media.         

School-Sponsored Media  

School-sponsored publications, productions, and websites are governed by the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act and the School Board policies. Student journalists may not use school-sponsored media that:

1.    Is libelous, slanderous, or obscene;        

2.    Constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy;           

3.    Violates federal or State law, including the Constitutional rights of third parties; or

4.    Incites students to: 7          

a. Commit an unlawful act;

b. Violate any of the District’s policies, including but not limited to (1) its educational mission in policies 1:30, School District Philosophy and 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, and (2) speech that is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to the maturity of the students pursuant to policies 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development, and 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; or     

c. Materially and substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school.

All school-sponsored media shall comply with the ethics and rules of responsible journalism. Text that fits into numbers one (1) through four (4) above will not be tolerated and school officials and student media advisers may edit or delete such media material.       

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 District or an expression of Board policy.

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On Campus       

For purposes of this section and the following section, a publication includes, without limitation: (1) written or electronic print material, (2) audio-visual material on any medium including electromagnetic media (e.g., images, MP3 files, flash memory, etc.), or combinations of these whether off-line (e.g., a printed book, CD-ROM, etc.) or online (e.g., any website, social networking site, database for information retrieval, etc.), or (3) information or material on electronic devices (e.g., data or voice messages delivered by cell phones, tablets, and other hand-held devices).

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

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

1.    Will cause 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, or invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;

3.    Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and Student Handbooks;

4.    Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;

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;

6.    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.     

Bullying and Cyberbullying

The Superintendent or designee shall treat behavior that is bullying and/or cyberbullying according to Board policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, in addition to any response required by this policy

LEGAL REF.:  105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act, 105 ILCS 80/.

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, 108 S.Ct. 562 (1988).

Hedges v. Wauconda Community Unit School Dist. No. 118, 9 F.3d 1295 (7th

Cir. 1993).

Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Cmty. S.D. 89 S.Ct 733 (1969).

Morse v. Frederick, 551 U.S. 393 (2007)

CROSS REF.: 1:30, 6:10, 6:65, 6:235, 7:180, 8:25

ADOPTED:     October 4, 1999

REVISED:       February 19, 2001; December 21, 2006; February 24, 2011; November 19, 2015; December 22, 2016 (rewritten-changed from 7:310)

No individual or organization is allowed to ask to participate in fundraising activities while the students are on school grounds during school hours or during any school activity.  Exceptions are:

1.  School-sponsored student organizations; and

2.  Parent organizations and booster clubs that are recognized pursuant to Policy 8:90, Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs.

The Superintendent or designee shall manage student fundraising activities in alignment with the following directives:

1.  Fundraising efforts shall not conflict with instructional activities or programs.

2.  For any school that participates in the School Breakfast Program or the National School Lunch Program, fundraising activities involving the sale of food and beverage items to students during the school day while on the school campus must comply with the Ill. State Board of education rules concerning the sale of competitive food and beverage items.

3.  Participation in fundraising efforts must be voluntary.

4.  Student safety must be paramount.

Recognized Parent Organization may request fundraising projects which could result in door-to-door solicitation.  The Building Principal will review the request to assure appropriate level of parent supervision is provided and to assure district liability is covered by the organization’s insurance.

5.  For school-sponsored student organizations, a school staff member must supervise the fundraising activities and the student activity funds treasurer must safeguard the financial accounts.

6.  The fundraising efforts must be to support the organization’s purposes and/or activities, the general welfare, a charitable cause, or the educational experiences of students generally.

7.  The funds shall be used to the maximum extent possible for the designated purpose.

8.  Any fundraising efforts that solicit donor messages for incorporation into school property (e.g., tiles or bricks) or placement upon school property (e.g., posters or placards) must:

            a.  Develop viewpoint neutral guidelines for the creation of messages;

            b.  Inform potential donors that all messages are subject to review and approval, and that messages that do not meet the established guidelines must be resubmitted or the donation will be returned; and

            c.  Place a disclaimer on all fundraising information and near the completed donor messages that all messages are “solely the expression of the individual donors and not an endorsement by the District of any message’s content.

LEGAL REF:    105 ILCS 5/10-20/19(3)

                        23 Ill Admin Code Part 305, School Food Service

CROSS REF:    4:90, 4:120, 8:80, 8:90

ADOPTED:       October 4, 1999

REVISED:         April 27, 2006; October 28, 2010; November 19, 2015

1. The meeting is held during those noninstructional times identified by the Superintendent or designee for noncurricular student groups, clubs, or organizations to meet. “Noninstructional time” means time set aside by the school before actual classroom instruction begins or after actual classroom instruction ends. “Noncurricular student groups” are those student groups, clubs, or organizations that are not directly aligned with the curriculum.
2. The meeting is student-initiated, meaning that the request is made by a student(s).
3. Attendance at the meeting is voluntary.
4. The school does not sponsor the meeting.
5. School employees who are assigned or who volunteer to be present at religious meetings may be involved in a non-participatory capacity only.
6. The meeting and/or any activities during the meeting do not materially or substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities.
7. Non-school persons do not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend the meetings.
8. The school retains its authority to maintain order and discipline.
9. All noncurriculum related student groups that are not District sponsored are to be treated in an equitable manner.
10. The Superintendent or designee approves the meeting or series of meetings.