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Discipline Handbook

This handbook reflects Board of Education policies and is intended to serve as a reference for parents and students. It is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student; rather, it is intended to describe the school, its current procedures, rules and regulations. Membership or participation in a school-sanctioned activity is a privilege and not a property right 
 
-The School Staff and the Board of Education -
 
DISCLAIMER
This handbook is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student; rather, it is intended to describe the school, its current procedures, rules, and regulations. Membership or participation in a school-sanctioned activity is a privilege and not a property right.
 
SPECIAL NOTICE
This handbook is a reflection of School Board policy and is intended to serve as a reference for parents and students. If the Board of Education elects to change policy, the Board’s action supersedes the content of this handbook. Effective the 2006-2007 school year, the Board adopted a procedure for complaints that will apply to all sections noted within this handbook. Forms are available at each school office. The following personnel have been appointed to serve within the following capacities:
 
Non-discrimination Manager:
Ms. Melanie Mandisodza
Director of Student Support Services
18205 Aberdeen St.
708-798-3766
 
Complaint Manager:
Ms. Melanie Mandisodza
Director of Student Support Services
18205 Aberdeen St.
708-798-3766
 
Complaint Manager:
Mr. James Cassidy
Administrator of Instructional Technology
18205 Aberdeen St.
708-647-2299
 
Complaint Manager:
Morgan Koncel
Title IX Coordinator
18205 Aberdeen St.
708-647-2222

You may direct your concern in writing to the above listed personnel.

INTRODUCTION: DISCIPLINE

We share with parents a desire for all students to achieve to the best of their ability. We share, too, in the parents’ responsibility for their child’s conduct while attending school. It is expected that all pupils cooperate with and exhibit attitudes of respect and courtesy towards other children, teachers and any other school personnel at all times. Proper care of school property is also expected.  This means that we expect each student to demonstrate proper behavior and compliance with ALL school rules, both those delineated here and rules which may be adopted at the individual school.  It is understood that this discipline program shall include, but not be limited to, such developmental steps as parent notification, detention, conferences, suspension and expulsion.

 

Discipline is an important and necessary part of each student’s school experience, and it is important that in all disciplinary interactions between students and adults that students are told what they did wrong and provided an opportunity to respond. The goal of all disciplinary consequences is to change the behavior for the better.  The guidelines below are devoted to explaining the general school rules and procedures. In addition, each teacher establishes rules for and maintains discipline within his/her classroom. In the following document, reference to building level “Administration” or “Administrator” will mean Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students or their Designee.

 

At times this handbook states specific places at which students are subject to disciplinary rules. However, discipline may be imposed whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:

 

  1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during or after school hours or at any time;
  2. Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
  3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
  4. Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including, but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school
The following are descriptions of disciplinary options. The action taken will be made on a case-by-case basis according to the severity of the incident and may include, but is not limited to:
Parent notification, either verbal or written, is used in the event of repeated incidents of misconduct. Written parental notification must be returned with a parent’s signature.
Homework detentions may be issued to students by teachers for three or more late or missing assignments.  These detentions are served before, during or after school.  The homework sheet is sent home with the student indicating the day for the detention. The parent/guardian must sign the form and return it with the student the following day. Failure to return the form may result in additional detention time.
These slips are issued to students by teachers, support staff or administration for relatively minor infractions (examples include talking in class, running in the hallway, or chewing gum). The slip must be signed and returned with a parent’s signature to the staff member issuing the detention.
Discipline referrals are issued to students by administrators or staff members to notify the student and parents of inappropriate behavior of a more serious nature than behavior that would merit a detention (examples include swearing, cheating, or antagonism toward another student). This referral identifies the inappropriate behavior of the student and the assigned consequences by the staff member or the administration. The student may be required to get a parent/guardian’s signature and return it to school on the following school day.  Failure to do so may result in an additional referral and a call to the parent/guardian. 

Churchill and Willow mainly use phone calls to inform parents of infractions.
Teachers and administration have the prerogative to retain a student after school as a disciplinary measure. Teachers also may require that a student remain after school to complete unfinished assignments. Willow School does not have after-school detentions. An assigned detention takes precedence over extra-curricular activities and out-of-school activities. Parents will have prior notification before detention is to be served so that transportation arrangements can be made. Failure to serve an assigned detention will result in a referral to the administration.
Saturday detentions are used as a consequence for more serious infractions and/or when a student is unable to serve an after-school detention. Examples include repeated behaviors that have not been rectified with other consequences or being tardy multiple times to school.  This detention session will last for three (3) hours on designated Saturdays. The session begins promptly at 8:00 A.M. and concludes at 11:00 A.M. Students are to be dropped off at their respective building and accompany the teacher to the room used for the detention. Students are expected to bring sufficient study materials or reading materials.  Magazines, comic books, etc., are not acceptable reading materials. Students should bring a snack because no food is served on Saturdays. Certain situations may warrant that a Saturday school assignment has a lesser number of hours served on any given Saturday. This is left up to the discretion of the building administrator. Currently, James Hart is the only school that assigns Saturday detentions.
Repeated referrals to the office for disciplinary reasons or a single serious incident may result in an in-school suspension, which may also be called an alternative day placement. In appropriate circumstances, penalties less severe than stated in this handbook may be imposed. Students assigned an in-school suspension will spend all, or part of, the school day in the building suspension room or office. Students will bring all their supplies, books, and lunch with them to the main office upon entering school that day. The classroom teachers will send the student’s daily assignments to the in-school suspension room for completion and credit. Appropriate restroom breaks will be provided. Students who disobey the in-school suspension rules will be required to serve the same time in an out-of-school suspension. Students serving an in-school suspension will not be eligible to participate in any before or after school extra-curricular or school sponsored activities the day of their suspension. If a student is absent on the day(s) he/she is to serve and in-school suspension, it will be served when the student returns to school.
 
Being assigned an in-school suspension should be considered a serious warning that the child’s actions are unacceptable in Homewood School District 153. Examples of behaviors that may warrant an in-school suspension are verbal or physical aggression, harassment or threats to others, and failure to serve a Saturday School detention.  Parents are encouraged to work with the school to make sure that the behavior is not repeated. In-school suspension is the school’s way of communicating to students that their actions are unacceptable while keeping students in school and continuing their education.
Out-of-school suspension is the temporary removal of a student from school and school-related activities for a period not to exceed 10 school days per suspension. Examples of behaviors that warrant an out-of-school suspension include fighting, threats/intimidation toward others, bullying, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and severe insubordination.  A building administrator or District Superintendent may suspend a student per Board policy and the Illinois School Code.
 
Academic work missed by students during a suspension must be completed during that suspension. All work is due upon the student’s return to the regular academic setting. Completion of this work is the student’s responsibility. Teachers will reschedule any missed examinations when the student returns to the regular academic setting.
 
When a student is suspended, he/she may be required to meet with the social worker, the counselor or the school psychologist upon return to the school. Students are not allowed to be on school property or at any school function during their suspension period.
 
DUE PROCESS FOR SUSPENSION
The following are suspension procedures:
  1. Before suspension, the student shall be provided oral and/or written notice of charges. If the student denies the charges, the student shall be given an explanation of the evidence and an opportunity to present his or her version.
  2. Prior notice and hearing, in some cases, is not required. A student can be immediately suspended when the student’s presence poses an immediate danger to persons or property.  In such cases, a pre-suspension conference shall follow as soon as is practical.
  3. Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). A written notice of the suspension shall include a description of the incident, the reason for the suspension, and the rationale for the duration of the suspension. It will also include a notice of the right to review the suspension.
  4. Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a hearing shall be conducted by the School Board or a hearing officer appointed by it to review the suspension. At the hearing the student’s parent(s)/ guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officers and may be represented by counsel.  After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue and take such action as it finds appropriate.
Expulsion is the exclusion from school by the Board of Education for disciplinary reasons in excess of 10 school days. Only the Board of Education can expel a student after a formal hearing. Per Illinois law, expulsions may be up to two years in length.
 
The Board may expel pupils guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct. Examples include possession or use of weapons, possession of drugs and/or intent to distribute, repeated instances of physical aggression, and sexual misconduct. Expulsion shall take place only after the parents have been requested to appear at a meeting of the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it to discuss their child’s behavior. Such request shall be made by registered or certified mail and shall state the time, place and purpose of the meeting. The Board, or the hearing officer appointed by it, at such a meeting, shall state the reasons for the proposed expulsion and the date on which the expulsion is to become effective and its duration.  If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he/she shall prepare a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting and provide the report to the Board for its consideration.  The Board will then take such action as it finds appropriate and the Board’s decision is final.
 
DUE PROCESS FOR EXPULSION
The following are expulsion due process procedures:
  1. Before expulsion, the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided written notice of the time, place, and purpose of a meeting by registered or certified mail requesting the appearance of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Unless the student and the parent indicate they do not want a meeting or fail to appear at the designated time and place, the student shall have a meeting, at the time and place designated in the notice, conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he/she shall prepare a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting and provide the report for its consideration.
  2. During the expulsion meeting, the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) may be represented by counsel, present witnesses and other evidence and cross-examine witnesses. At the expulsion meeting, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence of whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience or the misconduct charged. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue and take such action as it finds appropriate.
According to the Illinois School Code 105 ILSC 5/14-8.05, school districts are required to consider developing a Behavior Intervention Plan for students who have an active Individual Educational Plan when a student’s behavior is negatively impacting learning. Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. Effective January 1, 1998, the Illinois State Board of Education has issued a notification letter to be used by school districts when a special education student has been given an out of school suspension.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

CATEGORY ONE: BEHAVIOR TOWARD OTHERS

In order to maintain a safe and orderly school environment, it is expected that students will not engage in aggressive or unnecessary physical contact with each other. Students who engage in any type of aggressive behavior or excessive rough play may be subject to disciplinary action, which could include suspension or expulsion. This conduct includes, but is not limited to, physical violence, unwanted physical contact, verbal coercion, threats, intimidation and/or harassment.
Bullying, intimidation, and harassment are not acceptable in any form and will not be tolerated at school or any school-related activity. The School District will protect students against retaliation for reporting incidents of bullying, intimidation, or harassment, and will take disciplinary action against any student who participates in such conduct. Bullying and/or harassment claims may be reported using the school district’s online reporting form, which can be found here:
 
The term “bullying” includes “cyber-bullying” and is defined as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct that is repeated and on-going, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 
  1. placing the student(s) in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;
  2. causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
  3. substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.
 
Cyber-bullying.
Cyber-bullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo electronic system, or photo optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. “Cyber-bullying” includes the creation of webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying in this Section. “Cyber-bullying” also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated herein.
Harassment of any kind is forbidden. Inappropriate remarks or actions made verbally or in writing, will be considered harassment and students engaging in this behavior may be subject to discipline.
 
Sexual harassment is defined as any conduct of a sexual nature by a student directed toward another student when (1) such conduct has the result of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment for the other student or (2) such conduct is continued by the student after the request of the other student to stop such conduct because it is intimidating, hostile or offensive. The determination of whether the conduct of a student is intimidating, hostile or offensive is to be made by the school administration.
 
Sexual harassment is prohibited by school Board policy and includes verbal, written, or physical conduct. The verbal and/or written sexual harassment includes the use of electronic devices, as well. The terms intimidating, hostile or offensive as used above include conduct which has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment or discomfort.
 
Complaints alleging a violation of this policy are encouraged and must be brought to the attention District 153’s Title IX Complaint Manager, Ms. Morgan Koncel, as soon as possible after the alleged incident of sexual harassment. Caution must be exercised, however, to accurately state the facts giving rise to the complaint and to avoid groundless complaints.
 
Grossly inaccurate or groundless complaints made in bad faith may subject the complainant to disciplinary action.
Every adult staff member, whether they work as a teacher, assistant, custodian, kitchen staff, supervisor, etc,, is to be treated with respect and is to be obeyed. A student failing to follow a direct instruction from school staff will be considered insubordinate. Since the school staff stands in the place of the parent, we expect the same respect due the parent. Students who show disrespect/insubordination to any staff members, and this includes any adults employed in the school, may be subject to discipline.
Engaging in any prohibited student conduct as defined by District policy, on or off school grounds may be grounds for discipline.
Any student who participates in, or is responsible for, a fight in the school, on the school grounds, at any bus stop, or at any school-related function may be subject to discipline. Any student who strikes a teacher and/or staff member may have the incident reported to local law enforcement immediately.
Threats and inappropriate comments include any verbal or written comments that directly or indirectly threaten any individual or group of students or staff, or that indicate a threat to the school building.  This can cause a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Students who participate in any communications of this nature may be subject to discipline.
 
Students who hear of a possible threat are strongly encouraged to report the threat to a school administrator or by using this online form: https://www.safe2helpil.com/
Throwing any object, except in school-sanctioned activities such as P.E. class, is strictly prohibited on school property.  Reported incidents may result in disciplinary action.

CATEGORY TWO: PERSONAL ACTIONS

Alcohol—No alcoholic beverages are to be carried, served or consumed on school premises or at any school related activity. Any person under the influence of alcohol while at school or any school related activity may be subject to discipline.
 
Drugs— No drugs, marijuana or products containing marijuana (such as edibles), controlled substances, any look-alike drug, or any substance represented to be a drug or controlled substance are permitted on school premises. Any person possessing or under the influence of any drug or controlled substance on the school premises or at any school related activity may be subject to discipline.
 
Drug Paraphernalia—No student should be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Violators may be subject to discipline.
 
Smoking—No smoking or carrying of tobacco or smoking materials (i.e. matches, lighters) is permitted by students on school property or at any school related activity. This includes vaping. Students who are found to be carrying or participating in the use of tobacco products or smoking materials including vaping materials may be subject to discipline.
The student’s individual appearance is the primary responsibility of the student and his/her parents. Students shall dress and groom themselves in an appropriate manner. Homewood School District 153 will not allow the following:
 
  • Clothing/accessories, and/or appearance that create a health or safety concern or will damage school property.
  • Clothing/accessories, and/or appearance that substantially disrupts the educational process. Such clothing includes, but is not limited to: halter tops, sheer clothing, bare midriff shirts, spaghetti straps or strapless tops, inappropriate shorts or skirts, wallet chains, wrist or neck bands with spikes or protruding objects, clothing that contains any words, pictures, or symbols which glorify, promote, encourage or advertise tobacco products, illegal drugs or alcohol, and clothing or articles which depict gang or satanic symbols, or hate speech. Shirts, blouses, and tops, which are not tucked in, must be long enough to cover the mid-section at all times.
  • Outdoor apparel (coats, jackets, hats, sunglasses) may not be worn in school and must be stored in the hall lockers during the day. Exceptions may be made by the administration for religious or health reasons, or for times when classroom temperatures are abnormally cool. The dress code is in effect at all school-related functions.

CATEGORY THREE: SCHOOL BUS

Riding the bus is a privilege and students are expected to observe the following rules:
  •  
  • The bus driver is in full charge of the bus and the riders at all times, and has the discretion to return to school to insure the safety of all passengers.
  • Students should always be ready for the bus at least five minutes before usual arrival time. Changing weather and road conditions make it impossible for the bus to stop for students at the same time every morning. Frequently, school buses are delayed during the winter months, and road conditions prevent ideal service. Everyone should cooperate in order to eliminate as many of these inconveniences as possible.
  • Any distraction of the driver’s attention jeopardizes the safety of the bus. Students must not carry on unnecessary conversation with the driver.
  • All passengers are to cease talking at railroad crossings.
  • Only adults in a supervisory capacity will be permitted to board or ride the bus.
  • Students are permitted to ride only their assigned bus. Permission for students to ride buses other than the one they are assigned will be given only in cases of emergency as determined by the building administrator. Notification of the request must be submitted in writing by the parent/guardian before 10:00 a.m. on the day of the request.
  • To request a permanent bus route or bus stop change, parents must contact the District Office and request the appropriate transportation form to be completed for consideration. Requests may take up to 72 hours.
  • Use of cell phones is prohibited on the bus unless the student receives permission from the driver or activity sponsor/supervisor.
  • Students are required to follow and obey any and all rules of the District while riding the bus, at the bus loading zone, and at any bus stop.
  • Students should remain seated at all times while on the bus
The purpose of the referral is to inform the parent of a disciplinary incident involving any District 153 student on a school bus, which may have jeopardized the safety and well being of all students. It is issued by the bus company assigned driver or school administrator. In the case of Willow School, bus supervisors may generate this referral. District 153 uses cameras on the buses.
All students attending Homewood School District 153 are subject to all District rules. Any student distracting a driver may cause a serious hazard to the safe operation of the vehicle and can jeopardize the safety of all passengers. When a student violates a rule, the District may take appropriate disciplinary action.
 
The following are some examples of gross disobedience and misconduct which provide grounds for suspension from riding the bus to and from school:
 
  • Any student conduct that is defined in the Student Discipline policy.
  • Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or another rider.
  • Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
  • Using profanity and/or obscenities.
  • Willful disobedience of the bus driver’s directives.
  • Such other behavior as the administration deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.
 
The Superintendent or a building administrator is authorized to suspend students from riding school buses for up to 10 school days for each violation of the District’s school bus rules at a school bus stop, on a school bus, or any place where such conduct affects the safe operation of a school bus. However, should the nature of the infraction be severe and constitute a danger to other students, a student can be suspended from the bus for more than 10 days. Repeated and/or severe misconduct may result in the student being removed from the bus for the remainder of the school year. Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school related activity. Viewing and/or listening to electronic video and/or audio recordings is limited to law enforcement officers working in the District and District personnel.
 
The procedure for suspension from riding the school bus is the same procedure as stated in this handbook for suspension from school. If a student’s bus privileges are suspended or removed, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation for suspended students and to notify school officials if the pupil does not have alternate transportation to school. Pupils suspended or removed from school who do not have alternate transportation to school shall have the opportunity to make up work for equivalent academic credit.

CATEGORY FOUR: ELECTRONICS

All cell phones brought to school must be turned off and kept in the student’s locker or other area designated by the administration during the entire school day. Cell phones are not permitted in classrooms, lunchrooms, hallways, bathrooms, or other common areas of the building or outside on school grounds. If a student needs to use a cell phone outside of these designated times and locations, he/she must get permission from an administrator or program supervisor.
 
Individual schools may have different policies concerning the use of cell phones by students on field trips. The Administration at each school will determine that policy.
Students are not to bring personal electronic devices (excluding cell phones and smart watches) to school, school sponsored activities, or on school buses without prior approval from a building administrator, coach or sponsor.  If a personal electronic device is brought to school with permission, the school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
On January 1, 2014, the Illinois Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, Public Act 09-0129 went into effect. The Act addresses school officials’ ability to gain access to the “pages” of students’ social network accounts. The new law covers both public elementary and secondary school districts as well as non-public schools “recognized by the State Board of Education.” It also applies to post-secondary institutions.
 
Elementary and secondary schools must notify students and parents that they may “request or require” a student to surrender a “password or other related account information” in order for school officials to access “the student’s account or profile on a social networking site if the school has reasonable cause to believe that the student’s account on a social networking website contains evidence that the student has violated a “published disciplinary rule or policy.” This notice must be published in the elementary or secondary school’s disciplinary rules, policies or handbook to be communicated to the parents and students “by similar means.” If the student or their parents/guardians refuse school administrators or their designee access to the student’s account and the administration has enough reason to believe that there is a danger to other students or the educational atmosphere, the case will be referred to local law enforcement.
 
Under the Act, a “social networking website” is defined as an internet-based service which lets individuals
  1. construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system created by the service;
  2. create a list of other users with whom they share a connection within the system; and
  3. view and navigate their list of connections and those made by others within the system 
Facebook and Twitter are two very popular examples of social networking websites covered by the Act. E-mail is not included in the definition of a “social networking website.”

Declaration of Commitment for Acceptable Use of Technology Resources

The Technology Committee is charged with the management of the technology resources of the School District. These resources include all voice, video, and data systems. These systems include: telephones, television monitors, various computers, servers, local and wide area networks, the connections to other computer networks via the Internet and stored electronic data. Part of this management responsibility includes the establishment and administration of an acceptable use commitment and implementation guidelines of these resources by staff, students, and other users. The intent of this statement is to give an overview of user responsibility, acceptable and unacceptable use of these resources without exhaustively enumerating all such responsibilities.
 
User Responsibility
Comply with all existing school Board policies as they are interpreted to apply to technology resources, including but not limited to the following:
  1. Student Discipline and Religious, Racial, and Sexual Harassment/Violence Policies.
  2. Respect the privacy of other users, and not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of or modify files, other data or passwords belonging to other users without permission.
  3. Comply with legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs, data, and documents.
  4. Help maintain the security of the District technology resources by adhering to all security rules developed by the Technology Committee and/or the user’s building.
  5. Monitor and supervise any individual to whom access to technology resources is granted.
  6. Comply with the acceptable use policies of all technology resources to which the district has access.
Unacceptable
  • Providing, assisting in, or gaining unauthorized or inappropriate access to the District’s technology resources, including any type of voice, video, or data information server.
  • Activities that interfere with the ability of students/staff members to use the District’s technology resources or other network connected services effectively.
  • Activities that result in the loss of another student/staff member’s work or unauthorized access to another student/staff member’s work.
  • Distribution of any materials in such a manner that might cause congestion of the voice, video, and data networks.
  • Distribution or collection of obscene, abusive or threatening material via telephone, video, electronic main, Internet, or other means.
  • Use of technology resources for a commercial, political, or profit-making enterprise, except as specifically agreed to with the District.
  • Use of District technology resources to access personal accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Discord and  Instagram, or others’ personal e-mail accounts.
 
Breaching the above commitment or other violations of technology/computer usage may result in the loss of computer/technology privileges, parental contact, when necessary, restitution, and/or disciplinary actions. Alternative coursework may be assigned to the student to receive class credit. Repeated or serious violations may result in additional consequences. Inappropriate computer use outside of school that causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment may result in disciplinary consequences.

CATEGORY FIVE: BEHAVIOR IN CLASSROOMS

Any form of deception to gain credit without proper effort, including plagiarism, is universally recognized as improper conduct. Students who engage in this type of conduct should expect to find that choice reflected in their grades, and may result in further disciplinary action.

Equal educational opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, language barrier, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, economic and social conditions, or actual or potential marital or parental status.
 
Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Students forging parent signatures on school documents may be subject to disciplinary action. 
Neither gum nor candy is allowed in the school during the school day or on buses. The exception may be candy brought for lunch or distributed by school staff, or if a student has a health concern that requires food or drink on the bus. In such situations, parents should inform the school. All other candy and gum will be disposed of by school authorities. Reported incidents may result in disciplinary action.
No student shall be allowed in the hallway or restrooms during class time unless he/she has an authorized hall pass. It is the child’s responsibility to request such a pass from the classroom teacher before leaving the room. Failure to produce a pass may result in a detention.
Each school may have other rules particular to their buildings or the ages of their students, but the following rules generally apply to all students while in the lunchroom:
 
  • No cutting in the lunch line is allowed
  • No loud, disruptive behavior
  • Students may be assigned cleanup responsibilities on a rotating basis
  • All food and drink must stay in the cafeteria
  • Students must remain seated at their tables unless given permission by a staff member to move
  • No throwing food or drink
  • No sharing of food
 
Students who violate any of these rules may be assigned a detention/or loss of privileges to be determined at the discretion of the staff member or administrator assigning it.
Obscene, profane, or vulgar language either written, verbal, or expressed by symbols will not be tolerated on the school premises. A student who participates in any of the above behavior may be subject to disciplinary action.
Students who are under doctor’s care and need to take prescribed medication during the school day must bring their medication to the office and take the medicine under the supervision of the school nurse or delegated personnel in accordance with the School District’s policy and guidelines on administration of medications. No medication will be dispensed without a physician’s order and a consent form on file with the school Health Coordinator.  Students in possession of prescription medication in school are in violation of the district’s drug policy and may be subject to any disciplinary action outlined in that policy. The health office needs to be aware of all medicine in the building, but in the case of an emergency (asthma symptoms, allergic reactions, etc), medication would not be withheld.  
 
Homewood School District 153, acknowledges its respect for the privacy of its students.  In those school buildings in which lockers are provided, students may use the locker assigned them
 
for the storage of books, school supplies and outer garments and are responsible for the security of the locker, shall make certain it is locked after being opened, and shall not disclose the locker combination to another student. If any inappropriate materials or items that are deemed by the Administration to be a threat to the safety of students or disruptive to the educational atmosphere are found in a locker, the student assigned that locker will be considered the owner of such materials or items.
 
All desks and lockers remain under the control and jurisdiction of this School District. Access to all desks and lockers is retained by this School District and all desks and lockers may be searched by school officials at any time, with or without the student’s knowledge or consent, when deemed appropriate by school officials for any reason including maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision, and education of the students of this district. The school officials are to maintain a confidential file of all lockers and the combination applicable to each.
 
In addition, school authorities are authorized to conduct searches of students and their personal effects, as well as School District property for the safety and supervision of students in the absence of parent(s)/guardian(s), and to maintain order in schools, and to provide for the health, safety and welfare of students and staff.
 
Locker use is a privilege that can be rescinded if it is abused or causes any interference with the student(s) education.
Parents must notify the school if their child is going to be late. The reason for the tardiness must be specific and can only be given by the student’s parent(s). Students who arrive at school tardy are to report directly to the attendance office for an admission pass to class. Within the school day, students are to be prompt in the attendance of all classes throughout the day. Consistent and regular attendance in all classes is an important component of academic achievement. Tardiness interrupts this process and negatively affects performance. Tardiness will affect perfect attendance recognition at the end of the school year. Each of the three schools will adopt tardy policies that are age specific and that are designed to alleviate the problem and teach the students the value of promptness. As a general rule, however, the sequence of consequences would be as follows: a verbal warning for the first tardy and after that a succession of more severe penalties from detentions to possible Saturday school assignments. If these fail to stop the tardiness, parents will be asked to meet with the administration.
All students are required by law to attend school every day. 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. 
 
Per Section 26-2a of the School Code, the following reasons serve as a valid cause for absence:
 
  • Illness, including the mental or behavioral health of the student;
  • Observance of a religious holiday;
  • Death in the immediate family or family emergency;
  • Other situations beyond the control of the student, as determined by the Board of Education in each district [or nonpublic school administration]; or
  • Such other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent for the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of the student.  
 
Valid cause does not include family vacations. 
 
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 5 percent or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days. Administration reserves the right to request documentation for excessive absenteeism, and will utilize the following procedures to identify the causes of unexcused absences:
 
  • interviews with the student;
  • interviews with the student’s parent or guardian; and
  • interviews with any school officials who may have information about the reasons for the student's attendance problem.
 
The following supportive services may be offered to chronically truant students:
 
  • Parent conference
  • Social Work assistance for students and or family
  • Information about community agency services
 
Students who are truant from school will be subject to the following: (1) Make up school time missed in detention. (2) Required parent conference for readmission to school. (3) Notification to the appropriate agency, the ISC 4, at the discretion of the building administrator and possible notification of the police. Students who leave school or school property without permission will be considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary action. A parent conference will be required.
 
Per Section 26-18 of the School Code, Homewood School District #153 will review its chronic absence data and determine what systems of support and resources are needed to engage chronically absent students and their families to encourage the habit of daily attendance and promote success. 

The unauthorized sale of any item to any other student is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the sale of shoes, food (including candy), and any electronic devices. A student who participates in the above behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. Gambling in school is forbidden.

CATEGORY SIX: BEHAVIOR INVOLVING THE LAW

Any student setting off a false emergency alarm with intent will be subject to discipline. A criminal complaint may also be filed with the proper legal authorities.
Fireworks or explosives in any form are prohibited. Any student who is found to be using, selling, or in possession of firecrackers, smoke bombs or other related fireworks or explosive materials, including snaps, caps, stink bombs, and sparklers may be subjected to discipline and/or being referred to the proper legal authorities.
Fraternities, sororities and secret societies in public schools are prohibited by the Illinois School Code. Gangs are determined to fall within the Illinois School Code definition of a secret society. Gangs are, therefore, prohibited insofar as a gang is an organization composed in whole or in part of students and has one of the following as a purpose or significant activity: intimidating, threatening or inflicting physical violence on any person; committing illegal acts; violating school rules, or espousing hatred of any other group because of racial, ethnic, religious beliefs and/or sexual orientation and gender identity. Fraternities, sororities, secret societies and gang activity are also included within the definition of gross disobedience or misconduct, and are thus punishable by suspension and/or expulsion.
 
Gang activity includes, but is not limited to:
 
  • Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other item which evidences membership or affiliation in any gang.
  • Committing any act or using any communication either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.) showing membership or affiliation in a gang.
  • Drawing of gang-related graffiti or distributing gang-related literature.
  • Committing any act or using any communication either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.) to recruit gang membership or affiliation.
  • Engaging in any other activity prohibited by this handbook in furtherance of the gang.
The Administration and the local police will arrange meetings as needed between the parties in order to share information regarding students suspected of involvement in criminal activities.
 
The local police and the Administration will verbally report to each other the following activities when committed by a student enrolled in the particular school:
 
  • all cases involving illegal or controlled substances;
  • all cases involving weapons of any types;
  • all cases involving gang activity;
  • all cases involving a serious crime or felony;
  • any other case in which the reporting may be beneficial.
 
The parties understand and agree that a minor’s written arrest record is confidential pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/1-7, and as such will not be included in the student’s school record.
Stealing is a violation of Illinois law. A student who becomes involved in a theft of school property or the property of another person in the school may be suspended and reported to the proper authorities.
Anyone found guilty of vandalism will be held responsible for the cost, repair, or replacement. If the offender is a student, he/she may be subject to discipline and may have a police report filed against him/her. If the offender is an adult or a student from out of District 153, a report will automatically be filed with the police.
Students should never bring anything to school that could be viewed as a weapon. Any weapon or look-alike weapon/item found on school grounds will be confiscated. A student who uses, possesses, controls or transfers a weapon may be expelled for up to two calendar years. The expulsion period may, however, be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature of the weapon/item, the student may be suspended and/or expelled from school and both the student and the weapon/item will be turned over to law enforcement. ILCS 5/10-27.1A. Those weapons/items not turned over to the police will have to be picked up by the student’s parent.
Students are subject to discipline in school for any acts punishable by any federal, state or local law or regulation.

Extra Curricular Activities

The following is the Code of Conduct that will apply to all activities that occur outside of the school day. Sponsors and coaches, with the approval of the principal, may include additional expectations for a specific activity when deemed appropriate:
 
  • Maintain passing grades weekly in all subject areas with no more than one D.
  • Display pride in self, the team/group, the sponsor, and your school.
  • Recognize all discipline policies that apply to extracurricular programs as well as regular school programs.
  • Practice good citizenship when representing your school both on and off campus.
  • Accept responsibility for providing proper care of equipment, facilities, and uniforms used in conjunction with the extra-curricular activity.
  • Pay for the replacement of any lost or damaged equipment while issued for individual use.  This includes PE uniforms.
  • Display good sportsmanship and respect others during and following competitions.
  • Follow the Code of Behavior for bus conduct.
  • Practice teamwork.
  • Arrive promptly and prepared for each event.
  • Accept constructive criticism and/or direction from school officials judging your performance.
  • Always attempt to do your best.
 
Violating the Board of Education’s Extra-Curricular activities Code of Conduct may result in suspension or removal from extra-curricular activity. A student may also be subject to additional disciplinary actions.
  • Within 24 hours of report of a violation, a meeting must be scheduled between the student, the student’s parent(s) or guardians(s) and the Student Assistance Team.
  • For each confirmed violation a certified letter will be sent to the parent(s) or guardian(s) notifying them of the violation.
 
FIRST OFFENSE
 
  • Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and administration, the student may be suspended from all extra curricular activities for a period of 2-10 days. A suspension occurring at the end of the school year shall carry over to the following year.
  • The student and the parent(s) or guardian(s) may be required to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.
  • The student may resume participation in extra curricular activities ONLY AFTER completing the suspension, AND providing written verification of completion or participation in any intervention or counseling activities if assigned by the Student Assistance Team.
 
SECOND OFFENSE
 
  • Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and administration, the student may be suspended from ALL extra curricular activities for a period of 11-30 days. A suspension occurring at the end of the school year shall carry over to the following year.
  • The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.
  • The Student may resume participation in extra curricular activities ONLY AFTER completing the suspension, AND providing written verification of completion or participation in any intervention or counseling activities assigned by the Student Assistance Team.
 
THIRD OFFENSE
 
  • Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and administration, the student may be suspended from ALL extra curricular activities for a period equivalent to one trimester. A suspension occurring at the end of the school year shall carry over to their following year.
  • The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be requires to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.
  • The Student may return to participation in extra curricular activities ONLY AFTER completing suspension, AND providing written verification of completion or participation in any intervention or counseling activities assigned by the Student Assistance Team.
 
FOURTH OFFENSE
 
  • Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and Administration, the Board of Education, or its designee, may suspend the student from ALL extra curricular activities for the remainder of his/her time in Homewood School District #153.
  • The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be expected to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.
 
When a violation of the Code of Conduct is found to be potentially dangerous to the health and/or well being of others, the student may be denied the privilege of participating in all extra curricular programs for the remainder of his/her time in Homewood School District #153.