COLLINSVILLE COMMUNITY UNIT S.D. #10
BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 7 - STUDENTS
Equity
7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities
Assignment and Admission
7:30 Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer
7:40 Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students
Attendance
7:80 Release Time For Religious Instruction/Observance
7:90 Release During School Hours
7:100 Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students
7:120 OPEN
Rights and Responsibilities
7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities
7:150 Agency and Police Interviews
7:165 OPEN
7:180 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
7:190-R2 Student Handbook - Gang Activity Prohibited
7:195-Student Discipline (Cell Phones)7:230 Misconduct By Students With Disabilities
7:240 Conduct Code For Participants In Extracurricular Activities
Welfare Services
7:250 Student Welfare Services
7:260 Exemption From Physical Activity
7:270 Administering Medicines To Students
7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment
7:280 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease
7:290 RESERVED
Activities
7:300 Extracurricular Athletics
7:310 Restrictions on Publications and Written or Electronic Material
7:320 Materials Associated With Banned Substances
Records
7:350 OPEN
7:360 OPEN
7:370 OPEN
Students
Equal Educational Opportunities
Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, or actual or potential marital or parental status. Further, the District will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of sex or any other protected status, except that the District remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under Board Policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Sex Equity
No student shall, on the basis of sex, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.
Any student may file a sex equity complaint by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the School Board's resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent of Schools (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10 of The School Code) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8 of The School Code).
Administrative Implementation
The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator. The Superintendent and Building Principal shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy and grievance procedure.
LEGAL REF.: Title IX, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Part 106.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 791 et seq.
Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 775 ILCS 35/5.
Ill. Constitution, Art. I, § 18.
Good News Club v. Milford Central School, Sup. Ct., 6-11-01.
105 ILCS 5/10-21.3, 5/10-22.5, 5/22-19, and 5/27-1.
23 Ill. Admin. Code §§ 1.240, 200.40, and 200.50.
CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 6:220 (Instructional Materials Selection and Adoption), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:330 (Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access), 8:20 (Community Use of School Facilities)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: October 15, 2001
May 20, 2002
7:10
Students
Student and Family Privacy Rights
Surveys
All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other
instrument used to collect personal information from students, must
advance or relate to the District's educational objectives as identified in Board policy
6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, or assist students’ career
choices. This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering
the questions can be identified and regardless of who created the survey.
Surveys Created by a Third Party
Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation
created by a third party to a student, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may
inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their
request.
This section applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a District official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions.
Survey Requesting Personal Information
School officials and staff members shall not request, nor disclose, the identity of
any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity,
including the District) containing one or more of the following items:
1.Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent/guardian.
2.Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.
3.Behavior or attitudes about sex.
4.Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
5.Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships.
6.Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
7.Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
8.Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may:
1.Inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or
2. Refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in the activity described above. The school shall not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercised this option.
Instructional Material
A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect, upon their request, any
instructional material used as part of their child/ward’s educational curriculum
within a reasonable time of their request. The term “instructional
material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of
its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials
in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). The
term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.
Physical Exams or Screenings
No school official or staff member shall subject a student to a non-emergency,
invasive physical examination or screening as a condition of school attendance. The
term “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves
the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes
incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision,
or scoliosis screening.
The above paragraph does not apply to any physical examination or screening that:
1. Is permitted or required by an applicable State law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification.
2. Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.).
3. Is otherwise authorized by Board policy.
Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information Is Prohibited
No school official or staff member shall market or sell personal information
concerning students (or otherwise provide that information to others for that
purpose). The term “personal information” means individually identifiable
information including: (1) a student or parent's first and last name, (2) a home or other
physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town), (3) a telephone
number, (4) a Social Security identification number or (5) driver’s license number or
State identification card.
The above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) have consented; or (2) to the collection, disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:
1. College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment.
2. Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products.
3. Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.
4. Tests and assessments to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments.
5. The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities.
6. Student recognition programs.
Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s “personal information” to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards.
Notification of Rights and Procedures
The Superintendent or designee shall notify students’ parents/guardians of:
1. This policy as well as its availability upon request from the general administration office.
2. How to opt their child or ward out of participation in activities as provided in this policy.
3. The approximate dates during the school year when a survey requesting personal information, as described above, is scheduled or expected to be scheduled.
4. How to request access to any survey or other material described in this policy.
This notification shall be given parents/guardians at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change in this policy.
The rights provided to parents/guardians in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor.
LEGAL REF.: Protection of Pupil Rights, 20 U.S.C. §1232h. Children’s Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act, P.A. 93-462. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.37.
CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 6:210 (Instructional Materials), 6:220 (Instructional Materials Selection and Adoption), 6:260 (Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities)
ADOPTED: August 16, 2004
7:15
Students
Harassment of Students Prohibited
No person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass or intimidate another student based upon a student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status. The District will not tolerate harassing or intimidating conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that affects tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.
Complaints of harassment or intimidation are handled according to the provisions on sexual harassment below. The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students that the District will not tolerate harassment, such as by including this policy in the appropriate handbooks.
Sexual Harassment Prohibited
Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. Any person, including a district employee or agent, or student, engages in sexual harassment whenever he or she makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, and engages in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that:
- substantially interfering with a student's educational environment;
- creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment;
- depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or
- making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student.
The terms "intimidating," "hostile," and "offensive" include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person's alleged sexual activities.
Students who believe they are victims of sexual harassment or have witnessed sexual harassment, are encouraged to discuss the matter with the student Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager. Students may choose to report to a person of the student's same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.
An allegation that one student was sexually harassed by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students for appropriate action.
The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the District's current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers. At least one of these individuals will be female, and at least one will be male.
Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
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Telephone No. |
Complaint Managers:
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The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students that the District will not tolerate sexual harassment, such as by including this policy in the appropriate handbooks.
Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the discipline policy. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding sexual harassment will likewise be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students.
LEGAL REF.: Title IX of the Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.
34 C.F.R. Part 106.
105 ILCS 5/10-22.5 and 5/27-1.
23 Ill. Admin. Code § 200.10 et seq.
Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, ___ U.S. ___ (1999).
Franklin v. Gwinnett Co. Public Schools, 112 S.Ct. 1028 (1992).
Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School District, 118 S.Ct. 1989 (1998).
West v. Derby Unified School District No. 260, 10th Cir. App, 3/21/2000.
CROSS REF.: 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 5:20 (Sexual Harassment), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities)
REVISED: May 20, 2002
7:20
Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer
Attendance Areas
The School District is divided into school attendance areas. The Superintendent will review the boundary lines annually and recommend any changes to the School Board. The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a map of the District showing current school attendance areas. Students living in a given school attendance area will be assigned to that school unless reassignment is necessary due to the crowded conditions in a particular school or programming needs. Homeless children shall be assigned according to Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children.
Transfers within the District
The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception when the parent(s)/guardian(s) demonstrate that the student could be better accommodated by the educational program at another school, provided space is available. Students who are granted a transfer within the District shall be responsible for their own transportation unless students are reassigned to another school by the Superintendent. In such cases, the District shall provide transportation . The provisions in this section have no applicability to transfers mandated by Title I and covered in Board policy 6:15, School Accountability.
Class Assignments
The Building Principal shall assign students to classes.
LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-21.3, 5/10-21.3a, and 5/10-22.50.
CROSS REF.: 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:30 (Organization of Instruction), 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: December 16, 2002
7:30
Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students
Part-Time Attendance
The District accepts nonpublic school students, including parochial and home-schooled students, who live within the District for part-time attendance in the District's regular education program on a space-available basis. Requests for part-time attendance must be submitted to the principal of the school in the school attendance area where the student resides. All requests for attendance in the following school year must be submitted before May 1.
Students accepted for partial enrollment must comply with all discipline and attendance requirements established by the school. A private school student may attend any co-curricular activity associated with a District class in which he or she is enrolled. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student accepted for part-time attendance is responsible for all fees, pro-rated on the basis of a percentage of full-time fees. Transportation to and/or from school is provided to non-public school students on regular bus routes to or from a point on the route nearest or most easily accessible to the non-public school or student’s home. This transportation shall be on the same basis as the District provides transportation for its full-time students. Transportation on other than established bus routes shall be the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Students With a Disability
The District will accept for part-time attendance those students with disabilities who live within the District and are enrolled in non-public schools. Requests must be submitted by the student's parent(s)/guardian(s). Special educational services shall be provided to such students as soon as possible after identification, evaluation, and placement procedures provided by State law, but no later than the beginning of the next school semester following the completion of such procedures. Transportation for such students shall be provided only if required in the child's individualized educational program on the basis of the child's disabling condition or as the special education program location may require.
Extracurricular Activities, Including Interscholastic Competition
Nonpublic students, regardless of whether they attend a District school part-time will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities.
Assignment When Enrolling Full-Time in a District School
Grade placement by, and academic credits earned at, a nonpublic school will be accepted if the school has a Certificate of Nonpublic School Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education, or, if outside Illinois, if the school is accredited by the state agency governing education.
A student who, after receiving instruction in a non-recognized or non-accredited school, enrolls in the District will: (1) be assigned to a grade level according to academic proficiency, and/or (2) have academic credits recognized by the District if the student demonstrates appropriate academic proficiency to the school administration. Any portion of a student’s transcript relating to such instruction will not be considered for placement on the honor roll or computation in class rank.
Recognition of grade placement and academic credits awarded by a nonpublic school is at the sole discretion of the District. All school and class assignments will be made according to Board policy 7:30, Student Assignment, as well as administrative procedures implementing this policy.
LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.24 and 5/14-6.01.
CROSS REF.: 4:110 (Transportation), 6:170 (Title I Programs), 6:190 (Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities), 6:320 (Credit for Proficiency), 7:30 (Student Assignment), 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: May 20, 2002
7:40
School Admissions and Student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools
To be eligible for admission, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of that school term. Children who enter first grade must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of that school year. A child with exceptional needs who qualifies for special education services is eligible for admission at 3 years of age.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) may request early admission for a child. The Superintendent or designee shall assess the child’s readiness to attend school and make the decision accordingly. The Board will be informed when a student is admitted early.
Admission Procedure
All students must register for school each year on the dates and at the place designated by the Superintendent.
Students enrolling in the District for the first time must present:
1. A birth certificate or other reliable proof of identity and age. Upon the failure of a person enrolling a student to provide a copy of the student’s birth certificate or other reliable proof of identity and age, the Building Principal shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency and shall also notify the person enrolling the student in writing that, unless he or she complies within 10 days, the case shall be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation. If compliance is not obtained within that 10-day period, the Principal shall so refer the case. The Principal shall immediately report to the local law enforcement authority any material received pursuant to this paragraph that appears inaccurate or suspicious in form or content.
2. Proof of residence, as required by Board policy 7:60, Residence.
3. Proof of disease immunization or detection and the required physical examination, as required by State law and Board policy 7:100, Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to have their child undergo a dental examination.
Student Transfers to and from Non-District School
A student may transfer into or out of the District according to State law and procedures developed by the Superintendent. The Superintendent is delegated all authority granted to the School Board in order to implement this policy, subject to specific Board action to the contrary. A student seeking to transfer into the District must serve the entire term of any suspension or expulsion, imposed for any reason by any public or private school that the student is transferring from, in this or any other state, before being admitted into the School District.
Foreign Exchange Students
The District accepts foreign exchange students with a J-1 visa and who reside within the District as participants in an exchange program sponsored by organizations screened by administration. Exchange students on a J-1 visa are not required to pay tuition.
Privately sponsored exchange students on an F-1 visa may be enrolled if an adult resident of the District has temporary guardianship and the student lives in the home of that guardian. Exchange students on an F-1 visa are required to pay tuition at the established District rate. F-1 visa student admission is limited to secondary schools and attendance may not exceed 12 months.
The School Board may limit the number of exchange students admitted in any given year. Exchange students must comply with District immunization requirements. Once admitted, exchange students become subject to all District policies and regulations governing students.
Night School
Resident students of S.W.I.C. District 522 are accepted into the night school program with no tuition charge. They are subject to the regular instructional fee charges.
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment shall be denied to any individual above the age of 16 years who has dropped out of school and who could not earn sufficient credits during the normal school year(s) to graduate before his or her 21st birthday. A person denied re-enrollment will be provided counseling and be directed to alternative educational programs, including adult education programs, that lead to graduation or receipt of a GED diploma. This section does not apply to students eligible for special education under the Individuals With Disabilities Act or accommodation plans under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
LEGAL REF.: Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232.; Illegal
Immigrant and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, 8
U.S.C. § 1101.; 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.; 105
ILCS 5/2-3.13a, 5/10-20.12, 5/10-22.5a,
5/14-1.02, 5/14-1.03a, 5/26-1, 5/26-2, 5/27-8.1, and 10/8.1.; 325
ILCS 55/1 et seq. and 50/1 et seq.; 23
Ill. Admin. Code
§ 375 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 6:310 (Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions), 7:60 (Residence), 7:340 (Student Records)
ADMIN. PROC.: 7:50-AP (Student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: March 20, 2000; August 19, 2002
7:50
Residence
Resident Students
Only students who are residents of the District may attend a District school without a tuition charge, except as otherwise provided below or in State law. A student's residence is the same as the person who has legal custody of the student.
A person asserting legal custody over a student, who is not the child’s natural or adoptive parent, shall complete a signed statement, stating: (a) that he or she has assumed and exercises legal responsibility for the child, (b) the reason the child lives with him or her, other than to receive an education in the District, and (c) that he or she exercises full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency. In addition, the child’s natural or adoptive parent, if available, shall complete a signed statement or Power of Attorney stating: (a) the role and responsibility of the person with whom their child is living, and (b) that he person with whom the child is living has full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency.
A student whose family moves out of the District during the school year will be permitted to attend school for the remainder of the year without payment of tuition.
When a student’s change of residence is due to the military service obligation of the student’s legal custodian, the student’s residence is deemed to be unchanged for the duration of the custodian’s military service obligation if the student’s custodian made a written request. The District, however, is not responsible for the student’s transportation to or from school.
If, at the time of enrollment, a dependent child of military personnel is housed in temporary housing located outside of the District, but will be living within the District within 60 days after the time of initial enrollment, the child is allowed to enroll, subject to the requirements of State law, and must not be charged tuition.
If a student's family plans to move into the District within 31 calendar days after the beginning of school, the student will be allowed to attend school at the beginning of the school year without payment of tuition.
Non-Resident Students
Non-resident students may not attend District schools.
Challenging a Student's Residence Status
If the Superintendent or designee determines that a student attending school on a tuition-free basis is a non-resident of the District for whom tuition is required to be charged, he or she on behalf of the Board shall notify the person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due. The notice shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested. The person who enrolled the student may challenge this determination and request a hearing as provided by The School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12b.
Homeless Children
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required to establish residency. Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, and its implementing administrative procedure, govern the enrollment of homeless children.
LEGAL REF.: McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq.
30 ILCS 220/11.
105 ILCS 5/10-20.12a, 5/10-20.12b, 5/10-22.5, and 45/1-5.
23 Ill. Admin. Code § 1.240 (e).
Israel S. by Owens v. Board of Educ. Of Oak Park and River Forest High School Dist. 200, 601 N.E.2d 1264 (Ill.App.1, 1992).
Joel R. v. Board of Educ. Of Manheim School Dist. 83, 686 N.E.2d 650 (Ill.App.1, 1997).
Kraut v. Rachford, 366 N.E.2d 497 (Ill.App.1, 1977).
CROSS REF.: 6:15 (School Accountability containing “School Choice for Students Enrolled in a School
Identified for Improvement, Corrective Action, or Restructuring”), 6:140 (Education of
Homeless Children), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-
District Schools), 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: March 17, 2008
7:60
Compulsory School Attendance
Whoever has custody or control of a child between the ages of 7 and 17 years of age (unless the child has graduated from high school) must cause the child to attend the District school wherein the child is assigned, except as provided herein or by State law. Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child lawfully and necessarily employed, (4) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (5) any child absent because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program.
The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled must authorize all absences from school and notify the school in advance or at the time of the student’s absence. A valid cause for absence includes illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, other situations beyond the control of the student, other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s safety or health, or other reason as approved by the Superintendent or designee./
Absenteeism and Truancy Program
The Superintendent or designee shall manage an absenteeism and truancy program in accordance with The School Code and Board policy. The program shall include but not be limited to:
LEGAL REF: 105 ILCS 5/26-1 through 16. 705 ILCS 405/3-33.5. 23 Ill.Admin.Code§§1.242 and 1.290.
CROSS REF.: 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program), 6:150 (Home and Hospital Instruction), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:50 (School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools), 7:60 (Residence), 7:80 (Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance), 7:190 (Student Discipline), 7:340 (Student Records)REPLACING POLICY 7:70 (ADOPTED 4/20/99 and REVISED 7/19/99)
ADOPTED: September 24, 2007
7:70
Release Time For Religious Instruction/Observance
Religious Observance
A student shall be released from school, as an excused absence, for the purpose of observing a religious holiday. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must give written notice to the District 5days before the student's anticipated absence.
The parent(s)/guardian(s)'s written notification of the student's anticipated absence shall satisfy the District's requirement for a written excuse when the student returns to school.
The Superintendent shall develop and distribute to teachers appropriate procedures regarding student absences for a religious holiday which include a list of religious holidays on which students shall be excused from attendance, how teachers are notified of a student's impending absence, and the State law requirement that teachers provide the student an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement.
Religious Instruction
A student shall be released from school for a day or portion of a day for the purpose of religious instruction. A letter, requesting the student's absence and written by the student's parent(s)/guardian(s), must be given to the Building Principal at least 5 days before the day the student is to be absent.
LEGAL REF.: Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 775 ILCS 35/5.
105 ILCS 5/26-1 and 5/26-2b.
CROSS REF.: 7:70
REVISED: July 19, 1999
7:80
Teachers may not release students from school at other than the regular dismissal times without prior approval of the Building Principal. No student will be released from school to any person other than the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) without the written or oral permission of the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s).
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:90
Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students
A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall present proof that the student was examined by a licensed physician and received the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health within one year prior to
1. Entering kindergarten or the first
grade;
2. Entering the fifth and ninth grades; and
3. Enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student's grade, when
transferring into Illinois from out-of-state or out-of-country.
Unless the student is homeless, failure to comply with the above requirements by the day after Labor Day of the current school year will result in the student's exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the District. If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by the day after Labor Day, the student must present, by the day after Labor Day, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by the physician, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or local health department responsible for administering the immunizations. All new students who are first-time registrants shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) of children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years must provide a statement from a physician that their child was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning in accordance with State law.
Dental Examination
All children in kindergarten and
the second and sixth grades must present proof of having been examined by a licensed
dentist before May 15 of the current school year in accordance with rules adopted by the
Illinois Department of Public Health.
If a child in the second or
sixth grade fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child’s report
card until the child presents proof: (1) of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a
dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that
parents/guardians are notified of this dental examination requirement at least 60 days
before May 15 of each school year.
Exemptions
In accordance with rules adopted
by the Illinois Department of Public Health, a student will be exempted from:
1. This
policy’s requirements on religious or medical grounds if the student’s
parents/guardians present to the Superintendent a signed statement explaining the
objection,
2. The
health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides
written verification, or
3. The
dental examination requirement if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue
burden or lack of access to a dentist.
Homeless Child
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce immunization and health records normally required for enrollment. Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, governs the enrollment of homeless children.
LEGAL REF.: McKinney Homeless
Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.
105 ILCS 5/27-8.1. 410 ILCS 45/7.1. 77
Ill. Admin. Code §§ 665.100 and 665.240.
CROSS REF.: 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children), 6:180 (Extended Instructional Programs)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: May 20, 2002; December 16, 2002; June 16, 2003
7:100
Transferring In
A student seeking admission to a District school must meet all residency, age, health examination, immunization, and other eligibility prerequisites as mandated by State law. A student must also present a completed good standing form from the school from which the student is transferring.
If a transferring-in student was suspended or expelled from any Illinois public school for any of the following offenses, he or she shall not attend class until having served the entire period of such disciplinary action:
The Building Principal or designee shall make the class or grade level assignment, with input from a counselor when needed, and may accept or reject the transferring school's recommendations.
The student should request the school from which he or she is transferring to forward an unofficial record of the student's grades and the remainder of the student's school records. If the student is unable to present the records, the student shall be admitted and the Building Principal shall request the records from the transferring school. An official transcript of the scholastic records, if received, will replace the unofficial grade record.
Transferring Out
Parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student transferring from the District should give the Building Principal written notification of their intent, pay outstanding fees or fines, sign a release form, and return all school-owned property.
The Building Principal shall complete a good standing form for any student transferring from the District. Within 10 days of a transfer notification, the Building Principal shall send to the District in which the student will or has enrolled, a completed good standing form, an unofficial record of the student's grades, and the remainder of the student's school records. If a transferring student was suspended or expelled for any of the reasons listed previously in this policy and the period of suspension or expulsion has not expired at the time the student attempts to transfer into another public school, any school student records required to be transferred shall include the date and duration of the suspension or expulsion. Within 10 days after the student has paid all outstanding fines and fees, the Building Principal shall mail an official transcript of the scholastic records.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the records proposed to be released and an opportunity to review and copy them.
LEGAL REF.: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §
1232.
105 ILCS 5/2-3.13a and 10/8.1.
23 Ill. Admin. Code § 375.
CROSS REF.: 7:50 (School Admissions), 7:60 (Residence), 7:340 (Student Records)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:110
Student Rights and Responsibilities
All students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by the Federal and State Constitutions and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a school setting. Students should exercise these rights reasonably and avoid violating the rights of others. Students who violate the rights of others or violate District policies or rules will be subject to disciplinary measures.
LEGAL REF.: 23 Ill. Admin. Code § 1.210.
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District, 89 S.Ct. 733 (1969).
CROSS REF.: 7:140 (Search and Seizure), 7:150 (Agency and Police Interviews), 7:160 (Student Appearance), 7:190 (Student Discipline)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:130
To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. "School authorities" includes school liaison police officers.
School Property and Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students
School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there. This paragraph applies to student vehicles parked on school property. In addition, Building Principals shall require each high school student, in return for the privilege of parking on school property, to consent in writing to school searches of his or her vehicle, and personal effects therein, without notice and without suspicion of wrongdoing.
The Superintendent may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.
Students
School authorities may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects in the student’s possession (such as purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s student conduct rules. The search itself must be conducted in a manner which is reasonably related to its objectives and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.
When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows:
Immediately following a search, a written report shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search, and given to the Superintendent. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified of the search as soon as possible.
Seizure of Property
If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.
LEGAL REF.: Veronia School District 47J v. Acton, 115 S.Ct. 2385
(1995).
T.L.O. v. New Jersey, 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985).
Cornfield v. Consolidated High School Dist. No. 230, 991 F.2d 1316 (7th Cir. 1993).
People v. Dilworth, 661 N.E.2d 310 (1996).
People v. Pruitt, 662 N.E. 2d 540 (Ill. App. 1st Dist. 1996).
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6, and 5/10-22.10a.
CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:140 (Agency and Police Interviews), 7:190 (Student Discipline)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:140
All requests by agency or police officials to interview a student shall be handled according to procedures developed by the Superintendent.
LEGAL REF.: 325 ILCS 5/1 et seq.
705 ILCS 80/1 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:140 (Search and Seizure), 7:190 (Student Discipline)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:150
Students' dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency. Procedures for handling students who dress or groom inappropriately will be developed by the Superintendent and included in the Student Handbook.
LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-22.25b.
Oleson by Oleson v. Board of Education, 676 F.Supp. 8 (N.D. Ill. 1987).
CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:165, 7:190 (Student Discipline)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:160
The Board will seek restitution from students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) for vandalism or other student acts which cause damage to school property.
LEGAL REF.: 740 ILCS 115/1 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:190 (Student Discipline)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:170
Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors is an important District goal. The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program that:
LEGAL REF.: 405 ILS 49/1 et seq. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/24-24, and 5/27-23.7. 23 Ill.Admin.Code ¤1.280.
CROSS REF.: 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 5:230 (Maintaining Student Discipline), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:190 (Student Discipline). 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:310 (Restrictions on Publications and Written or Electronic Material)
ADOPTED: December 17, 2007
7:180
Prohibited Student Conduct
The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct, including, but not limited to:
For purposes of this policy, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations where the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; or (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event.
Efforts, including the use of early intervention and progressive discipline, shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school-related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or physiological harm to someone else. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the parent/guardian of a student who engages in aggressive behavior is notified of the incident. The failure to provide such notification does not limit the Board’s authority to impose discipline, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior.
No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psycho stimulant medication to the student.
The grounds for disciplinary action, including those described more thoroughly later in this policy, apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:
Disciplinary Measures
Disciplinary measures may include:
A student who is subject to suspension or expulsion may be eligible for a transfer to an alternative school program.
Corporal punishment shall not be used. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.
Weapons
A student who uses, possesses, controls, or transfers a weapon, or any other object that can reasonably be considered, or looks like, a weapon, shall be expelled for at least one calendar year, but no more than 2 calendar years. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion period and the Board may modify the Superintendent’s determination, on a case-by-case basis. A “weapon” means possession, use, control, or transfer of: (1) any gun, rifle, shotgun, a weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Act, or use of a weapon as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code; (2) any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including but not limited to, knives, brass knuckles, billy clubs; or (3) “look-alikes” of any weapon as defined above. Any item, such as a baseball bat, pipe, bottle, lock, stick, pencil, and pen, is considered to be a weapon if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm. The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon the prior request of an adult supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts, and similar programs, whether or not school-sponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm.
Required Notices
A school staff member shall immediately notify the office of the Building Principal in the event that he or she: (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on or around school grounds; however, such action may be delayed if immediate notice would endanger students under his or her supervision, (2) observes or has reason to suspect that any person on school grounds is or was involved in a drug-related incident, or (3) observes a battery committed against any staff member. Upon receiving such a report, the Building Principal or designee shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, State Police, and any involved student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). “School grounds” includes modes of transportation to school activities and any public way within 1000 feet of the school, as well as school property itself.
Delegation of Authority
Each teacher, and any other school personnel when students are under his or her charge, is authorized to impose any disciplinary measure, other than suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment or in-school suspension, that is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student discipline. Teachers, other certificated educational employees, and other persons providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property. Teachers may temporarily remove students from a classroom for disruptive behavior.
The Superintendent, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students is authorized to impose the same disciplinary measures as teachers and may suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct from school (including all school functions) and from riding the school bus, up to 10 consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The School Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of 10 days for safety reasons.
Student Handbook
The Superintendent, with input from the parent-teacher advisory committee, shall prepare disciplinary rules implementing the District’s disciplinary policies. These disciplinary rules shall be presented annually to the Board for its review and approval.
A student handbook, including the District disciplinary policies and rules, shall be distributed to the students’ parents/guardians within 15 days of the beginning of the school year or a student’s enrollment.
LEGAL REF.: Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. §7151 et seq. Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. §6081. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.5b, 5/10-20.14, 5/10-20.28, 5/10-20.35, 5/10-21.7, 5/10-21.10, 5/10-22.6, 5/10-27.1A, 5/10-27.1B, 5/24-24, 5/26-12, and 5/31-3. 23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.280.
CROSS REF.: 5:230 (Maintaining Student Discipline), 6:110 (Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School), 7:70 (Attendance and Truancy), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:140 (Search and Seizure), 7:150 (Agency and Police Interviews), 7:160 (Student Appearance), 7:170 (Vandalism), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:210 (Expulsion Procedures), 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:270 (Administering Medicines to Students), 8:30 (Conduct on School Property)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: March 20, 2000
REVISED: August 19, 2002
REVISED: June 16, 2003
REVISED: January 23, 2006
REVISED: September 24, 2007
Cell phones, which are carried by students, must remain off and out of sight during school hours. A student may use a cell phone only in emergency situations (911) or in the presence of an administrator.
Cell phones may be used before or after school hours outside the school building.
ADOPTED: October 21, 2002
7:195
The following are suspension procedures:
LEGAL REF.: Goss v. Lopez, 95 S.Ct. 729 (1975).
Sieck v. Oak Park River-Forest High School, 807 F.Supp. 73 (N.D. Ill., E.D., 1992).
105 ILCS 5/10-22.6(b).
CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:190 (Student Discipline)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:200
The following are expulsion procedures:
LEGAL REF.: Goss v. Lopez, 95 S.Ct. 729 (1975).
105 ILCS 5/10-22.6(a).
720 ILCS 570/102 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 7:130, 7:190 (Student Discipline)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:210
All students must follow the District's School Bus Safety Guidelines. Gross disobedience or misconduct providing grounds for suspension from riding the school bus includes:
Use of Video Cameras on School Buses
Video cameras may be used on school buses as necessary in order to monitor conduct and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.
The content of the videotapes are student records and are subject to District policy and procedure concerning school student records. Only those people with a legitimate educational or administrative purpose may view the videotapes. In most instances, individuals with a legitimate educational or administrative purpose will be the Superintendent, Building Principal, Transportation Director, bus driver, and sponsor, coach, or other supervisor. If the content of a video tape becomes the subject of a student disciplinary hearing, it will be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.
Discipline Procedure
The District's regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student's privilege to ride a school bus.
LEGAL REF.: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S. C. § 1232(g), 34 C.F.R. Part99.
105 ILCS 10/1 et seq.
CROSS REF.: 4:170 (Safety), 7:130 (Student Rights And Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Discipline), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:340 (Student Records)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:220
Misconduct By Students With Disabilities
Behavioral Interventions
Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. The District will establish and maintain a committee to develop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities. The committee shall review the State Board of Education's guidelines on the use of behavioral interventions and use them as a non-binding reference. This policy and the behavioral intervention procedures shall be furnished to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of all students with individual education plans within 15 days after their adoption or amendment by, or presentation to, the Board or at the time an individual education plan is first implemented for a student; all students shall be informed annually of the existence of this policy and the procedures. At the annual individualized education plan review, a copy of this policy shall be given to the parent(s)/guardian(s). The policy and procedures shall be explained. A copy of the procedures shall be available, upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Discipline of Special Education Students
The District shall comply with the provisions of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when disciplining students. No special education student shall be expelled if the student’s particular act of gross disobedience/misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability. Any special education student whose gross disobedience/misconduct is not a manifestation of his or her disability may be expelled pursuant to the expulsion procedures, except that such disabled student shall continue to receive educational services as provided in the IDEA during such period of expulsion. A special education student may be suspended for an aggregate of 10 days of school per school year, regardless of whether the student’s gross disobedience/misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disabling condition, except that such student shall continue to receive educational services in accordance with the IDEA during such period of suspension.
Any special education student who has or will exceed 10 days of suspension may be temporarily excluded from school by court order or by order of a duly appointed State of Illinois hearing officer if the District demonstrates that maintaining the student in his or her current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or others.
A special education student who has carried a weapon to school or to a school function or who knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school or a school function may be removed from his or her current placement. Such a student shall be placed in an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for no more than 45 days in accordance with the IDEA.
LEGAL REF.: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C. § 3351 et seq.
105 ILCS 5/10-22.6 and 5/14-8.05.
23 Ill. Admin. Code §§ 226.40 and 226.520.
Honig v. Doe, 108 S.Ct. 592 (1988).
School Board of the County of Prince William, Virginia v. Malone, 762 F.2d 1210 (4th Cir. 1985).
S-1 v. Turlington, 635 F.2d 342 (5th Cir. 1981).
Kaelin v. Grubbs, 682 F.2d 595 (6th Cir. 1982).
Victoria I v. District School Board, 741 F.2d 369 (11th Cir. 1984).
Doe v. Bd. of Educ. of Oak Park and River Forest High School District No. 200, 115 F.3d 1273 (7th Cir. 1997).
CROSS REF.: 2:150 (Committees), 6:120 (Special Education), 7:130 (Student Rights And Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Discipline), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:210 (Expulsion Procedures), 7:220 (Bus Conduct)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:230
Conduct Code For Participants In Extracurricular Activities
The Building Principal, using input from coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities, shall develop a conduct code for all participants in extracurricular activities consistent with Board policy and the rules adopted by the Illinois High School Association. The conduct code shall: (1) require participants in extracurricular activities to conduct themselves at all times, including after school and on days when school is not in session, and whether on and off school property, as good citizens and exemplars of their school, and (2) notify participants that failure to abide by it could result in removal from the activity. The conduct code shall be reviewed by the Building Principal periodically at his or her discretion and presented to the School Board.
All coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities shall annually review the rules of conduct with participants and provide participants with a copy.
LEGAL REF.: Board of Education of Independent School Dist. No. 92 v. Earls et al., 122 S.Ct. 2559 (2002). Clements v. Board of Education of Decatur, 478 N.E.2d 1209 (Ill. App. 4th Dist., 1985). Kevin Jordan v. O’Fallon THSD 203, 706 N.E.2d 137 (Ill. App. 5th Dist., 1999). Todd v. Rush County Schools, 133 F.3d 984 (7th Cir., 1998). Veronica School Dist. 475 v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995). 105 ILCS 5/24-24
CROSS REF.: 5:280 (Duties and Qualifications), 6:190 (Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities), 7:190 (Student Discipline), 7:300 (Extracurricular Athletics)
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
REVISED: December 16, 2002
7:240
The following services are provided by the School District:
CROSS REF.: 6:270
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:250
Student Support Committee
Each Building Principal shall
annually appoint a building-level Student Support Committee that shall have the tasks
described in this Administrative Procedure. Committee members must be school staff
members who are qualified by professional licensing or experience to address issues
concerning students who may have social, emotional, or mental health problems. As
needed on a case-by-case basis, the Student Support Committee may request the involvement
of the Building Principal, relevant teachers, and the parents/guardians. Records
produced and shared among Committee members may be subject to laws governing student
records. Confidential information given by a student to a therapist is governed by the
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, 740 ILCS 110/1 et seq.
Referrals
Staff members should refer a student suspected of having social, emotional, or mental
health problems to the building-level Student Support Committee. The Student Support
Committee will review information about a referred student, including prior interventions,
and suggest appropriate steps for referral and follow-up. The Student Support
Committee may offer strategies to a referred student’s classroom teachers and
parents/guardians about ways they can manage, address, and/or enhance the student’s
social and emotional development and mental health. In addition, the Student
Support Committee may recommend coordinated educational, social
work, school counseling, and/or
student assistance services within the school as well as referrals to outside
agencies.
Referrals under this procedure are unrelated to the special education evaluation process and do not trigger the District’s timeline for evaluations. However, the use of these procedures shall not circumvent the special education process. See Administrative Procedure 6:120-AP, Special Education Procedures Assuring the Implementation of Comprehensive Programming for Children with Disabilities and Suspected Disabilities.
School Counseling, Social Work and
Psychological Services
The Student Support Committee may request school counselors, social workers,
psychologists, and school nurses to provide support and consultation to teachers and
school staff about strategies to promote the social and emotional development and mental
health of all students. They may also be requested to provide screening and early
detection approaches to identify students with social, emotional, and mental health
problems.
Written permission from the parent/guardian is required for any on-going social work and psychological services. “On-going” is defined as more than 5 contacts in which the student received these services. Written consent may be obtained through an IEP or other designated form. That consent does not entitle parents/guardians to know the contents of all that is discussed. School counselors, social workers, and psychologists will inform parents/guardians of all issues that pose a health and/or safety risk; they will inform the Building Principal of any health or safety risks that are present in the school.
Psycho-Educational Groups
As appropriate, the Student Support Committee may recommend that a student
participate in a variety of psycho-educational groups. These groups are typically
led by school counselors, social workers, or psychologists, but are not structured as
therapeutic services. Groups are designed to help students better understand issues
and develop strategies to manage issues of concern to them that may, if not addressed,
interfere significantly with the students’ educational progress or school
adjustment. Groups have a written curriculum that guides discussion over a set
period of time, generally 5 weeks. A student may participate in a group without
parent/guardian permission for one such time period; subsequent enrollment in the same
group requires parent/guardian permission.
Students in a group who present significant concern and for whom therapeutic services must be considered will be referred to the social workers, psychologists, or school counselors for individual consultation. (See above description of these services).
School and Community Linkages
When possible, the Student Support Committee shall seek to establish linkages and
partnerships with diverse community organizations to provide a coordinated approach to
addressing children’s social and emotional development and mental health needs.
LEGAL REF.: Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003, 405 ILCS 49/1 et seq.
ADOPTED: October 18, 2004
Exemption From Physical Activity
A child may be exempted from some or all physical activities when the appropriate excuses are submitted to the school by parent(s)/guardian(s) or by a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act.
Alternative activities and/or units of instruction will be provided for pupils whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act, prevents their participation in the physical education courses.
LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/27-6.
23 Ill. Admin. Code § 1.420(p).
CROSS REF.: 6:60
ADOPTED: April 20, 1999
7:260
Administering Medicines To Students
Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the District’s procedures on dispensing medication.
No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed “School Medication Authorization Form” is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student shall possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this policy and its implementing procedures.
A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and/or medication prescribed for asthma for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a “School Medication Authorization Form.” The School District shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication or epinephrine auto-injector or the storage of any medication by school personnel. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the School District and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine auto-injector and/or medication, or the storage of any medication by school personnel.
Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assist