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2024-25 handbook
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Table of Contents

Introductory Information & General Notices        8

General School Information        9

Visitors        10

School Visitation Rights        11

Equal Educational Opportunities and Sex Equity        11

Animals on School Property        12

School Volunteers        12

Parent Involvement Compact (Title 1)        13

Invitations & Gifts        14

Treats & Snacks        15

Emergency School Closings        15

Roadrunners E-Learning Days        16

Video & Audio Monitoring Systems        18

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities        18

Students with Food Allergies        19

Food Allergy Policy        19

Care of Students with Diabetes        20

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention        20

Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs        21

Student Appearance        22

Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse,        22

Grooming Behaviors, and Boundary Violations        22

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse        22

Warning Signs of Grooming Behaviors        23

Warning Signs of Boundary Violations        24

Faith’s Law Notifications        25

Employee Conduct Standards        25

Prevention of Anaphylaxis        26

Testing        26

Lost and Found        26

Chapter 2        27

Attendance, Promotion, & Graduation        27

Attendance        28

Student Absences        28

Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance        30

Make-Up Work        30

Truancy        31

Grading & Promotion        32

Grading Scale:        33

Homework        33

Exemption from Physical Education Requirement        34

Home and Hospital Instruction        35

Valedictorian And Salutatorian        36

Honor Roll        36

Chapter 3        37

Student Fees & Meal Costs        37

Fines, Fees, and Charges; Waiver of Student Fees        38

School Breakfast & Lunch Program        39

Chapter 4        40

Transportation and Parking        40

Bus Transportation        41

Bus Conduct        43

Parking        43

Transportation Changes        44

Chapter 5        45

Health & Safety        45

Immunization, Health, Eye and Dental Examinations        46

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations        46

Eye Examination        46

Dental Examination        47

Exemptions        47

Vision and Hearing Screening        47

Student Medication        48

Self-Administration of Medication        48

Administration of Medical Cannabis        49

Undesignated Medications        49

Emergency Aid to Students        50

Guidance & Counseling        50

Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct        50

Communicable Diseases        51

Head Lice        51

Student Illness        52

Accidents        53

Chapter 6        54

Discipline and Conduct        54

General Building Conduct        55

School Dress Code        55

Student Behavior        56

Prohibited Student Conduct        56

When and Where Conduct Rules Apply        60

Disciplinary Measures        60

Isolated Time Out, Time Out and Physical Restraint        61

Corporal Punishment        61

Weapons Prohibition        62

Gang & Gang Activity Prohibited        62

Re-Engagement of Returning Students        62

Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment        63

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:        64

Complaint Managers        65

Harassment & Teen Dating Violence Prohibited        65

Harassment Prohibited        65

Sexual Harassment Prohibited        66

Teen Dating Violence Prohibited        66

Making a Report or Complaint        66

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:        66

Complaint Managers:        67

Cafeteria Rules        67

Field Trips        68

Access to Student Social Networking Passwords & Websites        68

Student Use of Electronic Devices        69

Chapter 7        71

Internet, Technology, & Publications        71

Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks        72

Terms and Conditions        72

Internet Safety        75

Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School-Sponsored Publications        75

Access to Non-School Sponsored Publications        77

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On Campus        77

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus        77

Annual Notice to Parents about Educational Technology        78

Vendors Under the Student Online Personal Protection Act        78

Chapter 8        80

Search & Seizure        80

Search & Seizure        81

School Property and Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students        81

Students Searches        81

Seizure of Property        82

Questioning of Students Suspected of Committing Criminal Activity        82

Use of Metal Detectors for Student Safety        82

Chapter 9        84

Extracurricular &        84

Athletic Activities        84

Extracurricular and Athletic Activities Code of Conduct        85

Requirements for Participation in Athletic Activities        85

Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletics Association        86

Academic Eligibility        86

Absence from School on Day of Extracurricular or Athletic Activity        86

Travel        86

Code of Conduct        87

Due Process Procedures        88

Modification of Athletic or Team Uniform        90

Attendance at School Dances        90

Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries - “Return to Learn/Return to Play”        91

Chapter 10        94

Special Education        94

Education of Children with Disabilities        95

Discipline of Students with Disabilities        96

Behavioral Interventions        96

Discipline of Special Education Students        96

Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint        96

Exemption From Physical Education Requirement        97

Request to Access Classroom or Personnel for Special Education        97

Evaluation or Observation        97

Related Service Logs        98

Response To Intervention (RtI)        98

Chapter 11        99

Student Records & Privacy        99

Student Privacy Protections        100

Surveys        100

Surveys by Third Parties        100

Surveys Requesting Personal Information        100

Instructional Material        101

Prohibition on Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information        101

Student Records        102

Chapter 12        107

Parental Right Notification        107

Teacher Qualifications        108

Standardized Testing        108

Homeless Child’s Right to Education        109

Family Life & Sex Education Classes        110

English Learners        110

School Visitation Rights        111

Pesticide Application Notice        111

Mandated Reporters        112

Unsafe School Choice Option        112

Student Privacy        112

Sex Offender Notification Law        112


Chapter 1

Introductory Information & General Notices


General School Information

This handbook is a summary of the school’s rules and expectations, and is not a comprehensive statement of school procedures.  The Board’s comprehensive policy manual is available for public inspection through the District’s website www.obr5.org or at the Board office, located at:

19380 E 4th St.

Opdyke, IL 62872

The School Board governs the school district, and is elected by the community.  Current School Board members are:

Shawn Poole, President

Diane Belmont, Vice-President

Lisa Irvin, Secretary

John Owens, Member

Jeremy Hamson, Member

Matthew Bryan, Member

Jordan Tate, Member

The School Board has hired the following administrator to operate the school:

Joe Dunlap, Superintendent & Principal

The following staff assists the administration:

Anna Jukes, Curriculum & Instruction (Grants/District-wide Assessments/Technology)

The school is located and may be contacted at:

19380 E 4th St.

Opdyke, IL 62872

Phone: (618)756-2492

Fax: (618) 756-2792


Visitors

All visitors, including parents and siblings, are required to enter through the front door of the building and proceed immediately to the main office. Visitors should identify themselves and inform office personnel of their reason for being at school.

Visitors must sign in, identifying their name, the date and time of arrival, and the classroom or location they are visiting.  Approved visitors must take a tag identifying themselves as a guest and place the tag to their outer clothing in a clearly visible location.  Visitors are required to proceed immediately to their location in a quiet manner.  All visitors must return to the main office and sign out before leaving the school.

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. Specific dates for parent/teacher conferences are held in the fall. See the school calendar for those dates. 

Visitors are expected to abide by all school rules during their time on school property.   A visitor who fails to conduct himself or herself in a manner that is appropriate will be asked to leave and may be subject to criminal penalties for trespassing and/or disruptive behavior.

No person on school property or at a school event 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 municipal, local or county ordinance.
  7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products.
  8. Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be impaired by or under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug.
  9. 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.
  10. Use or possess medical cannabis, unless he or she has complied with Illinois’ Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act and district policies.
  11. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner).
  12. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the board.
  13. 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.
  14. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding.
  15. Violate other district policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or district employee.
  16. Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the district or a school function.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 8:30,
Visitors to and Conduct on School Property

School Visitation Rights

The School Visitation Rights Act permits employed parents/guardians, who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict, the right to time off from work under certain conditions to attend necessary school functions such as parent-teacher conferences. Letters verifying participation in this program are available from the school office upon request.


Cross-Reference:
PRESS 8:95-E1,
Letter Notifying Parents/Guardians of School Visitation Rights
PRESS 8:95-E2,
Verification of School Visitation

Equal Educational Opportunities and Sex Equity 

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy.

No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Any student or parent/guardian with a sex equity or equal opportunity concern should contact:  Joe Dunlap, Superintendent.


Cross-Reference:

PRESS 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities

PRESS 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure

Animals on School Property

In order to assure student health and safety, animals are not allowed on school property, except in the case of a service animal accompanying a student or other individual with a documented disability.  This rule may be temporarily waived by the building principal in the case of an educational opportunity for students, provided that (a) the animal is appropriately housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (b) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or an unhealthy environment. The circumstance will be reviewed by the superintendent/principal on a case by case basis.


Cross-reference:

PRESS 6:100, Using Animals in the Educational Program

PRESS 6:120-AP3, Service Animal

School Volunteers

 

All school volunteers must complete the “Volunteer Information Form” and be approved by the building principal prior to assisting at the school. Forms are available in the school office. Some teachers utilize parent volunteers in the classroom. The individual teachers make this decision. Teachers who desire parent volunteers will notify parents.  For school-wide volunteer opportunities, please contact the building principal.

 

Volunteers are required to check in and out at the main office and receive a visitor badge before going to their destination.

Room Parent/Guardian

Anyone can become involved and help with class parties, field trips, projects and activities throughout the year.  Come get involved.  Meet new people and help your child’s class at the same time.  If you work during school hours, you may help by contributing money or donating needed items.  Contact your child’s teacher if you are interested or if you need more information.


Cross-Reference:

PRESS 6:250, Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Parent Involvement Compact (Title 1)

The school annually has a meeting for all Parents/Guardians.  Date and time will be distributed by Thrillshare, on the school website, or school newsletter.  

At the meeting, the school will discuss parental involvement, and opportunities for Parents/Guardians to get involved in the education of their children. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend the meeting and participate in the discussions that occur. Parents/guardians should use the meeting as an opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions, and learn about all of the opportunities and programming available for parents/guardians to be fully involved in the educational process.

The school and its teachers provide meetings, including parent/teacher conferences, at flexible times to accommodate a variety of parent schedules. Parents/guardians will be given notice of meeting availability at the beginning of each year, and at least two weeks before conferences or other regularly scheduled meetings, to provide sufficient opportunity to schedule and attend meetings with teachers. Additionally, teachers are available regularly to meet with parents/guardians to discuss the success of their child. Parents/guardians are encouraged to inquire about available meeting times, and to work with teachers. Parents/guardians will be involved in an organized and timely way when any programs are created, considered, or altered, and will be continually involved in the ongoing development of programming, curriculum, and policy.

School programs, in addition to the standard educational curriculum, in which Parents/guardians may wish to become involved include: PTO, room parent, and/or volunteer.  

The school provides parents/guardians with access to:

  1. School performance profiles required by Federal law and their child's individual student assessment results, including an interpretation of such results;
  2. A description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet;
  3. Opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions, share experiences with other parents/guardians, and participate as appropriate in decisions relating to the education of their children if such parents/guardians so desire; and
  4. Timely responses to suggestions.

Everyone is responsible for the success of the students of the school. While the school provides the best education we can, it is critical to the success of students that parents assist us in meeting the goals of education set forth by the state, the federal government and ourselves.

In order to better assist in educating the students, we need the help of all parents and guardians. We ask that you help us educate children by monitoring attendance, homework completion, and screen time; by volunteering in your child's classroom; and participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of children and positive use of extracurricular time.

The school endeavors to do its best to provide all information in the language best understood by parents and guardians. Questions about language alternatives should be directed to the administrator.

Parents/guardians of participating children have a right to appeal the contents of this policy. The district will submit any parent comments when this plan is submitted to the State. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the administrator.

The state’s resources on parental involvement can be located at http://illinoisparents.org. The state’s website on parental involvement provides information, training, and support for parents and schools on various websites which may be useful or interesting to parents and students, and provides advice and information about how to get involved and participate in the educational process. Resources are provided by search, by county, and by categorical query.


Cross Reference:
PRESS 6:170,
Title I Programs

Invitations & Gifts

Party invitations or gifts for classmates should not be brought to school to be distributed. Items such as these are of a personal nature and should be mailed home using the list in the school directory. The office is unable to release addresses and phone numbers of students who are not listed in the school directory.

Treats & Snacks

Due to health concerns and scheduling, treats and snacks for any occasion must be arranged in advance with the classroom teacher.  All treats and snacks must be store bought and prepackaged in individual servings.  No homemade treats or snacks are allowed at school.  Treats and snacks may not require refrigeration and must have a clearly printed list of ingredients on the packaging. We strongly encourage you to select a treat or snack with nutritional value. Please be sure all lunches, birthday treats, and party treats are peanut/tree nut free.  Please check all ingredients.

Emergency School Closings 

The Mt. Vernon radio stations WMIX 940 AM and 94.1 FM, WSIL TV CHANNEL 3, our school Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OpdykeBelleRive), and phone calls/text messages/push notifications via the school’s notification system will announce information regarding school closing due to inclement weather or any other emergency which would require the closing of school.  Notice will be given as soon as possible.  Parents/guardians are responsible to make alternate plans for their children’s care after school in case of early dismissal.   

If bad weather or other emergency occurs during the day, please listen to local media stations and watch for Thrillshare notifications on your phone for possible early dismissal information.

For your child’s safety, make certain your child knows ahead of time where to go in case of an early dismissal.

If we dismiss early for an emergency, all after-school functions are automatically canceled.


Cross-Reference:

PRESS 4:170, Safety

Roadrunners E-Learning Days

Introduction

Opdyke Belle-Rive CCSD #5 will utilize E-Learning as a part of the plan to utilize Distance Learning on emergency days. Since all students in our PreK – 8 district have individual access to a district managed Chromebook, this enables our teachers to take educational experiences beyond the walls of the classroom and comply with the statutory requirements. Due to the recent state legislation and our current technology infrastructure, OBR can meet the statutory stipulations to use E-Learning days in a manner that permits students to use digital tools to access learning opportunities from remote locations.

Purpose

Due to extreme weather conditions and/or emergency circumstances, and in order to ensure student safety, OBR wishes to have students and teachers engaged in “E-Learning Days” when emergency days are implemented by the District. These learning opportunities will also better prepare all students for success in their educational journey through high school and beyond that will involve technology and alternative forms of instructional delivery.

Goals of E-Learning Days

Our goal is to provide continuity of learning, as we strive for a quality experience for both students, staff and families. Our E-Learning Days will mimic the five-hour clock day in terms of teacher mandated work hours and student homework as required by Illinois State Statute. We have developed a flexible system to meet the needs of the community, where teachers must have work posted by 9:00 A.M. and students have until they arrive at school the next day to turn in their homework.

Benefits of E-Learning for Emergency Days

·  Allows for the end of the school year to be predictable and constant, regardless of the number of emergency days.

·  As structured, it allows educators to advance learning more effectively, given the ability to plan within the normal school year.

·  Preserves a firmer start date for summer school and summer programming.

·  Ensures that end of the year activities like graduation are maintained.

·  Promotes flexible learning and operations in the digital age.

·  Promotes learning beyond the school walls.

Program Expectations

·  Lower grade students will be provided roughly 15 minutes of work per class.

·  Middle school students will be provided roughly 30 minutes of work per class.

Lessons will be specific to the grade level:

·  Lessons will try to integrate as seamlessly as possible into the regular instruction that has been occurring in class.

·  Tasks should be meaningful and important to students.

·  Utilize digital tools and platforms students are using as part of their regular instruction.

·  Include formative assessment and feedback on assignments turned in.

·  Teachers are responsible for taking student attendance through the completion of assigned work.

·  Attendance may consist of monitoring online discussions, submissions of traditional work or online assessments, and/or parent verification of student participation.

·  Students will be provided all hardware and software connected to their assignments.

·  Those with paper and pencil work will be supplied with materials and be sent home with students prior to the E-Learning day.

·  Teachers using online instruction will send out their lessons electronically by 9:00 A.M.

·  Teachers, support staff and administration are expected to be present/available electronically from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. on E-Learning days, but students can always reach out to their teachers and other staff members outside of those designated times.

·  Parents will be notified of E-Learning days through the use of social media as well as the district’s all-call notification system.

·  E-Learning assignments are treated like every other assignment given in class. They are expected to be completed, otherwise the student will not receive credit for being in attendance that day.

·  A letter will be sent out yearly explaining the process and this policy will be located in the district website as well as building handbooks.

E-Learning Days for Students with IEPs

·  Students with individualized education plans will follow lessons provided by classroom teachers and those modified by their caseworkers online or otherwise (hard copies, projects, reading, etc.)

·  All lessons will be appropriate and follow the students’ IEP the needed (if any) accommodations that would be implemented on the day that E-Learning takes place.

·  Accommodations for students without access to the internet will be addressed on an individual basis previous to the school year or on an as-needed basis

Certified Staff Expectations

·  Certified staff must be available via school email or any other district approved online communication platform from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.

The District staff will provide updated information to students and families to carry out specific details of completing the assignments.

 

 

 

 

Video & Audio Monitoring Systems

A video and/or audio monitoring system may be in use on school buses and a video monitoring system may be in use in public areas of the school building.  These systems have been put in place to protect students, staff, visitors and school property.  If a discipline problem is captured on audiotape or videotape, these recordings may be used as the basis for imposing student discipline.  If criminal actions are recorded, a copy of the tape may be provided to law enforcement personnel.

The OBR campus is equipped with video surveillance equipment designed to increase the level of security for our students and staff. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has immediate, remote access to the District’s video system. This option is designed to enhance more effective, timely intervention of local law enforcement in the event of an emergency on our campus.


Cross-Reference:

PRESS 4:110, Transportation

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities will be provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services, programs, or activities. Individuals with disabilities should notify the superintendent or building principal if they have a disability that will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required.  This notification should occur as far in advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 8:70, Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities


Students with Food Allergies

State law requires our school district to annually inform parents of students with life-threatening allergies or life-threatening chronic illnesses of the applicable provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal statutes, state statutes, federal regulations and state rules.

 

If your student has a life-threatening allergy or life-threatening chronic illness, please notify the school nurse, Terrie Williams, at (618) 756-2492.

Federal law protects students from discrimination due to a disability that substantially limits a major life activity. If your student has a qualifying disability, an individualized Section 504 Plan will be developed and implemented to provide the needed support so that your student can access his or her education as effectively as students without disabilities.

Not all students with life-threatening allergies and life-threatening chronic illnesses may be eligible under Section 504. Our school district also may be able to appropriately meet a student's needs through other means.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:285-AP, E,  Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan

Food Allergy Policy

A Food Allergy Management Program was adopted as OBR policy on Oct. 14, 2010.  The complete policy may be found at the Opdyke-Belle Rive Grade School.  

PEANUTS AND TREE NUTS ARE RESTRICTED FROM OBR CCSD#5. NO FOOD CONTAINING PEANUTS OR TREE NUTS WILL BE ALLOWED AT OBR DURING REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS.

Please be sure all lunches, birthday treats, and party treats are peanut/tree nut free.  Please check all ingredients.

Care of Students with Diabetes

If your child has diabetes and requires assistance with managing this condition while at school and school functions, a Diabetes Care Plan must be submitted to the school nurse, Terrie Williams. Parents/guardians are responsible for and must:

  1. Inform the school in a timely manner of any change which needs to be made to the Diabetes Care Plan on file with the school for their child.
  2. Inform the school in a timely manner of any changes to their emergency contact numbers or contact numbers of health care providers.
  3. Sign the Diabetes Care Plan.
  4. Grant consent for and authorize designated School District representatives to communicate directly with the health care provider whose instructions are included in the Diabetes Care Plan.

For further information, please contact the superintendent/principal.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:120-AP4 – Care of Students with Diabetes

PRESS 7:270-AP1 – Dispensing Medication

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important goals of the school district.

The school district maintains student and parent resources on suicide and depression awareness and prevention. Much of this information, including a copy of the school district’s policy, is posted on the school district website.  Information can also be obtained from the school office.


Cross-Reference:

PRESS 7:290, Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

Parent organizations and booster clubs are invaluable resources to the District’s schools. While parent organizations and booster clubs have no administrative authority and cannot determine District policy, the School Board welcomes their suggestions and assistance.

Parent organizations and booster clubs may be recognized by the Board and permitted to use the District’s name, a District school’s name, or a District school’s team name, or any logo attributable to the District provided they first receive the Superintendent or designee’s express written consent. Consent to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos will generally be granted if the organization or club has by-laws containing the following:

  1. The organization’s or club’s name and purpose, such as, to enhance students’ educational experiences, to help meet educational needs of students, to provide extra athletic benefits to students, to assist specific sports teams or academic clubs through financial support, or to enrich extracurricular activities.
  2. The rules and procedures under which it operates.
  3. An agreement to adhere to all Board policies and administrative procedures.
  4. A statement that membership is open and unrestricted, meaning that membership is open to all parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school, District staff, and community members. 
  5. A statement that the District is not, and will not be, responsible for the organization’s or club’s business or the conduct of its members, including on any organization or club websites or social media accounts.
  6. A mutual agreement with the District to maintain and protect the finances.
  7. A recognition that money given to a school cannot be earmarked for any particular expense. Booster clubs may make recommendations, but cash or other valuable consideration must be given to the District to use at its discretion. The Board’s legal obligation to comply with Title IX by providing equal athletic opportunity for members of both genders will supersede an organization or club’s recommendation.

Permission to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos may be rescinded at any time and does not constitute permission to act as the District’s representative. At no time does the District accept responsibility for the actions of any parent organization or booster club regardless of whether it was recognized and/or permitted to use any of the above-mentioned names or logos. The Superintendent shall designate an administrative staff member to serve as the recognized liaison to parent organizations or booster clubs. The liaison will serve as a resource person and provide information about school programs, resources, policies, problems, concerns, and emerging issues. Building staff will be encouraged to participate in the organizations.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 8:90, Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

Student Appearance

A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. The school does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:160, Student Appearance

Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse,

Grooming Behaviors, and Boundary Violations

Child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations harm students, their parent/guardian, the District’s environment, its school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn.

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Warning signs of child sexual abuse include the following.

Physical signs:

Behavioral signs:

Emotional signs:

Warning Signs of Grooming Behaviors

School and District employees are expected to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels.

Prohibited grooming is defined as (i) any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, (ii) by an employee with direct contact with a student, (iii) that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples of grooming behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors:

Warning Signs of Boundary Violations

School and District employees breach employee-student boundaries when they misuse their position of power over a student in a way that compromises the student’s health, safety, or general welfare.  Examples of boundary violations include:

If you believe you are a victim of child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, or boundary violations, or you believe that your child is a victim, you should immediately contact the Building Principal, a school counselor, or another trusted adult employee of the School.  

Additional Resources include:

National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)

National Sexual Abuse Chatline at online.rainn.org

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (2873)


Cross Reference:

PRESS 4:165, Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors

PRESS 5:120-AP2, Employee Conduct Standards

PRESS 5:120-AP2,E, Expectations and Guidelines for Employee-Student Boundaries

Faith’s Law Notifications

Employee Conduct Standards

School districts are required to include in their student handbook the District’s Employee Code of Professional Conduct.  These standards, in part, define appropriate conduct between school employees and students.   A copy of these standards can be found on the District’s website or requested from the Superintendent’s office.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

PRESS 5:120-AP2, Employee Conduct Standards

Prevention of Anaphylaxis

While it is not possible for the School or District to completely eliminate the risks of an anaphylactic emergency, the District maintains a comprehensive policy on anaphylaxis prevention, response, and management in order to reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for anaphylactic reactions. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and students who desire more information or who want a copy of the District’s policy may contact the Building Principal.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:285, Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program

PRESS 7:285-AP, Administrative Procedure – Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program

Testing

Standardized tests as provided by the State of Illinois are given each spring to students in grades three through eight (3-8).  These tests include the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (grades 3-8), the Illinois Science Assessment (grades 5 & 8), and the KIDS Assessment (kindergarten). i-Ready and other assessments are given throughout the school year as part of the Response to Intervention (RTI) school district plan.  Diagnostic tests may be given by the classroom and special area teachers provided permission has been obtained from the administrator.

Lost and Found

All articles lost or found should be reported or turned into the office.  You or your child should report any loss as soon as possible.  We strongly urge that all articles of clothing, school bags, lunches, etc., be marked clearly with your child’s name. Unclaimed items may periodically be given to charity.

Chapter 2

Attendance, Promotion, & Graduation


Attendance

Illinois law requires that whoever has custody or control of any child between six (by September 1st) and seventeen years of age shall assure that the child attends school in the district in which he or she resides, during the entire time school is in session (unless the child has already graduated from high school). Illinois law also requires that whoever has custody or control of a child who is enrolled in the school, regardless of the child’s age, shall assure that the child attends school during the entire time school is in session.


Cross-reference:

PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Student Absences

Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child lawfully and necessarily employed, (4) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (5) any child absent because of religious reasons, including to observe a religious holiday, for religious instruction, or because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day(s) or time of day..

For students who are required to attend school there are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Excused absences include: illness (including up to 5 days per school year for mental or behavioral health of the student), observance of a religious holiday or event, death in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the school board, circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or safety, attending a military honors funeral to sound TAPS, attend a civic event, or other reason as approved by the building principal.  

Additionally, a student will be excused for up to 5 days in cases where the student’s parent/guardian is an active-duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat-support postings. The Board of Education, in its discretion, may excuse a student for additional days relative to such leave or deployment. A student and the student’s parent/guardian are responsible for obtaining assignments from the student's teachers prior to any excused absences and for ensuring that such assignments are completed by the student prior to his or her return to school.

Students who are excused from school will be given a reasonable timeframe to make up missed homework and classwork assignments.

All other absences are considered unexcused. Pre-arranged excused absences must be approved by the building principal.

The school may require documentation explaining the reason for the student’s absence.

If a student is to leave school during the school day, the office should receive prior notification if possible. Parents/guardians must sign students out in the office prior to departure or upon arrival for late or interrupted days.

In the event of any absence, the student’s parent/guardian is required to call the school at (618) 756-2492 before 9:00 a.m. to explain the reason for the absence. If a call has not been made to the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence, a school official will call the home to inquire why the student is not at school. If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be required to submit a signed note from the parent/guardian explaining the reason for the absence. Failure to do so shall result in an unexcused absence. Upon request of the parent/guardian, the reason for an absence will be kept confidential.

Diagnostic Procedures for Identifying Student Absences and Support Services to Truant or Chronically Truant Students

State law requires every school district to collect and review its chronic absence data and determine what systems of support and resources are needed to engage chronically absent students and their families to encourage the habit of daily attendance and promote success. This review must include an analysis of chronic absence data from each attendance center.

Furthermore, State law provides that school districts are encouraged to provide a system of support to students who are at risk of reaching or exceeding chronic absence levels with strategies and are also encouraged to make resources available to families such as those available through the State Board of Education's Family Engagement Framework to support and engage students and their families to encourage heightened school engagement and improved daily school attendance.

"Chronic absence" means absences that total 10% or more of school days of the most recent academic school year, including absences with and without valid cause, and out-of-school suspensions.

The School and District use the following diagnostic procedures for identifying the causes of unexcused student absences:  Interviews with the student, his or her parent/guardian and any school officials who may have information about the reasons for the student’s attendance problems.

Supportive services to truant or chronically truant students include: parent conferences, student counseling, family counseling, and information about existing community services.


­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-reference:

PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance

A student will be released from school, as an excused absence, to observe a religious holiday or for religious instruction.  The student’s parent/guardian must give written notice to the building principal at least 5 calendar days before the student’s anticipated absence(s).

Students excused for religious reasons will be given an opportunity to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:80, Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observation

Make-Up Work

If a student’s absence is excused or if a student is suspended from school, he/she will be permitted to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit.  Students who are unexcused from school will not be allowed to make up missed work.

Make-up work may be obtained and completed upon the student’s return to school for excused absences.  Schoolwork must be completed within a specified time. Students will have one day for each day absent to make up missed work. Students who are gone on vacation must make arrangements to get homework before leaving and homework is due upon return.  The student should contact the teacher to make arrangements to make-up missed work.  We request that homework be picked up in the afternoon the day of the absence with prior notification of at least three hours.  Arrangements may be made to send homework home. 


Cross-reference:

PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Truancy

Student attendance is critical to the learning process. Truancy is therefore a serious issue and will be dealt with in a serious manner by the school and district.

Students who miss more than 1% but less than 5% of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause (a recognized excuse) are truant.  Students who miss 5% or more of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause are chronic truants.  Students who are chronic truants will be offered support services and resources aimed at correcting the truancy issue.

If chronic truancy persists after support services and other resources are made available, the school and district will take further action, including:

A student who misses 15 consecutive days of school without valid cause and who cannot be located or, after exhausting all available support services, cannot be compelled to return to school is subject to un-enrollment or expulsion from school.

A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law.


Cross-references:

PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Grading & Promotion

School report cards are issued to students on a quarterly basis. Parents and students can check grades via TeacherEase. For questions regarding grades, please contact the classroom teacher.

The decision to promote a student to the next grade level is based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance on standardized tests and other testing. A student will not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance.

Retention is justifiable in cases where achievement is far below standard if this is caused by any of the following: chronic absenteeism (more than 10% of 180) school days), demonstrate lack of effort by capable students, physical immaturity.

Students who demonstrate a proficiency level comparable to the average student performance one grade or more below current placement shall be provided with an individual remediation plan developed in consultation with the parent(s)/guardians(s). The remediation plan may include summer school, extended school day, special homework, tutorial sessions, modified instructional materials, other modifications in the instructional program, reduced class size, or retention in grade.

The decision to retain a student shall not be the sole responsibility of the teacher. The teacher will notify parents in writing as soon as the teacher believes there is a possibility for retention. The teacher will refer the student to the Response to Intervention team. If retention is found to be advisable, parents/guardians will be involved in the decision through  Response to Intervention (RtI).

However, the final decision will rest with the school authorities.  In addition for grades 4-8, a cumulative GPA of 1.0 each is required in all core academic areas excluding P.E, Music, and Computers.

Students who do not have a 1.0 or higher GPA in each of the four quarters of a particular class in a single academic school year will be required to do remediation for that class over the summer. Remediation includes:

  1. The student redoing all assignments that they failed/did not turn in for the class and quarter that they failed. Failing an assignment is any grade received on an assignment that is under 69.5%. To receive credit for redoing an assignment, the student must get a 60.5% (new grading scale) or higher on that assignment. A 60.5% or higher on all failed or missing assignments will result in a student fulfilling the remediation requirement to pass that class.
  2. Remediation is completely self-paced. For example, if a student finishes all failed and missing assignments in 2 weeks, their remediation will be done in 2 weeks. If a student finishes all failed and missing assignments in 4 weeks, their remediation will be done in 4 weeks, etc. The date/times for summer remediation will be determined by school personnel.
  3. Remediation must be completed by June 30th of the academic school year or the student will be retained and not allowed promotion to the next grade level.
  4. Any 8th grade student needing remediation for a class will not be allowed to walk with their class at graduation. If the student completes their remediation before the June 30th deadline, an individual graduation ceremony can be held at the school by request.

Grading Scale:

A (4.0) = 90 - 100

B (3.0) = 80 - 89

C (2.0) = 70 - 79

D (1.0) = 60 - 69

E (0.0) = 0 - 59


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:280, Grading & Promotion

Homework

Homework is part of the District's instructional program and has the overarching goal of increasing student achievement. Homework is assigned to further a student's educational development and is an application or adaptation of a classroom experience. The Superintendent shall provide guidance to ensure that homework:

  1. Is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principles, and skills;
  2. Is not assigned for disciplinary purposes; .
  3. Serves as a communication link between the school and parents/guardians;
  4. Encourages independent thought, self-direction, and self-discipline; and
  5. Is of appropriate frequency and length, and does not become excessive, according to the teacher's best professional judgment.

 

Recognizing the importance of parental involvement in homework, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are informed of:

 

  1. who to contact with questions or concerns about homework assignments, and
  2.  methods to facilitate homework completion.

Students who are absent from school for a valid cause (an excused absence) may make up missed homework in a reasonable timeframe.

If a student chronically fails to complete homework, an after-school detention may be issued in which the parent would be required to make transportation arrangements for the student.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:290, Homework

Exemption from Physical Education Requirement

In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request. Upon written notice from a student’s parent/guardian, a student will be excused from engaging in the physical activity components of physical education during a period of religious fasting.

A student in grades 7-8 may submit a written request to the building principal requesting to be excused from physical education courses because of the student’s ongoing participation in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program. The building principal will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.

Students with an Individualized Education Program may also be excused from physical education courses for reasons stated in “Exemption From Physical Education Requirement” p. 97.

Special activities in physical education will be provided for a student whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practices Act, prevents his or her participation in the physical education course.

State law prohibits the School District from honoring parental excuses based upon a student’s participation in athletic training, activities, or competitions conducted outside the auspices of the School District.

Students who have been excused from physical education shall return to the course as soon as practical. The following considerations will be used to determine when a student shall return to a physical education course:

  1. The time of year when the student’s participation ceases; and
  2. The student’s class schedule.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education

Home and Hospital Instruction

A student who is absent from school, or whose physician, physician assistant or licensed advanced practice registered nurse anticipates his or her absence from school, because of a medical condition may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or hospital.

Appropriate educational services from qualified staff will begin no later than five school days after receiving a written statement from a physician, physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse. Instructional or related services for a student receiving special education services will be determined by the student’s individualized education program.

A student who is unable to attend school because of pregnancy will be provided home instruction, correspondence courses, or other courses of instruction before (1) the birth of the child when the student’s physician, physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice nurse indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction, and (2) for up to 3 months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.

For information on home or hospital instruction, contact: Mr. Dunlap, Superintendent.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:150, Home and Hospital Instruction

Valedictorian And Salutatorian

A valedictorian and a salutatorian award will be presented at the graduation exercises each year to the two top eighth grade graduates for outstanding accomplishments in academic studies in regular education classes based upon 6th through 8th grade years and based upon grade placement level grades.  To qualify for valedictorian, a must must maintain the highest grade point average. To qualify for salutatorian, a student must maintain the second highest grade point average. Each award will be based on the graduates cumulative grade point average using the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade quarter grades.  The highest cumulative grade point average will be the class valedictorian and the second highest will be the class salutatorian.  In case of a tie, co-awards will be presented.  Transfer students’ grades which are sent to the school will be used to form a cumulative grade point average for those students.  The winners of each award will be recognized at the graduation exercises.

Eligibility will require residence and in the school district the last two quarters of a student’s eighth grade year and demonstrate academic capabilities.

Honor Cords will be worn at graduation by students who have a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher during grades 6th - 8th..

Honor Roll

Honor Roll  is obtained with a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA and High Honors is a GPA 4.0.


Chapter 3

Student Fees & Meal Costs


Fines, Fees, and Charges; Waiver of Student Fees 

The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities.  The current school fee is $35. Students will not be denied the opportunity to participate in curricular and extracurricular programs of the school district due to the inability of their parents or guardian to pay fees or certain charges. Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive a fee waiver. A fee waiver applies to all fees related to school, instruction, and extracurricular activities.

Applications for fee waivers may be obtained from the school office and may be submitted by a parent or guardian of a student who has been assessed a fee.  As student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met:

  1. The student currently lives in a household that meets the same income guidelines, with the same limits based on household size, that are used for the federal free meals programs;

2.        The student’s parent is a veteran or active-duty military personnel with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

3.        The student is homeless, as defined by the Mc-Kinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

The administrator will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present:

The building principal will notify the parent/guardian promptly as to whether the fee waiver request has been granted or denied. Questions regarding the fee waiver application process or an appeal of the District’s decision to deny a fee waiver should be addressed to the Building Principal.

Pursuant to the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act, the school is required to provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of whether the student has the ability to pay for the meal or snack or owes money for earlier meals or snacks.  Students may not be provided with an alternative meal or snack and the school is prohibited from publicly identifying or stigmatizing a student who cannot pay for or owes money for a meal or snack.

Fines for loss or damage to school property are waived for students who meet certain eligibility guidelines.


Cross-references:

PRESS 4:110, Transportation

PRESS 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees

PRESS 4:140-AP, Fines, Fees, and Charges – Waiver of Student Fees

PRESS 4:140-E1, Application for Fee Waivers

PRESS 4:140-E3, Response to Application for Fee Waiver, Appeal, and Response to Appeal

School Breakfast & Lunch Program 

We are pleased to inform you that the Opdyke-Belle Rive Grade School will be participating in an option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Option (CEO) for School Year 2022-23.  

This means that all enrolled students at OBR are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day at NO CHARGE to your household during the 2023-24 school year.  However, extra milk/juice served at both breakfast and/or lunch will be charged at $0.30 each.  Student account balances must not exceed $5.00.  Should the account exceed $5.00, students will no longer be allowed extra milk/juice until the account is settled. This does not clear balances incurred prior to the current school year.  If a student brings his/her lunch and requests a milk, the student will be charged $0.30.

Breakfast is served every school day at 8 a.m.  Lunch is served every school day except when there is an 11:30 a.m. dismissal.


Cross Reference:
PRESS 4:130,
 Free and Reduced-Price Food Services

Chapter 4

Transportation and Parking


Bus Transportation

The district provides bus transportation to and from school for all students living 1.5 miles or more from the school. A list of bus stops is available from each bus driver. If your child is not riding the bus, please contact the bus driver and school.  Parents must, at the beginning of the school year, select one bus stop at which a student is to be picked up, and one stop at which a student is to be dropped off. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the bus to which they are assigned. Exceptions must be approved in advance by the building principal.

While students are on the bus, they are under the supervision of the bus driver. In most cases, bus discipline problems can be handled by the bus driver. In the case of a written disciplinary referral, student bus problems will be investigated and handled by the building principal.

Students are expected to follow all school rules while on the bus. Students may be suspended from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for violating school rules or for engaging in other gross disobedience or misconduct. The school board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons. The district’s regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student’s privilege to ride a school bus.

A student who is suspended from riding the school bus and who does not have alternative transportation to school shall be allowed the opportunity to make up all missed work for equivalent academic credit. It is the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternative transportation to school.

In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are also expected to observe the following:

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

 

Video and audio cameras may be active on buses to record student conduct and may be used for the purposes of investigation into misconduct or accidents on the bus.

Notice to Drivers: School buses owned by OBR CCSD #5 are equipped with an external automated traffic law enforcement system. (IL Public Act 98-0556) The video is shared with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

For questions regarding school transportation issues, contact:  Mr. Dunlap.

   


Cross-references:

PRESS 4:110, Transportation

PRESS 4:110-AP3, School Bus Safety Rules

PRESS 7:220, Bus Conduct

PRESS 7:220-AP, Electronic Recordings on School Buses

Bus Conduct

Students are expected to follow all school rules when riding the school bus.  A student may be suspended from riding the bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following:

  1. Violating any school rule or school district policy.
  2. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
  3. Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
  4. Repeated use of profanity.
  5. Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.
  6. Such other behavior as the building principal 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.

A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school shall have 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.


Cross-references:

PRESS 4:110, Transportation

PRESS 7:220, Bus Conduct

Parking

The school has locations available for school visitor parking.  

Those dropping off and picking up children may do so on the west side (gym side) of the building during the following hours:  7:50 am - 8:15 am and 2:55 - 3:05 p.m.  Walkers/car riders must be picked up by 3:05 pm.

Vehicles MAY NOT be parked or located in the bus loading/unloading zones (front of school) during the times posted on the signs.  Bus loading zones are clearly marked.  Vehicles located in these locations may be towed and/or ticketed by the police.  

Transportation Changes

Any changes in a child’s transportation should be communicated to the office by 1 pm on the day of the change.  Call the office at (618) 756-2492.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­


Chapter 5

Health & Safety


Immunization, Health, Eye and Dental Examinations

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

All students are required to present appropriate proof of a health examination and the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases within one year prior to:

  1. Entering kindergarten or the first grade;
  2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and
  3. Enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade.

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 6 and 12.  A diabetes screening must be included as part of the health exam (though diabetes testing is not required).  Students between the age of one and seven must provide a statement from a physician assuring that the student was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, an age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination.

Failure to comply with the above requirements by October 15 of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school, subject to certain exceptions. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening.

New students who register mid-term have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization requirements.  If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by October 15, the student must present, by October 15, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay.  The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by an appropriate medical professional.

Eye Examination

All students entering kindergarten or the school for the first time must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year.  Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the student’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15.

Dental Examination

All students entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades must present proof by May 15 of the current school year of having been examined by a licensed dentist within the last 18 months.  Failure to present proof allows the school to hold the child’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15.

Exemptions

A student will be exempted from the above requirements for:

  1. Medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection;
  2. Religious grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a completed Certificate of Religious Exemption;
  3. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification;
  4. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or
  5. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

Vision and Hearing Screening

Vision screening services shall be provided annually for all school age children who are in kindergarten, second, and eighth grades; in all special education classes, referred by teachers; and transfer students.  Vision screening will be completed for all other grades as time permits.  The parent or legal guardian of a student may object to vision screening tests for their child on religious grounds.  If a religious objection is made, a written and signed statement from the parent or legal guardian detailing such objects must be presented to the local school authority.  

“Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor.  Your child is not required to undergo this 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.” (Section 27-8.1 of the School Code)

        

Hearing screening services shall be provided annually for all school age children who are in grades K (kindergarten), 1, 2, and 3; are in any special education class; have been referred by a teacher; or are transfer students.  Hearing screening will be completed on all other grades as time permits.  The parent or legal guardian of a student may object to hearing screening for their children on religious grounds.  If a religious objection is made, a written and signed statement from the parent or legal guardian detailing such objects must be presented to the local school authority.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:100, Health, Eye and, Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students

Student Medication

Taking medication during school hours or during school-related activities is prohibited unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being.  When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing a “School Medication Authorization Form.”

Medication must be delivered to school by the parent. No medication may be transported to school on the bus.

No school or district employee is allowed to administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian.  No student is allowed to possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this procedure.

Self-Administration of Medication 

A student may possess and self-administer an epinephrine injector (e.g., EpiPen®) and/or an asthma inhaler or medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form.

Students who are diabetic may possess and self-administer diabetic testing supplies and insulin if authorized by the student’s diabetes care plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students with epilepsy may possess and self-administer supplies, equipment and medication, if authorized by the student’s seizure action plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students may self-administer (but not possess on their person) other medications required under a qualified plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form.

The school district shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication, including asthma medication or epinephrine injectors, or medication required under a qualifying plan. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the school district and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine injector, asthma medication, and/or a medication required under a qualifying plan.

Administration of Medical Cannabis

In accordance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program, qualifying students may be allowed to utilize medical cannabis infused products while at school and school events. Please contact the superintendent or school nurse for additional information. Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver pursuant to this procedure is prohibited. The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because he or she requires administration of the product during school hours.


Cross-References:

PRESS 7:270, Administering Medicines to Students

PRESS 7:270-AP1, Dispensing Medication

PRESS 7:270-E1, School Medication Authorization Form

Undesignated Medications

The school may maintain the following undesignated prescription medications for emergency use: (1) Asthma medication; (2) Epinephrine injectors; (3) Opioid antagonists; and (4) Glucagon.  No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the school or district for the availability of undesignated medication. This procedure does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).

Emergency Aid to Students

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.


Cross-References:

PRESS 7:270, Administering Medicines to Students

PRESS 7:270-AP1, Dispensing Medication

PRESS 7:270-E1, School Medication Authorization Form

Guidance & Counseling

The school provides a guidance and counseling program for students. The school’s counselors are available to those students who require additional assistance.


Cross-reference:

PRESS 6:270, Guidance and Counseling Programs

Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct

Safety drills will occur at times established by the school board. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three (3) evacuation drills, a minimum of one (1) severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one (1) law enforcement lockdown drill to address a school shooting incident, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. The law enforcement lockdown drill will be announced in advance and a student’s parent/guardian may elect to exclude their child from participating in this drill. All other drills will not be preceded by a warning to students.


Cross-References:

PRESS 4:170, Safety

PRESS 4:170-AP1, Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan

Communicable Diseases

The school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable diseases.

1.        Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has a communicable disease.

2.        In certain cases, students with a communicable disease may be excluded from school or sent home from school following notification of the parent or guardian.

3.        The school will provide written instructions to the parent and guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the communicable disease.

4.        A student excluded because of a communicable disease will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings to the school a letter from the student’s doctor stating that the student is no longer contagious or at risk of spreading the communicable disease.


Cross-references:

PRESS 7:280, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

PRESS 7:280-AP, Managing Students with Communicable or Infectious Diseases

Head Lice

Opdyke-Belle Rive CCSD #5 acknowledges that within the physical area of the school and classroom, close contact between students is inevitable; and as a result, there is a risk of transmission between students of pediculosis capitis (head lice).  It is the intent of Opdyke-Belle Rive CCSD #5 to limit exposure to head lice.

        

To control the spread of head lice in Opdyke-Belle Rive CCSD #5, the following guidelines will be followed:

  1. Every student may be screened for head lice throughout the school year and upon request of the student, parent/guardian, and/or staff.  A student found with live lice and/or multiple nits will be excluded from the classroom.  The parent/guardian or designated person will be contacted and asked to pick the student up from school.  The student will be excluded from school until that child has been re-screened and found to be free of live lice and/or multiple nits.
  2. Students will be allowed to return to school on the next school day with proof of completing appropriate treatment (empty treatment bottle, receipt).  Parent/guardian or designated person will be required to come to school between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. with any returning student and to remain with the student until the student has been re-screened.  The student will be excluded each day that a re-screen shows evidence of live lice and/or multiple nits.
  3. The district nursing department staff may recommend, and the administrator shall have the authority to exclude students for head lice and/or multiple nits.
  4. No student will be checked individually without parent/guardian permission, unless the following exceptions exist:
  1. Siblings of a student who was identified with live lice and/or multiple nits will be screened and excluded from the school following the same guidelines.
  2. If live lice and/or multiple nits are seen on a student by a district employee, their presence will be verified; and the student will be excluded from school following the same guidelines.

5.  Bus service will be stopped for students excluded from school for live lice and/or multiple nits.  Bus service will be reinstated upon the student returning to school, following a re-screen that shows no evidence of live lice and/or multiple nits.

6. Seven (7) days following the initial treatment a second treatment should be administered. The student may remain in school.  A follow-up screening will be conducted to verify no evidence of live lice and/or multiple nits.

7. Written letters will be used to notify parents/guardians of the live lice and/or multiple nits and the appropriate treatment.  Letters may be sent to an entire class or school, if the situation warrants.


Cross-References:

PRESS 7:250 AP1, Measures to Control the Spread of Head Lice at School

Student Illness

(when to keep your child home)

If you have questions, please call our school nurse, Terrie Williams.  The following are guidelines to help you determine whether or not you should send your child to school:

  1. Rashes – Your child should be kept at home unless a note provided by a doctorstates the rash is not contagious or until the rash resolves on its own.
  2. Vomiting And Diarrhea - Your child should be kept at home until symptom-free for 24 hours without medication. If the student returns prior to this, you will be called to come and get the student.
  3. Fever Of 100 Degrees Or More – Your child must be kept home until fever free for 24 hours without medication.
  4. Strep Throat – Your child may return after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and when symptom-free.
  5. Common Cold – Keep your child at home if your child is not “feeling well”, has a fever, has a lot of nasal discharge, or has a persistent cough.
  6. Pink Eye (conjunctivitis) – Your child should be kept at home and treated until your physician feels the infection is not contagious.
  7. Impetigo – Keep your child home from school until your physician advises their return.
  8. Chicken Pox – Your child should remain home for approximately one week after symptoms appear or until all papules (water filled lesions) are scabbed or crusted over and your physician advises his/her return.
  9. Persistent Cough – Your child should remain at home if the cough is persistent or disrupting to the class.
  10. Untreated Drainage From Wound, Eye, Or Ear Infections –Your child should remain home from school until your physician advises their return.
  11. COVID-19 - Your child should quarantine at home from school for 5 days.

Our guidelines regarding communicable disease are based on the desire that your child recover as quickly as possible and don't expose other students to the illness.  In general, if you are unsure whether or not to send your child to school, you should keep your child home for a day.  Also, please let the school know if you do discover that your child has a communicable disease or serious illness.

Accidents

All accidents must be reported immediately to the office.  Parents/guardians will be notified by the supervising staff member when necessary.

If a student’s clothing should become contaminated with bodily fluids, the student will be removed from contact with other students until the parent/guardian is able to remedy the situation by providing appropriate apparel and/or removing the child from school premises or the school may provide clothing if available.


Chapter 6

Discipline and Conduct


General Building Conduct 

Students shall not arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. and classes begin at 8:15 a.m. and students are dismissed at 2:50 p.m. each day.  The following rules shall apply, and failure to abide by the rules may result in discipline:

School Dress Code 

Students are expected to wear clothing in a neat, clean, and well-fitting manner while on school property and/or in attendance at school sponsored activities.  Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes a substantial disruption in the school environment.

        


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:160, Student Appearance

Student Behavior

Discipline is not solely punishment. It is training for making appropriate, positive choices in life. Management is a shared responsibility involving parents and school personnel. One of the most important lessons education should teach is self-discipline. While it will not appear as a subject, it underlines the whole educational structure. It is a training that develops self-control and proper consideration for other people. Students are reminded that they must adhere to a code of good behavior not only for their benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.

Any rules and regulations which are not followed may result in, but not be limited to, any or an accumulation of the consequences listed.  Each offense may be categorized as more serious by administration upon investigation on an individual basis as deemed necessary.

Prohibited Student Conduct

Students may be disciplined for minor disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Creating minor classroom disturbances.
  2. Dishonesty.  Cheating and/or lying (first offense and/or depending upon the situation).
  3. Littering.  Careless disposal of rubbish or other items.
  4. Failure to carry out directions without being insubordinate or disrespectful to any staff.
  5. Tardiness.  Failure to enter a class at the assigned time without an acceptable excuse. (See Attendance section)
  6. Failure to abide by school/building rules.

Students may be disciplined for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling or offering tobacco or nicotine materials, including electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens or other vaping related products.
  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:
  1. Any illegal drug, 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).
  2. Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student 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.
  6. “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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 a tablet or powdered form.

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 have the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.

  1. Using, possessing, controlling or transferring a “weapon” or violating the procedures listed below under the Weapons Prohibition section of this handbook procedure.
  2. Using or possessing an electronic paging device.
  3. Using a cellular telephone, smartphone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart watch, or similar 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 and 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, commonly known as “sexting.” Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the building principal, all cellular phones, smartphones smart watches, and other electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); (c) it is used during the student’s lunch period; or (d) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals..
  4. Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
  5. Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a staff member’s request to stop, present school identification or submit to a search.
  6. 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.
  7. Engaging in bullying, hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student or encouraging other students to engage in such behavior. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using a school computer or a school computer network or other comparable conduct.
  8. Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning) and sexual assault.
  9. Engaging in teen dating violence.
  10. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
  11. Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.
  12. In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (calling 9-1-1); 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.
  13. Being absent without a recognized excuse.
  14. Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.
  15. Being involved in a gang or engaging in gang-like activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
  16. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism and hazing.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Operating an unarmed aircraft system (AUS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the building principal.

For purposes of these rules, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an 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, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event; or (e) in the case of drugs and alcohol, substances ingested by the person.

Efforts, including the use of positive interventions and supports shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school-related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else.

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.

When and Where Conduct Rules Apply

The grounds for disciplinary action also apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including but not limited to:

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

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 of school voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties. Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following measures:

  1. Notifying parents/guardians.
  2. Disciplinary conference.
  3. Withholding of privileges.
  4. Temporary removal from the classroom.
  5. Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen or damaged property.
  6. In-school suspension.
  7. After-school study or Saturday study provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. (If transportation arrangements cannot be made in advance, an alternative disciplinary measure will be assigned to the student.)
  8. Community service.
  9. Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of the personal property that was used to violate school rules.
  10. Suspension of bus riding privileges.
  11. Suspension from school and all school activities for up to 10 days. A suspended student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
  12. Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years. An expelled student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
  13. Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for transfer under State law.
  14. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, such as, 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 or 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.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out and Physical Restraint

Isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint shall only be used if the student’s behavior presents an imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others and other less restrictive and intrusive measures were tried and proven ineffective in stopping it. The school may not use isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint as discipline or punishment, convenience for staff, retaliation, a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support, a routine safety matter, or to prevent property damage in the absence of imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others.  The use of prone restraint is prohibited.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is illegal and will not be used. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.

Weapons Prohibition

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 not less than one year but not more than 2 calendar years:

  1. A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961. The expulsion period may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
  2. A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including “look a-likes” of any firearm as defined above.

The expulsion requirement may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.

Gang & Gang Activity Prohibited

“Gang” is defined as any group, club or organization of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. No student on or about school property or at any school activity or whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to a school activity, shall: (1) wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia or other items which reasonably could be regarded as gang symbols; commit any act or omission, or use either verbal or non‐verbal gestures, or handshakes showing membership or affiliation in a gang; or (2) use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interest of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to, soliciting others for membership in any gangs; (3) request any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidate, harass or threaten any person; (4) commit any other illegal act or other violation of district policies, (5) or incite other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.

Re-Engagement of Returning Students

The building principal or designee shall meet with a student returning to school from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion or alternative school setting. The goal of this meeting shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusion and shall include an opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make-up missed work for equivalent academic credit.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:190, Student Behavior

PRESS 7:190-AP2, Gang Activity Prohibited

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 and school 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 non-school-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.

Bullying includes cyber-bullying 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. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;
  2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
  3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or
  4. 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 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. Cyberbullying 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.

Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following:  harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.

Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the building principal, nondiscrimination coordinator, district complaint manager or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. All school staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the district complaint manager or any staff member.  Anonymous reports are also accepted by phone call or in writing.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

Name: Joe Dunlap

Address: 19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872

Phone Number: (618) 756-2492

Email Address: jdunlap@obr5.org

Complaint Managers                

Name: Josh Harp                

Address: 19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872                                                

Phone Number: (618) 756-2492

Email Address: jharp@obr5.org

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 school’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.

Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to read the following school district policies: 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited and 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment.


Cross-references:

PRESS 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited

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

PRESS 7:190, Student Behavior

PRESS 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure

Harassment & Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Harassment Prohibited

No person, including a school or school 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

The school and district shall provide an educational environment free of verbal, physical, or other conduct or communications constituting harassment on the basis of sex as defined and otherwise prohibited by State and federal law.

Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student who is 13 to 19 years of age uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

Making a Report or Complaint

Students are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidences of bullying, intimidation, 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 employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking.  A student may choose to report to an employee of the student’s same gender.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

Name: Joe Dunlap

Address: 19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872

Phone Number: (618)756-2492

Email Address: jdunlap@obr5.org

Complaint Managers:

Name: Josh Harp

Address: 19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872

Phone Number: (618) 756-2492

Email Address: jharp@obr5.org

Name: Terrie Williams

Address: 19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872

Email Address: twilliams@obr5.org

Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to discipline.


Cross-references:

PRESS 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited

PRESS 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Cafeteria Rules

  1. Students shall not save seats for other students.
  2. Students shall walk to lunch and shall be orderly and quiet during lunch.  
  3. Trays shall be stacked neatly after placing silverware in its proper container.  No food shall leave the cafeteria.  
  4. Loud talking, yelling, screaming, and other disruptions are prohibited.
  5. Students shall not throw food, milk cartons or other items.
  6. Students shall not trade food.
  7. Students shall follow the instructions of the lunchroom aides and show proper respect toward all cafeteria personnel.
  8. Students shall remain seated while in the cafeteria except to return to the lunch line or return trays.  
  9. Students shall immediately become silent when staff or presenters make announcements in the cafeteria.
  10. Students shall report spills and broken containers to cafeteria staff immediately.
  11. Students shall be dismissed from the cafeteria by the lunch room supervisor.

Misbehavior will result in disciplinary action in according to the school’s disciplinary procedures.

Field Trips

Field trips are a privilege for students.  Students must abide by all school policies during transportation and during field-trip activities, and shall treat all field trip locations as though they are school grounds.  Failure to abide by school rules and/or location rules during a field trip may subject the student to discipline.

Chaperones are chosen at the discretion of Opdyke-Belle Rive Grade School Administration. Parents are allowed to follow the bus to the designated field trip area.

There are field trips that only students and staff are able to attend.

Parents/Guardians must fill out a form in the office to take their child home from the field trip.

All students who wish to attend a field trip must receive written permission from a parent or guardian with authority to give permission.  Students may be prohibited from attending field trips for any of the following reasons:


­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-references:

PRESS 6:240, Field Trips

PRESS 6:240-AP, Field Trip Guidelines

Access to Student Social Networking Passwords & Websites

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 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.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­


Cross-references:

PRESS 7:140, Search and Seizure

PRESS 7:140-E Letter to Parents/Guardians Regarding the Right to Privacy in the School Setting

Student Use of Electronic Devices

The use of electronic devices and other technology at school is a privilege, not a right. Students are prohibited from using electronic devices, except as provided herein.  An electronic device includes, but is not limited to, the following: cell phone, smart phone, audio or video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), ipod©, ipad©, laptop computer, tablet computer, smart watch, or other similar electronic device.  Pocket pagers and other paging devices are not allowed on school property at any time, except with the express permission of the building principal.

During instructional time, which includes class periods and passing periods, electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight unless: (a) permission is granted by an administrator, teacher or school staff member; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals are allowed to use electronic devices during non-instructional time, which is defined as before and after school and during the student’s lunch period.

Electronic devices may never be used in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, violates student conduct rules or violates the rights of others.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following: (1) using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms; (2) cheating; and (3) creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction or non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images (i.e., sexting).

The school and school district are not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any electronic device brought to school.

Students in violation of this procedure are subject to the following consequences:

1.   First offense – The device will be confiscated by school personnel. A verbal warning will be assigned. The student will receive the device back at the end of the day in the school office.

2.   Second offense – The device will be confiscated. A detention will be assigned. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office.

3.   Third offense – The device will be confiscated. A detention will be assigned. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office. Additionally, the student will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the next 10 school days. If the student is found in possession of the device during this 10-day period, the student will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the remainder of the school year.  The student will also face consequences for insubordination.

4.   Fourth and subsequent offense – The device will be confiscated. The student will be assigned a detention and will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the remainder of the school year. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office. The student will also face consequences for insubordination.

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 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.


­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-references:

PRESS 7:190-AP5, Student Handbook, Electronic Devices


Chapter 7

Internet, Technology, & Publications


Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks 

All use of the District’s electronic networks shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. These procedures do not attempt to state all required or prohibited behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow these procedures will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.

Terms and Conditions

The term electronic networks includes all of the District’s technology resources, including, but not limited to:

  1. The District’s local-area and wide-area networks, including wireless networks (Wi-Fi), District-provided Wi-Fi hotspots, and any District servers or other networking infrastructure;
  2. Access to the Internet or other online resources via the District’s networking infrastructure or to any District-issued online account from any computer or device, regardless of location;
  3. District-owned and District-issued computers, laptops, tablets, phones, or similar devices.

Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s electronic networks must be: (a) for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, or (b) for legitimate business use.

Privileges - Use of the District’s electronic networks and school devices such as a Chromebook, is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges, disciplinary action, cost of reimbursement for damaged property, and/or appropriate legal action. The system administrator or Building Principal will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time.  His or her decision is final.

Unacceptable Use - The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the electronic networks.  Some examples of unacceptable uses are:

  1. Using the electronic networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other intellectual property rights or contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any State or federal law;
  2. Using the electronic networks to engage in conduct prohibited by board policy;
  3. Unauthorized downloading of software or other files, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or scanned for malware;
  4. Unauthorized use of personal removable media devices (such as flash or thumb drives);
  5. Downloading of copyrighted material for other than personal use;
  6. Using the electronic networks for private financial or commercial gain;
  7. Wastefully using resources, such as file space;
  8. Hacking or attempting to hack or gain unauthorized access to files, accounts, resources, or entities by any means;
  9. Invading the privacy of individuals, including the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a personal nature, such as a photograph or video;
  10. Using another user’s account or password;
  11. Disclosing any network or account password (including your own) to any other person, unless requested by the system administrator;
  12. Posting or sending material authored or created by another without his/her consent;
  13. Posting or sending anonymous messages;
  14. Creating or forwarding chain letters, spam, or other unsolicited messages;
  15. Using the electronic networks for commercial or private advertising;
  16. Accessing, sending, posting, publishing, or displaying any abusive, obscene, profane, sexual, threatening, harassing, illegal, or knowingly false material;
  17. Misrepresenting the user’s identity or the identity of others; and
  18. Using the electronic networks while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

Network Etiquette - The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others.
  2. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
  3. Do not reveal personal information, including the addresses or telephone numbers, of students or colleagues.
  4. Recognize that the District’s electronic networks are not private. People who operate District technology have access to all email and other data. Messages or other evidence relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
  5. Do not use the networks in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
  6. Consider all communications and information accessible via the electronic networks to be private property.

No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Indemnification - By using the District’s electronic networks, the user agrees to indemnify the District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any violation of these procedures.

Security - Network security is a high priority. If the user can identify or suspects a security problem on the network, the user must promptly notify the system administrator or Building Principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep user account(s) and password(s) confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the networks.

Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of malware, such as viruses and spyware.

Telephone Charges - The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, texting or data use charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.

Copyright Web Publishing Rules - Copyright law and District policy prohibit the re-publishing of text or graphics found on the Internet or on District websites or file servers/cloud storage without explicit written permission.

  1. For each re-publication (on a website or file server) of a graphic or a text file that was produced externally, there must be a notice at the bottom of the page crediting the original producer and noting how and when permission was granted. If possible, the notice should also include the web address of the original source.
  2. Students engaged in producing web pages must provide library media specialists with email or hard copy permissions before the web pages are published. Printed evidence of the status of public domain documents must be provided.
  3. The absence of a copyright notice may not be interpreted as permission to copy the materials. Only the copyright owner may provide the permission. The manager of the website displaying the material may not be considered a source of permission.
  4. The fair use rules governing student reports in classrooms are less stringent and permit limited use of graphics and text.
  5. Student work may only be published if there is written permission from both the parent/guardian and student.

Use of Email - The District’s email system, and its constituent software, hardware, and data files, are owned and controlled by the District. The District provides email to aid students in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and as an education tool.

  1. The District reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of any account on its system, without prior notice or permission from the account’s user. Unauthorized access by any student to an email account is strictly prohibited.
  2. Each person should use the same degree of care in drafting an email message as would be put into a written memorandum or document. Nothing should be transmitted in an email message that would be inappropriate in a letter or memorandum.
  3. Electronic messages transmitted via the District’s Internet gateway carry with them an identification of the user’s Internet domain. This domain is a registered name and identifies the author as being with the District. Great care should be taken, therefore, in the composition of such messages and how such messages might reflect on the name and reputation of the District. Users will be held personally responsible for the content of any and all email messages transmitted to external recipients.
  4. Any message received from an unknown sender via the Internet, such as spam or potential phishing emails, should either be immediately deleted or forwarded to the system administrator. Downloading any file attached to any Internet-based message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message’s authenticity and the nature of the file so transmitted.
  5. Use of the District’s email system constitutes consent to these regulations.

Internet Safety

Internet access is limited to only those acceptable uses as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is supported if users will not engage in unacceptable uses, as detailed in these procedures, and otherwise follow these procedures.

Staff members will supervise students while students are using District Internet access to ensure that the students abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access contained in these procedures.

Each District computer with Internet access has a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee.

The system administrator and Building Principals shall monitor student Internet access.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks

Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School-Sponsored Publications

A student or group of students seeking to distribute more than 10 copies of the same material on one or more days to students must comply with the following guidelines:

  1. The student(s) must notify the Building Principal of the intent to distribute, in writing, at least 24 hours before distributing the material.  No prior approval of the material is required.
  2. The material may be distributed at times and locations selected by the Building Principal, e.g., before the beginning or ending of classes at a central location inside the building.
  3. The Building Principal may impose additional requirements whenever necessary to prevent disruption, congestion, or the perception that the material is school-endorsed.
  4. Distribution must be done in an orderly and peaceful manner, and may not be coercive.
  5. The distribution must be conducted in a manner that does not cause additional work for school personnel.  Students who distribute material are responsible for cleaning up any materials left on school grounds.
  6. Students must not distribute material that:
  1. Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
  2. Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to, material that is libelous, slanderous or obscene, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
  3. Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to the students’ maturity level, including but not limited to, material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and Student Handbook;
  4. Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;
  5. Is distributed in kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students, unless it is being used for school purposes. However, material from outside sources or the citation to such sources may be allowed, as long as the material to be distributed or accessed is primarily prepared by students; or
  6. Incites students to violate any Board policy.
  1. A student may use the School District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure to resolve a complaint.
  2. Whenever these guidelines require written notification, the appropriate administrator may assist the student in preparing such notification.

A student or group of students seeking to distribute 10 or fewer copies of the same publication on one or more days to students must distribute such material at times and places and in a manner that will not cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities and in compliance with paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 7.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:310-AP, Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School Sponsored Publications, Elementary Schools

Access to Non-School Sponsored Publications

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On Campus

Creating, distributing, and/or accessing non-school sponsored publications shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the publication is endorsed by the School District.

Students are prohibited from creating, distributing, and/or accessing at school any publication that:

  1. Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
  2. Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, slanderous or obscene, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
  3. Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and the Student Handbook;
  4. Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;
  5. Is distributed in kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students, unless it is being used for school purposes. However, material from outside sources or the citation to such sources may be allowed, as long as the material to be distributed or accessed is primarily prepared by students; or
  6. Incites students to violate any Board policies.

Accessing or distributing on-campus includes accessing or distributing on school property or at school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material, or (2) for writing, creating, or publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus

A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for creating and/or distributing a publication that: (1) causes a substantial disruption or a foreseeable risk of a substantial disruption to school operations, or (2) interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:315 Restrictions on Publications

Annual Notice to Parents about Educational Technology

Vendors Under the Student Online Personal Protection Act 

School districts throughout the State of Illinois contract with different educational technology vendors for beneficial K-12 purposes such as providing personalized learning and innovative educational technologies, and increasing efficiency in school operations.

Under Illinois’ Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA (105 ILCS 85/), educational technology vendors and other entities that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications that are designed, marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes are referred to in SOPPA as operators. SOPPA is intended to ensure that student data collected by operators is protected, and it requires those vendors, as well as school districts and the Ill. State Board of Education, to take a number of actions to protect online student data.

Depending upon the particular educational technology being used, our District may need to collect different types of student data, which is then shared with educational technology vendors through their online sites, services, and/or applications. Under SOPPA, educational technology vendors are prohibited from selling or renting a student’s information or from engaging in targeted advertising using a student’s information. Such vendors may only disclose student data for K-12 school purposes and other limited purposes permitted under the law.

In general terms, the types of student data that may be collected and shared include personally identifiable information (PII) about students or information that can be linked to PII about students, such as:

Operators may collect and use student data only for K-12 purposes, which are purposes that aid in the administration of school activities, such as:


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:345-AP, E2, Student Data Privacy; Notice to Parents About Educational Technology Vendors


Chapter 8

Search & Seizure

Search & Seizure

In order to maintain order safety 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 building principal 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 Searches

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 school or district’s student rules and policies. The search will be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to its objective of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the student’s age and sex, and the nature of the infraction.

School officials may 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 the school’s disciplinary rules or school district policy. In the course of the investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order for the school to make a factual determination. 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.

Seizure of Property

If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the school or district’s policies or rules, evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.

Questioning of Students Suspected of Committing Criminal Activity

Before a law enforcement officer, school resource officer, or other school security person detains and questions on school grounds a student under 18 years of age who is suspected of committing a criminal act, the building principal or designee will: (a) Notify or attempt to notify the student’s parent/guardian and document the time and manner in writing; (b) Make reasonable efforts to ensure the student’s parent/guardian is present during questioning or, if they are not present, ensure that a school employee (including, but not limited to, a social worker, psychologist, nurse, guidance counselor, or any other mental health professional) is present during the questioning; and (c) If practicable, make reasonable efforts to ensure that a law enforcement officer trained in promoting safe interactions and communications with youth is present during the questioning.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:140, Search and Seizure

Use of Metal Detectors for Student Safety

  1. Metal detectors may be used when the administration in any school has reasonable suspicion that weapons or dangerous objects are in the possession of unidentified students; when there is a pattern of weapons or dangerous objects found at school, on school property, at a school function, or in the vicinity of a school; or when violence involving weapons has occurred at a school or on school property, at school functions, or in a school’s vicinity. The reasons supporting the use of a metal detector shall be documented.
  2. Before a metal detector is used in a particular school, the students shall be notified via the intercom, at an assembly, or by similar means of its use.  On the day of its use, signs will be posted to inform students that they will be required to submit to a screening for metal as a condition of entering or continuing attendance at school.  The screening will be conducted by District staff who may be assisted by law enforcement officials.
  3. When a metal detector is being used, students will be allowed to use only the entries designated.  If a metal detector activates on a student, the student will be asked to remove metal objects from his/her person and walk through or be scanned again.  If, after the removal of other metal objects, a third activation of the metal detector occurs, the student will be taken to a room out of view from the other students and subjected to a “pat-down” search.
  4. A “pat-down” search conducted by school personnel shall be a limited feeling of the student’s outer clothing for the purpose of discovering only items which may have activated the metal detecting device.
  5. If the school personnel conducting a “pat-down” search feels an object which may have activated the metal detecting device or be other prohibited contraband, the student will be asked to remove it.  If the student declines to remove the object, it may then be removed by school personnel.
  6. f the object removed from the student could have activated the metal detector, the school personnel must cease performing the “pat-down” search.  In such event, the student will again pass through the metal detector and the “pat-down” search will continue only if the device again yields a positive reading.
  7. Under all circumstances, the “pat-down” search will be conducted by school personnel of the same sex as that of the student.
  8. School personnel may inspect the contents of any briefcase, knapsack, purse, or parcel, which activates the metal detector for the limited purpose of determining whether a weapon is concealed therein.
  9. All property removed from the student, as a result of the above procedures which may be legitimately brought onto school premises will be returned to the student.
  10. Property removed from the student, possession of which is a violation of District policy, shall be confiscated and the student disciplined in accordance with the District policy.\
  11. Students who fail to cooperate with school personnel performing their duties under these procedures may be subject to discipline for insubordination.
  12. Nothing in these procedures shall limit the authority of school officials to search a student in accordance with District policy on search and seizure.


Cross reference: PRESS 7:140-AP, Use of Metal Detectors and Searches for Student Safety

Chapter 9

Extracurricular &

Athletic Activities


Extracurricular and Athletic Activities Code of Conduct 

This Extracurricular and Athletic Activities Code of Conduct applies, where applicable, to all school-sponsored athletic and extracurricular activities that are not part of an academic class nor otherwise carry credit for a grade. These activities may include, but are not limited to, scholastic bowl, cross country, track, basketball, cheerleading, baseball, softball, volleyball, and drama club. School sports will supersede outside athletic practices and events. Consequences for failure to comply will be up to the individual coach.

Participation in athletics is a privilege. Those who participate in athletics have a responsibility to favorably represent the school and community. Student athletes are expected to conduct themselves both in and out of school in a manner appropriate to their responsibilities as representatives of the school and district. If a student fails to comply with the terms of this code, the privilege to participate in athletics may be lost in accordance with the terms of this Athletic Code.

Requirements for Participation in Athletic Activities

 

A student must meet all academic eligibility requirements and have the following fully executed documents on file in the school office before being allowed to participate in any athletic activity:

1.        A current certificate of physical fitness issued by a licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse or physician assistant.  The preferred certificate of physical fitness is the Illinois High School Association’s “Pre-Participation Physical Examination Form.” A current physical fitness certificate is valid for 365 days from the date of the physical fitness examination. 

2.        Proof the student is covered by medical insurance.

3.        A signed agreement by the student not to ingest or otherwise use any drugs on the IHSA’s most current banned substance list (without a written prescription and medical documentation provided by a licensed physician who performed an evaluation for a legitimate medical condition) and a signed agreement by the student and the student’s parent/guardian agreeing to IHSA’s Performance-Enhancing Substance Testing Program.

4.        Signed documentation agreeing to comply with the School District’s policies and procedures on student athletic concussions and head injuries.

Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletics Association

Eligibility for most athletics is also governed by the rules of the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association and, if applicable, these rules will apply in addition to this Extracurricular and Athletic Activities Code of Conduct.  In the case of a conflict between SIHSAA and this Code, the most stringent rule will be enforced.

Academic Eligibility

Selection of members or participants in extracurricular and athletic activities is at the discretion of the designated teachers, sponsors, and coaches.

To be eligible to participate in extracurricular and athletic activities, a student must maintain an overall “C” grade point average, with no Es.  Eligibility will be checked beginning the third week of each quarter and every Friday at 11:30 am thereafter. Any student failing to meet academic requirements will be suspended from the sport or activity for one week or until all academic requirements are met, whichever is longer. If an athlete is ineligible 3 times during a particular sports season, they are ineligible to participate in that sport for the remainder of the school year.

Absence from School on Day of Extracurricular or Athletic Activity

A student who is absent from school after 11:30 am is ineligible for any extracurricular or athletic activity on that day unless the absence has been approved in writing by the principal.   Exceptions may be made by the designated teacher, sponsor or coach for justifiable reasons, including: 1) a pre-arranged medical absence; 2) a death in the student's family; or 3) a religious ceremony or event.

A student who has been suspended from school is also suspended from participation in all extracurricular and athletic activities for the duration of the suspension.

A student who is absent from school on a Friday before a Saturday event may be withheld from Saturday extracurricular or athletic activities at the sole discretion of the designated teacher, sponsor or coach.

Travel

All students must travel to extracurricular and athletic activities and return home from such activities with his or her team by use of school approved transportation. A written waiver of this rule may be issued by the teacher, sponsor or coach in charge of the extracurricular or athletic activity upon advance written request of a student's parent/guardian and provided the parent/guardian appears and accepts custody of the student. Oral requests will not be honored and oral permissions are not valid.

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to all extracurricular and athletic activities and is enforced 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.  

This Code does not contain a complete list of inappropriate behaviors. Violations will be treated cumulatively, with disciplinary penalties increasing with subsequent violations. A student may be excluded from extracurricular or athletic activities while the school is conducting an investigation into the student’s conduct.

Students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to seek assistance from the Student Assistance Program for alcohol or other drug problems. Participation in an alcohol or drug counseling program will be taken into consideration in determining consequences for Code of Conduct violations.

The student shall not:

  1. Violate the school rules and School District policies on student discipline including policies and procedures on student behavior;
  2. Ingest or otherwise use, possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute a beverage containing alcohol (except for religious purposes);
  3. Ingest or otherwise use possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute tobacco or nicotine in any form;
  4. Ingest or otherwise use, possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute any product composed purely of caffeine in a loose powdered form or any illegal substance (including mood-altering and performance enhancing drugs or chemicals) or paraphernalia;
  5. Use, possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute any object that is or could be considered a weapon or any item that is a look alike weapon. This prohibition does not prohibit legal use of weapons in cooking and in athletics, such as archery, martial arts practice, target shooting, hunting, and skeet;
  6. Attend a party or other gathering and/or ride in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors;
  7. Act in an unsportsmanlike manner;
  8. Violate any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism and reckless driving;
  9. Haze or bully other students;
  10. Violate the written rules for the extracurricular or athletic activity;
  11. Behave in a manner that disrupts or adversely affects the group or school;
  12. Be insubordinate or disrespectful toward the activity’s sponsors or team’s coaching staff; or
  13. Falsify any information contained on any permit or permission form required by the extracurricular or athletic activity.

Hazing is any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a team or group, regardless of his or her willingness to participate. Bullying includes cyber-bullying (bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication) and means any 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. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;
  2. Causing a detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
  3. Interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or
  4. Interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

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.

Due Process Procedures

Students who are accused of violating the Code of Conduct are entitled to the following due process:

  1. The student should be advised of the disciplinary infraction with which he or she is being charged.
  2. The student shall be entitled to a hearing before an appropriate administrator.
  3. The student will be able to respond to any charges leveled against him or her.
  4. The student may provide any additional information he or she wishes for the administrator to consider.
  5. The administrator, with the help of other staff members if needed, may interview material witnesses or others with evidence concerning the case.
  6. If the administrator finds, after reviewing the evidence, that the violation occurred, he or she will impose sanctions on the student, as follows:
  1. Sanctions for violations other than drug and alcohol will be based on the nature of the offense and the number of offenses, and may include suspension from all extracurricular or athletic activities for one of the time periods described below:
  1. A specified period of time or percentage of performances, activities or competitions
  2. The remainder of the season or for the next season; or
  3. The remainder of the student’s school career.
  1. Sanctions for alcohol and other drug violations, including tobacco, nicotine in any form, mood-altering or performance enhancing drugs, products composed purely of caffeine in a loose powdered form, paraphernalia or any other illegal substance, will be based on the following:
  1. First violation
  1. Use, ingestion, possession, buying, selling, offering to sell, bartering, or distributing: A suspension of one third of the total number of performances, activities, or competitions or the remainder of the season, whichever is shorter. This penalty will be reduced if the student is enrolled in a school-approved alcohol or drug counseling program.
  2. Attendance at a party or riding in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors: A suspension of one sixth of the total number of performances, activities or competitions, or the remainder of the season, whichever is shorter.
  3. The student will be required to practice with the group, regardless of the violation (unless suspended or expelled from school).
  1. Second violation
  1. Use, ingestion, possession, buying, selling, offering to sell, bartering, or distributing:  A suspension of 12 weeks or 1 season, including suspension from all performances, activities, or competitions during this period. To participate again in any extracurricular or athletic activity, the student must successfully participate in and complete a school-approved alcohol or drug counseling program and follow all recommendations from that program.
  2. Attendance at a party or riding in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors: A suspension of one third of the season and all extracurricular group performances, activities, or competitions during this period.
  3. The student may be required to practice with the group (unless suspended or expelled from school).
  1. Third violation
  1. Use, ingestion, possession, buying, selling, offering to sell, bartering, or distributing:  A suspension from extracurricular or athletic activities for the remainder of the student’s school career.
  2. Attendance at a party or riding in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors: A suspension of one calendar year from the date of the suspension, including all extracurricular and athletic activities during this period.

7. The appropriate administrator will make a written report of his or her decision and rationale. The student may appeal the decision to the Principal or Principal’s designee.

All students remain subject to all the School District’s policies and the school’s student/parent handbook.

Modification of Athletic or Team Uniform

Students may modify their athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of the student’s religion or the student’s cultural values or modesty preferences.

        


Cross-References:

PRESS 6:190, Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities

PRESS 6:190-AP, Academic Eligibility for Participation in Extracurricular Activities

PRESS 7:240, Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities

PRESS 7:240-AP1, Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activities

PRESS 7:300, Extracurricular Athletics

Attendance at School Dances

Attendance at school-sponsored dances is a privilege.

Only students who attend the school may attend school-sponsored dances, unless the principal or designee approves a student’s guest in advance of the event.  A guest must be “age appropriate,” defined as middle school age.

All school rules, including the school’s discipline code and dress code are in effect during school-sponsored dances.  

Students who violate the school’s discipline code will be required to leave the dance immediately and the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted. The school may also impose other discipline as outlined in the school’s discipline code.

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Cross-references:

PRESS 6:190, Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities

PRESS 7:240-AP1, Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activities

Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries - “Return to Learn/Return to Play”

Student athletes must comply with Illinois’ Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act and all protocols, policies and bylaws of the Illinois High School Association before being allowed to participate in any athletic activity, including practice or competition.

A student who was removed from practice or competition because of a suspected concussion shall be allowed to return only after all statutory prerequisites are completed, including without limitation, the School District’s return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement a program to manage concussions and head injuries suffered by students. The program shall:

  1. Fully implement the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act, that provides, without limitation, each of the following:
  1. The Board must appoint or approve member(s) of a ConcussionOversight Team for the District.
  2. The ConcussionOversight Team shall establish each of the following based on peer reviewed scientific evidence consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  1. A return-to-play protocol governing a student’s return to interscholastic athletics practice or competition following a force of impact believed to have caused a concussion. The Superintendent or designee shall supervise an athletic trainer or other person responsible for compliance with the return-to-play protocol.
  2. A return-to-learn protocol governing a student’s return to the classroom following a force of impact believed to have caused a concussion. The Superintendent or designee shall supervise the person responsible for compliance with the return-to learn protocol.
  1. Each student and the student’s parent/guardian shall be required to sign a concussion information receipt form each school year before participating in an interscholastic athletic activity.
  2. A student shall be removed from an interscholastic athletic practice or competition immediately if any of the following individuals believe that the student sustained a concussion during the practice and/or competition: a coach, a physician, a game official, an athletic trainer, the student’s parent/guardian, the student, or any other person deemed appropriate under the return-to-play protocol.
  3. A student who was removed from interscholastic athletic practice or competition shall be allowed to return only after all statutory prerequisites are completed, including without limitation, the return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols developed by the Concussion Oversight Team. An athletic team coach or assistant coach may not authorize a student’s return-to-play or return-to-learn.
  4. The following individuals must complete concussion training as specified in the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act: all coaches or assistant coaches (whether volunteer or a district employee) of interscholastic athletic activities; nurses, licensed healthcare professionals or non-licensed healthcare professionals who serve on the Concussion Oversight Team (whether or not they serve on a volunteer basis); athletic trainers; game officials of interscholastic athletic activities; and physicians who serve on the Concussion Oversight Team.
  5. The Board shall approve school-specific emergency action plans for interscholastic athletic activities to address the serious injuries and acute medical conditions in which a student’s condition may deteriorate rapidly. 2.
  1. Comply with the concussion protocols, policies, and by-laws of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), including its Protocol for Implementation of NFHS Sports Playing Rules 7:305 7:305 1 of 2 for Concussion, which includes its Return to Play (RTP) Policy. These specifically require that:
  1. A student athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion in a practice or game shall be removed from participation or competition at that time.
  2. A student athlete who has been removed from an interscholastic contest for a possible concussion or head injury may not return to that contest unless cleared to do so by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois or a certified athletic trainer.
  3. If not cleared to return to that contest, a student athlete may not return to play or practice until the student athlete has provided his or her school with written clearance from a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois.
  1. Require all student athletes to view the IHSA video about concussions.
  2. Inform student athletes and their parents/guardians about this policy in the Agreement to Participate or other written instrument that a student athlete and his or her parent/guardian must sign before the student is allowed to participate in a practice or interscholastic competition.
  3. Provide coaches and student athletes and their parents/guardians with educational materials from the IHSA regarding the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries, including the risks inherent in continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.
  4. Include a requirement for staff members to notify the parent/guardian of a student who exhibits symptoms consistent with that of a concussion.
  5. Include a requirement for staff members to distribute the Ill. Dept. of Public Health concussion brochure to any student or the parent/guardian of a student who may have sustained a concussion, regardless of whether or not the concussion occurred while the student was participating in an interscholastic athletic activity, if available.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:305, Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries


Chapter 10

Special Education


Education of Children with Disabilities

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services.  

The School provides a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the school. The term “children with disabilities” means children between ages 3 and the day before their 22nd birthday for whom it is determined that special education services are needed, except those children with disabilities who turn 22 years of age during the school year are eligible for special education services through the end of the school year.  It is the intent of the school to ensure that students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

A copy of the publication “Explanation of Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Students with Disabilities” may be obtained from the school district office.

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program, as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and implementing provisions of this Illinois law, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

For further information, please contact:

Joe Dunlap

(618) 756-2492

19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:120, Education of Children with Disabilities

PRESS 6:120-AP1,E1 – Exhibit – Notice to Parents/Guardians Regarding Section 504 Rights

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Behavioral Interventions

Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors.  The School Board will establish and maintain a committee to develop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities.

Discipline of Special Education Students

The District shall comply with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules when disciplining special education students.  No special education student shall be expelled if the student’s particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint

Isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint shall only be used if the student’s behavior presents an imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others, and other less restrictive and intrusive measures were tried and proven ineffective in stopping it.  The School may not use isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint as discipline or punishment, convenience for staff, retaliation, as a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support, a routine safety matter, or to prevent property damage in the absence of imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others.  The use of prone restraint is prohibited.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:190-AP4, Administrative Procedure – Use of Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint

PRESS 7:230, Misconduct by Students with Disabilities

 

Exemption From Physical Education Requirement 

A student who is eligible for special education may be excused from physical education courses in either of the following situations:

  1. He or she (a) is in grades 3-8, (b) his or her IEP requires that special education support and services be provided during physical education time, and (c) the parent/guardian agrees or the IEP team makes the determination; or
  2. He or she (a) has an IEP, (b) is participating in an adaptive athletic program outside of the school setting, and (c) the parent/guardian documents the student’s participation as required by the Superintendent or designee.

A student requiring adapted physical education will receive that service in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:310, High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students

Request to Access Classroom or Personnel for Special Education

Evaluation or Observation

The parent/guardian of a student receiving special education services, or being evaluated for eligibility, is afforded reasonable access to educational facilities, personnel, classrooms, and buildings.  This same right of access is afforded to an independent educational evaluator or a qualified professional retained by or on behalf of a parent or child.

For further information, please contact the building principal.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:120, Education of Children with Disabilities

PRESS 6:120-AP2,E1 – Exhibit – Request to Access Classroom(s) or Personnel for Special Education Evaluation and/or Observation Purposes

Related Service Logs

For a child with an individualized education program (IEP), the school district must create related service logs that record the type of related services administered under the child's IEP and the minutes of each type of related service that has been administered.  The school will provide a child’s parent/guardian a copy of the related service log at the annual review of the child's IEP and at any other time upon request.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:340-AP1, School Student Records

Response To Intervention (RtI)

        

Response to Intervention (RtI) is an approach used by the school district to meet the needs of elementary age children experiencing some form of difficulty in school.  The RtI team accepts instructional support requests for students and through a collaborative process, develops implementation strategies to address the students’ difficulties.  The RtI Team is based upon the concept of intra-professional support and can be perceived to be a part of special education programming by serving as a mechanism for screening those who may be eligible for special education.  However, its primary activity is to provide intervention recommendations for at-risk students in regular education programs.

        The RtI process is composed of the following five components:

  1. Curriculum Assessment
  2. Instructional Adaptation
  3. Behavior Management
  4. Student Life Skills
  5. Collaborative Problem Solving

Chapter 11

Student Records & Privacy


Student Privacy Protections

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, or assist students’ career choices.  This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified or who created the survey.

Surveys by Third Parties

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/guardian may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request.  This applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a district official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions.

Parents who object to disclosure of information concerning their child to a third party may do so in writing to the Building Principal.

Surveys Requesting Personal Information

School officials and staff members will not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the school or district) containing one or more of the following items:

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

The student’s parent/guardian may: (1) inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or (2) refuse to allow their child to participate in the survey. The school will not penalize any student whose parent/guardian exercised this option.

Instructional Material

A student’s parent/guardian may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child’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.

Prohibition on Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information

No school official or staff member may 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.

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent/guardian have consented; or (2) to the collection, disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:

  1. Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products.
  2. Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.
  3. 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.
  4. The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities.
  5. 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

A parent/guardian who desires to opt their child out of participation in activities provided herein or who desires a copy or access to a survey or any other material described herein may contact the Building Principal.

The school expects to administer the following surveys that request personal student information on the following approximate dates:

        

        iReady interest inventory - August/September, December, April/May

        Illinois Assessment of Readiness - March

        5Essentials Survey - January-March

A complete copy of the District’s Student and Family Privacy Rights policy may be obtained from the Superintendent’s office or accessed on the District’s website.

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Cross-References:

PRESS 7:15, Student and Family Privacy Rights

PRESS 7:15-E, Notification to Parents of Family Privacy Rights

Student Records

A school student record is any writing or other recorded information concerning a student and by which a student may be identified individually that is maintained by a school or at its direction or by a school employee, regardless of how or where the information is stored, except for certain records kept in a staff member’s sole possession; records maintained by law enforcement officers working in the school; video and other electronic recordings (including electronic recordings made on school busses) that are created in part for law enforcement, security, or safety reasons or purposes, though such electronic recordings may become a student record if the content is used for disciplinary or special education purposes regarding a particular student.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois Student Records Act afford parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s school records. They are:

  1. The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 10 business days of the day the District receives a request for access.

The degree of access a student has to his or her records depends on the student’s age. Students less than 18 years of age have the right to inspect and copy only their permanent record. Students 18 years of age or older have access and copy rights to both permanent and temporary records. A parent/guardian or student should submit to the building principal a written request that identifies the record(s) he or she wishes to inspect. Within 10 business days, the building principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. In certain circumstances, the District may request an additional 5 business days in which to grant access. The District charges $.35 per page for copying but no one will be denied their right to copies of their records for inability to pay this cost.

These rights are denied to any person against whom an order of protection has been entered concerning the student.

  1. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/ guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper.

A parent/guardian or eligible student may ask the District to amend a record that is believed to be inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. Requests should be sent to the building principal and should clearly identify the record the parent/guardian or eligible student wants changed and the specific reason a change is being sought.

If the District decides not to amend the record, the District will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

  1. The right to permit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the FERPA or Illinois School Student Records Act authorizes disclosure without consent.

Disclosure without consent is permitted to school officials with legitimate educational or administrative interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board. A school official may also include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or educational technology vendor); or any parent/guardian or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility or contractual obligation with the district.

Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any person as specifically required by State or Federal law. Before information is released to these individuals, the parents/guardians or eligible student will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information, and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such records.

Academic grades and references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions cannot be challenged at the time a student’s records are being forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring.

Disclosure is also permitted without consent to: any person for research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that no student or parent/guardian can be identified; to another school district that overlaps attendance boundaries with the District, if the District has entered into an intergovernmental agreement that allows for sharing of student records and information with the other district, any person named in a court order; appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student.

  1. The right to a copy of any school student record proposed to be destroyed or deleted.

The permanent record is maintained for at least 60 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. The temporary record is maintained for at least 5 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. Temporary records that may be of assistance to a student with a disability who graduates or permanently withdraws, may, after 5 years, be transferred to the parent/guardian or to the student, if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parent/guardian. Student temporary records are reviewed every 4 years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first.

  1. The right to prohibit the release of directory information.

Throughout the school year, the District may release directory information regarding students, limited to:

Any parent/guardian or eligible student may prohibit the release of any or all of the above information by delivering a written objection to the building principal within 30 days of the date of this notice.

  1. The right contained in this statement: No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefits 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 State law.
  2. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

U.S. Department of Education

Student Privacy Policy Office

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington DC 20202-8520


Cross-reference:

PRESS 7:340, Student Records


Chapter 12

Parental Right Notification


Teacher Qualifications 

Parents/guardians may request information about the qualifications of their student’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including:

 

 

If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the school office.

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Cross-References:

PRESS 5:190, Teacher Qualifications

PRESS 5:190-E1, Notice to Parents of Their Right to Request Their Child’s Classroom Teachers’ Qualifications

        Standardized Testing

Students and parents/guardians should be aware that the State and District require students to take certain standardized tests, including the following: Illinois Assessment of Readiness and Illinois Science Assessment.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to cooperate in preparing students for the standardized testing, because the quality of the education the school can provide is partially dependent upon the school’s ability to continue to prove its success in the state’s standardized tests.

Parents/Guardians can assist their students to achieve their best performance by doing the following:

  1. Encourage students to work hard and study throughout the year;
  2. Ensure students get a good night’s sleep during the night before exams;
  3. Ensure students eat well the morning of the exam, particularly ensuring they eat sufficient protein;
  4. Remind students and emphasize the importance of good performance on standardized testing;
  5. Ensure students are on time and prepared for tests, with appropriate materials;
  6. Teach students the importance of honesty and ethics during the performance of these and other tests;
  7. Encourage students to relax on testing day.

   

Cross-Reference:

PRESS 6:340, Student Testing and Assessment Programs

Homeless Child’s Right to Education

When a child loses permanent housing and becomes a homeless person as defined at law, or when a homeless child changes his or her temporary living arrangements, the parent or guardian of the homeless child has the option of either:

       

        (1) continuing the child's education in the school of origin for as long as the child remains homeless or, if the child becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year during which the housing is acquired; or

       

        (2) enrolling the child in any school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.        

Assistance and support for homeless families includes:

For more information or assistance, please contact the District McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison:

Terrie Williams

19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872

(618) 756-2492

twilliams@obr5.org

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-References:

PRESS 6:140, Education of Homeless Children

PRESS 6:140-AP, Education of Homeless Children

Family Life & Sex Education Classes

Students will not be required to take or participate in any class or courses in comprehensive sex education, including in grades 6-12, instruction on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS; family life instruction, including in grades 6-12, instruction on the prevention, transmission, and spread of AIDS; instruction on diseases; recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse; or instruction on donor programs for organ/tissue, blood donor, and transplantation, if his or her parent or guardian submits a written objection.  The parent or guardian’s decision will not be the reason for any student discipline, including suspension or expulsion.  Nothing in this Section prohibits instruction in sanitation, hygiene or traditional courses in biology.

Parents or guardians may examine the instructional materials to be used in any district sex education class or course.

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Cross-References:

PRESS 6:60-AP1, Comprehensive Health Education Program

PRESS 6:60-AP1, E1, Notice to Parents/Guardians of Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Education; Requests to Examine Materials; Written Objection(s) and/or Opt-outs

English Learners

The school offers opportunities for resident English Learners to achieve at high levels in academic subjects and to meet the same challenging State standards that all children are expected to meet.

Parents/guardians of English Learners will be informed how they can: (1) be involved in the education of their children; (2) be active participants in assisting their children to attain English proficiency, achieve at high levels within a well-rounded education, and meet the challenging State academic standards expected of all students; and (3) participate and serve on the District’s Transitional Bilingual Education Programs Parent Advisory Committee.

For questions related to this program or to express input in the school’s English Learners program, contact Joe Dunlap at (618) 756-2492.

 

Cross Reference:

6:160, English Learners

School Visitation Rights

The School Visitation Rights Act permits employed parents/guardians, who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict, the right to time off from work under certain conditions to attend necessary school functions such as parent-teacher conferences, academic meetings and behavioral meetings.  Letters verifying participation in this program are available from the school office upon request.


Cross-References:

PRESS 8:95-E1, Letter Notifying Parents/Guardians of School Visitation Rights

PRESS 8:95-E2, Verification of School Visitation

Pesticide Application Notice

The district maintains a registry of parents/guardians of students who have registered to receive written or telephone notification prior to the application of pesticides to school grounds.  To be added to the list, please contact:

Joe Dunlap

19380 E 4th St., Opdyke, IL 62872

(618) 756-2492

jdunlap@obr5.org

 

Notification will be given before application of the pesticide. Prior notice is not required if there is imminent threat to health or property.  

        

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Cross-Reference:        

PRESS 4:160-AP, Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds

Mandated Reporters

All school personnel, including teachers and administrators, are required by law to immediately report any and all suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting

Unsafe School Choice Option

The unsafe school choice option provided in State law permits students to transfer to another school within the District in certain situations. This transfer option is unavailable in this District because each grade is in only one attendance center. A student, who would otherwise have qualified for the choice option, or the student’s parent/guardian, may request special accommodations from the building principal.


Cross-References:

PRESS 4:170, Safety

Student Privacy 

The District has adopted and uses several policies and procedures regarding student privacy, parental access to information and administration of certain physical examinations to students.  

Copies of these policies are available upon request.


Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:170-AP2, Notice to Parents Required by Elementary and Secondary Education, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance, and Protection of Pupil Rights Laws

Sex Offender Notification Law

State law prohibits a convicted child sex offender from being present on school property when children under the age of 18 are present, except for in the following circumstances as they relate to the individual’s child(ren):

  1. To attend a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of their child.
  2. To participate in a conference in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to their child’s special education services.
  3. To attend conferences to discuss issues concerning their child such as retention or promotion.

In all other cases, convicted child sex offenders are prohibited from being present on school property unless they obtain written permission from the superintendent or school board.

Anytime that a convicted child sex offender is present on school property – including the three reasons above - he/she is responsible for notifying the principal's office upon arrival on school property and upon departure from school property.  It is the responsibility of the convicted child sex offender to remain under the direct supervision of a school official at all times he/she is in the presence or vicinity of children.

A violation of this law is a Class 4 felony.


Cross-References:

PRESS 4:175-AP1, Criminal Offender Notification Laws; Screening