Matthews Middle School

“Committed to Excellence” Matthews Middle School 3500 Darrell Road P.O. Box 920 Island Lake, IL 60042 Office (847) 526-6210 Fax (847) 526-8918 www.d118.org/matthews

WAUCONDA COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 118 DIRECTORY Central Administration 555 North Main Street Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone (847) 526-7690 Fax (847) 526-1019 Dr. Daniel J. Coles, Superintendent of Schools William Harkin, Associate Superintendent of Business Services James LePage, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Wauconda Middle School Grades 6 - 8 215 Slocum Lake Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone (847) 526-2122 Fax (847) 487-3597 Cameron Willis, Principal Daniel Stoller, Assistant Principal

Special Education 555 North Main Street Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone (847) 526-7690 Fax (847) 487-0165 Val Donnan, Director of Special Education Kelly Plunk, Elementary Coordinator of Special Ed Dede Gill, Elementary Coordinator of Special Ed Susan Coleman, Secondary Coordinator of Spec Ed

Matthews Middle School Grades 6 - 8 3500 Darrell Road, P.O. Box 920 Island Lake, IL 60042 Phone: (847) 526-6210 Fax: (847) 526-8918 Robert Taterka, Principal Tony Harter, Assistant Principal

Curriculum and Instruction 555 North Main Street Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone (847) 526-7690 Fax (847) 526-0134 Dr. David Wilm, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Sandra Moran, Coordinator of Bilingual Education

Wauconda Grade School Grades K - 5 225 Osage Street Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone (847) 526-6671 Fax (847) 487-3598 Deb Monroe, Principal Mandy Calfo, Assistant Principal

Transportation Department 264 Jamie Lane Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone: (847) 526-6672 Fax: (847) 526-0192 Diana Mikelski, Director of Transportation Kim Petrucci, Head Driver/Router

Robert Crown School Grades K - 5 620 Bonner Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone (847) 526-7100 Fax (847) 487-3596 Karrie Diol, Principal Angela Picchetti, Assistant Principal

Wauconda High School Grades 9 - 12 555 North Main Street Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone (847) 526-6611 Fax (847) 487-3595 Dan Klett, Principal Laura MacCready, Assistant Principal Jim Van Fleet, Athletic Director Andy Lambert, Athletic Director Matthew Badgley, Dean of Students Mark Landvick, Dean of Students

Cotton Creek School Grades K - 5 545 Newport Court Island Lake, IL 60042 Phone (847) 526-4700 Fax (847) 526-4725 Darlene Baker, Principal Diane Kelly, Assistant Principal

All School Settings & Events

Cafeteria

Restroom

• Use passing  • Have all materials  • Arrive on time  needed  and with needed  periods when  items  possible   • Leave area as you  found it  • Sit at assigned  • Use restroom  table  nearest to  • Dress  you  appropriately  • Wait to be  dismissed  

Before School

• Be on time  • Enter MPR  quietly  • Sit in  designated  area  • Turn off all  electronics  • Keep hands,  feet  • Be polite &  • Remove all   • Use toilets,  & objects to self  headgear  courteous  sinks and  and coats  dryers  • Use appropriate   • Wait your turn in  and place in  appropriately  voice, tone, and  line   locker  language   • Respect the  • Ask permission  privacy of  • Gather  • Respect the rights  to leave the  others  material for  and opinions of  designated area  classes  • Clean up after  other  yourself  • Keep area clean  • Report spills and  • Use soap to  • Skateboards  accidents  wash hands  & scooters  • Walk  at all times  immediately  need to be  • Report any  • Use equipment as  carried and  • Clean up area  damaged  it is intended  stored in  before leaving  property or  locker    accidents   

After School

Hallways & Lockers

Assemblies

• Have all  materials  needed    

• Sit in  • Get all  materials  designated  area  • Have passport  at all times  • Use time  wisely  

• Move to  designated  area  

• Be on time to  • Listen to who  destination  is speaking  • Close lockers  • Ask permission  quietly   before leaving   • Hold doors for  the area  others     

• Obey bus  and MPR  rules 

• Stay to the  right   • Be aware of  others space   • Use only your  assigned  locker 

• Enter and exit  appropriately   

School Buses  

Bus Trips/Athletic Trips 

• Arrive to bus stop 5 minutes early  • Cell phone usage is not permitted  • Food should not be eaten 

• Food should not be eaten  •  Be ready to leave when bus arrives 

• • • •

Use appropriate language, tone and voice level  Be courteous to all  Follow the driver’s directions  Respect all property 

• Use appropriate language, tone and voice level  • Be courteous to all  • Shoes with cleats should be removed before loading 

• • • • • • •  

Use handrails  Stay seated  Face forward  Lower windows to black lines only  Be silent when crossing railroad tracks  Get on/off at designated stop only  Secure all personal items 

• • • •

Be silent when crossing railroad tracks  Stay seated   Sit properly  Windows lowered to black lines only  

Math Teacher:________________ Computer #: ______ Lit/LA Teacher: ______________________Computer #: ____

My M.A.P. Testing Data Taking Ownership of Your Own Learning Fall RIT Score

Winter RIT Score

Spring RIT Score

Expected Growth

Year’s Growth

Literature Math Language Arts Matthews Middle School Compact A school compact is a voluntary agreement between parents, students, and schools that outlines goals and expectations for students, staff, and parents. Teachers and Staff will: • • • • • • • • •

provide high-quality curriculum and instructional practices to equip students to be successful in both academics and life. provide meaningful assignments to reinforce and extend learning. create a learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and nurtured. provide students with opportunities to take ownership of their education. expect and challenge all students to make connections between learning and real-world applications. enforce rules equitably and involve students in creating a warm and caring learning environment. instruct and reinforce students to be responsible, respectful, and safe. model good behavior and use positive reinforcement to promote expected behavior in all school settings. present students with concrete expectations of behavior.

Parents will: • make sure their children attend school every day, arrive on time, and have assignments completed. • monitor their children’s progress in school. • ensure that their children get adequate sleep, necessary medical attention, and proper nutrition. • access PowerSchool to stay informed regarding daily activities, assignments, and announcements. • set aside a specific time and place for their children to do assignments. • expect and reinforce that their children behave appropriately at school. • encourage their children to advocate for themselves when communicating with teachers and adults. • hold their children accountable for their actions. • encourage their children to participate in clubs, sports, and other afterschool activities. Students will: • • • • • • • • •

set aside time every day to complete their assignments. respect the school, the staff, their classmates, and their family. know and follow school rules and classroom rules. bring necessary materials, complete class work, and participate in daily class activities. respect the personal rights of others and respect the property of others. attend school regularly. come to class on time, ready-to-learn, with completed assignments. believe that they can learn and that they will learn. work to resolve conflicts in positive and nonviolent ways.

After reading The Matthews Middle School Compact with your student, please sign below: Student Teacher Parent/Guardian

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY The Wauconda Community School District 118 Board of Education believes that the public schools are an American institution created to prepare each generation to make contributions to our unique society by building upon the positive achievements of those generations who have gone before. Our public schools are to educate the students in the essential fields of knowledge and to help them progress toward mature, responsible, self-directed behavior. We believe that basic to this purpose is the recognition of the human dignity, individuality and worth of each child. We are committed to the extent of our ability to provide an educational program for all students with the opportunity to develop to their fullest capacity in the areas of mental, physical and emotional well-being. BOARD OF EDUCATION Mr. John Armstrong Mrs. Deby Dato Mrs. Carey McHugh Ms. Maggie O’Hara Mr. David Patterson Mr. Brian Swanson Mr. Thomas Weber DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Superintendent – Dr. Dan Coles Associate Superintendent of Business – Mr. William Harkin Director of Curriculum and Instruction – Dr. David Wilm Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources – Mr. James LePage Director of Special Education – Ms. Val Donnan Supervisor of Transportation – Mrs. Diana Mikelski WELCOME TO MATTHEWS MIDDLE SCHOOL Welcome to Matthews Middle School. There are many enjoyable and challenging experiences awaiting you. Our programs provide challenges in both academic and extra-curricular areas, and there are numerous opportunities to develop one’s special talents and interests. To build on the “First Class Program” in District 118, both Matthews Middle School and Wauconda Middle School will be continuing our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program during the 2013-2014 school year. As part of PBIS, we will continue a Bully Prevention Program that uses the social responsibility skills of Stop, Walk, and Talk. In addition, we will train students to use Stop, Walk, and Talk with Cyber-Bullying. The program at the middle schools will center on the following:

Mustangs are… Responsible Respectful Safe Please read this handbook thoroughly. It is designed to better acquaint you with the expectations, rules, and events at Matthews Middle School. Everyone at Matthews Middle School believes that an excellent school is based upon the cooperation of all. Please feel free to ask for help at any time. Sincerely, Mr. Robert Taterka Principal

Mr. Tony Harter Assistant Principal

TABLE OF CONTENT General Information Activity Bus.................................................................................................................................................................1 Arrival and Dismissal ..................................................................................................................................................1 Backpacks....................................................................................................................................................................1 Bicycle Riding To and From School............................................................................................................................1 Computer Use ..............................................................................................................................................................1 Confiscated Personal Item ...........................................................................................................................................1 Daily Bulletin ..............................................................................................................................................................2 Daily Schedule.............................................................................................................................................................2 Directory Information ..................................................................................................................................................2 Early Dismissal Due to Severe Weather ......................................................................................................................2 District 118 Emergency and Disaster Management .....................................................................................................2 Emergency School Closings ........................................................................................................................................2 Failure to Report to Office...........................................................................................................................................3 Fire and Tornado Drills................................................................................................................................................3 Friday Late Start ..........................................................................................................................................................3 Interventions ................................................................................................................................................................3 Locker Care .................................................................................................................................................................3 Loitering After School Hours ......................................................................................................................................3 Lost and Found ............................................................................................................................................................3 Media Center ...............................................................................................................................................................3 Office Hours ................................................................................................................................................................3 Registration Fees .........................................................................................................................................................3 Student Admissions .....................................................................................................................................................4 Student ID....................................................................................................................................................................4 Student Messages/Telephone.......................................................................................................................................4 Visitors ........................................................................................................................................................................4 Wauconda Township Library ......................................................................................................................................4 Academics Exploratory Classes .....................................................................................................................................................5 Honors Curriculum ......................................................................................................................................................5 Powerschool ................................................................................................................................................................5 Promotion and Retention .............................................................................................................................................5 Mid-term Progress Reports ..........................................................................................................................................5 Report Cards ................................................................................................................................................................5 Honor Roll ...................................................................................................................................................................6 Physical Education.......................................................................................................................................................6 Physical Education Grading Policy..............................................................................................................................6 Fitness Safety Rules.....................................................................................................................................................6 Eighth Grade Promotion Activities/Dance...................................................................................................................6 Attendance To Report an Absence .................................................................................................................................................6 Request for Make-up Work .........................................................................................................................................7 Vacations .....................................................................................................................................................................7 Unexcused Absences ...................................................................................................................................................8 Tardy to School ...........................................................................................................................................................8 Tardiness Between Classes ..........................................................................................................................................8 Excused Dismissal During School Hours ....................................................................................................................8 Excessive Absenteeism................................................................................................................................................8 Illinois Compulsory School Attendance Law 105 ILCS 5/26-1...................................................................................8 Penalty for Non-compliance ........................................................................................................................................9 Punitive Action ............................................................................................................................................................9 Resources and Supportive Services .............................................................................................................................9 Referral of Chronic Truants .........................................................................................................................................9 Student Conduct Student Rights and Responsibilities.............................................................................................................................9 Good Citizenship .........................................................................................................................................................9 Learner Responsibilities ..............................................................................................................................................9 Classroom Behavior.....................................................................................................................................................9 Student Appearance .....................................................................................................................................................9 Public Display of Affection .......................................................................................................................................10 Guidelines Concerning Middle School Dances .........................................................................................................10 Search and Seizure/Seizure of Property.....................................................................................................................11 Breathalyzer Testing ..................................................................................................................................................11 Hallway Passes ..........................................................................................................................................................11 Hall Conduct..............................................................................................................................................................11 Forgery/Plagiarism ....................................................................................................................................................11 Behavior at Assemblies, Plays, Sports Events Throughout District 118....................................................................11 Nuisance Items/Electronic Devices............................................................................................................................11 Electronic Device ......................................................................................................................................................11 Inappropriate Use Of Cell Phone ...............................................................................................................................12 Lunch Fees 2013-2014 ..............................................................................................................................................12 Lunchroom Rules ......................................................................................................................................................12 Gum, Candy, and Food..............................................................................................................................................12

Transportation Transportation Rules and Regulations .......................................................................................................................13 Bus Conduct ..............................................................................................................................................................13 Electronic Recordings on School Buses ....................................................................................................................14 Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment Prohibited ....................................................................................................15 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment ...................................................................................................15 Uniform Grievance Procedure ...................................................................................................................................16 AHERA Three-year Surveillance and Re-inspection Report .....................................................................................16 Student Discipline General Disciplinary Authority..................................................................................................................................17 Prohibited Student Conduct .......................................................................................................................................17 Disciplinary Measures ...............................................................................................................................................19 Weapons ....................................................................................................................................................................19 Required Notices .......................................................................................................................................................19 Delegation of Authority .............................................................................................................................................19 Time Out and Physical Restraint ...............................................................................................................................19 Parent-Student Handbook ..........................................................................................................................................20 Threats to Others .......................................................................................................................................................20 Exhibitionism.............................................................................................................................................................20 Vandalism and Theft..................................................................................................................................................20 Vulgar and Abusive Language...................................................................................................................................20 Falsely Sounding A Fire Alarm .................................................................................................................................20 Gangs and Gang-related Activities ............................................................................................................................20 Disciplinary Actions ..................................................................................................................................................20 Suspension Procedures/Expulsion Procedures...........................................................................................................21 Co-curricular Activities Eligibility for Co-curricular Participation ..................................................................................................................21 Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities......................................................................................22 Participation in School Activities on Days of Detention............................................................................................22 Day of Absence .........................................................................................................................................................22 Spectators at After School Events/Spectator Conduct and Sportsmanship ................................................................22 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property..............................................................................................................22 National Junior Honor Society...................................................................................................................................23 Clubs and Activities...................................................................................................................................................23 Band...........................................................................................................................................................................23 Athletic Activities......................................................................................................................................................23 Parent Pick-up............................................................................................................................................................24 Intramural Activities ..................................................................................................................................................24 Physical for Sports.....................................................................................................................................................24 Athletic Code of Conduct ..........................................................................................................................................24 Parents’ Rights And Responsibilities.........................................................................................................................24 Athletes’ Rights And Responsibilities .......................................................................................................................24 Coaches’ Rights And Responsibilities .......................................................................................................................24 Student Use of Building – Equal Access ...................................................................................................................24 Medical Information Health Examinations, immunizations and Exclusion of Students ..............................................................................25 Physical Examinations and Immunization Records ...................................................................................................25 Administration of Medication and Emergency Medical Assistance to Students........................................................26 Health Guidelines for Students ..................................................................................................................................27 Accidents ...................................................................................................................................................................27 Student Welfare – Chronic Communicable Diseases.................................................................................................27 Special Services Wauconda School Assistance Team (WSAT) ...........................................................................................................28 Special Education ......................................................................................................................................................28 Services Available to Children Ages Birth to 3 Years ...............................................................................................28 Reporting Child Abuse ..............................................................................................................................................29 Guidance and Counseling ..........................................................................................................................................29 Suicide Threats and Attempts ....................................................................................................................................29 Student and Family Rights Equal Educational Opportunities ...............................................................................................................................29 Notice of Nondiscrimination......................................................................................................................................29 Accommodation of Disabilities .................................................................................................................................29 Smoke Free Environment ..........................................................................................................................................29 Non-school-sponsored Student Expression................................................................................................................30 Student and Family Privacy Rights............................................................................................................................30 Restrictions on Publications and Written Electronic Material....................................................................................30 WCUSD #118 Internet Policy 6.235 Access to Electronic Networks ..................................................................................................................................31 Administrative Procedure – Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks........................................................................32

5.

The Mission of Matthews Middle School is to develop a community of life-long learners in a safe and nurturing environment by:

6. • • • •

Challenging students academically Providing active learning and exploration Promoting self-confidence Developing self respect for others

7.

CHANGES The school reserves the right to modify the behavior expectations and consequence guidelines contained in this handbook at any time and as individual situations warrant such action. This is not an all- inclusive document and the school may impose disciplinary measures for any actions deemed disruptive to the orderly operation of a school.

ACTIVITY BUS An activity bus is available for all eligible riders involved in a staff supervised activity. Students not involved in after school activities supervised by MMS staff are not allowed to ride the activity bus. Unauthorized students riding the bus are subject to disciplinary consequences. ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Upon arrival to school each morning, students are to enter through the designated doors and go directly to a supervised location. Students should not be in the academic hallway before school without permission from a MMS staff member. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds. Upon dismissal at 3:10 pm each day, students are to report to their assigned areas and wait for their bus or ride home to arrive. Students may not leave school grounds before their bus or ride arrives. Students must not leave school at any time unless pre-approved permission has been obtained. No student is to remain unsupervised in the building after school. Students waiting for rides must wait outside, except in inclement weather. BACKPACKS Students are not permitted to carry their books or other items from class to class in a backpack. BICYCLE RIDING TO AND FROM SCHOOL In order to promote student safety and decrease liability concerns, Wauconda CUSD 118 has implemented the following rules concerning students who ride their bicycles to and from school. Parents and students must sign a permission slip assuring the District that the child has reviewed and will abide by both the school district’s rules concerning bicycle riding to and from school and the guidelines outlined in the “Kids on Bikes in Illinois” pamphlet provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Wauconda CUSD 118’s Rules Concerning Bicycle Riding To And From School

2. 3. 4.

9.

It is strongly recommended that students have their bicycles inspected and registered with their local police department.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.

8.

Students must not “double-up” on bicycles. Only one student per bicycle. Students who ride bicycles to and from school may be dismissed later than non-bicycle riding students due to safety concerns as determined by each school’s building level administration. Students and parents should be aware that the District does not assume liability for damage, theft, or loss of a student’s bicycle. Failure to sign the form or a violation of the district’s rules concerning bicycle riding to and from school may lead to student discipline and/or a loss of bicycle riding privileges. It is strongly recommended that students wear bicycle helmets whenever riding their bicycles.

Students must dismount their bicycles and walk their bicycles to a designated bicycle rack upon entering school property. Students must walk their bicycles when departing school property. Students must lock their bicycles to the designated bicycle rack(s) while at school. Students must yield to pedestrians while walking their bicycles on school grounds.

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COMPUTER USE All students and staff are responsible for seeing that the computer facilities are used in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner. Computing resources are valuable, and their abuse can have a farreaching negative impact. Computer abuse affects everyone who uses computing facilities. * Computer users must not tamper with or destroy hardware (equipment) or software (programs). This is a very serious offense. * Computer users must ensure that their work does not interfere with others and the operation of the system. Computer users depend on reliable and efficient computer systems to do work. Disrupting computer systems causes lost productivity and frustration. * Computer users may log in only to their own computer accounts. Files stored in users’ private directories are considered private unless their owners have explicitly made them available. Investigating or reading another user’s files is considered a violation of privacy. Computer users may not examine, copy, modify, or delete files belonging to other users without their consent. Computer users have a reasonable expectation of privacy for their data stored on the system. * Computer users must not waste computer resources. Good computer citizens will not use more than their fair share of computer resources. For example, students should not generate unnecessary printer output. * Computer users must not use computer resources to write obscene, vulgar, or harassing messages. * Computer users must not play computer games in the computer lab. Computer lab facilities are intended for educational and research purposes only. Depending on the nature and severity of the policy violation, one or more of the following disciplinary actions may be taken: * * * *

Restrict or reduce computer privileges. Temporarily suspend the computer account (1 to 10 weeks). Revoke all computer privileges. Other disciplinary action as outlined in the handbook.

CONFISCATED PERSONAL ITEMS Any items that interfere with the learning process or pose a safety concern may be confiscated and turned over to the office. A discipline consequence may be issued. MMS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

DAILY BULLETIN

The first few minutes of each day are set aside for attendance and announcements. News of upcoming events, daily schedule changes, and various items announcing student activities and school operations are announced during the beginning of the day. The daily bulletin is also posted on PowerSchool. DAILY SCHEDULE Period Monday-Thursday HR 7:50 - 8:05 1 8:08 - 8:53 2 8:57 - 9:42 3 9:46 - 10:31 4 10:35-11:20 5-6-7 11:24 -1:32 See Below 8 1:36 - 2:21 9 2:25 - 3:10

Friday NO HR 8:50-9:30 9:34-10:14 10:18-10:58 11:02-11:42 11:46-1:44 1:48-2:27 2:31-3:10

Period 5A/6 11:58-12:43

Period 6A/7 12:47 - 1:32

Period 5/5A 11:24-12:09

6 Lunch 12:13-12:43

Period 6A/7 12:47 -1:32

Period 5/5A 11:24-12:09

Period 6/6A 12:13 -12:58

7 Lunch 1:02-1:32

The reason this action would be taken is to allow the buses time to drop off these older students in order to return in time to take the younger elementary students at Cotton Creek, Robert Crown and Wauconda Grade Schools home at their regular dismissal time. If this early dismissal were not done, we would run the risk of buses being unable to return the Cotton Creek, Robert Crown and Wauconda Grade School students to their homes or there would be a very late drop off for these same students. In addition, we hope to avoid buses driving in a snowstorm when it is dark. DISTRICT 118 EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT Student safety is our District’s top priority. In addition to physical safety, the District is concerned with students’ emotional well-being and will help students cope with an emergency or disaster and its aftermath. The following outlines our emergency and disaster response plans.

Periods 5, 6, and 7 Lunch - Mon-Thurs 5 Lunch 11:24-11:54

EARLY DISMISSAL DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER In the event of severe winter weather occurring during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss the students housed at Wauconda Middle School, Matthews Middle School, and Wauconda High School earlier than usual.

Safety Plans The District has plans for all four phases of emergency and disaster management: 1. 2.

Periods 5,- 6 and 7 Lunch - Friday 5 Lunch 11:46-12:16

Period 5A/6 12:20-1:00

Period 6A/7 1:04 -1:44

Period 5/5A 11:46-12:26

6 Lunch 12:30-1:00

Period 6A/7 1:04-1:44

Period 5/5A 11:46-12:26

Period 6/6A 12:30-1:10

7 Lunch 1:14 - 1:44

3. 4.

Preparedness – Planning for an emergency or disaster event; Response – Planned response to an emergency or disaster event; Recovery – The process of returning to normal operations; and Mitigation – Steps taken to minimize the effects of an emergency or disaster.

These phases are covered in the District’s Emergency Situation Guidebook and Crisis Management Plan.

Many MMS activities take place immediately following the last bell. Other activities such as sports events and contests begin later, usually around 4:15 p.m. In order to provide a safe and secure environment for students planning on attending these events between the end of the school day and the scheduled activity, supervision is provided at no additional cost for parents. DIRECTORY INFORMATION ANNUAL PARENT OPT-OUT NOTICE The law and District Policy designate certain information as “Directory Information.” Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone listing, gender, grade level, birth date and birth place, parent’s names and addresses, academic awards, degrees and honors received, information relating to school-sponsored activities, organizations and athletics, major field of study, period of attendance in the school, the height and weight of members of athletic teams, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. This information may be released to the general public, unless a parent informs the District within ten (10) days of this Notice that information concerning his or her child should not be released, or that the parent desires that some or all of this information not be designated as directory information. Please contact your building principal with any questions concerning this notice.

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Communication The District monitors the Homeland Security Office and other emergency preparedness resources, such as local police and fire departments. The District will disseminate emergency information via individual schools and/or through the media. Emergency Responses Emergency responses will depend on the circumstances and may include evacuation or lockdown. For evacuation purposes, each school has at least one off-campus site where students and staff assemble to be accounted for and temporarily housed. During a lockdown, no one may enter or leave the building until it is safe to do so. In the event your child’s school is evacuated, the school will attempt to notify you as soon as possible at home and/or emergency telephone numbers on your child’s registration card. The school may also notify news media and place this information on the individual school’s voicemail or answering machines. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS The following radio and television stations broadcast school closings in the event of severe ice or snow (or other emergencies) and when it seems advisable to close the school: WGN-720 AM, WBBM-780 AM, CBS-2, NBC-5, ABC-7, WGN-9, FOX-32, CLTV-Cable, Online: www.EmergencyClosings.com. Call your home school or the District

Office Voice Mail System (which can handle many calls at once) at 847-526-7690. In the event of severe winter weather during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students earlier than usual. Parents need to be aware that if this situation occurs, we would be unable to notify you personally that your student was coming home early. Therefore, we ask that you make appropriate arrangements with your student to gain access to shelter in the event they are dismissed early due to weather conditions. In the event of an emergency or school closing, our district will contact parents through the automated system. If contact information changes, please contact the Matthews Middle School office to update. FAILURE TO REPORT TO OFFICE Any student sent from a class for disciplinary reasons is to report immediately to the Main Office. Failure to report to the office will result in further disciplinary action. FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS Fire and tornado drills are an important part of school safety training. Teachers will familiarize students with proper procedure. Fire exits and tornado safety areas are posted in every classroom. FRIDAY LATE START STAFF DEVELEPMENT PROGRAM The late start staff development program began in our school district in 1997. The purpose of this program is to provide a regular block of time (65 minutes) for ongoing staff training and school improvement initiatives to improve upon instructional practices and curriculum delivery in order to increase student achievement. Every Friday during the year, beginning on August 16, 2013 Matthews Middle School staff will participate in professional development activities. On these days, school will start at 8:50 a.m., instead of 7:50 a.m., and students will report to their 1st period class as homerooms will not meet on Fridays. INTERVENTIONS In an effort to improve the performance of all students, our teachers meet regularly to monitor and discuss the social, emotional and academic growth of our students. In doing so, your child may be recommended for a variety of short-term, intensive interventions to address his/her individual needs. The team will closely evaluate data to ensure fidelity and effectiveness of intervention. Varying degrees of intervention have been designed to help your student reach his/her ultimate potential. Specific examples include, but are not limited to: 1. Check In-Check Out 2. Social/Academic Instructional Groups 3. Read 180 4. Earobics 5. AMP Math 6. ALEKS 7. 10th hour 8. Mentor program LOCKER CARE Each student will be issued a hall locker. Students are responsible for maintaining the appearance of their locker. Any graffiti or defacing of a student’s hall locker will result in a $25.00 cleaning fee. Any person caught tampering with, opening, or removing items from any locker other than his or her own will face disciplinary action. Students should not tell anyone else their private combinations. 1.

Never leave your locker without making sure you have locked it. Do not preset your lock to open. Shut the locker door securely, turn the combination dial, and test to make sure it is locked.

3

2. 3.

4.

Students are not permitted to share or switch lockers without permission from their teacher. All belongings are to be kept in a neat and orderly manner. Lockers cannot be shared. Each student is assigned his/her own locker.

LOITERING AFTER SCHOOL HOURS Students must leave the building and school property no later than 10 minutes after the final dismissal bell from school. If students are under proper supervision they are allowed to stay in the building. Students in violation of this rule are subject to disciplinary action, ranging from administrative warning to suspension. LOST AND FOUND The Lost and Found Department is located in the hallway outside of the PE locker rooms. Students should return found items to this area. Please report losses of valuable items to a building administrator. Students are encouraged not to bring items of value to school. Students are strongly urged to mark their belongings. Please store valuables in a secured locker. The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. MEDIA CENTER All middle school students have access to a Library Media Center. Reference material will be made available for research work in addition to periodicals and books for leisure reading. Books must be checked out with the librarian before they can be removed from the library. Reference books may not be taken from the library. A fine of 5 cents per day will be assessed for overdue books. Lost or damaged books will be charged to the student. A student will be assessed for the full value of a lost book. The hours for the Computer Lab will be 8:00 A.M. to 3:10 P.M. OFFICE HOURS Our office opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. Please call 847526-6210 before 8:00 a.m. to report an absence. REGISTRATION FEES The Board of Education annually approves fees charged for student registration and extracurricular activities. Parents of students eligible for free or reduced lunches are exempt from these fees. All other parents are obligated to pay these fees. In the event that fees are delinquent, the following consequences would occur: • Report cards would not be sent home. • The student would not be allowed to participate in the 8th grade promotion ceremony/activities. • If a student transfers to another school, only an unofficial transcript would be sent to the receiving school. The fees for 2013-2014 will be: Basic Registration Fees Intramural Participation (6-8) P.E. Lock (6-12) Music (6-8) Band Athletic Participation (6-8)

$150.00 $3.00 per day $5.00 $40.00 $110.00 (*)

(*)

Maximum charge $220.00 per family/per season for grades 6-8 Sports fees, as established by the Board of Education, should be paid prior to the first practice each season. Once the team on which an individual is a rostered player has competed in an interscholastic contest, the fee may not be refunded. If you have any questions concerning the payment of fees, please contact your child’s school.

BOOK RENTAL FEE AND OTHER FEES The Board of Education has adopted the book rental system that operates on a non-profit basis. The book rental fee covers all fees except athletic fees for one school year. Students are entitled to a receipt for all fees paid. When a student transfers from the school during the first semester, the book rental fee will be prorated by the number of months the student attended. No refund will be granted the second semester. The cost of excessive damage to books will be assessed and charged to students. FEES FOR INDIGENT STUDENTS The school district will waive all textbook and instructional material fees and all other fees that an indigent student must pay for a required activity or class. An indigent student is a student who has been declared by state, local or school authorities to be financially unable to accept the total burden he or she must bear as a student and member of the community. STUDENT ADMISSIONS To be eligible for admission, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1. Children who enter first grade must be six (6) years of age on or before September 1. Children ages 3 to 21 with exceptional needs who qualify for special education are eligible for admission. Admission Procedure All students must register for school each year on the dates and at the place designated by the Superintendent. Students enrolling in the District for the first time must present a certified copy of the student's birth certificate within 30 days after enrollment. Students enrolling in the District for the first time must also present proof of residence, disease immunization or detection as required by State law and the required physical examination. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to have their child undergo a dental examination. Students transferring from a non-District school must comply with Board policy 7:110, Student Transfers. For purposes of this Policy, enrollment shall include pre-registration in the spring for a student who will first attend classes in the District that fall. Students Dropped from the Rolls A student who is absent from school for 20 consecutive school days shall be notified in writing by the District that he/she will be dropped from the rolls unless the student returns to school within 10 school days. If the student does not respond to the notification within 10 school days, the student will be dropped from the rolls and will be required to re-enroll in school in order to attend school. All information required for enrollment, including, but not limited to, the presentment of a certified birth certificate and proof of residency, will be required at that time. Re-enrollment Re-enrollment shall be denied to any individual 19 years of age or above who has dropped out of school and who could not earn sufficient credits during the normal school year(s) to graduate before his or her 21st birthday. However, at the Superintendent’s or designee’s discretion and depending on program availability, the individual may be enrolled in a graduation incentives program established under 105 ILCS 5/26-16. 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 in Education Act or accommodation plans under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Special education students may attend until their 21st birthday. 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, governs 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. The Superintendent is delegated all authority granted to the Board of Education in order to implement this policy, subject to specific Board action to the contrary. 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. STUDENT ID All MMS students will be provided with a school ID card that may be used for personal identification as well as checking out materials from the library and entrance to school dances. There will be a $3.00 fee for replacement a replacement ID. Student IDs can be used for all three years at MMS. STUDENT MESSAGES Occasionally it may be necessary to call home requesting an item that may have been left at home or misplaced or some other important reason. The teacher and/or principal will grant permission if he/she believes it is necessary to make such a call. Parents/guardians will not be able to call students directly during the school day, unless it is an emergency. PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD CALL TO LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR A STUDENT ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. TELEPHONE A telephone is available for students to use with permission from the classroom teacher or office. Students are not to use the office telephone except in cases of emergency or extreme necessity. Parents and guardians are requested not to call with messages for students unless of an urgent nature. Students will not be called out of class except in cases of emergency or extreme necessity. Parents should not call or text students’ cell phones during the school day. Teachers are not called to the telephone during class time unless it is an emergency. Telephone messages will be forwarded to a teacher's voicemail, and the call will be returned by the teacher within a reasonable period of time. VISITORS All visitors must sign in at the office and secure a visitor badge. Badges must be worn at all times. Parents who wish to visit the school or classrooms should make prior arrangements with the principal. WAUCONDA TOWNSHIP LIBRARY Students are encouraged to use their school Media Center for basic homework assignments. However, the resources of Wauconda Township Library are available for supplementary materials and for recreational reading and listening material. Any student living in Wauconda Township may apply for a card free of charge. Students under 14 must have the signature of a parent or guardian on their application. Wauconda Township Library is a member of North Suburban Library system and has mutual borrowing agreements with all member libraries of that system.

ACADEMICS EXPLORATORY CLASSES Each student in eighth grade takes approximately seven weeks of Project Citizen, Art, Public Speaking, Health and Careers. Seventh grade will also take approximately seven weeks of Current Events, Art, Media Communication, Health, and Music. Sixth grade students will take approximately seven weeks of PBL/Study Skills, Drama, DecisionMaking, Music, and Art. Exploratory classes count towards the cumulative grade point average. All classes have an academic focus and homework may be given. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders are given an opportunity to elect to replace a study hall with either band or chorus. Such selection must be made before the end of the previous school year. The Health curriculum covers decision-making skills and self-esteem issues. It also addresses the following topics: infectious diseases including AIDS, refusal skills for drug and alcohol use, avoiding sexual abuse, avoiding abduction, and sexual abstinence before marriage. Parents or guardians have a right to refuse the above Health instruction. Such refusal should be made in writing to the school principal. HONORS CURRICULUM The honors program provides specially designed educational reading and math programs for students presently in grades three through eight who exhibit high ability and creativity and/or advanced math abilities and problem solving skills. The advanced curricula designed for these children is prepared to encourage the acceleration of their reading levels and the development of critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. It is prepared to help in the development of math and problem solving abilities through in-depth study and enrichment opportunities. The program provides an environment where learners can share solutions, explain their thinking, and know their ideas will be valued. The purpose of the program is to develop a life long learning process for the student as they construct personal knowledge derived from meaningful experiences. The curriculum presented will, as well as offer safe, risk-taking opportunities and serve as models for classroom and life-problem experiences. Enhancing the self as a learner and a producer is the central focus of the program. Students should be challenged to develop their abilities for both personal fulfillment and the benefit of society. We strive to bring out the potential of each individual. POWERSCHOOL Wauconda CUSD 118 has an on-line electronic grade book called PowerSchool enabling sixth through twelfth grade parents to monitor their child’s grades and attendance. Parents will be provided with a username and password that will allow access to the parent portal. If your username or password becomes lost or stolen, please contact your child's building office and you will be provided a new username and password. The parent access portal can be found at http://d118powerschool.info/public/.

The following guidelines shall be followed in all cases of promotion and retention of students: 1. In the decision of a retention or promotion of a student, all considerations will be given to what is best for the child. 2.

When considering retention or promotion, staff members involved in the decision shall make use of any or all of the following pieces of information: teacher observation, teacher made tests and other measures of skill and content mastery, standardized test results, and special diagnostic testing by special services personnel.

3.

In retaining or promoting a child, the school will consider not only the child’s academic achievement and needs, but the child’s age, and social and emotional maturity.

4.

In all instances of retention, the child’s parents must have been kept informed throughout the year of the child’s lack of progress and their cooperation must have been sought in helping the child to do better work. This practice should be instituted as early in the year as possible. Conferences with the parents of a child considered for retention or accelerated promotion should be held prior to determination of action taken.

5.

6.

In all instances of considered retention or accelerated promotion, the advice and help of the WSAT Team may be utilized by the school staff.

7.

Every effort will be made to receive parental agreement prior to retaining or promoting a child; however, the final decision of retention or promotion is the responsibility of the school principal.

8.

It shall be the responsibility of the school principal to notify the parents by certified letter prior to the end of the school year that the child is to be retained or recommended for accelerated promotion.

9.

“Trial promotion” or “promotion on probation” shall not be practiced.

10. In no case should a child be retained in any individual grade more

than once; and only in exceptional cases should a child be retained more than once in the K-8 program. 11. In order for eighth grade students to participate in the Promotion

Ceremony, they must receive passing final grades in three (3) of the five (5) major academic subjects and have a cumulative grade point average of 1.3 or higher. 12. If a student in grades 6-8 is failing three (3) or more of the five (5)

major academic subjects, promotion to the next grade will be contingent upon the successful completion of summer school. 13. Students who qualify but do not attend the mandatory summer

PROMOTION AND RETENTION It is the policy of the Board of Education of Wauconda Community Unit School District 118 that a pupil who finishes a school year in any district school K-8 and has shown satisfactory progress for the year shall be promoted to the next higher grade. Where a pupil has made unsatisfactory scholastic progress in any grade from kindergarten through grade eight, the decision to promote or retain in grade shall be made by their respective principal, in cooperation with appropriate staff members, on the basis of what is being considered. Documentation of communications with parents will be made. These communications must occur well in advance of the decision to retain a student.

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school program, or who do not attain the 1.3 cumulative grade point average after the summer school grades have been calculated, may be retained. MID-TERM PROGRESS REPORTS Parents will receive a mid-term progress report four (4) times during the school year, once every quarter. REPORT CARDS Report cards will be issued to students and parents at the end of each nine-week period. Students must bring report cards home to their parent or guardians. Report card grades are an indication of the quality of work being done by an individual student. Questions from parents

are always welcome. Final grades are determined based on the following categories: practice, application, and assessment.

the student is required to complete an alternative assignment to receive credit.

The following are the definitions for each of the categories: Practice – Reinforces presented material and helps student development of skills, strategies, and understanding of concepts. Application – application demonstrates student use of content knowledge and understanding of concepts. Assessment – measures student proficiency of learned concepts. Please note: Extra Credit is defined as the completion of classroom extension that provides enrichment to the current course of study. The value of these assignments will not exceed 3% of the quarterly grade. Also note our definition for late and missing assignments – All assignments are expected to be completed by the designated due date. Late or missing assignments within the unit of study will be accepted for no less then 75% of the earned grade based on teacher discretion.

Included in the physical education curriculum is a fitness center containing top of the line Life Fitness cardiovascular and strength training equipment. All students are responsible for seeing that this Fitness facility is used in a safe cooperative manner by following the rules, regulations and safety guidelines set forth by the physical education department. Failure to follow fitness center rules or misuse of the equipment can result in the loss the privilege to use the facility. Any students who are removed from the facility will be given an alternate assignment to be determined by the teacher.

HONOR ROLL Each quarter, students will have an opportunity to become eligible for the honor roll. Each student's eligibility will be measured by grade points. All subject areas will be considered for grade point average. A student receiving an "F" will not be eligible for the Honor Roll. Superior Honor Roll High Honor Roll Honor Roll A = 4 points D = 1 point

4.00 3.50 - 3.99 3.00 - 3.49

B = 3 points C = 2 points F = 0 (not eligible)

All full year classes are weighed equally in computing the GPA. PHYSICAL EDUCATION All Matthews Middle School students have Physical Education classes. The students must wear a school issued gym uniform, socks, and gym shoes on a daily basis. The cost of the uniform shorts is $10.00, and the uniform shirt is $7.00. There will be a $1.50 additional charge for any XXL. In addition, all students are required to purchase a PE lock for $5.00. Students will purchase uniforms and locks during the first week of school. If a student loses a uniform or lock during the year, they may be purchased during the entire school year from their physical education teacher. A student’s last name and first initial must be printed on the uniform shirt and shorts on the space provided. Ripped or torn uniforms must be sewn or replaced. All uniforms should be taken home and cleaned to be returned on Monday for class. All shirts are to be tucked into gym shorts before they enter the gym. PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADING POLICY All physical education grades are based on three performance components: • Participation • Skill • Written Tests Participation is worth ten points per day. ANY STUDENT THAT IS ABSENT FROM CLASS OR AN INACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN CLASS RECEIVES NO POINTS FOR THAT DAY. Physical education make-up forms are available in the locker rooms for those students wishing to make up their missed days. In order to receive credit for the make up, you must complete the make-up form and return it to your physical education teacher no later than one week before the end of the grading period. If parents wish to have a student excused from gym for one day, but not more than three, a written note should be brought from home. A student who is to be excused for more than three days or permanently excused from gym activities must have a written excuse from the student’s physician. If a student is on an extended release from gym,

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Fitness Safety Rules 1. Failure to follow fitness center rules will result in loss of privileges and an alternate assignment. 2. Appropriate PE uniform and clean shoes must be worn at all times. 3. No gum, food, or beverages (other than water) in fitness center. 4. Only clear sports bottles with water allowed (push/pull tops; no screw tops). 5. One person per piece of equipment. 6. Never bounce, slam, or jerk the weights 7. No “horseplay”. 8. Treat classmates and equipment with respect. 9. Facial piercings are not allowed if it disrupts full participation in physical education activities. EIGHTH GRADE PROMOTION ACTIVITIES An eighth grade breakfast, picnic, dance, red and gold games and promotion ceremony are held at the end of the year to celebrate promotion to high school. Students who attend are expected to have exhibited good citizenship in class, halls, lunchroom, and on buses. At the time of these events, students must be passing 4 out of 5 academic classes and their exploratory and physical education classes for the fourth quarter. In addition, a student cannot have been suspended either in school or out of school during the 4th quarter. Also, excessive tardies to school and/or classes will result in loss of activities. Also, students missing more than 18 days of school without verified medical reasons may not attend end of year activities. Misconduct may result in nonparticipation in the above activities. Also, students who attend these activities are expected to have passed both the required Illinois and Federal Constitution tests, and have a minimum 1.3 cumulative grade point average. EIGHTH GRADE PROMOTION DANCE Matthews Middle School has established the guidelines below to provide an age appropriate and non-competitive environment for our students. The purpose of the Eighth Grade Promotion Dance is to give the students an opportunity to interact informally and have a good time with classmates. This activity will NOT be a prom and should not be regarded as one.

ATTENDANCE TO REPORT AN ABSENCE, PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE AT 847-526-6210 BEFORE 8:10 A.M. PLEASE IDENTIFY STUDENT NAME, HOME ROOM TEACHER AND REASON FOR THE ABSENCE. Schools are responsible for making a reasonable effort to promptly telephone and notify the parent of a child enrolled in grades K-8 of the child's absence. This notification will be made within two hours after the first class. Parents are required to give to the school office at least one, but no more than two, telephone numbers for notification purposes. Regular and punctual attendance is essential to school success. We urge that no student be absent unless it is absolutely necessary. The

Illinois School Code requires compulsory school attendance at a private or public school during the entire time school is in session during the regular school term. The code states that pupils will be excused from the school only for illness, family emergency, and death in the family, religious observance or other circumstances beyond the control of the pupil. The failure of a student to be regular in attendance without adequate excuse would be an act of disobedience and be considered a misdemeanor according to law established by the State of Illinois.

6.

A process to request the assistance and resources of outside agencies, such as, the juvenile officer of the local police department or the truant office of the appropriate Regional Office of Education, if truancy continues after supportive services have been offered.

7.

A protocol for cooperating with non-District agencies including County or municipal authorities, the Regional Superintendent, truant officers, the Community Truancy Review Board, and a comprehensive community based youth service agency. Any disclosure of school student records must be consistent with Board policy 7:340, Student Records, as well as State and federal law concerning school student records.

8.

An acknowledgement that no punitive action, including outof-school suspensions, expulsions, or court action, shall be taken against a chronic truant for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student.

9.

The criteria to determine whether a student’s nonattendance is due to extraordinary circumstances shall include economic or medical necessity or family hardship and such other criteria that the Superintendent believes qualifies.

Attendance and Truancy Compulsory School Attendance This policy applies to individuals who have custody or control of a child: (a) between the ages of 7 and 17 years of age (unless the child has graduated from high school), or (b) who is enrolled in any of grades, kindergarten through 12, in the public school regardless of age. These individuals must cause the child to attend the District school wherein the child is assigned, except as provided herein or by State law. Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child lawfully and necessarily employed, (4) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (5) any child absent because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program. The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled must authorize all absences from school and notify the school in advance or at the time of the student’s absence. A valid cause for absence includes illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, other situations beyond the control of the student, other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s safety or health, or other reason as approved by the Superintendent or designee. Absenteeism and Truancy Program The Superintendent or designee shall manage an absenteeism and truancy program in accordance with The School Code and School Board policy. The program shall include but not be limited to: 1.

A protocol for excusing a student from attendance who is necessarily and lawfully employed. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to determine when the student’s absence is justified.

2.

A process to telephone, within 2 hours after the first class, the parents/guardians of students in grade 8 or below who are absent without prior parent/guardian notification.

3.

A process to identify and track students who are truants, chronic or habitual truants, or truant minors as defined in The School Code, Section 26-2a.

4.

Methods for identifying the cause(s) of a student’s unexcused absenteeism, including interviews with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and staff members or other people who may have information.

5.

The identification of supportive services that may be offered to truant or chronically truant students, including parentteacher conferences, student and/or family counseling, or information about community agency services. See Board policy 6:110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program.

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10. A process for a 17 year old resident to participate in the District’s various programs and resources for truants. The student must provide documentation of his/her dropout status for the previous 6 months. A request from an individual 19 years of age or older to re-enroll after having dropped out of school is handled according to provisions in 7:50, Student Admissions. 11. A process for the temporary exclusion of a student 17 years of age or older for failing to meet minimum academic or attendance standards according to provisions in State law. A parent/guardian has the right to appeal a decision to exclude a student. REQUEST FOR MAKE-UP WORK By contacting the school office before 8:00 a.m. you may request that make-up work be gathered for your child on or after the student’s second day out. Work may be picked up after 3:15 p.m. in the school office. Please call to see that work is ready before stopping by. Parents are responsible for retrieving books. Students with excused absences from class will have an opportunity to make up work missed if it is possible to do so. Obviously, some work such as lab work, discussion, etc., may not be able to be duplicated and an alternative make up assignment may be required. The student, however, assumes all responsibility for making-up work missed during the absence. The student shall complete make up work according to the following guidelines: One day absence One (1) day make-up Two day absence Two (2) days make-up Three day absence Three (3) days make- up Four or more days Four (4) days make-up or special arrangements with teacher(s) VACATIONS This district discourages parents or guardians from taking family vacations during periods when school is in session. Since instructional lessons are subject to change, homework will be provided to students upon his/her return to school.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES The following reasons for absence cannot be considered justifiable or excusable: 1. Truancy from school 2. Trips not approved in advance by the Principal or Assistant Principal 3. Skip days 4. Shopping with parents 5. Hunting, fishing, and other recreational pursuits 6. Oversleeping 7. Failure to follow appropriate procedures concerning absences and checking in and out of school 8. Missing the bus TARDY TO SCHOOL It is the philosophy of the District that it is important for all students to report to school on time. Students who arrive late to school disrupt the learning environment for their fellow students, negatively impact their own education by their absence and may set behavior patterns that result in a poor attitude about the importance of punctuality. Students should be in the building by 7:45 a.m. (M-Th) or 8:45 a.m. (F). Students should be in their class and ready to learn by 7:50 a.m. (M-Th) or 8:50 a.m. (F). Students who fail to start on time are considered tardy to school. Students who are tardy to school may be subject to, but not limited to the following consequences: • The student will be given a verbal warning by the building administration. • Subsequent tardies to school by students will result in a verbal warning by the building administration and a phone call will be made by the administration and a letter will be sent to the parent(s)/guardian indicating that their child may be referred to Project Pass, the truancy alternative program for Lake County. • Subsequent tardies will result in a student serving a before school, lunch detention, or after-school detention. If a student fails to serve a before school detention, they will receive a Saturday detention. • Chronic tardies to school may result in in-school or out of school suspensions. Note: The building administration reserves the right to waive these requirements due to inclement weather or if a student’s bus arrives to school late. TARDINESS BETWEEN CLASSES Tardiness between classes is considered unexcused. Sufficient time for passing to any part of the building is possible without undue haste. Teachers may assign consequences for tardiness. All students will be expected to be in the classroom and ready for class when the tardy bell rings. If the classroom teacher feels that the student is continually tardy to class a referral to the Assistant Principal will be made and parents will be notified. If a student must talk to a teacher after class and will be late for the next class, the detaining teacher must provide a hall pass for an excused tardy. EXCUSED DISMISSAL DURING SCHOOL HOURS For a student to be dismissed early from school, or for any length of time during the school day, a note signed by the parent or guardian must be received no later than 8:10 a.m. the morning of the planned absence.

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This note should give the reason why the student must miss school time. Notes must be turned in to the office. No student will be allowed to leave the building without approved permission and escort of a parent, custodian, or representative approved by administration. EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM This district considers absenteeism excessive when it significantly interferes with a student's learning, as reflected in academic performance or social development. Excessive absenteeism includes excessive tardiness. ILLINOIS COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW 105 ILCS 5/26-1 Whoever has custody or control of a child between the ages of 7 and 17 years of age (unless the child has graduated from high school) must cause the child to attend the District school wherein the child is assigned, except as provided herein or by State law. Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (4) any child absent because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day. Truancy The School District will determine if the student is a truant, chronic or habitual truant, or a truant minor. The Superintendent shall direct the appropriate School District staff to develop diagnostic procedures to be used for identifying the cause(s) of unexcused student absenteeism. The diagnostic procedures shall include, but not be limited to, interviews with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and any school official(s) or other people who may have information. The following support services may be offered to truant or chronically truant students: • parent-teacher conferences • student and/or family counseling • information about community agency services If truancy continues after supportive services have been offered, the Building Principal shall refer the matter to the Superintendent. The Superintendent may call upon the resources of outside agencies, such as the juvenile officer of the local police department or the truant office of the Regional Office of Education of Lake County. The Board of Education, Superintendent, School District administrators, and teachers shall assist and furnish such information as they have to aid truant officers. No punitive action, including out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, or court action shall be taken against a chronic truant for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student. TRUANCY DEFINITIONS Truant - A "truant" is a child subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof. Valid cause for absence -A child may be absent from school because of illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the student's control as determined by the Board of Education or such other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent for the safety or health of the student. Chronic or habitual truant - a "chronic or habitual truant" is a child who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent

without valid cause from such attendance for 10 percent or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days. Truant minor - A child to whom supportive services, including prevention, diagnostic, intervention and remedial services, alternative programs, and other school and community resources have been provided and have failed to result in the cessation of chronic truancy or have been offered and refused. Absence Notification A student's parent(s)/guardian(s) must: (1) upon their child's enrollment, provide telephone numbers to the Building Principal and update them as necessary, and (2) authorize all absences and notify the school in advance or at the time of the child's absence. If a student is absent without prior authorization by the parent(s)/guardian(s), the Building Principal or a designee shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their child's absence within 2 hours after the first class by telephoning the numbers given. PENALTY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW Any person having custody or control of a child subject to the provisions of this Article to whom notice has been given of the child's truancy and who knowingly and willfully permit such a child to persist in his truancy within that school year, upon conviction thereof shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be subject to not more than 30 days imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500. PUNITIVE ACTION In keeping with Section 26-12 of the Illinois School Code, schools in this district will take no punitive action, including out-of-school suspensions, expulsions or court action, against chronic truants for such truancy unless the above resources and supportive services have been provided to the student and parent(s) or guardian(s). In accordance with Illinois Law (105 ILCS) (26-2a), the District defines truancy as follows: A child subject to compulsory school attendance who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof. RESOURCES AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES The following resources and supportive services are available to students with attendance problems and their parents or guardians: • Conference with school personnel • Counseling services of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists • Testing by school psychologists and special education personnel • Schedule or program changes • Placement in alternative educational programs • Special education assessment and placement • Referral to community agencies for appropriate services REFERRAL OF CHRONIC TRUANTS Schools in this district will refer chronic truants to the Lake County Educational Service Region (Project Pass) in accordance with current procedures established by the Lake County Truant Officer. A representative of Project Pass will contact you. They will at that point sit down with your child and discuss the reasons why they are being tardy or late for school.

STUDENT CONDUCT STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES All students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by the U.S. and Illinois Constitution and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a

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school setting. These rights include the right to voluntarily engage in individually initiated, non-disruptive prayer that, consistent with the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions, is not sponsored, promoted, or endorsed in any manner by the school or any school employee. Students should exercise these rights reasonably and avoid violating the rights of others. Students who violate the rights of others or violate District policies or rules will be subject to disciplinary measures. GOOD CITIZENSHIP All students are expected to take an active part in the cleanliness of the school. From time to time students may be asked to display good citizenship by picking up trash and other items from the floor. Students who deliberately litter or deface the school will face disciplinary actions, which may include clean-up duty, detention, suspension and or restitution. LEARNER RESPONSIBILITIES Students are expected to report to every class on time with paper, pencil, complete assignments, textbook, and all needed supplies and materials. For physical education all students must wear a gym uniform, white socks, and gym shoes. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR Students are expected to be attentive and cooperative in the classroom. It is the responsibility of each student to learn the classroom rules that have been developed to ensure a positive learning environment. Students who violate classroom rules will be subject to disciplinary actions by the teacher. Teacher-assigned consequences may include student/teacher conferences, parent phone calls, parent conferences, behavior improvement assignments, loss of classroom privileges, and/or detentions. If a student's conduct disrupts the learning process to the extent that the teacher is unable to conduct class, an office referral will be made. Consequences for such behavior will be determined by administration in consultation with the teacher. 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. Student appearance and dress should be in a manner that is consistent with the basic mission of the School District. Therefore, student dress shall not (a) cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities; (b) violate the rights of others; (c) be socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to the maturity level of the students; or (d) violate reasonable standards of health and safety. The following are examples of dress that would violate this policy. This list is not all-inclusive. • Head coverings (excluding those for religious purposes), hats, bandanas, outside coats, jackets, and sunglasses. (The building administration may waive a portion of this rule). • Hoods on hooded sweatshirts are not to be worn in the school building. • Immodest and revealing clothing such as see through clothing, cut-off T-shirts or short-shorts. • Chains for wallets should not be worn in school • Spiked necklaces or wristbands should not be worn in school • Clothing or jewelry, which promotes use of alcohol, tobacco, drug consumption, or violence. • Obscenities, vulgarity or sexually explicit signs, pictures or emblems on clothing. • Clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, sign or other thing, which is evidence of membership or affiliation with any gang.

• • • •

Wristbands must not be worn in the school building. Students must not draw, tattoo or write on themselves/others. No chains on clothes are permitted. Facial piercings not permitted in PE.

Furthermore, at Grades 5-12 the following guidelines must be followed: From the shoulder to mid-thigh, all skin and underwear must be covered by clothing, and tops must have a strap on each shoulder that is not less than "1” wide. Additionally, • Layering is appropriate where the above restriction is followed. • Pants/shorts/skirts/etc. must cover the students’ respective undergarments, and tops must cover the students’ respective undergarments. Examples of unacceptable wear: • Tops with spaghetti straps. • Tops whose neckline falls below an imaginary horizontal line drawn between the two armpits. • Halter tops, tube tops, one shoulder tops. • Tops whose bottom hem does not overlap with the pants/skirt/shorts. • Shorts or skirts that do not cover to mid-thigh. Another guideline is that skirts should be longer than fingertip length or shorts/skirts should not be shorter than 6 inches from mid knee. • Shorts, skirts or pants that are worn in a manner that does not completely cover undergarments. • Boys pants must be worn at the waist, boxer shorts must not be showing. • Clothing that is so tightly fitted or so sheer that it reveals undergarments. • Negligee/underclothing and tops that look like underclothing. Any staff member that views any item of clothing inappropriate for school shall request the student to turn the item of clothing inside out or change into a different article of clothing in order to provide a safe, appropriate learning environment. A discipline referral will be initiated if a student does not comply with these rules or if it is required to call a parent to bring alternate clothing for the student to school. The building administration will address all discipline referrals and is the final authority for judging the appropriateness of a student’s appearance and/or dress. PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION In order to maintain a healthy school climate for all students, public displays of affection are not permitted. The student will be asked to stop. Repeated offenders will be referred to the office. GUIDELINES CONCERNING MATTHEWS MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCES/ACTIVITY NIGHTS 1. MMS dances/activity nights will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, unless otherwise announced. 2. Only students enrolled at MMS may attend MMS dances/activity night, unless otherwise noted. 3.

4.

Students may not enter the dance/activity night after 6:30 PM. If a student cannot attend before 6:30 PM, a parent must accompany that student to the front doors of the school or make prior arrangements with the school’s administration. All students are expected to stay for the duration of the dance/ activity night and may not leave early unless their parents(s) or an approved adult picks them up. Students have limited access to lockers during dances and are advised to mark their belongings.

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5.

Parents are responsible for the transportation of their son/daughter to and from the dance/activity night. Students not picked up within 15 minutes of the announced ending of the dance/activity night may not be permitted to the next school dance/activity night.

6.

All school rules and regulations apply to the conduct of each student attending the dance/ activity night.

7.

Any student who receives an In School Suspension or Out of School Suspension during the period between scheduled dances/ activity night may be ineligible to attend the next dance/activity night. This also pertains to the Promotion Dance.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE 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. This paragraph applies to student vehicles parked on school property. In addition, Building Principals shall require each high school student, in return for the privilege of parking on school property, to consent in writing to school searches of his or her vehicle, and personal effects therein, without notice and without suspicion of wrongdoing. 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. SEIZURE OF PROPERTY If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating 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.

BREATHALYZER TESTING In order to provide for the safety and supervision of students; to maintain discipline and order in the schools; and to otherwise provide for the health, safety and welfare of all persons within the schools, at school-related activities or when traveling to or from school or schoolrelated activities, the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent, or Principal, or designee, to administer a Breathalyzer Test to students reasonably suspected of consuming alcohol. Such tests shall be conducted only by duly authorized and trained school personnel, and shall be conducted in private according to the guidelines below. 1.

The Superintendent, Principal, or designee may administer a Breathalyzer Test whenever there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the student has consumed alcohol in violation of the law and/or the rules of the school district. However, this paragraph shall not be construed to require school personnel to administer a Breathalyzer Test prior to taking disciplinary action where other evidence of alcohol consumption exists.

2.

All school personnel authorized to perform such testing shall be trained in the proper use of the Breathalyzer equipment.

3.

The Breathalyzer equipment will be maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. All school personnel authorized to perform such testing shall be trained to recognize the symptoms of alcohol consumption

4.

5.

All testing shall be administered in private.

6.

A refusal to submit to Breathalyzer testing will subject the student to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Any measurable blood alcohol content level will subject the student to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

7.

8.

The parent(s) or guardian(s) of any student whose Breathalyzer test results indicate a measurable blood alcohol content level will be notified.

9.

Parents and students shall be notified of the Board’s Breathalyzer Testing Policy through annual publication in the Student Handbook.

HALLWAY PASSES During class periods no student is allowed in the hallway without a pass. The teacher will issue a pass from the Student Agenda to the student. Students are to go directly to the place to which they have been assigned. Students who fail to report to the area designated on the pass within a reasonable length of time may have the privilege of using a hall pass denied. Students should return promptly to class. Loitering and/or meeting in washrooms will not be tolerated. Consequences may include limited hall or bathroom privileges, or being escorted from class to class. HALL CONDUCT Running in the halls and cafeteria is prohibited for safety reasons. This is a strictly enforced regulation. Students are asked not to linger in the halls or visit in groups, thus slowing down the movement of traffic. Disruptive behavior, excessive noise, and abusive language are prohibited. Physical or verbal hazing will not be tolerated in any form. Hazing is the initiating or disciplining of other students by means of horseplay, practical jokes or tricks which often result in humiliation or

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physical injury. Such conduct may result in loss of privileges, detentions or in-school suspensions. FORGERY Forgery includes: changing the time/date or otherwise altering a pass, forging the name of school personnel, parents or guardian, or altering a school-related document in any way. Students will be referred to the office for disciplinary action. PLAGIARISM Cheating, copying work, or literary theft is unacceptable. Teachers will handle instances of plagiarism as a matter of classroom policy. In most cases, students will receive a “0” on the assignment. BEHAVIOR AT ASSEMBLIES, PLAYS, SPORTS EVENTS THROUGHOUT DISTRICT 118 All students are expected to behave appropriately during assemblies, special events, and sports events held at the Middle School or at any District 118 event in any building or on District grounds, home or away. Students must demonstrate hospitality and respect for visiting team members, officials, fellow students, and visiting performers. Any student involved in displaying poor behavior will be removed from the activity immediately. Additional disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, removal from future activities and events, detention, suspension and or expulsion. Any student who displays misconduct on the day of a special event or assembly may be denied the privilege of attending that event at the discretion of the principal or the assistant principal. NUISANCE ITEMS The following items are not to be brought to school and may not be brought on the school bus: candy, squirt guns, skateboards, inline skates, rubber bands, balloons, cameras, radios, tape recorders, gameboys, video game, trading or other cards, or any other item deemed by the school’s administration to be disruptive to the daily operations of the school. In addition, heeleys are not to be worn in school. Students who bring these items to school may have them confiscated and placed in the office. Parents will be responsible for picking these items up in the office. Consistent non-compliance with this rule will result in the item being held until the end of the school year. The school district is not responsible for items brought to school that are lost, broken or stolen. Any items left in the office will be disposed of on the last day of the school year. Additional items that may detract from the safety of the students may include but are not limited to laser pens, any item that is or resembles a gun, knives or utensils that convert to knives, also any item that is or resembles ammunition such as bullets (spent or unspent) and paint balls. Students in possession of these items are subject to disciplinary action. ELECTRONIC DEVICES Electronic Signaling Devices Students may not use or possess electronic signaling (paging) devices or two-way radios on school property at any time, unless the Building Principal specifically grants permission. Cell phones and Other Electronic Devices The possession and use of cell phones and other electronic devices, other than paging devices and two-way radios, are subject to the following rules: 1. They must be kept out of sight, placed on “silent mode” or turned off, and kept in an inconspicuous location such as a backpack, purse, pocket, or school locker while in school or while traveling on a school bus unless school staff or a bus driver specifically grants permission or if needed during an emergency.

2.

3.

4.

5.

In grades 9-12, they may be used during passing periods or in the cafeteria during lunch hours only. The remainder of the time they must be kept out of sight, placed on “silent mode” or turned off, during classroom time or in other academic areas unless the supervising teacher specifically grants permission for them to be used for educational purposes or if needed during an emergency. They shall not be used in areas of personal privacy such as restrooms and locker room facilities. They may not be used to invade the privacy of, violate the rights of, or engage in harassment of any other student, staff member or community member. Taking pictures or video of any student, staff member, or community member without their permission is strictly prohibited. They may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment or will otherwise violate student conduct rules or the law. They may not be used for creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing inappropriate messages, pictures, graphics or other materials including indecent visual depictions as defined in State law, i.e., sexting. Possession is prohibited regardless of whether the depiction violates State law. Any cellular phone or electronic device may be searched and/or seized upon reasonable suspicion of inappropriate use including sexting. All sexting violations will require school administrators to follow student discipline policies in addition to contacting the police and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect when appropriate.

Electronic study aids may be used during the school day if: 1. Use of the device is provided in the student’s IEP, or 2. Permission is received from the student’s teacher. Examples of electronic devices that are used as study aids include graphing calculators, personal digital assistants (PDA), devices with audio or video recording, tablets, i.e., iPads, personal electronic notebooks and/or laptops, some cellular phones and other devices (such as iPods). In areas where headphones are permitted, the volume must not distract from the educational process of others. Students who violate these procedures may be subject to disciplinary consequences outlined in the student discipline code. Additionally, the local police agency may be contacted by the Principal or his/her designee depending on the severity of infraction. The School District is not responsible for the loss or theft of any electronic device brought to school.

HEADPHONES Headphones, Beats, ear buds, etc. should not be worn in the hallway or classrooms without teacher permission. In addition, as with cell phones, these items should be secured in a locker and not be visible during the school day. INAPPROPRIATE USE OF CELL PHONE Pursuant to Board Policy No 7:190, Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit photos or messages electronically, primarily via cell phones and/or the internet. While adolescents may think that sending these images to their friends or potential suitors is harmless, an image that portrays a minor in an indecent manner or engaging in sexual activity is regarded as child pornography and students who create, receive, or distribute these types of images may be subject to criminal charges, even if they have the permission of the subject of the photographs. Moreover, students who send sexually explicit text

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messages, with or without photos, may be liable for sexual harassment. Students who are found creating, possessing, or sending these materials at school will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension from school for 10 days and expulsion. Additionally, the local police authorities will be contacted for possible criminal prosecution. LUNCH FEES 2013-2014 The cost of one lunch for the 2013-2014 school year is $2.55. Money for lunch or lunch tickets is needed for students using Arbor Food Management. I.O.U.'s will not be provided. Individual cartons of milk can be purchased for 55¢. BREAKFAST FEES 2013-2014 MMS will be serving breakfast beginning this year. Parents will receive information about the menu items and pricing in the Parent Newsletter or through other forms of communication. BREAKFAST/LUNCH RULES Breakfast and hot lunches are available at a reasonable cost. Meals can be payable daily, or meal tickets may be purchased in advance. All meal ticket money must be put in an envelope and turned in to the student's Homeroom teacher. Please mark the student's full name and lunch period grade level on the envelope. There will be no charging of breakfast or lunches allowed. All students eat in the MPR. For lunch, students are given an opportunity to choose a table at which to sit for that quarter. There will be open seating for breakfast. District 118 provides a Free Lunch and Breakfast program for qualified students. In order to provide the best possible atmosphere for the students, the following procedures and rules have been established: • Be on time to lunch. • Sit at your table until your supervisor dismisses you. • No pushing, shoving, or cutting in line. • Table clean up will be on a rotating basis. Everyone must take part. • Wait until your supervisor dismisses you before you exit the lunchroom. • A maximum of twelve (12) students per table. • A student's seat may be reassigned at the discretion of the lunchroom supervisor or MMS administration. • No pop or fast food carryout is allowed in the lunch room. • Treat all lunchroom supervisors and lunch help with respect. • Stay in your assigned seat. Disciplinary action will be taken against students who fail to follow these rules. CANDY, FOOD, POP Students are not permitted to bring candy, pop or glass bottles, liter bottles of drinks, or more food than they can consume during their lunch period. Eating and/or drinking in the hallways or classrooms are prohibited, except with teacher approval. Food may only be consumed during a student's lunch period. Teachers who ask students to bring food to school will have already cleared this with the office. Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom delivering treats to others throughout the school. Please be aware of any food allergies that may exist in your child’s classroom.

TRANSPORTATION Students who take the bus to and/or from school are under the jurisdiction of the school. In the interest of safety, students must completely cooperate with the bus driver who is responsible for the lives of the passengers. The bus driver has the authority to report misbehavior to the assistant principal.

14. 15.

When students board the bus, they may not get off at any other place but the Middle School coming to and from school. If a student wishes to visit a friend or go to another place other than home, the student must first take his/her regular bus home then make arrangements.

16.

13.

Parents can make the request of a change of a bus stop by completing the “Request of a Change of a Bus Stop” form. This form is available at your child’s school. If snow is piled at a bus stop due to the plowing of a road, contact the village or township highway department to remove the obstacle.

17.

TRANSPORTATION RULES AND REGULATIONS The rights of all pupils riding a school bus are subject to their good behavior and the observance of basic rules. The buses are carefully inspected to ensure the safety of the riders. Annual bus safety drills are held early in the school year. We ask your cooperation in urging pupils to follow the safety directions given to them. Safety requires complete cooperation.

18.

1. 2.

The driver is in full charge of the students. Students are to be at their designated bus stop five minutes before their scheduled pick up time. Buses cannot wait for habitually late students or at any highway/high traffic area stops. Students may not get on/off at any stop other than their designated one and will only ride their assigned bus. Do not ask the driver to stop at places other than designated bus stops; they are not allowed to do so. 3. Students will remain off the road when waiting for the bus to arrive. Students will not approach the bus until it has completely stopped. Students crossing the road must wait for the bus driver to signal them to cross. 4. They must cross ten feet in front of the bus. After school, students not crossing must wait away from the bus until the bus has pulled away before proceeding home unless otherwise directed by the bus driver. 5. Students will go directly to a seat and stay seated. Students must stay on the bus once boarded. Seats may be assigned as needed. 6. Students will keep all parts of their body and belongings inside the bus. All students must be properly dressed including a shirt and shoes. Shoes may not have cleats of any type. 7. The windows may be lowered with the bus driver’s permission and then only down to the black line. 8. Throwing anything inside or out of the bus is prohibited. Trash containers are provided on all buses. All personal items are to be held securely in the student’s lap. 9. Normal conversation is encouraged. No loud talking, yelling or any whistling, is allowed. Refrain from unnecessary conversation with the bus driver when the bus is en route. 10. Absolute quiet is required at all railroad crossings and some dangerous intersections. Remain quiet until the bus has cleared the area. 11. No eating or drinking is allowed on the bus. All food or beverage must be packaged, i.e., inside lunch sacks/box or book bags. No GLASS of any kind is allowed. 12. No weapons (real, toy, or fake), matches, lighters, sharp objects, fireworks, skateboards, animals, fish, bugs, (alive, dead, or fake) or permitted on the buses. All will be confiscated

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19.

20. 21. 22.

and must be claimed within 30 days (by parent) at the Transportation Office. After 30 days, unclaimed items will be discarded. No tobacco/cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, alcohol, drugs are allowed. No spitting of any kind will be tolerated. The aisle and exits of the bus must be clear at all times. No equipment will be allowed to block the driver’s view. Emergency Exit door is to be used only during drills, actual emergencies, or for trip equipment that will not fit through the entrance door. Do not tamper with any of the bus equipment, such as the radio, switches, seats, fire extinguisher, or the driver’s personal property. Do not lean on or touch the outside of the bus mirrors. Any damage to the bus and /or equipment, whether accidental or deliberate, will result in disciplinary measures including restitution of repair costs. No fighting or harassing of others; no obscene or unacceptable writings, pictures, language, gestures, or reading material will be tolerated. Students will follow all drivers’ directions/instructions in a cooperative and respectful manner. In extreme cases another student may need to ride a different bus home. If this is the case, he/she must have a written note from home and the approval from the transportation office. Skateboards, roller blades, balloons, water guns, and other items under 'nuisance' are not allowed to be brought on the bus. All Late Run riders must obey all bus rules. Stops for the late runs/activity buses are abbreviated. They are not the same stops as the regular routes. The office has a copy or the late run stops and they are posted by the activity entrance. Students should choose the stop closest to their residences to exit the bus.

Large projects, heavy items, skateboards, open drink bottles should be transported to school by the parent. Students must be able to store these items in their backpacks, hold them on their laps, and manage them while getting on and off the bus. The driver and/or aide are not responsible for managing these items. BUS CONDUCT All students must follow the District’s School Bus Safety Guidelines. 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 Discipline. 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 administration 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. Electronic Recordings on School Buses Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to protect 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. Discipline Procedure The District's regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student's privilege to ride a school bus. Administrative Procedure- Electronic Recordings on School Buses Review of Electronic Recordings Electronic video and audio recordings are viewed to investigate an incident reported by a bus driver, administrator, law enforcement officer working in the District, supervisor, student, or other person. They are also viewed at random. Viewing and/or listening to electronic video and/or audio recordings is limited to law enforcement officers working in the District and District personnel. These individuals must have, 1) a law enforcement, security, or safety reason, or (2) a need to investigate and/or monitor student or driver conduct. A written leg will be kept of those individuals viewing a video recording stating the time, name of individual viewing it, and date the video recording was viewed. If the content of an electronic recording becomes the subject of a student disciplinary hearing, it will be treated like other evidence in the proceeding. An electronic video or audio recording may be reused or erased after 14 days unless it is needed for an educational or administrative purpose.

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. 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, Dean of Students, 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. The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the District’s current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers. At least one of these individuals will be female, and at least one will be male. Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

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; nationality; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; genderrelated identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, 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, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above. Sexual Harassment Prohibited

James LePage

Address 555 N. Main Street, Wauconda

Telephone

847-526-7690

Complaint Managers:

Name: Val Donnan Address 555 N. Main Street, Wauconda Telephone

847-526-7690

BULLYING, INTIMIDATION AND HARASSMENT

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 of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that: 1.

Name

Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student’s academic status; or

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Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment Prohibited 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 is an important District goal. Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, nationality, 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. For purposes of this policy, the term bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 1. Placing the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property. 2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health. 3. Substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance. 4. Substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. Bullying, intimidation, and/or harassment may take various forms, including without limitation: threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program that: 1.

Full implementation of the above policies includes: (a) conducting a prompt and thorough investigation of alleged incidents of bullying, intimidation, harassing behavior, or similar conduct, (b) providing each student who violates one or more of these policies with appropriate consequences and remedial action, and (c) protecting students against retaliation for reporting such conduct. 1.

Examines the appropriate steps to understand and rectify conditions that foster bullying, intimidation, and harassment; this contemplates taking action to eliminate or prevent these disruptive behaviors beyond traditional punitive disciplinary actions.

2.

Includes bullying prevention and character instruction in all grades in accordance with State law and Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District’s educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development.

3.

Fully informs staff members of the District’s goal to prevent students from engaging in bullying and the measures being used to accomplish it. This includes: (a) communicating the District’s expectation – and the State law requirement – that teachers and other certificated employees maintain discipline, and (b) establishing a process for staff members to fulfill their obligation to report alleged acts of bullying, intimidation, harassment, and other acts of actual or threatened violence.

4.

Encourages all members of the school community, including students, parents, volunteers, and visitors, to report alleged acts of bullying, intimidation, harassment, and other acts of actual or threatened violence.

5.

Actively involves students’ parents/guardians in the remediation of the behavior(s) of concern. This includes ensuring that all parents/guardians are notified, as required by State law, whenever their child engages in aggressive behavior.

6.

Communicates the District’s expectation that all students conduct themselves with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students. This includes a process for commending or acknowledging students for demonstrating appropriate behavior.

7.

Annually communicates this policy to students and their parents/guardians. This includes annually disseminating information to all students and parents/guardians explaining the serious disruption caused by bullying, intimidation, or harassment and that these behaviors will be taken seriously and are not acceptable in any form.

8.

Engages in ongoing monitoring that includes collecting and analyzing appropriate data on the nature and extent of bullying in the District’s schools and, after identifying appropriate indicators, assesses the effectiveness of the various strategies, programs, and procedures and reports the results of this assessment to the Board along with recommendations to enhance effectiveness.

9.

Complies with State and federal law and is in alignment with Board policies. This includes prompting the Board to update the policy beginning every 2 years after its initial adoption and filing this policy with the Illinois State Board of Education after the Board adopts or updates it.

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

b.

c.

d.

7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing intimidating, or bullying a student based on an actual or perceived characteristic that is identified in the policy. Each of those characteristics is also identified in this policy’s second paragraph. 7:190, Student Discipline. This policy prohibits students from engaging in hazing, bullying, or any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to another or any urging of other students to engage in such conduct; prohibited conduct includes any use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, harassment, or other comparable conduct. 7:310, Restrictions on Publications. This policy prohibits students from: (i) accessing and/or distributing at school any written, printed, or electronic material, including material from the Internet, that will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, and (ii) creating and/or distributing written, printed, or electronic material, including photographs and Internet material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members. 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks. This policy states that the use of the District’s electronic networks is limited to: (1) support of education and/or research, or (2) a legitimate business use. It subjects any individual to the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal actions for violating the District’s Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks.

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This policy is not intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 or 4 of Article 1 of the Ill. Constitution.

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.

Uniform Grievance Procedure

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.

A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community members should notify any District Complaint Manager if they believe 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. 8200ff et seq.); or 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 may be extended by the Complaint Manager as he or she deems appropriate. As used in this policy, “school business day” means days on which the District’s main office is open. 1.

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.

2.

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 of Education, which will make a decision in accordance with Section 3 of this policy. The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints. 3.

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 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 Compliant Manager to administer the complaint process in this policy. If possible, the Superintendent will appoint two Complaint Managers, one of each gender. The District's Nondiscrimination Coordinator, may be appointed as one of the Complaint Managers. The Superintendent shall insert into this policy and keep current the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Nondiscrimination Coordinator and the Complaint Managers. Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Manager:

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

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Name

James LePage

Address

555 N. Main Street, Wauconda

Telephone No.

847/526-7690

Name

Ms. Val Donnan

Address

555 N. Main Street, Wauconda

Telephone No.

847/526-7690

b.

AHERA THREE-YEAR SURVEILLANCE AND REINSPECTION REPORT Community Unit School District 118’s AHERA Three-Year Surveillance and Re-Inspection Report is available for public inspection in each school office and the District Office. Any interested person may view this plan by contacting the building principal of the Business Manager at the District Office.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE Student Discipline General Disciplinary 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 discipline students whose conduct affects the well-being of the schools. In accordance with 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 discipline in the schools. Only the Board of Education may determine to expel a student from school or from the school bus. In instances of gross disobedience and misconduct, the Superintendent or designee will seek input from the administration, and on a case by case basis determine if a student will be brought before the Board of Education for an expulsion hearing. The Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Dean of Students 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. Disciplinary measures other than suspension or expulsion shall be determined by the administration and established in general regulations governing student discipline.

4.

5.

A student in violation of this policy can have his/her suspension reduced to five days if the student enrolls in, and successfully completes at their own expense, a substance abuse counseling program for first and second time offenders of alcohol and drug use or possession. If the student chooses this option, the student and parent(s) must meet with the administration and present evidence of such enrollment prior to the student’s return to school during the period of the suspension. The student will agree to keep the District informed of his or her progress in the program after the student has returned to school. If the student fails to comply fully with the program, the remaining term of the original suspension or the administrative recommendation for expulsion may be reinstated. The alternative will not apply to students who are third time offenders. They will be suspended for up to 10 days and automatically be recommended to the Board of Education for expulsion, and the local police authorities will be contacted for criminal prosecution. This prohibition is subject to the District’s search and seizure policy.

6.

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.

7.

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,

Prohibited Student Conduct Students who engage in gross disobedience or misconduct may be subject to suspension or expulsion from school. The Board of Education defines gross disobedience or misconduct to include any behavior which is of such egregious nature as to constitute, on its face, gross disobedience or misconduct. Gross disobedience or misconduct also is any conduct, behavior, or activity, as defined by the Board of Education in its policies, which causes, or may reasonably cause, school authorities to forecast substantial injury or disruption or material interference with school-related activities or the rights of other students or school personnel or the risk of same. The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct, including, but not limited to: 1.

Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco materials or 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. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling: a. Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana and hashish).

3.

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Any anabolic steroid unless 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. e. Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system ; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student engaged 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. “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance not containing an illegal drug or controlled substance, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug or controlled substance; 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 or controlled substance. g. 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 through they had the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.

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 poweredoff 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); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals. 8.

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

9.

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.

10. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores. 11. 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. 12. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person's personal property. 13. Being absent without a recognized excuse: State law and School Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants. 14. 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. 15. Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, and mob or mob-like activities, including, but not limited to: a.

Wearing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other thing that are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang,

b.

Committing any act, or using any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (such as gestures or hand-shakes) showing membership or affiliation in a gang, and

c.

Using any speech or committing any act in furtherance of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to: (a) soliciting others for membership in any gangs, (b)requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person, (c) committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies, (d) inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.

16. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, and hazing.

17. Engaging in verbal abuse of school personnel or other students, or use of profane or obscene words or gestures. 18. Endangering of the physical or psychological well-being of school personnel or other students by conduct or actions, including, but not limited to: a. b. c.

Improper release of a school fire alarm or tampering with fire extinguishers; Starting, or any attempt to start, a fire on school property; or Setting off, or any attempt to set off, explosive devices on school property.

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. 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, regardless of whether or not the item is (a) on the student's person, or (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student's clothing, backpack, automobile, or (c) in a school's student locker, desk, or other school property, or (d) any other location on school property or at a schoolsponsored event. Efforts, including the use of early intervention and progressive discipline, 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 discipline, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior. No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student. The grounds for disciplinary action, including those described more thoroughly later in this policy, apply whenever the student's conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to: 1.

On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group;

2.

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

3.

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

4.

Anywhere, if the conduct may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member, or an interference with school purposes or an educational function.

Disciplinary Measures Disciplinary measures may include:

18

1. 2. 3. 4.

Disciplinary conference. Withholding of privileges. Seizure of contraband. Suspension from school and all school activities for up to 10 days, provided that appropriate procedures are followed. A suspended student is prohibited from being on school grounds. 5. Suspension of bus riding privileges, provided that appropriate procedures are followed. 6. Expulsion from school and all school-sponsored activities and events for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years, provided that the appropriate procedures are followed. An expelled student is prohibited from being on school grounds. 7. Notification of juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves illegal drugs (controlled substances), look-alikes, alcohol, or weapons. 8. Notification of parent(s)/guardian(s). 9. Removal from classroom. 10. In-school suspension for a period not to exceed 5 school days. The Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised. 11. After school detention or Saturday school, provided the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) have been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative disciplinary measure must be used. The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or designee. 12. Student behavior contract. A student may be immediately transferred 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. Corporal punishment is prohibited. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel, or persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or the defense of property. Weapons A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of at least one calendar year but not more than 2 calendar years: 1.

2.

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). 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” or 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 schoolsponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm.

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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(s)/guardian(s). “School grounds” includes modes of transportation to school activities and any public way within 1000 feet of the school, as well as school property itself. Delegation of Authority Each teacher, and any other school personnel when students are under his or her charge, is authorized to impose any disciplinary measure, other than suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment or in-school suspension, which is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student discipline. Teachers, other certificated 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 disciplinary measures as teachers and may suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct from school (including all school functions) and from riding the school bus, up to 10 consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of 10 days for safety reasons. Time Out and Physical Restraint The Board of Education bears the responsibility of protecting the safety, health, and welfare of the students, staff, and property of the school district and maintaining a safe and orderly environment for learning. Therefore, it may be necessary at times to physically restrain or physically remove a student into an isolated time out setting when the student’s conduct affects the well-being of the schools. It is the policy of this District to implement isolated time out and physical restraint procedures as a means of maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment to the extent such procedures are necessary to preserve the safety of the students, staff or others. Neither isolated time out nor physical restraint procedures shall be used as a form of punishment when administering discipline to individual students. The Superintendent is authorized to establish rules and regulations to implement and enforce this policy consistent with the requirements of ISBE regulations. Parent-Student Handbook The Superintendent, with input from the parent-teacher advisory committee, shall prepare disciplinary rules implementing the District's disciplinary policies. These disciplinary rules shall be presented annually to the Board for its review and approval. A student handbook, including the District disciplinary policies and rules, shall be distributed to the students' parents and guardians within

.

15 days of the beginning of the school year or a student's enrollment

THREATS TO OTHERS Threats of violence of any kind by a student or other persons are taken seriously, and will result in consequences for the person making the threat. Consequences include suspension and/or expulsion from school or school activities. In addition, school counseling may be required as a condition for the return of the student. Students who make such threats

will not be allowed to return to school without a parent/guardian, student, and administrator conference.

District #118 schools, on school property, including school vehicles; or at any extra-curricular activities. No student shall:

EXHIBITIONISM Students guilty of exhibitionism (indecent exposure), the removal of one's own clothing, or removal of another student's clothing will result in disciplinary action up to, and including expulsion.

1.

Wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other thing that is evidence of membership or affiliation with any gang.

2. 3.

Draw gang graffiti or distribute gang-related literature to further gang goals or activities. Use any speech, including verbal or non-verbal expression such as gestures, handshakes, etc.; or commit any act or omission in furtherance of gang activity.

4.

Solicit others for membership in any gang.

5.

Request any person to pay protection to a gang or otherwise act to extort or intimidate any person.

6.

Commit any other illegal act of other violation of school district policies as part of gang activities.

7.

Incite other persons to act with physical violence upon interpreted as supporting or relating to gangs or gang activity.

8.

Attend any activity or commit any act that could be interpreted as supporting or relating to gangs or gang activity.

VANDALISM AND THEFT All members of the community must demonstrate respect for individuals and community owned property. Students may subject themselves and their parents to civil or criminal liability for violent or malicious acts committed on or against school property. Students who commit this act will be subject to discipline up to, and including expulsion. In addition, a police referral may be filed. A parent conference is required before the suspended student will be allowed to return to school. Students may be held financially responsible for any damages or required to clean up or repaint property, which has been defaced. District 118 does not provide insurance against theft, damage, or loss of student's personal property, and shall not be responsible for such losses to students. VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Students, parents and visitors should be aware that video cameras record 24 hours a day in various locations throughout the campus and building hallways. Video cameras may be used as necessary in order to monitor conduct and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. Video cameras will not be placed in restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms or any other location prohibited by law. Students may be disciplined based in whole or in part on video recordings evidence of misconduct. VULGAR AND ABUSIVE LANGUAGE Indecent gestures, profanity and vulgar language are not tolerated in the school, on school property or at school sponsored activities. Use of vulgarities is not conducive to the best educational atmosphere. Violators will be sent to the Assistant Principal’s office for disciplinary action, up to, and including expulsion. FALSELY SOUNDING A FIRE ALARM A falsely sounded alarm endangers the lives of the firemen, students, faculty, and other personnel who must exit the building. Students who commit this act will receive an out-of-school suspension and a police referral will be made. Additional penalties may also be imposed by the fire department. A parent conference is required before the suspended student will be allowed to return to school. GANGS AND GANG-RELATED ACTIVITIES The Wauconda School District Board of Education affirms its position that schools in District 118 shall provide an orderly place for learning. By this policy, the Board of Education prohibits the existence of gangs, gang-like or gang-related activities on school property or at any activity associated with or under the general guidance of school authorities. Any student who violates this policy shall be subject to discipline, including suspension or expulsion, in accordance with the District's student discipline policy. Gang activity includes activities which involve or relate to criminal practices. A youth gang is an organized group of two or more persons, some of whom may be students, whose purpose, in part, is to exhibit or display intimidation, or threatening behavior toward others; to inflict physical injury or violence on any person (assault); to commit vandalism, extortion, or theft; to promote gang presence through display of gang symbols, graffiti or colors; to commit illegal acts; to violate school rules regarding gangs or solicitation of other students to further gang goals or activities or to engage in any other course or pattern of criminal activity. Such activities are strictly prohibited at

20

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Lunch Detention - Students are assigned a place to eat lunch other than the school cafeteria. A teacher will monitor these detentions. After School Detention - an administrator assigns students this type of detention. They are to be served from 3:15-4:45 pm. If they fail to serve them, they will receive two (2) after school detentions. An administrator assigns students this type of detention.

Saturday Detention - Saturday detentions may be assigned by an administrator as an alternative to suspension, tardiness and truancy. A Saturday detention period is a study period and students must bring appropriate materials to use. All Saturday detentions will run from 7:00 am until 9:00 am. Students failing to serve a Saturday detention may be issued an in-school suspension. In-School Suspension - Students assigned an in-school suspension report to the office upon arrival to school during the term of the suspension. Such student will be assigned a place in the ACE Room, and will be expected to complete assignments. Out-of-School Suspension - Students assigned an out-of-school suspension are not permitted on school grounds and may not attend or participate in any school-sponsored activity during the term of the suspension. In and out-of school suspension periods may not exceed ten (10) school days for each incident. A parent conference is required in order for a suspended or expelled student to be reinstated. Any student who fails to abide by the conditions of an assigned suspension will be subject to further disciplinary action. Expulsion - An expelled student is not permitted on school grounds and may not attend or participate in any school-sponsored activity for a period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a caseby-case basis. Students found using, possessing, controlling or transferring a weapon on school property, at any school-sponsored activity or event, or at any activity or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school, shall be expelled for a minimum of one calendar year subject to the authority of the Board of Education to modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by case basis.

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.

Physical Restraint - School personnel have the right and responsibility to maintain order in the classroom, halls, and grounds even if physical restraint is necessary. Examples of incidents, which may require physical restraint, are: • • •

To quell a disturbance which threatens physical injury. To obtain possession of dangerous objects. To protect persons or property from harm.

2.

SUSPENSION PROCEDURES The following are suspension procedures: 1.

Before suspension, the student shall be provided a conference during which the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges.

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.

Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the student's parent(s)/guardian(s). A written notice of the suspension shall state the reasons for the suspension, including any school rule which was violated, and a notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their right to a review of the suspension. A copy of a notice shall be given to the Board of Education.

4.

Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board of Education 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 it's hearing officer and may be represented by counsel. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer's report, the Board shall take such action as it finds appropriate.

5.

In those circumstances that a review of suspension is requested, suspensions shall not be held in abeyance. The student shall serve the term of the suspension, and if the suspension determination is overturned by the Board, the suspension shall be expunged from the student’s education records.

EXPULSION PROCEDURES The Superintendent or designee shall implement expulsion procedures that provide, at a minimum, for the following: 1.

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 should include: a.

The reasons for the proposed expulsion as well as the conduct rule the student is charged with violating.

b.

The time, date, and place for the hearing.

c.

A short description of what will happen during the hearing.

d.

A statement indicating 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.

e.

A request that the student or parent(s)/guardian(s) inform the District if the student will be represented by an attorney and, if so, the attorney’s name.

Unless the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) indicate that they do not want a hearing or fail to appear at the designated

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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. 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.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILITY FOR CO-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION As representatives of Matthews Middle School, all students involved in before or after school activities including but not limited to clubs and/or athletic activities or teams are subject to the eligibility procedure described below. The behavior of student members both in and out of school reflects on our school. As such, use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs, at any time, is considered misconduct under these procedures both on and off school grounds. Students engaged in such misconduct will also be subject to discipline as provided in the District’s policies and procedures. Further, any student on an out-of-school suspension or expulsion will not be permitted to participate in extra-curricular, athletic, ceremonial, or, any other, after school or evening event. Teachers will notify the assistant principal of any student who evidences: Students must maintain cumulative passing grades in order to continue in interscholastic sports. Each season staff will receive a list of students participating in an interscholastic sport for the purposes of monitoring academic progress. Progress will be monitored on a weekly basis using the following guidelines: - The first week a student is failing any classes, he/she will be ineligible to participate in games for the following week, - If a student is found to be failing any other week during the season, the athlete is not eligible for both games and practices during the following week, and - If a student is found to be failing a third week during the season, the athlete may be removed from the team for the remainder of the season. - Weeks of academic failure do not have to be consecutive. These courses of action are not necessarily linear. An attempt to involve parents or guardians will be made. Administration reserves the right to deal with individual cases with the best interests of all parties in mind. Finally, Matthews Middle School offers many extra curricular activities throughout the school year. Unfortunately at times, activity schedules may conflict with one another. In order to encourage student commitment and to reduce disruptions to the extracurricular activities, any student who quits an athletic team or the spring musical during the season or during the rehearsals time will not be permitted to join another team or activity during that season or until the final production of the musical is completed, unless mutually agreed upon by the coaches/musical directors/activity sponsors.

CONDUCT CODE FOR PARTICIPANTS IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The Building Principal and Athletic Director, using input from coaches, sponsors of extracurricular activities, teachers, and parents/community members shall develop a conduct code for all participants in extracurricular activities consistent with Board policy. The Superintendent shall exercise final approval of the contents of the conduct code. These rules shall (1) require participants in extracurricular activities to conduct themselves at all times, including after school and on days when school is not in session, and whether on and off school property, as good citizens and exemplars of their school, and (2) notify participants that failure to abide by them could result in removal from the activity. The conduct code shall be reviewed periodically and presented to the Board of Education. All coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities shall annually review the rules of conduct with participants and provide participants with a copy. In addition, coaches and sponsors of interscholastic athletic programs shall provide instruction on steroid abuse prevention to students in grade 6 through 12 participating in these programs. PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON DAYS OF DETENTION Any day a student has an after school detention that particular student will not be able to participate in that days event. He/she also may not stay and watch any type of school event that might be going on that particular day.

PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON DAY OF ABSENCE If a student is absent from school, he or she is ineligible to participate in after-school sponsored activities scheduled for the day of the absence. SPECTATORS AT AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS Any student leaving the building before or during the event, will not be allowed to re-enter unless accompanied by an adult or have a written note from their parent or guardian stating they may leave and return to the event. SPECTATOR CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP Some specific guidelines that need to be followed for spectator conduct and sportsmanship for athletics and extracurricular events: Spectators will not target any individual player, coach, official, or other spectator with any negative or derogatory cheer, chant, comment, or gesture. Spectators will not single out participants names, members, or reference them as any other name, or comment about appearances. Spectators will treat all with respect and demonstrate appropriate behavior. Spectators may not enter the contest area with noisemakers of any kind. VISITORS TO AND CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY The following definitions apply to this policy: School property - School buildings and grounds, all District buildings and grounds, vehicles used for school purposes, and any location used for a School Board meeting, school athletic event, or other schoolsponsored 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. In addition, visitors entering MMS may have their ID scanned using Raptorware which may provide school personnel

22

information regarding a visitor’s background. 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: 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.

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.

Consume, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs;

9.

Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner);

10.

Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the Board;

11.

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;

12.

Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding;

13.

Violate other District policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or District employee; or

14.

Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the District or a School function.

Convicted Child Sex Offender 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.

Has 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. Exclusive Bargaining Representative Agent Authorized agents of an exclusive bargaining representative, upon notifying the Building Principal’s office, may meet with a school employee (or group of employees) in the school building during freetimes of such employees. 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. 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. The date, time, and place of the Board hearing; 2. A description of the prohibited conduct; 3. The proposed time period that admission to school events will be denied; and 4. Instructions on how to waive a hearing. NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY Selection to the National Junior Honor Society is based on five criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Scholastic achievement based on a set grade point average is also required. Qualified 2nd semester 7th grade and 8th grade students are selected for membership by a vote of the whole faculty and a majority vote of the Faculty Council based on the criteria as noted above. Please contact the school office for a copy of the Matthews Middle School Chapter Bylaws. Discipline/Dismissal: The National Junior Honor Society sponsor will monitor members for compliance with their obligations. A member can receive one warning. On a second offense, the student may face dismissal. For flagrant violations of school rules, no warning is necessary. If a student's grades fall below the required grade point, the student may face dismissal. All appeals will be reviewed by the Faculty Council.

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CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES Students at Matthews Middle School are given many opportunities to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. These activities are designed to enhance the student's educational experience while providing an opportunity to socialize in a structured setting. Some of the clubs we offer at Matthews Middle School are as follows: • • • • • • •

Student Council Drama Club Yearbook Club Outdoor Life Science Young Authors Peer Mediation First Class Club

• • • • • • •

Art Club Scholastic Bowl Strategists Club Math Counts Newspaper Club Fitness Club Guys Read

BAND The participation fee for a student in the 6th grade or 7th/8th grade band is $40.00. The fee must be paid before the end of the First Quarter. Checks are to be made out to Wauconda School District #118. In order to participate in the variety of band activities such as Jazz Band, Solo and Ensemble, and other non-school day activities, students must be enrolled in either the Cadet or Concert Bands. Students enrolled in any of the MMS Fine Arts programs will be expected to attend all programs and activities required by the teacher. In addition, students are expected to fulfill their commitment to the program. ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES The following athletic participation fees for student participation in athletics must be paid before the student begins practicing with the team. Checks are to be made out to Wauconda District #118. Fees must be paid prior to the beginning of the activity. Students with outstanding participation fee balances may be ineligible to participate in games and practices. $110.00 per sport with a maximum charge of $220.00 per family per season. PARENT PICK-UP Please make sure that your child is picked up at the required time after an event. If this doesn’t happen, they might put in jeopardy their opportunities to participate in such event. INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES Matthews Middle School offers its students an intramural program that includes several different sports. They are offered to both girls and boys. The cost for participating in intramurals is $3.00 per day sport. An activity bus is provided to insure a means of getting the students home. PHYSICAL FOR SPORTS A state statute mandates an annual physical exam for all elementary age children participating in interscholastic sports. No student will be allowed to take part in any interscholastic sport, including cheerleading, until proof of their physical is on file in the school office. A full range of athletic activities is available to all students. At the present time, we participate interscholastically in the Suburban Middle School Conference. Fall Season – (September and October) (Conference play will be from 2nd week in Sept. – end of Oct.) Cross Country Girls Basketball Boys Soccer

6th, 7th, 8th grade boys/girls 6th, 7th, 8th grade 6th, 7th, 8th grade

1. 2. 3.

Early Winter Season – (November, December, and January) (Conference play will be from 2nd week in Nov. – mid Jan.) Boys Basketball 6th, 7th, 8th grade Cheerleading 6th, 7th, 8th grade Pom Pons 6th, 7th, 8th grade

4. 5.

Late Winter Season – (January, February, and March) (Conference play will be from 4th week in Jan. – the end of March.) Wrestling 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grade Girls Volleyball 6th, 7th,, 8th grade

6. 7.

Spring Season – (April and May) (Conference play will be from first week in April – the third week in May.) Track 6th, 7th, 8th grade boys/girls Girls Soccer 6th, 7th, 8th grade

MMS ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT The Mission of the Suburban Middle School Conference is to provide maximum opportunities for participation in a variety of co-curricular activities. The focus within the conference is for maximum student participation, skill, development, improvement of self-confidence, and instilling the importance of respect and true sportsmanship. If you have any questions at any time please contact your coach or Mr. Harter, MMS Athletic Director. PARENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To have a safe and fun experience for your child 2. Monitor your child’s participation. If valid concerns arise, bring them up appropriately through proper channels. 3. To be a good spectator, and demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship at all times, to all teams and referees. 4. To be an advocate for your child and supply appropriate support as needed. 5. To understand that all children are gifted, but not in equal ways. 6. To provide unconditional love and support, not based on performance. 7. Commit to and support the MMS Code of Conduct. 8. To abide by the school rules and policies regarding a drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free environment. ATHLETES’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To have a safe and fun experience. 2. To be treated with dignity and respect. 3. To be a good spectator, and demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship at all times, to all teams and referees. 4. To have an equal opportunity to strive for success. 5. To understand that all peers are gifted, but not in equal ways. 6. To acquire the experience of appropriate participation as a member of the team. 7. To follow and abide by the rules and guidelines the coach has established. 8. To understand that it is OK to make mistakes. Use failure as a positive learning experience. 9. To commit, to support, and to abide by the Matthews Middle School Code of Conduct 10. To abide by the school’s rules and policies. 11. Any athlete who quits a team during a season will not be permitted to join another team or activity during the season unless mutually agreed upon by the coaches/sponsors of both teams/activities. COACHES’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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8. 9.

To provide a safe and fun experience for all students. To be treated with dignity and respect. To understand that all students are gifted, but not in equal ways. To be a good spectator, and demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship at all times, to all teams and referees. To be open to valid criticism and be willing to keep the channels of communication open. To foster a positive coach – athlete – parent relationship. To increase self-esteem and reduce performance-destroying anxiety and fear of failure. To understand that it is OK to make mistakes. Use failure as a positive learning experience. To abide by the schools rules and policies regarding a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free environment.

STUDENT USE OF BUILDING - EQUAL ACCESS Student groups, or clubs, that are not school sponsored are granted free use of school premises for a meeting or series of meetings under the following conditions: 1. The meeting is held during those non-instructional times identified by the Building Principals for non-curricular student groups, clubs, or organizations to meet. “Noninstructional time” means time set aside by the school before actual classroom instruction begins or after actual classroom instruction ends. “Non-curricular student groups” are those student groups, clubs, or organizations that do not directly relate to the curriculum. 2. All non-curriculum related student groups that are not District sponsored receive substantially the same treatment. 3. The meeting is student-initiated, meaning that the request is made by a student. 4. Attendance at the meeting is voluntary. 5. The school will not sponsor the meeting. 6. School employees are present at religious meetings only in a non-participatory capacity. 7. The meeting and/or any activities during the meeting do not materially or substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities. 8. Non-school persons do not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend the meetings. 9. The school retains its authority to maintain order and discipline. 10. A school staff member or other responsible adult is present in a supervisory capacity. 11. The Building Principal approves the meeting or series of meetings. The Superintendent or designee shall develop administrative procedures to implement this policy.

MEDICAL INFORMATION 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 and 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, headstart 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. The required 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, parent/guardians of children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years must provide a statement from a physician that their child was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. 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 the student is homeless, 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 are first-time registrants 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. 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:

25

1

2. 3.

4.

Religious or medical grounds if the student’s parents/guardians present to the Superintendent or designee a signed statement explaining the objection; Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification,; Eye examination requirement if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or lack or access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or Dental examination requirement if the student’s 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. Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, governs the enrollment of homeless children.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATION RECORDS Our school board policy requires that all students, immediately prior to or upon entrance into school, shall be required to present evidence of having had a physical examination and required immunization by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois. All new transfer students will have 30 days to complete their records before they will be excluded from school. A. B.

C.

D.

Kindergarten or 1st, 5th and 9th grade students. All students entering Wauconda School District for the first time if such students were not previously examined upon entering school in Illinois. The examination certifying physical fitness to participate in athletics may not be substituted for the examination required for entrance into school. Any student who plays or performs in inter-scholastic athletic events (including Pom Pons and cheerleading) must have a physical examination prior to participating.

All students must have their physical exams and immunization records before October 15, or they will be excluded from school until such time as the child presents proof of (1) having received the examination or the immunizations, or (2) a schedule of immunizations and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay issued by either the physician, registered nurse or local health department responsible for the administration of the remaining required immunizations. 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1. The State requires that all students provide evidence that they have had immunizations, including a diphtheria-tetanus booster, an oral polio vaccine booster and a vaccine for measles and rubella. Eighth grade graduates who will be freshmen at Wauconda High School will be required to present physical examination and immunization forms completed by a qualified medical person when they register in August and pay their fees. Parents of incoming freshmen who do not have physical and dental examination forms are asked to stop by the high school office to obtain them. The Illinois School Code provides exemptions to proof of immunizations if (1) the parent or legal guardian presents to the appropriate local school authority a signed statement of objection, based on religious grounds, detailing the grounds for the objection, or (2) the physical condition of the child is such that any one or more of the immunization agents should not be administered, and the examining physician endorses this fact upon the health examination form. 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1(8).

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS The Board of Education recognizes that it is necessary for the critical health and well-being of students in certain circumstances to take medication during school hours. The Board authorizes school personnel to administer to students or supervise the self-administration of both prescription and over-the-counter medication during the school day to students who require such medication in an emergency, in order to attend school, or in order to gain access to the educational programs of the District. Students may possess and self-administer medications without District supervision if those medications are necessary to treat an asthmatic or emergency condition. The Board also authorizes school personnel to render additional emergency medical assistance when necessary to protect the students’ health, safety, and welfare. The Superintendent is authorized to develop administrative procedures to implement this policy, which rules and regulations shall include a designation of employees authorized to administer medication, and the manner in which both prescription and over-the-counter medication will be administered to students. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS I. Administration and Supervised Self-Administration of Student Medications A. School employees shall not administer to a student or supervise a student’s self-administration of prescription or over-the-counter medication in non-emergency situations unless the following authorizations have been obtained: 1. For prescription medications, an authorization in the form of Exhibit 1 to these Administrative Procedures. 2. For over-the counter (non-prescription) medications, an authorization in the form of Exhibit 2 to these Administrative Procedures. B. Authorizations required by this Section shall be placed in the student’s health record. II. Administration of Medication When the conditions contained in Section A of these Rules and regulations are satisfied, medication shall be administered to students in the following manner: A.

Prescription medications shall be brought to school in the original container that shall display: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

B.

C.

D.

the student’s name; prescription number; medication name, dosage, route of administration and other required directions; licensed prescriber’s name; date and refill instructions; pharmacy name, address, and phone number; name or initials of pharmacist.

Over-the-counter medications shall be brought to school in their original containers with the student’s name affixed to the container. All medications shall be stored in a separate locked or secure area. Medications requiring refrigeration shall be refrigerated in a secure area. The principal shall designate the employee or employees authorized to administer student medications, including employees who are required to administer medications in an emergency situation. Teachers and other non-administrative school employees, except school nurses, shall not be required to administer medication to students, but may be so designated if they agree or volunteer to administer medication. When

26

necessary, the school shall instruct these employees concerning the manner in which the medication is to be administered, the circumstances requiring the administration of medication and the possible side effects of the medication. E.

Each dose of medication shall be documented. Documentation shall include the date, time, dosage and route and signature or initials of the person administering the medication. In the event the mediation is not administered as ordered by the student’s physician, the reasons therefore shall be entered in the student’s health record.

F.

When requested by the student’s physician, the medication’s effectiveness and side effects shall be assessed and documented.

G.

Any changes in dosage or administration time for prescription medication must be authorized by a physician in writing. (a doctor’s prescription form will suffice.)

In the event a child misses a dosage of prescription medication prior to school, and the parent wishes school staff to administer this missed dosage, the parent must notify the school and authorize administration of this dosage. The school staff must have a witness present to verify the parent’s verbal authorization. This parental authorization is to be noted and filed in the student’s health record. III. Discretionary Administration of Medication If a parent consents to the administration of medication on a discretionary basis, the school nurse shall provide the necessary information and instructions for the administration of the medication, including detailing any side effects, to the designated personnel. The administration of medication on a discretionary basis shall be done only by a school nurse or a previously designated or instructed employee; after consultation with and approval of the school nurse. The appropriate authorization (Exhibit 1 or 2 to these Rules and Regulations) must be completed and kept on file at the school. IV. Emergency Medical Treatment School personnel shall render emergency medical assistance during school hours or during school activities to any student when paramedical personnel or licensed physicians are not available or have not arrived and such assistance is necessary to protect the student’s health, safety, or welfare. The school personnel providing emergency medical assistance shall attempt to contact the principal as soon as possible and contact a licensed physician or certified paramedical personnel to provide or assist in providing emergency medical assistance. All parents shall be requested to sign a written authorization for the provision of emergency assistance in the form of Exhibit 3 to these Rules and Regulations. Unsupervised Self-Administration of Medication Students may possess and self-administer medication without the supervision of District personnel if the following conditions are met: A.

B. C.

D.

The medication must be prescribed to treat either an asthmatic condition or an emergency condition. For purposes of this provision, an “emergency condition” is one that may occur without warning (such as an allergic reaction) and which, if left untreated, would pose a significant threat to the student’s health, safety, or welfare. The medication must be kept in a container with an individual prescription label. The medication must be prescribed for the student by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse with authority to prescribe such medication. The student’s parent or guardian must provide the school with written authorization for the student to possess and self-

administer the medication in the form of Exhibit 4 to these Administrative Procedures. The authorization for possession and self-administration of medication is valid for the school year in which it is obtained, and shall be renewed each year upon satisfaction of the above requirements. Authorizations required by this Section shall be placed in the student’s health record.

in the regular classroom setting shall be based upon the following factors: 1.

The risk of transmission of the disease to others.

2. 3.

The health risk to the particular student. Reasonable accommodations that can be made without undue hardship to reduce the health risk to the student and others. The educational benefits of a less restrictive placement versus the educational detriments of a more restrictive placement.

4. V.

VI.

Disposal of Medication The parent(s) or guardian of a student will be responsible at the end of the treatment regimen for removing from the school any unused medication that was prescribed for their child. If the parent(s) or guardian(s) does not pick up the medication by the end of the school year, after notification to the parent(s) or guardian(s), the school nurse will dispose of the medication and document that the medication was discarded. Medication will be discarded unless the parent or guardian, after notice, directs verbally or in writing that the medication is to be sent home with the child. Medications will be discarded in the presence of a witness. Dissemination of the Policy A copy of the Policy and these Rules and Regulations shall be distributed to the parents or guardians of each student within 15 days after the beginning of each school year or within 15 days after classes for a student who transfers into the school during a school year. A copy of the Policy and these Rules and Regulations shall also be printed in the Student Handbook. In addition, during the school year, students shall be informed of the contents of the Policy and these Rules and Regulations in the following manner: 1. 2. 3.

school newsletters; school district newsletters; registration materials;

HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS Students should be kept home if they have: fever (>100F); rash; sore throat with fever; persistent cough; nausea and vomiting; or diarrhea. Your child should be feeling well, free of fever, vomiting and diarrhea for at least 24 hours before returning to school following illness. Antibiotics for infections, such as strep throat, should be administered for 24 hours before returning to school. Any child attending school with a rash will need a note from the doctor. In addition, we continue to practice daily hand washing hygiene which we have stressed throughout this school year. Please notify the nurse’s office if your child has a contagious disease such as strep throat, chicken pox, ringworm, head lice, or pink eye. ACCIDENTS Students should report any accident at once to the teacher or school personnel in charge. Proper medical referrals will be made as necessary and parents will be contacted. STUDENT WELFARE - CHRONIC COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Any student who has a chronic communicable disease or is a carrier of a communicable disease shall be provided a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive placement. A student who has a chronic communicable disease or is a carrier of a communicable disease may attend school in the regular classroom setting, whenever through reasonable accommodation the risk of transmission of the disease, and/or the risk of further injury to the student is sufficiently remote in such settings, so as to be outweighed by the detrimental effects of the student's placement in a more restrictive setting. If a student is required to be placed in a non-school setting, an appropriate educational program shall be developed and provided to the student. The determination of whether such student may attend school

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The Superintendent is authorized to establish rules and regulations that are designed to implement this policy and that are consistent with the Rules and Regulations to Govern the Administration and Operation of Special Education of the State of Illinois. ULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING BOARD POLICY 702.18, REVISION I, STUDENTS WITH CHRONIC COMMUNICABLE DISEASES A. Temporary Exclusion Pending determination of placement, a student who has a chronic communicable disease, or a student who is reasonably suspected of having a chronic communicable disease or being a carrier may be temporarily excluded from school. During the period of temporary exclusion, the student shall be provided with an appropriate educational program. B. Initial Evaluation Each student shall be evaluated by a team, that may consist of appropriate district personnel, and a physician or other consultants selected by the superintendent or his designee, the student's physician, public health personnel, the student and the student's parents or guardians. C. Placement Decision Upon completion of a case study evaluation, one or more conferences shall be convened for the purpose of formulating program and service option. Recommendations concerning the student's placement and the individual educational program shall be made at these multidisciplinary conferences by consensus of the participating public school personnel and shall be determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Board policy. D. Appeal A decision on the student's placement or individualized educational program may be appealed in accordance with The School Code and the Rules and Regulations to Govern the Administration and Operation of Special Education. E. Subsequent Evaluations The placement team to determine whether the student’s placement continues to be appropriate shall periodically reevaluate the student. The frequency of the reevaluations shall be determined by the team, but in no event shall the student be reevaluated less frequently than once per school year. F. Confidentiality The student's medical condition shall be disclosed only to the extent necessary to minimize the health risks to the student and others.

SPECIAL SERVICES WAUCONDA SCHOOL ASSISTANCE TEAM (WSAT) Each school in Wauconda School District #118 has a Pupil Personnel Services Team. The purpose of this team is to gather information about referred students and make decisions regarding special services. If parents have questions about the services, identification procedures, or the referral process itself, please contact Mr. Taterka at (847) 5266210.

SPECIAL EDUCATION The District shall provide a free appropriate public education and necessary related services to all children with disabilities residing within the District, required under 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 for whom a duly constituted IEP team has determined 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 Rules and Regulations to Govern the Administration of Special Education. 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, 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), and 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 School 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.

must also inform parents of their rights, must give details of the decision and any reasons for the action. The notice must be in plain language and easily understood by the parents. Parents must indicate that they have received and understand this prior written notice. 5. Families have the right to privacy. The law provides for your protection at all times. Any information that personally identifies you, your child or your family cannot be shared with any other agency without first receiving your permission. If the early intervention services providers feel it would be beneficial to share information, they must contact you, explain the situation and ask for your written permission. You don’t have to give your permission, and refusing will not affect your services.

6. Families have the right to review records. Parents may inspect, review and amend records relating to their child and family. They may also request a copy of any records. 7. Families have the right to review records. All families have the right to receive early intervention information in a manner they can understand. Notices must be written in a way that is understandable to the general public. If English is not the primary language of the family, that family has the right to receive another method of communication, such as sign language or Braille, they have the right to receive information that way. 8. Families have the right to disagree. You have the right to file a complaint and have it resolved. If parents and the early intervention service providers disagree, the law provides for a timely resolution with three methods: file a complaint; request mediation at no cost to participants; or request an impartial due process hearing. While the disagreement is being resolved, the child must continue to receive early intervention services unless the parents and services providers agree otherwise. For more information about the Early Intervention Services System, call 1-800-323-GROW (1-800-323-4769).

SERVICES AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN AGES BIRTH TO 3 YEARS FAMILY RIGHTS All families with a child age birth to 3 years who is eligible for early intervention services in Illinois are guaranteed rights by federal law. 1. Families have the right to an evaluation. Eligibility is decided by an evaluation of the child within 45 days of referral, unless the family requests more time. The evaluation is done by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who examines the child’s medical history, development and current abilities. If the child is eligible for services, the child and family also have the right to ongoing assessments of the child’s strengths, skill levels progress and needs. 2. Eligible families have the right to coordinated plan. Also within 45 days of being determined eligible for services, each eligible child and family should have a written individualized family service plan for providing early intervention services that include the family’s resources, priorities and concerns for their child. The individualized family service plan is written and then reviewed every six months. 3. Families have the right to consent. Consent or permission must be obtained in the writing from the family before conducting an evaluation assessment, or beginning or ending early intervention services. Parents can choose to refuse a particular service without jeopardizing any other services. Parents may also refuse a service at any time, even after accepting it, without it affecting other early intervention services. 4. Families have the right to prior notice. Parents must receive written notice ten (10) working days prior to any changes in their child’s early intervention services. This notice, which

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REPORTING CHILD ABUSE According to Illinois law, a staff member who has reasonable cause to suspect that a student may be an abused or neglected child shall report such case to the Department of Children and Family Services. In such a situation the staff member shall notify the Superintendent that a report has been made. Traditional considerations of confidentiality shall not constitute grounds for failure to report such cases. GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING The School District provides a guidance and counseling program for students. The Superintendent or designee shall direct the District's guidance and counseling program. School counseling services, as described by State law, may be performed by a qualified guidance specialist or any certificated staff member. The counseling program will assist students with interventions related to academic, social and/or personal issues. Students shall be encouraged to seek academic, social, and or personal assistance. Each staff member is responsible for effectively guiding students under his/her supervision in order to provide early identification of intellectual, emotional, social, or physical needs, diagnosis of any learning disabilities, and development of educational potential. The District's counselors shall offer counseling to those students who require additional assistance. The guidance program will assist students to identify career options consistent with their abilities, interests, and personal values. Students shall be encouraged to seek the help of counselors to develop specific curriculum goals that conform to the student's career objectives. High school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to receive careeroriented information. Representatives from colleges and universities, occupational training institutions and career-oriented recruiters,

including the military, may be given access to the school campus in order to provide students and parent(s)/guardian(s) with information.

administrators, board members, and visitors to the District is hereby prohibited on School District property.

SUICIDE THREATS AND ATTEMPTS Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to notify the school if a potential problem exists. Anytime a student is hospitalized or placed in a therapeutic treatment facility, parent(s)/guardian(s) are requested to notify the student’s school office. A re-entry conference may be arranged with the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and the appropriate school personnel.

For purposes of this policy, “tobacco” means: a) cigarettes, b) cigars, c) pipes, or d) smoking tobacco in any other form, including smokeless or “chewing” tobacco. This prohibition against tobacco pertains to all schools and other building facilities, as well as school grounds and other real estate owned, leased, or contracted for by the School District. The administration is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement this Board policy and to designate appropriate events and areas to which these exemptions will apply.

STUDENT AND FAMILY RIGHTS Equal Educational Opportunities 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 of being homeless, 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 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, on the basis of 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 of Education'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).

Administrative Implementation The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator. The Superintendent and Building Principal shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy and grievance procedure. Inquiries concerning compliance may be directed to the Principal, Mr. Robert Taterka, 3500 Darrell Road, Island Lake, IL, (847)526-6210, at Matthews Middle School, or to Mr. James LePage, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or Ms. Val Donnan, Complaint Manager, 555 North Main Street, Wauconda, IL 60084, (847) 526-7690, or the Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C. ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES Any parent or student requiring accommodation to attend a school activity or function, including parent conferences, board meetings and school programs, should contact Mr. Tony Harter at 847-526-6210. SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT To ensure the health and safety of students, employees and visitors to the School District, and pursuant to state and federal law, the use of tobacco by students, teachers, educational support personnel,

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NON-SCHOOL-SPONSORED STUDENT EXPRESSION It is beneficial to the educational mission of the school for middle school students to express their own views concerning a wide variety of topics and issues, and share them with other students in the school, even when these views may be unpopular or controversial. The students' rights to express their own views in the school, however, are not coextensive with the rights of adults or even children in other settings and must be exercised in light of the special characteristics of the school environment. The school has the duty to insure that the manner in which these views are expressed and their views themselves do not conflict with the basic educational mission of the school. Therefore, student expression which may be disruptive of the orderly operation of the school or school activities, which violate the rights of others, which is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to the maturity level of the students, or which expresses religious beliefs or points of view that students would reasonably believe to be sponsored, endorsed or given official imprimatur by the school will not be permitted. The school district has adopted procedures for the mass distribution of non-school sponsored material. Students who seek to distribute more than 10 copies of the same written material on one or more days in school or on school grounds should obtain a copy of these procedures from their principal and comply with these procedures. STUDENT AND FAMILY PRIVACY RIGHTS Surveys All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other instrument used to collect personal information from students, must advance or relate to the District’s educational objectives as identified in Board policy 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, or assist students’ career choices. This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified and regardless of who created the survey. Surveys Created by a Third Party Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation created by a third party to a student, the student’s parents(s)/guardian(s) may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request. This section applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a District official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions. All third party surveys must be reviewed and allowed by the Superintendent or designee. Survey Requesting Personal Information School officials and staff members shall not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the District) containing one or more of the following items:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

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

The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may: 1. Inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or 2. Refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in the activity described above. The school shall not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercised this option. Instructional Material A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child/ward’s educational curriculum within a reasonable time of their request. The term “instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments. Physical Exams or Screenings No school official or staff member shall subject a student to a nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening as a condition of school attendance. The term “invasive physical examination” means any medial examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening. The above paragraph does not apply to any physical examination or screening that: 1. Is permitted or required by an applicable State law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification. 2. Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.). 3. Is otherwise authorized by Board policy. Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information Is Prohibited No school official or staff member shall market or sell personal information concerning students (or otherwise provide that information to others for that purpose). The term “personal information” means individually identifiable information including: (1) a student or parent’s first and last name, (2) a home or other physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town), (3) a telephone number, (4) a Social Security identification number or (5) driver’s license number or State identification card. The above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parents(s)/guardian(s) have consented; or (2) to the collection,

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disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

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

Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s “personal information” to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards. Notification of Rights and Procedures The Superintendent or designee parent(s)/guardian(s) of: 1. 2. 3.

4.

shall

notify

students’

This policy as well as its availability upon request from the general administration office. How to opt their child or ward out of participation in activities as provided in this policy. The approximate dates during the school year when a survey requesting personal information, as described above, is scheduled or expected to be scheduled. How to request access to any survey or other material described in this policy.

This notification shall be given to parent(s)/guardian(s) at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change in this policy. The rights provided to parent(s) guardian(s) in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor. Restrictions on Publications and Written Electronic Material School-sponsored publications, productions, and web sites are part of the curriculum and are not a public forum for general student use. School authorities may edit or delete material that is inconsistent with the District’s educational mission. All school-sponsored communications shall comply with the ethics and rules of responsible journalism. Text that is libelous, obscene, vulgar, lewd, invades the privacy of others, conflicts with the basic educational mission of the school, is socially inappropriate, is inappropriate due to the maturity of the students, or is materially disruptive to the educational process will not be tolerated. The author’s name will accompany personal opinions and editorial statements. An opportunity for the expression of differing opinions from those published/produced will be provided within the same media. Non-School Sponsored Publications and Web Sites Accessed or Distributed At School

Students are prohibited from accessing and/or distributing at school any written or electronic material, including material from the Internet that: 1. 2.

Will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities; Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;

3.

Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, or contains indecent and vulgar language;

4.

Is primarily intended for the immediate solicitation of funds; or

5.

Is distributed and is primarily prepared by non-students, unless it is being used for school purposes. Nothing herein shall be interpreted to prevent the inclusion of material from outside sources or the citation to such sources as long as the material to be distributed or accessed is primarily prepared by students.

The distribution of non-school-sponsored written material shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the material is endorsed by the School District. Accessing or distributing “at school” includes accessing or distributing on school property or at school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material, or (2) for writing, creating, or publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.

The District’s electronic network is part of the curriculum and is not a public forum for general use. Acceptable Use All use of the District’s electronic networks must be: (1) in support of education and/or research, and be in furtherance of the goals stated herein, or (2) for a legitimate school business purpose. Use is a privilege, not a right. Students and staff members have no expectation of privacy in any material that is stored, transmitted, or received via the District’s electronic networks or District computers. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using electronic networks. The District’s Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks Administrative Procedure contains the appropriate uses, ethics, and protocol. Electronic communications and downloaded material, including files deleted from a user’s account but not erased, may be monitored or read by school officials. Internet Safety 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 federal law 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 filtering 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. 2. 3.

Student-Created or Distributed Written or Electronic Material Including Blogs A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for creating and/or distributing written or electronic material, including Internet material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.

WCUSD #118 INTERNET POLICY 6.235 ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC NETWORKS Electronic networks, including the Internet, are a part of the District’s instructional program and serve to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. The Superintendent shall develop an implementation plan for this policy and appoint system administrator(s). The School District is not responsible for any information that may be lost or damaged, or become unavailable when using the network, or for any information that is retrieved or transmitted via the Internet. Furthermore, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the Internet. Curriculum The use of the District’s electronic networks shall: (1) be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the District as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the students, and (2) comply with the selection criteria for instructional materials and library resource center materials. Staff members may, consistent with the Superintendent’s implementation plan, use the Internet throughout the curriculum.

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4. 5.

Ensure staff supervision of student access to online electronic networks, Restrict student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials, Ensure student and staff privacy, safety, and security when using electronic communications, Restrict unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities, and Restrict unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information, such as, names and addresses.

Authorization for Electronic Network Access Each staff member and student must adhere to the District’s Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks Administrative Procedure as a condition for using the District’s electronic network. All users of the District’s computers to access the Internet shall maintain the confidentiality of student records. Reasonable measures to protect against unreasonable access shall be taken before confidential student information is loaded onto the network. The failure of any student or staff member to follow the terms of the Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks Administrative Procedure, or this policy, will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE - ACCEPTABLE USE OF ELECTRONIC NETWORKS All use of electronic networks shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. These procedures do not attempt to state all required or proscribed behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow these procedures will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

Terms and Conditions Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s electronic network must be: (a) for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, or (b) for legitimate business use. Privileges - The use of the District’s electronic network is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The Administration will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time. His or her decision is final. Unacceptable Use - The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the network. Some examples of unacceptable uses are: 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 software, 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; 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 of a personal nature including a photograph; h) Using another user’s account or password; i) Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent; j) Posting anonymous messages; k) Using the network for commercial or private advertising; l) Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material; and m) Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked. Network Etiquette - The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: a) Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others. b) Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. c) Do not reveal personal information, including the 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. 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. No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misseddeliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

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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 violation of these procedures. Security - Network security is a high priority. If the user can identify a security problem on the Internet, the user 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 the network. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Telephone Charges - The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, longdistance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs. Copyright Web Publishing Rules - Copyright law and District policy prohibit the re-publishing of text or graphics found on the Web or on District Web sites or file servers without explicit written permission. a) For each re-publication (on a Web site or file server) of a graphic or a text file that was produced externally, there must be a notice at the bottom of the page crediting the original producer and noting how and when permission was granted. If possible, the notice should also include the Web address of the original source. b) Students and staff engaged in producing Web pages must provide library media specialists with e-mail or hard copy permissions before the Web pages are published. Printed evidence of the status of “public domain” documents must be provided. c) The absence of a copyright notice may not be interpreted as permission to copy the materials. Only the copyright owner may provide the permission. The manager of the Web site displaying the material may not be considered a source of permission. d) The “fair use” rules governing student reports in classrooms are less stringent and permit limited use of graphics and text. e) Student work may only be published if there is written permission from both the parent/guardian and student. Use of Electronic Mail - The District’s electronic mail system, and its constituent software, hardware, and data files, are owned and controlled by the School District. The School District provides e-mail to aid students and staff members in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and as an education tool. a) The District reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of any account on its system, without prior notice or permission from the account’s user. Unauthorized access by any student or staff member to an electronic mail account is strictly prohibited. b) Each person should use the same degree of care in drafting an electronic mail message as would be put into a written memorandum or document. Nothing should be transmitted in an e-mail message that would be inappropriate in a letter or memorandum. c) Electronic messages transmitted via the School District’s Internet gateway carry with them an identification of the user’s Internet “domain.” This domain name is a registered domain name and identifies the author as being with the School District.

Great care should be taken, therefore, in the composition of such messages and how such messages might reflect on the name and reputation of the School District. Users will be held personally responsible for the content of any and all electronic mail messages transmitted to external recipients. d) Any message received from an unknown sender via the Internet should either be immediately deleted or forwarded to the system administrator. Downloading any file attached to any Internetbased message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message’s authenticity and the nature of the file so transmitted. e) Use of the School District’s electronic mail system constitutes consent to these regulations. Internet Safety Internet access is limited to only those “acceptable uses” as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is almost assured if users will not engage in “unacceptable uses,” as detailed in these procedures, and otherwise follow these procedures. 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 these procedures. Each District computer with Internet access has a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined

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by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee. The system administrator and Building Principals shall monitor student Internet access. Authorization for Electronic Network Access Each staff member and student must adhere to the District’s Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks Administrative Procedure as a condition for using the District’s electronic network. All users of the District’s computers to access the Internet shall maintain the confidentiality of student records. Reasonable measures to protect against unreasonable access shall be taken before confidential student information is loaded onto the network. The failure of any student or staff member to follow the terms of the Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks Administrative Procedure, or this policy, will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. Opt Out Notice to Parents Parents who prefer to exercise their right to have their child opt-out from using the district’s Electronic Network must notify their building principal in writing at the start of the school year of their wish to do so.

August 2013 Dear Student and Parents, It seems as if it takes almost no time for the first quarter to move into high gear. Only a few days have passed, and yet we are already well into the 2013-2014 school year. As you take time to set academic goals, extracurricular involvement, and other opportunities to enhance your experiences at Matthews Middle School, consider carefully the information provided in the student planner. The policies, procedures, and guidelines contained in this planner are those important to you as a student or parent at Matthews Middle School. The areas included here have been selected to help you adjust to our program and to inform you of our expectations for you while you are here. We hope that you will enjoy our school and take advantage of the many programs offered. We would like to close by wishing you a happy and successful school year. We are delighted to have you with us and encourage you to strive for excellence as you meet the challenges ahead. Please do not hesitate to ask for help at any time; we are here to assist you in being your very best. To ensure that all students and parents have had the opportunity to review these procedures and policies, we require the following parent and student signatures verifying receipt and understanding of the contents of this parent-student handbook. Your prompt reply to this request is sincerely appreciated. Special Note: Parents who wish to exercise their right to opt-out concerning Directory Information (page 2) or the Technology Acceptance Use Guidelines (page 30) must notify their building principal in writing at the start of the school year of their wish to do so. Sincerely,

Mr. Robert Taterka Principal

Mr. Tony Harter Assistant Principal

I have examined and carefully read the Student Handbook. I understand that this handbook is not a contract with the student; it is simply an example of current practices of Matthews Middle School and Wauconda School District 118. Provisions in this handbook may be changed without prior notice.

Homeroom Teacher

Date

Student Signature

Date

Parent Signature

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Wauconda C.U.S.D. #118 Pest Control Notification Procedures at School Buildings Dear Parent, The Illinois legislature passed SB0527 and SB0529, amendments to the Structural Pest Control Act and the Illinois Pesticide Act that affect how pests, mice, ants, etc., are controlled in schools. The legislation affects the schools in basically two ways. 1) All Illinois schools are required to adopt a pest control process called Integrated Pest Management or IPM, and 2) Schools are required to notify staff, students and parents prior to certain types of pest control applications. Integrated Pest Management places emphasis on inspection and communication with the school administration. The focus of the program is to identify and eliminate conditions in the school, which could cause pests to be a problem. Applications of pest control materials are made only when necessary to eliminate a pest problem. Regular spraying is not part of the program. If it becomes necessary to use any pest control products other than traps or baits, notice will be posted four business days prior to the application. The only exception to the four-day notice would be if there is an immediate threat to health or property. If you would like to receive written notification prior to the application of any pest control materials subject to the notification requirements, please complete the enclosed form and return it to the school. This notification will also include the application of fertilizers or weed control products. This service is completed by various, licensed applicators, and notification will include the name of the vendor and products used. The school district has selected Orkin Pest Control to provide Integrated Pest Management serves as needed. Orkin has had IPM programs in place in schools they service since 2004. If you have any questions about the information and procedures from Orkin Pest Control, you may contact them at (815) 338-0156.

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO FILL OUT THIS FORM. Fill out ONLY if you would like notification of the application of pest control materials at the school. If the form is not filled out in its entirety, we will be unable to notify you. I would like to be notified four days before the use of liquid or aerosol pest control materials at the school. I understand that if there is an immediate threat to health or property that requires treatment before notification can be sent out, I will be notified as soon as possible. Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________ Date _________ Student’s Name (please print) ______________________________ Grade ________ Address _________________________________________ City _________________

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