August 2017 Dear Parents and Students: This handbook is intended to be a guide that will assist you with general information about the Highland district. It is not intended to provide all the answers to every question, but it is a framework that outlines services and responsibilities of students, families, and the school. The success of any organization is directly related to the sense of ownership by the members of that organization. Ownership comes from participation and understanding. We hope that everyone who lives in our district, attends our schools, or works for the system will develop a sense of ownership and pride in our purpose and direction. Hopefully this handbook will help enhance this process. We are extremely proud of the Highland school district, but we are also aware that society is changing with every passing minute, and to remain successful we need to be willing to continue to grow and improve. We encourage the participation of each student, each family member, and each district resident in this continuing process. Communications are the keys to understanding, and thus to success. If you have a question about any aspect of the Highland Community Unit School District No. 5, or if you have a suggestion, we are eager to listen or to provide assistance. Please do not hesitate to call any of the school offices. Best wishes for a year of growth, cooperation, and success. Sincerely yours, Michael Sutton Supt. of Schools

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

District-Wide General Information

District Administrators and Board of Education Members............................................................................... 1 Statement of Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 1 Alcohol and Tobacco Regulations.................................................................................................................... 1 Animals on School Property............................................................................................................................. 2 Asbestos Management Plan Availability.......................................................................................................... 2 Athletic Philsophy Highland Middle School Program...................................................................................................... 2 Highland High School Program......................................................................................................... 3 Attendance Truancy............................................................................................................................................... 3 Bicycles and Skateboards................................................................................................................................. 3 Budget for School District................................................................................................................................ 3 Bus/Parent Information Bus Rules......................................................................................................................................... 3-4 Bus Conduct....................................................................................................................................... 4 Electronic Visual and Audio Recordings............................................................................................ 4 Pick up/Drop off................................................................................................................................. 5 Change of Name, Address, or Phone Number.................................................................................................. 5 Child Abuse Reporting Mandated Reporters............................................................................................................................ 5 Closing of School (Inclement Weather)............................................................................................................ 5 Communication Day......................................................................................................................................... 5 Community Relations Booster Club....................................................................................................................................... 5 Gifts to the District............................................................................................................................. 6 Parent Organizations........................................................................................................................... 6 Concussion Policy Post Concussion Return to Academics Guidelines............................................................................. 6 Points of Emphasis............................................................................................................................. 7 Stage 1................................................................................................................................................ 7 Stage 2................................................................................................................................................ 7 Stage 3................................................................................................................................................ 8 Stage 4................................................................................................................................................ 8 Return to Play Guidelines................................................................................................................ 8-9 Disability Accommodation............................................................................................................................... 9 Drug and Alcohol Intervention......................................................................................................................... 9 Emergency Information.................................................................................................................................... 9 Emergency/Safety Procedures Required Drill Procedures and Conduct............................................................................................. 9 CODE RED ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Student Safety/Security Plan......................................................................................................... 9-10 English Language Learners............................................................................................................................. 10 Entrance Requirements Age................................................................................................................................................... 10 Admission Procedures...................................................................................................................... 11 Homeless Children........................................................................................................................... 11 Transfer To and From Non-District Schools.................................................................................... 11 Foreign Students............................................................................................................................... 11 Re-enrollment................................................................................................................................... 11 Equal Educational Opportunities Equal Opportunity and Sex Equity................................................................................................... 12 Sex Equity........................................................................................................................................ 12 Education of Children with Disabilities........................................................................................... 12 Eduation of Homeless Children................................................................................................... 12-13

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Family Privacy Rights-Notification to Parents............................................................................................... 13 Field Trips - Parent Permission Slips.............................................................................................................. 13 Food in Classrooms........................................................................................................................................ 13 Harassment/Bullying/Hazing Harassment of Students Prohibited.................................................................................................. 13 Bullying............................................................................................................................................ 13 Sexual Harrassment Prohibited........................................................................................................ 14 Making a Complaint: Enforcement.................................................................................................. 14 Nondiscrimination Coordinator/Complaint Managers..................................................................... 14 Health Information Health Services................................................................................................................................. 15 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations................................................................... 15 Eye Examination ............................................................................................................................. 16 Dental Examination ......................................................................................................................... 16 Homeless Child................................................................................................................................ 16 Administering Medicines to Students ............................................................................................................ 16 School Medication Authorization Form..................................................................................................... 17-18 Highland School District Foundation............................................................................................................. 19 Integrated Pest Management........................................................................................................................... 19 Internet Safety/Computers ............................................................................................................................. 19 Know Your Schools........................................................................................................................................ 19 Meal Program Prepaid Meals Only.......................................................................................................................... 19 Cash on Account............................................................................................................................... 19 Prepaid Meals and Cash on Account................................................................................................ 20 Non-Public School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students Part-Time Attendance....................................................................................................................... 20 Students with a Disability................................................................................................................. 20 Extracurricular Activities, Including Interscholastic Competition................................................... 20 Full-Time Attendance - Assignment................................................................................................. 20 Parent Information Parent-Teacher Communication....................................................................................................... 21 Parent-Teacher Conferences............................................................................................................. 21 Parent Correspondence and Student Records................................................................................... 21 Printed Material.............................................................................................................................................. 21 Printed Publication Photographs/Videotape Pictures of Unnamed Students.......................................................................................................... 21 Pictures of Named Students.............................................................................................................. 21 Pictures of Students Taken by Non-School Agencies...................................................................... 21 Teacher Performance Assessment.................................................................................................... 21 Professional Personnel.................................................................................................................................... 22 School Visitation Rights Act........................................................................................................................... 22 Sex Offender Information............................................................................................................................... 22 Selective Service What is Selective Service?............................................................................................................... 23 Who is required to register?............................................................................................................. 23 Why don’t women have to register?................................................................................................. 23 Speech Therapy............................................................................................................................................... 23 Student/Classroom Assignment Attendance Areas.............................................................................................................................. 23 Class Assignments............................................................................................................................ 23 Student Information Attendance................................................................................................................................... 23-24 Biometric.......................................................................................................................................... 24 Homework........................................................................................................................................ 24 Insurance........................................................................................................................................... 24 Use of Telephones............................................................................................................................ 24 Student Promotion.......................................................................................................................................... 25 Grades K-8........................................................................................................................................ 25

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Student School Records............................................................................................................................. 25-28 Permanent Records...................................................................................................................... 25-26 Temporary Records........................................................................................................................... 26 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act................................................................................ 26-28 Teacher Qualifications.................................................................................................................................... 28 Video Surveillance Technology...................................................................................................................... 28 Visitors............................................................................................................................................................ 29 Enforcement..................................................................................................................................... 29 Procedures to Deny Future Admission to School Events or Meetings............................................. 30 Waiver of Student Fees................................................................................................................................... 30

Highland High School

Building Map............................................................................................................................................. 32-33 Daily Schedule Regular Schedule........................................................................................................................................ 34 Half-Day Teacher Inservice........................................................................................................................ 34 Teacher Workday........................................................................................................................................ 34 Entry Times................................................................................................................................................. 34 Highland High School Song........................................................................................................................... 35 Mission Statement........................................................................................................................................... 36 Faculty and Staff........................................................................................................................................ 37-38 Coaching Staff........................................................................................................................................... 38-39 Class/Club Activity Sponsors.................................................................................................................... 40-41 Academic Ethics........................................................................................................................................ 41-43 Announcements............................................................................................................................................... 43 Athletic Department/Student Activities Eligibility.................................................................................................................................................... 43 Athletic Department/Student Activity Philsophy/Code of Conduct Philosophy.................................................................................................................................................. 43 Objectives................................................................................................................................................... 44 School Code of Conduct Purpose............................................................................................................... 44 Attendance................................................................................................................................................. 44-45 Attendance Policy Absences (Excused, Unexcused, Truant, Pending).................................................................................. 45 College Career Days................................................................................................................................. 46 Compulsory Attendance Age Increases.................................................................................................... 46 Behavior Ladder......................................................................................................................................... 46-47 Behavior Infractions and Consequences Level I School-Wide Infractions............................................................................................................... 47 Level II Late Arrival to School.................................................................................................................. 48 Level III Tardies........................................................................................................................................ 48 Level IV Truancy....................................................................................................................................... 48 Level V Tobacco........................................................................................................................................ 48 Level VI Bus Misconduct.......................................................................................................................... 48 Level VII Vehicle Infractions.................................................................................................................... 48 Level VIII Serious Infractions................................................................................................................... 48 Level IX Severe Infractions....................................................................................................................... 49 Level X Weapons....................................................................................................................................... 49 Additional Information.............................................................................................................................. 49 Cafeteria Etiquette.......................................................................................................................................... 49 Cell Phones/Computers/Electronics/Internet Safety.................................................................................. 49-51 Electronic Signaling Devices..................................................................................................................... 51 Computer Use Policy and Procedures........................................................................................................ 51 Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)............................................................................................................... 52-55 Closed Campus............................................................................................................................................... 56 Closing of School/Canceling Activities.......................................................................................................... 56

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Detention Detention Hall............................................................................................................................................ 56 Detention Hall/ISS Rescheduling Policy.............................................................................................. 56-57 Disaster Drills/Emergency Tornado Plan.............................................................................................................................................. 57 Earthquake Plan......................................................................................................................................... 57 Fire Evacuation Plan.................................................................................................................................. 57 Lock Down................................................................................................................................................. 57 Dress Code...................................................................................................................................................... 57 Guidelines for Student Attire...................................................................................................................... 58 Unacceptable Attire Includes...................................................................................................................... 58 Elevator Use/Off Limits.................................................................................................................................. 59 Final Exams Attendance Exemption............................................................................................................................... 59 Academic Exemption................................................................................................................................. 59 ACT/SAT Exemption for Seniors.............................................................................................................. 59 Illinois Science Assessment-Biology/Life Science.................................................................................... 59 Semester Exams- Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers...................................................... 59-60 FOCUSED Tutor Time................................................................................................................................... 60 Grades............................................................................................................................................................. 61 Grade Placement........................................................................................................................................ 61 Semester Grade Calculations..................................................................................................................... 61 Graduation Requirements/Academic Credit.............................................................................................. 61 Credits Required for Graduation................................................................................................................ 62 Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Class Rank.............................................................................................. 62 Dual Credit Through SWIC/St. Louis University...................................................................................... 62 Brittany’s Law............................................................................................................................................ 62 School and Counseling Services..................................................................................................................... 62 Homecoming/Prom.................................................................................................................................... 62-63 Homework....................................................................................................................................................... 63 Identification Card.......................................................................................................................................... 63 ISS................................................................................................................................................................... 64 Lockers............................................................................................................................................................ 64 Nurse’s Office................................................................................................................................................. 64 OSS................................................................................................................................................................. 64 Parking Lot Privileges................................................................................................................................ 64-65 Public Displays of Affection........................................................................................................................... 65 Schedule Changes........................................................................................................................................... 65 STOP Alternative Placement What is STOP Alternativie Placement?..................................................................................................... 65 What is the purpose of STOP?................................................................................................................... 66 Tardies............................................................................................................................................................. 66 Truancies......................................................................................................................................................... 66 Highland High School Student Test on Handbook.................................................................................... 84-87 Student/Parent Handbook Receipt.................................................................................................................. 88 HHS Student Handbook Test/Answer Sheet................................................................................................... 89

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District-Wide Behavior of Students Information

General Authority............................................................................................................................................ 68 Student Behavior............................................................................................................................................. 68 When and Where Conduct Rules Apply........................................................................................... 68 Prohibited Student Conduct......................................................................................................... 68-70 Consequences................................................................................................................................... 70 Corporal Punishment........................................................................................................................ 71 Weapons............................................................................................................................................ 71 Re-Engagement of Returning Students............................................................................................ 71 Required Notices.............................................................................................................................. 71 Delegation of Authority.................................................................................................................... 71 Preventing Bullying, Hazing, Intimidation, and Harassment......................................................................... 72 Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities Misconduct By Students with Disabilities Behavioral Interventions........................................................................................................... 73 Behavior of Special Education Students................................................................................... 73 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee........................................................................................ 73 Behavioral Intervention Consultant Teams............................................................................... 73 Protection and Due Process Rights Family Involvement.................................................................................................................. 73 Notification................................................................................................................................ 73 Documentation in the IEP......................................................................................................... 73 Appeal and Due Process Procedures......................................................................................... 74 Staff Training and Professional Development.................................................................................. 74 Highland CUSD No. 5 Behavioral Intervention Review Committee............................................... 74 Report of Progress on Annual Goals................................................................................................ 74 Functional Behavior Assessment...................................................................................................... 74 Manifestation Determination............................................................................................................ 74 Student Appearance (Dress Code).................................................................................................................. 75 Students Search and Seizure School Property and Equipment/Personal Effects Left by Students................................................ 75 Students............................................................................................................................................ 75 Seizure of Property........................................................................................................................... 76 Notification Regarding Student Accounts/Profiles on Social Websites............................................ 76 Nondiscrimination Clause............................................................................................................................... 76 Uniform Grievance Procedures....................................................................................................................... 76 Filing a Complaint............................................................................................................................ 77 Investigation..................................................................................................................................... 77 Decision and Appeal......................................................................................................................... 77 Appointing Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers........................................... 77 Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers.............................................................. 77 Hazing Prohibited........................................................................................................................................... 78 Rules and Regulations "Behavior of Students General............................................................................................................................................................ 79 Suspension/Expulsion Procedures Suspension Procedures In-School Suspension................................................................................................................ 79 Out-of-School Suspension.................................................................................................... 79-80 Expulsion Procedures........................................................................................................... 80-81 Lesser Disciplinary Measures Detention and In-School Suspensions.............................................................................................. 81 Isolated Time Out and Physical Restraint........................................................................................ 81 Administrative Procedure-Misconduct By Students With Disabilitiy Special Education Suspension Procedures....................................................................................... 82 Special Education Expulsion Procedures.................................................................................... 82-83 Weapon and Drug Offenses.............................................................................................................. 83 Change of Placement/If Likely to Result in Injury.......................................................................... 83

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HIGHLAND COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5 Student/Parent Handbook 2017-2018

Alhambra Primary 618-488-2200 Grantfork Elementary 618-675-2200 Highland Primary 618-654-2107 Highland Middle School 618-651-8800 Highland Elementary 618-654-2108 Highland High School 618-654-7131 **************************************************************************************************************************** DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS Michael Sutton, Superintendent Derek Hacke, Asst. Supt. - Instruction Timothy Bair, Business Manager BOARD OF EDUCATION James Gallatin, President Joe Mott, Vice President Rene' Friedel Zach Lewis

Robert Miller David Raymond, Jr. Aaron Schuster

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Statement of Purpose This handbook outlines three (3) major areas of interest: 1) General Information about the Highland school district. 2) Information about a specific school building. 3) District Discipline Policy Furthermore, this handbook summarizes policies, rules, and procedures that are established to provide a safe, accessible learning environment for all students of Highland Community Unit School District No. 5. A complete copy of the updated Board policy is available on our district website at: www.highlandcusd5.org. The Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 is fully recognized, and the senior high school is fully accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Alcohol and Tobacco Regulations

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited from all school sponsored functions whether held on or off school property. Smoking or the use of tobacco products is strictly prohibited from all school sponsored functions whether held on or off school property.

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Animals on School Property

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

Asbestos Management Plan Availability

Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM) are present in our schools.

In accordance with the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, an accredited inspector and management planner have completed a review of the locations, quantities, and friability of the asbestos containing materials and has prepared an assessment and response action plan to reduce exposure to asbestos fibers. Copies of the asbestos management plan for our school, which includes the inspection report, are located in both the superintendent’s office and the principal’s office. The plan is available to the public for inspection without cost or restriction within five working days after receiving a written request for inspection. Hours of availability and a copy of the form, “Request for Inspection of Management Plan,” will be provided upon request. Should a request be made for a copy of the report, the school district is allowed to charge a reasonable fee to make copies of the plan.

Athletic Programs

Athletic Philosophy

Student athletic programs shall be considered a supplement to the district’s educational programs and participation is considered a vital part of the student’s educational experiences. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, the athletic program, the student body, the community, and the student themselves. In turn, the program has a responsibility to the athlete to work and develop their skills to the best of the athlete’s capabilities. This individual development is found to be an important component in creating a successful athletic program. These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to make maximum use of the student’s education. The Board of Education shall approve the appointment of coaches in all athletic programs on an annual basis prior to the beginning of the school year. The High School and Middle School Coaches and Athletic Directors will collaborate to develop a consistent program. This collaboration is intended to build and develop the individual athletic programs, with a goal of reaching team success at the High School Varsity level. There may be factors that impose a limitation on the number of students that can be accommodated in specific programs. If the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that is unmanageable, then reducing team size may be necessary. The number of teams and size of the squad in any program will be determined by factors that include the following: a safe environment, qualified coaches, suitable facilities, and financeal resources. The coaches will have the responsibility of choosing their team with the Athletic Directors overseeing the selection process. Playing time is dependent on the coach, and winning is valued, but at the lower levels, playing time should be considered. This will help to develop the skills of the athlete, and to better prepare the athletes for Varsity sports. Student athletes in all programs, regardless of level, are expected to be committed and give a full effort to practice and game sessions, as well as maintain a positive and cooperative attitude. Participation by student athletes in any program will be subject to the coach’s consideration of academic grades, behavioral issues, attendance, abilities, and performance. Highland Middle School Programs Middle School programs shall focus on learning basic skills and game rules, fundamentals of team play, social and emotional growth, and healthy competition. The emphasis is to provide an opportunity for student athletes, through physical participation in a positive competitive environment, to discover the demands of interscholastic competition and the need to create a balance between academics and athletics. Middle School JV teams shall focus on the instructional aspects of each specific program. Along with winning, player and skill development will play a crucial role in the program. Setting high expectations helps students rise to meet the challenge. Middle School Varsity teams shall also still be considered instructional teams that are tasked with developing players within the respective program. At this level, there will be a greater emphasis placed on healthy completion. Teams shall also strive to win conference, regional, and state championship.

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Highland High School Programs

High School programs shall develop student athletes to ultimately compete at the Varsity level. Freshman and Sophomore teams will build on the development and instruction that took place at the Middle School. These teams shall continue to develop student athletes by promoting skills and character development. Junior Varsity teams are the final step before Varsity athletics. The Junior Varsity programs will further build on the development and instruction that took place at the previous levels. The JV program will also continue the implementation of the program’s philosophy and strategies. Varsity teams are the final level of competition available to student athletes. At the Varsity level, the outcome of the contests shall be a primary concern for the coaches and their staff. The goal for Varsity teams shall be to win conference, regional, and state titles. Objectives of Athletics • To provide a positive image of school athletics at Highland High School. • To ensure growth and development of the athletic program. • To provide opportunities that will allow the program to serve as a model where students may cope with problems, and handle situations similar to those encountered later in life. • To provide opportunity for team play with the development of such commitments as loyalty, cooperation, fair play, and other desirable social traits. • To develop an understanding of the value of athletics in a balanced educational process.

Truancy

Attendance

Parents have the legal obligation (Illinois School Code, Section 21-1, 26-2) to see that their children attend school at all times it is in session. A student will be considered truant from school when he or she is absent any part of a day because of an unexcused absence. The complete district attendance policy is located in section 7:70 of the district policy manual located on the district website www.highlandcusd5.org.

Bicycles and Skateboards

Bicycles are for riding to and from school. They should be parked in the bike rack and remain there throughout the day. Bicycles and skateboards will not be ridden on school grounds. Riders must cross at crosswalks and respect the rights of people who are crossing. Riders are responsible for obeying the rules of the road. Students may be refused the privilege of riding bicycles to school as a result of violations.

Budget for School District The budget for Highland CUSD No. 5 is available for inspection on the district's website at www.highlandcusd5.org. On the left under HCUSD Navigation and then click on the Fiscal link.

Buses

The district provides bus transportation to and from school for students living 1.5 miles or more from the school. Parents must, at the beginning of the school year, select one bus stop at which a student is to be picked up, and one stop at which a student is to be dropped off. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the bus to which they are assigned. Exceptions must be approved in advance by the building principal and generally are only approved for our older third grade students. While students are on the bus, they are under the supervision of the bus driver. In most cases, bus behavior problems can be handled by the bus driver. In the case of a written disciplinary referral, student bus problems will be investigated and handled by the building principal. Parents will be informed of inappropriate student behavior on a bus. Parents are encouraged to discuss bus safety and appropriate behavior with their children before the beginning of the school year and regularly during the year.

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In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are expected to observe the following rules: 1. Bus drivers and school administration will assign temporary or permanent seats for all district students riding buses. This procedure is done to ensure the safety of the children on the bus. 2. Go to your seat and sit in it immediately upon entering the bus. Do not stand in the entrance or in the aisle. 3. Keep hands to yourself. Respect rights and property of others. 4. Do not move from one seat to another while on the bus. 5. Keep all parts of the body and all objects inside the bus. 6. Loud conversation, singing, boisterous conduct, unnecessary noise and profanity are not allowed. 7. Enter and exit the bus only when the bus is fully stopped. 8. All school rules apply while on the bus, at a bus stop, or waiting for the bus. 9. In the event of emergency, stay on the bus and await instructions from the bus driver. 10. Only use rear exit in an emergency. 11. Do not open windows without driver's permission. 12. Keep the bus neat and clean. 13. Athletic footwear equipped with cleats or spikes are not allowed to be worn on the bus. 14. Inappropriate behavior will be reported to school authorities and failure to observe safety rules may result in suspension from bus services. 15. Be waiting at your bus stop on time. 16. Never tamper with, damage, or deface anything in or on the bus, or any of the bus or school equipment. 17. Keep book bags, books, packages, coats, and other objects out of the aisles. Keep all body parts clear of the aisles when seated. 18. Food and drink are not to be consumed on the bus. 19. Parents will be liable for any defacing or damage students do to the bus.

Bus Conduct 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 School 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 Visual and Audio Recordings

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.

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Pick up/Drop off

Grades K -5 Parents should establish one pick-up and one drop-off point for their child(ren). Students not riding to their designated afternoon stop should be picked up at school. Alternate drop offs will not be allowed. If emergency arrangements are necessary, please contact the principal. Grades 6 - 12 Parents should establish one pick-up and one drop-off point for their child(ren). (Morning stop may be different than afternoon stop.) Students will be dropped off at the designated afternoon location on days that they ride the bus. Alternate drop offs may be allowed at the discretion of the principal. Parents must provide written permission for students to ride the bus to a location other than their designated bus stop. The note must be signed and dated by the parent and presented to the principal’s office for approval. Students will not be allowed to board a bus other than their assigned bus without a note signed by parent and principal.

Change of Name, Address, or Phone Number

Should a student change his or her name, address, or telephone number during the school year, he or she should contact his or her building office and make the necessary corrections.

Mandated Reporters

Child Abuse Reporting

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

Closing of School (Inclement Weather)

Inclement weather shall be determined by the superintendent. Temperatures or wind chills colder than 25 degrees below zero shall be a guide for determining extreme weather school cancellation. In the morning, when school is to be cancelled for the entire day because of extreme road or weather conditions, the following procedures will be followed: 1. As soon as school is cancelled, families will be notified by our notification service provider. 2. The following radio stations will be notified: KMOX (1120 AM - St. Louis), WGEL (101.7 FM - Greenville), and WSMI (106.1 FM - Litchfield). 3. The following television stations will be notified: KSDK (channel 5, NBC - St. Louis), KMOV (channel 4, CBS - St. Louis), and KTVI (channel 2, Fox - St. Louis). During the day, when weather is extreme and school is to be closed early, the superintendent shall notify KMOX (1120 AM), WGEL (101.7 FM), WSMI (106.1 FM), and use our notification service provider. Whenever possible, there will be at least one hour between when the superintendent's call is placed and the time school is actually dismissed. Parents are requested to listen to announcements on the radio and television.

Communication Day

To help parents know when to expect information from the schools, a Communication Day has been established. Please check with your child on the last scheduled class day of the week (usually Friday) for information from the school.

Booster Club

Community Relations

Booster organizations are a separate entity from the district. Booster clubs and the district are linked only by their mutual desire to promote excellence in the district’s educational programs. Should a booster club wish to make a major contribution of money, service, or equipment to the district, a representative of the booster club shall meet with the superintendent or his designee. At this meeting, the superintendent will identify the procedures and rules which govern the Board’s acceptance of contributions. The booster club’s representative will describe the nature of the contribution, including any request for use of district facilities, activities preceding presentation of the contribution, and staff and student volunteers.

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The superintendent shall submit to the School Board the booster club’s contribution offer with a recommendation to accept or not accept. The School Board shall make the final decision. Once the School Board has accepted the booster club’s contribution, the contribution shall become the district’s property.

Gifts to the District

The School Board appreciates gifts from any education foundation, other entities, or individuals. All gifts must adhere to each of the following: 1. Be accepted by the Board or, if less than $500.00 in value, the Superintendent or designee. Individuals should obtain a pre-acceptance commitment before identifying the District, any school, or school program or activity as a beneficiary in any fundraising attempt, including without limitation, any Internet fundraising attempt. 2. Be given without a stated purpose or with a purpose deemed by the party with authority to accept the gift to be compatible with the Board’s educational objectives and policies. Be consistent with the District’s mandate to provide equal educational and extracurricular opportunities to all students in the District as provided in Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities. State and federal laws require the District to provide equal treatment for members of both sexes to educational programing, extracurricular activities, and athletics. This includes the distribution of athletic benefits and opportunities. 3. Permit the District to maintain resource equity among its learning centers. 4. Be viewpoint neutral. The Superintendent or designee shall manage a process for the review and approval of donations involving the incorporation of messages into or placing messages upon school property. 5. Comply with all laws applicable to the District including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Prevailing Wage Act, the Health/Life Safety Code for Public Schools, and all applicable procurement and bidding requirements. The District will provide equal treatment to all individuals and entities seeking to donate money or a gift. Upon acceptance, all gifts become the District’s property. The acceptance of a gift is not an endorsement by the Board, District, or school of any product, service, activity, or program. The method of recognition is determined by the party accepting the gift.

Parent Organizations

The School Board recognizes that parent organizations are an invaluable resource to the district schools and so supports their formation and vitality. While parent organizations shall have no administrative authority and cannot determine district policy, their suggestions and assistance are always welcome. Membership will be open and unrestricted. The building principal or a designee will serve as the advisor to parent organizations in his or her school and will serve as a resource person and provide information about school programs, resources, policies, problems, concerns, and emerging issues. Building staff will be encouraged to participate in the organizations. The school(s) and the parent organizations should work in harmony toward the following goals: 1. to involve parents and school personnel in a cooperative and sustained system of activities which will increase the educational opportunities of the children both in school and at home; 2. to improve school-home relationships by enabling parents and school personnel to: (a) define their relation- ship to each other; (b) define their roles as they pertain to the children served by the schools; and (c) identify family needs and resources, including those of the community, as well as school needs and resources; 3. to provide teachers and administrators with opinions and viewpoints that will lead to a better analysis of the needs of students and more relevant program planning; 4. to sustain parental interest and to develop the skills needed by school personnel to function effectively in a work- ing relationship with parents and other community members.

Highland CUSD No. 5 Concussion Policy

Post Concussion Return to Academics Guidelines

A student’s best chance of full recovery from a concussion involves two critical components: cognitive rest and physical rest. Continued research has focused on the fact that cognitive rest is essential to the quick resolution of concussion symptoms. Cognitive stimulation includes: driving, video games, computers, text messaging, cell phone use, loud and/or bright environments, television, reading, and studying; these must be limited, and in most cases, completely avoided. Physical activity such as physical education, sports activities, and strength or cardiovascular conditioning must be regulated or avoided while recovering from a concussion.

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Points of Emphasis: • • • • • • •

It is important to note that to recover from a concussion is a very individualized process. Caution must be taken not to compare with other concussions as they progress through the recovery process. The information below is provided to teachers, parents, and students as a guide to assist with concussion recovery. It is recommended that students who are experiencing concussion-like symptoms be examined by their physicians. For the academic protocol to be initiated, documentation from a physician must be provided to the school within a week. It is important that once the student has returned to school that they report to the school nurse in order to monitor symptoms daily, and follow physician recommendations within the Return to Academics Guidelines. The student will be granted adequate time to complete missed academic work based on the amount of time it takes to gain complete recovery. For every day the student is within Stages 1-3, they will be granted the same number of days to complete missed academic work. The teacher has the option of assigning the student a grade of incomplete (I) for the quarter, final and/or semester grade. As the student’s recovery progresses through Stages 1-3, teachers are encouraged to apply a “basic fundamentals” criteria within their subject matter. This process identifies essential academic work and requires the student to only make up this missed work. This aids the student’s recovery as it reduces the volume of work that the student is required to complete, thereby reducing the student’s stress level until they are medically cleared to resume to a full academic load.

Four Stage Progression for Full Return to District 5 Academic Activity

Stage 1: NO SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, EMPHASIZE COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL REST • Characteristics o Severe symptoms at rest o Symptoms may include, but not limited to:  Headache, dizziness, nausea, and photosensitivity • No tests, quizzes, or homework. • Students may be sensitive to light and noise. • Students may complain of intense and continuous/frequent headaches. • Students may not be able to read for more than 10 minutes without an increase in symptoms. • Eliminate “screen time” on electronic devices, such as computers, iPads, and mobile phones. • Provide student with copies of class notes (teacher or student generated).

In order to progress to Stage 2 (Return to School) students must have: • • •

Decreased sensitivity to light or noise Decreased intensity and frequency of headaches Ability to complete light reading for 10 minutes without increased symptoms

In order to continue academic modification, students who remain symptomatic for longer than one (1) week, must be evaluated by a physician.

Stage 2: Option for Modified Daily Class Schedule •

Characteristics o Mild symptoms at rest, increasing with physical and mental activity.

Upon return to school, medical documentation must be provided for academic accommodations.

Accommodations May Include: • • • • • • • •

In cooperation with guidance counselor and teachers, begin to create plan for possible modification and the gradual completion of missed tests, quizzes, and homework. Schedule reduction (partial days): For example: first day may be afternoon classes and the next morning classes; repeat as symptoms warrant. Option: Reduce weight of backpack or provide second set of textbooks, if possible, arranged by counselor. Option: Obtain a “five minute pass” to avoid noisy, crowded hallways between class periods. Wear sunglasses as needed. No tests, quizzes, or homework. Reduce “screen time” on electronic devices, such as computers, iPads, and mobile phones. Provide student with copies of class notes (teacher or student generated).

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• •

Excuse from physical education classes and/or sports activities. Report any change in symptoms to the school nurse.

In order to progress to Stage 3 student must have • • •

Attended his or her classes at least once. No increase in symptons. Overall symptoms continue to decrease.

Stage 3 Full Day of School • • • • • • • • • •

Characteristics o Symptom-free at rest o Mild to moderate symptoms with mental and physical activity. In cooperation with guidance counselor and teachers, create plan for possible modification and the gradual completion of missed tests, quizzes, and homework. Limited tests/quizzes with gradual increase, as tolerated by student. Gradual increase in the use of electronic devices as symptoms permit. Provide student with copies of class notes (teacher or student generated), upon request. Option: Reduce weight of backpack or provide a second set of textbooks, if possible, arranged by counselor. Option: Obtain a “5 minute pass” in order to avoid noisy, crowded hallways between class periods. Excused from physical education classes and/or sports activities. Written work can replace physical activity. Report any change in symptoms to the school nurse. Athletes need to report any changes to the athletic trainer as well.

In order to progress to Stage 4 student must have • •

Symptom-free with mental and physical activity OR Have physician clearance

Note: IF the student is not able to progress past stage 3 after an extended period of time, where it is unlikely the student will be able to make up required work, school administration will discuss with the student and their parents, possible class withdrawal, class load modification, and/or Section 504 plan.

Stage 4: Return to Full Academic Load • • • • • • • •

In cooperation with guidance counselor and teachers, create plan for possible modification and the gradual completion of missed tests, quizzes, and homework. Resume current academic responsibilities once symptoms have resolved completely as determined by the appropriate health care professional. Teacher has the discretion, and is encouraged, to apply “Basic Fundamentals” criteria for their subject matter. Students are not required to make up physical activities in PE class, but may be asked to complete written assignments. Gradual resumption of physical activity. Students will return to physical activity. Student will return to physical education classes and will spend a minimum of two (2) days with modified activity. Athletes will follow the return to play protocol under the direction of the athletic trainer.

Follow Up • •

Students are encouraged to meet with his or her counselor or specialist regularly to discuss progress, grades, status of make up work, and/or emotional concerns. The student is encouraged to meet with the School Nurse to review any recurring symptoms.

Return to Play Guidelines: Highland CUSD 5

When a student-athlete has sustained a concussion, he or she must progress through the return to play protocol before resuming athletic and physical education activities. The student-athlete shall report to the athletic trainer all concussion signs and symptoms daily until no symptoms remain. The return to play protocol consists of six (6) stages, with minimum 24 hours asymptomatic in between each stage. The student-athlete will be under direct supervision by the athletic trainer during the entire process. The stages of the return to play guidelines are as follows:

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• • • • • •

Stage 1: Rest Stage 2: Light aerobic exercise Stage 3: Sport-specific exercise Stage 4: Non-contact drills Stage 5: Full-contact practice Stage 6: Normal game play

Disability Accommodation

All school buildings at Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 are handicap accessible. Individuals with disabilities will be provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services, programs, or activities. Individuals with disabilities should notify the superintendent or building principal if they have a disability that will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far in advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.

Drug and Alcohol Intervention

Information regarding resources for drug and alcohol intervention is available through the school. Contact the building principal for information about these resources and he or she will direct you to the staff member who can best assist you.

Emergency Information

Upon registration, all students will be asked to have emergency information on file. This file provides us with the telephone numbers and names of persons to be contacted if the parent cannot be reached. It may be necessary for us to call if there is an unscheduled closing of school, an injury or illness has occurred, or the child is absent and the school has not been contacted. Be certain to let us know if any changes should be made in the file (i.e., sitter’s name and number, change in place of employment, etc.).

Emergency/Safety Procedures ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK IN AT THE BUILDING OFFICE BEFORE GOING TO CLASSROOM AREAS. HELP US KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE. Required Drill Procedures and Conduct

Required drills will occur at times established by the building principal. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three evacuation drills, a minimum of one severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one law enforcement drill, and a minimum of one bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. Drills will not be preceded by a warning to the students.

CODE RED

CODE RED is a district-wide procedure that takes place in a crisis situation. During a CODE RED, student movement is stopped, and the building is secured. Everyone in the building will be made aware that a serious event has occurred or is about to occur, and how to act accordingly.

Student Safety/Security Plan Outside Entrances 1. Highland CUSD No. 5 buildings now have an electronic security system. This will restrict the use of entrances during the time between the start and end of classes. 2. This will also restrict the use of most entrances at an appropriate time after school, such as 3:30 p.m., taking into consideration seasonal needs such as outside athletic practices, etc. 3. No entrance will be secured in such a manner that free exit travel is prohibited.

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Badge System

1. In all buildings where students are present, a badge system will be put in place that will help identify staff, strangers, or visitors. 2. Signs will be posted at each door to notify guests that they are required to go directly to the office to sign in. If the guest will be visiting other parts of the building other than the office, they will be issued a badge. They will be asked to wear the badge in a location that is easily visible. 3. The building administrator will decide any exceptions to this provision such as delivery personnel in uniform, long term substitutes, visiting teachers or administrators from the system, or other personnel. Substitute cafeteria workers in uniform would likely be an exception.

Sign In - Sign Out

1. Students who need to be picked up from school by a parent are to wait in the office. The parent comes into the office and signs out his or her child on a list or form used by the building. Name, reason, date, and time are important. If the student will return to school, he or she will be required to sign in once again. The person may be asked for identification. 2. All guests will receive a badge and will be required to sign in, state the reason for their visit, who they will visit, date, and time. They will be required to sign out when they return their badge.

Notification 1. 2. 3. 4.

All doors have signs that reflect the district procedures. Staff and students will be trained to send strangers to the office and to report any one without a badge. Signs will be placed on doors that will have limited access. All buildings may be under videotape surveillance at all times.

English Language Learners

The district offers opportunities for resident English Learners to develop high levels of academic attainment in English and to meet the same academic content and student academic achievement standards that all children are expected to attain. 1. Assist all English Learners to achieve English proficiency, facilitate effective communication in English, and encourage their full participation in school activities and programs as well as promote participation by the parents/guardians of English Learners. 2. Appropriately identify students with limited English-speaking ability. 3. Comply with State law regarding the Transitional Bilingual Educational Program (TBE) or Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), whichever is applicable. 4. Comply with any applicable State and federal requirements for the receipt of grant money for English Learners and programs to serve them. 5. Determine the appropriate instructional program and environment for English Learners. 6. Annually assess the English proficiency of English Learners and monitor their progress in order to determine their readiness for a mainstream classroom environment. 7. Include English Learners, to the extent required by State and federal law, in the District’s student assessment program to measure their achievement in reading/language arts and mathematics. 8. Provide information to the parents/guardians of English Learners about: (a) the reasons for their child’s identification, (b) their child’s level of English proficiency, (c) the method of instruction to be used, (d) how the program will meet their child’s needs, (e) specific exit requirements of the program, (f) how the program will meet their child’s individualized education program, if applicable, and (g) information on parent/guardian rights. Parents/guardians will be regularly apprised of their child’s progress and involvement will be encouraged. Parents/guardians of English Learners will be: (1) given an opportunity to provide input to the program, and (2) provided notification regarding their child’s placement in, and information about, the District’s English Language Learners programs.

Entrance Requirements

Age

School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools

To be eligible for admission, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of that school term. A child entering first grade must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of that school term. Based upon an assessment of the child’s readiness, a child will be allowed to attend first grade if he or she attended a non-public preschool, continued his or her education at that school through kindergarten, was taught in kindergarten by an appropriately licensed teacher, and will be 6 years old on or before December 31. A child with exceptional needs who qualifies for special education services is eligible for admission at 3 years of age.

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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 temporary record, and return the original 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 10 days, the case will be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation. If compliance is not obtained within that 10-day period, the Superintendent or designee shall so refer the case. 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. 2. Proof of residence, as required by Board policy 7:60, Residence. 3. Proof of disease immunization or detection and the required physical examination, as required by State law and Board policy 7:100, Health, Eye, and Dental 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 procedure, govern the enrollment of homeless children.

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 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. Exchange students on a J-1 visa are not required to pay tuition. Privately sponsored exchange students on an F-1 visa may be enrolled if an adult resident of the District has temporary guardianship, and the student lives in the home of that guardian. Exchange students on an F-1 visa are required to pay tuition at the established District rate. F-1 visa student admission is limited to high schools, and attendance may not exceed 12 months. The Board may limit the number of exchange students admitted in any given year. 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 21 birthday. However, at the Superintendent’s or designee’s discretion and depending on program availability, the individual may be enrolled in a graduation incentives program established under 105 ILCS 5/26-16 or an alternative learning opportunities program established under 105 ILCS 5/13B-1 (see 6:110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program). 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.

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Equal Educational Opportunities Equal Opportunity and Sex Equity

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity, status as of being homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, 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, except that 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 Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Sex Equity

No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities. Any student may file a sex equity complaint by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the Board’s resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8). Any student or parent/guardian with a sex equity or equal opportunity concern should contact: Derek Hacke at 618-654-2106.

Education of Children with Disabilities

The School District shall provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the District, as required by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and implementing provisions of the School Code, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. The term “children with disabilities,” as used in this policy, means children between ages 3 and 21 (inclusive) for whom it is determined, through definitions and procedures described in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules, that special education services are needed. It is the intent of the District to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA. For students eligible for services under IDEA, the District shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities provided in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the District shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students’ identification, evaluation, and educational placement. This system shall include notice, an opportunity for the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, an impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), representation by counsel, and a review procedure. The District may maintain membership in one or more cooperative associations of school districts that shall assist the District in fulfilling its obligations to the District’s disabled students. If necessary, students may also be placed in nonpublic special education programs or education facilities.

Education of Homeless Children

Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, as provided to other children and youths, including a public pre-school education. A homeless child is defined as provided in the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and the Illinois Education for Homeless Children Act. The Superintendent or designee shall act as or appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children to coordinate this policy’s implementation. A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any District school’s attendance area may attend that school. The Superintendent or designee shall review and revise rules or procedures that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship. Transportation shall be provided in accordance with the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The Superintendent or designee shall give

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special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school. If a child is denied enrollment or transportation under this policy, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall immediately refer the child or his or her parent/guardian to the ombudsperson appointed by the Regional Superintendent and provide the child or his or her parent/guardian with a written explanation for the denial. Whenever a child and his or her parent/guardian who initially share the housing of another person due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship continue to share the housing, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall, after the passage of 18 months and annually thereafter, conduct a review as to whether such hardship continues to exist in accordance with State law. For assistance, please contact: Derek Hacke 400 Broadway Highland, IL 62249 618-654-2106

Family Privacy Rights-Notification to Parents

The School Board has a policy concerning privacy and parental access to information. A complete copy of the policy 7:15, Student and Family Privacy Rights, is available upon your request from the administrative center or on the district web site at www.highlandcusd5.org. Please note that a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect certain documents and/or refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in certain activities. The school will not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercises this option.

Field Trips - Parent Permission Slips

Parents will be required to sign a parent permit slip before students may participate in any activity planned off the school grounds. This includes all field trips whether it is a walking field trip to the park or uptown, or a field trip which requires buses. Field trips do not count against juniors or seniors for semester exam exemption or as an absence for any student. The school reserves the right to search all student luggage/bags before going on a field trip or at any time during the field trip to avoid transporting or student possession of illegal or dangerous materials, illegal substances, or unauthorized materials. Parents may decline to have their child participate in a school planned field trip. This request to not participate must be made in writing and sent to the building principal. Any trip that requires an overnight stay must be approved initially by the Board of Education.

Food in Classrooms

Food items brought in for classroom parties, birthday treats, kindergarten snack time, etc. must be pre-packaged and commercially prepared (store bought, bakery, or fast food). Homemade items will not be distributed in the classrooms per recommendation of the Madison County Health Department. We are focusing on wellness at Highland Community Schools. Please try to send in healthy snacks and treats and be aware of any allergies in your child’s classroom.

Harassment/Bullying/Hazing

Harassment of Students Prohibited 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 char acteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.

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The District, including all staff members will not retaliate against any person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging sexual harassment or otherwise engages in an activity protected by Title IX. Students, families, and staff shall maintain their right to file a complaint with the district or external agencies such as the Office of Civil Rights if they feel they have been retaliated against for reporting discrimination or harassment. Contact information for the District person(s) designated to respond to such complaints as well as contact information for the Office of Civil Rights are included within this policy. The Superintendent, or designee, will notify students, families, employees, and other interested persons of the revised policies and procedures, including posting the revised policies and procedures on the District’s internet site, and publishing the revised policies and procedure in the District’s Student and Employee Handbooks.

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 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 condi- tion of a student’s academic status; or 2. Has the purpose or effect of: a. Substantially interfering with a student’s educational environment; b. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; c. Depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or d. 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; Enforcement

Students are encouraged to report claims or incidences of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or a Complaint Manager. A student may choose to report to a person of the student’s same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined. An allegation that a student was a victim of any prohibited conduct perpetrated by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students for appropriate action.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: Complaint Managers: Derek Hacke 400 Broadway, Highland, IL 62249 [email protected] 618-654-2106 ext. 1003

Tim Bair Julie Korte 400 Broadway, Highland, IL 62249 1800 Lindenthal, Highland, IL 62249 [email protected] [email protected] 618-654-2106 ext. 1007 618-654-2107 ext. 2005

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. The contact information for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is 800-421-3481 to report any educational discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc., request information on civil rights compliance programs, procedures for filing discrimination complaints, or access to civil rights regulatory and policy documents. The local number in Washington, D.C. is 202-453-6100.

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Health Services

Health Information

The primary goal of health services is to provide a healthy and safe environment in order to ensure an optimal learning environment for all students. This goal is achieved by compliance with state and local regulations, as well as District policies. The responsibility of the parent/guardian in achieving this goal will be to provide all grade level requirements and special health condition information to the school nurse. If a student becomes ill or injured during the school day and needs to go home, parents are notified. Parents must provide the school office with current phone numbers for home, work, cell, etc., as well as emergency contacts when they cannot be reached. It will be the discretion of the health office personnel if a parent is contacted. Phone calls are not made home on every student who enters the health office. • Students suspected of having a rash of an unknown origin will be sent home. The student will not be readmitted to school without a note from a health care provider, i.e., physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, stating whether or not the rash is contagious and when the student is permitted to return to school. • Students with head lice or nits will be excluded from school until evidence of the lice and/or nits are gone from their heads. • Students who present with suspected pink eye will be sent home if there is evidence of tearing or purulent discharge. • Students with a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be sent home; they must be fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of temperature reducing medications) before returning to school. • Students who present with vomiting and/or diarrhea will be sent home; they must be vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school.

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

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) 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, within one year prior to: 1. Entering kindergarten or the first grade; 2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and 3. Enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student’s grade (including nursery school, special education, Head Start programs operated by elementary or secondary schools, and students transferring into Illinois from out-of-state or out-of-country). As required by State law: 1. Health examinations 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 must be included as a required part of each health examination; diabetes testing is not required. 3. Before admission and in conjunction with required physical examinations, parents/guardians of children between the ages of one and seven years must provide a statement from a physician that their child was “risk- assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. 4. The Department of Public Health will provide all female students entering sixth grade and their parents/guardians information about the link between human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer and the availability of the (HPV) vaccine. Unless an exemption or extension applies, the failure to comply with the above requirements by October 15 of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the District. New students who register after October 15 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 October 15, the student must present, by October 15, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by 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 by October 15 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.

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Eye Examination

Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their children undergo an eye examination whenever health examinations are required. Parents/guardians of students entering kindergarten or an Illinois school for the first time shall present proof before October 15 of the current school year that the student received an eye examination within one year prior to entry of kindergarten or 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 by October 15, 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 October 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are notified of this eye examination requirement in compliance with the rules of the Department of Public Health. Schools shall not exclude a student from attending school due to failure to obtain an eye examination.

Dental Examination

All children in kindergarten and the second and sixth 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 Illinois Department of Public Health. If a child in the second or sixth 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 parents/guardians 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 Illinois Department of Public Health, a student will be exempted from this policy’s requirements for: 1. Religious or medical grounds if the student’s parents/guardians 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 a physician provides written verification; 3. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or lack of access to a physi- cian 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 or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce immunization and health records normally required for enrollment. School Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, governs the enrollment of homeless children.

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” 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. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication. Please notify the school nurse in your child’s building with any questions or concerns. The nursing staff will be happy to assist you in meeting the health requirements for your child and ensuring his or her health and safety throughout the school year.

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Highland Community Unit School District No. 5

School Medication Authorization Form A new form must be completed every school year.

Student's Name: ____________________________________________________ Grade: __________________________ Teacher: _______________________________________________ School: ______________________________________ TO BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT’S PHYSICIAN, physician assistant, or advanced practice RN. For students self-administering asthma inhalers, see section at bottom of page. For all other medications, complete section below. NAME OF MEDICATION: ________________________________________________________________________

DOSAGE: ______________________________________ TIME: ______________________________________



TREATMENT FOR: _____________________________________________________________________________



Yes

No Must this medication be administered during the school day in order to allow the child to attend school?

Yes No Do you authorize this student to self-medicate? If yes, please complete the next statement. Yes No I certify that this student has been instructed in the use and self-administration of this medication. He or she understands the need for his or her medication and the necessity to report to school personnel any unusual side effects. He or she is capable of using this medication independently. Side effects to be noted: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Physician's printed name: __________________________________________________________________________



Physician's signature: _____________________________________________________________________________



Date: __________________ Phone: ___________________________

Fax: __________________________

Asthma Inhalers Parent(s)/Guardian(s) please attach prescription label here:



NOTE: Medicine needs to come in pharmacy-labeled bottle or original manufacturer packaging. 17

For only parents/guardians of students who need to carry asthma medication or an epinephrine auto-injector: I authorize the school district and its employees and agents, to allow my child or ward to carry and self-administer his or her asthma inhaler and/or use his or her epinephrine auto-injector: (1) while in school, (2) while at a school-sponsored activity, (3) while under the supervision of school personnel, or (4) before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property. Illinois law requires the school district to inform parent(s)/guardian(s) that it, and its employees and agents, incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication or epinephrine auto-injector (105 ILCS 5/22-30). If you agree please initial: Parent/Guardian For all parents/guardians: By signing below, I agree that I am primarily responsible for administering medication to my child. However, in the event that I am unable to do so or in the event of a medical emergency, I hereby authorize the school district and its employees and agents, in my behalf, to administer or to attempt to administer to my child (or to allow my child to self-administer pursuant to State law, while under the supervision of the employees and agents of the school district), lawfully prescribed medication in the manner described above. I give permission for the school nurse and the above physician to exchange information regarding my child's condition and treatment/medicine for the purpose of continuity of care. I acknowledge that it may be necessary for the administration of medications to my child to be performed by an individual other than a school nurse and specifically consent to such practices, and I agree to 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 the administration or the child’s self-administration of medication. Parent/Guardian printed name Address (if different from student’s above): Phone: Emergency Phone: Parent/Guardian signature Date

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Highland School District Foundation

The Highland School District Foundation, which was formed by the Business Education Alliance, is a foundation which will accept tax-free donations to the district. Please contact the district office at 654-2106, if you have questions about making donations to the district through the Highland School District Foundation.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the practice of determining and implementing the most appropriate and least hazardous techniques for controlling pests. It controls pests by emphasizing prevention and by employing physical, cultural, biological, and only as a last resort, least hazardous chemical controls. IPM is the best approach to pest control. Every effort is made to help protect the health and safety of students and staff. Pesticide Application Notice The district maintains a registry of parents and guardians of students who have registered to receive written or telephone notification prior to the application of pesticides to school grounds. To be added to the list, please contact: Jeff Williams 400 Broadway Highland, IL 62249 618-654-4106 Notification will be given before application of the pesticide. Prior notice is not required if there is imminent threat to health or property.

Internet Safety/Computers

Each district computer and student-owned device with Internet access shall use the school server that has a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act and as determined by the superintendent or designee. The superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filter device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the superintendent or system administrator. The superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy's implementation plan to address the following: 1. limiting student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials; 2. student safety and security when using electronic communications; 3. limiting unauthorized access, including "hacking" and other unlawful activities; and 4. limiting unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information.

Know Your Schools

Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 publishes a newspaper at regular intervals during the school year called “Know Your Schools” (which is posted on the district website). The superintendent conveys a message in each publication, and principals, teachers, and other staff members contribute articles about curriculum and the various activities of the district. Parents are encouraged to read this publication to keep informed

Meal Program

Highland CUSD No. 5 offers breakfasts and lunches daily as part of the National School Lunch Program. You may apply for free or reduced priced meals online at heartlandapps.com (paper forms also available in any school office). We use a computerized debit system to account for student meals. The system operates on advance payments you make to your child’s account. The system will know the status of your child (full pay, free, or reduced) and will deduct the correct amount from the account. Students are identified by their ID number and picture so their status is kept confidential. Advance Payment Options PREPAID MEALS ONLY – Funds are designated for meals only. No snacks or a la carte food items may be purchased from this account balance. CASH ON ACCOUNT -- Funds are available to your child when purchasing meals and/or a la carte foods in the cafeteria. There are no limitations as to what may be purchased or how many purchases may be made.

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PREPAID MEALS AND CASH ON ACCOUNT -- This option ensures that your child receives a lunch but also allows him or her to purchase a la carte and snack foods. When making a payment for both, please state clearly how much money is for prepaid meals and how much is for “cash on account.” Payments are accepted online at myschoolbucks.com or with cash/check at any school office or cafeteria. Students may also bring cash for meals and a la carte items on a daily basis; however maximum benefits are achieved through the use of advance payment. NOTE: Breakfast and a la carte purchases on account can only be made if the student has sufficient funds in his or her account.

Non-public School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students

Part-Time Attendance

The District accepts nonpublic school students, including parochial and home-schooled students, who live within the District for part-time attendance in the District’s regular education program on a space-available basis. Requests for part-time attendance must be submitted to the Building Principal of the school in the school attendance area where the student resides. All requests for attendance in the following school year must be submitted before May 1. A student accepted for partial enrollment must comply with all discipline and attendance requirements established by the school. He or she may participate in any co-curricular activity associated with a District class in which he or she is enrolled. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student accepted for partial enrollment must pay all fees, pro-rated on the basis of a percentage of full-time fees. Transportation to and/or from school is provided on regular bus routes to or from a point on the route nearest or most easily accessible to the nonpublic school or student’s home. This transportation shall be on the same basis as the District provides transportation for its full-time students. Transportation on other than established bus routes is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s).

Students with a Disability

The District accepts for part-time attendance those children for whom it has been determined that special education services are needed, are enrolled in nonpublic schools, and otherwise qualify for enrollment in the District. Requests must be submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. Special educational services shall be provided to such students as soon as possible after identification, evaluation, and placement procedures provided by State law, but no later than the beginning of the next school semester following the completion of such procedures. Transportation for such students shall be provided only if required in the child’s individualized educational program on the basis of the child’s disabling condition or as the special education program location may require.

Extracurricular Activities, Including Interscholastic Competition A nonpublic school student is eligible to participate in: (1) interscholastic competition, provided his or her participation adheres to the regulations established by any association in which the School District maintains a membership, and (2) non-athletic extracurricular activities, provided the student attends a District school for at least one-half of the regular school day, excluding lunch. A nonpublic student who participates in an extracurricular activity is subject to all policies, regulations, and rules that are applicable to other participants in the activity.

Assignment When Enrolling Full-Time in a District School Grade placement by, and academic credits earned at, a nonpublic school will be accepted if the school has a Certificate of Nonpublic School Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education, or, if outside Illinois, if the school is accredited by the state agency governing education. A student who, after receiving instruction in a non-recognized or non-accredited school, enrolls in the District will: (1) be assigned to a grade level according to academic proficiency, and/or (2) have academic credits recognized by the District if the student demonstrates appropriate academic proficiency to the school administration. Any portion of a student’s transcript relating to such instruction will not be considered for placement on the honor roll or computation in class rank. Notwithstanding the above, recognition of grade placement and academic credits awarded by a nonpublic school is at the sole discretion of the District. All school and class assignments will be made according to School Board policy 7:30, Student Assignment, as well as administrative procedures implementing this policy.

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Parent-Teacher Communication

Parent Information

The chain of communication parents should follow when contacting the school about their child is: • Step 1 Teacher • Step 2 Building Adminsitrator(s) • Step 3 Superintendent of Schools

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences will be held in October. Please plan to attend. A special effort is made to avoid conflicts between buildings and grade levels. Achievement tests from the prior spring and the student’s report card will be discussed. Conferences are a time for the parent or guardian and teacher to reinforce their cooperation for the student’s benefit. Please come prepared with questions and concerns.

Parent Correspondence and Student Records

The law requires that schools are to provide copies of school correspondence or records upon the request of either parent of a student whose parents are divorced, unless a court order to the contrary is in effect. Items which are furnished by the school district to one parent must, upon request, be furnished by mail to the other parent. Items include the following: 1. reports or records which reflect the pupil’s academic progress 2. reports of the pupil’s emotional and physical health 3. notices of school-initiated parent-teacher conferences 4. notices of major school-sponsored events, such as open houses, which involve pupil/parent interaction 5. copies of the school calendar

Printed Material

The superintendent shall establish procedures for the distribution of student publications. Any material which is printed outside school supervision must be submitted to the principal for his or her approval three days before distribution to the students. The material may be distributed at an area designated by the principal. If approval is not given, an appeal may be made to the superintendent.

Printed Publication Photographs/Videotape

Pictures of Unnamed Students

Students may occasionally appear in photographs and videotapes taken by school staff members, other students, or other individuals authorized by the building principal. The school may use these pictures, without identifying the student, in various publications, including the school yearbook, school newspaper, and school web site. No consent or notice is needed or will be given before the school uses pictures of unnamed students taken while they are at school or a school-related activity.

Pictures of Named Students

Many times, however, the school will want to identify a student in a school picture. School officials want to acknowledge those students who participate in a school activity or deserve special recognition. In order for the school to publish a picture with a student identified by name, one of the student's parents or guardians must give permission or opt out during online registration.

Pictures of Students Taken by Non-School Agencies

While the school limits access to school buildings by outside photographers, it has no control over news media or other entities that may publish a picture of a named student. School staff members will not, however, identify a student for an outside photographer.

Teacher Performance Assessment

Illinois has launched a new performance assessment initiative to insure pre-service teachers (student teachers) have the necessary knowledge, skills and dispositions to be effective educators before teaching licenses are issued. As part of this Teacher Performance Assessment, pre-service teachers must video their performances and the impact the instruction is having on student learning. Students and their voices must be recorded and student work samples scanned as evidence that learning is occurring. To protect their identity, students’ last names are not used on the recording or on any documents submitted to the team of evaluators of the teaching performances. Parents, who do not want their children recorded or their children’s work samples scanned, should contact the principal in writing annually stating so.

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Professional Personnel

As a parent or guardian of a student at a school receiving funds under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the teachers who instruct your child and the paraprofessionals, if any, who assist them. Federal law gives you the right to receive the following information about each of your child's classroom teachers and their paraprofessional assistants, if any: 1. Whether Illinois has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches. 2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status by which State licensing criteria have been waived. 3. The teacher's college major. 4. Whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees. 5. Whether any instructional assistants or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications. Federal law defines "highly qualified" teachers with reference to their certification or progress toward certification along with factors such as undergraduate major, college, or graduate degrees, and testing for subject matter and teaching skills. The law requires the district to notify parents/guardians of children in Title I schools if your child is assigned to a class being taught by, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet the federal law's definition of "highly qualified." If you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the school office.

School Visitation Rights Act

School Conference and Activity Leave

1. An employer must grant an employee leave of up to a total of eight hours during any school year, and no more than four hours of which may be taken on any given day, to attend school conferences or classroom activities related to the employee’s child if the conference or classroom activities cannot be scheduled during nonwork h o u r s ; however, no leave may be taken by an employee of an employer that is subject to this Act unless the employee has exhausted all accrued vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave, and any other leave that may be granted to the employee except sick leave and disability leave. Before arranging attendance at the conference or activity, the employee shall provide the employer with a written request for leave at least seven days in advance of the time the employee is required to utilize the visitation right. In emergency situations, no more than 24 hours notice shall be required. The employee must consult with the employer to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer. 2. Nothing in this Act requires that the leave be paid. 3. For regularly scheduled, nonemergency visitations, schools shall make time available for visitation during both regular school hours and evening hours. For more information regarding the School Visitation Rights Act, please contact the building principal. Parents may obtain a visitation form for verification of the school visit from the building principal.

Sex Offender Information

State law prohibits a child sex offender from being present on school property or loitering within 500 feet of school property when persons under the age of 18 are present, unless the offender is: 1. A parent/guardian of a student attending the school and has notified the Building Principal of his or her presence at the school for the purpose of: (i) attending a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of his or her child academically or socially, (ii) participating in child review conferences in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to his or her child regarding special education services, or (iii) attending conferences to discuss other student issues concerning his or her child such as retention and promotion; or 2. He received permission to be present from the Board, Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee. If permission is granted, the Superintendent or Board President shall provide the details of the offender’s upcoming visit to the Building Principal. In all cases, the Superintendent or designee who is a certified employee, shall supervise a child sex offender whenever the offender is in a child’s vicinity.

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What is Selective Service?

Selective Service

Selective Service is a government agency whose job is to provide untrained man-power for the Armed Forces if there’s a national emergency.

Who is required to register?

The law says that all 18-year-old men (including U.S. citizens living abroad and non-citizen immigrant males 18-25 residing in the U.S.) must register. The only young men exempt from registration are non-citizen males who are in the U.S. temporarily as tourists, diplomats and their family members or foreign exchange students; incarcerated or institutionalized men; men on active duty in the Armed Forces; and students at U.S. military academies.

Why don’t women have to register?

Our nation only registers men. This has always been the case. Selective Service law as it is presently written refers specifically to “male persons” in stating who must register and who could be subject to a draft. Therefore, Selective Service procedures do no apply to women. In order for women to be required to register with Selective Service, congress would have to change the wording of the law.

Speech Therapy The speech pathologist will conduct a speech and language screening to include: 1. all students in kindergarten 2. any student whose initial screening results indicated a developmental speech pattern. The student will be monitored through teacher and speech pathologist collaboration. If screening results reveal a need for further assessment, parents will be notified by the speech pathologist. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the speech pathologist in your child’s school.

Attendance Areas

Student/Classroom Assignment

The school district is divided into school attendance areas. The superintendent shall review the boundary lines annually and recommend any changes to the School Board. A map of the district showing current school attendance areas shall be maintained by the superintendent. Students living in a given school attendance area shall attend that school. 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.

Class Assignments

The building principal shall assign students to classes.

Attendance

Student Information

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and success in education. Regular attendance is essential if a student is to make use of the educational opportunities the school offers. Regular attendance develops dependability and responsibility in the student and contributes to academic achievement. Parents, guardians, or those having legal custody or control of students are responsible for their children’s regular school attendance. Student absenteeism should be kept to the minimum; however, some absences are unavoidable and classified as excused absences. Absences shall be excused only for the following reasons: 1. personal illness (Written verification of illness from a physician licensed to practice medicine may be requested.) 2. bereavement/funeral 3. quarantine/homebound 4. family emergencies 5. observance of religious holidays 6. written requests approved in advance by an administrator (Removing students from school for vacation trips is discouraged.) All other absences shall be considered unexcused and interpreted as truancy. Students shall be given the opportunity to make up school work missed due to excused absence.

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Students will not be released from school at other than the regular dismissal times without prior written approval from the building principal or assistant principal. No student will be released from school to any person other than the custodial parent/ guardian without the written or oral permission of the custodial parent/guardian. Middle and high school students leaving school during school hours will need to sign out in the office prior to their departure. If the middle or high school student returns to school the same day, he or she is required to sign in at the office upon his or her return. All students must be in attendance for a half day in the afternoon or receive prior administrative approval for the absence in order to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity. Emergency situations shall be given due consideration. A student at Highland High School must take seven classes to be considered a full-time student.

Biometric

The Superintendent or designee may recommend a student biometric information collection system solely for the purposes of identification and fraud prevention. Such recommendation shall be consistent with budget requirements and in compliance with State law. Biometric information means any information that is collected through an identification process for individuals based on their unique behavioral or physiological characteristics, including fingerprint, hand geometry, voice, or facial recognition or iris or retinal scans. Before collecting student biometric information, the District shall obtain written permission from the person having legal custody/parental responsibility or the student (if over the age of 18). Upon a student’s 18 birthday, the District shall obtain written permission from the student to collect student biometric information. Failure to provide written consent to collect biometric information shall not be the basis for refusal of any services otherwise available to a student. All collected biometric information shall be stored and transmitted in a manner that protects it from disclosure. Sale, lease, or other disclosure of biometric information to another person or entity is strictly prohibited. The District will discontinue use of a student’s biometric information and destroy all collected biometric information within 30 days after: (1) the student graduates or withdraws from the School District, or (2) the District receives a written request to discontinue use of biometric information from the person having legal custody/parental responsibility of the student or the student (if over the age of 18). Requests to discontinue using a student’s biometric information shall be forwarded to the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy consistent with State and federal law.

Homework

Homework is any work assigned the student to be completed outside the classroom. It is the child's responsibility to complete the assignment. Teachers may give homework to students to aid in the student’s educational development. Homework should be an application or adaptation of previous classroom instruction experience and should not be assigned for disciplinary purposes. When students are absent, it is their responsibility to make up missed work. If students know in advance that they will miss class, they must check with their teachers to see if work is due before the absence. In the event of excused absences: for each day a student misses school, the student has the same number of school days to make up missed work. (This does not apply if the due date is assigned prior to the student's absence.

Insurance

The district is not legally responsible for medical expenses that result from accidents that occur during normal school activities. Student insurance is available through a district approved carrier for a nominal charge. Enrollment, premiums, and filing of claims are the responsibility of the parent/guardian/student. Details of the coverage and enrollment forms are available on the district website at www.highlandcusd5.org IMPORTANT REMINDER: The student accident insurance is a supplemental coverage. The student accident carrier will ONLY pay benefits after all other available health insurance carriers have paid benefits.

Use of Telephones

Students must get permission from a staff member before using the school telephone. Students are encouraged to make arrangements with their parents before leaving home. It is also the student’s responsibility to get to school with the day’s supplies and assignments. Students who make a habit of calling their parents to bring items to school that the student should have brought in the first place may lose the privilege of using the telephone for that purpose. We realize that everyone can forget occasionally, but it should not become a habit.

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Student Promotion

The Board of Education adheres to the Illinois School Code's prohibition on promotion of a student to the next grade level based upon age or other social reasons not related to the academic performance of the student. A student shall meet district goals and objectives and perform at the expected grade level in order to qualify for promotion. Decisions to promote or retain students in any classes shall be based on the applicable factors outlined in the School Code, as further defined by the Board of Education. If a student has not qualified for promotion to the next grade level, the district shall provide the student with a remediation plan and accompanying services. These services may include a summer school program of at least ninety (90) hours; a parent-provided and funded tutoring program approved by the district during the following school year; or retention in grade. In addition, if the student's reading is one of the areas of concern, the district may provide an appropriate reading program.

Grades K-8

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

Student School Records

This notice contains a description of your and your student’s rights concerning school student records. A school student record is any writing or other recorded information concerning a student and by which a student may be identified individually that is maintained by a school or at its direction or by a school employee, regardless of how or where the information is stored, except for certain records kept in a staff member’s sole possession; records maintained by law enforcement officers working in the school; video and other electronic recordings that are created in part for law enforcement, security, or safety reasons or purposes; and electronic recordings made on school buses. The District maintains two types of school records for each student: permanent record and temporary record. The permanent record includes: 1. Basic identifying information, including the student’s name and address, birth date and place, gender, and the names and addresses of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) 2. Evidence required under the Missing Children's Records Act (325 ILCS 50/5(b)(1) 3. Academic transcripts, including grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, scores on college entrance examinations (except that a parent/guardian or eligible student may request, in writing, the removal from the academic transcript of any score received on college entrance examinations), the unique student identifier assigned and used by the Illinois State Board of Education’s Student Information System; as applicable, designation of the student's achievement of the State Seal of Biliteracy, awarded in accordance with the School Code Section 5/2-3.157 and as applicable, designation of the student's achievement of the State Commendation Toward Biliteracy. 4. Attendance record 5. Health record defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as “medical documentation necessary for enrollment and proof of dental examinations, as may be required under Section 27-8.1 of the School Code” 6. Record of release of permanent record information that includes each of the following: a. The nature and substance of the information released b. The name and signature of the official records custodian releasing such information c. The name and capacity of the requesting person and the purpose for the request d. The date of release e. A copy of any consent to a release 7. Scores received on all State assessment tests administered at the high school level (that is, grades 9 through 12) (105ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5) The permanent record may include: 1. Honors and awards received 2. Information concerning participation in school-sponsored activities or athletics, or offices held in school-sponsored organizations.

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All information not required to be kept in the student permanent record is kept in the student temporary record and must include: 1. Record of release of temporary record information that includes the same information as listed above for the record of release of permanent records 2. Scores received on the State assessment tests administered in the elementary grade levels (that is, kindergarten through grade 8) 3. Completed home language survey 4. Information regarding serious disciplinary infractions (that is, those involving drugs, weapons, or bodily harm to another) that resulted in expulsion, suspension, or the imposition of punishment or sanction 5. Any final finding report received from a Child Protective Service Unit provided to the school under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act; no report other than what is required under Section 8.6 of that Act shall be placed in the student record 6. Health-related information, defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as “current documentation of a student's health information, not otherwise governed by the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act or other privacy laws, which includes identifying information, health history, results of mandated testing and screenings, medication dispensation records and logs (e.g., glucose readings), long-term medications administered during school hours, and other health-related information that is relevant to school participation, e.g., nursing services plan, failed screenings, yearly sports physical exams, interim health histories for sports” 7. Accident report, defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as “documentation of any reportable student accident that results in an injury to a student, occurring on the way to or from school or on school grounds, at a school athletic event or when a student is participating in a school program or school-sponsored activity or on a school bus and that is severe enough to cause the student not to be in attendance for one-half day or more or requires medical treatment other than first aid. The accident report shall include identifying information, nature of injury, days lost, cause of injury, location of accident, medical treatment given to the student at the time of the accident, or whether the school nurse has referred the student for a medical evaluation, regardless of whether the parent, guardian or student (if 18 years or older) or an unaccompanied homeless youth … has followed through on that request.” 8. Any documentation of a student’s transfer, including records indicating the school or school district to which the student transferred 9. Completed course substitution form for any student who, when under the age of 18, is enrolled in vocational and technical course as a substitute for a high school or graduation requirement The temporary record may include: 1. Family background information 2. Intelligence test scores, group and individual 3. Aptitude test scores 4. Reports of psychological evaluations, including information on intelligence, personality and academic information obtained through test administration, observation, or interviews 5. Elementary and secondary achievement level test results 6. Participation in extracurricular activities, including any offices held in school-sponsored clubs or organizations 7. Honors and awards received 8. Teacher anecdotal records 9. Other disciplinary information 10. Special education records 11. Records associated with plans developed under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 12. Verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies, or organizations of clear relevance to the student’s education The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois Student Records Act afford parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s school records. They are: 1. The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 15 school days of the day the District receives a request for access. The degree of access a student has to his or her records depends on the student’s age. Students less than 18 years of age have the right to inspect and copy only their permanent record. Students 18 years of age or older have access and copy rights to both permanent and temporary records. Parents/guardians or students should submit to the Building Principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) or student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The District charges $.35 per page for copying but no one will be denied their right to copies of their records for inability to pay this cost. These rights are denied to any person against whom an order of protection has been entered concerning a student (105 ILCS 5/10-22.3c and 10/5a, and 750 ILCS 60/214(b)(15).

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2. The right to have one or more scores received on college entrance examinations removed from the student's academic transcript. Parents/guardians or eligible students may have one or more scores on college entrance exams deleted from their student's academic transcript. Students often take college entrance examinations multiple times to improve their results. Test publishers provide the results from each examination taken to the student's high school. Schools must include each of these scores on the student's transcript, which may result in the academic transcript having multiple scores from a single college entrance exam. A parent/guardian or eligible student may not want certain scores to be sent to postsecondary institutions to which the student applies. The District will remove scores on college entrance examinations upon the written request of the parent/guardian or eligible student stating the name of each college entrance examination that is the subject of the request and the dates of the scores that are to be removed. 3. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent(s)/ guardian(s) or eligible student believes are inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. Parents/guardians or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. They should write the Building Principal or the Official Records Custodian, clearly identify the record they want changed, and specify the reason. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents/guardians or eligible student, the District will notify the parents/guardians or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 4. The right to permit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the FERPA or Illinois School Student Records Act authorizes disclosure without consent. Disclosure without consent is permitted to school officials with legitimate educational or administrative interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or any parent(s)/guardian(s) or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. Individual board members do not have a right to see student records merely by virtue of their office unless they have a current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student and seeing his or her record(s) would be in furtherance of the interest. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any person as specifically required by State or federal law. Before information is released to these individuals, the parents/guardians will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information, and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such records. When a challenge is made at the time the student’s records are being forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring, there is no right to challenge: (1) academic grades, or (2) references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions. Disclosure is also permitted without consent to: any person for research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that no student or parent(s)/guardian(s) can be identified; any person named in a court order; appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student. 5. The right to a copy of any school student record proposed to be destroyed or deleted. The permanent record is maintained for at least 60 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. The temporary record is maintained for at least 5 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. Temporary records that may be of assistance to a student with a disability who graduates or permanently withdraws, may, after 5 years, be transferred to the parent(s)/guardian(s) or to the student, if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Student temporary records are reviewed every 4 years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first. 6. The right to prohibit the release of directory information concerning the parent’s/ guardian’s child. Throughout the school year, the District may release directory information regarding students, limited to: Name Address Gender Grade level Birth date and place 27

Parent(s)’/guardian(s)’ names, addresses, electronic mail addresses, and telephone numbers Photographs, videos, or digital images used for informational or news-related purposes (whether by a media outlet or by the school) of a student participating in school or school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics that have appeared in school publications, such as yearbooks, newspapers, or sporting or fine arts programs Academic awards, degrees, and honors Information in relation to school sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics Major field of study Period of attendance in school Any parent/guardian or eligible student may prohibit the release of any or all of the above information by delivering a written objection to the Building Principal within 30 days of the date of this notice. No directory information will be released within this time period, unless the parents/guardians or eligible student is specifically informed otherwise. No photograph highlighting individual faces is allowed for commercial purposes, including solicitation, advertising, promotion or fundraising without the prior, specific, dated and written consent of the parent or student, as applicable; and no image on a school security video recording shall be designated as directory information. 7. The right to request that military recruiters or institutions of higher learning not be granted access to your secondary school student’s name, address, and telephone numbers without your prior written consent. Federal law requires a secondary school to grant military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon their request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers, unless the parents/guardians, or student who is 18 years of age or older, request that the information not be disclosed without prior written consent. If you wish to exercise this option, notify the Building Principal where your student is enrolled for further instructions. 8. The right contained in this statement: No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefits or make as a condition of employment, credit, or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student’s temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under State law. 9. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington DC 20202-4605

Teacher Qualifications

Parents/guardians may request information about the qualifications of their child’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including: 1. Whether the teacher has met State certification requirements; 2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status by which State licensing criteria have been waived; 3. The teacher’s college major; 4. Whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees; and 5. Whether any instructional aides or paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications. If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the administrative office.

Video Surveillance Technology

The school board authorizes the use of video cameras on district property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment. The superintendent may use video cameras in locations as deemed appropriate.

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Visitors and Conduct on School Property The following definitions apply to this policy:

School property - District and school buildings, grounds, and parking areas; vehicles used for school purposes; and any location used for a School Board meeting, school athletic event, or other school-sponsored event. Visitor - Any person other than an enrolled student or District employee. All visitors to school property are required to report to the Building Principal’s office and receive permission to remain on school property. All visitors must sign a visitors’ log, show identification, and wear a visitor’s badge. When leaving the school, visitors must return their badge. On those occasions when large groups of parents and friends are invited onto school property, visitors are not required to sign in but must follow school officials’ instructions. Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Except as provided in the next paragraph, any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member by telephone or email to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period. Requests to access a school building, facility, and/or educational program, or to interview personnel or a student for purposes of assessing the student’s special education needs, should be made at the appropriate building. Access shall be facilitated according to guidelines from the Superintendent or designee. The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on school property or at a school event. No person on school property or at a school event (including visitors, students, and employees) shall perform any of the following acts: 1. Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, a Board member, sports official or coach, or any other person. 2. Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner, or use vulgar or obscene language. 3. Unless specifically permitted by State law, possess a weapon, any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or looks like a weapon, or any dangerous device. 4. Damage or threaten to damage another’s property. 5. Damage or deface school property. 6. Violate any Illinois law, or town or county ordinance. 7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products. 8. Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or illegal drug; be present when the person’s alcohol or illegal drug consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred. 9. Use or possess medical cannabis. 10. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner). 11. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the Board. 12. Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized District employee’s directive. 13. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding. 14. Violate other District policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or District employee. 15. Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the District or a School function. 16. Taking and posting photos of students to post on social media is prohibited.

Enforcement

Any staff member may request identification from any person on school property; refusal to provide such information is a criminal act. The Building Principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who refuses to provide requested identification. Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy may be ejected from school property. The person is also subject to being denied admission to school events or meetings for up to one calendar year.

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Procedures to Deny Future Admission to School Events or Meetings Before any person may be denied admission to school events or meetings as provided in this policy, the person has a right to a hearing before the Board. The Superintendent may refuse the person admission pending such hearing. The Superintendent or designee must provide the person with a hearing notice, delivered or sent by certified mail with return receipt requested, at least 10 days before the Board hearing date. The hearing notice must contain: 1. 2. 3. 4.

The date, time, and place of the Board hearing; A description of the prohibited conduct; The proposed time period that admission to school events will be denied; and Instructions on how to waive a hearing.

Waiver of Student Fees

The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities. Some students may be unable to pay these fees. Students will not be denied educational services or academic credit due to the inability of their parent or guardian to pay fees or certain charges. Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive a fee waiver. A fee waiver does not exempt a student from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials, supplies, and/or equipment. A student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met: 1. The student currently lives in a household that meets the free lunch or breakfast eligibility guidelines established by the federal government pursuant to the National School Lunch Act; or 2. The student or the student’s family is currently receiving aid under Article IV of the Illinois Public Aid Code (Aid to Families of Dependent Children). The superintendent will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present: a. An illness in the family; b. Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.; c. Seasonal employment; d. Emergency situations; or e. When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage. The administrative center will notify the parent/guardian promptly as to whether the fee waiver request has been granted or denied. Questions regarding the fee waiver application process should be addressed to the business manager.

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Highland High School Information

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HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE “REGULAR” SCHEDULE (2:35 P.M. DISMISSAL) 7:30 A.M. - WARNING BELL - 10 MINUTES TO GET TO CLASS

First Period 7:40 - 8:35 a.m. (55 min.) Second Period 8:40 - 9:29 a.m. (49 min.) Third Period 9:34 - 10:23 a.m. (49 min.) Fourth Period 10:28 - 11:17 a.m. (49 min.) Fifth Period (55 min. classes for Lunches 1 & 3; 50 min. for Lunch 2) Lunch 1 11:17 - 11:47 a.m. (Class 11:52 a.m. - 12:47 p.m.) Lunch 2 11:47 a.m. - 12:17 p.m. (Class 11:22 - 11:47 a.m. and 12:22 - 12:47 p.m.) Lunch 3 12:17 - 12:47 p.m. (Class 11:22 a.m. - 12:17 p.m.) Sixth Period 12:52 - 1:41 p.m. (49 min.) Seventh Period 1:46 - 2:35 p.m. (49 min.) Semester Exam Schedule will be put in the announcements. HALF-DAY TEACHER IN-SERVICE DAY (11:00 a.m. Dismissal) “Teacher In-service Day” First Period 7:40 - 8:06 a.m. (26 min.) Second Period 8:10 - 8:35 a.m. (25 min.) Third Period 8:39 - 9:04 a.m. (25 min.) Fourth Period 9:08 – 9:33 a.m. (25 min.) Fifth Period 9:37 – 10:02 a.m. (25 min.) Sixth Period 10:06 - 10:31 a.m. (25 min.) Seventh Period 10:35 - 11:00 a.m. (25 min.) TEACHER WORKDAY (1:50 p.m. Dismissal)

First Period .........................7:40 - 8:25 a.m. (45 min.) Second Period.....................8:30 – 9:12 a.m. (42 min.) Third Period........................9:17 – 9:59 a.m. (42 min.) Fourth Period......................10:04 - 10:46 a.m. (42 min.) Fifth Period ........................10:51 a.m. – 12:16 p.m. (55 min. classes for Lunches 1 & 3; 50 min. for Lunch 2) Lunch 1...............................10:46 - 11:16 a.m. (Class 11:21 a.m. – 12:16 p.m.) Lunch 2 ..............................11:16 - 11:46 a.m. (Class 10:51 – 11:16 a.m. and 11:51 a.m. – 12:16 p.m.) Lunch 3............................... 11:46 a.m. - 12:16 p.m. (Class 10:51 – 11:46 a.m.) Sixth Period ........................12:21 - 1:03 p.m. (42 min.) Seventh Period ...................1:08 - 1:50 p.m. (42 min.)

Entry times for students for attendance reporting 300-minutes Standard Schedule (355 min) 8:40 a.m. Half-day (176 min) N/A Faculty Meeting (310 min.) 7:50 a.m.

150-minutes 11:25 a.m. 8:10 a.m. 10:35 a.m.

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HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL SONG Other schools have chosen colors, The violet’s dark blue, The golden of the sunshine, The spotted lily’s hue We shall own the roses’ crimson No honor shall they lack, For we’ll always be defenders, Of our chosen red and black. CHORUS Rah, rah for Highland, We’re bound to win, Fight to the finish, Never give in, You do your best, boys, We’ll do the rest, boys, Rah, Rah for Highland High. Thru the years we spend in high school ‘Mid the scenes we know so well, As the mystic charms of knowledge We vainly seek to spell; Or when in the spring they call us To win upon the track, Let us always keep before us Our colors Red and Black. And when time’s swift tide has borne us Beyond the lesson’s sway, And the old brick walls have vanished With their round of work and play; As the cares of life shall thicken, Let us turn our memories back, And renew the old time courage As we think of Red and Black.

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HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL 2017-2018 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK HIGHLAND COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5 DISTRICT MISSION The mission of Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 is to inspire and empower life-long learners. HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL MISSION Highland High School’s Mission is “Excellence in Education Every Day.” Michael Sutton, Karen Gauen, Superintendent of Schools Principal Derek Hacke Caleb Houchins, Asst. Superintendent – Instruction Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Timothy Bair, Chris Becker, Business Manager Associate Principal

This handbook is only a summary. Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 is governed by board policies, which are available to the public at the Administrative Center, 400 Broadway, Highland, IL 62249 Board action may change the current policies at any time during the year without notice, therefore, changing the provisions listed in this handbook. Should you or your child have any questions about this handbook, please contact the Administrative Center at 618-654-2106.

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2017-2018 ADMINISTRATORS, FACULTY, AND STAFF

High School Phone Number 618-654-7131 Regular Office hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Highland High School Administration

Dr. Karen Gauen, Principal and Curriculum Dr. Chris Becker, Associate Principal Mr. Caleb Houchins, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director

Secretaries

Ms. Jessica Daniels, Administrative/Athletic Dept. Secretary Mrs. Cheryl Holtzclaw, Secretary to Principal Mrs. Jami Jansen, Administrative/Attendance Secretary Mrs. Christina McGlasson, Administrative/Counseling Secretary

Guidance Counseling Department

Mrs. Mary Jackson, Counselor, Counseling, Ambassadors Program Mrs. Amber Spaeth, Counselor, Guard Dogs, SAT Testing Coordinator, Ambassadors Program Mrs. Carrie Lieberman, Counselor, SAP Team, Ambassadors Program

Student Support Personnel

TBA, School Nurse Mrs. Nancy Genteman, Media Specialist, Book Club

Custodial Staff

Mr. Joe Dant Mr. Dave Bourgeois Mrs.Tammy Hammond Mr. Nathan Braundmeier Mr. Kirk Essenpreis Mr. Tom Mettler Ms. Tracy Schumacher

FACULTY

Mrs. Holly Ayer Mrs. Rene Barr Mrs. Liza Basden Mr. Jason Basso Ms. Tina Beyer Mrs. Sarah Bland Mr. Doug Bradley Mrs. Stephanie Buchtel Mrs. Carrie Buss Mrs. Danielle Case Mr. John Case Mrs. DeAnna Dobbs Mrs. Margie Duncan Mr. Chris Durbin Mrs. Kate Eaker Mr. Matt Elledge Mr. Andy Gibb-Clark Mr. Glenn Goforth Mrs. Christy Golder

Mathematics Ag, Industrial Arts, FFA Sponsor, Livestock Team, Class of 2020 Science, Student Council Sponsor, Class of 2018 & 2020 English, Asst. Wrestling, JV Girls' Softball Social Studies, Student Council Sponsor, Department Chairperson English, Scholastic Bowl, SAP Team Social Studies, Cross Country Coach Spanish Science English, Scholastic Bowl, Drama Club Director of Bands and Ensembles Special Education Mathematics, Engineering, Department Chairperson Industrial Arts,Technology, Engineering, TSA Sponsor, Special Education, SAP Team Special Education, SAP Team Vocal Music Instrument, Madrigal Singers, Jazz Choir, Department Chairperson, Coffehouse Cabaret Special Education, SAP Team Science

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Mrs. Jody Hall Ms. Jen Harsy Mr. Joel Hawkins Mrs. Molly Hayes Mrs. Michele Heinz Mrs. Susanne Himsel Mrs. Gina Hirsch Mr. Ron Holt Mr. Brent James Mrs. Dawn Jones Mr. Larry Jones

P.E., Health Education, Department Chairperson School Psychologist, SAP Team Mathematics, Social Studies, Boys’ Varsity Baseball Coach, FCA Boys’ Sponsor P.E. Business, SAP Team, Class of 2018 English, National Honor Society, Model UN Science, Girls’ Golf Coach, Saturday Scholars Sponsor Social Studies, Model UN, Freshman Football Coach Math/Asst. Math Team/Boys Golf Family and Consumer Science, FCCLA, Class of 2019 & 2021 Agriculture, Industrial Arts, Vocational Director, FFA Sponsor, Department Chairperson-Vocational/Business, Consumer Science, and SAP Team Mrs. Valerie Kimmle Math, Math Team Sponsor Mr. Steve Konopka Social Worker, GuardDogs Sponsor, SAP Team, BAHA Program, CPI Trainer Mrs. Brenda Korte Special Education Mrs. Khourtney Lowder Special Education Mrs. Susan Martz English, Yearbook Sponsor Mr. David Miscik Math, Freshman Baseball Coach TBA Medical Occupations, Future Medical Careers Club Sponsor Mrs. Melissa Perkes Business-Web Design, FBLA Mrs. Jodie Ramsey Science, Department Chairperson Ms. Kim Romero English Mr. Don Schmitz Agriculture, Industrial Arts, FFA Sponsor Mrs. Kristie Simmons Science, Science and Senior Olympiad Sponsor, WYSE Mrs. Claire Sylvies Special Education Mrs. Gayla Stirewalt Special Education, SAP Team Mr. Todd Strong Social Studies Mr. Keith Toennies Individual Student Services Supervisor Mrs. Karen Twyford Spanish, Prom Coordinator, FCA Sponsor Mr. Max Uhls Math Mr. Bob Vance Business Education Mrs. Hilary Wagenblast Spanish, National Honor Society, Saturday Scholars Sponsor, SAP Team, Spanish Club Mrs. Laura Wander-Vrell Art, National Art Honors Society, Spectrum Club Mr. Jim Warnecke P. E. Mr. Sam Weber Social Studies Mr. Austin Welz Special Education

Coaching Staff Athletic Director Athletic Secretary Athletic Trainer

Mr. Caleb Houchins Mrs. Jessica Daniels Mrs. Erin Hoepfner

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Fall Sports Coaching Staff

Cheerleading - Football - Sideline Squad Head Coach Ms. Casey Driemeyer [email protected] Asst. Coach Ms. Sarah Eilers [email protected] Cross Country (boys/girls) Head Coach Mr. Doug Bradley [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Bob Vance [email protected] Football Head Coach Asst. Coach

Mr. Jim Warnecke Jr. Mr. Gary Kharibian Jr.

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[email protected] [email protected]

Asst.Coach Mr. Derek Rolfingsmeier [email protected] JV Coach Mr. Riley Litzenburg [email protected] JV Coach Mr. Brendon Delaney [email protected] Frosh Coach Mr. Ron Holt [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Jim Warnecke, Sr. Asst. Coach Mr. Steve Lanxon [email protected] Golf (boys) Head Coach Asst. Coach

Mr. Brent James Mr. Brendan Bargetzi

[email protected] [email protected]

Golf (girls) Head Coach Mrs. Gina Hirsch [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Brendan Bargetzi [email protected] Soccer (boys) Head Coach Mr. Josh Oswald [email protected] JV. Coach Mr. Brian Lammers [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Brent Knebel [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Scott Cloin [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Bob Nave [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Josh Ammann [email protected] Tennis (girls) Head Coach Mr. Matt Pellock [email protected] Volleyball Head Coach Mrs. Katelyn Hagerty [email protected] Asst. Coach Ms. Kristin Torre Freshman Coach Ms. Karen Twyford [email protected]

Winter Sports Coaching Staff

Basketball (boys) Head Coach Mr. Brian Perkes [email protected] JV Coach Mr. Todd Strong [email protected] Freshman Coach Mr. Austin Welz [email protected] Basketball (girls) Head Coach Mr. Mike Arbuthnot [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Clint Hamilton [email protected] Freshman Coach Mr. Brett Pollard Bowling (boys/ girls) Head Coach Mrs. Laura Wander-Vrell [email protected] Asst. Coach Ms. Pam Schrumpf [email protected] Cheerleading- (Basketball & Competition Squad) Head Coach Mrs. Angie Fears [email protected] JV Coach Ms. Leah Nungesser [email protected] JV Coach Mrs. Shellie Stalter Asst. Coach Mrs. Marilyn Bloemker [email protected] Asst. Coach Mrs. Terry Aebischer [email protected] Asst. Coach Ms. Chelsey Kantner [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Richard Campbell Dance Head Coach Ms. Emily Wellen [email protected] Asst. Coach Ms. Whitney Zobrist [email protected] 39

Wrestling Head Coach Mr. Terry Ohren [email protected] Asst.Coach Mr. Jason Basso [email protected]

Spring Sports Coaching Staff

Baseball Head Coach Mr. Joel Hawkins [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Sam Weber [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Dave Miscik [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Derek Reckman Soccer (girls) Head Coach Mr. Josh Oswald [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Chris Frey [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Bob Nave [email protected] Asst.Coach Mr. Jake Stieb Softball Head Coach Mr. Greg Exton [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Jason Basso [email protected] Tennis (boys) Head Coach Mr. Matt Pellock [email protected] Track (boys) Head Coach Mr. Bob Vance [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Dave Giger [email protected] Track (girls) Head Coach Mrs. Erin Cotto [email protected] Asst. Coach Mr. Dave Giger [email protected]

Class, Club, & Activity Sponsors

Student Activity Director – Caleb Houchins, HHS Assistant Principal

Class Sponsors



Class of 2018 - Liza Basden & Michelle Heinz Class of 2019 - Dawn Jones & Jodie Ramsey Class of 2020 - Rene Barr & Liza Basden Class of 2021 – Dawn Jones & TBA

Clubs & Activities

Ambassadors Program Mary Jackson/Amber Spaeth/CarrieLieberman Band John Case Book Club Nancy Genteman Cabaret Andy Gibb Clark Chess Team Nic Weiss Chorus/Madrigal Director Andy Gibb Clark Color Guard Naastacia Harrell Drama Club Danielle Case Fall Play Evan Fifer Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Dawn Jones Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA Joel Hawkin/Karen Twyford Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Melissa Perkes/Michelle Heinz Future Farmers of America (FFA Larry Jones/Don Schmitz/Rene Barr Future Medical Careers Club (FMCC) Stephanie O’Brian

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Homecoming Dance & Spirit Week Activities Tina Beyer & Liza Basden Jazz Choir Andy Gibb Clark Guard Dogs Steve Konopka/Amber Spaeth Livestock Team Rene Barr Math Team Valerie Kimmle & Brent James Model United Nations Ron Holt and Susanne Himsel National Art Honors Society Laura Wander-Vrell National Honor Society (NHS) Hilary Wagenblast and Susanne Himsel Prom Coordinator Karen Twyford Saturday Scholars Hilary Wagenblast/Gina Hirsch Scholar Bowl Danielle Case/Sarah Bland Senior Olympiad Kristie Simmons Science Olympiad Kristie Simmons Spanish Club Hilary Wagenblast Spring Musical Evan Fifer Spectrum Alliance Danielle Case/Laura Wander-Vrell Student Council Tina Beyer & Liza Basden Technology Student Association (TSA) Chris Durbin Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Kristie Simmons Yearbook Susie Martz  

Academic Ethics

 

HHS Academic Integrity Policy and Consequences

Highland High School is committed to working with our community to provide education that empowers our students to demonstrate positive character, ethical decision-making and effective problem solving skills within a rigorous academic environment. HHS supports the district’s Very Important Principles (VIP), as these principles encourage our students and staff to demonstrate character that embodies honesty, accountability, integrity, ethical citizenship, respectful relationships and responsibility. The acceptance of responsibility is ensuring that all academic work, projects, assessments, exams, grades and academic recognition of any kind are a direct reflection of one’s own abilities, knowledge, skills, talents and academic growth. Collaboration is an important component of HHS’s academic environment. It is a way to encourage sharing of ideas and abilities to promote the academic growth of all members of the learning community. Working independently is also a productive way for students to learn. It’s critically important that students learn how to work together and how to work independently. Collaboration, or “working together,” will be specifically authorized by teachers when they assign student work or assessments. Unless specifically authorized by the teacher, students are expected to complete work and assessments independently. If an assignment requires the student to work independently, then “working together” becomes a form of cheating. Whether working independently or collaboratively, all students are responsible for the quality and integrity of the work submitted. If clarification or assistance is needed on an assignment, the student is responsible for seeking timely assistance from a teacher prior to the due date of the assignment. Submission of an assignment or assessment indicates the student understood the expectations and did not require further assistance. Webster defines cheating as “using unfair or dishonest methods to gain an advantage; engaging in fraud or trickery.” Plagiarism is defined as “pass[ing] off [the ideas or words of another] as one’s own; use [of another’s product] without crediting the source. To commit literary theft: present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.”

Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy include but are not limited to: • • • • • •

“Working together” on an independent project/assignment/assessment Plagiarism Using any electronic device without teacher permission (i. e., phones, graphing calculators, computers, smart watches, electronics that take pictures/recordings/store or access information) in testing areas Obtaining/providing an unfair advantage; receiving credit for skills/ knowledge not possessed or demonstrated (i. e., sharing test questions) Copying material/computer files/work/assessments from others Allowing student(s) to copy materials/computer files/work/assessments

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• • • • • •

Self-plagiarism or multiple submissions of work for different classes Fabrication – receiving credit for cited work in which the information has been falsified by the student Using unauthorized notes, aids or written material during a test Talking or communicating during a test Forgery of signature Taking/using/accessing/sharing unauthorized material (i. e. tests, quiz questions, etc.)

• • • • • • •

Exercise academic integrity in all aspects of their work View the school’s Academic Integrity PowerPoint Discuss the Academic Integrity Policy with parent, sign and return to teacher Prepare sufficiently for all types of assessments Seek extra help from teachers when needed Avoid engaging in cheating, plagiarizing, and lying Use sources in the prescribed manner

• • • • •

Develop, model, and sustain ethical practices within the classroom setting Report violations of the Academic Integrity Policy to administrators When needed, serve on Restorative Practices Committee for class violations Confer with those who violate the Academic Integrity Policy Contact the student’s parent/guardian regarding a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy

• •

Discuss the Academic Integrity Policy with their child to ensure understanding Sign the Academic Integrity Policy after discussing with their student (PowerPoint available for parent viewing on HHS webpage) Encourage their child to maintain high standards with regard to integrity, honesty, and personal responsibility Support faculty and administration in enforcing Academic Integrity Policy

Responsibilities of Students:

Responsibilities of Teachers:

Responsibilities of Parents:

• •

Responsibility of Administrators: • • • • •

Ensure that the faculty, students and parents receive the Academic Integrity Policy (on high school web page or English class) Help contribute to a school-wide environment that encourages adherence to the Academic Integrity Policy Require teachers to enforce the Academic Integrity Policy Maintain accurate records of Academic Integrity Policy violations in PowerSchool Ensure that the Academic Integrity Policy is applied consistently

Two Pathways for Consequences of Plagiarism or Cheating (student choice):

1. Pathway 1 Consequences: • A zero for the assignment (homework is teacher’s discretion; multiple or serious infractions handled by administration) • Behavior consequences may range from detention to out of school suspension; possible suspension or removal from honor societies, leadership positions and activities • Parents are notified of academic misconduct by teacher and administration • Juniors and Seniors required to take final exam in the class with academic integrity violation 2. Pathway 2 Consequences: • Student admits academic integrity violation and chooses restorative practices (the ability to repair harm, learn from mistake) • Student presents academic integrity violation to the Restorative Practices Committee (RPC) of staff members -- i.e., administrator(s), teacher(s) (including classroom teacher where violation occurred), counselor(s)/social worker(s); student given opportunity to “repair harm” and demonstrate he/she has “learned from mistake” • Retake/re-submit a replacement assignment or exam for up to half credit • Serve four after school sessions with RPC members • Parents notified of the academic misconduct by the administration • Possible suspension or removal from honor societies, leadership positions and activities • Juniors and Seniors required to take final exam in class with academic integrity violation

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Important: Restorative practices may be used only twice in a student’s high school career. Repeated acts of plagiarism or cheating may result in a student receiving a failing grade for the assignment and could result in additional behavior consequences as determined by the building principal including but not limited to: individualized student services (ISS), STOP or out-of-school suspension. Students with several violations of the academic integrity policy may also jeopardize eligibility for school recognition, honors and/or eligibility for school related scholarships. Administrators reserve the right to consider extenuating circumstances when determining consequences. Students who assist/enable students to cheat and/or plagiarize will be subject to academic violation consequences. Materials to be used for restorative practices may include online sources and portions from the following texts: Doing Honest Work in College: How to Prepare Citations, Avoid Plagiarism, and Achieve Real Academic Success, Second Edition (Chicago Guides to Academic Life). Author: Lipson, Charles. Creating a Culture of Academic Integrity: A Toolkit for Secondary Schools. Author: Wangaard EdD, David. Dual-credit courses have separate policies that also need to be followed by students enrolled in those classes. The school’s Academic Integrity Policy can be found on the high school webpage, in English class or in the high school office. In addition, the HHS Plagiarism PowerPoint is posted on the HHS webpage. Portions of this policy come from Academic Integrity Policies from other high schools, including: Carl Sandburg (IL); Bradley-Bourbonnais (IL); Springbrook (MD) and Palo Alto (CA).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements are read to all first period classes over the intercom. The announcements are also posted outside the main office. Extra copies are available at the information center and online.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT/STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Eligibility

Highland High School is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). Highland High School belongs to the 19th Legislative District of the 7th Administrative Division of the IHSA. The IHSA serves to provide leadership for the development, supervision, and promotion of good sportsmanship in interscholastic competition. The IHSA Constitution and By-Laws have been voted into effect by IHSA member schools. As an approved member school, HHS has agreed to abide by each article of the IHSA Constitution (1.00 Constitution, 2.00 School By-Laws, 3.00 Athletic Eligibility By-Laws, 4.00 Non-Athletic Eligibility By-Laws, 5.00 Sport Season By-Laws, 6.00 Protest Penalty By-Laws). The high school principal serves Highland High School as the official representative to the IHSA. You can find more IHSA information in the Student/Parent Handbook online at www.highlandcusd5.org. Any questions concerning athletic eligibility should be referred to the high school building principal and/or athletic director.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT STUDENT ACTIVITY PHILOSOPHY/CODE OF CONDUCT

Philosophy

Student athletic programs shall be considered a supplement to the district’s educational programs and participation is considered a vital part of the student’s educational experiences. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, the athletic program, the student body, the community and the student themselves. In turn, the program has a responsibility to the athlete to work and develop their skills to the best of the athlete’s capabilities. This individual development is found to be an important component in creating a successful athletic program. These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to make maximum use of the student’s education. The Board of Education shall approve the appointment of coaches in all athletic programs on an annual basis prior to the beginning of the school year. The High School and Middle School Coaches and Athletic Directors will collaborate to develop a consistent program. This collaboration is intended to build and develop the individual athletic programs, with a goal of reaching team success at the High School Varsity level. There may be factors that impose a limitation on the number of students that can be accommodated in specific programs. If the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that is unmanageable, then reducing team size may be necessary. The number of teams and size of the squad in any program will be determined by

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factors that include the following: a safe environment, qualified coaches, suitable facilities, and financial resources. The coaches will have the responsibility of choosing their team with the Athletic Directors overseeing the selection process. Playing time is dependent on the coach, and winning is valued, but at the lower levels, playing time should be considered. This will help to develop the skills of the athlete, and to better prepare the athletes for Varsity sports. Student athletes in all programs, regardless of level, are expected to be committed and give a full effort to practice and game sessions, as well as maintain a positive and cooperative attitude. Participation by student athletes in any program will be subject to the coach’s consideration of academic grades, behavioral issues, attendance, abilities, and performance.

Highland High School Programs

High School programs shall develop student athletes to ultimately compete at the Varsity level. Freshman and Sophomore teams will build on the development and instruction that took place at the Middle School. These teams shall continue to develop student athletes by promoting skills and character development. Junior Varsity teams are the final step before Varsity athletics. The Junior Varsity programs will further build on the development and instruction that took place at the previous levels. The JV program will also continue the implementation of the program’s philosophy and strategies. Varsity teams are the final level of competition available to student athletes. At the Varsity level, the outcome of the contests shall be a primary concern for the coaches and their staff. The goal for Varsity teams shall be to win conference, regional, and state titles. • • • • • •

Objectives of Athletics

To provide a positive image of school athletics at Highland High School To ensure growth and development of the athletic program To provide opportunities that will allow the program to serve as a model where students may cope with problems, and handle situations similar to those encountered later in life To provide opportunity for team play with the development of such commitments as loyalty, cooperation, fair play, and other desirable social traits To develop an understanding of the value of athletics in a balanced educational process

School Code of Conduct Purpose

This code has been adopted by the Board of Education of Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 and applies to all students in grades 9-12 who desire to participate in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities. This code applies every day of the year, all seasons. The athletic/activities code encourages students to make responsible and ethical decisions. With that in mind, students are expected to leave a party or gathering where illegal activities (i.e., theft, underage drinking, illegal drug use, etc.) are occurring. Remember the code of conduct is enforced 365 days a year. The Board of Education believes the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other performance altering substances by a student who participates in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities, when not prescribed for the student for a particular and appropriate medical purpose, presents a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the student and to those with whom the student participates or competes. The Board of Education also believes that students should be held to high standards of conduct with regard to other prohibited behaviors as detailed in our Highland High School Behavior Chart. Any student that is involved in acts of gross disobedience and misconduct will be subjected to the same penalties outlined in this code of conduct. These acts may include, but are not limited to: fighting; the use, possession, distribution, or attempted distribution of any tobacco products and/or illegal/ nonprescription drugs; the setting off of a fire alarm; and/or the possession/use or threat to use a weapon. The Board of Education has determined participation in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities is a privilege, not a right. With the privilege to participate goes certain responsibilities. If a student fails to comply with the terms of this policy, the privilege to participate in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and/or student activities may be lost in accordance with the terms of this policy. It is the sincere intent of the Board of Education to establish a policy that encourages students to practice good health habits and appropriate responsible behavior. The Board of Education has attempted to adopt a policy that protects the safety and integrity of the student body as well as the participants in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities. Definitions and IHSA rules can be found online in the unabridged parent/student handbook.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and success in education. Regular attendance is essential if a student is to make use of the educational opportunities the school offers. Regular attendance develops dependability and responsibility in the student and contributes to academic achievement. Parents, guardians, or those having legal custody or control of students are responsible for their children’s regular school attendance. Student absenteeism should be kept to the minimum; however, some absences are unavoidable and classified as excused absences. Absences shall be excused only for the following reasons:

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A. B. C. D. E. F.

personal illness (Written verification of illness from a physician licensed to practice medicine may be requested.) bereavement/funeral quarantine/homebound family emergencies observance of religious holidays written requests approved in advance by an administrator (Removing students from school for vacation trips is discouraged.) All other absences shall be considered unexcused and interpreted as truancy. Students shall be given the opportunity to make up school work missed due to excused absence. Students will not be released from school at other than the regular dismissal times without prior written approval from the building principal or assistant principal. No student will be released from school to any person other than the custodial parent/ guardian without the written or oral permission of the custodial parent/guardian. All students must be in attendance for a half day in the afternoon or receive prior administrative approval for the absence in order to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity. Emergency situations shall be given due consideration. A student at Highland High School must take seven classes to be considered a full-time student.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

ABSENCES Our mission at the high school is to increase student achievement. To accomplish this, we believe the school administration and faculty must work closely with the parents/guardians of our students. For your child to learn and perform at his or her maximum potential, he or she must be physically present daily. Please do what you can to assist us in getting your child to school on a regular basis. Students who are absent all day or any portion thereof must have their parent/guardian call the high school office (618) 654-7131, by 9:00 a.m. or bring a signed and dated note from their parent/guardian upon their return to school. This note must include the reason for the absence, the parent’s signature, and the home or work phone number where parents may be reached. Students will not be required to provide a written excuse upon returning to school for an absence due to observance of a religious holiday. All notes will be spot checked by the school for authenticity. The administration will determine if the absence is excused, unexcused, truant, or pending EXCUSED - Excused passes will be issued for personal illness, attendance at funerals, professional appointments (doctor/dentist), observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergencies, college days other situations beyond the control of the student and as determined by the Board of Education, or other such circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for the safety or health of the student. Excused work may be made up within a reasonable time. Usually this means one day for each day absent. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher concerning make-up work after an absence for any reason. UNEXCUSED - The reason given for the absence was unacceptable. The student will not be allowed to make up work missed because of the absence. Unexcused absences may result in poor academic achievement. Absences may be cleared in the high school office. All absences are considered unexcused until cleared in the office. Parents have 48 hours to clear an absence. Students may clear absences with parent phone calls to the office on the day of the absence or by bringing a note from parents on the return to HHS following an absence from school for any reason.TIME LIMIT - Students/parents have 48 hours upon the return to school to get an absence excused. TRUANT - an unauthorized absence from classes for any period of time and/or leaving the building or campus with out both parental and administrative approval. PENDING - Means more information is needed to make a decision on the absence. 1. Once a student missed 10 school days, he or she will be required to present medical documentation to receive an excused absence at Highland High School. 2. All absences are considered unexcused until cleared by the attendance officer or the high school office. The time limit to clear an absence is 48 hours. 3. An administrator will be in the commons every day before school to clear absences from the previous day. Students are encouraged to check in daily before school to clear the absence from the previous day. 4. Parents are requested to contact the school prior to a planned absence, i.e., vacation, trips, college visits, etc. It is the responsibility of the student to inform his or her instructor(s) in advance of this type of absence and arrange for make-up work to be completed. Parents/guardians must supply the school with advanced notice in writing for planned absences including the reason(s) and dates of the absence. 5. For accountability reasons, students arriving late to school must report to the high school office, sign in, state their name, reason for tardiness, and time of arrival. If a consistent pattern of late arrival develops, parents will be notified,

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6. 7. 8. 9.

and students will be written up for truancy. Tardiness of 11 unexcused minutes or more will be considered a truancy violation. Students must be in attendance for six class periods to be considered in attendance one full day. A student must be in attendance for three class periods (excluding lunch) to be considered in attendance one half day. Effective school research shows that good attendance directly affects student achievement. Student attendance records become part of your permanent record at Highland High School. Students will be given one day for each day missed to make up work. Students at Highland High School must take seven (7) classes or be in attendance 300 minutes per day to be considered a full-time student.

COLLEGE/CAREER DAY ABSENCES 1. Students are allowed a total of TWO college/career days during their junior and senior years. 2. College/Career days must be scheduled at least one-week in advance through the HHS School Counseling Department. A signed permission slip from parent(s)/guardian(s) is required. 3. The student will provide the high school a completed verification form from the college/career school upon return and submit to the School Counseling Department. 4. Students should check with their teachers in advance to secure any assignments. 5. No college/career days will be approved after May 1st. 6. Under normal conditions, a student will be limited to TWO college/career visits. Special cases will be considered by administrators. 7. College/career days are excused absences and do not count against final exams. 8. Administration will limit the number of students allowed on a college/career visits on any one day. 9. After attending the College/Career Day, students should return this form or an official form provided from the college/ career school to the HHS School Counseling Office for review within 48 hours of returning to school. COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGE INCREASES This bill increases the compulsory school age from 16 to 17 years of age.

BEHAVIOR LADDER

Because the Board of Education is entrusted with protecting the safety, health, and welfare of the students, staff, and property of the School District, it may be necessary at times to provide consequences for students whose conduct affects the well-being of the schools. In accordance with constitutional due process and statutory requirements, the Board of Education may suspend or expel students from school and from the school bus for acts of gross disobedience or misconduct and otherwise maintain behavior in the schools. Only the Board of Education may determine to expel a student from school or from the school bus. The superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and associate principal may suspend students from school or the school bus for up to ten (10) school days. Suspensions or expulsions of students shall occur in compliance with procedural regulations to be promulgated and implemented by the administration of the district. Consequence measures other than suspension or expulsion shall be determined by the administration and established in general regulations governing student behavior.

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5 10 DAY OSS/POSSIBLE REFERRAL FOR EXPULSION 4 OSS/STOP 3 ISS INDIVIDUALIZED STUDENT SERVICES 7:40 A.M. - 2:35 P.M. DAILY PARTIAL OR FULL-DAY

2 60 MINUTE DETENTION HALL LUNCHES: MONDAY – FRIDAY BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL: TO BE ARRANGED WITH HHS MAIN OFFICE *MISSED 60 MINUTE DETENTION BECOMES 3 PERIODS OF ISS 1 30 MINUTE DETENTION HALL LUNCHES: MONDAY – FRIDAY BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL: TO BE ARRANGED WITH HHS MAIN OFFICE *MISSED 30 MINUTE DETENTION BECOMES 60 MINUTE DETENTION

BASE LEVEL - TEACHER/DEPARTMENT INTERVENTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher Assigned __________________________________________ Detention __________________________________________ Conference __________________________________________

BEHAVIOR INFRACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

The administration reserves the right to determine appropriate consequences for offenses which are not contained in the following list. Similarly, the administration reserves the right on a case-by-case basis to deviate from the specified behavior consequences when such deviations are determined to be necessary for the proper and safe operation of our school. Consequences may include: Detention, Individualized Student Services (ISS), Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), and STOP Alternative Placement, and/or expulsion.

Level I.

School-Wide Infractions Any behaviors that disrupt classroom or the school day in any way. Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that: • poses a threat or danger to the safety of other students, staff, or school property • constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function • is disruptive to the school environment Examples of these types of behavior(s): Any behaviors deemed inappropriate in the classroom or school, Abuse of school pass/away from assigned area, Academic dishonesty, Argumentative with staff, Bullying, Cafeteria misconduct, Cell phones, Cheating/forgery/perjury, Computer usage, Dangerous action, Deliberately disobeying a teacher or staff, Defacing school property, Defiance, Detour on a school pass, Disrespect (disrespectful behaviors include insulting others, name calling, and/or any behaviors verbal or in writing that are abusive or derogatory in nature.), Dress code violation, Electronic paging devices, Failed to serve teacher assigned detention, Forgery, Gambling, Gang related activities, Headgear, hoodies, or bandanas are not permitted (except on spirit days), He said/ she said rumors, Horseplay (pushing, shoving, etc.), ID badge not worn, Insubordination (willful failure to respond to and carry out the directions of an administrator or other school personnel), iPods, Lack of cooperation, Lasers, Lighters, Littering, Locker switching (changing lockers without permission or not using assigned lockers), Loitering in parking lot, Mischief, Negative attitude, Obscenity or profanity (in verbal, picture, or written form), Plagiarism, Public display of affection, Racial slurs or remarks, Removable chains, Rude and discourteous, Stolen property of others, Sunglasses not allowed to be worn in

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the building, Uncooperative with staff, Unprepared for class, Vandalism, Wearing/possessing clothing depicting drugs/alcohol /tobacco/sexually inappropriate messages or clothes with holes in inappropriate places will not be tolerated. Level II. Late Arrival To School This category will be used for students who show a pattern of constantly arriving late to school. Level III. Tardies Tardy will be defined as the student’s failure to be in his or her assigned seat when the tardy bell rings. Department or teacher assigned detentions may be used by teachers before students get on the chart in this level. Level IV. Truancy Will be defined as the act of an unauthorized absence from classes for any period of time and/or leaving the building or campus without parental and administrative permission. Truancy will be used primarily for skipping a class or school. All absences are considered unexcused until cleared by the attendance officer or the high school office. Parents should contact the high school office before 9:00 a.m. on the day of an absence. In addition, students can also bring a note signed by the parent or guardian upon returning to school indicating the reason for the absence, to be turned into the office. Parents have 48 hours to clear an absence from school. Once a student has missed 10 school days, he or she will be required to present medical documentation to receive an excused absence at Highland High School. Level V. Tobacco The possession, use, or distribution of, or any attempt to use or distribute, any tobacco products anywhere on school property will result in a referral. State law prohibits tobacco products on school property. Level VI. Bus Misconduct Any behavior specifically prohibited on the bus. Students must follow all bus rules for the safety and welfare of everyone on school buses. If students are removed from the school bus for behavior reasons, they are still required to attend school. Level VII. Vehicle Infractions All motor vehicles parked on school property must display a valid parking sticker. City tickets and loss of driving privileges to school may result if students violate parking regulations on school proper-ty. Violations include no parking permit, no parking permit displayed, illegal parking, loitering, parking in an unauthorized area, and/or reckless driving. Students who are not making good choices may lose driving privileges. Level VIII. Serious Infractions Destroying (school property or property of others), fighting (fighting with, or any assault of another student). Police notified, with possible police action for disorderly conduct or breech of the peace on school property. Possession of a pocketknife, sexting, sexual harassment (any unwanted physical contact, indecent exposure, depantsing/disrobing self or others), any threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior, serious disrespect, serious bullying or continued bullying, serious computer infractions, student pranks, and other serious infractions deemed inappropriate by the school administration. Stealing (school property or property of others). Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that: • poses a threat or danger to the safety of other students, staff, or school property • constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function • is disruptive to the school environment Consequences: Up to 10 days ISS/OSS/STOP + Possible Recommendation of Expulsion

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Level IX. Severe Infractions Possession, use, or distribution of, or any attempt to use or distribute marijuana/cannabis/k2/Spice Diamond/Cloud 9/Genie/ Skunk/synthetic marijuana/fake weed, any illegal or controlled substance, including alcohol, drugs or any look-a-like drug, and/ or possession of any drug use products (paraphernalia) like pipes etc. that have any illegal drug residue, used (or possessed) other specifically prohibited item, and refusal to take a breathalyzer test. This level also includes setting off the fire alarm and/ or tampering with fire extinguishers, sexual assault, or other very severe disruptive behaviors (endangering of the physical or psychological well-being of school personnel or students by con-duct or actions, including, but not limited to, starting or attempting to start, a fire on school property, any assault of school personnel, and any form of mob action). Consequences: Up to 10 days ISS/OSS/STOP + Possible Recommendation for Expulsion Level X. Weapons Possession/using/threatening to use any firearm, guns, rifles, b.b. guns, explosives (and setting off, or attempting to set off, explosive devices on school property), knives, shotguns, brass knuckles, billy clubs, or “look-alikes” of such weapons. Items such as smaller knives, chains, clubs, baseball bats, pipes, bottles, sticks, locks, pencils/pens also constitute weapons if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm. Consequences: Up to 10 days ISS/OSS/STOP + Possible Recommendation for Expulsion Possible. Police will be notified for possible criminal charges. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 1. This behavior infraction and consequences chart applies to all Highland High School students on all HCUSD property and all HHS school sponsored events even at other locations. 2. If no seats are available in the ISS room or the (STOP) Short Term Option Program for students to serve their incurred consequences, the student(s) may receive the same number of days out-of-school suspension with full academic credit for school work completed. All school work is due the first day back to HHS or sooner. Administration may also explore alternative options if needed. 3. Parents may request a consequence be increased to the next more severe consequence than the one listed on the chart. Example: OSS/STOP can be requested instead of ISS. This does not move the student across the chart. 4. Students are required to serve time for time for detentions, using time sheets with administrative approval, contingent upon improvement of the student’s behavior. 5. Students removed from the ISS room for sleeping or violating school rules will receive 1 day OSS/STOP and ISS rescheduled. 6. Parents may contact the school administration with any questions regarding the Highland High School behavior program by calling 654-7131.

CAFETERIA ETIQUETTE

The lunch room management appreciates every student’s cooperation. All students should display good manners at all times and should always return trays, utensils, and litter to the proper areas. Students should leave the table and floor around their place clean for others. The last person at the table is responsible for litter others leave. Any refusal to cooperate will mean that appropriate action will be taken.

CELL PHONES/COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS/ INTERNET SAFETY

The use of electronic devices and other technology at school is a privilege, not a right. Students are prohibited from using electronic devices, except as provided herein. An electronic device includes, but is not limited to, the following: cell phone, smart phone, audio or video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), ipod, ipad, laptop computer, tablet computer or other similar electronic device. Pocket pagers and other paging devices are not allowed on school property at any time, except with the express permission of the building principal. During instructional time, which includes class periods, electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight unless: (a) permission is granted by an administrator, teacher, or school staff member; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals. Students are allowed to use electronic devices during “common time” or non-instructional time, which is defined as before and after school, during passing periods, and during the student’s lunch period.

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Electronic devices may never be used in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, violates student conduct rules or violates the rights of others. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: (1) using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms; (2) cheating; and (3) creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction or non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images (i.e., sexting). The school and school district are not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any electronic device brought to school. Electronic devices are subject to the following rules: • They must be kept out of sight and in an inconspicuous location, such as a backpack, purse, hanging file folder, or locker. Electronics devices must be turned off or set to silent or quiet mode during the school day. • Students may not use mobile electronic devices in the classroom unless it is teacher approved and/or a planned portion of the learning activity. Use of mobile electronic devices during school hours is regulated by specified times and locations such as the hallway during passing periods and commons before school, at lunch, and after school. • Emergency use of a cell phone, when at all possible, should have prior approval from a school administrator or staff member. • Inappropriate use will result in consequences, and may result in the loss of the privilege of using the electronic device at school. Any student who uses a cell phone or any other electronic device for cheating will receive consequences per the behavior ladder. • Cell phones, cameras, or any electronic devices used to harass or bully students’ or harass school personnel will result in consequences and shall result in losing the privilege of using the device at school. • Cell phones, cameras, or any electronic devices shall not be used by students to take still photos or videos of other students or district employees without prior consent of the student(s) or employee(s). Violation of this policy will result in consequences and loss of the privilege of using the device at school. No still photos or video tapes of students or district employees may be used for public display, or on any internet website without written consent of the administration. • Students who refuse to give up their electronic device when asked by a staff member will face consequences for insubordination. • Students who have had their phone banned from school and are required to check it in the office and are found to have their device on their person may also be written up for insubordination. • Electronic devices should not be used during Floating Focused Tutor Time without teacher permission. Each district computer and student-owned device with Internet access shall use the school server that has a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the superintendent or designee. The superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filter device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the superintendent or system administrator. The superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy’s implementation plan to address the following: a. limiting student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials; b. student safety and security when using electronic communications; c. limiting unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities; and d. limiting unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information 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 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. Cell Phone Violations: Administrators will follow the behavior ladder. Consequences may include one or more of the following if warranted: warning, detentions, ISS, STOP, and OSS. Repeat offenders will not be allowed to bring their phones to school. Steps on the consequences chart may be adjusted due to the severity of the infraction. First Offense-Written Warning-The electronic device will be confiscated by school personnel, sent to the office, anlogged. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified via email of the referral. The student is allowed to pick up the electronic device in office at the end of the school day. Second Offense-30 minute detention-The electronic device will be confiscated by school personnel, sent to the office, and logged. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified via phone or email and required to pick up the electronic device in the HHS Office between 7:15am and 4:00pm.

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Third Offense-Full Day ISS-The electronic device will be confiscated by school personnel, sent to the office, and logged. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified via phone or email and required to pick up the electronic device in the HHS Office between 7:15am and 4:00pm. Student will need to leave the electronic device at home or check the device in the office for a time period that may include the rest of the school year. Fourth Offense and Beyond- The electronic device will be confiscated by school personnel, sent to the office, and logged. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified via phone or email and required to pick up the electronic device in the HHS Office between 7:15am and 4:00pm. Administrators will follow the behavior ladder and consequences may include one or more of the following: ISS, STOP, OSS, or other consequences deemed appropriate. Student will need to leave the electronic device at home or check the device in the office for the remained of the school year.

ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES

Students may not use or possess electronic paging devices or two-way radios on school property at any time, unless the building principal specifically grants permission. Electronic study aids may be used during the school day if: 1. use of the device is provided in the student’s IEP, 2. permission is received from the student’s teacher, or 3. use does not cause disruption to the educational environment or will otherwise violate student conduct rules. Students at no time should take pictures or videos of students or school personnel during school time or school functions.

COMPUTER USE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Student Rules for Using HHS Labs: 1. A student may only be in a lab when a teacher is present. 2. To use the computer labs during Focused Tutor Time, a student must have a pass from his or her classroom teacher. 3. Acceptable use-access to the district’s internet connection must be the purpose of education or research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the district. Students are not allowed to play games on the computer or store music, wastefully using resources, such as file space. 4. The student is responsible for the workstation he or she occupies in terms of damage and clean up. No part of the computer or computer workstation should be removed. IMMEDIATELY report any problems to the teacher. 5. Absolutely no food or drink in the labs at any time. 6. No personal or commercial disks are to be brought in the labs unless approved by the teacher and scanned for viruses. 7. The power sources and teacher workstations are strictly off limits. Never disconnect cords or turn off the power switch to your computer OR TO ANYONE ELSE’S COMPUTER. 8. Printer copy costs will be 10 cents each unless specifically authorized by a teacher for class use. 9. The student is responsible for keeping his or her password secret and for changing the password as needed. The security of the files is the student’s responsibility. 10. The student is allowed access to his or her student folder and those applications only. NEVER use another student’s password or student folder. NEVER access teacher/system operator folders. 11. Any information in a student folder is that student’s responsibility; any inappropriate information may result in consequences. Any information in an individual student folder is NOT private information. The systems administrators may check files if necessary. 12. Using school email or the Internet may be restricted by the teacher when deemed necessary. 13. Students are not allowed to write, send, or reply to mass mailings in the email system. 14. To have access to the Internet at HHS, a student must: a. be trained. b. have parents read and sign the Internet rules sheet. c. read and sign the Internet rules sheet. d. have his or her ID punched to indicate Internet access. 15. Teachers may implement additional rules for their specific classes. All HHS rules and guidelines still apply. 16. Students are not allowed access to email accounts from school computers. 17. Consequences for computer related infractions range from detention to out-of-school suspension and loss of computer privileges for one school year. 18. Printing is also a privilege. Students who print copies without permission will be charged $.10 a copy and will be subject to consequences as well.

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2017-2018 Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), We now have the ability to enhance your child’s education through the use of the electronic networks, including the Internet. The Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique educational resources. The District’s goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Your authorization is needed before your child may use this resource. The authorization for your child to participate in the opportunities available with the Internet and District technology resources includes three distinct parts that you must understand and consider separately. The three types of authorization and consent required include (1) the authorization for access and use of the Internet and District resources, (2) the consent to publication of your child’s work product materials on District Web Pages, and (3) the display with publication of your child’s image on District Web Pages. To provide authorization for the above opportunities, you and your child must sign the signature page of the Authorization for Internet Access/Web Publication of Student Material/Display of Student Images on the Internet. The signature page of the Authorization form shall provide you with the opportunities to designate your authorization and consent for each of these opportunities. Please read and discuss with your child the various sections of the Authorization form that corresponds to the different opportunities available. The Internet electronically connects thousands of computers throughout the world and millions of individual subscribers. Teachers may have access to: • Limited electronic mail communications with people all over the world • Information from government sources, research institutions, and other sources • Discussion groups • Many libraries, including the catalog to the Library of Congress, and the Educational Resources Information Clearinghouses (ERIC). Students may have access to: • Information from government sources, research institutions, and other sources • Discussion groups • Many libraries, including the catalog to the Library of Congress, and the Educational Resources Information Clearinghouses (ERIC). Students may have access to e-mail, instant messaging, chatting, or other electronic messaging at school. With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. You and your child should read the enclosed Authorization for Internet Access and discuss it together. The use of inappropriate material or language, or violation of copyright laws, may result in the loss of the privilege to use this resource. Remember that you are legally responsible for your child’s actions. The District takes reasonable precautions to prevent access to materials that may be defamatory, inaccurate, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate in the school setting. On an unregulated network, however, it is impossible to control all material and a user may discover inappropriate material. Ultimately, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their child or ward should follow. To that end, the School District supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to authorize Internet access. With respect to the publication of student work product on District Web Pages connected to the Internet and display of a student’s image on a District Web Page, we believe that publishing student work and pictures that include students of the District on the Internet provide a wonderful opportunity for students to share their accomplishments with other children and parents for educational growth. While the District tries to provide learning and sharing opportunities for students through the use of technology, we also want to insure that you understand the issues and concerns that may exist with the Internet. With concern for your child’s privacy and safety, the permission slip provides a place for you to indicate how your child will be identified to give your child credit for his/her work that will appear on the Internet. Because respect for the work of students and others is an integral part of academic discipline, all student material published on the School’s Internet Web site should be the original work of the student. If more than one student created the work, then each person who participated in the creation of the work will be identified as a joint author of the work. Please read and discuss the Authorization for Internet Access with your child. If you agree to allow your child to have an Internet account, sign the Authorization form and return it to your school. Sincerely, Michael Sutton Supt. of Schools

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INSTRUCTION

Authorization for Electronic Network Access/Web Publication of Student Materials/ Consent to Display of Student Images on the Internet

I.

Internet Access Authorization and Conditions

Each staff member must sign this Authorization as a condition for using the District’s Internet connection. Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign this Authorization for Internet access before being granted unsupervised access. School Board members and administrators are treated like teachers for purposes of this Authorization. Please read this document carefully before signing. All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This Authorization does not attempt to state all required or prescribed behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow the terms of the Authorization for Internet Access will result in the loss of privileges, behavior consequences, and/or appropriate legal action. The signatures at the end of this document are legally binding and indicate that each party who signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.

Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s Internet connection must be for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the educational objectives of the District. 2. Privileges - The use of the District’s Internet connection and computer resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation or limitation of those privileges. The system administrator will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated this Authorization and deny, limit, revoke, or suspend access at any time; his or her decision is final. Any administrator, teacher, or employee of the District may suspend a student’s access to the Internet or computer resources of the District until the system administrator has made a use/access determination. 3. Unacceptable Use - You are responsible for your actions and activities involving the network. The failure to use District equipment and resources in a manner consistent with District policy and procedures may result in the loss of privileges, consequences, , and/or legal action. An unacceptable use under the District Policy is a use that causes substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school, violates the rights of others, constitutes socially inappropriate use, is inappropriate due to the maturity level of the students, is inconsistent with the educational and curriculum objectives of the District, or is primarily intended as an immediate solicitation of funds, including, but not limited to, the following list: a. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any State or federal law; b. Unauthorized downloading of digital material, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or de-virused; c. Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use; d. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain; e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space, or network bandwidth for non-school activities; f. Hacking or gaining unauthorized access to files, resources, or entities; g. Invading the privacy of individuals, that includes the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is a personal nature including a photograph; h. Using another user’s account or password, or circumventing security or authentication measures; i. Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent; j. Posting anonymous messages and/or misrepresenting one’s own identity to others; k. Using the network for commercial or private advertising; l. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, transmitting, or displaying any defamatory, libelous, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material; m. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked; n. Using technology resources for personal entertainment such as computer gaming; o. Deleting data, hiding, or attempting to interfere with the discovery of a violation of this policy; and p. Cyber bullying or inappropriate use of social network web sites. 4. Network Etiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others. b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. c. Do not reveal the personal information, including addresses or telephone numbers, of students or colleagues. d. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail.

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Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. e. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users. f. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property. 5. Safety - The following safety rules with respect to Electronic Network/Internet use should be discussed by parents with their children: a. Students should not give out personal information such as address, telephone number, parents’ work addresses or telephone numbers, or the name and location of the school without parental permission. b. Students should tell their parents immediately if they come across any information that makes them feel uncomfortable. c. Students should never agree to get together or meet someone that they “meet” online without first checking with their parents. d. Students should never send anyone their picture or any other item without first checking with their parents. e. Students should not respond to any messages that make them feel uncomfortable and should tell their parents immediately if they receive any such message. 6. No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. 7. Indemnification - The user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any breach or violation of this authorization, District policy, or rules and procedures. 8. Security - Network security is a high priority. If you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify the system administrator or building principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep your account and password confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to network. 9. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other consequences. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses and vandalism to district computer hardware. 10. Definition: Supervised use means one-on-one supervision by a teacher. Definition: Unsupervised use is use in a setting where a teacher is present but not working one-on-one with the student. Unsupervised in no way means a teacher is not present in the classroom. 11. Discovery of Improper Use - If and when a student discovers that an unacceptable use of equipment has occurred, including unintentional access to inappropriate material, the student shall immediately notify the system administrator, a teacher, or an employee of such unacceptable use. 12. The District will cooperate fully in any investigation requested by parties alleging to be impacted by the conduct or use of the District’s resources by any user, and further reserves the right to turn over any evidence of illegal or improper activity to the appropriate authorities, including information from web browser logs and e-mail. Users shall have no expectation of privacy regarding files and messages stored, sent, or received on school-based computers or using District equipment or resources. Electronic messages and files stored on school-based computers or stored outside of school using the District’s Internet account are deemed to be property of the District. Consequently, users should not have any expectation of privacy with respect to their messages and files. The System Administrator and his/her designees may review files and messages, including web browser logs, to maintain system integrity and insure that use is consistent with District Policy. Students, parent(s)/guardian(s), and all school employees must sign this Authorization for Internet Access at the beginning of each year or upon enrollment or initial employment while enrolled or employed by the District.

II. Web Publication of Student Materials

The District may provide an opportunity for student created work and material to be published on District Web Pages for display on the Internet. The student and the student’s parent/guardian must sign the Authorization and consent form, indicating specific consent to Web Page Publication on the Internet of the student’s work product or material submitted by the student for publication. As part of consent for publication the student authorizes any duplication or modification of the work for purposes of display on a District Web Page, including formatting, preparation for display, and actual display of work. Further, the submission of work by a student for publication shall be for work created by that student, and all rights to the work shall be held by the student and/

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or parent(s)/guardian(s). The District may control the submitted work and identifying information on the District Web Pages in accordance with District Policy and Goals, including the authority to refuse to publish, edit, or modify any submissions and may limit the duration of publication. When identified by name, the student may be identified by first name and last name. The District shall have complete control over all material published on the District Internet Web Pages. The system administrator or designee shall have editorial authority over everything that shall appear on the District Web Pages or Internet publication, which shall include, but not be limited to, images, texts, links, informative data, and format.

III. Display of Student Images on Internet

The District may display images of students on District Web Pages for the purpose of providing students with the opportunity to share their accomplishments and achieve recognition with other children and parents; by signing the consent and authorization for display, the student’s image may be included in pictures that will be displayed. When identified by name, the student may be identified by first name and last name.

IV. Internet Safety

Internet access is limited to only those “acceptable uses” as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is almost assured if users will not engage in “unacceptable uses,” as detailed in this Authorization, and otherwise follow this Authorization. Staff members shall supervise students while students are using District Internet access to ensure that the students abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access contained in this Authorization. Each District computer with Internet access shall have a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filter device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the Superintendent or system administrator. The Superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy’s implementation plan to address the following: 1. Limiting student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials; 2. Student safety and security when using electronic communications; 3. Limiting unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities; and 4. Limiting unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information. 5. Providing Internet safety training to students and staff in accordance with Illinois State.

AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT FOR INTERNET ACCESS/WEB PAGE PUBLICATION/ DISPLAY OF STUDENT IMAGE SIGNATURE FORM

My child and I have read and discussed this Authorization for Internet Access/Web Publication of Student Material/Display of Student Images on the Internet. I understand that access and use are designed for educational purposes and that the District has taken reasonable precautions to limit controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all inappropriate materials. I will hold harmless the District, its employees, agents, or Board members, for any harm caused by materials or software obtained via the network. I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby authorize and give consent, for my child to: (please check) ���� Access and use the Internet and District equipment and resources (If you do not check this item, your child will not be allowed to use the Internet for any purpose.) ���� Web Page Publication on the Internet of any work product or material my child submits for publication ���� Display of my child’s image on a District Web Page for the purpose of providing student recognition for academic and extracurricular accomplishments. When identified by name, the student(s) may be identified by first name and last name. Authorization for:______________________________________________ Student’s Full Name (Please Print) STUDENT SIGNATURE:____________________DATE:_______________ PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME (Please Print):________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:______________________________________________ DATE: _____________________________________________________________________

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CLOSED CAMPUS

If a student becomes ill at school and wishes to go home, he or she must be checked by the school nurse first. If the school nurse is not available, the student must first check with an administrator. Before a student is allowed to leave the building, administrative approval must be granted, a parent must be contacted, and the parent must approve the method used for getting the student home. Students who must leave the building for medical or dental appointments or for any other reason must first get permission from the principal or assistant principal. Students should present a written note signed by one parent or legal guardian explaining the reason the student needs to leave campus. To leave campus without permission will result in a referral for truancy. Highland High School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave for lunch. If on a birthday or other special occasions, the parents wish to take their student to lunch, they must have administrative approval and come in and sign out the student. Students are not allowed to bring fast food into the school from outside restaurants (over lunch hours) and eat in the cafeteria.

CLOSING OF SCHOOL/CANCELING ACTIVITIES

Athletics and Severe Weather Policy

On days when Highland Community School District #5 Schools are not in session because of inclement weather, the decision to have practices and games will come from the administration. The superintendent is empowered to close the school district schools or dismiss them early in the event of hazardous weather conditions or other emergencies which threaten the health or safety of students and personnel. 1. There may be times when school is closed due to inclement weather at the start of the school day, but by mid-day weather conditions may improve permitting games or practices to be held. Each situation will be dealt with on a caseby-case basis. The athletic director and principal will collaborate with the Superintendent, and the National Weather Service information to determine if events can take place.2. In case school has been canceled or dismissed early due to hazardous conditions, the athletic teams will follow the procedures below as they relate to practice and scheduled home athletic events: • Coaches will check with the athletic director for permission to practice or continue with scheduled games. • Practices may not take place before 11:00 a.m. • Practices are optional and athletes will not be penalized for not attending. • Games will be played if weather permits. The Highland High School Athletic Department prides itself in creating safe, competitive interscholastic activities for our student-athletes. Student safety will be the highest priority when determining whether or not to hold practices or contests when schools have been closed. Questions? Contact Athletic Director, Caleb Houchins at 654-7131 or via email at [email protected]

Detention Hall

DETENTION

The school district’s philosophy is to provide optimum education. The purpose of the detention hall is to provide an alternative method of student consequences other than Individualized Student Services (ISS), Short Term Options Program (STOP), or Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). Students assigned the detention hall cannot be penalized academically. The program will run Monday-Friday for 30 minutes during lunch, and Monday-Friday before or after school to be arranged by student in the HHS Main Office. This program is primarily a supervised study time for students. Some tutoring and/or guided educational activities may take place. Students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct are not eligible for this program. Parents may request that their child be given the next level consequence in place of the detention hall which could consist of ISS, STOP, or OSS, but will ultimately be determined by administration. Students who miss an assigned 30 minute detention will be required to serve a 60 minute detention. Students missing a 60 minute detention will be assigned 3 periods of ISS. A teacher supervised detention may be assigned by any teacher.

Detention Hall & ISS Rescheduling Policy

Parental cooperation is very important in the behavior process. Parents (not students) may request the next higher consequence to replace the incurred consequence. This does not move the student across the chart. Once a consequence date is set, if a conflict arises other than excused absences, only ONE reschedule will be permitted with parental and administrative approval. If the rescheduled date cannot be fulfilled, then the next level consequence will be applied (but does not move the student across the chart).

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Tardies will be tallied by the office. If a student forgets ISS and goes to class on an ISS day, he or she will be called out of class to serve the ISS and will be counted tardy to ISS. Students are responsible for obtaining assignments from their teachers prior to reporting to ISS. Generally, students are given a form from an administrator on the day the ISS is assigned. In most cases, a two-day period of time passes before a student must report to ISS. This is the time the students should secure their assignments from classroom teachers. ISS is counted as an excused absence, but does count as absences for semester exam purposes. Students who complete schoolwork in ISS will be given full academic credit.

DISASTER DRILLS/EMERGENCY

Tornado, Earthquake, and Fire Drills

In case of earthquake, tornado, or fire, emergency precautions will be taken. Periodic drills will be run throughout the school year. Detailed information concerning evacuation procedures for fire, earthquake, and safety areas for tornadoes is given to each teacher. They will go over these procedures with students as well as keeping instructions posted in each classroom. Dr. Gauen is the administrator in charge. ALL INSTRUCTORS MUST CARRY CLASS LISTS/GRADE BOOK WITH THEM TO AREA INDICATED BELOW. ALL EVACUATION ROUTES WILL BE POSTED IN EVERY ROOM. TORNADO PLAN 1. Move to area designated by teacher. 2. Follow your teacher’s instructions. 3. Protect your face and head with your arms and hands. 4. Stay away from glass. 5. REMAIN CALM. EARTHQUAKE PLAN 1. Hide under your desk. 2. Keep face away from the windows. 3. Put hands over head and face. 4. Do not light a match! 5. REMAIN CALM. FIRE EVACUATION PLAN 1. Leave room by the nearest exit as directed by your teacher. 2. Move away from the building. 3. REMAIN CALM. LOCKDOWN 1. Report immediately to nearest classroom/Safe Area 2. Move away from windows and doors 3. Lock all doors and windows/Create safe area as needed 4. Utilize Run, Hide, Fight as options to remain safe as needed 5. REMAIN CALM

DRESS CODE

Highland High School’s Mission is “Excellence in Education Every Day.” As students prepare for futures in a competitive world, parents and staff work with students to maintain an environment where learning is the focus. With that in mind, HHS has adopted a dress code that reflects a professional attitude toward learning. Students are expected to present an appearance that does not disrupt the educational process. Dress and/or grooming which is not in accord with reasonable standards for health and safety will be considered inappropriate for school. Dress or grooming which is obscene, lewd, profane, or vulgar is prohibited. Apparel that depicts drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or sexually inappropriate messages or has holes in inappropriate places is prohibited at school. The building principal is the final authority for judging the appropriateness of a student’s appearance. If a teacher or staff member finds a student’s dress to be a disruption in the classroom or building, the student will be sent to the office.

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Faculty and staff will make every effort to be consistent in the manner in which they determine the appropriateness of student dress. If a teacher finds student dress to be a disruption in the classroom, the student will be sent to the office. Students will be asked to change or leave school grounds if they are found in violation of the above guidelines. All dress code violations even those classified as warnings, will be documented by the teacher or office staff. Multiple violations of the dress code guidelines will be considered insubordination pursuant to the student behavior policy and given consequences under the progressive behavior systems. No head gear or bandanas allowed in the building without administrative approval. Sunglasses should not be worn in the building.

Guidelines for Student Attire:

1. Top attire must touch bottom attire all the way around when a student is standing, sitting, or walking (no showing of mid-section). 2. Shirts or tops must have sleeves that cover both shoulders; no cleavage, or large armholes, please 3. All undergarments should be covered by outer attire. Bottom attire (skirts, shorts) must provide coverage when standing, sitting, bending (finger-tip length is suggested). 4. Tight bottoms must have a top that covers one’s derriere.

Unacceptable attire includes, but is not limited to:

1. Clothing with: a. ads, representations, or slogans about alcohol, weapons, tobacco, unlawful products b. obscene, offensive, or violent language c. obscene, offensive, or violent images 2. Dress indicating affiliation with any group that advocates dangerous or unlawful activity 3. Sagging pants (waistband or pants below waist or underwear waistband) 4. Chains/straps and all accessories with sharp or pointed protrusions 5. Head coverings (in the classroom) 6. Trench coats worn during the school day 7. Costumes, Halloween or other types, unless authorized by the administration

Students’ dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/ learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency. The building principal is the final authority for judging the appropriateness of a student’s appearance at school. If a teacher or staff member finds a student’s dress to be a disruption in the classroom, or building, the student will be sent to the office. No hats/head gear or bandanas are allowed in the building without administrative approval. Sunglasses should not be worn in the building. Removable chains are considered a safety issue and not allowed at school. Students should remove all removable chains from clothing before coming to school. Students in violation of the dress code policy will be asked to change clothes at school. If further consequences are needed, students will be placed on our progressive discipline behavior program. It is important to recognize that school is a place of learning. The following items are NOT appropriate school attire: Backs/Bras/Bellies - Halter, one-shoulder, tube, crop or spaghetti string tops are not permitted; bellies, and bras should not be seen. No outfits that reveal breast/cleavage. Bottoms - Shorts and skirts are to be modest length for standing, sitting and bending. Bottoms that ride low are not permitted. When selecting your apparel, holes in inappropriate places will not be permitted. Underwear, backsides, and bellies are not to be visible during the school day. Any clothing that depicts drugs, alcohol, inappropriate or offensive language or pictures is unacceptable. The faculty and administration may judge other attire inappropriate at their discretion. You will be asked to change or leave the school grounds if you do not respect the rules indicated above. While Prom, homecoming, and semi-formal functions are considered special events, we remind you to be modest in the selection of a dress or outfit. The administration reserves the right, if necessary, to modify the dress code policies to include any items that affect the safety and/or security of the school, disrupts the learning environment or are not conducive to a school setting.

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ELEVATOR USE/OFF LIMITS Only students with a valid elevator pass may use the elevator. This applies to all students all of the time High school students are not allowed to enter any district school buildings other than the high school without administrative permission or a visitor’s pass. Parts of our building are off limits to students. Any area not designated for regular student use should be considered off limits. The second floor is off limits before and after school unless permission is granted. Students caught in areas considered off limits during the day and/or off limits after school will be given consequences.

FINAL EXAMS Attendance Exemption:

(Each course stands alone.)

Juniors and seniors, with three absences per semester (per class and by the computer) and no unexcused absences (includes outof-school suspensions/STOP) from any classes, are exempt from the semester exam for that class. (Five tardies to a class equals one absence for exam exemption purposes.) Students must pass both quarters to qualify for exemption under the attendance incentive. Approved College/Career Days do not count against final exams for attendance purposes.

Academic Exemption:

Juniors and seniors, who demonstrate academic excellence of a subject with a grade of “A” both nine weeks and have no unexcused absences (includes out-of-school suspensions/STOP) from any class, will be exempt from the semester exam for that class. In order to qualify for exam exemption under academics, students cannot miss that class more than five times a semester. Approved College/Career Days do not count against final exams for attendance purposes.

ACT/SAT Exemption for Seniors:

Seniors who meet or exceed College Benchmarks on all sections of the ACT or SAT exam and have no unexcused absences (includes out-of-school suspensions/STOP) from class are exempt from all semester exams both semesters. The ACT exam includes the following areas: ACT Reading = English, ACT English = English, ACT Mathematics = Math, ACT Science = Science, and ACT Writing = English. The SAT exam includes the following areas: SAT Reading = English, SAT Language = English, SAT Writing = English, SAT = Mathematics = Math. Seniors achieving a meets or exceeds in fewer subjects are exempt from semester exams for both semesters from only the subject(s) for which they meet or exceed. In order to qualify for an ACT or SAT exemption from exams, students cannot miss a class more than five times a semester and must pass both quarters. In order to be exempt from elective courses, students must meet or exceed in all categories on the ACT. or SAT. Approved College/Career Days do not count against final exams for attendance purposes.

ILLINOIS SCIENCE ASSESSMENT (ISA) Biology/Life Science:

Students who meet or exceed State Benchmarks on the 2017 Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) who have no unexcused absences from that class (including out-of-school suspensions/STOP) are exempt from the first Semester Exam in their Science class. In order to qualify for the ISA final exam exemption, students cannot miss a class more than five times and must pass both quarters. Students are not exempt from their second semester final exam in their Science class based on ISA scores. Juniors who did not take or meet State Benchmarks on the 2017 ISA assessments may qualify for semester exam exemptions by meeting Attendance and/or Academic requirements. Seniors who did not take or meet State Benchmarks on the 2017 ISA assessments may qualify for semester exam exemptions by meeting Attendance, Academic, and SAT or ACT requirements. NOTE: Students who are written up for an Academic Dishonesty referral will be required to take the final exam in the class where the violation occurred. Students who skip their semester exam in any class will receive a zero on that exam which may result in loss of credit for that class. Students who have an unexcused absence in only one class will be required to take the semester exam in that class only.

Semester Exams -- Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Is it possible to miss more than three excused absences and still qualify for the junior/senior semester exam exemption? Yes, under certain guidelines the following will be considered (academic exemption guidelines or ACT/SAT exemption guidelines as listed above). However, each class will stand alone as far as attendance is concerned. In order to qualify for semester exam exemptions under academic or ACT/SAT, you cannot miss a class more than five times a semester. The attendance semester exam exemption indicates that a student cannot miss more than three times a semester. All absences must be excused as unexcused absences (including OSS or STOP) will disqualify a student from earning a final exam exemption in that class. Approved College/Career Days do not count against final exams for attendance purposes.

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Do funerals, family emergencies, medical, and special circumstances absences count towards the exam exemption policy? Yes, these are all examples of excused absences that will count towards the number of days allowed to miss per semester. Any student who misses more than three absences (by the computer) per class per semester, will be required to take that classes semester exam only. Exception: Students can qualify under the academic exemption or the ACT/SAT/ISA exemption guidelines above which indicate a student may not have more than five excused absences for the semester. Other exceptions regarding absences with special circumstances can be made by administration as deemed necessary on a case by case basis. Are students allowed to bank days from one semester to the next? No, students are only allowed three excused absences per semester, per class for the attendance exemption. Five excused absences are allowed for academic or ACT/ISA exemptions. Absences start over at the beginning of each semester. What is the punishment for skipping a semester exam? Students who choose to skip a semester exam will receive a “zero” for that exam on the computer. This zero may result in loss of credit for that particular class. Students are encouraged to take all of their exams seriously. Can a student fail a class for the semester if he or she passes both quarters and skips a semester exam or fails an exam in which they were not exempt? Yes, student semester grades are based on percentages of the three grading periods per semester. Each quarter grade will be averaged by percentages(40% each quarter) with the semester exam grade (20%) per class to determine the semester grade for each class. Will tardies count towards absences for the semester exam exemption policy? Yes, five tardies to a class (by the computer) will result in one absence for that class for semester exam purposes. Ten tardies will equal two absences, etc. Students who are unexcused for more than 10 minutes from a class will receive an unexcused absence in that class and be required to take the semester exam. What is the best way to check student attendance and grades for each semester? Parents/students can do this online or via smartphone with our PowerSchool program. Details can also be obtained in the high school office. We suggest this is checked routinely for grades, missing assignments, tardies, and unexcused absences throughout the semester. Unexcused absences need to be cleared as soon as possible and students should not wait until semester exams begin to clear an absence. Is there a time limit requirement for clearing an unexcused absence to an excused absence? Yes, students/parents have 48 hours upon the student’s return to school to get an absence excused. Can sophomore, junior, and senior students earn semester exam exemptions on the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)? Yes, the exemption policy allows a student who met or exceeded State Benchmarks on the 2017 Illinois Science Assessment to be exempt from their First Semester Final Exam only in their science class. The same final exam exemption requirements apply as students must meet attendance and behavior criteria. All freshmen are required to take final exams. All sophomore students are required to take exams in other subject areas and are required to take all Semester II exams. Juniors may qualify for exam exemptions for attendance and academics only. What is the consequence for an unexcused absence in only one class? The student will be required to take the exam in that class only.

FOCUSED TUTOR TIME (FTT)

FOCUSED TUTOR TIME provides opportunities for students to see their teachers for assistance with a pass from a teacher. The FOCUSED TUTOR TIME schedule rotates to a different hour each day. During this time, students may also organize, plan, and complete assignments to maintain strong grades. Focused Tutor Time classes are quiet and conducive to a positive learning environment, allowing students to study effectively. All Highland High School Handbook policies and teacher expectations apply during TUTOR Time. Students are encouraged to see their teachers during this time for additional help if they have a pass from their teacher. Students are to remain in classrooms during FTT to work on homework, projects, and to study and prepare for tests and quizzes unless other arrangements are made by the teacher and student. Students may use electronic devices for listening purposes only with the use of earphones with teacher approval. Students are not to be texting, gaming, posting on social media etc., or using their phones/electronic devices in a manner that is not related to schoolwork. The use of phones/electronic devices for listening purposes can be removed per teacher discretion. Students may earn points or a grade based on their study skills, work habits, and behavior per teacher discretion. Tardies and absences will count toward the class hour that FOCUSED TUTOR TIME occurs. Students are expected to use the restrooms/lockers BEFORE or AFTER class.

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GRADES

Final grades will be determined by the two nine week grades and the final exam. Each nine weeks will count for 40% of the final grade and the final exam will count for 20%. In the event a student is exempt from finals, each nine weeks grade will count for 50% of the final grade. A = 90.0-100

B = 80.0-89

C = 70.0-79

D = 60.0-69

F = 59 and below

GRADE PLACEMENT • • • •

To be determined only in August. Students in their first year of high school will be classified as a freshman. Students in the second year of high school will be classified as a sophomore. Students in their third year of high school will be classified as a junior.

SEMESTER GRADE CALCULATIONS Semester grades are calculated by percentages. There are two options used to calculate the semester grade. Option 1: All freshman students, all sophomore students, and junior/senior students who are NOT exempt from final exams. Quarter 1 is worth 40%, quarter 2 is worth 40%, and the Final Exam is worth 20%. The following formula is used to calculate the semester grade: Semester Grade = (2 x Q1) + (2 x Q2) + (1 x FE) 5 For example, if a student receives 86% B for Quarter 1, 85% B for Quarter 2, and 75% C on the Final Exam, his semester grade would be calculated as follows: Semester Grade = (2 x 86) + (2 x 85) + (1 x 75) = 83% B 5 The letter grade is determined by the district grading scale shown on the previous page. Option 2: Students exempt from final exams. (Juniors/Seniors/Sophomore for 1st Semester) Both quarter grades are worth 50% of the final grade. The semester grade can be calculated by averaging the quarter grades by the following formula: Semester Grade = Q1 + Q2 2 For example, if a student receives 95% A for Quarter 1 and 91% B for Quarter 2, his semester grade would be calculated as follows: Semester Grade = 95 + 91= 93% A 2

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS/ACADEMIC CREDIT

To graduate on time, it is extremely important to make passing grades. Students earn .5 credit for each semester-long class completed with a passing grade. Each quarter-long class is given .25 credit. Students may only earn academic credit by successfully completing course work while enrolled at Highland High School. Students who drop out before the end of the semester will not receive academic credit. Students who are expelled before the end of the semester may not receive academic credit for classes that were not complete prior to the expulsion. Students need a minimum of 25 credits to graduate Along with earning 25 total credits to graduates, students are required to complete a specific number of credits in different academic areas. The graduation requirements for Highland High School are as follows

English 4 credits US History 1 credit Math 3 credits* Health . .5 credit Science 2 credits Consumer Ed .5 credit** World History 1 credit PE 4 credits*** Fine Arts/Vocational 1 credit**** Take State-Mandated PARCC Testing or other mandated State or local testing.





* Math must include at least 1 credit in Algebra and 1 credit in Geometry **Students must take 1 of the following courses to meet the Consumer Education requirement: Economics, Personal Finance, AP Economics, Ag Business Management, and Fundamental Job Skills.

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***PE may be waived during the semester a student takes Driver’s Education, Marching Band, or Health. Juniors and seniors may waive PE if they are involved in an athletic team during any season. Also, juniors and seniors may waive PE if they are taking a course required for admission to their college, and that course is above and beyond HHS graduation requirements. **** Students must complete 1 credit of a fine arts or vocational class. This includes, but is not limited to Art, Music, Foreign Language, Industrial Ed, Agriculture, Business, and Family and Consumer Science. ***** Class of 2020 and beyond must meet Civics requirement

VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN, and CLASS RANK Cumulative GPA for eight semester grades will be used for selecting class valedictorian, class salutatorian, and calculating class rank. DUAL CREDIT THROUGH SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE (SWIC) & St. Louis University (SLU) Highland High School works cooperatively with St. Louis University (SLU) and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and offers ten dual credit courses. A dual credit course gives the student both high school credit and college credit for successful completing the class. HHS students are encouraged to take dual credit courses for both HHS credit and SLU/SWIC credit. The grade earned for the high school course is also the grade earned for the SLU/SWIC course and will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Students should check with their chosen college/university for the institution’s policy on accepting dual credit. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the dual credit registration process; otherwise he/she will receive high school credit only for the class. Only SLU/SWIC can verify whether a student has taken as HHS course for dual credit. The procedure for enrolling in an HHS/SLU Dual Credit course is as follows: - Register online with classroom teachers in late August/early September *Students must be a Junior or Senior at HHS with a 4.0 or higher GPA on a 5.0 scale *SLU will bill the students for the course –approximately $65.00 per credit hour (determined by SLU) The procedure for enrolling in an HHS/SWIC Dual Credit Course is as follows: -Dual Credit Coordinator from SWIC comes into the dual credit class on a previously announced day and registers the students(s) for SWIC courses. Students should have previously completed the “New Student Enrollment form” at home or with their counselor. * Students must be 16 yrs. old by the last day of class to receive dual credit. * Each registered student’s parent will receive a letter from SWIC with information about the dual credit class * Some courses require placement with the ACCUPLACER or SAT/ACT. The ACCUPLACER is a College Board test. More information and study materials can be found at accuplacer.collegeboard.org/student. There are deadlines by which the placement testing must be completed. For more information on Dual Credit classes, academic coursework, and graduation requirements, please contact the HHS Counseling Department at 618-654-7131 to speak with your child’s counselor or refer to the HHS website at: http://hs.highlandcusd5.org/home/counseling-department BRITTANY’S LAW Students with disabilities may be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion after four years of high school as per the Illinois School Code (Brittany’s Law).

SCHOOL AND COUNSELING SERVICES

Counselors are available to help all students. Services include helping students: 1) select high school courses; 2) research information about colleges, junior colleges, technical schools, and financial aid; 3) gather information about careers and job opportunities; and 4) understand and cope with personal issues. Students may stop by the school counseling office any time during school hours or may make an appointment with a counselor.

HOMECOMING/PROM

Homecoming and Prom can be memorable events of your high school experience. Students are encouraged to remember that all school rules apply.

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Any Junior or Senior of HHS in good standing is allowed to attend the Homecoming and/or Prom. Highland High School students are permitted to bring one guest (a current HHS freshman/sophomore in good standing, a student in good standing at another school, or a recent graduate). In order to bring a guest who is not a HHS student to our Prom, an official form obtained from the HHS office must be completed and signed by the student’s parent (or legal guardian) and then by a high school administrator. Upon completion of this form, the guest ticket may be purchased. Only high school-aged students (between the ages of 14-20) are allowed to attend the event. No middle school-aged students are permitted. Each non-HHS guest must present a current form of identification when completing the outside guest form.

HOMECOMING SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 30, 2017 Homecoming Coronation and Dance 7:30 p.m. Doors open at HHS Gym 8:00-8:40 p.m. Coronation 8:40-11:30 p.m. Dance Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Parade 6:30-7:30 p.m. from Lindenthal Campus to the Square Friday, October 6, 2017 Pep Assembly 1:50-2:30 p.m. HHS Gym Friday, October 6, 2017 Football Game 6:25 p.m. HIASAA Hall of Fame Inductees Introduction 7:00 p.m. Football game 8:00 p.m. (half-time) Homecoming Court Introductions

PROM

Saturday, April 2, 2018

7:00-11:00 p.m. KC Hall 11:30 p.m. 3:30 a.m. - Post Prom at HHS Gym

HOMEWORK

Homework is any work assigned the student to be completed outside the classroom. It is the child’s responsibility to complete the assignment. Teachers may give homework to students to aid in the student’s educational development. Homework should be an application or adaptation of previous classroom instruction experience and should not be assigned as a behavior consequence. When students are absent, it is their responsibility to make up missed work. If students know in advance that they will miss class, they must check with their teachers to see if work is due before the absence. In the event of excused absences: for each day a student misses school, the student has the same number of school days to make up missed work. (This does not apply if the due date is assigned prior to the student’s absence.)

IDENTIFICATION CARD

In order to maintain a safe and secure school environment, Highland High School provides every student a school lanyard and ID badge free of charge at the beginning of the school year. The ID and lanyard must be worn upon arrival to campus, up until the student leaves campus every school day. IDs must be worn around the neck, on the front of the body, on the outermost clothing, and properly display their current Highland High School ID card. ID cards and lanyards are school property and must remain in good condition and not be altered. In the classroom, there may be situations, at the teacher’s discretion, where students may remove their ID lanyards to complete a classroom activity (i.e. PE, science lab, agriculture class, etc.). If a student does not have their ID lanyard, he or she should report to the office before school for a temporary ID. The first temporary ID is provided free for students. Students will be charged $1.00 for each additional temporary ID needed. After receiving 4 ID replacements per semester, if a staff member sends a student to the office to purchase additional IDs, the student will receive a detention for each ID. If the student voluntarily comes to the office before school to pay for an ID, the student will not receive a detention. Students can purchase a new permanent ID for $5.00. Each additional temporary ID beyond five per semester will result in a 30 minute detention. If a student loses his or her ID and/or lanyard, they will be charged for a replacement. The student is responsible for obtaining a new ID and/or lanyard in the office at the cost of $5.00. Students can purchase an additional ID and lanyard to have as a back-up.

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The ID may be needed during the school day as well as for admission into athletic events, assembly programs, to check out books from the media center, and at other times when deemed necessary. Students may have their IDs taken away for school reasons when deemed necessary.

INDIVIDUALIZED STUDENT SERVICES (ISS)

An additional behavior consequence is to assign students to the Individualized Student Services program, commonly called ISS. Students serve ISS at school all day for as many days as their consequences stipulate. During this time, they should work on the assignments being covered in their classes. Students are counted present and receive full credit for academic work completed. Teachers must provide assignments for credit at the student’s request. However, if a student has an unexcused absence in conjunction with serving an ISS, then make-up work will not be permitted. Students are responsible for obtaining assignments from their teachers prior to reporting. ISS is the last opportunity a student has for remaining in school following behavior infractions. If a student chooses not to follow proper ISS procedure, he or she may be suspended out-of-school, and reserves another day in ISS. Parents may request that their child be given the next level consequence in place of the ISS which will be STOP or Out-of-School Suspension.

LOCKERS

A student’s school locker is the property of the school and must be used for the purpose intended -- a storage area for books, school supplies, and outdoor garments. If school officials believe that the student has placed illegal or dangerous materials, illegal substances, or unauthorized school materials in the locker, school officials may search the locker, with or without the student’s knowledge or consent. Lockers may be searched by school officials at any time. The student assigned the locker is responsible for the contents inside the locker. Do not share your locker with another student. Students must keep their assigned lockers. Students are not allowed to switch lockers without administrative approval for a valid and appropriate reason. Students will be subject to behavior consequences as stated in the behavior infractions and consequences chart if they violate this rule. Students will be assessed the cost of repair for any damages to their lockers. Please take excellent care of your locker so as to avoid being assessed damages prior to graduation or registration. Thank you for helping us preserve our school.

NURSE’S OFFICE

The nurse’s office is located adjacent to the commons. Ample facilities will be available for students that become ill during the school day. Do not stay in a restroom. If you feel ill during class, secure a pass from your teacher for the nurse’s office. If the nurse is not in her office, report to the high school office. Injuries occurring in classrooms or P.E. classes should be reported to the teacher in charge before going to the nurse’s office. Students requiring medication during the school day should keep medicine in the nurse’s office. State law forbids school personnel from dispensing medications such as aspirin, etc. Before ill students leave school, both administrative and parental approval must be granted before signing out.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)

Students who are suspended out-of-school will be allowed to do make-up work for credit. Students are not allowed anywhere on school district property at any time during their OSS. Arrangements for picking up assignments will be the responsibility of the student. Assignments will be due the first day back or sooner. If no assignments are placed in the homework box for any reason, the student will have one day for each day out to complete the assigned work missed for credit. However, it is the student’s responsibility to check with his or her individual teachers for homework, lab, or tests. Any questions regarding assignments should be emailed directly to the individual teachers. Email addresses can be found on the Highland High School website: www.highlandcusd5.org.

PARKING LOT PRIVILEGES

Bus transportation is available to all Highland High School students. It is recommended that tation to get to and from school.

students use the bus transpor-

Students who use cars for transportation to and from school are expected to comply with the regulations listed below. These regulations are reasonable and are for the protection of everyone.

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1. Parking permit tag must be displayed at all times. 2. Vacate car immediately upon arrival. Students are not allowed to sit in cars before school, during lunch, or any other time of the school day. Upon vacating your car--LOCK YOUR DOORS. This is to protect your belongings and to keep your parking tag from being stolen. Students should report any vandalism or theft to the office immediately. The Police will be notified and a report made. 3. Students driving cars to school must fill out an application for a parking tag and pay a yearly, semester, or daily fee. License plates must be registered with the office. If students forget their parking stickers or drive a different vehicle to school, they must inform the high school office. All vehicles must be registered in the office. PARKING PERMITS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE. They are to be used only by the person to whom they were issued and on family vehicles that have been properly registered. The principal must approve all parking lot applications. 4. The hanging parking tag is to be displayed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle at all times while on the school parking lot. Failure to display the tag may result in driving privileges being suspended. If the permit is lost or stolen, a replacement must be purchased for $10.00. 5. Students whose display reckless or irresponsible driving, or who have a behavior referral, for parking lot or driving violation, may have all parking privileges suspended for part or all of the school year. Revocation of driving privileges pertains to the student driver and his or her vehicle and any other vehicle he or she may drive to school. No refund will be given for the parking tag if a student’s driving privileges are suspended. 6. Students’ cars are subject to search without suspicion of wrongdoing. 7. All students must park their cars in their assigned parking lot during school hours. Lots will be assigned based on grade level in either the student parking lot west of the high school or the middle school lot north of the school. No students are allowed to park on the faculty parking lot under any circumstances. Cars will be towed (at student’s expense) if illegally parked. Parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. There are no reserved spaces for students. 8. If, under certain circumstances, a student drives to school and parks on the lot without a permit, the student must stop by the office to obtain a temporary parking tag. There should be no vehicles parked in the lot without a tag. 9. Smoking or tobacco products are not allowed on school property. This includes the parking lot. Students are not allowed to smoke/chew or use tobacco in their vehicles in the school lot at any time. 10. Parking lot fees help provide limited lot supervision. Students are still responsible for appropriate driving behavior and still need to take every precaution to protect their vehicles. Contact the high school office immediately when an accident, theft, or vandalism occurs; the office will call the police. Monitoring of the parking lot by cameras is the right of the school district.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION (PDA)

Students should refrain from public displays of affection at school that tend to cast an unfavorable impression on the school and the individuals involved. Students are not to embrace, kiss, or have bodily contact while on school property or at school functions other than holding hands.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

There will be no schedule changes after the first four days of each semester except for the following reasons: 1. Computer error 2. Teacher, counselor, and principal’s recommendation 3. Academic ability level may require a change (from honors to regular, for example) 4. Students may not drop yearlong classes at semester without teacher, counselor, and parent permission. 5. Important notice: Students who withdraw from a class after the first four days for first semester and after the first four days for the second semester for other reasons will be given an “F” on his or her transcript for this course.

STOP ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT

What is STOP Alternative Placement? The STOP program is an initiative sponsored by the Madison County Regional Office of Education, located in Troy. This program is for students to attend when they have been suspended from their home school. Students from Highland, Triad, and Collinsville and other districts attend this alternative school.

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What is the purpose of STOP? The STOP program is designed to keep suspended students in school. Students will have the opportunity to make up daily work and tests for credit. In many situations, students suspended out of school are unsupervised and don’t have the adequate resources to do their assignments. Certified teachers will teach and guide students so they don’t fall behind from the rest of the class. In addition, students will have an opportunity to reflect upon the cause of their suspension and how they might better handle decisions in the future. The parents benefit, as their child is in a school setting during the time of the suspension.

TARDIES

A tardy can be defined as a student’s failure to be in an assigned seat in the classroom at the appropriate time. A student who is 11 minutes or more late with an unexcused absence from class will be considered absent from that class for semester exam exemption purposes. A total of seven class absences will equal one full day toward the semester exam exemption policy and perfect attendance award. A student without an excused tardy who reports one to ten minutes late to any class will be considered tardy for that class for semester exam exemption purposes. A student without an excused absence who reports 11 or more minutes late will be reported as an unexcused absence. All tardies will be turned into the office on an hourly basis. Once a student has accumulated five tardies (this could be one tardy in five different classes) a student will receive a detention notice from the office that will require the student to serve a 30 minute detention. Students need to keep track of tardies 1-4 on PowerSchool as warnings are not provided with a paper referral until the 5th tardy which results in a detention After every subsequent tardy, students will be assigned another detention or other consequences which may be an ISS, STOP or OSS depending upon the number of infractions. Students who demonstrate a pattern of late arrivals may receive detentions, ISS, STOP/OSS or other consequences based on the number of infractions. All consequences will be handed out by the administration of Highland High School.

TRUANCIES

1. Truant students will be handled by an administrator on an individual basis. Attendance rounds will be made daily for students to clear absences. Students who are identified as chronic truants will be provided with supportive services prior to being suspended, court action, or expulsion. The services provided may include parent conferences, student counseling, family counseling, and information about existing community services which are available to truant and chronically truant students and relevant to their needs. Please refer to the behavior infractions and consequences chart for the consequences for truancy. 2. Chronic truant is defined as a child who is absent without valid cause for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days. 3. Once a student arrives at school, he or she will need two types of permission to leave campus. They will need school permission and parental permission. School permission must be acquired in advance from the attendance officer or other appropriate school administrator. Parent permission must be given in the form of an advanced phone call or a signed and dated note from parent or guardian confirming the need to leave campus for a valid cause. Any student who leaves school without following proper school procedures will be considered truant. Students need permission to go to the parking lot. Students who leave campus after proper clearance (home and school) must sign out in the high school office: state their name, reason for leaving, and departure time. 4. Co-op students absent from school because of illness are not allowed to go to work. Any student who goes to work, but not to school, will be written up for truancy and counted unexcused. If a pattern develops of chronic truancy, a meeting will be called with the co-op supervisor and the school administration. 5. Illinois law provides that parents/guardians can be fined or imprisoned by the court if they allow a child to be truant. Highland High School works closely with the Highland Police Department truant officer and the Regional Office of Education. The law states in part: “Any person having custody or control of a child to whom notice has been given of the child’s truancy and who knowingly and willfully permits such a child to persist in his or her truancy within the school year, upon conviction there of shall be subject to not more than 30 days of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $750.” 6. Once a student has missed 10 school days, he or she will be required to present medical documentation to receive an excused absence.

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behavior INFORMATION

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Behavior of Students I. General Authority

Because the Board of Education is entrusted with protecting the safety, health, and welfare of the students, staff, and property of the School District, it may be necessary at times to provide consequences for students whose conduct affects the well being of the schools. In accordance with constitutional due process and statutory requirements, the Board of Education may suspend or expel students from school and from the school bus for acts of gross disobedience or misconduct and otherwise maintain behavior in the schools. Only the Board of Education may determine to expel a student from school or from the school bus. The superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and assistant principal may suspend students from school or the school bus for up to ten (10) school days. Suspensions or expulsions of students shall occur in compliance with procedural regulations to be promulgated and implemented by the administration of the district. Consequences measures other than suspension or expulsion shall be determined by the administration and established in general regulations governing student behavior.

II. Student Behavior The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective behavior 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

A student is subject to behavioral consequences for engaging in prohibited student conduct, as described in the section with that name below, 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 that 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 administer consequences to 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 or 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

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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: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy. h. Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances. 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 or possessing an electronic paging device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs 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. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the Building Principal, all electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); (c) it is used during the student’s lunch period, or (d) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.  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 include 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. 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 any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning), and sexual assault. 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 in 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 authorization. 14. In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (such as calling 911); signaling or setting off alarms or signals indicating the presence of an emergency; or indicating the presence of a bomb or explosive device on school grounds, school bus, or at any school activity. 15. Being absent without a recognized excuse; State law and School Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants. 16. Being involved with any 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 displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia. 18. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, and hazing.

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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 an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property. 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 in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; or (d) at any 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 schoolrelated 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 consequences, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior. No behavioral consequence 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 psychostimulant medication to the student.

Consequences

School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and out-of-school suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and, where practicable and reasonable, shall consider forms of non-exclusionary behavior 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: 1. Notifying parent(s)/guardian(s). 2. Behavior conference. 3. Withholding of privileges. 4. Temporary removal from the classroom. 5. Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property. 6. In-school suspension. The Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised. 7. After-school study provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative consequence must be used. The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or designee. 8. Community service with local public and nonprofit 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 consequence, giving the student and/or parent/guardian the choice. 9. Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of personal property that was used to violate this policy or school behavio rules. 10. Suspension of bus riding privileges in accordance with Board policy 7:220, Bus Conduct. 11. Out-of-school suspension from school and all school activities in accordance with Board policy 7:200, Suspension Procedures. A student who has been suspended may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities. 12. Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years in accordance with Board policy 7:210, Expulsion Procedures. A student who has been expelled may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities. 13. Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for the transfer under State law. The transfer shall be in the manner provided in Article 13A or 13B of the School Code. 14. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, including but not limited to, illegal drugs (controlled substances), “look-alikes,” alcohol, or weapons or in other circumstances as authorized by the reciprocal reporting agreement between the District and local law enforcement agencies.

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The above list of consequences 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

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 students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or 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 2 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 1 or 2 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 the 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 Students

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 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 the local law enforcement agency, State Police, and any involved student’s parent/guardian. “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 consequence, other than suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment, or in-school suspension, that is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student behavior. 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, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students is authorized to impose the same consequences 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 10 consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of 10 school days for safety reasons. 

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III. Preventing Bullying, Hazing, Intimidation, and Harassment 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 nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. 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 nonschool-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 behavior, 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.

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IV. Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities

MISCONDUCT BY STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Behavioral Interventions Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. The School Board will establish and maintain a committee to develop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities. Behavior of Special Education Students The District shall comply with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules when consequences are necessary for special education students. No special education student shall be expelled if the student’s particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability. Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee As required by Public Act 87-1103 Highland CUSD No. 5 will maintain a parent-teacher advisory committee. This committee shall develop, in cooperation with Highland CUSD No. 5. Behavioral Intervention Committee and the Board of Education, policy guidelines on pupil behavior for students with disabilities. These guidelines will be furnished to the parents or guardians of each student with behavioral problems which interfere with learning. In addition, each district will inform its students of the contents of its policy on student behavior. Behavioral Intervention Consultant Teams Highland CUSD No. 5 will designate a behavioral intervention consultation team. At least one team member should have documented training in behavior analysis and behavioral intervention procedures with an emphasis on positive behavioral interventions. Competency in the following areas should be considered desirable for persons serving on behavioral intervention teams: A. B. C. D. E. F.

basic concepts and principles of human learning methods of measuring human behavior including recording, displaying, and interpreting data on human behavior identification and explanation of behavior including behavioral assessment and functional analysis intervention alternatives, including ecological manipulations, positive programming, and direct interventions empirical and clinical methods for determining the effectiveness of behavioral interventions legal and ethical issues relating to behavioral programming

Behavioral intervention consultants may be any appropriately trained certified staff member including, but not limited to, a resource specialist, school psychologist, social worker, supervisor, or teacher. The duties of the behavioral intervention consultants shall include, but are not limited to, assisting IEP teams in the development of behavioral intervention plans, consulting with teachers and other staff members on the proper use of behavioral interventions, supervising the implementation of intervention plan procedures, and ensuring that restricting behavioral interventions are implemented appropriately and in a humane fashion.

Protection and Due Process Rights

Family Involvement Parents and/or guardians have the right and are encouraged to be involved actively in the development of any behavioral management plan unitizing restrictive procedures. Such involvement includes, but is not limited to, participation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. Parents and guardians will be provided with copies and/or explanations of the functional analysis conducted and the behavioral management plan developed for their child. Notification The student’s parent or guardian shall be informed fully of the rationale, procedures, and possible outcomes of a behavior management plan developed at an IEP meeting. In addition, the parents will be provided this information in writing. Documentation in the IEP All children have a right to a free and appropriate public education. For students receiving special education services, development of the IEP is the process for ensuring that a student is provided appropriate educational and related services. Because behavioral procedures represent powerful interventions designed to enhance the benefits a student derives from the educational setting, the use of behavioral procedures will be documented in the child’s IEP. It will be noted on the IEP that a behavioral management plan has been developed to address a specific behavior and a copy of the plan is to be attached to the

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IEP document. Under no circumstances shall a behavioral management plan be implemented without its inclusion in the child’s IEP. If a child’s Behavioral Modification Plan (BMP) needs to be modified, an IEP meeting must be reconvened in order to develop the behavior management plan. Appeal and Due Process Procedures All procedural safeguards, including rights to conflict resolution, mediation, and an impartial due process hearing, as required through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans With Disabilities Act, and the School Code, shall be applicable to the resolution of disputes involving behavioral intervention plans. If the parent or guardian disagrees with a proposed behavioral intervention or any aspect of the implementation of a restrictive intervention, the district should work with the parent to attempt resolution of the dispute. The parents or district may request a due process hearing as provided by Sections 226.605 and 226.615 of 23 Illinois Administrative Code, or according to the provision of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Districts shall ensure that parents are fully informed of their due process rights.

Staff Training and Professional Development

Highland CUSD No. 5 will provide ongoing professional training in the use of behavioral interventions. Since students with special needs are included in regular education classes, training efforts will be available to all teachers and staff. Training of school personnel who have the most contact with students who exhibit behavioral difficulties will be particularly emphasized. Continued competency in the areas of behavioral assessment and interventions requires ongoing professional development, and the provision of such training activities will be documented. Training activities offered through Highland CUSD No. 5 may include inservices given by external consultants, workshops conducted by district personnel, professional conferences, and university training. Highland CUSD No. 5 ensures that training activities are conducted by qualified individuals who have expertise in relevant areas of behavioral assessment and intervention.

Highland CUSD No. 5 Behavioral Intervention Review Committee

A minimum of three individuals who have training in the use of behavioral intervention, preferably one teacher and one school psychologist or social worker, and Highland CUSD No. 5 Director of Special Educaton will comprise this committee. This committee will meet quarterly. Their responsibilities will include the following: • review and monitor incidents involving the emergency use of restrictive behavioral interventions; • develop/review and monitor behavioral intervention involving the use of restrictive procedures; • inform staff of inservice opportunities in the area of behavioral interventions; • advise the district on issues arising from the use of restrictive behavioral interventions; and • identify qualified Behavior Intervention Consultants.

Report of Progress on Annual Goals

Student’s progress must be reported at least as often as the students in the regular classroom programs.

Functional Behavioral Assessment

A Functional Behavioral Assessment will be completed to determine the need for a Behavioral Intervention Plan. If used in developing a Behavioral Intervention Plan, the Functional Behavioral Assessment must be reviewed at an IEP meeting and may be attached to the IEP.

Manifestation Determination

The manifestation determination must be made by an IEP team. After reviewing all relevant information, in terms of the behavior subject to disciplinary action, it is the responsibility of the IEP team to determine if the behavior was a manifestation of the student’s disability. Upon completion of the MDR meeting, the district must provide a copy of the MDR report and documentation of determination to the parent(s). A copy of the IEP, together with all documentation upon which it is based, shall be kept on file by the local district.

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V. Student Appearance

Students’ dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/ learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency. The building principal is the final authority for judging the appropriateness of a student’s appearance at school. If a teacher or staff member finds a student’s dress to be a disruption in the classroom, or building, the student will be sent to the office. No hats/head gear or bandanas are allowed in the building without administrative approval. Sunglasses should not be worn in the building. Removable chains are considered a safety issue and not allowed at school. Students should remove all removable chains from clothing before coming to school. Students in violation of the dress code policy will be asked to change clothes at school. If further consequences are needed, students will be placed on our progressive behavior program. Faculty and staff will make every effort to be consistent in the manner in which they determine the appropriateness of student dress. If a teacher finds student dress to be a disruption in the classroom, the student will be sent to the office. Students will be asked to change or leave the school grounds if they are found in violation of the above guidelines. All dress code violations, even those classified as warnings, will be documented by the teacher or office staff. Multiple violations of the dress code guidelines will be considered insubordination pursuant to the student behavior policy and consequences under the progressive behavior system. It is important to recognize that school is a place of learning. The following items are NOT appropriate school attire: Backs/Bras/Bellies - Halter, one-shoulder, tube, crop or spaghetti string tops are not permitted; bellies, and bras should not be seen. No outfits that reveal breast/cleavage. Bottoms - Shorts and skirts are to be modest length for standing, sitting and bending. Bottoms that ride low are not permitted. When selecting your apparel, holes in inappropriate places will not be permitted. Underwear, backsides, and bellies are not to be visible during the school day. Any clothing that depicts drugs, alcohol, inappropriate or offensive language or pictures is unacceptable. The faculty and administration may judge other attire inappropriate at their discretion. You will be asked to change or leave the school grounds if you do not respect the rules indicated above. While Prom, homecoming, and semi-formal functions are considered special events, we remind you to be modest in the selection of a dress or outfit. The administration reserves the right, if necessary, to modify the dress code policies to include any items that affect the safety and/or security of the school, disrupts the learning environment or are not conducive to a school setting.

VI.Students Search and Seizure

In order 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 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: 1. Outside the view of others, including students, 2. In the presence of a school administrator or adult witness, and 3. 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.

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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. 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.

VII. Nondiscrimination Clause

Highland CUSD No. 5 shall not discriminate on the basis of color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, or physical or mental handicap. Any person in need of an accommodation due to a disability for the purpose of attending parent conferences, school programs, and school board meetings shall contact the building principal or superintendent to make specific requests. Highland CUSD No. 5 shall not segregate or stigmatize homeless students.

VIII. Uniform Grievance Procedures

A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member should notify any District Complaint Manager if he or she believes that the School Board, its employees, or agents have violated his or her rights guaranteed by the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board policy, or have a complaint regarding any one of the following: 1. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 4. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq. 5. Equal Employment Opportunities Act (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act), 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq. 6. Sexual harassment (Illinois Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) 7. Bullying, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 8. Misuse of funds received for services to improve educational opportunities for educationally disadvantaged or deprived children 9. Curriculum, instructional materials, and/or programs 10. Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, 820 ILCS 180 11. Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, 820 ILCS 112 12. Provision of services to homeless students 13. Illinois Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174/. 14. Misuse of genetic information (Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), 410 ILCS 513/ and Titles I and II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq.) 15. Employee Credit Privacy Act, 820 ILCS 70/. The Complaint Manager will attempt to resolve complaints without resorting to this grievance procedure, and if a complaint is filed, to address the complaint promptly and equitably. The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies and use of this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the pursuit of other remedies. All deadlines under this procedure may be extended by the Complaint Manager as he or she deems appropriate. As used in this policy, “school business days” means days on which the District’s main office is open.

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Filing a Complaint

A person (hereinafter Complainant) who wishes to avail him or herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with any District Complaint Manager. The Complainant shall not be required to file a complaint with a particular Complaint Manager and may request a Complaint Manager of the same gender. The Complaint Manager may request the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint or require a meeting with a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The Complaint Manager shall assist the Complainant as needed.

Investigation

The Complaint Manager will investigate the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation on his or her behalf. If the Complainant is a student under 18 years of age, the Complaint Manager will notify his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) that they may attend any investigatory meetings in which their child is involved. The complaint and identity of the Complainant will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the Complainant. The identity of any student witnesses will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law or any collective bargaining agreement, or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the parent/guardian of the student witness, or by the student if the student is 18 years of age or older. Within 30 school business days of the date the complaint was filed, the Complaint Manager shall file a written report of his or her findings with the Superintendent. The Complaint Manager may request an extension of time. If a complaint of sexual harassment contains allegations involving the Superintendent, the written report shall be filed with the Board, which will make a decision in accordance with the following section of this policy. The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints.

Decision and Appeal

Within 5 school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s report, the Superintendent shall mail his or her written decision to the Complainant by U.S. mail, first class, as well as to the Complaint Manager. Within 10 school business days after receiving the Superintendent’s decision, the Complainant may appeal the decision to the Board by making a written request to the Complaint Manager. The Complaint Manager shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the Board. Within 30 school business days, the Board shall affirm, reverse, or amend the Superintendent’s decision or direct the Superintendent to gather additional information. Within 5 school business days of the Board’s decision, the Superintendent shall inform the Complainant of the Board’s action. This grievance procedure shall not be construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the Superintendent or Board. The failure to strictly follow the timelines in this grievance procedure shall not prejudice any party.

Appointing Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers

The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator to manage the District’s efforts to provide equal opportunity employment and educational opportunities and prohibit the harassment of employees, students, and others. The Superintendent shall appoint at least one Complaint Manager to administer the complaint process in this policy. If possible, the Superintendent will appoint 2 Complaint Managers, one of each gender. The District’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator may be appointed as one of the Complaint Managers. Nondiscrimination Coordinator: Derek Hacke 400 Broadway Highland, IL 62249 618-654-2106

Complaint Managers: Tim Bair Julie Korte 400 Broadway 1800 Lindenthal Highland, IL 62249 Highland, IL 62249 618-654-2106 618-654-2107

The District, including all staff members will not retaliate against any person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging sexual harassment or otherwise engages in an activity protected by Title IX. Students, families, and staff shall maintain their right to file a complaint with the District or external agencies such as the Office of Civil Rights if they feel they have been retaliated against for reporting sex discrimination or sexual harassment.

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The contact information for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is 800-421-3481 to report any educational discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc., request information on civil rights compliance programs, procedures for filing discrimination complaints, or access to civil rights regulatory and policy documents. The local number in Washington, D.C. is 202-453-6100.

IX. Hazing Prohibited

Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in hazing, no matter when or where it occurs, is prohibited. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any group, organization, club, or athletic team whose members are or include other students. Students engaging in hazing will be subject to one or more of the following behavior consequences: 1. Removal from the extracurricular activities, 2. Conference with parents/guardians, and/or 3. Referral to appropriate law enforcement agency. Students engaging in hazing that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person may also be subject to: 1. Suspension for up to 10 days, and/or 2. Expulsion for the remainder of the school term.

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RULES AND REGULATIONS “BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS” A.

I. General

Students committing acts of gross disobedience or misconduct as defined in Board Policy No. 7:190 may be placed on probation, detained during non-school hours, suspended in-school, suspended from school, suspended from riding the school bus, expelled from school, transferred to or placed in an alternative educational placement or school, or otherwise given consequences. Such behavior, however, shall not include: slapping, paddling, prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or the intentional infliction of bodily harm upon students. B. Suspension or expulsion shall include suspension from school and all school activities and a prohibition from being present on school grounds. C. Students eligible for special education and whose Individual Education Programs include a behavior management plan may only be subject to behavior pursuant to the provisions of that plan, except as may be required on an emergency basis and as otherwise provided in Section VI of these Rules and Regulations. D. At the discretion of the superintendent, or the Board of Education upon review, a student may be permitted to make up school work and examinations missed as a result of a suspension or an expulsion. E. Authorized personnel may place on probation, detain after school, suspend in-school, or otherwise given consequences a student. The superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and/or assistant principal are authorized to suspend a student from school or from riding the school bus. Teachers may remove disruptive students from the classroom. F. Prior to removing any student from the school or the school bus during the regular school day, the authorized administrator shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parents by telephone and take any other steps reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of the student being removed from school or the school bus. G. No student who is chronically or habitually truant shall be subject to consequences unless appropriate supportive services have first been provided to the student and have either failed to result in cessation of the chronic or habitual truancy or have been offered and refused.

II. Suspension/Expulsion Procedures Suspension Procedures 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 a 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

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a. disruption posed by the student or his or her act of gross disobedience or misconduct; and b. Depending upon the length of the out-of-school suspension, include the following applicable information: i. For a suspension of 3 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 4 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. 1. 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. 2. 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. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the suspension, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from the Department of Human Services to consult with the Board. 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.

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. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the recommended expulsion, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from the Dept. of Human Services to consult with the Board. 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 why removing the student from 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.

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

III. Lesser Disciplinary Measures

A. Detention and in-school suspensions

Detention, probation, in-school suspensions, removal from the classroom, or other consequences may be imposed for student disobedience or misconduct warranting lesser penalties. Student disobedience or misconduct warranting lesser behavior penalties than suspension or a recommendation for expulsion may be subject to other consequences, including, but not limited to, detention, probation, in-school suspensions, removal from the classroom, Individual/ Student Services (I.S.S.), Detention Hall, or Directed Study Room (D.S.R.). 1. Students shall be notified of the rules, as established by the local school, which will lead to imposition of lesser consequences if violated. If a student is to be detained after school for behavior reasons, school personnel will give the student 24-hour notice and will attempt to reach the parent and give the parent 24-hour notice of the detention. If there is mutual agreement (verbal or written) between the teacher and the parent, the 24-hour notice may be waived. 2. Students shall have no right of review by the Board of Education for the imposition of the lesser consequence of this section.

B. Isolated Time Out and Physical Restraint

This administrative procedure applies to all students. Isolated time out and physical restraint shall be used only as a means of maintaining behavior in schools (that is, as a means of maintaining a safe and orderly environment for learning) and only to the extent that they are necessary to preserve the safety of students and others. Neither isolated time out nor physical restraint shall be used in administering behavior to individual students, that is, as a form of punishment. The use of isolated time out and physical restraint by any staff member shall comply with the Illinois State Board of Education rules, Section 1.285, Requirements for the Use of Isolated Time Out and Physical Restraint. Isolated time out and physical restraint are defined as follows: “Isolated time out” means the confinement of a student in a time-out room or some other enclosure, whether within or outside the classroom, from which the student’s egress is restricted.

“Physical restraint” means holding a student or otherwise restricting his or her movements. “Restraint” does not include momentary periods of physical restriction by direct person-to-person contact, without the aid of material or mechanical devices, accomplished with limited force and designed to: 1. prevent a student from completing an act that would result in potential physical harm to himself, herself, or another or damage to property; or 2. remove a disruptive student who is unwilling to leave the area voluntarily.

The following shall also apply:

1. The circumstances under which isolated time out or physical restraint will be applied are limited to maintain ing a safe and orderly learning environment. 2. The ISBE rules are adopted as the district’s written procedure to be followed by staff for the use of isolated time out or physical restraint. 3. The building principal is the school official who will be informed of incidents and maintain the documenta- tion required pursuant to Section 1.285 when isolated time out or physical restraint is used. 4. The building principal shall investigate and evaluate any incident that results in an injury that the affected student (or the responsible parent/guardian), staff member, or other individual identifies as serious. 5. The building principal shall compile a description of alternative strategies that will be implemented when determined advisable pursuant to Section 1.285 (f)(4). 6. The superintendent or designee shall compile an annual review of the use of isolated time out or physical restraint. The building principal shall report the following information to the superintendent in order to facilitate the report’s compilation: a. the number of incidents involving the use of these interventions; b. the location and duration of each incident;

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c. identification of the staff members who were involved; d. any injuries or property damage that occurred; and e. the timeliness of parental notification and administrative review.

IV. Administrative Procedure-Misconduct By Students With Disabilities A. Special Education Suspension Procedures

1. 2. 3. 4. B.

All suspension notices and suspension review procedures established by The School Code shall be followed when suspending a special education student. In addition, a special education student who is suspended from school shall receive educational services in accordance with the IDEA. The first time a student is removed for more than 10 cumulative days during the school year, days after the decision to suspend a student is made, convene an IEP meeting to review and, if appropriate, modify the student’s behavior intervention plan, as necessary, to address the student’s behavior. If no behavior intervention plan is in place, the IEP team shall develop a plan for a functional behavioral assessment that must be used to develop a behavior intervention plan. For all subsequent removals of the student that do not constitute a change in placement, the IEP team members must review the behavior intervention plan and its implementation. If any team member indicates that the plan may need to be modified, the IEP team must be convened to review the plan and revise it, if appropriate. For all removals that exceed 10 cumulative days during one school year, the district must provide services to the student. School personnel, in conjunction with the student’s special education teacher, shall determine the services to be provided. Such services must be designed to enable the student to progress in the general curriculum and advance toward his or her IEP goals.

Special Education Expulsion Procedures

1. The district shall promptly notify the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of the disobedience or misconduct and whether the student shall be recommended for expulsion. All procedural protections pertaining to notice provided under the district’s behavior policy shall apply to a notice of recommended expulsion in the case of a special education student. The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall also receive written notification that: a. An IEP conference shall be convened to determine whether the student’s act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability. The IEP meeting shall take place as soon as possible, but no later than 10 school days after the decision to provide consequences for the student is made. b. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) are requested to attend the IEP team meeting at the date, time, and location specified in the notice. 2. For purposes of such manifestation determination review, the IEP team shall include the members of the student’s IEP team and other qualified personnel including, but not limited to, the authorized administrator familiar with the act of misconduct. 3. In carrying out the manifestation determination review, the team shall consider, in terms of the behavior subject to the consequences, all relevant information including: a. evaluation and diagnostic results, including relevant information supplied by the parents; b. observations of the student; and c. the student’s IEP and placement. 4. The team may determine that the subject behavior was not a manifestation of the student’s disability only if it is determined that: a. the student’s IEP and placement were appropriate and special education, supplementary aids and services, and behavior intervention strategies were provided consistent with the student’s IEP and placement; b. the student’s disability did not impair the ability of the student to understand the impact and conse- quences of the behavior subject to the consequence; and c. the student’s disability did not impair the ability of the student to control the behavior subject to the consequence. 5. If, at the manifestation determination review conference, it is determined that the behavior of the student was a manifestation of his or her disability, the authorized administrator shall not continue with his or her recommendation for expulsion.

The authorized administrator may request a review of the appropriateness of the educational placement of the student in accordance with the ISBE Special Education Rules and Regulations. During the period necessary to propose a new placement, the student will remain in his or her then-current placement unless: a. the student has not served a full 10 school day suspension imposed for the offense, in which case the student may be required to serve the remaining days of his or her suspension; or

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b. the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the District agree on an interim placement; or c. the District obtains an order from a court of competent jurisdiction or a State of Illinois hearing officer changing the then current placement or providing for other appropriate relief. 6. If, at the manifestation determination review conference, it is determined that the behavior of the student was not a manifestation of his or her disability, the authorized administrator may continue with his or her recommendation that the student be considered for expulsion by the School Board. The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall receive written notice that includes the following provisions: a. The parent(s)/guardian(s) are entitled to all rights provided under the IDEA and those set forth in the ISBE Special Education Rules and Regulations, as available to the parent(s)/guardian(s) from the district. A copy of the parent(s)/guardian(s) rights shall be included with the expulsion hearing notice. b. In addition to issues regularly determined at an expulsion hearing, the authorized administrator must present evidence that the manifestation determination review team met and concluded that the stu- dent’s misconduct was not a manifestation of his or her disability, which shall be duly noted by the School Board. c. The administration shall ensure that relevant special education and behavior records of the student are transmitted for consideration by the School Board. 7. If a special education student is expelled from school in accordance with the procedures set forth above, the district shall convene an IEP meeting to develop an educational program to deliver educational services to the student during such period of expulsion. C.

Weapon and Drug Offenses

In accordance with the above procedures, the district may take one or more of the following steps when a student with a disability carries a weapon to school or to a school function or knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school or at a school-related function: 1. suspend the student from school for 10 school days or less. 2. convene an IEP conference to: (a) determine placement in an interim alternative educational setting for up to 45 calendar days, (b) review and, if appropriate, modify the student’s behavior intervention plan, as necessary, to address the student’s behavior, (if no behavior intervention plan is in place, the IEP team shall develop a plan for a functional behavioral assessment that must be used to develop a behavior inter- vention plan), and (c) conduct a manifestation determination review. The student may be placed in an interim alternative educational setting even if the behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability. 3. The interim alternative educational setting must: a. enable the student to continue to progress in the general curriculum; b. enable the student to receive the services and modifications set forth in his or her IEP; and c. include services and modifications designed to address the misconduct to prevent it from recurring. 4. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) disagree with the alternative educational placement or with the district-proposed placement and initiate a due process hearing, the student must remain in the alternative educational setting during the authorized review proceedings, unless the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the district agree on another placement.

D. Change of Placement if Maintenance of Current Placement Is Likely to Result in Injury In the event that maintenance of a student’s current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or to others, the district may seek an order from a court of competent jurisdiction or a State of Illinois Due Process Hearing Officer to change the student’s placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for one or more 45-day periods after convening an IEP meeting to: 1. conduct a manifestation determination review following procedures described under subheading “Special Education Expulsion Procedures,” paragraph numbers 3 and 4, and 2. determine a proposed interim alternative educational setting that meets the requirements under sub-heading “Weapon and Drug Offenses,” in paragraph number 3. The length of time a student with a disability is placed in an alternative educational setting must be the same amount of time that a student without a disability would be subject to the consequence. HCUSD No. 5 does not discriminate against any student/employee by reason of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, age, creed, color, disability or national origin.

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HHS Handbook Test

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2017 - 2018 HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK TEST AND HANDBOOK RECEIPT

The student signature indicates that he or she received a handbook. The teacher also provided instruction, an opportunity for discussion, and the handbook test has been completed by the student. Students must score 100% or retake the test. This test will be kept in the student behavior file for the remainder of this school year. Any new students who enroll after the first day of school will be required to take this handbook test. 1. _____Misusing a pass, leaving the classroom early without permission, or roaming the hallways during Focused Tutor Time will result in loss of privileges during FTT. a) true b) false



2. _____Students are expected to present an appearance that does not disrupt the educational process. Dress and/or grooming which is not in accord with reasonable standards for health and safety will be considered inappropriate. The high school principal is the final authority on student dress. a) true b) false 3. _____Once a student has missed ten school days for the semester; he or she will be required to present medical documentation to the high school office to receive an excused absence at Highland High School. a) true b) false 4. _____A student must have a minimum of 67% - the combined total of the quarters and final exam -- to pass a class. a) true b) false 5. _____Students are required to follow the HHS Academic Integrity Policy and Consequences and accept responsibility to ensure that all academic work, projects, assessments, exams, grades, and academic recognition of any kind. Violation of this policy such as plagiarism and/or cheating will result in consequences that may be result in a zero on the assignment, behavior consequences a) true b) false 6. _____ Students are required to wear their Highland High School ID and lanyard upon arrival to campus, up until the student leaves campus each school day. An ID and lanyard are provided to all students free of charge at the beginning of the school year. Students who lose their ID and/or lanyard will be required to report to the office to purchase a temporary ID that costs $1.00 each. A new permanent ID and lanyard costs $5.00 each. Students may receive a detention or additional consequences for not wearing their school ID properly. a) true b) false 7. _____The school board authorize the use of video cameras on district property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment a) true b) false 8. _____A medication form must be completed and signed before a student may receive any medicine at school. This includes both prescription medications and medicines that can be bought over the counter without a prescription. a) true b) false 9. _____In order to leave school during the day, students must have permission from their parents (in writing or over the phone to a high school official) and get administrative approval before signing out in the office. Students have 48 hours to clear an absence from previous school day. a) true b) false 10. _____Sending or posting inappropriate electronic text messages, social media posts, photos, or posting inappropriate content in general that causes disruption to the school environment may result in school consequences, loss of electronic device privilege at school, and possible police involvement. a) true b) false

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11. _____Cell phones, cameras, or any electronic devices that are used to harass or bully students or school personnel will result in consequences and which include losing the privilege of using the electronic device at school. a) true b) false 12. _____Students can lose their privilege to drive to school for: a) reckless driving b) illegal parking c) having no parking sticker d) all of the above. 13. _____Severe infractions such as possession, use, or distribution of, or any attempt to use or distribute, any illegal or controlled substance, including alcohol, drugs, or any look-a-like drug, or any severe disruptive behavior such as mob action may result in ISS, STOP, or out-of-school suspension and students may be recommended for expulsion for the first offense. a) true b) false 14. _____It is considered a privilege for students to bring a cell phone or electronic device to Highland High School. Students may not use mobile electronic devices in the classroom unless it is teacher approved and/or a planned portion of the learning activity. Use of mobile electronic devices during school hours is regulated by specified times and locations such as the hallway during passing periods, the Commons, before school, at lunch, and after school. a) true b) false 15. _____Students are expected to be kind and courteous in the lunchroom and to treat classmates and staff with respect. It is the expectation at Highland High School that students clean up their trash at the table and push in their chairs when finished eating. Students who fail to clean up trash during lunch or breakfast may be assigned to eat in ISS. At no time should another student be forced to take up another student’s tray or be forced to throw away their trash. This behavior will not be tolerated at HHS. a) true b) false 16. _____Reasonable suspicion is just cause for the administration to search any student’s locker, desk, or any personal effects left on school property, including the parking lot without a warrant and without prior notice. a) true b) false 17. _____Infractions that involve possession of marijuana, synthetic cannabis such as K2 or Spice, arson, and assault—can result in the most severe of all school consequences STOP, out-of-school suspension, or possible referral for expulsion. a) true b) false 18. _____A student who is away from an assigned area, abuses a school pass, or is found in an unauthorized area, will be written up on the behavior chart, placed on the restricted list during FTT, and not be able to leave class without office permission. a) true b) false 19. _____The policy of Highland Community Schools and the Highland Police Department is that any and all threats will be taken seriously and could result in school consequences, police involvement, and when appropriate, criminal charges may be filed. Aggressive, threatening, intimidating, or harassing behaviors will be taken seriously. a) true b) false 20. _____Harassment, hazing, bullying, sexual harassment, will result in school consequences and possible police involvement. Which of the following is an example of harassment? a. verbal or physical behavior which makes someone feel threatened b. unwelcome verbal or physical conduct c. using social media to harass, humiliate, or intimidate student or staff d. retaliating or encouraging others to retaliate against someone for their actions e. all of the above

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21. _____Inappropriate computer use may result in: a. loss of the privilege to use computers b. school consequences c. restitution for damage to software/hardware d. all of the above 22. _____Loitering in the parking lot is not permitted. Students are not allowed to sit in cars before school, during lunch, or any other time during the school day. Students need administrative/office permission and parental consent to leave the building for any reason. Students must leave the building at the end of the school day and are not permitted to hang out in the Commons or others areas unless supervised by a staff member. a) true b) false 23. _____Willful failure to carry out the directions of any school personnel is called: a) insubordination b) intimidation c) forgery d) profanity 24. _____Students who are suspended out-of-school will be allowed to do make up work for credit. Some may be offered to attend the STOP program in lieu of out-of-school suspension. Students are not allowed at school functions at any time during their suspension. a) true b) false 25. _____The administration reserves the right to determine appropriate consequences for offenses which are not contained in the behavior chart. Similarly, the administration reserves the right on a case by case basis to deviate from the specified consequences when such deviations are determined necessary for the proper and safe operation of our school. a) true b) false 26. _____To remain academically eligible to participate in sports or extra-curricular activities at HHS, a student shall be doing passing work in at least 6 of 7 classes on the seven period system. Eligibility is also considered cumulative and starts over at the semester. If a student fails 2 or more classes for the semester, that student will be ineligible to participate in any sport for the entire following semester. a) true b) false 27. _____Students are expected to follow HHS Handbook rules and procedures when they are attending school events such as extra-curricular, Prom, athletic events etc. It is important that students represent their school in a positive manner at all games and contests by cheering appropriately, respecting our opponent, and displaying good sportsmanship. Students who do not abide by these rules may be removed or banned from games, contests, and other school activities. a) true b) false 28. _____Detention Hall will be open Monday through Friday for 30 minutes during lunch, and Monday through Friday before or after school to be arranged by the student in the HHS Office. Students must serve assigned detentions by the due date on the referral forms. Any student who fails to serve detentions in a timely manner will be assigned the next higher consequence on the behavior chart which includes moving to a 60 minute detention and then 3 periods of ISS. a) true b) false 29. _____Highland High School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave for lunch. If on a birthday or other special occasions, the parent wishes to take their student to lunch, they must have administrative approval and sign out the student in the high school office. a) true b) false 30. _____Dress code and cell phone violations for third offenses will result in a behavior referral, ISS, or additional consequences. The third violation of the electronic device policy will result in progressive behavior consequences and loss of privilege of electronic devices at school. a) true b) false

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STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK RECEIPT To: Parents and Students of Highland High School From: Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 Administrators Please sign and date below to indicate you have received the Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 Behavior Handbook and the Highland High School Agenda-Student/Parent Handbook which covers policies and procedures for our school. Signature also means the student has taken the handbook test and passed with a 100%. Best wishes for a great school year.

_______________________________________________________________________ __________________ Parent Signature Date ______________________________________________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Student Print Name

I have reviewed the Student/Parent Handbook with my child(ren) in an effort to promote a better understanding of Highland High School rules and expectations. My signature below acknowledges receipt of the Student/Parent Handbook. I understand that this handbook may be amended during the year without notice. This handbook in the latest version is applicable to all students upon implementation of any change, The administration will notify all parents and students in writing, where possible, of any changes to the handbook. Please return this signed form to your first period teacher or the high school office as soon as possible. Thank You

DETACH AND RETURN THIS SIGNED SHEET TO YOUR FIRST HOUR TEACHER.

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HHS STUDENT HANDBOOK TEST/ANSWER SHEET 2016-2017 STUDENT NAME: DATE: (PRINT YOUR NAME) 1st Hour Teacher: Student Signature:



(PLEASE SIGN YOUR NAME)

The student signature indicates that he/she received a handbook. The teacher also provided instruction, and an opportunity for discussion. The handbook test has been completed by the student. Students must score 100% or retake the test. The test will be kept in the student discipline file for the remainder of this school year. Any new students who enroll after the first day of school will be required to take this handbook test.

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Name two teachers or staff members you would go to when you need help. 1) 2)

DETACH AND TURN INTO YOUR FIRST PERIOD TEACHER WHEN COMPLETED.

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