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Contents & Quick Reference School Perspective The handbook offers information pertinent to the District as a whole. Some programs and procedures may differ from school to school, based on the size and location of the building, the grades served, the facilities available, and the programs conducted at the school. Your school administrators will inform you of these additional procedures. The handbook is intended to be a handy resource, but is not meant to take the place of personal communication between home and school. Please feel free to call your child’s school if you have any questions on programs or procedures, or consult your school’s website.

Table of Contents Contents & Quick Reference

School Perspective

Table of Contents

School Year Calendar

District 15 Office - Kiszka Educational Service Center (ESC)

District 15 & School Administrators

District 15 School Locations

Employment Opportunities at District 15

Notice

Chapter 1

WELCOME

From the Desk of Dr. Laurie Heinz

Board of Education

Administrators

District 15 At-A-Glance

District Mission & Strategic Commitments

Chapter 2

GETTING STARTED

New/Transfer Student Enrollment

New Students: Kindergarten & Transfers

Temporary Living Situation or McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Services 12 Returning Students Annual Registration

Transfer from District 15

Transfer within District 15

School Supply Lists

Fees

Annual Textbook Rental/Material/Technology Fees

Other Junior High Fees

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Instrument Rental Grades 5-8

Fee Payment

Fee Waiver

Chapter 3

DAY TO DAY ESSENTIALS

COVID-19 Update

Wearing of Face Coverings

Arriving at School

Animals on School Grounds

Bicycles, Skateboards, Skates, and Scooters

Student Attendance

Reporting an Absence

Arriving Late

Monitoring Absences, Tardiness and Truancy

Leaving During the School Day

Vacations

Missed Homework

Student Appearance

COVID-19 Update

Personal Belongings at School

COVID-19 Update

Backpacks/Book Bags

Junior High Lockers

Lost and Found

Bringing Items to School/Articles Not Permitted

Cell Phones

Classroom Routines

Gifts

Classroom Parties

Birthdays

Telephone Messages

Safety First Commitment

Raising Children’s Awareness of Safety

Bullying/Safety Tip Line

Parent/Visitor Procedures

COVID-19 Update

Visitor Sign-In & Forgotten Item Drop-Off

Scheduling Visits

Conduct on School Property or at a School Event

Parent Volunteers

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Chapter 4

MEALS & TRANSPORTATION

COVID-19 Update

Student Breakfast and Lunch

Menus

Food Allergies

Lunch

Breakfast

CEP School Buildings

Á la carte

Payment

Account Procedures

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Services

Home for Lunch

Snacks within the School Day

Transportation Services

COVID-19 Update

Overview

Versatrans My Stop™ GPS Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Day Care Center Transportation

Kindergarten or Younger Riders

Bus Safety Guidelines

Video Cameras

Pay Riders

Chapter 5

ACADEMICS & STUDENT SERVICES

COVID-19 Update

Instructional Technology

1:1 Student Chromebooks

Chromebooks at Home

Internet Connectivity

Network Use

Approach to Instruction

New Initiatives

Culturally & Linguistically Responsive (CLR) Teaching

Literacy/Language Arts Instruction Model

District 15 Curriculum

Every Student Succeeds Act - Title I

Elementary Curriculum Highlights & Procedures

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Additional Resources

Recess

Homework Guidelines

Physical Education

Junior High Curriculum Highlights & Procedures

Instructional Program

Enrichment Program Offerings

Additional Offerings

Physical Education and Health Curriculum

Junior High Academic & Graduation Requirements

Assessments/Standardized Testing

Clubs & Sports Overview

COVID-19 Update

Intramural & Club Sports

Interscholastic Sports - Junior High Programs

Field Trips

COVID-19 Update

Student Support Programs Overview

Early Entrance/Accelerated Placement

Academically Talented & Gifted

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

Special Education Programs & Disability Services

Section 504 Services

English Learners

Qualifying for EL Services

English Learner Assessment

Chapter 6

HEALTH & WELLNESS

COVID-19 Update

Overview

Guidelines to Determine When to Send Your Child to School

Communicable Disease Management

Medication at School

Medication Policy

Medication Administration

Health Conditions

Food Allergies

Asthma

Diabetes

Activity Restrictions

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Concussion and Head Injuries

Accidents at School

Student Accident Insurance

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

Health Exams & Immunization Recording

Required Immunizations

Immunization Exemptions

Annual Student Immunization Data

Health Exam for Interscholastic Sports

Dental Exams

Eye Exams

Vision and Hearing Screenings

Individualized Health Planning

Privacy and Confidentiality

Wellness

District 15 Wellness Policy

Student Birthdays

Snacks Within the School Day

CPR and AED Training Video

Chapter 7

COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Contact Information

Emergency School Closings

Home/School Communication

Communication with Teachers

Orientation, Conferences & Open Houses

Progress Reports

Campus Parent/Infinite Campus

Permission Slips

School Newsletters & Social Media

Board of Education Meetings

Public Participation

Contacting the Board

Public Information

FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Requests

Citizens Information Center

History of District 15

District 15 Communications

e-newsletters

Social Media

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Directory Information/Photo Release

Covid 19 Update

Illinois Report Cards

Community Partnerships

C.A.R.E. Program (Before and After School Child Care)

Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSA

one-five Foundation

Palatine Assisting Through Hope (PATH) Community Clothing Closet

Partners for Our Communities (POC)

United Palatine (UP) Coalition

Chapter 8

CARING & SAFE SCHOOLS

Commitment to School Safety

School Safety/School Emergencies

Parent Roles and Responsibilities Before, During and After Emergency/Crisis

Partnerships with Police and Fire Departments

Common Emergency and/or Crisis Response Terms

Caring, Safe and Orderly Learning Environment

School Threats

School Safety Overview

School Resource Officers

Canine Searches

Parent/Guardian Notification

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

Sex Offender Information

Erin’s Law

Suicide and Depression Awareness

District 15 Helpline

School Facilities

Care of School Property

Community Use of Schools

Pesticide Application Procedures

Asbestos Management Plan

Chapter 9

POLICIES TO NOTE

Policy 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities

Policy 7:15 Student & Family Privacy Rights

Policy 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited

Student Records

Homeless Students

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Policy 7:190 Student Behavior

Policy 7:140 Search & Seizure

Policy 7:200 Suspension Procedures

Policy 7:191 Gangs and Gang-Related Activities

Policy 7:220 Bus Conduct

Title IX Compliance

Policy 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

Bullying Prevention and Response Plan

Bullying/Safety Tip Line

Parents Right-to-Know

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

Policy 8:30 Visitors To & Conduct on School Property

School Year Calendar

The school year calendar is available to view or download via the D15 website. Note that the last day of school shown may change in April 2021, depending on whether the district designates any regular school days as nonattendance days due to snow or other inclement weather.

District 15 Office - Kiszka Educational Service Center (ESC)

Community Consolidated School District 15 is headquartered at: Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center (ESC), 580 N. 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067-8110, Phone: 847-963-3000, Fax: 847-963-3200. Public Office Hours: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

District 15 & School Administrators

➤View contact information for District 15’s full administrative team on the Contact Us webpage. District 15 School Locations

➤View or download a list of schools and map on the School Directory webpage. Employment Opportunities at District 15

We invite you to consider joining us! District 15 has many opportunities for part-time or full-time employment through each school year. To view current opportunities, please visit our Human Resources department webpage. District 15 utilizes an online site to host our opportunities and online application process. Once submitted, your application will be available for review by our principals and other administrative staff.

Notice

The annual handbook is a summary of Board of Education policies governing District 15. The complete School District 15 Board of Education Policy Manual is available for public review at the District office and on the District 15 website. State and federal laws require school districts to notify parents and students about certain rights, responsibilities, and procedures; you will find that information in this handbook. This handbook may be amended during the year without notice to parents.

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Chapter 1

WELCOME

From the Desk of Dr. Laurie Heinz Dear District 15 Parents/Guardians: On behalf of the Board of Education and administration, I welcome you to the 2020-21 school year — a year unlike any we have ever known in District 15 and across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to modify our instructional practices to create new, more responsive approaches. More twists and turns will likely arise in the months to come, too. Whatever the challenges ahead, I want to reassure you that District 15 is dedicated to safely educating every student every day — all 12,000 students from early childhood through eighth grade. I also want to reassure you that District 15 remains committed to the success of the whole child. We will continue to use responsive teaching practices and ensure that our students learn in a safe and dynamic environment, stay academically and socially-emotionally engaged, and feel supported and challenged as learners. To offer more flexibility this year, the 2020-21 Parent/Student Handbook has been streamlined to offer essential day-to-day information along with links to our website for the latest updates. You will find “nuts and bolts” on academics, safety, behavior and communication to name just a few of the key procedures and policies that help anchor us as a District. Each of our 20 schools has its own unique characteristics, so principals will update you on the programs and procedures that may differ from school to school. Both the District 15 website and our mobile app are designed for mobile devices to readily connect you to your school and District 15. Please take time to review the handbook and bookmark it for ongoing use. As the year unfolds, District 15 will steadfastly remain a wonderfully diverse and child-centered community where all students receive what they need to grow as learners; have access to support services and talented staff; and benefit from collaborative partnerships. In fact, partnerships between home and school have never been more critical; we will be working to establish and strengthen that bond in 2020-21. The one thing we can confidently predict is that the year ahead will be unpredictable. I want to hear what’s working and where we have room to improve to better meet the needs of all students. So please keep ideas, concerns, and compliments coming. Whether you are new or returning to District 15, we welcome you to a new school year like none before -yet one that we know will be filled with learning and growth for every child. Your partner in education,

Laurie Heinz, Ed.D., Superintendent heinzl@ccsd15.net

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Board of Education District 15 is governed by an elected, seven-member Board of Education (pictured/from left): ● Samantha Bray Ader, Secretary ● Michael Smolka ● Anthony Wang ● Lisa Szczupaj, President ● Frank J. Annerino, Vice President ● Zubair Khan ● Wenda Hunt Board of Education members serve four-year terms; elections are held the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years. Read more here about the members of the Board, their important responsibilities, and how to contact them.

➤View Board meeting schedule and learn more about Board meetings later in this handbook. Administrators

District 15 chief administrative leadership includes: ● Laurie Heinz, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, 847-963-3205, heinzl@ccsd15.net ● Claire Kowalczyk, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent of Schools, 847-963-3202, kowalczc@ccsd15.net ● Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Official, 847-963-3032, mccluskd@ccsd15.net ● Ann Scully, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, 847-963-3149, scullya@ccsd15.net ● Lisa Nuss, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, 847-963-3013, nussl@ccsd15.net ● Meg Schnoor, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, 847-963-3101, schnoorm@ccsd15.net ● Thomas Edgar, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent of District Improvement and Data, 847-963-3106, edgart@ccsd15.net ● Renee Urbanski, Assistant Superintendent of Multilingual Programs, 847-963-3136, urbanskr@ccsd15.net ● Morgan Delack, Chief Communication Officer, 847-963-3204, delackm@ccsd15.net

➤View complete list of District 15 and school administrators on the Contact Us webpage. District 15 At-A-Glance

District 15 — the second largest elementary system in Illinois with more than 12,000 students — has 15 schools serving grades K-6, four junior high schools serving grades 7-8, and one alternative school. Drawing students from all or parts of seven municipalities, the District’s boundaries encompass a diverse population of approximately 35 square miles, with a population of 119,054 (2010) residents who speak more than 80 languages or dialects. Read more here.

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District Mission & Strategic Commitments

The Board of Education has established District 15’s Mission, VIsion, and Values to provide a framework for providing the children of our community with the highest possible quality of education. District 15’s commitments to students; staff; facility improvement and financial stewardship; and results power the strategic directions utilized to reach our vision of preparing students to be critical thinkers; effective communicators; engaged community members; and self-reliant, resilient and healthy individuals who are equipped for continued success. Informed parents play an important role in ensuring a sound educational program for their children. Parents are encouraged to become active and supportive of our schools, engaging with administrators and teachers, volunteering, and attending Board of Education meetings. Your involvement is essential to building the “connected learning community” that is our District mission.

➤District 15’s complete At-A-Glance strategic direction is available on this webpage.

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Chapter 2

GETTING STARTED

New/Transfer Student Enrollment New Students: Kindergarten & Transfers Parents new to the community may call the Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center at 847-963-3000 for information about where their child will attend school. Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before September 1, 2020 to enroll. For families who are new to District 15, two steps are required for registration: 1. Begin registration online from home. An email address is needed to complete District 15's online process. If you need help creating one, please contact your school's main office, or visit wikiHow to create an email address for free. If you need assistance completing online registration, please visit your school during office hours. 2. Once online registration is submitted, bring the necessary paperwork listed below in person to school during regular office hours to complete the registration process.

The following information is required to enroll your child in District 15: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Birth certificate (original with seal) or other government document verifying date of birth; Two proofs of residency (e.g., copies of driver’s license, lease, or utility bills); Physician’s telephone number and address, if known; Two local emergency contact names and phone numbers; Any pertinent health information including health, dental, and eye exams at regular intervals (see Required Health Examinations and Immunization Recording); A student transfer form from the previous school attended (if applicable); and Your child (only if needed to screen for English language proficiency).

Temporary Living Situation or McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Services If you are unable to provide any needed documentation because of a temporary living situation, please contact Julie O’Hara, 847-963-3210, oharaj@ccsd15.net, or Min Goodwin, 847-963-3209, goodwinm@ccsd15.net, in the Superintendent’s Office. If you believe you’re eligible for McKinney-Vento services, please contact Alicia Corrigan, Director of Student Services, 847-963-3152, corrigaa@ccsd15.net.

Returning Students Annual Registration

All students returning to District 15 schools must complete an annual registration process. Parents/guardians are requested to complete this online registration as soon as it is announced early each spring. Parents may register online from home, and do not need to do so in person unless assistance is needed.

Transfer from District 15

To ensure a timely transfer of school records to your child’s new school, please call the school office at least one week in advance of a move outside the school’s attendance area. The following information will be requested from you before you move: date of move; new address; and new school child will attend (if known). Pro-rated book rental refunds will be mailed to your new address.

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Transfer within District 15

Under special circumstances, parents may request an intra-District transfer of their child(ren) from their assigned home school to another District 15 school. Requests will only be considered upon completing the requested application and providing supporting documentation within the announced timeline. Requests are handled by the District 15 Intra-District Transfer Committee. Each spring, District 15 will announce the dates and deadline to submit requests for consideration for the upcoming school year. Read more here.

School Supply Lists

The student school supply lists differ by school and are posted on the District 15 website > Our Schools. From each school’s page, the school supply list is located under “Our School > School Supply Lists”.

Fees Annual Textbook Rental/Material/Technology Fees School District 15 charges a book rental, material, and technology fee to help defray costs. If you are new to the District, fees are payable at the time of enrollment. During the summer, parents can log into Infinite Campus to pay student fees. Students who enroll late may pay the fees in the school office when they register. Book/material/technology fees for the 2020-21school year are: Kindergarten — $60; Grades 1-6 — $120; Grades 7-8 — $135.

Other Junior High Fees District 15 collects other fees at certain grade levels or based on participation. Other fees collected from students include: ● ● ●

Grade 8 students pay $15.75 for graduation gown purchase. A one-time PE clothing fee is included in the textbook/material/technology fees. Students pay $9 for any additional PE clothes. Students who participate in interscholastic sports are charged $85/sport/year or $175 maximum/student/year, nonrefundable.

Instrument Rental Grades 5-8 District 15 requires students in Grades 5-8 to rent band and orchestra instruments from District-approved music stores, unless you already have an instrument to use. If a particular instrument is not available to rent from any of the District-approved music stores, your child will be able to rent that particular instrument from the school district for a one-time fee of $30 for elementary students, and $50 for junior high students. Students playing large instruments, such as a cello or bass, may rent a rehearsal instrument that remains at school. Students who play percussion pay a $15 fee for use of a school percussion kit. Please keep in mind that our District inventory may put limitations on instrument choice. Should you need financial assistance from the District to participate in the instrumental program, please contact Risa Cohen, District Curriculum and Fine Arts Coordinator, at 847-963-3117. For assistance in Spanish, please contact Clara Neff at 847-963-3161. Fee Payment Payments may be made by cash, check or credit card: ● Cash payments should be made by the parent in the office of the child’s attendance school, where a payment receipt will be issued. ● Check payments should be made payable to “CCSD15,” and can be mailed to your child’s school or the District Office (CCSD15, 580 N. 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067-8110). Please note the student’s name, amount paid, and parent’s name in the payment envelope. Returned check fee charge is $25 per check. ● Credit card payments may be submitted online. You will need your Campus Parent portal email address and a valid credit card number. If you need assistance with your Campus Parent portal

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email address, please call your child’s school, Parents who do not have Internet access may come to the District 15 office, 580 N. 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, to process their credit card payments. Because all books under this rental plan are the property of the Board of Education, the cost for replacement of lost or damaged books is the responsibility of the student or parent/guardian.

➤See Student Fees for more information. Fee Waiver Students eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program qualify for a fee waiver, as do students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) are on active military duty or deployment. Fees will be waived at the time of approval of the free or reduced-price lunch application. No additional application is required. If the student does not qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the parent may submit an Application for Fee Waiver, available on the website. A detailed explanation of family circumstances and documentation is required. Factors that are considered include: illness in the family; unusual expenses resulting from circumstances such as fire, flood, or storm damage; seasonal employment; or other emergency situations. Students eligible under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act will have fees waived. Please contact Alicia Corrigan, Director of Student Services at 847-963-3152 or corrigaa@ccsd15.net if you have questions about or believe that your family may qualify.

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Chapter 3

DAY TO DAY ESSENTIALS

For additional instructions specific to your school, please consult your school's website and watch for announcements from your school administrators.

COVID-19 Update Wearing of Face Coverings Consistent with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health, students, staff, visitors, volunteers and contractors must wear face coverings at all times while in school buildings (except when eating or if necessary to play an instrument), on school buses, and outside when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained. Students are expected to wear a face covering to school each day. Students who arrive at school without a face covering will be provided a disposable face covering at no cost. The only exemptions to the face covering requirement are for students who are younger than two years of age, have trouble breathing, or are incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance. Students who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering may also be provided with appropriate accommodations to ensure the safety of that student and the rest of the school community. A note from the student’s physician will be required for a student requesting an exemption from the face covering requirement. District personnel will contact the parents/guardians of all students requesting exemptions to discuss appropriate accommodations. To request an exemption to the face covering requirement and an appropriate accommodation in lieu of a face covering for your student, please contact your school’s principal.

➤Contact information for your school’s principal can be found on the District 15 website > Our Schools.

Students who refuse to wear face coverings, including those students whose parents/guardians prohibit the use of face coverings, may be required to participate in remote learning. In addition, students who refuse to wear face coverings may be subject to disciplinary consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policy 7:190 Student Behavior.

Arriving at School

To ensure proper supervision is available, students who walk or are driven to school by car should not arrive at school until five minutes before school begins. All exterior doors except the main entrance of the building will be locked at all times. Late arrivals must use the front entrance in order to maintain building security. All visitors to the school must report directly to the main office and produce identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, in exchange for a visitor’s badge, each time you visit one of our schools. This procedure is in place for the safety of students and staff.

➤View school office hours, arrival and dismissal times here. 15┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

Animals on School Grounds No animals are allowed on school grounds during times when children are present unless pre-authorized by the Principal of the school. (Trained service animals in use by a person with a disability, however, are allowed on school grounds.) Bicycles, Skateboards, Skates, and Scooters ●

●

Students in grades 3 through 6 may ride their bikes to school. All bikes must be walked on school property. Bikes must be locked in the bike rack. The school is unable to assume any responsibility for loss or damage to bikes brought to school. Bicycle helmets are required. Skateboards, scooters, roller skates, Heely’s (shoes with wheels in them), and in-line skates are prohibited on school property during school hours.

Student Attendance

Regular, on-time attendance is very important. Children who are absent unnecessarily miss vital classroom instruction time. Repeated absences may have a negative effect on a student’s progress, work habits, and attitude. Reporting an Absence Our first concern when a child is absent is to verify the child’s safety. For that reason, it is very important that the school office knows the whereabouts of your child(ren) when they are absent or will be late arriving at school. State law requires that all student absences be verified. All schools have voice mail with an absence voice mailbox for parents to report absences. ✔ When your child is absent or late, parents/guardians are required to call the school absence line or the school office to notify the staff of your child’s absence. ✔ State your child’s full name, the teacher’s name, the date of the absence, and the reason for the absence. ✔ Please DO NOT leave this information on your child’s teacher’s voice mail or email. Substitute teachers cannot access either account.

When a child is absent and the parent(s) have not called to report the absence, the school will attempt to verify the child’s safety by contacting parents using the contact numbers parents have provided to the school. Please be sure that your child’s school has all current phone numbers on record. If your child is absent, and you do not call, and you cannot be reached, your child will be marked truant. Students occasionally may be absent from school for valid reasons, for example: illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, other situations beyond the control of the student, or circumstances that cause parents reasonable concern for the student’s mental, emotional or physical health or safety. Students who are absent for these reasons will be given an opportunity to make up missed school work. Arriving Late Students are expected to arrive on time for school because late arrivals cause unnecessary disruption in the classroom and result in lost instruction time. Late arrivals must get a pass from the school office to ensure that the student is not marked absent for the day and to enable us to notify School Nutrition Services if a hot lunch is needed. We closely monitor students who are frequently absent or tardy. If truancy or tardiness becomes a problem, parents will be contacted to resolve the issue and/or disciplinary actions will be taken. Monitoring Absences, Tardiness and Truancy The Illinois State Board of Education dictates what constitutes a full day of school versus a half day of school, as well as tardies and truancies. 16┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

➤View the District’s detailed guidelines here. 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. Disciplinary action may be taken against any student guilty of being absent without a recognized excuse. State law and Board of Education Policy 7:70 Attendance and Truancy will be used with chronic and habitual truants. In the event of a persistent student attendance problem, District staff shall assess reasons for the absences and develop appropriate diagnostic procedures. These procedures may include, but are not limited to, counseling for the student and the student’s parent/guardian, health evaluations by the school nurse, and clinical evaluations by local and/or state agencies. Support services that may be offered to a student with an attendance problem include: parent-teacher conferences, counseling, case study evaluations, alternative educational programs, alternative school placements, and community agencies. When medically certified, homebound instruction may be provided for students with ongoing medical circumstances that impact attendance. Leaving During the School Day Students are not permitted to leave school grounds on their own at any time during the school day, except for those elementary children who go home for lunch (see details in Chapter 4 Home for Lunch). When a student needs to be excused during the school day for an appointment, parents should state in writing the reason for early dismissal, date and time the student is to be picked up, and by whom the student will be picked up (parent or other designated person). The note should be brought to the office at the beginning of the school day. Students must report to the office prior to leaving, and the parent or designee must come into the school office to sign the child out. Students will only be released to parents or the designee, either of which will be asked for identification when picking up the child. Students returning to school must report to the office, sign in, and get a pass to return to class. Students who are ill and in the nurse’s office will not be allowed to walk home. A parent or other designee must come to the school and sign the student out. Vacations Taking students out of school for vacations is strongly discouraged and is considered an unexcused absence. If a student is to be absent because of a family vacation, parents should notify the school office in writing at least one week before the planned absence. Teachers are not required to provide homework assignments prior to the child leaving for vacation or in advance of an absence. Missed Homework When students are absent for acceptable reasons, make-up work will be allowed. Students are responsible for obtaining and completing missing assignments or parents may contact their child’s teacher directly regarding homework assignments. After returning to school, students will have one day to make up homework for each day absent. Again, teachers are not required to provide homework assignments prior to the child leaving for vacation or in advance of an absence.

Student Appearance COVID-19 Update Students are expected to wear a face covering to school each day. The only exemptions to the face covering requirement are for students who are younger than two years of age, have trouble breathing, or are incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance. Students who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering may also be provided with appropriate accommodations to ensure the safety of that student and the rest of the school community. Students who do not comply with the student appearance policy are subject to disciplinary action and will be required to change into appropriate attire.

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Appropriate student dress helps the school maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning not only during school hours, but also at all school functions. Clothing and accessories that display undesirable and/or unhealthy images (such as, but not limited to, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, violence, or gang-related symbols) do not belong in a school setting. Also inappropriate are depictions of vulgar actions/language/behavior, gang signs, or sexually suggestive pictures or statements. Any obvious combinations of current gang colors will not be allowed. These policies will be strongly enforced. A determination that a student’s dress is inappropriate will be made by the principal, assistant principal, or police liaison officer. The following guidelines are used in determining whether attire is appropriate. They include, but are not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

No bare midriffs. No undergarments of any kind showing. No bare or lace-up backs. Shoulders must be covered by at least two inches of fabric. Skirts and shorts must not be shorter than four inches above the knee. Tops may not be lower than an imaginary line drawn from armpit to armpit. No hats or bandanas are to be worn inside the building except when entering or preparing to leave the building unless they are for religious or medical purposes. Temporary hair coloring, glitter, or other alterations that may cause distractions in the classroom are not permitted. No night clothes (e.g., pajama pants). No mismatched shoelaces.

For safety reasons, students should follow these guidelines: ● ● ● ●

Footwear which is safe for indoor and outdoor physical activity should be worn at all times. (Shoes with wheels are not allowed; platform shoes and thong-style sandals are discouraged.) No belts, necklaces, or bracelets with spikes or chains, including chains connecting wallets to a belt. No pants or skirts that drag on the floor. No coats, jackets, or other outerwear in the classroom.

Recess – Children generally go outside for recess, so they should be appropriately dressed for active outdoor play. Exceptions are made only when a child brings a doctor’s note excusing him/her from outdoor recess. Staff members provide playground supervision at all times during recess. See Chapter 6 Health & Wellness for more information about outdoor play. Halloween – Students are permitted to wear costumes on Halloween as long as their attire complies with the above student appearance policy and meets the following set of expectations for a school setting: ●

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Children should not wear bloody, gruesome, or especially scary costumes. Costumes involving fake blood are not allowed. Actual weapons, look-alike weapons, toy weapons or weapon-like objects are not allowed. Masks that cover the face and head are not allowed. Costume make-up is allowed provided it does not cover the student’s entire face. Staff members must be able to identify students. Costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype about someone’s culture, gender, heritage or religion are not allowed.

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Personal Belongings at School COVID-19 Update In conformance with mandated health and safety guidelines, District 15 may alter the use of lockers in 2020-21. Students will be directed where to place their personal items during the school day. The procedures on locker use described below also may be changed; school principals will alert you to updates. Backpacks/Book Bags Students are not permitted to carry backpacks and book bags from class to class during the school day. All backpacks and book bags must be placed in students’ lockers during the day. Purses or handbags may be carried during the school day; however, such items must not be larger than 8½” x 11”. Junior High Lockers Students in junior high school are assigned a locker for storing coats or jackets, book bags or backpacks, and other personal items during school hours. Students may not change lockers without permission from administrative staff. Lockers should be kept locked and the combination kept confidential. The school assumes no responsibility for the loss of articles from a locker. School administrative personnel have the right to inspect lockers at any time. Lockers are on loan to students and remain the property of the Board of Education. Any damage to the locker is the student’s responsibility. Lockers should be kept clean and neat. No open food or beverage other than water may be stored in lockers. Scotch tape and masking tape may be used inside lockers, but stickers are not permitted, as they damage the paint. Lockers may be decorated before or after school for special occasions, but permission must be obtained from the office before decorating. No balloons, confetti, or hallway signs are permitted. Lost and Found Parents are urged to mark all personal belongings with their child(ren)’s name in permanent marker or with a name tag. Each school maintains a lost and found area where children or parents may claim lost articles, such as clothing or school materials. Bringing Items to School/Articles Not Permitted Articles that interfere in any way with school procedures, disrupt the educational process, or are hazards to the safety of others are not allowed at school. Such items include, but are not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and/or other tobacco products; Drugs, including over-the-counter drugs and look-alike drugs (see Medication at School); Alcohol; Weapons or look-alike items (firearms, knives, etc.); Lighters or matches; Laser pointers; and Aerosol cans.

Possession of these items is prohibited at school and may result in detention, suspension, or expulsion. A student who uses, possesses, distributes, purchases, or sells an explosive, firearm, or any other object that can reasonably be considered a weapon can be expelled in accordance with Board of Education Policy 7:190 Student Behavior. If a student brings a firearm or weapon to school, the criminal justice or juvenile court system will be notified. Personal iPods, e-readers, iPads and/or other electronic devices may not be used in school. Upon arrival at school, such items must be turned off and placed in the student’s hallway locker immediately and remain there throughout the school day and during after-school activities. Items used during the school day without

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staff permission may be confiscated and held until a parent/guardian can pick them up. It is highly recommended that such items remain at home. Cell Phones Student possession and/or use of cell phones and other electronic devices while at school is governed by Board of Education Policy 7:190 Student Behavior. Here is the excerpt related to cell phones:

The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct including, but not limited to: ●

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Using or possessing an electronic paging device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular telephone. All electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (b) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.

Classroom Routines Gifts District 15 strongly discourages the collection of money by either students or parents for gifts to staff members. Gifts to staff members are also discouraged. Classroom Parties At the teacher’s discretion, classroom parties may be held on Halloween and Valentine’s Day. Room representatives and PTA volunteers may be asked to help on these days. Based on the District’s Resource Guide for Supporting Students with Life Threatening Allergies, food will not be allowed at class parties. See Student Appearance (above) for notes about acceptable costumes. Birthdays Treats provided in celebration of a child’s birthday must be non-edible.The classroom teacher will determine the best time to distribute them. Visit the District website for non-edible celebration ideas for parents. It is against federal regulations to serve lunch to students in lieu of the regular lunch program; this includes pizza and other fast food. In addition, if you are planning a party for your child at home, please do not distribute invitations at school. Telephone Messages All classrooms are equipped with telephones. If class is in session or if the teacher is out of the room, a message can be left in the teacher’s voice mailbox. The teacher will return the call as soon as possible. Messages to students will be delivered to them by the end of the school day. Parents are requested not to call unless it is urgent. Students may use the classroom phone with permission from the teacher or office staff. Emergencies should always be directed to the school office.

Safety First Commitment

➤Read more about District 15’s comprehensive commitment to Student Safety on this webpage and read the Caring and Safe Schools chapter of this handbook.

Raising Children’s Awareness of Safety The safety of all children attending District 15 schools is a top priority. Please review the school’s general rules and safety precautions with your child, putting particular emphasis on bus rules, bicycle rules and 20┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

wearing a helmet, obeying the safety patrol, and returning home immediately after school unless other arrangements have been made. If you transport your child to school by car, please use the areas designated by the school for dropping off and picking up your child. District 15 schools do not permit such items as knives, bean shooters, hard baseballs, etc., to be brought to school. If items that are deemed potentially hazardous to the student or others are brought to school, these articles will be confiscated. Please review Board Policy 7:190 Student Behavior. Bullying/Safety Tip Line District 15’s Bullying/Safety Tip Line provides parents and students with an additional option to report bullying and/or other safety concerns within their schools. Similar to making a report in person or over the phone, when making an online report, please include as much detailed information as possible because doing so will greatly assist administrators in investigating and addressing the concern(s). Although it is usually best to speak directly with an administrator when making a report about bullying and/or other safety concerns at your school, sometimes students and parents are not comfortable doing so. Toward that end, this tool also allows for anonymous reporting. Please keep in mind that online reports received outside of school hours will not be reviewed and acted upon until school is back in session. With that said, if your concern(s) require(s) immediate attention, please contact local law enforcement.

➤Submit a concern via the Bullying/Safety Tip Line. Parent/Visitor Procedures COVID-19 Update The general procedures described below will be altered in conformance with mandated health and safety guidelines. Please watch for updates from your school on specific guidelines for the 2020-21 school year. Visitor Sign-In & Forgotten Item Drop-Off Only students are allowed to enter into the building in the morning. Items dropped off for students, such as lunches, notes, homework, keys, or musical instruments, will be delivered from the office before lunch or before dismissal. Items must be labeled with the child’s name and room number/teacher or delivery cannot be guaranteed. Scheduling Visits Because unannounced visits can be disruptive and interfere with instructional time, all visits by parents or other visitors must be scheduled with the classroom teacher or office staff. Visits immediately before school holidays or at the end of the school year are discouraged, as they are extremely busy times for teachers and other staff members. Younger siblings in the classroom are a distraction; please make other arrangements for them if you plan to visit. According to District 15 procedures, all school visitors are required to: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Enter through the designated visitor entrance door. Sign in to the school’s visitor’s log, providing any pertinent information listed on the log (i.e., name, destination, reason for visit, time-in/time-out, etc.). Provide personal government-issued identification card in exchange for the visitor’s pass. Visibly wear the visitor’s pass that is provided by the school’s office personnel for the duration of the visit. Be escorted by staff to their destination, if staff is available. Observe all laws, school policies, procedures, and rules while visiting the school, including Policy 8:30: Visitors to and Conduct on School Property. 21┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

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Sign out of the visitor’s log and return the visitor’s pass in exchange for personal government-issued identification. COVID-19 Update: All individuals in a school building are required to wear a face covering at all times. As required by IDPH, all individuals in a school building must wear a face covering unless they have a medical contraindication, are under 2 years of age, have trouble breathing, or are unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to remove the face covering without assistance.

Conduct on School Property or at a School Event District 15 expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on school property or at a school event. Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by Board of Education Policy 8:30: Visitors to and Conduct on School Property may be ejected from school property and/or local law enforcement may be contacted. The person is also subject to being denied admission to school events or meetings for up to one calendar year. Please review the policy carefully before visiting or attending an event at school. Parent Volunteers Parent volunteers are encouraged and welcome in all District 15 schools; however, we ask that the following protocols be observed: ● ● ● ● ● ●

All volunteers must sign in at the school office and wear a guest or volunteer badge while in the building. All volunteers must note the purpose and destination of their visit and not deviate from this purpose or destination without prior notification to the school office. All volunteers follow confidentiality guidelines when working with students. Volunteers should not bring either under-school-age children or school-age children not attending school (i.e., absent due to illness, half-day programming, etc.) with them while volunteering. Volunteers are considered a part of the school population, and should observe all laws, school policies, procedures, and rules while visiting the school. In the event a visitor is in the building when a lockdown is initiated, remain in the area you are in and follow the directives of trained staff members. COVID-19 Update: All individuals in a school building are required to wear a face covering at all times. As required by IDPH, all individuals in a school building must wear a face covering unless they have a medical contraindication, are under 2 years of age, have trouble breathing, or are unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to remove the face covering without assistance.

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Chapter 4

MEALS & TRANSPORTATION

COVID-19 Update

The meal program and procedures described below may be altered in conformance with mandated health and safety guidelines. Please watch for updates from District 15 on any changes for the 2020-21 school year. Or, consult the School Nutrition Services webpage.

Student Breakfast and Lunch Breakfast is offered in most buildings, and lunch is offered to all students in all District buildings. School meals are healthy meals. We offer a variety of affordable and appealing choices daily through the efforts of more than 70 food and nutrition professionals dedicated to serving our students and staff appealing and healthy meals. Food safety and quality are always our top priorities. Menus All of our menus are available online. All of our menus are processed through a nutritional analysis software to ensure that we meet or exceed all federal program requirements. Allergen and nutritional information are available on the Primeroedge Website - coming soon! Daily menu selections are served in age-appropriate portions, and ensure that students are receiving the recommended daily allowances of key nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium when averaged over a five-day period. Food Allergies Monthly menus are available for students with celiac disease, peanut, tree nut, and dairy allergies. Contact Nutrition Services at 847-963-3928 for further information. Read also District 15’s Resource Guide for Supporting Students with Life-Threatening Allergies, which includes important information, guidelines and resources to manage allergies and other special dietary needs in District 15 schools. Please remind your child not to share his/her lunch with others due to food allergy concerns. Lunch Lunches are available for purchase daily at a cost of $2.60 per meal for elementary students and $2.70 per meal for junior high students. Reduced-price meals cost 40 cents. Students who bring lunch from home may purchase milk for 45 cents. Students eligible for free meal benefits are entitled to a free lunch. All meals include low-fat white and non-fat flavored milk.

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Breakfast In schools where breakfast is available, the daily cost is $1.30 per meal, including milk. Students who meet eligibility requirements for free meal benefits are also entitled to a free breakfast, and those on the reduced program may purchase breakfast for 30 cents. CEP School Buildings Jane Addams, Virginia Lake, Lake Louise, Winston Campus Junior High, and Conyers Learning Academy schools are in a program called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), funded by the federal government. All students in these schools are entitled to receive a free breakfast and a free lunch each day. No application or action is required by parents for this voluntary program. This program does not extend as a fee waiver for students. To apply for a fee waiver, parents/guardians must complete the purple “Application for Educational Benefits” form here or at each school building. Á la carte All á la carte items meet the “Smart Snacks in Schools” regulations, and are available: ● ●

In the elementary schools, low-fat/reduced-fat ice cream novelties and other healthy snack items may be available for purchase at an additional cost. Not all items are available every day. In the junior high schools, baked chip/pretzel products and other low-fat items are available daily. Parents may elect to limit á la carte purchases by calling their child’s school and speaking to the nutrition coordinator.

Payment Breakfast and lunch may be purchased by the day, week, month, semester, or year. Meal payments must be made in advance, and may be made two ways – online, or at each school by cash or check. ●

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Online Payments via MyMealTime – Payments into a student’s school meal account can be made online with credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, and MasterCard). Parents may also monitor student account balances and transactions, and request low balance notifications. For more information or to enroll, visit the District 15 Student Meals webpage or MyMealTime web portal. Cash or Check Payments – Cash or check payments for meals should be brought to your child’s school in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and class/section written on it. Checks should be made payable to “CCSD15 School Nutrition Services.”

Account Procedures ●

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Negative Balance Procedure – If a student has a negative balance in their meal account, a negative balance reminder will be emailed or mailed home. We ask that when the negative balance reminder is received that money is sent with the student the following day or deposited via MyMealTime online. Students must have money in their account to purchase á la carte items (including milk) or a second lunch. Balances Owed – Notices will be sent home weekly if your student has an outstanding balance. If families need assistance in paying outstanding balances, they should contact Nutrition Services at 847-963-3928 to discuss alternative payment arrangements. ○ ○

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All charges not paid before the end of the school year will be carried forward into the next school year. All graduating students must pay all charges in full.

Refunds – Any student who is withdrawn due to moving out of or graduating from District 15 is entitled to a refund of any money remaining in their account by submitting a written or email request or by a phone call to School Nutrition Services at 847-963-3928. If there are any remaining siblings in the District after a student has graduated, any remaining funds can be transferred to the sibling by submitting a written or email request to Kristin Voigts, Nutrition Services Director or by calling 847-963-3928.

➤ Account questions? Email School Nutrition Services or call 847-963-3928. 24┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Services Children from households that meet federal guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meal services under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. Children who are eligible for free lunches can also receive breakfast at no charge at schools where breakfast is served. Application forms for free or reduced-price meals are available online, on Mymealtime.com or at the school. Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year. They can also be submitted for a single child or for an entire family, and all types of applications can be submitted – income-based, foster child, categorical certification, etc. Households should answer all applicable questions on the form. Applications that do not contain all required information cannot be processed and approved. For more information on free or reduced-price meal services, visit the Student Meals webpage, contact your child’s school or call School Nutrition Services at 847-963-3928. Home for Lunch ● In elementary schools, students who live within a reasonable walking distance from school may go home for lunch. Children who walk home for lunch may leave at the beginning of the lunch hour, and must be signed out in the school office. Approval for a student to go to a friend’s home for lunch requires a note from both students’ parents. Children need to return to the school no later than five minutes before the end of the lunch hour and sign back in upon return. ● Junior high schools do not have open campuses, so students are expected to eat in the school cafeteria. No food or drink may be taken from the cafeteria. Snacks within the School Day Please see helpful information included in Chapter 6 Health & Wellness.

Transportation Services COVID-19 Update

In conformance with mandated health and safety guidelines, District 15 will be limiting the capacity of buses. This may significantly impact routing and schedules for the 2020-21 school year. Space for pay riders may be limited or unavailable this year.

➤View updated information: Transportation Services webpage or contact your school office. Overview Your child is entitled to bus transportation at no charge if you are a resident of District 15 and live 1.5 or more miles from the District-assigned school he or she will attend, or in an area declared to be hazardous as determined by the Illinois Department of Transportation. All bus assignments, as well as routes and stops, are determined by Transportation Services. Parents whose children ride school buses are asked to be sure the information on the bus assignment is accurate. If the information is not correct, please call the school office. There is no charge for students to ride the after school activity bus at the Junior Highs. Versatrans My Stop™ GPS Program District 15 offers the Versatrans My Stop™ GPS program at no cost to parents through an app available for both Apple and Android devices. My Stop allows parents to see an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the

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bus arriving at their child’s specific bus stop. The ETA is updated frequently and My Stop will also inform parents if the bus is running late based on the pick-up and drop-off times.

➤View more about My Stop here or call 847-963-3900. To find out your child’s student identification number, please contact your school.

Frequently Asked Questions Can my child get off at a stop other than their assigned home bus stop? My child missed the bus...can the bus come back to the bus stop? How do I locate a lost item on a school bus?

➤Find answers to these and many other frequently asked questions here.

For additional assistance, please contact: Judith Bramer, Assistant Director of Transportation, 847-963-3904; Tom Bramley, Director of Transportation Services, 847-963-3905; or Dr. Claire Kowalczyk, Deputy Superintendent, 847-963-3202. Day Care Center Transportation Only children who are residents of District 15 may attend District 15 schools from a day care center from within the District. View more details here. Kindergarten or Younger Riders School District 15 Transportation Department will not release kindergarten or younger students without a parent meeting the bus, unless the school has a letter from the parent authorizing the driver to release students to another adult. If a Kindergarten or younger student is not met at the bus stop by the parent or if there is not a letter indicating otherwise, transportation will try to contact the house before leaving the bus stop. It is important that the school office has your current phone numbers. If there is no response, Transportation will then bring the student back to school for pickup. Bus Safety Guidelines Please encourage your child(ren) to wear their seat belt while riding the bus. All students who ride buses must follow the District’s School Bus Safety Guidelines: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Students are to board and depart the bus at their assigned stop only. Students are not permitted to ride another student’s bus. Student walkers may not ride the buses. Students should be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus. At the end of the school day, students are to go quickly to their bus’ designated area and wait in an orderly fashion for the bus to arrive. While waiting for the bus, students are not to stand or play on the road or street. After exiting the bus, students who must cross the road must do so 10 feet in front of the bus and only when the stop arm is out and the flashers are operating, and must follow instructions from the bus driver. Students are to remain seated throughout the entire bus ride. Windows are not to be lowered below the safety mark. Students’ heads, hands, arms, and feet, and all objects must be kept inside the bus. Loud conversation, profane language, throwing objects, and discourteous actions toward the bus driver or other passengers will not be tolerated. Students are responsible for any damage to the bus. Glass containers, live animals, and large objects may not be carried on the bus.

Students who display inappropriate behavior may have their transportation privileges taken away. Gross disobedience or misconduct providing grounds for suspension from riding the school bus includes: ● ● ● ● ●

Prohibited student conduct as defined in Board of Education Policy 7:190 Student Behavior; Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider; Willful damage and/or defacement of the bus; Repeated use of profanity; Repeated willful disobedience of the bus driver’s directives; or

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Such other behavior as the administration deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

Video Cameras To enhance bus safety, video cameras are installed on all District buses to assist the driver in monitoring student behavior. Students who display inappropriate behavior will be subject to consequences, which may include but are not limited to loss of bus riding privileges, detention, and/or suspension. Pay Riders As noted above, due to COVID-19 health and safety mandates affecting bus capacity, paid ridership may be limited or unavailable for the 2020-21 school year. Bus transportation is available to other students on a paid basis to the extent that transportation services are available, except that no stops will be made less than one-half mile from a school building, and are approved on a case-by-case basis by Transportation Services. Transportation fees for pay riders are set annually by the Board.

➤Find more information on the District website or call 847-963-3900.

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Chapter 5

ACADEMICS & STUDENT SERVICES

COVID-19 Update

As addressed at the August 11, 2020 Board of Education meeting, District 15 will be starting the 2020-21 school year remotely for all students, with a schedule for rolling reentry to in person learning (for students who have not opted for remote learning exclusively) as determined by ISBE prioritization of special education, bilingual students and early learners. The most current and complete information on District 15’s Return to Learn plans, including Virtual Instruction Plans and Protocols and answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available on a new, dedicated Return to Learn homepage on the District 15 website. Bookmark the webpage and check back often for updates throughout the 2020-21 school year.

Instructional Technology

District 15 recognizes that technology serves as a powerful tool to enhance teaching and learning. With this is mind, teachers and students have ready access to devices that allow for content creation, collaboration, inquiry, and problem-solving. 1:1 Student Chromebooks Preparing students to be successful in a digital age and global economy is a responsibility that District 15 takes very seriously. Starting in the 2020-21 school year, District 15 will be fully 1:1 and will provide an individual Chromebook device for students from kindergarten through grade 8. Your school principal will inform you of the procedure to follow to pick up the device. When students return to school for in person learning during the rolling reentry now planned for this year, teachers will instruct students on whether the device should remain at school or may be taken back and forth from home to school.

➤ View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about technology. ➤ View more information on District 15’s Chromebooks and digital learning resources. Chromebooks at Home Students are expected to use their district issued Chromebook for at home learning during school hours. This provides an extra layer of security and control in order to ensure students remain scholarly and safe online. Internet Connectivity District 15 recognizes that providing internet at home may represent a financial hardship for some families. Internet providers recognize this need as well and have programs in place for qualifying families: ● Comcast’s Internet Essentials ● Access from AT&T

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Our community also offers free Wi-Fi at various locations. Find links to locations in our community and surrounding areas that offer free Wi-Fi via this website.

District 15 has also provided internet hotspots to families in need during remote learning. If you would like to be considered for an internet hotspot, please contact your school principal. Network Use Electronic networks, including the internet, are a part of the District’s instructional program and serve to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Students and parents must read and sign the Network Use Agreement and Network Use Guidelines Letter of Agreement before students are granted use of the internet. A copy of the agreement is also available in all school offices. Students who have a signed Network Use Guidelines Letter of Agreement form on file will, under the supervision of a staff member, be allowed to use the Internet to access appropriate learning resources. District 15 provides supervision and classroom management through commercial Internet filtering and teacher monitoring programs. This prevents student access to materials that may be defamatory, inaccurate, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate and provides teachers with a way to manage student learning in the educational setting.Ultimately, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for setting and conveying standards for their children. Student use of inappropriate material or language or violation of copyright laws may result in a student’s loss of Internet privileges. Parents are legally responsible for their child’s actions.

Approach to Instruction

District 15 is committed to ambitious and powerful teaching that is responsive to the cultural and language assets of all students in every classroom. High quality teaching is present in all classrooms, in all schools, regardless of the content area across our District. This vision is grounded in a commitment to all students as we prepare them to be a D15 graduate. Our instructional framework is rooted in the following key components:

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Content: All students work on core disciplinary issues in ways that enable them to develop conceptual understandings, develop reasoning and problem solving skills, and use disciplinary concepts, tools and methods in relevant contexts. Cognitive Demand: All students have opportunities to make their own sense of important ideas, developing deeper understandings, connections, and applications by building on what they know. Equitable Access to Content: All students are supported in access to central content and participate actively in the work of the class. Diverse strengths and needs are built on through the use of an extensive repertoire of strategies, resources, and technologies that enable all students to participate meaningfully. Agency, Ownership and Identity: All students build productive disciplinary identities through taking advantage of opportunities to engage meaningfully with the discipline and share and refine their developing ideas.

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Formative Assessment: Every student’s learning is continually enhanced by the ongoing strategic and flexible use of techniques and activities that allow students to reveal their emerging understandings and provide opportunities to rethink misunderstandings to build on productive ideas.

New Initiatives Culturally & Linguistically Responsive (CLR) Teaching District 15 is quickly becoming a model district for Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching (CLR) through its dedication in implementing the practice across all 20 of its schools. CLR is professional development that equips teachers with the tools to build students’ academic capacity while validating and affirming their home language and culture. This process builds and bridges students' ability to be successful in school. Within the next three years, all of District 15's schools will be CLR-trained facilities. The District has also launched its first lab classroom to serve as a model for D15 teachers to learn the CLR strategies and tactics. Continue reading about CLR on this webpage. Literacy/Language Arts Instruction Model District 15 is implementing an updated comprehensive responsive literacy instruction model that is on the cutting edge of literacy education. The Fountas and Pinnell Classroom (FPC) curriculum is grounded in evidence-based instructional practices used in whole class, small group, and individual learning contexts for all students. The goal is to create classrooms where students are members of a community of literacy learners who read, think, talk and write every day. The curriculum is being implemented in grades K-6 over several years. Click to continue reading about Literacy/Language Arts.

District 15 Curriculum

The curriculum in District 15 is continually evaluated to ensure it is dynamic and responsive. Various curriculum committees, consisting of teachers and administrators, research best practice instructional approaches and programmatic resources for study, and recommend materials which allow for responsive teaching to meet the needs of diverse learners. Parents have a right to review instructional materials used by their child(ren)’s classroom teachers. In District 15, elementary school classes are self-contained and junior high school classes are departmentalized. The basic curriculum is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards [incorporating the Common Core Standards; the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards for civics and history; and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)]. At all grade levels, students are taught: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Language arts (reading, writing, listening, and speaking); Mathematics; Science; Social studies; Music; Comprehensive health*; Visual arts; and Physical education.

*Human Growth and Development is taught as a separate unit within the Comprehensive Health curriculum. Content and activities are carefully selected for grade-level appropriateness. Parent involvement is essential for the success of this curriculum. Parents may view materials that will be used for instruction and have the option to

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withdraw their children from this unit of instruction by sending a written request to the principal. When instruction in recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse is included in any class, parents will receive notice at least five days before such instruction begins and may choose to have their child(ren) withdraw from participation.

➤Additional offerings in foreign language, comprehensive music, instrumental music and visual arts are described on the Curriculum & Instruction webpage.

Every Student Succeeds Act - Title I

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I, Part A provision requires Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to actively engage parents and families of all students in the development of state and local education plans, school improvement plans, as well as Title I plans (ESSA Section 1116). ESSA places a strong emphasis on the need for districts and schools to actively engage with parents and family members. Through various measures, teams and committees, District 15 actively works to establish expectations and objectives for meaningful parent and family involvement to improve student academic achievement and school performance; coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies with other relevant federal, state and local laws and programs; evaluate the effectiveness of the policy in improving quality of Title I schools, including identifying barriers to greater participation by families and the needs of parents and family members to assist with the learning of their children; and, conduct meaningful consultation with parents of participating children, which may include establishing an advisory board to develop, revise and review the engagement policy.

Elementary Curriculum Highlights & Procedures

District 15 is proud to offer a variety of educational opportunities and support programs to our elementary students in grades K-6. Our rigorous core curriculum is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, which incorporate the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. The instructional program includes: ● ● ● ● ●

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Language Arts/Literacy (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) Mathematics Science Social Studies Comprehensive Music – Students in Full-Day Kindergarten through Grade 6 receive two 30-minute music classes each week. Half-Day Kindergarten students have music instruction for one 30-minute period per week. Comprehensive Health Physical Education – Two 30-minute physical education classes per week are scheduled for students in Grades 1-6. Visual Arts – Full-Day Kindergarten through Grade 6 students participate in one, 60-minute art class weekly.

Additional Resources The following resources are available in support of or in addition to the instructional programs listed above: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Learning Resource Center (Library) Student Services Team, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, School Nurse Technology in the Classroom Video/Broadcast Studio Instrumental Music: Band/Orchestra – Fifth- and sixth-grade students may join band or orchestra. Chorus: Chorus is a school-sponsored club that may be available for students in Grades 5 and 6. Intramurals: Fifth- and sixth-grade students are eligible to participate in intramurals.

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Recess Students generally go outside for recess every day, so they should dress appropriately for the weather. Exceptions are made only when a child brings a doctor’s note excusing him/her from outdoor recess. Staff members provide playground supervision. If students are not following behavior expectations, a staff member will address the behavior with the student(s). Based on the behavior, the child may speak to an administrator. Indoor recess is determined based on the following guidelines: ● ● ●

If the temperature outside, together with the wind chill, is below 0°F, all students will remain inside for the entire lunch hour. If the temperature outside, together with the wind chill, is between 0°–10°F, the preferred procedure is a rotation of 20 minutes for lunch, a 20-minute outdoor recess, and a 20-minute indoor recess. However, at the principal’s discretion, the students may be kept inside for the entire lunch hour. If the temperature outside, together with the wind chill, is above 10°F, students will have regular outdoor recess.

Other considerations include the condition of the playground and the presence of precipitation. For indoor recess, students are supervised in their classrooms. Homework Guidelines Homework extends and reinforces concepts being taught in class, provides time to practice new skills, and helps students prepare for quizzes and/or tests. We encourage families to identify a specific time and place for children to complete homework. If any concerns arise regarding homework, please contact the classroom teacher. The following guidelines for suggested amounts of time to be spent on homework may be helpful: ● ● ● ● ●

Kindergarten: Grades 1 & 2: Grade 3: Grade 4: Grades 5 & 6:

10 minutes/day 20 minutes/day 30 minutes/day 30-40 minutes/day 45-60 minutes/day

In addition, helping our students develop a life-long love of reading is important to us. That is why we recommend children set aside time for recreational reading each day, too. Physical Education All elementary students participate in physical education classes. Children may be exempt from some or all physical activities with an excuse from parent(s)/guardian(s) for a period of up to three days. Students who need to be excused beyond that or for an extended length of time must provide a written excuse submitted to the school by a person licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act -- see the procedure outlined in the Activity Restrictions section of this handbook. Alternative activities and/or units of instruction will be provided for pupils whose physical or emotional condition prevents their participation in the physical education courses as determined by a person licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act. To participate in physical education classes, elementary students need to wear safe, appropriate attire such as: ● ●

Tied or fastened athletic shoes (not boots, sandals, platform shoes, leather-soled shoes, or shoes with wheels), and Clothing that does not interfere with the student’s ability to run and move freely.

Junior High Curriculum Highlights & Procedures

Our junior high schools offer a variety of educational opportunities and support programs for all students. Curriculum is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards and incorporates the Common Core Standards. Instructional Program The instructional program includes the following subject areas: 32┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

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Language Arts (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) – Junior high students will participate in a double period of language arts each day, which includes a reading class and writing class). The curriculum balances the teaching and learning of reading strategies, writing processes, listening, and speaking skills. History ○ Grade 7: The social studies curriculum centers on United States history: the Constitution through the Civil War period. ○ Grade 8: The social studies curriculum centers on United States history: Civil War to the present time. Science ○ Grade 7: Students engage in the study of the life sciences, including cell structure, ecology, biological studies, genetics, and health. ○ Grade 8: Students engage in the study of the chemical and physical sciences, including chemical interactions, forces, motion, and atomic structure. Mathematics – Students in grades 7-8 have one 40-minute class period of math instruction per day. All students will: build computational skills; develop mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities; deepen conceptual understanding, number sense and numeracy; demonstrate understanding in a variety of assessment formats; learn to work collaboratively; and engage in conversation and math talks. ○ Grade 7 – Major content topic include: analyzing proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems; applying and extending previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers; using properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions; and solving real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. ○ Grade 8 – Major content topics include: working with radicals and integer exponents; understanding the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations; analyzing and solving linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations; defining, evaluating, and comparing functions; using functions to model relationships between quantities; understanding congruence and similarity using physical models or geometry software; and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

➤View detailed information about each curriculum area via the links above.

Enrichment Program Offerings The Junior High Enrichment Program consists of courses in fine arts, practical arts, technology, and foreign languages. The Enrichment Program is designed to provide students with an exposure to content in these areas. Current offerings include: ● ● ● ●

Foreign Language: French or Spanish I and II; Spanish for Native Speakers (SNS) Music: 7th Grade Band; 8th Grade Band; 7th Grade Orchestra; 8th Grade Orchestra; 7th Grade Music; 8th Grade Music; Junior High Chorus Visual Arts: 7th Grade Art; 8th Grade Art STEM programs: Computer Science for Innovators and Makers; Design & Modeling; Automation & Robotics; and Medical Detectives

➤View detailed course information via the webpage links above. Additional Offerings Academic interventions or targeted assistance may be provided to qualified students based upon the consideration of multiple data points. Interventions or supports are provided within a student’s daily schedule. Physical Education and Health Curriculum All junior high students are expected to participate in daily physical education classes. A variety of physical activities are offered during the year. The Health Curriculum is conducted in conjunction with the PE program. 33┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

➤View detailed curriculum descriptions for PE and Health at grades 7 and 8. PE procedures include: ●

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Exemptions: Children may be exempt from some or all physical activities with an excuse from parent(s)/guardian(s) for a period of up to three days. Students who need to be excused beyond that or for an extended length of time must provide a written excuse submitted to the school by a person licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act -- see the procedure outlined in the Activity Restrictions section of this handbook. Alternative activities and/or units of instruction will be provided for pupils whose physical or emotional condition prevents their participation in the physical education courses as determined by a person licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act. Physical Education Lockers: The physical education teachers assign PE lockers. Students should lock all personal possessions in the gym locker. The school retains the right to inspect gym lockers and their contents to assure that the locker is being used for the intended purpose. Physical Education Uniforms and Supplies: Students are provided with physical education uniforms. For the convenience of parents, additional uniforms are sold at cost ($9) at each junior high school. PE uniforms should be clearly marked with the student’s name, and are to be worn every day during PE class. Students should take their uniforms home each week for laundering. Other supplies needed for PE include gym shoes, socks, and a sweatshirt for outdoor activities.

Junior High Academic & Graduation Requirements Junior high students must meet these requirements: ●

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Grade 7 students will be required to: ○ Pass the United States and Illinois Constitution examinations. ○ Satisfactorily complete assignments demonstrating knowledge of the academic standards of the State of Illinois. ○ Pay all fines and fees (lost books, cafeteria, etc.). Grade 8 students will be required to: ○ Complete all required projects. ○ Satisfactorily complete assignments demonstrating knowledge of the academic standards of the state of Illinois. ○ Pay all fines and fees (lost books, cafeteria, etc.).

Graduation requirements are established by quarter for grade 8 students. ● Graduation Participation/Probation (end of third quarter): ○ Eighth-grade students who fail to meet the criteria below by the end of the first semester will receive

○ ○ ○ ○

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notice that they are in danger of being placed on probation for the eighth-grade graduation ceremony and related graduation activities. Students who have not met the criteria below by the end of the third quarter will receive notice that they have been placed on probation. The student must have a minimum cumulative (all subjects, all year) GPA of 1.5. The student must have successfully completed all required courses and testing as designated by the state of Illinois (i.e., Illinois and U.S. Constitution tests). The student must maintain an appropriate attitude and behavior during the school year. The administration reserves the right to remove any student from participating in graduation activities and/or the ceremony due to behavior infractions. The student must be up-to-date with payment of all required fines and fees.

Graduation Participation Requirements (end of fourth quarter): ○

○ ○

The culmination of two years of junior high school is graduation. The graduation ceremony and all other graduation activities are provided to recognize and honor students who have successfully completed the District’s requirements for participation. Participation is a privilege, not a right, so students participating in the graduation ceremony and other end-of-the-year activities will need to meet the following requirements: The student must have a minimum cumulative (all subjects, all year) GPA of 1.0. The student must have successfully completed all required courses and testing as designated by the state of Illinois (i.e., Illinois and U.S. Constitution tests).

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○ ○ ○ ○

The student must maintain an appropriate attitude and behavior during the school year. The administration reserves the right to remove any student from participating in graduation activities and/or the ceremony due to behavior infractions. The student must be up-to-date with payment of all required fines and fees. A student on probation may not have a U grade in the fourth quarter. At the discretion of the principal or assistant principal, a student may be placed on probation at the mid-term point of the fourth quarter if the student has displayed a lack of effort either academically or behaviorally.

Honor Roll/Student Awards are presented to students as follows: ● ●

High Honor Roll Award – Students who achieved a GPA of 3.76 to 4.0. Honor Roll Award – Students who achieved a GPA of 3.5 to 3.75.

Assessments/Standardized Testing

Standardized testing serves several purposes. Some of these tests help teachers determine how much academic growth or progress students are making in a given subject area. Other tests help teachers determine the most important areas that require an additional or heightened teaching focus. Different types of testing take place throughout the school year. The Illinois State Board of Education mandates four assessments each year: ●

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Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) – Every Illinois school district is required to administer an annual state-mandated academic achievement test. The IAR assessment includes a rich set of performance-based tasks that reflect some of the most important academic skills that we strive to develop in students. IAR tests are designed to assist teachers, schools, students, and parents to understand how the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities that help prepare young people to thrive in college and careers are being developed. The IAR assessment is given to students in Grades 3 to 8. Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State (ACCESS) – ISBE requires that school districts administer ACCESS annually to all students in a multilingual program. ACCESS measures an English Language Learners’ proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The ACCESS test is also designed to demonstrate student’s growth toward English proficiency over time. Illinois Science Assessment – Starting in 2016, Illinois school districts were required to assess student knowledge and skill in Science. The Illinois Science Assessment is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and is used to measure student mastery of the Illinois science standards. This test is administered online and is taken by students in Grades 5 and 8. The Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) is an observational tool, not a test, designed for teachers to help understand the developmental readiness of children entering Kindergarten. KIDS focuses on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors across four key domains that most impact long-term student success. The domains are: Approaches to Learning and Self-Regulation; Social and Emotional Development; Language and Literacy Development; and Cognition: Math.

State-mandated tests are a state requirement. As such, parents do not have an “opt out” option that removes their children from taking these tests. Parents desiring more information about state-mandated tests can contact their school principal or the Department of District Improvement. Parents may, however, choose for their children to opt out of District testing that is not state-mandated. These tests are listed below. Parents can communicate an opt out decision to their school principal. In addition to these state-mandated tests, District 15 uses: ●

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) – Students in Grades 2-8 are tested at least twice a year (fall and spring). Some students, based on individual need, may also complete the MAP tests during the winter. The computer-based MAP tests measure individual student achievement in reading and mathematics. They accurately reflect each student’s knowledge and understanding, and they measure growth over time. Tests dynamically adjust to a student’s performance level, making test scores more accurate. MAP test results are shared with parents at the close of each testing window. The information provided through MAP testing better enables the District to make appropriate, data-driven decisions at the classroom, school, and District levels. It also allows teachers to make rapid adjustments in instruction to respond to identified student needs.

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For students in Grades K-2, the District uses a short screening measure of students’ reading proficiency using curriculum-based measures. Curriculum Based Measures is used to record student early reading skills including alphabet recognition and sounds, phonemic awareness, and oral reading fluency. Other individually administered tests may be required if additional information is needed to provide more targeted educational programming for a child. For example, a variety of processed-based assessments are used, including the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System, Oral Language Assessment, Words Their Way Inventory, and additional classroom-based assessments. Other tests, like the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), a standardized test that measures a student’s verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative abilities is used together with MAP reading and mathematics scores to determine whether or not a student would benefit from academically talented and gifted programming in Grades 3-6. When needed, individual evaluations may also include psychological or educational assessment as part of a case study evaluation for specialized educational services. Parent permission is required for this type of evaluation.

Please be certain your child has adequate sleep prior to testing and encourage your child to do his or her best when taking the tests. The opportunity for making up tests is limited, so it is important that you schedule doctor appointments or important family commitments when students are not involved in standardized testing. No single test can provide a complete picture of a child’s achievement. Classroom performance, teacher observation, and other tests help provide additional information about your child. Parents are provided student’s achievement level and academic growth, if applicable and available, on each state academic assessment. Questions about your child’s test results should be directed to his/her teacher or the school principal.

➤See more information on District 15 assessments and standardized tests here. Clubs & Sports Overview COVID-19 Update

In conformance with mandated health and safety guidelines, District 15 may modify or cancel intramural, club and interscholastic sport offerings for all or part of 2020-21, and will adhere to Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) decisions regarding the operations of interscholastic sports for 2020-21. Intramural & Club Sports To participate in an intramural or club sport at the elementary or junior high level, all students must have the following on file: ● ● ● ●

A current physical on file with the school nurse. Physicals are valid for 13 months. Emergency Medical Authorization Card Concussion Information Form A signed CCSD15 Code of Conduct Contract

Students participating in intramural or club sports are expected to adhere to the same Sportsmanship Expectations and CCSD15 Code of Conduct as interscholastic sports participants. Interscholastic Sports - Junior High Programs District 15’s interscholastic sports program includes girls’ and boys’ soccer, girls’ and boys’ basketball, volleyball, cross-country, wrestling, and track and field. Junior high school teams compete against other District 15 junior high schools as well as other junior high schools from nearby school districts. To participate, all students on an interscholastic sports team must have a current physical examination on file in the nurse’s office. There is a non-refundable $85 participation fee per student with a maximum of $175 in total sports fees per student per year. Practices and games are scheduled after school. Students must

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adhere to the CCSD15 Code of Conduct. View other important Player and Parent Expectations, Sportsmanship Expectations and Tie-Breaker Rule here. For volleyball, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, girls’ soccer, and boys’ soccer, players are selected based on tryouts. Cross-country, wrestling, and track and field are “no-cut” sports open to all students.

➤Visit the Interscholastic Sports homepage here for complete information. Field Trips COVID-19 Update

In conformance with mandated health and safety guidelines, District 15 has temporarily suspended in-person field trips for the 2020-21 school year. Classroom teachers may plan educational trips to extend and enhance curriculum studies. Children must have a signed parental permission form to participate in these trips. The field trip form also provides space for parent permission for children who need medication while on the field trip. Field trips are an important part of the educational program, and all students should participate in them if possible. Students who do not turn in signed permission forms and fees by the deadline may be unable to participate and may be assigned to another classroom for the day. Student behavior expectations are the same for field trips as they are for the classroom. If there is a significant concern about a student’s ability or willingness to behave appropriately on a trip, there is the possibility that participation could be contingent on the parent accompanying the child. Parents of children who have severe allergies or other medical conditions may also be asked to accompany their children on field trips to ensure the child’s safety.

Student Support Programs Overview Early Entrance/Accelerated Placement In 2018, the Illinois legislature passed the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act (Public Act 100-0421). This act allows Illinois public school districts to include early entrance to kindergarten and first grade, and to provide grade accelerations (often referred to as grade skipping) for all grades. This process is reserved for students who demonstrate highly advanced skills, but do not meet the District’s regular age requirements for the desired grade (typically, children must turn five by September 1 to enroll in Kindergarten, and turn six by September 1 to enroll in first grade). Parents/guardians may apply to have their child considered for early entrance into kindergarten or first grade or grade acceleration: ●

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Applications for early entrance into kindergarten or first grade are accepted between February 15 and April 1 of each school year. Applications completed prior to February 15 will be returned. Applications completed after April 1 will be accepted, but may delay the District’s placement decision such that this decision may occur after the start of the upcoming school year. Applications for grade acceleration are accepted from the first day of school until April 1 each school year.

➤ Read more about Early Entrance, Grade Skipping, or Accelerated Placement here.

Academically Talented & Gifted The District 15 Academically Talented & Gifted program is designed for elementary-age students in Grades 3-6 who may benefit from fully accelerated instruction. Students are selected for the program based on an identification process that uses multiple data points to assess a student’s academic and cognitive skills. The curriculum in the program follows Common Core State Standards. The Academically Talented & Gifted program uses a multi-age classroom model that combines Grades 3/4 and 5/6 for instruction in all academic and special area subjects. Instruction is specially designed to provide a classroom environment that adjusts and extends the general education curriculum. Teachers have participated in specialized professional development to help them understand the needs of academically talented and gifted students. 37┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

As a result, classroom assignments provide many specialized learning opportunities to challenge and engage students. Test results and classroom performance are reviewed annually and a parent conference is held if a placement change is recommended. Students who qualify for the program typically remain in the program from the time they start the program through sixth grade.

➤ Read more about the Academically Talented & Gifted Program here. Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) MTSS is a layered continuum of academic and behavioral support that meets all learners’ needs. In a multi-tiered system of instruction and support, teachers provide quality instruction across three tiers that is universally designed, differentiated, culturally and linguistically responsive, and aligned to grade-level content standards. MTSS is a framework that provides equitable access to high-quality, grade-level academic and behavioral instruction and supports for all students. MTSS emphasizes the principle that all students can learn when: ● ● ●

All teachers differentiate instruction to enhance learning within a research-based core curriculum. Early access to a multi-tiered system of research-based interventions is provided. A problem-solving approach that depends on the use of reliable data and the progress monitoring of learners to assess the effects of interventions is used.

Special Education Programs & Disability Services

District 15 provides special education programs and services for children with disabilities in conformance with federal and state regulations. The following programs and services are available: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Early Intervention Transition Services – For all children with disabilities who receive Early Intervention Services and who are turning three years old. Early Childhood Programs and Services – For all children with disabilities from 3 to 5 years of age (not yet of kindergarten age.) Transitional Kindergarten – A diagnostic program for children with significant special education and related services needs, served in a full day program. The day consists of a half day of co-taught general education kindergarten and a half day of self-contained special education kindergarten. Speech and Language Therapy – A service for students with speech and/or language impairments that impact their education, to the extent that special education is necessary. Resource Services – For students with mild to moderate disabilities who are able to progress in the general education setting with supports and services. Students are included within the general education setting to the greatest extent possible, with special education and related services. Instructional Classrooms (LEAP Program) – For students with various disabilities who require a cross categorical, self-contained special education classroom setting, primarily characterized by significant academic delays and the need for intensive related services. Social/Emotional Academic Learning (SEAL Program) – For students with primary needs in the areas of social, emotional, and/or behavioral learning who require a special education classroom. ACES Day School Program – For students with significant social, emotional, or behavioral disorders who require a therapeutic day school setting. Mild, Moderate, and Severe Cognitive Disability Program (AIME and MILE Programs) – For students with mild, moderate, and severe cognitive/intellectual disabilities who require a special education classroom. Multiple Needs Program – For students with multiple cognitive and behavioral needs who require a special education classroom in an intensive, therapeutic day school setting. Structured for Independence (SIP) Program – For students with autism or other developmental disabilities who require a highly structured special education classroom.

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Visual Impairment Program/Services – For students with visual impairments who can progress in general or special education classrooms with supportive services. Hearing Impairment Program/Services – For students with mild to profound hearing impairments who can progress in regular or special education classrooms with supportive services. Assistive Technology – Assistive Technology (AT) means any item, piece of equipment, product system, device or service (to provide access to AT) whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability and support the IEP services. Special education programs in CCSD15 may provide AT as part of the program or, when necessary to receive a free, appropriate public education, individualized AT is provided through an IEP process for students with disabilities. Occupational Therapy – A related service for students with fine motor and/or sensory needs that impact their education to the extent that special education is necessary. Physical Therapy – A related service for students with gross motor needs that impact their education to the extent that special education is necessary. Social Work Services – A related service for students with social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs that impact their education to the extent that special education is necessary. Homebound/Hospital Instruction – For students who cannot attend school due to a medical condition. Interpreters – Sign language interpreters are assigned to children with a significant hearing loss that interferes with auditory communication (receptive and/or expressive).

Programs and services are provided for students with specific learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, cognitive disabilities, speech/language impairments, orthopedic impairments, health impairments, traumatic brain injuries, autism, hearing impairments, visual impairments, deaf-blindness, developmental delays, or multiple disabilities. The Illinois School for the Deaf and Illinois School for the Visually Impaired provide educational services for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired.

➤For additional information, contact the Department of Student Services 847-963-3146.

Section 504 Services Students who do not qualify for an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may qualify for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the child 1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, 2) has a record of physical or mental impairment, or 3) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. All children with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education. If you have concerns about your child and believe that he/she has a disability that may require Section 504 Plan accommodations or special education services, please contact your child’s school administrator to begin the referral process. If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5, please call the John G. Conyers Learning Academy at 847-963-3400 to request an appointment for a screening. Additional information regarding preschool programming and services may be attained through the Department of Student Services at 847-963-3146.

➤ Inquiries regarding Section 504 may be directed to: Ann Scully, Section 504 Coordinator/Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, 580 N. 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067, 847-963-3146.

English Learners

District 15 supports families from within all our schools. As required by the State of Illinois, District 15 provides programs to meet the linguistic and academic needs of students whose native language is other than English – English Learners (ELs). The purpose is to accelerate English language literacy and value each child’s social and cultural knowledge while creating bilingual and bicultural individuals. Qualifying for EL Services The Home Language Survey is required as part of the school registration process. If a language other than English is spoken in the home and indicated on the Home

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Language Survey, the child must be screened for English language services. The ISBE prescribes the assessment instrument and the qualifying scores for entrance. For students entering Kindergarten and the first semester of Grade 1, the WIDA MODEL test is given. For students entering the second semester of Grades 1-8, the WIDA Screener is given. Currently, the District serves families from more than 80 different languages, the vast majority being Spanish speaking followed by Japanese, Polish, Telugu and Korean. Per state regulations if an attendance center has 20 or more students who qualify for EL services and speak the same language, a district is mandated to establish a Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) program for those students. Further assessment determines what those services may look like in a district. Currently, D15 offers bilingual programs in accordance with state mandates in Spanish, Polish, Japanese, Telugu, Tamil, Bulgarian, Hindi and Korean. District 15 services include Spanish Dual Language (One-Way); Transitional Program of Instruction; and Spanish Dual Language (Two-Way).

➤For complete information, visit the D15 English Learner program homepage here.

English Learner Assessment All English learners participate in the ACCESS test as required by the ISBE each year. The ACCESS assessment measures the English language proficiency levels of every student in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

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Chapter 6

HEALTH & WELLNESS

COVID-19 Update

Due to the current global pandemic, students, staff and community members who interact with our schools will follow updated procedures and restrictions to provide for the safety of all. Changes due to COVID -19 have been included in this Parent/Student Handbook as well as on our dedicated COVID-19 webpage. ➽ Keep your child at home if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 [fever (100.4°F or greater) or chills, fatigue, headache, myalgia, cough, nasal congestion, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea or poor appetite] or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. ➽ For the health and safety of our community, please notify your child’s school health office if your child or a member of your household is diagnosed with COVID-19. When you call school to report your child’s absence, please report any COVID-19 symptoms. We are happy to partner with you in providing resources to assist you through this time. The District 15 Health Services Department is in routine communication with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Schools Guidance regarding the global pandemic in relation to the health and safety of our schools and community. Board of Education Policy 4:180 Pandemic Preparedness, Management and Recovery guides the development of protocol and practices as we review ongoing, updated guidance from the CDC and IDPH. We follow state and federal guidelines and recommendations related to our schools and will update our practices accordingly. Please refer to the District website for continuing updates.

Overview

Student health services provided within District schools are directed toward a goal of good health and based on the belief that learning and health are connected. The Health Services staff includes a health services coordinator, an assistant health services coordinator, and registered nurses in every school. Health care provided in the school health office is to support your child, allowing students to return to their classrooms. The nurse is available to work in collaboration with your child's primary healthcare provider. If you require assistance in obtaining a primary healthcare provider, please reach out to the health office for a list of community resources. Nurses positively affect student attendance. A registered nurse at school every day allows for prompt and professional responses to health concerns and medical issues. In the event of illness or accidents, the nurse provides emergency care. Responsibilities of the nurse include first aid and illness care, the maintenance of student health records, the development of healthcare plans, and screenings for student vision and hearing needs.

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Parents/guardians are encouraged to bring questions about immunizations, health exams, medications, or student health needs to the nurse.

➤ T he Health Services staff believes family is an essential part of good health. Your input is valued and welcome. Please feel free to ask questions, share thoughts, and exchange health information. We look forward to partnering with you!

Questions? Contact your school nurse via your school website; District 15 Health Services Coordinator Karen Flor (847-963-3151), or Assistant Health Services Coordinator Shari Stadler (847-963-3044).

Guidelines to Determine When to Send Your Child to School Keep your child at home if they have: ●

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CDC symptoms of COVID-19: ○ Fever or chills (a fever is a temperature of 100.4°F or greater) ○ Fatigue ○ Headache ○ Myalgia ○ Cough ○ Nasal congestion ○ New loss of taste or smell ○ Sore throat ○ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ○ Abdominal pain ○ Diarrhea ○ Poor appetite undiagnosed rash, communicable diseases (such as strep throat, influenza, chicken pox, measles, etc.), pink eye (conjunctivitis), or head lice infestation (live head lice).

Before a student may return to school, he/she must be free of the above symptoms (without medication) for 24 hours, according to current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). When the above noted symptoms occur during school, parents will be contacted to pick the child up from school. An ill or injured student who is sent home may only be released to the parent/guardian or emergency contact provided by the parent/guardian. In the event of a serious or life-threatening injury or illness, EMS services/911 will be called to provide care. It is important that the school has accurate parent phone numbers and emergency contacts. Please keep the school office up to date with current contact information. Attending after-school events should be avoided when your child does not attend school due to illness symptoms or is sent home from school with illness symptoms. Best health practices recommends children remain home, in recovery, until they are no longer contagious and free from symptoms for 24 hours. It is required that parents/guardians call school to report their child’s absence. To prevent the spread of illness in the classroom, parents/guardians are encouraged to report symptoms and the student’s diagnosis to the school. In the event of a public health crisis, the District will follow the recommendations of public health officials.

Communicable Disease Management

Control of communicable diseases is managed within the District in accordance with IDPH guidelines and directives. Students who exhibit symptoms of communicable diseases are excluded from school until a 42┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

physician indicates they may safely return. Health Services staff alert families of reported communicable diseases within the schools as recommended by the health department. Communicable disease occurrence reporting to the health department is conducted in accordance with county and state mandates. The following table lists common illnesses, symptoms, and recommended time out of school. Please contact your school nurse for clarification if needed.

DISEASE

EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL

SYMPTOMS

COVID-19

Fever (100.4°F or greater) or chills, fatigue, headache, myalgia, cough, nasal congestion, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea or poor appetite.

Chicken Pox

Rash (successive crops of red dots that turn into fluid-filled blisters and then dry up to form scabs) and fever.

Not less than five days after the appearance of the eruption.

Mumps

Fever, nausea, pain, and swelling of glands along the neck and jaw.

Nine days.

German Measles

Rash (small pinkish-red blotches beginning behind Until all symptoms and rash are gone. ears and on face), slight swelling of neck glands, and upper respiratory infection.

Measles

Starts as a cold with fever, watery eyes and nose, sneezing, and slight cough. Rash on the face follows, then rash spreads to the body.

From the onset of symptoms until four days after symptoms and abnormal mucus secretions have stopped.

Strep Infections/ Scarlet Fever

Fever, sore throat, and enlarged glands in neck. The scarlet fever rash (pinpoint dots) appears 1-3 days after onset of sore throat and strawberry tongue.

Until completion of 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

Pink Eye

Redness of the white part of the eye, itching and burning of the lids, and discharge.

Until completion of 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

(Conjunctivitis)

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24 hours with no fever and symptoms improved 10 days since symptoms first appeared

Impetigo

Skin infection which appears as honey-colored Until completion of 24 hours of blisters, frequently on the face around the mouth. antibiotic treatment.

Staph Infection

Skin infection with redness, warmth, swelling, pus, Until the wound is no longer draining or and tenderness at site; a boil or appearing like a can be covered. spider bite.

Pinworm

Perianal itching.

Until completion of 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

Head Lice & Nits Infestation

Itching at the nape of the neck and around the ears.

Until completion of medicated shampoo treatment and no live lice are found on the head.

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Medication at School Medication Policy All medication (including over-the-counter medications) requiring administration at school must: ● ● ● ●

●

Be brought to school by the parents and turned into the school office, along with the Medication and Health Care Treatment Authorization Form. This form must be complete prior to medication being given. The medication must be in the original container and have an appropriate label. The Medication and Health Care Treatment Authorization Form must be renewed annually, if needed in the next school year. Any changes in a medication, dose, or time will require a written order from the licensed prescriber. The medication must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the end of the year or when the medication is discontinued; medication that is not picked up will be discarded.

Medication Administration The administration of medication to a student at school is discouraged unless it is absolutely necessary to allow the student’s academic participation. Guidelines include: ● ●

All medication will be stored in a secure location in the health office, with the exception of emergency medications and epinephrine. Students may carry these medications within the school properties if additional consent forms are provided. Medication at school is administered by the school’s registered nurse, a school administrator, or an authorized staff member, in accordance with the Illinois State Board of Education’s recommended guidelines and Board of Education Policy 7:270 Administering Medicines to Students.

Note: The school district, school, and its employees and agents are exempt from liability or professional discipline, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the administration of medication, including asthma medication or epinephrine (whether or not undesignated). Parents/guardians will be notified after the administration of epinephrine (whether or not designated).

Health Conditions Food Allergies If your child has a life-threatening allergy, please notify your school nurse. The nurse maintains a list of students who have food allergies to share with staff on a need-to-know basis and can assist you with the necessary documents needed for school. Please refer to District 15’s Resource Guide for Supporting Students with Life-Threatening Allergies to read more about guidelines and download needed documents. COVID-19 Update: The District’s Food Allergy Awareness Guidelines have been updated with an addendum “Special Considerations for COVID-19” to provide guidance for students who will be eating lunch in classrooms due to the new coronavirus procedures implemented for in-person learning at the schools. Asthma An increased awareness of asthma and allergies is needed to keep students safe at school. The Health Services staff maintains a list of students with asthma to share with staff on a need-to-know basis. Asthma and recommended actions for responding to emergency events, including emergency medication, are provided to staff. Illinois law requires students with asthma to provide an Asthma Action Plan that guides staff response. Diabetes A Diabetes Care Plan will be developed and implemented for students diagnosed with diabetes, per the Care of Students with Diabetes Act. When parents submit a medical Diabetes Medical Management Plan to District 15, the plan will then be incorporated into an IEP or Section 504 plan, with protocol for implementation and staff training.

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Activity Restrictions In the event a student has an injury or illness that prevents them from participating in recess or PE, a parent/guardian must provide written notice to both the school nurse and PE teacher. That note is valid for a maximum of three days. ● ● ●

A student unable to participate in outdoor recess or physical education classes for a period of more than three days must provide the school with an activity order from a healthcare provider licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act. A student who arrives at school with a new cast, splint or orthopedic device for a recent injury must provide the school with an activity order from a healthcare provider licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act. It is recommended that an activity order from a healthcare provider licensed under the IL Medical Practice Act be provided for students returning to school after surgery or a hospitalization.

Activity orders should specify the student’s injury or medical problem, the dates the student may not participate, and a date to resume activity. Students with an activity restriction are restricted from similar extracurricular and/or interscholastic activities during the activity restriction time period. Students may not resume activities until a release from the healthcare provider is provided to the school. Concussion and Head Injuries Students who experience a forceful impact believed to have caused a concussion, who are exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion, will be removed from: ● ● ● ● ● ●

athletic practices, competition, physical education class, recess, other physical activities during the school day, or school-sponsored after-school activities.

The student may resume these activities after successful completion of the return-to-play protocol, in addition to a medical release from the licensed physician who has treated the student. Students exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion after injury during activities will be immediately removed from these activities. The District’s return-to-learn protocol guides school staff on accommodations needed, including cognitive rest, for students recovering from a concussion. Student athletes and their parents/guardians must sign the Agreement to Participate before the student is allowed to participate in a practice or interscholastic competition.

Accidents at School

Minor accidents that occur during the school day are treated by the classroom teacher or registered nurse. If the injury appears serious, the school nurse will call a parent. If a parent cannot be reached, the school will call the emergency number provided on the enrollment form. If a parent or designated emergency contact are not available and the injury requires immediate aid, the child will be taken to the nearest hospital by paramedics. Either the school nurse, principal, or assistant principal will accompany the child while school staff continues to try locating a parent. Student Accident Insurance School District 15 has purchased a student accident insurance program that covers your child for injuries incurred during school hours and while participating in all school-sponsored and supervised activities, including sports.

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

For the purpose of safeguarding the health of children, District 15 enforces Illinois student health requirements. These requirements consist of health, dental, and eye exams and immunizations specific to grade and age. For the 2020-21 school year, requirements must be met by all students, whether learning remotely or in person.

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Health Exams & Immunization Recording Health exams are required for students entering preschool, kindergarten, and sixth grade, and those new to the school. The Certificate of Child Health Examination form is available in the school office and on the website. The exam form, completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider, must be dated within one year prior to the first day of school and must include lead screening for children who are six years or younger and diabetes screening. A tuberculosis (TB) skin test is recommended. The Health History section of the form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian. According to Board of Education Policy 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students and Illinois School Code, students who do not provide proof of receiving the required immunization and/or exam are excluded from school on October 15. Students new to Illinois schools, who register midterm, are allowed 30 days following registration to comply with the health requirements. Required Immunizations A complete list of required school immunizations is available on the District 15 website, and is summarized in this table: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP/DTaP)

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten ● Have received 4 doses of DTP/DTaP at the recommended intervals with the last dose received on or after the fourth birthday. Grades 6, 7, and 8 ● Have received 1 booster Tdap.

Polio (IPV)

Pre-Kindergarten ● Have received 3 doses of IPV at the recommended intervals. Kindergarten ● Have received 4 doses of IPV at the recommended intervals with the last dose received on or after the fourth birthday.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Pre-Kindergarten and Grades 6, 7, and 8 ● Have received 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine at the recommended intervals

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Pre-Kindergarten ● Have received 1 dose of varicella vaccine after the first birthday. Grades K-8 ● Have received 2 doses of varicella vaccine with the first dose on or after the first birthday.

Measles (Rubeola), German Measles (Rubella, 3 Day), Mumps – (MMR)

Pre-Kindergarten ● Have received 1 dose of MMR vaccine after the first birthday. Grades K-8 ● Have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine with the first dose on or after the first birthday.

Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4)

Grades 6, 7,and 8 ● Have received 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) on or after 11th birthday.

Additional Immunizations for students less than 5 years old

Required for students less than 5 years old (Pre-Kindergarten) ● Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Have received the series of Hib vaccines. ● Pneumococcal: Have received the pneumococcal vaccine according to the PCV schedule.

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Immunization Exemptions ● Religious Objection to Immunization/Physical Examination: Under Illinois law, parents or legal

●

guardians who object to immunizations and/or health, dental, or eye examinations, or any part thereof, on religious grounds are not required to submit their children to the examinations or immunizations. When a religious exemption is requested, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must complete the Certificate of Religious Exemption form provided by the Illinois State Board of Education. The form must be signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian AND the child’s health care provider (includes physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, advanced practice nurses, or physician assistants) responsible for performing the child’s health examination. Medical Exemption from Immunization: Under Illinois law, a student may be allowed a medical exemption from required immunizations. The examining health care provider responsible for the performance of the health examination shall endorse in a statement attached to the student’s Certificate of Child Health Examination form indicating an immunization is medically contraindicated. Statements from physicians indicating a specific medical condition that predisposes a student to a potential health risk if vaccinated are forwarded to the IDPH Immunization Program Representative for review. If IDPH does not approve the statement, a copy of the explanation will be forwarded to the student’s parent(s) informing them that the student must receive the required immunization(s).

Annual Student Immunization Data Immunization data is reported to the Illinois State Board of Education annually; the most recent report may be viewed by clicking here. Health Exam for Interscholastic Sports Annual health examinations are required for interscholastic sports participation. Health examinations are required, before trying out, for participation in interscholastic sports. The exam form, completed and signed by a doctor, must be dated within 13 months prior to the start of practice or tryouts, and on file in the school nurse’s office. The Certificate of Child Health Examination form is also available in the school office. Dental Exams Dental exams are required for students in kindergarten, second grade, and sixth grade. The dental examination must have taken place within 18 months prior to May 15 of the school year. A waiver form is available in the case of an undue burden or lack of access to a dentist. The IDPH Dental Examination form and Dental Examination Waiver form are also available in the school office. If a student fails to present proof of a dental exam or a waiver form by May 15, the school may withhold the student’s report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed dental exam, or (2) that a dental exam will take place within 60 days after May 15. Eye Exams Eye exams are required for students entering kindergarten and those entering Illinois schools for the first time. A waiver form is available in the case of an undue burden or lack of access to an optometrist or to a physician who performs eye examinations. The State of Illinois Eye Examination Report and Eye Examination Waiver form are also available in the school office. If a student fails to present proof of an eye exam or waiver form by October 15, the school may withhold the student’s report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed eye exam, or (2) that an eye exam will take place within 60 days after October 15.

Vision and Hearing Screenings

Screenings for vision and hearing deficits are provided in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health and District 15 guidelines. Parents/guardians and staff members who suspect a problem with a student’s vision or hearing are encouraged to call the nurse and request a screening. Students who do not

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pass the school screenings are referred for medical follow up. Parents or legal guardians who object to screenings for their child on religious grounds may contact the school nurse for additional information. Note: Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. A child is not required to undergo the vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months.

Individualized Health Planning

Health Services staff members act as consultants and liaisons between the family, school staff, and healthcare provider. Individualized Health Plans are developed as needed to accommodate students with special health needs. For students with disabilities, the student’s Individualized Health Plan may become part of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. All health information and recommendations are shared with staff on a need-to-know basis.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Confidentiality of student health records is maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA).

Wellness District 15 Wellness Policy Severe food allergies and childhood overweight/obesity rates among children are on the rise, resulting in serious health complications for our students. The Child Nutrition and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act requires school districts to develop a local wellness policy. Part of that act also calls for the formation of a local wellness policy committee. The local wellness policy committee made up of community members, parents, teachers, and administrators, and with a mission of producing healthy world-class learners by building a connected learning community, met to develop the District 15 Wellness Policy Guidelines. Student Birthdays Birthday treats during the school day must be non-edible. Visit the District website for non-edible celebration ideas for parents. Snacks Within the School Day Food consumed within the classroom is discouraged. In the event that it becomes necessary for a classroom to schedule a “healthy snack” time on a daily basis, snacks high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and/or low in fat (less than 5 grams) and sugar are recommended. These snacks should be free of the eight major food allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soybeans, and wheat. Please contact your child’s school nurse with further questions. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods that are generally high in calories and fat and have little nutritional value. Limiting portion sizes so that the snack does not become a substitute for a nutritious meal and can be eaten within a limited time period is also recommended. CPR and AED Training Video Per Public Act 098-0305, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has posted a training video on its website on hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED). School District 15 encourages parents and staff to view it via the D15 website or the IHSA website.

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Chapter 7

COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Contact Information

It is essential that parents promptly provide written notification of any change of: address; home, work, or cell phone numbers; name; emergency information; or any other information that might be pertinent to school records. NOTE: Parents reporting address changes will also be asked to provide two forms of identification that show both the parent/guardian name and the new address.

Emergency School Closings

District 15 takes the responsibility of deciding whether to close schools seriously. Generally, schools will remain open except for extremely inclement weather. When severe weather conditions exist, parents must decide whether their children can get to school safely. Even when the District decides to keep schools open, parents should review their own situation to determine if they should send their children to school. As a parent or guardian, you are also responsible for making alternative arrangements for your child’s care in the event that schools are closed due to inclement weather. If the possibility exists that a parent or older sibling will not be home, we encourage parents to designate an alternate destination for the children if school is dismissed early due to inclement weather or an unforeseen circumstance. If you do decide to keep your child home on a day in which the weather is extremely inclement but schools are not closed, your child will be marked absent, but the absence will not count against any attendance incentive programs and your child will be given every opportunity to make up missed work. Snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures may affect bus pick-up and drop-off times, sometimes causing buses to run late. If a snow day is called, that decision is made by 5 a.m. You will be notified of the closure in a variety of ways: ● ● ● ●

Phone, Text, and Email – District 15 will send a message to all parents through a voice call, text message and email. Please ensure your contact information listed in the Campus Parent portal is accurate. If you have changes you’d like to make to your personal contact information, please contact your child’s school office. Website – If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on the District and all of our school websites. Social Media – School closures will be posted on the District Facebook and Twitter pages. Radio and TV – District 15 will inform radio stations WGN-AM 720, WBBM-AM 780, and WGN-FM 105.9; TV stations CBS-2, NBC-5, ABC-7, WGN-9, FOX-32, and CLTV News. The announcement on the radio and TV describes our district as: “District 15, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Cook County.”

Home/School Communication Communication with Teachers Ongoing parent/teacher communication is important for each child’s educational success. Parents who have questions or concerns are encouraged to contact teachers, the school office, or school administrators. All teachers have phones equipped with voice mail in their classrooms, so parents can leave messages. 49┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

The best time to call is before or after school or during your child’s lunch period. Calls made to teachers during instruction time will go directly to voicemail. Parents may also email teachers using the teacher’s last name (up to seven letters) and first initial followed by @ccsd15.net (also check your school’s staff directory on the District website). Orientation, Conferences & Open Houses Early in the school year, a parent orientation is scheduled to give parents an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher and learn about subject matter to be covered in the school year. Elementary parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for November 23 and 24, 2020. Please try to avoid scheduling vacations during this time so you can meet with your child’s teacher on one of these designated conference days. In the event that you will be unable to attend November 23 or 24, your child’s teacher will contact you for a phone conference. Additional conferences with individual teachers may be scheduled at parents’ request. Parents/guardians may request documentation for their employer of a necessary educational or behavioral conference from the building principal under the School Visitation Rights Act. During the school year, each building also hosts an open house to showcase students’ work. Parents and students are invited to visit classrooms together. Progress Reports Progress reports are sent home periodically throughout the school year.

➤View the 2020-21 progress reporting schedule. Campus Parent/Infinite Campus District 15 provides parents with access to a secure, online, web-based parent portal – called Campus Parent – through Infinite Campus, its student information system. Parents must confirm their desire to view their child’s information online in order to access the Campus Parent portal. Once they do, the portal will allow them to view their child’s attendance history, schedule, registration and transportation information, report cards, junior high mid-term progress reports, pay fees, and view additional information. Also, if a child’s teacher chooses to use the grade book and/or homework modules available through Infinite Campus, parents will be able to access this information through Campus Parent. Access is granted after the registration process. For assistance with Campus Parent, please contact your school office. Permission Slips Written permission from parents is required for: ● Field trips; ● Participation in intramural sports; ● Emergency release to a specific person other than a parent; ● Bused students who walk or ride a bike home; ● Early dismissal from school; and ● Children going home with another student after school or for lunch. School Newsletters & Social Media All schools email monthly newsletters to the email addresses on file for parents/guardians, with important updates about school happenings, calendar, and other announcements. Please make sure to keep your email address current to ensure you receive these valuable updates. In addition, your principal will inform you of any school social media addresses.

Board of Education Meetings Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the District 15 Board may conduct business meetings virtually via Zoom. Meetings usually are held on the second Wednesday of the

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month. Whether the meeting will be conducted via Zoom or in person is announced when the meeting agenda is posted publicly.

➤View the 2020-21 Board meeting schedule. Board meetings typically are live streamed to the District 15 Facebook page; recordings also are available via the District 15 website. News highlights of every meeting are posted on the website and also distributed via email to parents/staff and to any member of the public who subscribes to the e-newsletter (see below). In person meetings are held in the District meeting room at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School, 1100 North Smith Street, Palatine. Public Participation At each meeting, members of the public and District employees may comment on or ask questions of the Board on agenda and non-agenda items, subject to reasonable constraints as noted in Board Policy 2:230 Public Participation at Board of Education Meetings and Petitions to the Board. Comments are limited to five minutes. A form requesting a brief outline of the topic to be discussed is available at the registration table for in person meetings; instructions on how to submit questions when the meeting is conducted virtually via Zoom are included with the agenda. Contacting the Board Learn more about District 15’s seven Board members and contact them through the website by clicking here.

Public Information FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Requests In compliance with State Law (5 ILCS 140/4), each school district is required to post specific information regarding the school district as part of FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requirements on its website. If the information you are seeking is not found on the District website, you may request copies of existing documents using the Request for Examination and/or Copies of Public Records Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act form. This form is provided for your convenience to help expedite the search process; use of the form is not required, however, all requests must be made in writing. The form is available at the School District 15 Joseph M. Kiszka Educational Service Center, 580 N. 1st Bank Dr., Palatine, or it can be downloaded from the District’s FOIA webpage accessible here. FOIA requests can be sent to FOIA@ccsd15.net. Questions concerning requests may be directed to Min Goodwin, Senior Executive Assistant, or Mary Graff, Board of Education Recording Secretary.

➤Complete information about FOIA can be found on the District’s FOIA webpage. Citizens Information Center District 15 strives to be responsive to residents' concerns and operate in a fiscally responsible and efficient manner. Government transparency, or the ability to access information and documents, is a priority. The Citizens Information Center webpage consolidates a variety of key information all in one place.

History of District 15 Generations of Excellence is a short history of the District celebrating 72 years (1946-2018) and offers a tapestry of time, woven from the fabric of our children, parents, educators and communities. Rich in diverse threads of the past, District 15 continues to build on the solid foundations of a community that places a high value on the quality education of its children.

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District 15 Communications e-newsletters District 15 distributes regular e-newsletters (via Blackboard Communications) to share timely updates with parents, staff and the community. Although current District 15 staff and parents are automatically included, community members are invited to subscribe via this form. Once submitted, you will need to click a verification link in an email from Blackboard (ParentLink), thanking you for creating a Blackboard account. Social Media Follow District 15 on these social media sites (click to open):

Directory Information/Photo Release District 15 wants to honor family privacy while meeting its obligation to share education-related information with the community. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA), which govern the confidentiality of student record information, allow school districts to publicly disclose students’ “directory information” without parental consent as long as the district annually notifies parents of the categories of information that have been designated as “directory information” and allows them the chance to opt out. CCSD15 has designated the following as “directory information”: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ●

student’s name; address; grade level; birthdate and place; parents’ names; mailing addresses; electronic mail addresses; telephone numbers; photographs/video/digital images used for information or news-related purposes (whether by a media outlet or by the school) of a student participating in school or school-sponsored activities, organizations and athletics (including photographs/video/digital images of a student participating in remote learning via a remote platform, such as Zoom or Google Meets); academic awards, degrees, and honors; information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics; period of attendance in the school.

If you do NOT want CCSD15 to release this directory information about your student, you must make a request in writing and send it to your school principal within 30 days of the first day of school each year or within 30 days of the date of enrollment. A letter submitted for the previous year will not carry over. If you wish to opt out of the release/publication of remote learning images only, but allow the District to use the remaining directory information as it otherwise would in a normal school year, please clearly indicate that in your written request. ➽ What happens if you write the directory information opt-out letter? CCSD15 and its schools will not release your students’ directory information in any publications that could reach beyond the school or to any outside organization. In your letter, please specify your desire to also opt out of yearbook, directory, and/or program information. This means your child’s photo will not appear on any electronic or printed media hosted by the district. ➽ What happens if you do not write the letter? CCSD15 and its schools may responsibly release your student’s directory information in publications and to outside organizations to promote non-commercial, education-related news, achievements and activities. This means appropriately using your child’s name and/or photo/image on the school district’s websites (including District-sponsored social media) and in

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newsletters, school directories and athletic/event programs. Without seeking parent/guardian consent, schools could allow, for example, the one-five Foundation to use video from your student’s class to highlight a program; local newspapers to run a yearbook photo or picture of your student’s class engaged in a learning activity; a local non-profit to publicize your student’s name for participating in a school fundraiser that benefited the organization; or the District to post online a screenshot of your student participating in remote learning via Zoom.

The District is not responsible for photos and videos taken by parents or the media at events that are open to the public. More information about your rights under FERPA is available online at www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.

Covid 19 Update

During virtual learning: ● ● ●

●

your child may be viewed and/or recorded while participating in classroom activities. teachers may record their lessons to enable students to review the lessons at a later time. teachers may ask students to provide the teacher with a video of the student performing a particular academic task or extracurricular skill. other students may be able to view these videos to offer feedback or to see how others perform the skill.

The instructional practice of utilizing videos are determined by the teacher and are intentionally planned components of meaningful learning. We maintain the policy that no virtual classroom, group, or individual session should be recorded, downloaded, or shared in any manner by students or parents. Although it is against our acceptable use policy, it is possible that your student’s videos could be recorded by other students without the District’s knowledge or consent. If you prefer to avoid having your child displayed on a live camera during concurrent learning or on a pre-recorded video that will be viewed by other students, please contact your child’s teacher. The teacher will determine how to minimize or avoid having your child displayed by the class camera.

Illinois Report Cards

The annual Illinois Report Cards provide information about the District’s and individual schools’ performances on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, along with school demographics, expenditures and a wide variety of data, and offers comparisons of how this information relates to District and state averages. The cards typically are released in late fall.

Community Partnerships C.A.R.E. Program (Before and After School Child Care) The Children’s Activity, Recreation and Enrichment (C.A.R.E.) program is a Park District-run program, housed in District 15 schools, which offers quality before- and after-school care for children whose parents require extended childcare. Enrollment is limited. This park district program is one of many childcare options offered in the community. The C.A.R.E. program is available in all of the District’s elementary schools for children Kindergarten through 6th grade. Children must attend the participating elementary school in order to register for the C.A.R.E. program at that school. ● ●

For schools located in Palatine and Hoffman Estates, contact: Palatine Park District, Donna Orr, C.A.R.E. Registrar, 847-496-6240 For schools located in Rolling Meadows, please contact: Rolling Meadows Park District, Andrea Wilford, Recreation Supervisor, 847-818-3200, x225.

Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSA The Northwest Suburban Council (NWSC) of PTA/PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) consists of 20 local PTA or PTSA units. Each local unit is affiliated with 53┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

one of the elementary or junior high schools in District 15. These units work in partnership with their school’s principal and staff, as well as the community at large, to provide programs and services that enhance the educational environment for all children. The NWSC promotes communication and cooperation among the local units. PTA is a . The National PTA, of which all local units are members, is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) service organization. All PTA/PTSA units in NWSC are committed to the purposes of the National PTA, the largest volunteer organization advocating on behalf of children. For information on becoming involved, consult your school’s website. one-five Foundation The one-five Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to enhance the excellent educational programs that are synonymous with District 15. The one-five Foundation supports the following programs: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Rainbows Grief Support Groups for Children Motorola Lego League/Vex Robotics Teacher/Staff Mini-Grants Blessings in a Backpack Teacher Tributes Flexible Learning Spaces within our school LRC spaces

Programs like these benefit all 20 schools in District 15. They are funded by the one-five Foundation in large part through the community’s support of our annual fundraising drives and employee contributions. For more information about attending one of our events, becoming a Board member, or making a donation, please visit the website or call 847-963-3160. Palatine Assisting Through Hope (PATH) Community Clothing Closet Palatine Assisting Through Hope (PATH) Community Clothing Closet provides District 15 families in need of assistance with monthly opportunities to shop for free, gently used clothing in all sizes – infant through adult – and for all seasons. Families in need should contact their school’s social worker to sign up to receive a voucher to shop the PATH Community Clothing Closet, which will be open one evening each month at the Community Resource Center, 1585 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Donations to the PATH Community Clothing Closet can be dropped off in the “Community Closet” boxes located at all District 15 schools. All garments should be washed and/or in clean condition without rips or broken zippers. Donations of packages of new socks and underwear in any size would also be greatly appreciated. Receipt forms are available. Partners for Our Communities (POC) Partners for Our Communities (POC) is schools and churches, cities and townships, libraries and individuals along with Northwest Community Hospital coming together as partners to make our communities stronger. It partners together to build stronger and healthier communities in Palatine, Hoffman Estates and Rolling Meadows by strengthening families. The POC connects people with local resources and provides a pathway for their integration and success. It is dedicated to helping people help themselves through a variety of programs and services. For more information about POC, please visit its website or call 847-776-9500. United Palatine (UP) Coalition The vision of United Palatine (UP) Coalition is to equally prepare all children of Palatine for successful, productive, self-reliant lives. Its goal is to eliminate the achievement gap among Palatine adolescents 24 years and younger by establishing supportive and collaborative partnerships. Together, UP believes its partners can embrace a common agenda for change, sharing data and resources, and collaborating on fundraising. For more information, email UP. 54┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

Chapter 8

CARING & SAFE SCHOOLS

Commitment to School Safety

District 15 is strongly committed to school safety. The areas listed below are a sampling of the varied measures undertaken to promote a safe and orderly learning environment at each school in District 15. Comprehensive Planning ● ●

The implementation of a Standardized School Crisis Plan, created in conjunction with representatives from police and fire departments, that is designed to enable school personnel to respond appropriately to a variety of emergency and/or crisis situations that may occur on or near a school. The formation of a District 15 Safety Committee that is composed of parents, teachers, administrators, and representatives from police and fire departments from Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and Rolling Meadows that meets quarterly to review and improve on district-wide safety policies and practices.

Effective Coordination ●

●

Conducting the following drills at each school on an annual basis as required by Illinois School Code: ○ Three evacuation drills. One of the three evacuation drills must be supervised by the appropriate fire department. ○ One bus evacuation drill. ○ One law enforcement drill. Each school in D15 completes two law enforcement drills annually. One of these two law enforcement drills must be a staff initiated lock-down. ○ One severe weather and shelter-in-place drill. Conducting an annual drill review meeting with principals and representatives from police and fire departments to continuously improve each school’s readiness to respond to an emergency and/or crisis situation.

Expanded Outreach ●

●

Implementation of an online bullying and safety reporting center that allows students, parents, staff, and community members to report concerns either by name or anonymously. Implementation of a system known as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at each school in the District that is designed to teach, model, and reinforce desired student behaviors. PBIS also provides supports to students who are struggling behaviorally.

Enhanced Communications and Technology ● ● ● ●

Utilizing the District’s mass communication tools, allowing communications to be sent rapidly to parents via phone, text, and/or e-mail. Utilizing Raptor, a visitor management system, to screen visitors at each school against national sex offender databases. Installation and regular testing of silent alarms at each school. Installation of video cameras at the main entrance at each school.

School Safety/School Emergencies Parent Roles and Responsibilities Before, During and After Emergency/Crisis Although there are many safety measures in place at each school in the District, an emergency or crisis situation may still occur. Parents should consider the following actions before, during, or after an emergency or crisis situation: 55┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

● ●

Speak regularly with your child(ren) about the importance of reporting any concern(s) that they have about safety to an adult either at school or at home so that their concern can be acted upon. Similarly, contact building administration to report any concerns that you have regarding school safety so that your concern(s) can be acted upon.

In the event of an emergency or crisis: ●

●

A parent’s first instinct may be to go to the school immediately. Instead, help law enforcement and school officials to keep the parking lot clear and roadways leading to the area open so that the appropriate first responders can arrive on the scene as quickly as possible. Once onsite, the responders will require staging space for vehicles and personnel. Staying clear of the school will help ensure a swift arrival of first responders. Stay home or at your workplace to receive updates via text / phone / email OR wait to be informed of a location in the community where you can go to receive real-time updates from law enforcement / district officials / designated liaisons. Each municipality with schools in District 15 (Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and Rolling Meadows) have a number of locations that can be used to provide in-person information about an emergency to parents and community members. To maintain both flexibility and to ensure security of these various sites, additional locations in each community will not be shared until the day of an incident.

You can be prepared by: ● ●

Making sure your emergency contact information is up-to-date and includes accurate cell phone numbers and email addresses so that there is not a delay in contacting you in the event of an emergency. Also make sure you list trusted adults as emergency contacts who would be able to pick up your child if you are not available. Without exception, students will be released only to their parents, legal guardians, or emergency contacts identified in registration materials during an emergency or crisis situation.

Social media is a powerful communication tool, but in the event of a crisis or an emergency, rely on information provided by school officials and law enforcement, and refrain from posting incomplete or unconfirmed details that may fuel confusion and/or fear in the community. Partnerships with Police and Fire Departments District 15 enjoys a positive working relationship with police and fire departments. This relationship has been built over time based on: a shared commitment for school safety; a focus on continuous growth and improvement; open communication; and trust. District 15 is grateful for the important service that police and fire departments provide for our schools and respective communities. Common Emergency and/or Crisis Response Terms Five terms commonly used in school safety planning include: ● Lockdown Procedures; ● Hard Lockdown Procedures; ● Relocation (Evacuation) Procedures ● Severe Weather Watch; and ● Severe Weather Warning.

➤See the specific steps that will be taken in these five scenarios to protect students and staff. Caring, Safe and Orderly Learning Environment

District 15 is committed to maintaining safe and orderly schools and offices. Board of Education Policy 8:11 Caring, Safe, and Orderly Learning Environment supports the District’s civic beliefs by promoting mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among students, employees, parents, and other community members. Any individual entering District 15 property or attending District-sponsored activities including extracurricular activities, Board meetings, or athletic events shall treat others with dignity and respect. This policy is not intended to deprive any person of his/her right to freedom of expression, but rather to maintain

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to the extent possible a reasonable and safe, harassment-free educational atmosphere for the school community with minimal disruption. The District encourages positive communication and discourages volatile, hostile, or aggressive behaviors. The District expects public cooperation with this endeavor.

School Threats

If students write or talk about injuring or killing another student, staff member, or any other person, or about using weapons through any media, these statements will be taken as serious threats. All reports of such threats or statements will be fully investigated. If the information is substantiated, the student(s) involved will be disciplined as appropriate under District and/or building policies and local municipal ordinances. It is important for students to think about what they say, especially when angry or upset. Teachers, social workers, school psychologists, administrators, and services are available to assist students with behavioral or anger management issues.

School Safety Overview School Resource Officers The Village of Palatine and the City of Rolling Meadows have intergovernmental agreements with the District to provide a part-time school resource officer assigned to each junior high school. The officers work at the direction of building leadership and provide a variety of services to students, parents, and staff. They serve as positive role models for students. They might meet with small groups of students or entire classes to discuss various aspects of the law and procedures of the court system. They are available to discuss specific situations with parents and staff. The officers are also available to elementary school parents, staff, and students as needed. Canine Searches Creating and maintaining a safe environment for our students and staff is one of the most important tasks educators have. It is with this in mind that each junior high school in District 15 partners with local law enforcement to conduct up to four unannounced canine searches each year for illegal drugs. All canine searches are limited in scope to lockers and other common areas (e.g., gym lockers, library, etc.) with building administration being present throughout the exercise. When a canine search is being conducted, the school is placed into a soft lockdown. A soft lockdown requires students and staff to remain in their classroom where instruction continues to take place. In the event that illegal drugs are found during a canine search, building administration conducts a full investigation that would most likely involve the participation of our school resource officer and appropriate school-based and legal consequences would be issued. Junior high administration will inform parents and staff of each canine search after it has taken place. Read additional information about searches: Board Policy 7:140 Search and Seizure. Parent/Guardian Notification Corey’s Law Public Act 101-0478 explains the school district’s requirement to contact parents/guardians prior to any detention and questioning by a law enforcement officer, a school resource officer, or other school security personnel of a student who is under 18 years old and suspected of committing a criminal act.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Sex Offender Information Public Act 94-004 makes information about registered child sex offenders available to the public, including names, addresses, and offenses committed. This information can be viewed on the Illinois State Police website at www.isp.state.il.us/sor, or parents may obtain information from their local police department or sheriff’s office.

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Erin’s Law Public Act 096-1524, known as Erin’s Law, amends the school code to address the prevention of child sexual abuse. In partnership with parents and families, the District is committed to raising awareness and providing resources to further community prevention efforts. Parents are encouraged to review the warning signs of possible child abuse: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Unexplained injuries and changes in behavior, Returning to earlier behavior (regressing to behaviors more appropriate for younger children), Fear of going to certain previously welcome locations (neighbors, relatives, friends, etc.), Changes in eating habits and/or sleeping patterns, Changes in school performance and/or attendance, Risk-taking behavior, Inappropriate sexual behavior, Mood swings, and/or Lack of personal care or hygiene.

➤Visit the District 15 website for additional parent resources.

Other local and national resources committed to child safety, abuse prevention, and intervention include: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Northwest CASA (Center Against Sexual Assault) – 24-Hour Hotline 888-802-8890 The Bridge Youth and Family Services – Crisis Line 847-359-7490 AMITA Health Center for Mental Health – Crisis Prevention 847-952-7460 National Child Sexual Abuse Help Line – 866-FOR-LIGHT (866-367-5444) www.preventchildabuse.org www.childluresprevention.com

Suicide and Depression Awareness

District 15 addresses suicide and depression awareness in conjunction with Board of Education Policy 7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention, to provide students, parents/guardians and employees with practices and procedures for early identification and referral of students possibly at risk of suicide. ● ●

The Erika’s Lighthouse program is provided to 6th grade students to raise awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. For more information, please visit Erika’s Lighthouse. For 7th and 8th graders, the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program is implemented for depression and suicide awareness.

District 15 Helpline

Do you need help and are not sure who to contact? Do you have concerns or worries about yourself or others? Our student services staff are available during these stressful times. The District 15 helpline is only a call or text away Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Calls or texts received outside of these hours will be answered the following workday. Call or text: ● English: 847-460-2099 ● Spanish: 847-460-2129 You can reach out about multiple topics, including but not limited to: ● social or emotional concerns; ● Resources such as food, housing and transportation; or ● Ideas on how to support your child

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School Facilities Care of School Property Damage to school property is a concern for all members of the community due to rising repair costs. Students and their families are responsible for the cost of repairs and/or replacement if a student damages school property. Please review with your child the school’s instructions on proper respect for school property and material. Community Use of Schools Application for use of a school building must be made on a District 15 form provided by the principal and signed by a responsible representative of the organization or group making the application. The terms and costs, where applicable, are printed on the form. The applicant also agrees to furnish District 15 with a Certificate of Insurance or a Hold Harmless Agreement before an event can take place. The District remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under Board of Education Policy 8:20 Community Use of School Facilities. School schedules and park district activities have priority for facility use. Pesticide Application Procedures District 15 follows state and federal regulations that require notice two business days prior to any pesticide application in a school. In the event pesticide use is required, District 15 will provide the appropriate notification to parents. Asbestos Management Plan The District is required by law to maintain an Asbestos Management Plan and provide written notice at least once each school year to parents and guardians. The Asbestos Management Plan is specific to each school building and a copy is available for review in every school office. The Asbestos Management Plan is updated every six (6) months and includes the results of periodic re-inspections, response actions, and post-response actions, if any. Please contact your school office if you wish to view the Asbestos Management Plan.

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Chapter 9

POLICIES TO NOTE

District 15 is guided by a set of policies adopted by the Board of Education that govern all facets of our operations. The complete policy manual is available online and at the District office, and is updated frequently through the year to reflect changes in laws and the direction of the Board. The policies in this section of the Handbook are among those that state and federal laws require parents and students to be notified about certain rights, responsibilities, and procedures. This handbook may be amended during the year without notice to parents.

➤Access the complete, current Board of Education Policy Manual here. Policy 7:10 E qual Educational Opportunities Policy 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities provides that equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to color, race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical and mental handicap or disability, gender identity, status of being homeless, order of protection status, or actual or potential parental or marital status, including pregnancy. Further, the District will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of any protected status, except that the District remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under Board of Education Policy 8:20 Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Complaint Procedure. Nondiscrimination The District prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of color, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, immigration status, order of protection status, status of being homeless, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other legally protected characteristic. District employees are expected to demonstrate sensitivity and respect in dealing with students. The District’s prohibition against discrimination includes, but is not limited to, proscribing any employee from making any discriminatory statements, comments, or remarks to or about any student or engaging in any discriminatory conduct toward any student because of or relating to the student’s legally protected characteristic. District employees found to have violated the District’s non-discrimination or equal education policies will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. Gender Equity No student shall, on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits, or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities. Any student may file a gender equity complaint by using the Uniform Complaint Procedure. A student may appeal the Board of Education’s resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent of Schools

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(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). The Superintendent appoints a nondiscrimination coordinator. The Superintendent and building administrators shall inform staff members and students of this policy and grievance procedure. Any District employee, parent, or student may file a complaint of discrimination pursuant to Board of Education Policy 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure by bringing his or her complaint to one of the non-discrimination coordinators identified below. Equal Access The District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other designated youth groups.

➤Nondiscrimination Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Claire Kowalczyk at 847-963-3202,

580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067 and Nondiscrimination Coordinator: Dr. Thomas Edgar at 847-963-3106, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067.

Policy 7:15 S tudent & 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 of Education 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 that is created by a person or entity other than a District official, staff member, or student regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and regardless of the subject matter of the questions. Surveys 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: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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

The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may: ● ●

Inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or 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) exercises this option.

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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: ● ● ●

Is permitted or required by an applicable state law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification; Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.); Is otherwise authorized by Board policy.

Selling or Marketing Student 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: ● ● ● ●

● ●

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

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

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

This notification shall be given to parent(s)/guardian(s) at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change in this policy.

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The rights provided to parent(s)/guardian(s) in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor.

Policy 7:20 H arassment of Students Prohibited Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment Prohibited No person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived: race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above. 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/or engages in other verbal or physical conduct, including sexual violence, of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that: 1. Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student’s academic status; or 2. Has the purpose or effect of: a. Substantially interfering with a student’s educational environment; b. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; c. Depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or d. Making submission to or rejection of such unwelcome conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student.

The terms intimidating, hostile, and offensive include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities. The term sexual violence includes a number of different acts. Examples of sexual violence include, but are not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion. Making a Complaint; Enforcement Students are encouraged to report claims or incidences of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. A student may choose to report to a person of the student’s same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.An allegation that a student was a victim of any prohibited conduct perpetrated by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students for appropriate action.

➤Nondiscrimination Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator:

Dr. Claire Kowalczyk at 847-963-3202, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067.

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➤Complaint Managers: Dr. Claire Kowalczyk at 847-963-3202, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067 and Dr. Thomas Edgar at 847-963-3106, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067.

The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy, such as, by including it in the appropriate handbooks. Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the behavior policy. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students.

Student Records Student Records In District 15, all records, except health, reports of individual testing, records of other student services, and suspension, are kept in the student’s cumulative folder. Health records are maintained in the Health Services Office. Records of case study evaluation testing and other student services records are kept in the Student Services Department with copies also maintained in the office of the principal. Suspension records are maintained in the Superintendent’s Office. Authorized District 15 personnel who have access to the student records are: the principal of the school the child attends, teachers working with the student, and instructional or student services personnel or administrators involved in serving the child. The records of students who are enrolled in public or private school programs outside the school district are made available to personnel who work with the students in those programs. The laws also specify certain state and federal officials who may have access to the files if the use of the records is consistent with the fulfillment of their responsibilities. Questions about student records should be directed to the principal of the school your child attends or to the Student Services Department at 847-963-3149. All student records may be examined by the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) who also may obtain copies of the records. A parent wishing to read the records or obtain copies must make a written request to the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, as explained in #3 (below). The following information pertains to the rights and obligations of parents, students, and the school district under the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 1974, and 34 CFR Part 99.

1. The student permanent record consists of basic identifying information, the academic transcript, the attendance record, accident reports and the health record, and a record of release of permanent information. It also may consist of honors and awards and information concerning participation in school-sponsored activities or athletics, or offices held in school-sponsored organizations. No other information will be placed in the student permanent record. The permanent record will be kept for 60 years after graduation or permanent withdrawal. (ISSRA, Par. 50-2(e); 50-4(e)) 2. The student temporary record consists of all information that is of clear relevance to the education of the student but is not required to be in the student permanent record. It may include family background information, intelligence test scores, aptitude test scores, psychological and personality test results, achievement test results, teacher anecdotal records, disciplinary information, and special education files. A record of release of temporary record information must be included in the student temporary record. The temporary record will be reviewed periodically for elimination of out-of-date, inaccurate, or unnecessary information. The temporary record will be destroyed entirely within five years after permanent withdrawal from the District. (ISSRA, Par. 50-2(f) and 50-4(f)) 3. Parents or any person specifically designated by a parent have the right to:

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a. Make a written request to inspect and copy all permanent and temporary records. Parents have a right to review the records within 15 days from the time the custodian of the records receives the request. The official records custodian in District 15 is the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. A student shall have the right to inspect and copy his or her school student permanent record. The charge for copying records is 35 cents per page. No parent or student shall be denied a copy of school student records due to inability to bear the cost of such copying. (ISSRA, Par. 50-5) b. Have present, at the option of either the parent or the school district, a qualified professional who may be a psychologist, counselor, or other advisor, and who may be an employee of the school district or employed by the parent, to interpret the information contained in the student temporary record. If the school district requires that a professional be present, the school district shall secure and bear any cost for the presence of a professional. If the parent so requests, the school district shall secure and bear any cost for the presence of a professional employed by the school district. (ISSRA, Par. 50-5(b)) c. Challenge the accuracy, relevancy, or propriety of any entry in the student records, exclusive of grades, by requesting a hearing with the school district. i. The request for a hearing shall be submitted in writing to the records custodian and shall contain notice of the specific entry or entries to be challenged and the basis of the challenge. ii. An informal conference will be held within 15 school days of receipt of the request for a hearing. iii. If the challenge is not resolved by the informal conference, a formal hearing shall be initiated. iv. For a formal hearing, a hearing officer who is not employed in the attendance center in which the student is enrolled shall be appointed by the school district and shall conduct a hearing within a reasonable time but no later than 15 days after the informal conference, unless an extension of time is agreed upon by the parents and school officials. The hearing officer shall notify the parents and school officials of the time and place of the hearing. Each party shall have the right to present evidence and to call witnesses, the right to cross-examine witnesses, and the right to counsel. A record of the hearing shall be made by tape recording or by a court reporter. The decision of the hearing officer shall be rendered no later than 10 school days after the conclusion of the hearing and shall be transmitted to the parents and the school district. The hearing officer’s decision shall be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and shall order (a) retention of the challenged contents of the student record; or (b) removal of the challenged contents of the student record; or (c) a change, clarification or addition to the challenged contents of the student record. The parties shall have the right to appeal the decision of the hearing officer to the Regional Superintendent of Schools. v. A notice of appeal must be presented to the Regional Superintendent of Schools within 20 school days after the decision of the hearing officer. The opposing party shall be notified of the appeal at the same time. Within 10 school days, the school district shall forward a transcript of the hearing, a copy of the record entry in question and any other pertinent materials to the Regional Superintendent of Schools. Upon receipt of such documents, the Regional Superintendent of Schools shall examine the documents and record, make findings and issue a decision to the parents and the school district within 20 school days of receipt of the documents. If the subject of the appeal involves the accuracy, relevance, or propriety of any entry in special education records, the Regional Superintendent of Schools should seek advice from appropriate special education personnel who were not authors of the entry and whose special education skills are relevant to the subject(s) of the entry in question. The school district shall be responsible for implementing the decision of the Regional Superintendent of Schools. Such decision shall be final, but may be appealed to the Circuit Court of the county in which the school district is located. (ISSRA, Par. 50-7) 4. No student records or information contained therein may be released, transferred, disclosed, or otherwise disseminated, except: a. To a parent or student or person specifically designated as a representative by a parent; (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (1)) b. To an employee or official of the school district or the State Board of Education with a current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student, in furtherance of such interest; (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (2)) c. To the official records custodian of another school in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll. The records may be transferred to the requesting school 10 school days after the student transfers out of the school district. Parents have the opportunity to inspect, copy, or challenge 65┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

5. 6. 7.

10.

11.

contents of the student records within those 10 days or before the records are transferred (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (3)). Also, Public Act 89-261 requires the sending school district to verify that the student’s medical records are up-to-date and the student is not currently being disciplined by an out-of-school suspension or expulsion. Records of students who graduate from eighth grade are automatically forwarded to the high school the student will attend in District 211 or 214; d. To any person for the purpose of research, statistical reporting, or planning, provided that no student or parent can be identified from the information released and the person(s) requesting the use of such information has signed an affidavit agreeing to comply with all rules and statutes regarding school records; (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (4)) e. Pursuant to a court order, provided that the parent shall be given prompt written notice upon receipt of such order, of the terms of the order, the nature and substance of the information proposed to be released in compliance with such order and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge the contents of the school student records; (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (5)) f. To any person as specifically required by state or federal law, provided that such person shall provide the school with appropriate identification and a copy of the statute authorizing such access and that the parent receives prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information to be released and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such information. If the release of information relates to more than 25 students, such prior notice may be given in a local newspaper of general circulation or other publication directed generally to parents; (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (6)) g. Subject to regulations of the Illinois State Board of Education, in connection with an emergency to appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons, provided that the parents are notified as soon as possible of the information released, the date of release, the person, agency or organization receiving the information, and the purpose of the release; (ISSRA, Par. 40-6(a) (7)) h. To any person with the prior specific, dated, and written consent of the parent designating the person to whom the records may be released and the designated records or designated portions of the information to be released. The parent has the right to inspect, copy, and challenge the records and to limit any such consent to designated records or designated portions of the information contained within the records. (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (8)) Parents may insert in their child’s school student record a statement of reasonable length setting forth their position on any disputed information contained in that record. The school shall include a copy of such statement in any subsequent dissemination of the information in dispute. (ISSRA, Par. 50-7(d)) Parents will be given reasonable prior notice before any school student record is destroyed or information deleted therefrom and an opportunity to copy the record or information proposed to be destroyed or deleted. (ISSRA, Par. 50-4(h)) Except for the student and his/her parents, no person to whom information is released and no person specifically designated as a representative by a parent may permit any other person to have access to such information without prior consent of parent obtained in accordance with ISSRA, Par. 50-6(a) (8). (ISSRA, Section 50-6(d)) A record of any release of information shall be maintained for the life of the school student records and shall be available only to the parents and the official records custodian. The record of release shall include the nature and substance of the information released, the name of the person requesting such information, the capacity in which such a request has been made, the purpose of such request, the date of the release, the name and signature of the official records custodian releasing such information, and a copy of any consent to such release. (ISSRA, Par. 50-6(c)) All rights and privileges accorded a parent under the ISSRA shall become exclusively those of the student upon his/her 18th birthday, graduation from secondary school, marriage, or entry into the military service, whichever occurs first. Such rights and privileges also may be exercised by the student at any time with respect to the student’s permanent school record. (ISSRA, Par. 50-2(g)) No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefit, or make as a condition of employment, credit, or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student’s temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under the Illinois School Student Records Act. (ISSRA, Par. 50-8) Psychological evaluations, special education files, and other information contained in the student temporary record which may be of continued assistance to the student may be transferred to the custody of the parent or student if the student succeeded to the rights of the parents no sooner than five years after graduation or permanent withdrawal of a special education student.

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➤District 15 official records custodian: Ann Scully, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, 580 N. 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067, 847-963-3149.

Homeless Students Board of Education policies provide that any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment. A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any District school’s attendance area may attend that school. Students eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act shall have transportation provided to them in accordance with both state and federal law. Homeless students will also have all school fees waived and will become automatically eligible for free or reduced cost meals provided by the District.

➤District 15 liaison for homeless children: Alicia Corrigan, Director of Student Services, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067, 847-963-3152.

Policy 7:190 S tudent Behavior Student Behavior The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective discipline practices that: (1) ensure the safety and dignity of students and staff; (2) maintain a positive, weapons-free, and drug-free learning environment; (3) keep school property and the property of others secure; (4) address the causes of a student’s misbehavior and provide opportunities for all individuals involved in an incident to participate in its resolution; and (5) teach students positive behavioral skills to become independent, self-disciplined citizens in the school community and society. When and Where Conduct Rules Apply A student is subject to disciplinary action for engaging in prohibited student conduct, as described in the section with that name below, whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to: ● ● ● ●

On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time; Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school; Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including, but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

Prohibited Student Conduct The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct including, but not limited to: 1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco or nicotine materials, including without limitation, electronic cigarettes. 2. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. Students who are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession. 3. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling, or offering for sale: a. Any illegal drug or controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana, hashish and medical cannabis unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law) . 67┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

11. 12. 13. 14.

b. Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician or licensed practitioner’s prescription. c. Any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois High School Association’s most current banned substance list unless administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription. d. Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a physician or licensed practitioner, or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician’s or licensed practitioner’s instructions. The use or possession of medical cannabis, even by a student for whom medical cannabis has been prescribed, is prohibited, unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law. e. Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a responsible person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system. The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications. f. Any substance inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, or otherwise ingested or absorbed with the intention of causing a physiological or psychological change in the body, including without limitation, pure caffeine in tablet or powdered form. g. “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance that is not prohibited by this policy, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug, controlled substance; or other substance that is prohibited by this policy; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy. h. Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances. Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession. Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a “weapon” as that term is defined in the Weapons section of this policy, or violating the Weapons section of this policy. Using or possessing an electronic paging device.Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular telephone. All electronic devices must be kept powered off and out of sight during the regular school day unless: (a) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (b) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals. Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction. Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a District staff member’s request to stop, present school identification, or submit to a search. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores. Engaging in hazing or any kind of bullying or aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using a school computer or school computer network, or other comparable conduct. Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning), and sexual assault. This does not include the non-disruptive: (a) expression of gender or sexual orientation or preference, or (b) display of affection during non-instructional time. Teen dating violence, as described in Board of Education Policy 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property. Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization. 68┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

15. In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (such as calling 911); signaling or setting off alarms or signals indicating the presence of an emergency; or indicating the presence of a bomb or explosive device on school grounds, school bus, or at any school activity. 16. Being absent without a recognized excuse; State law and School Board Policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants. 17. Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority or secret society, by: (a) being a member; (b) promising to join; (c) pledging to become a member; or (d) soliciting any other person to join, promise to join, or be pledged to become a member. 18. Being involved in gangs or gang related activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia. 19. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, and hazing. 20. Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school. 21. Operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the Superintendent or designee. 22. Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member, or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property. 23. Consistent with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health, students must wear face coverings at all times while in school buildings (except when eating or if necessary to play an instrument), on school buses, and outside when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained. Students are expected to wear a face covering to school each day. Students who arrive at school without a face covering will be provided a disposable face covering at no cost. The only exemptions to the face covering requirement are for students who are younger than two years of age, have trouble breathing, or are incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance. Students who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering may also be provided with appropriate accommodations to ensure the safety of that student and the rest of the school community. A note from the student’s physician will be required for a student requesting an exemption from the face covering requirement. District personnel will contact the parents/guardians of all students requesting exemptions to discuss appropriate accommodations. To request an exemption to the face covering requirement and an appropriate accommodation in lieu of a face covering for your student, please contact your school’s principal. [The contact information for your school’s principal can be found on the District 15 webpage: https://www.ccsd15.net/. Click HERE for the web page and then click “Our Schools” to select your home school.] Students who refuse to wear face coverings, including those students whose parents/guardians prohibit the use of face coverings, may be required to participate in remote learning. In addition, students who refuse to wear face coverings may be subject to disciplinary consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policy 7:190 Student Behavior.

For purposes of this policy, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of any object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; (d) any other 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 disruptive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the parent/guardian of a student who engages in aggressive behavior is notified of the incident. The

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failure to provide such notification does not limit the Board’s authority to impose discipline, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior. No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student. Disciplinary Measures School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and out-of-school suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and, where practicable and reasonable, shall consider forms of non-exclusionary discipline before using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions. School personnel shall not advise or encourage students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties. Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

Notifying parents(s)/guardian(s). Disciplinary conference. Withholding of privileges. Temporary removal from the classroom. Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property. In-school suspension. The Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised. After-school study or Saturday study, provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative disciplinary measure may be used. The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or a designee. Community service with local public and nonprofit agencies that enhances community efforts to meet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. The District will not provide transportation. School administration shall use this option only as an alternative to another disciplinary measure, giving the student and/or parent/guardian the choice. Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of personal property that was used to violate this policy or school disciplinary rules. Suspension of bus riding privileges in accordance with Board of Education Policy 7:220 Bus Conduct. Out-of-school suspension from school and all school activities in accordance with Board of Education Policy 7:200 Suspension Procedures. A student who has been suspended may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities. Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years in accordance with Board of Education Policy 7:210 Expulsion Procedures. A student who has been expelled shall be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities. Transfer to an alternative program upon written agreement with the student’s parent(s) or following a Board of Education hearing. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, including but not limited to, illegal drugs (controlled substances), “look-alikes,” alcohol, or weapons or in other circumstances as authorized by the reciprocal reporting agreement between the District and local law enforcement agencies.

The above list of disciplinary measures is a range of options that will not always be applicable in every case. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to avoid suspending or expelling a student because behavioral interventions, other than a suspension and expulsion, will not be appropriate and available, and the only reasonable and practical way to resolve the threat and/or address the disruption is a suspension or expulsion. Corporal punishment is prohibited. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff or other persons or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property. School staff members shall only use time out and physical restraints as permitted in Section 105 ILCS 5/10-20.33 of the School Code, State Board of Education rule, and procedures developed by the Superintendent. Neither time out or physical restraint shall be used to discipline or punish a student.

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Weapons A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of at least one calendar year but not more than two calendar years: A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, or weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 921), firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65/), or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (720 ILCS 5/24-1). A knife, brass knuckles, or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted or intended to be used to cause bodily harm, including “look-alikes” of any firearm as defined above. The expulsion requirement under either paragraph one or two above may be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the Board on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon the prior request of an adult supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts, and similar programs, whether or not school-sponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm. This policy’s prohibitions concerning weapons apply regardless of whether: (1) a student is licensed to carry a concealed firearm, or (2) the Board permits visitors, who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm, to store a firearm in a locked vehicle in a school parking area. Re-Engagement of Returning Students The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a process to facilitate the re-engagement of students who are returning from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or an alternative school setting. The goal of re-engagement shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusionary discipline and shall include the opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. Required Notices A school staff member shall immediately notify the office of the Building Principal in the event that he or she: (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on or around school grounds; however, such action may be delayed if immediate notice would endanger students under his or her supervision, (2) observes or has reason to suspect that any person on school grounds is or was involved in a drug-related incident, or (3) observes a battery committed against any staff member. Upon receiving such a report, the Building Principal or designee shall immediately notify a 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 [licensed] educational employees, and other persons providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property. Teachers may 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 ten consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The Board may suspend students from riding the bus in excess of ten school days for safety reasons.

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Parent/Student Handbook The Superintendent, with input from the parent-teacher advisory committee, shall prepare disciplinary rules implementing the District’s disciplinary policies. These disciplinary rules shall be presented annually to the Board for its review and approval. A parent/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. *Student behavior extends to social networking sites.

Policy 7:140 Search & Seizure In order to maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. “School authorities” includes school resource officers. School Property and Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as, lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there. The Superintendent may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs. Students School authorities may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects in the student’s possession (such as purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s student conduct rules. The search itself must be conducted in a manner which is reasonably related to its objective and not excessively intrusive in light of the student’s age and sex, and the nature of the infraction. When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows: ● ● ●

Outside the view of others, including students, In the presence of a school administrator or adult witness, and By a certificated employee or police liaison officer of the same sex as the student.

Immediately following a search, a written report shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search, and given to the Superintendent. Seizure of Property If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities. Notification Regarding Student Accounts or Profiles on Social Networking Websites The Superintendent or designee shall notify students and their parents/guardians of each of the following in accordance with the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, 105 ILCS 75/: ● ●

School officials may not request or require a student or his or her parent/guardian to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website. School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a 72┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

school disciplinary rule or policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.

Policy 7:200 Suspension Procedures In-School Suspension The Superintendent or designee is authorized to maintain an in-school suspension program. The program shall include, at a minimum, each of the following: 1. Before assigning a student to in-school suspension, the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges. 2. Students are supervised by licensed school personnel. 3. Students are given the opportunity to complete classroom work during the in-school suspension for equivalent academic credit.

Out-of-School Suspension The Superintendent or designee shall implement suspension procedures that provide, at a minimum, for each of the following: 1. A conference during which the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges before he or she may be suspended. 2. A pre-suspension conference is not required, and the student can be immediately suspended when the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process. In such cases, the notice and conference shall follow as soon as practicable. 3. An attempted phone call to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). 4. A written notice via mail and/or email (if an email address is provided) of the suspension to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student, which shall: a. Provide notice via mail and/or email (if an email address is provided) to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their child’s right to a review of the suspension; b. Include information about an opportunity to make up work missed during the suspension for equivalent academic credit; c. Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend; d. Provide rationale or an explanation of how the chosen number of suspension days will address the threat or disruption posed by the student or his or her act of gross disobedience or misconduct; and e. Depending upon the length of the out-of-school suspension, include the following applicable information: i. For a suspension of 3 school days or less, an explanation that the student’s continuing presence in school would either pose: a) A threat to school safety, or b) A disruption to other students’ learning opportunities. ii. For a suspension of 4 or more school days, an explanation: a) That other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted, b) As to whether school officials attempted other interventions or determined that no other interventions were available for the student, and c) That the student’s continuing presence in school would either: i. Pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or ii. Substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school. iii. For a suspension of 5 or more school days, the information listed in section 4.e.ii. above, along with documentation by the Superintendent or designee determining what, if any, appropriate and available support services will be provided to the student during the length of his or her suspension. 5. A summary of the notice, including the reason for the suspension and the suspension length, must be given to the Board by the Superintendent or designee. 6. Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. At the review, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer and may be represented by counsel. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the suspension, the Superintendent or designee 73┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

shall invite a representative from the Department of Human Services to consult with the Board. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall take such action as it finds appropriate. If the suspension is upheld, the Board’s written suspension decision shall specifically detail items (a) and (e) in number 4, above.

A student seeking to transfer into District 15 must serve the entire term of any suspension or expulsion, imposed for any reason by any public or private school in Illinois or any other state, before being admitted into a district school, as specified in Board of Education Policy 7:50 Student Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools.

Policy 7:191 Gangs and Gang-Related Activities Student involvement in gangs or gang-related activities, including the display of gang symbols or paraphernalia, on school property or at school-related events is strictly prohibited. Any student who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension or expulsion in accordance with the District’s student behavior policy. As used herein, the term “gang” shall mean any organization, club, or group composed wholly or in part of students and which is assembled for the common purpose or design of: 1. committing or conspiring to commit criminal offenses; 2. engaging in conduct that is contrary to the public good; or 3. engaging in conduct that interferes with, or disrupts, the District’s educational process or programs.

As used herein, the phrase “gang-related activity” shall mean any conduct engaged in by a student on behalf of any gang: 1. to perpetuate the existence of any gang, and 2. to effect the common purpose and design of any gang including, without limitation, recruiting students for membership in any gang and/or threatening or intimidating other students or employees to commit acts or omissions against their will in furtherance of the common purpose and design of any gang.

Policy 7:220 Bus Conduct All students must follow the District’s School Bus Safety Rules. School Bus Suspensions The Superintendent, or any designee as permitted in school code, is authorized to suspend a student from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Prohibited student conduct as defined in Board of Education Policy 7:190 Student Behavior. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider. Willful damage and/or defacement of the bus. Repeated use of profanity. Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from the bus driver or other supervisor. Such other behavior as the Superintendent or designee deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the School Board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons. The District shall provide the student with notice of the gross disobedience or misconduct and an opportunity to respond. Academic Credit for Missed Classes During School Bus Suspension A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school shall have

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the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternate transportation. As described in the Transportation chapter of the Handbook, all District 15 buses are equipped with video cameras to monitor conduct and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.

Title IX Compliance School District 15 is in full compliance with regulations for implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibit sex discrimination in federally assisted education programs. The school district complies fully with the nondiscriminatory provisions of federal and state law pertaining but not limited to students, parents, members of the community, employees, and applicants for employment.

Policy 7:180 Prevention of and Response to 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 and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important District goals. Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, status of being homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations: 1. During any school-sponsored education program or activity. 2. While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities. 3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment. 4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.

Definitions from Section 27-23.7 of The School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-23.7) Bullying includes cyberbullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Cyberbullying 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 75┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. C yberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, that: (i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and community, (ii) contribute to maintaining school safety, (iii) protect the integrity of a positive and productive learning climate, (iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to be successful in school and society, (v) serve to build and restore relationships among students, families, schools, and communities, and (vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in school. School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district, including without limitation: school and school district administrators, teachers, school guidance counselors, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards. Bullying Prevention and Response Plan The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the District’s goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassment. This plan must be consistent with the requirements listed below; each numbered requirement, 1-12, corresponds with the same number in the list of required policy components in 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(b) 1-12. 1. The District uses the definition of bullying as provided in this policy. 2. Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of this District. However, nothing in the District’s bullying prevention and response plan is intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution. 3. Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the District named officials or any staff member. The District named officials and all staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anonymous reports are also accepted. ➤ Nondiscrimination Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Claire Kowalczyk at 847-963-3202, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067. ➤ Complaint Managers: Dr. Claire Kowalczyk at 847-963-3202 and Dr. Thomas Edgar at 847-963-3106, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067. 4. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the Superintendent or designee shall promptly inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of every student involved in an alleged incident of bullying and discuss, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures. 5. The Superintendent or designee shall promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, by, among other things: a. Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of a bullying incident was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported bullying incident. b. Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as deemed appropriate, in the investigation process. c. Notifying the Building Principal or school administrator or designee of the reported incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received. d. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the Building Principal or school administrator or his or 76┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

6. 7. 8.

9. 10.

11.

12.

her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying. The Superintendent or designee shall investigate whether a reported incident of bullying is within the permissible scope of the District’s jurisdiction and shall require that the District provide the victim with information regarding services that are available within the District and community, such as counseling support services, and other programs. The Superintendent or designee shall use interventions to address bullying, that may include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community-based services. A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. A student’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions. A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions. The District’s bullying prevention and response plan must be based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including students and parents/guardians. The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the District’s website, if any, and include it in the student handbook, and, where applicable, post it where other policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted. The policy must be distributed annually to parents/guardians, students, and school personnel (including new employees when hired), and must also be provided periodically throughout the school year to students and faculty. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. This process shall include, without limitation: a. The frequency of victimization; b. Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school; c. Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs; d. The types of bullying utilized; and e. Bystander intervention or participation. The evaluation process may use relevant data and information that the District already collects for other purposes. The Superintendent or designee must post the information developed as a result of the policy evaluation on the District’s website, or if a website is not available, the information must be provided to school administrators, Board members, school personnel, parents/guardians, and students. The Superintendent or designee shall fully implement the Board policies, including without limitation, the following: a. 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may use this policy to complain about bullying. b. 6:60 Curriculum Content. Bullying prevention and character instruction is provided in all grades in accordance with State law. c. 6:65 Student Social and Emotional Development. Student social and emotional development is incorporated into the District’s educational program as required by State law. d. 6:235 Access to Electronic Networks. This policy states that the use of the District’s electronic networks is limited to: (1) support of education and/or research, or (2) a legitimate business use. e. 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing, intimidating, or bullying a student based on an identified actual or perceived characteristic (the list of characteristics in 7:20 is the same as the list in this policy). f. 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. This policy prohibits teen dating violence on school property, at school-sponsored activities, and in vehicles used for school-provided transportation. g. 7:190 Student Behavior. This policy prohibits, and provides consequences for, hazing, bullying, or other aggressive behaviors, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. h. 7:310 Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools. This policy prohibits students from and provides consequences for: (1) accessing and/or distributing at school any written, printed, or electronic material, including material from the Internet, that will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline, of the school or school activities, and (2) creating and/or distributing written, printed, or electronic material, including photographic material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.

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Bullying/Safety Tip Line District 15’s Bullying/Safety Tip Line provides parents and students with an additional option to report bullying and/or other safety concerns within their schools. Similar to making a report in person or over the phone, when making an online report, please include as much detailed information as possible because doing so will greatly assist administrators in investigating and addressing the concern(s). Although it is usually best to speak directly with an administrator when making a report about bullying and/or other safety concerns at your school, sometimes students and parents are not comfortable doing so. Toward that end, this tool also allows for anonymous reporting. Please keep in mind that online reports received outside of school hours will not be reviewed and acted upon until school is back in session. With that said, if your concern(s) require(s) immediate attention, please contact local law enforcement.

➤Click here to submit a concern via the Bullying/Safety Tip Line. Parents Right-to-Know Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of any teacher instructing their child(ren). Information that may be requested includes: ● ● ● ●

Whether or not the teacher has met state licensure requirements; Whether or not the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status; The bachelor’s degree major of the teacher, any other certification or degrees held by the teacher and the subject areas of the certification or degrees; and Whether your child is provided services by teacher aides/paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

➤For more information, contact Lisa Nuss, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067, 847-963-3013.

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities Individuals with disabilities shall be provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services, programs, or activities, including parent-teacher conferences, school programs and school board meetings, on an equal basis and will not be subject to illegal discrimination. Where necessary, the district may provide to persons with disabilities separate or different aids, benefits, or services from, but as effective as, those provided to others. The district will provide reasonable accommodations where necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in or enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity. Each service, program, or activity operated in existing facilities shall be readily accessible to, and useable by, individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities should notify the Superintendent or building principal if they have a disability which will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far as possible before the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting. Individuals with disabilities may allege a violation of this policy or federal law by filing a grievance under the Uniform Grievance Procedure (Board Policy 2:260).

➤Complaint Managers: Dr. Claire Kowalczyk at 847-963-3202 and Dr. Thomas Edgar at 847-963-3106, or 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067.

Policy 8:30 V isitors To & Conduct on School Property The following definitions apply to this policy: 78┃ 2020-21 Parent /Student Handbook

● ●

School property - District and school buildings, grounds, and parking areas; vehicles used for school purposes; and any location used for a School Board meeting, school athletic event, or other school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities. Visitor - Any person other than an enrolled student or District employee.

All visitors to school property are required to report to the Building Principal’s office and receive permission to remain on school property. All visitors must sign a visitors’ log, show identification, and wear a visitor’s badge. When leaving the school, visitors must return their badge. On those occasions when large groups of parents/guardians, friends, and/or community members are invited onto school property or when community members are attending Board meetings, visitors are not required to sign in but must follow school officials’ instructions. Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Except as provided in the next paragraph, any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period. Requests to access a school building, facility, and/or educational program, or to interview personnel or a student for purposes of assessing the student’s special education needs, should be made at the appropriate building. Access shall be facilitated according to guidelines from the Superintendent or designee. The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on school property or at a school event. No person on school property or at a school event (including visitors, students, and employees) shall perform any of the following acts: 1. Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, Board member, sports official or coach, or any other person. 2. Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner, or use vulgar or obscene language. 3. Unless specifically permitted by State law, possess a weapon, any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or looks like a weapon, or any dangerous device. 4. Damage or threaten to damage another’s property. 5. Damage or deface school property. 6. Violate any Illinois law, or town or county ordinance. 7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products. Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be impaired by or under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug. 8. Be present when the person’s alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred. 9. Use or possess medical cannabis, unless he or she has complied with policy 7:270, Administering Medicines to Students, implementing Ashley’s Law. 10. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner). 11. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the Board. 12. Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized District employee’s directive. 13. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding. 14. Violate other District policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or District employee. 15. Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the District or a School function.

Convicted Child Sex Offender State law prohibits a child sex offender from being present on school property or loitering within 500 feet of school property when persons under the age of 18 are present, unless the offender is: 1. A parent/guardian of a student attending the school and has notified the Building Principal of his or her presence at the school for the purpose of: (i) attending a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of his or her child academically or socially, (ii) participating in child review conferences in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to his or her child regarding special

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education services, or (iii) attending conferences to discuss other student issues concerning his or her child such as retention and promotion; or 2. Has permission to be present from the Board, Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee. If permission is granted, the Superintendent or Board President shall provide the details of the offender’s upcoming visit to the Building Principal.

In all cases, the Superintendent, or designee who is a certified employee, shall supervise a child sex offender whenever the offender is in a child’s vicinity. Exclusive Bargaining Representative Agent Upon notifying the Building Principal’s office, authorized agents of an exclusive bargaining representative will be provided reasonable access to employees in the bargaining unit they represent in accordance with State law. Such access shall be conducted in a manner that will not impede the normal operations of the District. Enforcement Any staff member may request identification from any person on school property; refusal to provide such information is a criminal act. The Building Principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who refuses to provide requested identification. Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy may be ejected from school property. The person is also subject to being denied admission to school events or meetings for up to one calendar year. Procedures to Deny Future Admission to School Events or Meetings Before any person may be denied admission to school events or meetings as provided in this policy, the person has a right to a hearing before the Board. The Superintendent may refuse the person admission pending such hearing. The Superintendent or designee must provide the person with a hearing notice, delivered or sent by certified mail and/or email (if an email address is provided) with return receipt requested, at least ten days before the Board hearing date. The hearing notice must contain: 1. 2. 3. 4.

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

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