Maine East Student Handbook

MAINE EAST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Philosophy

Maine Township District 207 schools offer a comprehensive curriculum with the goals of inspiring students’ curiosities and helping each student develop the academic, social, and emotional skills to reach his or her full potential.  These ideas are reflected in the District 207 Vision of Learning developed by our community stakeholders.

Based on the idea that student inquiry should drive learning in the classroom in a setting that emphasizes learning together, the foundation of our academic program is inquiry-based and cooperative in its approach.  In an effort to meet students where they are as they enter our schools and improve their learning to the greatest extent in the short time we have the privilege to work with them, all of our certified staff have been trained in the Johnson and Johnson model of cooperative learning, assessment literacy practices based on Stiggins, Chappuis, and Arter, the grading practices of Wormeli, O’Connor and Gusky, differentiated instruction based on the work of Tomlinson, and personalized learning strategies based on the work of Horn and Staker.

Our Mission is to Improve Learning

Maine Township High School District 207

Statement of Purpose

Together we educate students to be informed, inquisitive, responsible, creative and reasoning individuals.

 

The following goals represent the commitment of District 207 to develop all students according to their individual potential.

Goals

• All students will read, write, speak and listen effectively in English.
• All students will recognize their responsibilities as members of a family, the school, the community, the nation, and the world.
• All students will recognize their responsibilities as stewards of the environment.
• All students will demonstrate an understanding of and be able to apply the important concepts in mathematics, language, social science, the natural and physical sciences, the fine and/or applied arts and will recognize their interconnections.
• All students will demonstrate an understanding of the American heritage and other cultures of the world.
• All students will develop the habits necessary to conduct research, engage in problem-solving, and make informed decisions through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
• All students will demonstrate cooperation, respect for themselves and others, commitment to quality performance and will recognize the value of teamwork and leadership.
• All students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles and applications of technology.
• All students will develop the skills of self-direction which they will use to engage in life-long learning, prepare for one or more careers and pursue physical and emotional well-being.
• All students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities and interscholastic competitions.

 

As a matter of policy, the race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, handicap, disability, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other unlawful basis of discrimination, including harassment as defined and provided by the Illinois Human Rights Act and all other applicable state and federal laws shall not be considered either a qualification or disqualification of any applicant.

 

Absenteeism

In District 207, we are committed to encouraging every student to attend school everyday. We believe that attendance is important, and correlated with a student’s academic and social emotional success. Any time a student misses time in class, whether it be for an authorized or unauthorized reason, they are missing valuable learning experiences that cannot be recreated. We see it as the responsibility of each student, parent, teacher, administrator, and staff member to promote and stress the value of good attendance. 

 

Maine District 207, in keeping with Section 26-2a of the Illinois School Code considers the following circumstances to be valid causes for a student’s absence:

 

1. Student illness
2. Death in the immediate family 
3. Observance of a religious holiday 
4. Family emergency
5. Situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the administration, such as hospitalization or serious illness, for which the school receives timely, acceptable documentation.
6. Circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of the students 
7.     Maine 207 recognizes that college visits may be considered an excused absence with pre-approval.  

*The final decision for categorizing an absence as authorized rests with the school administration.

 

Days not counted toward chronic absences: 

1. Hospitalization with proper documentation 
2. Illness with a written doctor’s note 
3. Suspensions 
4. Field trips

*Doctor’s notes must be submitted within twenty-four (24) hours from the date of the absence. 

Absences from school – Responsibilities 

 

Parent/Guardian: A parent/legal guardian is responsible for informing the school of their student’s absence within 24 hours. Voicemail/recording is available 24 hours per day.  Absences that are non-school related may require further documentation as reasonably requested and approved by the school. No corrections will be made after 24 hours and the absence may remain unauthorized.  

 

When calling to report an absence, please state the following information:

• Student’s first and last name
• Student’s ID number
• Name of parent/guardian calling
• Reason for absence: “My child is absent from school because…”
• Time of late arrival or early dismissal

 

Students: 

• In the event of an absence (excused/unexcused/suspended), it is the students responsibility to contact teachers to get work missed.  Students will be given the number of days excused/unexcused/suspended to make up the work, quizzes or tests. 

• Students with an authorized early dismissal must obtain a written pass in order to be excused from class and then sign out prior to leaving the school building. 

• Students feeling ill while at school are expected to check in with the school nurse before contacting a parent or guardian to leave for the school day. 

 

            Daily Attendance Monitoring 

Attendance is recorded by teachers and monitored by our administration on a daily basis through our student management system (Infinite Campus). Parents are able to access and monitor their child’s attendance within the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Parents can expect to receive notification daily if their student has been marked absent unauthorized from any class. 

 

Students who accumulate ten (10)  days of authorized absences may be required to provide official written documentation from an agency or organization (i.e. hospital, judicial, university, mental health professional, etc.) related to the nature or cause of the absence, for any future absence to be considered authorized. 

 

Pre-Authorized Absence 

 

In the event of a known extended absence, parents/guardians should make every effort to communicate ahead of time with the Attendance Office (via the pre-authorized absence form). We urge families to avoid extended absences for their students if at all possible. 

 

Parents Out of Town

It is the responsibility of the parents to inform the Student Service Team if they will be unavailable for a period of time. The authorized person appearing on the student’s emergency card must call the Attendance Office if the student is absent from school. If another adult is designated by the parents to excuse their child from school, a phone call from a parent identifying the temporary guardian must be received prior to the parents leaving town. Failure to follow the above procedures may result in an unexcused absence.

Support and interventions are outlined below in response to our Tiered Attendance Plan.  Interventions at each Tier are plans designed to support a student in developing a new behavior and/or restoring the community of learners.  

 

Tier 1: Supports  & Systems

 

Universal Supports to Foster Daily Attendance

• Classroom community building through “Circles” and other engagement strategies to foster a sense of belonging and academic success 
• Actively working to build positive relationships between school staff, students and families
• Advisory Programming to support Social Emotional Learning, Integrated Career Services, and Restorative Practices and School Belonging 
• Establish a socially-emotionally safe and equitable school environment 
• Full access to student privileges, such as (parking, dances, spectator opportunities, participation in extracurricular activities, option areas during lunch or open periods, etc.)  
• Opt-in morning wake up texts

Tier 1 Systems 

• Daily attendance recorded by teachers and monitored by administration
• Daily notifications sent to parent/guardians when an unauthorized absence occurs

Tier 1 At Risk Systems

• Communication to alert families that their student has entered the at-risk threshold  
• Access to supports and resources listed above

Parent/Guardian – Ways to Support

• Encouraging daily attendance as a family expectation
• Help students maintain daily routines and encourage healthy habits
• Report all absences in advance or on the day the student will miss school by calling the attendance line.
• Help monitor attendance by utilizing Infinite Campus regularly 
• Avoid scheduling non-urgent appointments or vacations when classes are in session. 

 

Tier 2: Supports & Systems

Tier 2 systems to increase daily attendance in addition to those supports in Tier 1

• Data dashboard to monitor students falling into tier 2 attendance range
• Attendance communication to notify families that student is chronically absent
• Increased communication between school and parents

Tier 2 Interventions Menu 

*additional  interventions may be added over time

• Family/student conference with Student Support Team
• Attendance workshops/lessons
• Positive teacher check-ins
• Scheduling considerations
• Student services groups
• Reassignment of option areas during lunch or open periods 
• Peer Mentor

Parent/Guardian – Ways to Support

• Communicate with your child’s counselor or Assistant Principal of Student Supports to discuss attendance challenges or if you’re having difficulty getting your child to school. 
• Only allow your child to stay home if he/she is truly sick. Sometimes complaints of a headache or stomach ache might be a sign of avoidance, withdrawal or anxiety. 
• Consider community agency support
• If you notice your child is avoiding a particular class or is having a difficult time in one subject area, discuss this with your child and their teacher.

 

Tier 3: Supports & Systems

Supports to Increase Daily Attendance in Addition to those supports in Tier 1 and Tier 2

*additional  interventions may be added over time

• Attendance Letter to notify that student of chronic absenteeism
• Attendance Success Plan
• Family/Student conference with Student Support Team
• Student Services Group

Tier 3 Intervention Menu (in addition to those outlined in Tier 1 and Tier 2) –

• Individual Attendance Success Plan
  • This may include temporary removal of tier 1 privileges with a plan to earn them back
• Scheduling Considerations
• Home visits
• Wrap around services (bringing home – school – community together) e.g., RENEW process
• Outside agency support  
• School refusal assessment/survey 
• Consideration of truancy with local Regional Office of Education 

Parent/Guardian – Ways to Support

 

• Partner with the school team to collaborate on an Attendance Success Plan
• Continue regular communication with your designated Student Services Team member when absences occur
• Continue to support the Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions listed above
• Communicate with your Student Services Team to discuss additional supports accessible outside of school 

 

Unauthorized Departure From School 

 

Students are expected to remain in school or on the school campus during the school day unless they

have proper authorization. 

 

If a student is found to be in violation of this regulation the Assistant Principal of Student Supports will confer with the student and determine appropriate interventions.

 

Interventions to these infractions may include, but are not limited to, loss of privileges, restorative programming, detentions, reassignment and suspension. Repeat violations or engagement in behavior that is inappropriate, unsafe, or in violation of additional school policies, may result in suspension and/or revocation of parking privileges without refund.

 

Tardiness to School/Class 

 

Teachers and students need to make full use of instructional time, students must report to class on time. Students are considered on time to class when they are in their assigned learning space by the assigned start time. 

 

Students who arrive at their designated learning space after the designated start time without a valid pass or other type of authorization will be admitted and marked as “Tardy” in the Student Information System.

 

 Repeated tardiness to class may result in interventions and/or loss of privileges.  Interventions to tardiness may include, but are not limited to, attendance workshops, loss of privileges, restorative programming, detentions, reassignment and suspension. Repeat violations or engagement in behavior that is inappropriate, unsafe, or in violation of additional school policies, may result in suspension and/or revocation of parking privileges without refund. Parents/guardians are viewed as an integral component of the intervention process, meetings and plans.

 

Responsibilities of the:

 

Parent/Guardian:  To call the attendance office as soon as possible to notify the school that their child will be tardy to school. When calling to report a tardy, please state the following information:

• Student’s first and last name
• Student’s ID number
• Name of parent/guardian calling
• Reason for tardy

 

If the reason for the tardy differs from the parent’s, the student will be directed to their Assistant Principal.

 

Failure to Sign In or Out at the Attendance Office

Students are expected to sign-in or out, at the Attendance Office when arriving late or leaving early.

 

Parent calls must be received prior to a student leaving school.   Students leaving early must obtain a pass from the attendance office prior to their early dismissal (i.e. before school starts, during lunch time, etc) in order to be excused from class. Students are permitted to exit the building through from Door #1 (front drive) or Door # 4 (near the fieldhouse) only.  Failure to sign in at the attendance office at time of arrival or to sign out when leaving prior to normal dismissal may result in school consequences. 

 

If the reason for the absence differs from the parent’s, the student will be directed to the appropriate Student Service Team.  If there are changes from the original message, parents must contact the appropriate Student Service Team.

 

Student & Family Services

 

The Student & Family Services Department provides many services to students and parents including a four-year developmental guidance program that ensures every student in the school receives the same curriculum related to guidance.Throughout the school year, our Student & Family Services staff members meet with all students in all grade levels to help educate students on academic, social/emotional, and career-related topics in order to best support the students during their time at Maine East. We encourage you to visit our website by going to the Maine East website Academics tab and clicking on the Student & Family Services department. Many of the guidance-related activities are initiated by students, parents and school personnel as needed. Counselors try to anticipate and react to the needs of students and parents. However, for counselors to be most effective, it is important that there be open communication between the home and school. 

Parents/Guardians may make an appointment by calling the counselor to whom the student is assigned.  A number of specialists are available to assist students and their families. The school social worker, psychologist, nurse, reading consultant, speech therapist, and special education staff are available on recommendation or referral basis through the counselor. Parents may also contact the social worker directly.  Our career specialist is a resource person for students, parents and staff.

Four-Year Developmental Counseling Program

The comprehensive guidance program offered at Maine East High School through the Student & Family Services Department can help students make the crucial decisions they will face during their high school year. A mix of individual and group activities that cover career/college exploration, social/emotional competencies, and academic-supports take place throughout the school year. The Student & Family Services staff can help students gain direction as they make choices that will take them through high school and into their post-secondary plans.

Career & College Resource Center

The Career & College Resource Center (CCRC) provides a wealth of information about career exploration and experiences as well as post-secondary options to meet each students’ career goals. The CCRC is run by our Career & College Admission Specialist, Mr. Mark Weber.

 

Health Office

 

Health services are available to students, parents and staff from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  In addition to direct care, nursing services include vision and hearing screening, health education and counseling, medical referrals and follow-up. Individual student health records, as well as any paperwork or documentation of a medical or health-related nature, are confidentially maintained in the school Health Office. Doctor’s notes and PE excuses, and medication passes are also handled through the Health Office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Health Requirements

 

Illinois state law requires a complete physical examination within one year prior to the first day of school for all students entering 9th grade for the first time, as well as for all new/transfer students.  In addition to the physical exam, new freshman and transfer students must also submit proof of immunization or immunity against the following diseases:

Diphtheria                             Poliomyelitis            Hepatitis B
Pertussis                              Mumps                     Varicella
Tetanus                                 Measles        Meningococcal
Tdap                                      Rubella

 

Students who fail to meet the Illinois health requirements regarding physical examination and/or immunizations will not be allowed to purchase books or attend school until state requirements are met.

 

Students who participate in school sports are required to have an annual sports physical.  Additional health examinations or medical evaluations and school exclusions may also be warranted under special circumstances: For example, a student may be excluded from school for a contagious disease or condition that might pose a health risk to other members of the school community.

 

Illness/Injured at School

 

If a student becomes ill/injured at school, he/she should report to the Health Office with a pass from the teacher to be evaluated by the nurse. Before a student who has taken ill or becomes injured in school is sent home, the Health Office will confer with his/her parent, guardian or emergency contacts as designated by parents to arrange for his/her transportation. Parental consent is needed whether or not the student can provide his/her own transportation.

 

Medications

Students should not take medication during school hours unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being.  When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours whether it be prescription medication or OTC (over the counter) medications such as Tylenol, an Authorization and Permission for Administration of Medication form must be completed by their physician and signed by a parent/guardian.  Medication must be brought to school in a container properly labeled by the pharmacy or OTC medication should be in their original containers and given to the School Nurse to dispense as per the licensed health care provider’s written order.

A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and/or asthma inhaler medication for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided that the Authorization and Permission for Administration of Medication form has been completed by their physician and signed by parent/guardian.

All medication brought to school must be in the original container and labeled with the student’s name. Written permission for prescribed or non-prescribed (OTC) medications at school must be renewed annually.  Questions about specific medication procedures should be directed to the school nurse.  The purpose of these procedures is to limit medication use at school, yet assure safe administration of medications for those students who require them.

School-Based Health Center

 

The Maine Township School-Based Health Center, housed at Maine East High School, is a partnership between Maine Township District 207 and Advocate Medical Group, in affiliation with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.  The goal of the School-Based Health Center is to improve the physical and emotional health of students attending Maine East, Maine West, and Maine South High Schools. The cost of operation of the School-Based Health Center comes from grants. No District 207 educational funds are being, or will be, used to support the work of the School-Based Health Center. 

Students must have a signed parental/guardian consent form on file before they can receive services at the School-Based Health Center. 

The School-Based Health Center is located on the lower level of Maine East High School.  Health Center staff includes a full-time nurse practitioner, a full-time mental health worker, a part-time physician, and a secretary.  The Health Center is open Monday through Friday during the school year and Mondays through Thursdays during the summer months. 

Most services provided at the Health Center, except for those noted below, are provided free of charge.

The staff of the School-Based Health Center considers parental involvement important. Every student is encouraged to involve parent(s)/guardian(s) in health care decisions.  The services available are basically the same as at any doctor’s office. 

The services available at the School-Based Health Center will include, but are not limited to, the following:

General Health Assessment

Routine Physicals ($35, if there is not state Medicaid)

Sports and Employment Physicals ($35, if there is no state Medicaid)

Health Screenings                  

Immunizations                                   

Assessment of stress/emotional problems

Individual and Family Counseling        

Assessment of Alcohol and Drug Problems

Infections                                

Counseling on Emotional, Behavioral, and Adjustment-Related Issues

Earaches                                   

Sprains, Cuts, Burns

Sore Throats                              

Throat Cultures

 

Students can continue to see the school nurse for routine health concerns. Depending on the severity of the health concern, the nurse may send them to make an appointment at the SchoolBased Health Center. If students have concerns that they would usually see a doctor for, these are the concerns they might take directly to the School Based Health Center to make an appointment to take care of.

 

Student Records

 

Access to Student Records

 

School student records or information contained in them may be released, transferred, disclosed or otherwise disseminated, to a parent or student or person specifically designated as a representative by a parent.

Records may also be released to an employee or official of the school or school district or the State Board of Education with a current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student, in furtherance of such interest.

Records may also be released to the official records custodian of another school in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll, provided that the parent receives prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information to be transferred and opportunity to inspect, copy and challenge such information.  If the address of the parents is unknown, notice may be served upon the records custodian of the requesting school for transmission to the parents.  Such service shall be deemed conclusive, and 10 school days after such service, if the parents make no objection, the records may be transferred to the requesting school.

Records may also be released to any person for the purpose of research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that no student or parent can be identified from the information released and the person(s) requesting the use of such information has signed an affidavit agreeing to comply with all rules and statutes regarding school records.

Records may also be released pursuant to a court order, provided that the parent shall be given prompt written notice upon receipt of such order, of the terms of the order, the nature and substance of the information proposed to be released in compliance with such order, an opportunity to inspect, copy and challenge the contents of the school student records.

Records may also be released to any person as specifically required by state or federal law, provided that the person furnishes the school with appropriate identification and a copy of the statute authorizing such access and that the parent receives prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information to be released and an opportunity to inspect, copy and challenge such information.  If the release of information relates to more than 25 students, such prior notice may be given in a local newspaper of general circulation or other publication directed generally to parents.

Records may also be released subject to regulations of the State Board, in connection with an emergency to appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons, provided that the parents are notified as soon as possible of the information released, the date of release, the person, agency, or organization receiving the information, and the purpose of the release.

Records may also be released to any person with the prior specific dated and written consent of the parent designating the person to whom the records may be released and the designated records or designated portions of the information to be released.  The parent has the right to inspect, copy, and challenge the records and to limit any such consent to designated records or designated portions of the information contained within the records.

Except for the student and his parents, no person to whom information is released and no person specifically designated as a representative by a parent may permit any other person to have access to such information without the prior consent of the parents.

A record of any release of information must be maintained for the life of the school student records and must be available only to the parents and the official records custodian.  The record of release shall include the nature and substance of the information released, the name of the person requesting such information, the capacity in which such a request has been made, the purpose of such request, the date of the release, the name and signature of the official records custodian releasing such information, and a copy of any consent to such release.

Challenging Records

 

If the accuracy, relevancy, or propriety of any entry in the school student records, exclusive of grades, is challenged, parents may request a hearing with the school.  The request for a hearing must be submitted in writing to the school and contain notice of the specific entry or entries to be challenged and the basis of the challenge.  An informal conference will be held within 15 school days of receipt of the request for a hearing.  If the challenge is not resolved by the informal conference, a formal hearing shall be initiated.

In case of a formal hearing, a hearing officer, who is not employed in the attendance center in which the student is enrolled, shall be appointed by the school and shall conduct a hearing within a reasonable time but no later than 15 days after the informal conference, unless an extension of time is agreed upon by the parents and school officials.  

The hearing officer shall notify the parents and school officials of the time and place of the hearing.  Each party shall have the right to present evidence and to call witnesses, the right to ross-examine witnesses, and the right to counsel.  

A record of the hearing shall be made by tape recording or by a court reporter.  The decision of the hearing officer shall be rendered no later than 10 school days after the conclusion of the hearing and shall be transmitted to the parents and the school district.  

The hearing officer’s decision shall be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and shall order (a) retention of the challenged contents of the student record; or (b) removal of the challenged contents of the student record, or (c) change, clarification or addition to the challenged contents of the student record.  The parties shall have the right to appeal the decision of the hearing officer to the Regional Superintendent of Schools.

If there is an appeal, notice of appeal must be presented to the Regional Superintendent of Schools within 20 school days after the decision of the hearing officer.  The opposing party shall be notified of the appeal at the same time.  Within 10 school days, the school shall forward a transcript of the hearing, a copy of the record entry in question, and any other pertinent materials to the Regional Superintendent of Schools.  Upon receipt of such documents, the Regional Superintendent of Schools shall examine the documents and record, make findings and issue a decision to the parents and the school district within 20 school days of receipt of the documents.  If the subject of the appeal involves the accuracy, relevance or propriety of any entry in special education records, the Regional Superintendent of Schools should seek advice from appropriate special education personnel who were not authors of the entry.  The school shall be responsible for implementing the decision of the Regional Superintendent of Schools.  Such decision shall be final, and may be appealed to the Circuit Court of the county in which the school is located.

A complaint regarding compliance with the federal law and regulations on student records may also be filed with the United States Department of Education under Section 99.64 of the department’s Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Regulations. 

Parents may insert in their student’s record a statement of reasonable length setting forth their position on any disputed information contained in that record.  The school shall include a copy of such statement in any subsequent dissemination of the information in dispute.

Permanent Records
Permanent records consist of basic identifying information, academic transcript, attendance record, accident reports and health record, record of release of permanent record information, and may also consist of records of awards and participation in school-sponsored activities and college entrance examination scores.  No other information will be placed in the student permanent record.  Permanent records are maintained for not less than 60 years after the student has transferred, graduated or otherwise permanently withdrawn from the school.

Records for Students with Disabilities

 

Upon graduation or permanent withdrawal of a disabled student, psychological evaluations, special education files and other information contained in the student temporary record which may be a continued assistance to the student may, after five years, be transferred to the custody of the parent or student if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parents.  The school will explain to the student and the parent the future usefulness of psychological evaluations, special education files and other information contained in the student temporary record.

Student temporary records will be destroyed no later than July 1 of the fifth year after the student’s permanent withdrawal from educational programs or graduation, whichever occurs first.  Records will also be reviewed at the end of twelfth grade or upon a student’s change in attendance center, whichever occurs first, to verify entries and to eliminate or correct all out-of-date misleading, inaccurate, unnecessary or irrelevant information.

Release of Student Record Information

 

Directory information may be released to the general public unless the parent requests that any or all such information not be released.  It includes name and address, gender, grade level, birth date and place, parent’s name and address, academic awards, degrees and honors, information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations and athletics, the student’s major field of study, and period of attendance in the school.  No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefit or make as a condition of employment, credit or insurance the securing by any individual of any individual of any information from a student’s temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under the Illinois School Student Records Act.

Students Who Reach the Age of 18

 

All rights and privileges accorded a parent under the Illinois School Student Records Act shall become exclusively those of the student upon his or her 18th birthday, graduation from secondary school, marriage or entry into military service, whichever occurs first.  Such rights and privileges may also be exercised by the student at any time with respect to the student’s permanent school record.  Parents of students who are 18 and older should share this information with them.

 

Temporary Records

 

Temporary records consist of all information that is of clear relevance to the education of the student, but is not required to be in the student permanent record.  It may include family background information, intelligence test scores, aptitude test scores, discipline records, psychological and personality test results, and teacher evaluations of student performance.  Special education records are also considered a temporary record.  A record of release of temporary record information must be included in the student temporary record.  The temporary record will be reviewed for elimination of out-of-date, inaccurate or unnecessary information every four years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first.  Schools by law do not maintain temporary records for longer than five years after the student has transferred, graduated or otherwise permanently withdrawn from the school.

Viewing Records

 

Parents will be given reasonable prior notice before any school student record is destroyed or information is deleted and have an opportunity to copy the record or information.  Parents, or any person specifically designated as a representative by a parent, have the right to inspect and copy all permanent and temporary records within a reasonable time-in no case later than 10 school days after the date of receipt of such request by the official records custodian.  Students also have the right to inspect and copy their school student permanent records as well as their temporary records.  The cost of copying school student permanent records and/or temporary records must not exceed 35 cents per page.

At the option of either the parent or the school, a qualified professional, who may be a psychologist, counselor, or other advisor, and who may be an employee of the school or employed by the parent, may be present to interpret the information contained in the student temporary record.  The school secures and pays for the cost of the services of any district-employed professional whether the professional is there at the request of the parent or the school.  Students and parents may obtain copies of their records by requesting them in writing.

Programming

The educational program is offered at many levels of instruction tailored to the varied abilities of the student body. Students are selected for these programs on the basis of their placement test scores, teacher recommendations, and past achievement.

Programs for the Gifted and Talented

Gifted students are offered a wide range of courses in accelerated and advanced placement programs. Enrichment programs offered through the Maine East Gifted Lyceum program are open to top-ranked students who are admitted to Lyceum based on outstanding academic performance and on qualifying test scores.

Gifted Lyceum

Maine East High School is committed to the education of its most academically talented students and strives to provide appropriate methodology and services that are steeped in sound research. The Gifted Lyceum Curriculum is an intensive High School Program designed for the academically gifted individual. It’s a four-year program that challenges students to reach their academic potential. Students generally rank in the top 5% of the class and qualify through testing measures and teacher recommendations. While the course of study is rigorous, the Gifted Lyceum challenges to improve not only the academic, but the affective component of its students.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

The advanced placement program is designed for students who have completed a sequence of accelerated classes. Advanced placement classes provide able and ambitious students with an opportunity to study college level courses during their junior and senior year. By taking special examinations, these students may gain advanced standing and/or credit in college. Students taking advanced placement courses are expected to take the advanced placement exams.

Dual Credit Courses

Dual credit courses allow students to be enrolled through Maine East High School and our partnering colleges and universities. Dual credit courses are taught by Maine East High School teachers, and students receive both high school credit and credit in the partnering college and university. Students’ grades in a dual credit course will reflect on both their high school and college transcript.

Independent Study

 

Independent Study is intended for the able student who shows interest in an area of study or who wishes to pursue a discipline in greater depth than possible through the regular curriculum. Independent Study is not intended to be used as a means of making up credits for graduation by students who have failed courses because of poor attendance, lack of ability, discipline problems, etc.  Independent Study is an extension of the curriculum that affords the student an opportunity to go above and beyond the curriculum.  Offering a letter grade, it counts toward the 23.25 credit graduation requirement.

A contract between the student and the teacher defines the responsibilities of the student and the teacher and specifies standards for the successful completion of the project.  A calendar of deadlines is part of that contract.  Independent Study is exercised only at the discretion of the teacher and is voluntary.

Both student and teacher must initiate the request for Independent Study that is forwarded to the department chairperson and approved by the Executive Committee.  All requests must be submitted to the Executive Committee by the third week of the semester.  No requests after that date will be honored.

 

Program Changes

 

Students are scheduled into courses only after thoughtful deliberation regarding their abilities, interests, needs, and goals. Students are permitted to enroll in any course which meets their needs and for which they have successfully demonstrated prerequisite knowledge.  Enrollment in any course also requires prior parent and counselor approval. Once programs have been approved and submitted for scheduling, changes will be made only for administrative purposes.

All other requests for program changes are discouraged.  However, a student or parent who desires a program change may petition for the change in writing following the individual school procedure.

 

Special Education Program

 

A Continuum of Special Education services is available at Maine East to students with disabilities. Programs and services are determined through multidisciplinary-staffings after the full case study process is completed and eligibility for Special Education is determined. Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program, as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and implementing provisions of the School Code, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the child (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

 

Transitional Program

 

The transitional program is designed for students in Maine Township who have difficulty in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.  These classes provide these students with the extra help they need to equip them with the skills to pursue course work at the regular level.

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Credit

 

Maine East High School has courses that are one quarter, one semester and two semesters in length. One-quarter credit in all one-quarter courses and one-half credit in all one-semester courses, with the exception of physical education, is granted upon successful completion of the course. Most courses are two semesters in duration. One credit is granted upon the successful completion of both semesters.  It is recommended that students be enrolled in six (6) courses and physical education for each semester of attendance.

Grade Point Averages (GPA)

 

Grade point averages are used by the school to select students as Maine Scholars, members of National Honor Society, and for other distinctions of educational achievement. The information is also used on official transcripts to colleges and universities and is intended to assist in the evaluation of educational achievement of Maine graduates.

Students weighted and non-weighted grade point averages are listed on transcripts.  The non-weighted GPA would give the exact same value to every course. Selection of Maine Scholars and Honor Roll designees will be based on the weighted GPA.

 

Graduation Ceremony    

 

Maine Township High School East, South, and West each have one graduation ceremony. Graduating seniors receive standard diplomas. Diplomas from the three Maine Township high schools differ from another only in the identification of the school.  No diploma refers to the course of study pursued by the graduate nor to the graduate’s academic record.

Grading System

 

Grades earned for each semester are entered on the permanent record and are cumulative.  They represent the quality and quantity of work completed and the degree of mastery of the subject and are expressed in letters.

 

  A A grade indicating that the student has done work of exceptional quality.

  B A grade indicating that the student has done above average work.

  C A grade indicating that the student has done satisfactory work.

  D A grade indicating that the student has done below average work.

 NG  A grade that carries no credit

 EX   A grade that carries no credit indicating that the student has been excused from a requirement by the Associate Principal for Student and Family Services.

  X A grade that carries no credit indicating that the student has an opportunity to secure a passing grade by doing satisfactory work during the subsequent ten-week period.  Used sparingly, it is intended for students who enter too late to complete enough work to receive a grade.  Conditional grades may be given at the end of the first, second or third quarters of two semester classes or at the end of the first quarter of one semester classes.

  IN A grade that carries no credit indicating that the student has not completed the work because of illness.  An “IN” (incomplete) at the end of a semester must be made up within the first six weeks of the following semester or a failure is automatically recorded.

 PA   A grade that indicates a student is passing a course that is being taken pass/fail.

 

The Executive Committee will respond to all requests to withdraw from courses.  A course that is dropped during any quarter will either not appear on the student’s permanent record or will be recorded as a failure “F” based upon the following guidelines:

 

• Any course that is dropped because of a scheduling error or to balance class size will not appear on the student’s permanent record.
• Any course that is dropped with the approval of the Executive Committee while the student is passing will not appear on the student’s permanent record.
• Any course that is dropped while the student is failing will be recorded as failure, “F”.
• Any request to drop a course after the ninth week of school will be denied unless extenuating circumstances can be demonstrated.

 

How the Honor Roll Is Determined

Students making a 4.0 or above grade average, with no grades below a B, will be named to the High Honor Roll.  Students making a 3.0 or above average, with no grades below a C, will be named to the Honor Roll.  All courses except for physical education and driver education are considered.  Failures, D’s, or an incomplete in any one-half or full credit course disqualify a student for the honor roll.  A student must carry a minimum of five solids to be eligible for the honor roll.  Enrollment in a pass/fail course does not disqualify a student for either honor roll unless the student receives a grade of “F” in the pass/fail course.

IHSA and NCAA Eligibility

 

The Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) both have rules and regulations regarding eligibility.  Students who participate in athletics in high school and/or wish to participate in athletics at the college level should be aware of the requirements of both associations.

 

NCAA eligibility rules may be found at www.ncaa.org (eligibility center) or students may see their counselor or the Athletic Director for more information.

 

No Pass/No Play Policy:  Academic Eligibility Standards

 

The Board of Education will prohibit any student who does not meet an academic eligibility standard from participating in an extracurricular team/organization that represents a Maine Township school in competition against another school. The academic eligibility standard is defined as:

 

• Students must be passing twenty (25) credit hours of high school work per week.  In District 207, this translates to five (5) full credit courses, including Physical Education and excluding Driver Education.
• Students must have passed and received credit toward graduation for twenty (25) credit hours of high school work for the entire previous semester in order to be eligible at all during the ensuing semester.  In District 207 this again translates to five (5) full credit courses, including Physical Education and excluding Driver Education.
• Quarter credit classes (Communications Arts and Consumer Education) must be taken in the same semester to count as one full credit course for semester and weekly eligibility. 

A Student must meet these standards to be eligible.  Once meeting the initial eligibility standard based on the previous semester’s credit, the student must continue to maintain eligibility on a week-by-week basis.  The superintendent shall establish administrative procedures to implement the policy. 

Pass/Fail Procedure

 

The pass/fail procedure was developed to give students new opportunities for learning without the pressure of grades. Passing grades received under the pass/fail system are designated on grade reports and official transcripts as satisfactory (PA). The Passing grade (PA) does not affect a student’s grade point average. However, a failing grade received under the pass/fail system is designated on grade reports and official transcripts as an “F.” A failing (F) grade will be computed in a student’s total grade point average. Students may take any one-half credit or one credit course during the regular school year, as well as summer school, pass/fail according to the following guidelines:

 

• Students may petition to take courses pass/fail only if they are registered for more than four full credit courses. If a student who is taking a fifth course pass/fail decides to drop a course that is being taken for a letter grade, the pass/fail course must be taken for a letter grade.
• Students must meet all prerequisites for admission to any class they wish to take pass/fail.
• Accelerated classes and Advanced Placement may not be taken pass/fail.
• Courses required for graduation may not be taken pass/fail except for courses taken to complete the two-year graduation requirement in applied arts and technology, fine arts, or foreign language.

 

Social Promotion

 

The Board of Education will promote students based on students meeting the goals and standards of District 207 as embodied in the curriculum of courses of study offered by the district or in courses of study demonstrated to be comparable to that of the district. In order to be promoted from 9th to 10th grade, a student must pass five units of credit. In order to be promoted from 10th to 11th grade, a student must pass eleven units of credit. In order to be promoted from 11th to 12th grade, a student must pass seventeen units of credit. 

Student Progress

 

Progress reports are issued at three intervals (4 week, 8 week, and 12 week) each semester.  A semester report card is issued at the conclusion of each semester. In addition to the grades, report cards and progress reports also show the total number of days absent as recorded by the attendance office for each grading period and the number of absences for each class as recorded by each teacher.

 

Parents and students are able to view course progress via the Parent Portal on the school website.  Teachers will keep parents informed when a student’s progress falls below the minimum level at which a passing grade can be given.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers as necessary.

Transfer Students

 

Most credits of students transferring into Maine East High School are accepted, providing the school from which they transfer is accredited by its regional accrediting agency.  If the school is not accredited, the student may receive credit upon successful completion of examinations and further investigation of the curriculum.

Assignment of credit from the transfer school will be determined by the high school administration.

 

Transfer Student Graduation

 

To make the diploma earned by each graduating senior from Maine East High School more meaningful, the Board of Education encourages students who transfer into or from Maine East during the last semester of the senior year to obtain a diploma from the school where they received the majority of their education.

 

Students who transfer into Maine East High School during the last semester of their senior year may complete their high school education with the understanding that the Maine principal will try to reach an agreement with the principal of the student’s former school to issue a diploma.  If such an agreement is not reached, the Maine principal will reevaluate the student’s academic record.  If the student has met the state and district requirements for graduation, the principal will prepare and issue a diploma.

With prior approval, students who transfer from Maine East High School during the last semester of their senior year may receive a diploma from Maine East.  Students must present evidence that course work for a diploma from Maine East has been satisfactorily completed at another approved secondary institution.  Responsibility for initiating the granting of a diploma under this policy rests with the student or principal at the school to which the student transferred. 

Repeat Course Policy

When a student repeats any course, the transcript will reflect all courses and all grades. The calculation of the grade point average (GPA), however, will include only the highest grade for the repeated course.

Requirements for Graduation

 

In order to graduate from the Maine Township high schools, students must earn a minimum of 22.75 units of credit including:

 

• Four units of English.
• Three credits* of mathematics.  Business computer courses and business mathematics do not meet the three unit requirements in mathematics.

• Three units* in courses offered by the social science department, including one unit in U.S. history and one-half (1/2) unit in government.

• Three credits* of a laboratory science.
• Satisfactory completion of one-fourth (1/4) unit, or exemption from, physical education during each semester of high school enrollment with the exception of one semester during the sophomore year when all students are required to enroll in health.  The grade point average does not include physical education.
• Satisfactory completion of one-half (1/2) unit of health.  The grade point average does include the health grade.
• Satisfactory completion of one-quarter (1/4) unit of Financial Literacy.  Successful completion of a course in Introduction to Business, Independent Living or Economics exempts students from the financial literacy requirement.

  

 

• Two units of credit from any of the following:  fine arts (art, music, speech and drama), foreign language or career and technical education (family and consumer sciences, business and applied technology).
• Pass the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois as a part of the Government and Civics class.
• A minimum of 5 units of elective credit.

 

In addition to fulfilling the above requirements, in order to obtain a district diploma, students must take the required state examination.  Exceptions to this requirement will be permitted if:  (i) the student’s individualized education program (IEP) developed pursuant to Article 14 of the Illinois School Code and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act identifies the state examination as inappropriate for the student; (ii) the student qualifies for exemption from the state examination pursuant to Section 2-3.64(a) of the Illinois School Code due to the student’s lack of English language proficiency.

*Unless there are otherwise compelling reasons, the expectation of District 207 is that all students will take the increased core curriculum classes in math, social science, and laboratory science.  Parents may file an appeal for variance with the principal’s representative in each school between June 30 following a student’s freshman year and June 30 following a student’s junior year.

 

ALTERNATIVE CREDIT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 

Alliance for Lifelong Learning (Evening High School)

 

Maine East High School may accept credit earned by a student through Alliance for Lifelong Learning (ALL) evening high school and transferred credit from other high schools.

 

On-line Courses

 

However, students may earn up to six credits (with no more than two to satisfy graduation requirements in the four core areas (English, Math, Science, Social Science) through approved correspondence, internet-based courses or post-secondary courses.  The Superintendent of Schools may make exceptions.

 

Summer School

 

Maine East High School provides a comprehensive summer program in both academic and non-academic areas, as well as those courses that meet special interests.  Summer session courses taken for credit are acceptable toward graduation.  Students may use summer school to take courses they are otherwise unable to schedule into their programs or to make up credit that they missed during the regular school year.  All summer school courses meet the time requirements of accrediting agencies.

 

POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING

Accreditation

 

Maine East High School is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education.

Career Resource Center

 

The Career-College Resource Center (CCRC) provides a wealth of information about career and college options. Resources include several computer-based career and college search programs, printed and audio-visual materials, part-time employment opportunities, career exploration such as internships and shadowing opportunities, military careers, and an extensive collection of books and pamphlets on careers, colleges, technical schools, scholarships, and financial aid.  Appointments for juniors and seniors to meet with more than one hundred college representatives are scheduled through the CCRC.  Our Career and College Admissions Specialist works together with the Career Coordinator and your child’s counselor to assist students and families as they explore post-high school options. The Career-College Admission Specialist is available to assist students and families during our regularly scheduled school hours as well as evenings and weekends by appointment. . The CCRC is open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm daily.  The CCRC phone number is (847) 692-8514..

How To Prepare for College and the Working World

 

As students prepare for the working world, they need to consider their interests, abilities, personality and values among other factors to allow them to make educated career choices.  In order to help our students accomplish this goal, the counseling staff works with each student on developing an Individual Career Plan (ICP) that contains the results of surveys used to identify career pathways that the student has shown an interest in.  Additionally, elective courses and clubs and activities at Maine East have been aligned to career pathways to help students choose those courses and activities that may help them with further career exploration.  We encourage our students to also sign up for other important career opportunities such as internships. Our Career Coordinator can help students secure internships and other meaningful career experiences. The Career Coordinator is available to help students throughout the school year and summer. 

 

Some careers will require a four-year degree.  For those that do, a minimum of four years of English, three years of social science, two years of the same foreign language, three years of laboratory science, and three years of college prep mathematics including algebra, geometry, and algebra II are required.

Highly selective schools or specific areas of study such as engineering may have additional requirements. College options do exist for students who do not meet some of these requirements. It is strongly recommended that all students enroll in the most rigorous academic program available to them.  

Many mid-western colleges and universities require twelve units of college preparatory work, class rank in the upper half, and satisfactory scores on either the ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).  Students usually take these tests in the spring of their junior year in high school.  Students are urged to discuss their plans with their counselor and the Career College Admission Specialist.  

 

Students may also consult the resources in the CCRC to do further investigation of specific entrance and graduation requirements at schools as well as research about financial aid and careers.  In addition, we recommend the following free websites:

 www.petersons.com
www.isac.org
www.collegeboard.org
www.fastweb.com

State Universities In Illinois

 

The minimum college admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree program in Illinois vary somewhat among the ten institutions.  Students and parents should check with individual Illinois public colleges and universities to verify the high school courses required for admission.

Work Permits

Students wishing to obtain a work permit should go to the Student & Family Services Office.  Students must have secured a job before a work permit can be issued.

 

 

LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER (LRC) GUIDELINES

 Maine Township Libraries are dynamic, student-centered spaces, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our District 207 students and staff. Libraries are no longer book repositories and places of silent study- We are creative and engaging community centers, offering space for collaboration and authentic learning. Teacher and Librarian collaboration is essential to making our district philosophy a reality, and we are committed to creating an environment and building our resources to support modern classrooms based on inquiry. Our libraries explore the many new definitions of literacy and house material that reflects the evolution of technology and print to support our evolving curriculum and exploration of ideas. 

Please see our webpage.

 

 

 

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Buses

The Maine Township High Schools are served by regular Pace buses (public transportation). Students can pick up a bus schedule at book sales, in the bookstore or online. It is the responsibility of the students to reach school via public transportation or on their own. Bus tickets may be purchased in the school bookstore. Students riding a Pace bus to or from school are subject to the discipline policy of the school while on the bus.

 IHSA Scholastic Standing 

1. Students must pass twenty-five (25) credit hours of high school work per week. Generally, twenty-five (25) credit hours are the equivalent of five (5) .5 credit courses (2.5 full credits).
2. Students must have passed and received credit toward graduation for twenty-five (25) credit hours of high school work for the entire previous semester to be eligible at all during the ensuing semester.  (Beginning with the second semester of the school term.)

 

 Network/Internet Use 

Student access to the District 207 Network and Internet is allowed only if a student has completed and returned the Network/Internet Use Agreement form.

Messages to Students

Messages will be delivered to students only in an extreme emergency situation.  If you plan to drop off items at school, arrangements must be made between the family member and the student to pick up the item.  We are not equipped to send out notices advising students that such items are in the Security Office to be picked up.  Books, sports equipment, musical instruments can be dropped off at the Security Office only with the understanding that it is the student’s responsibility to come in on their own to pick them up.  For this reason, we do not allow parents, family, and friends to send flowers, balloon bouquets, etc. to students while at school.

 Regulations Regarding Student Behavior At Athletic Events 

The general guideline for good student conduct at athletic events is as follows:  Any conduct on the part of students that would encourage retaliation by the spectators from the opposing school is to be avoided.

The specific regulations regarding good behavior at athletic events are as follows:

1. No mobile signs or placards will be allowed.
2. Mechanical noise makers are prohibited.
3. No objects will be tossed about in the stands.
4. Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as taunts or bragging, will not be permitted.
5. Cheers will not be obscene, vulgar, or suggestive and will not be directed at any individual player, coach, spectator, or referee.

Rules for School Dances

1. Tickets must be purchased in advance; tickets are not sold at the door.
2. All Maine East students must bring their I.D. cards
3. Guests of Maine East students must be registered by name when their tickets are purchased and present a picture I.D. when they attend
4. Guests of Maine East students must be at least a high-school freshman and must be under 21 years of age by the day of the activity.
5. Dances must start by 7:00 p.m. and must end by 10:00 p.m.
6. All those attending must arrive no later than one hour after the dance begins.
7. Once a person has left a dance, that person may not return.
8. All school rules, including those related to alcohol and other drugs, are in effect.

Severe Weather Conditions 

In the case of extreme cold, snow or heat or other severe weather conditions, school may be cancelled or the school day altered.  Information about the cancellation or alteration of the school day because of severe weather conditions will be provided to radio and television stations.  Notification about weather related school closings will be provided by the Internet service:  www.weatherclosings.com and on Maine East’s website.

 

 Important Test Dates

 Important test dates can be found by visiting SAT Testing and/or ACT Testing

 

Contents of the Student/Parent Handbook 

are subject to change.

For the most current information, please go to:

                  http://east.maine207.org

 

ATHLETICS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

DISTRICT 207 EXTRACURRICULAR ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY

 

Any student who is a member of an extracurricular team/organization that represents a Maine Township school in competition against another school must meet an academic eligibility standard.  Participants in clubs or organizations that are not involved in the competition are not subject to this eligibility requirement.

 

The student must meet two academic standards:

• earned five full semester credits of high school work (exclusive of Drivers Ed) for the previous semester, and
• be currently passing at least five-semester credit high school courses (exclusive of Driver’s Ed) each week.

 

The student must meet both these standards.  Once meeting the initial eligibility the student must maintain eligibility on a week-by-week basis. 

 

A student not meeting the initial requirement is ineligible for the entire subsequent semester and may not join the team or practice with the team for that entire semester.  If a student is already on a team when the semester ends and does not pass the five-semester credit courses, he/she becomes immediately ineligible for the remainder of the semester.

 

A student who does not meet initial eligibility may not practice with the team.  A student who becomes ineligible on a week-by-week basis may practice.  The decision regarding practice is made after the coach/sponsor confers with the student and they discuss how the student will remedy the academic problem.  Note:  IHSA by-laws (3.141) prohibit an ineligible student to be in uniform on the team bench at a contest.

 

Passing work is defined as work of such a grade that if on that given date the course would be completed, a passing grade would be earned by the student.  It is the student’s cumulative grade in the course up to that given date.

 

Credit earned during summer school may be used to supplement the spring semester credit in order to meet the initial eligibility requirement.

 

The responsibility for determining eligibility after interpreting students’ pass/fail status rests with the department sponsoring the activity.  That department will communicate all eligibility information to the appropriate sponsor/coach and the student’s counselor.

 

 

Illinois High School Association (IHSA)       www.ihsa.org

The IHSA web page is the most valuable source for high school athletics.  On this page you can access information on the IHSA state series in each of the 31 interscholastic sports.  This includes pairings, times and locations for all Regionals, Sectionals, and State tournaments. In addition, in football, you can find the schedules and conferences for every football school in the state. Scorezone will give you the most immediate results and scores of all state series contests. 

The IHSA site also has a section on state records in which you can find individual and team records for virtually every sport in the state.  You are also able to access the IHSA Handbook that contains the IHSA by-laws.  These by-laws regulate every phase of high school sports in Illinois.

 

Perhaps the most valuable part of the site is the School Directory.  Here you can find the address and phone number of every high school in the state.  More importantly, you can link to a map that will guide you from your home directly to the school to which you want to travel!

 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)     www.ncaa.org 

The NCAA regulates all Division I, II and III college athletics.  If you are considering participating in competitive athletics beyond high school there are a number of issues and items you must address and of which you should be aware.  The most important of these is academic eligibility for college athletics and the NCAA Clearinghouse.  Information on these can be found at the NCAA’s website.

 

REQUIRED NOTIFICATIONS

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY RULES

 

The Building Principal shall distribute the following rules to all students.  Those students not qualifying for school bus transportation to and from school should receive a copy because they may from time-to-time be transported to school activities by school bus.

1. Dress properly for the weather.  Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.
2. Arrive on time at the bus stop, and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus.
3. Stay away from the bus until it stops completely and the driver signals you to board.  Enter in a single file without pushing.  Always use the handrail.
4. Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward.  Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.
5. Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Tablets, iPods®, iPads®, smart phones, and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones.
6. Help keep the bus neat and clean.  Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits.  Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.
7. Always listen to the driver’s instructions.  Be courteous to the driver and other students.  Sit with your hands to yourself and avoid making noises that would distract the driver or bother other passengers.  Remain seated, keeping your hands, arms, and head inside the bus at all times.
8. Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up.  Use the handrail when exiting the bus.
9. Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you.  Take five giant steps away from the bus and out of the danger zone, until you can see the driver and the driver sees you.  Never crawl under a bus.
10. If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus.  Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic.
11. Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.

 

Additional resources:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Traffic Safety Toolkit      one.nhtsa.gov/Driving-Safety/Community-Traffic-Safety/Community-Traffic-Safety-Toolkit

 

National Safety Council – School Bus Safety Rules        www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/School_Bus_Safety_Rules.pdf

 

Illinois State Police – School Bus Safety

www.isp.state.il.us/docs/schoolbussafety5542.pdf

 

ISBE – School Bus Safety What Parents Should Know

www.isbe.net/Documents/bus_safety_parents.pdf

 

ISBE – Instructions To School Bus Riders (pg. 102)

www.isbe.net/Documents/bus_ride_instruct.pdf

 

ILSOS – Parent information flyer, games etc.        www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/school_bus_safety/home.html

 

Offender Community Notification Laws

State law requires schools to notify parents/guardians during school registration or parent-teacher conferences that information about sex offenders and violent offenders against youth is available to the public on the Illinois State Police’s website. The Illinois State Police website contains the following:

Illinois Sex Offender Registry, www.isp.state.il.us/sor/

Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry,

 www.isp.state.il.us/cmvo/

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Sex Offenders,

 www.isp.state.il.us/sor/faq.cfm

CPR and AED Video

State law requires the Illinois High School Association to post a hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators training video on its website. The law also requires the District to notify staff members and parents/guardians about the video. You are encouraged to view the video, which will take less than 15 minutes of your time, at:

www.ihsa.org/Resources/SportsMedicine/CPRTraining.aspx.

 

Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

Student safety is our District’s top priority. To maximize safety, the District must have a process to identify threats and prevent targeted school violence. This process is part of the Targeted School Violence Prevention Program (Program). The Program is a portion of the preparedness and response phases of the District’s Safety Plan for emergency operations plans and disaster management.

 

The District wishes to create a climate that encourages sharing any information about a safety concern with a trusted adult who can help. Sharing information about threats and safety concerns is everyone’s responsibility: students, parents, staff, and community members. 

The question and answer section below is designed to help students, staff and parents understand when school officials want individuals to share information about a safety concern with the Building Principal.

What Is a Threat?

A threat expresses intent to harm someone or something. It may be spoken, written, or expressed in another way.  Threats may be direct (“I’m going to beat you up” or “I’m going to blow this place up!”) or indirect (“Come and watch what I am going to do to him/her.”).  A threat can be vague (“I’m going to hurt him.”) or implied (“You better watch out.”).  Any possession of a weapon or mention of one is a possible threat.  Sometimes students make threats that may seem funny or “just kidding,” but sometimes a threat is very serious and/or criminal. When you are in doubt as to whether the statement is kidding or serious, the responsible thing to do is to tell a trusted adult who can help.

What Is Targeted School Violence?

Targeted School Violence includes school shootings and other school-based attacks where the school was deliberately selected as the location for the attack and was not simply a random site of opportunity. 

What Is the Connection Between Targeted School Violence and Bullying?

The Il. State Board of Education’s School Bullying Prevention Taskforce report identifies bullying and targeted school violence as “part and parcel of the same issue: interpersonal aggression.” In all its forms, interpersonal aggression negatively impacts students, school personnel, and communities and should be reported, investigated, and responded to with appropriate interventions.

 

What Can Staff and Parents Do?

Educate students about what a threat is, encourage students not to make threats or “just kidding” statements in the first place, and reiterate that seeking help to prevent someone from getting hurt or hurting another is appropriate.

 

Behavioral Support Guidelines and Procedures & Extracurricular Code of Conduct