Neoga Community Unit School District #3

Parent-Student Handbook

2025-2026

Student/Parent Handbook and School District policies may be amended during the year, such changes are available on the School District website, www.neoga.k12.il.us, or in the school office.

Handbook Last Revised:  

Dear Parents and Students,

We sincerely hope that you find this book informative and helpful.  You will find information that will help you in your academic endeavors and your understanding of our schools’ mission, rules, and policies.  Please study the pages in this booklet so that you will be better prepared for your years at Neoga CUSD #3.

We hope that your summer activities have been both pleasant and beneficial to you and that the coming year may be an outstanding one for you in school participation and achievements.  Your most important task at this time is to make a success of your schoolwork.  We want to help you develop your capabilities so that you may become the best and most valuable citizen possible.  We want you to enjoy your school work and activities and we hope we may get to know all of you personally.  Our entire staff is dedicated to one major goal, your success.

The knowledge of the contents of this handbook is the responsibility of all students at Neoga Elementary and Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School.  Please keep it and refer to it throughout the year.  Let us know if we may clarify the handbook or assist you with a concern.

PURPOSE OF HANDBOOK

This handbook is provided to students and their families to acquaint them with the rules, regulations, procedures, and other relevant information necessary for the orderly functioning of the school.  It has been structured to help promote student progress as well as an awareness of appropriate school government.  In addition, this handbook provides for the psychological and physical safety of the students through appropriate rules and regulations.

The Neoga Community Unit School District #3 Parent-Student Handbook is available online at www.neoga.k12.il.us. This handbook may be updated throughout the year to reflect changes in laws, best practices, or district policies. For the most current version, please refer to the online handbook on the district website. Students will be informed of key regulations outlined in this handbook within the first 15 days of their enrollment. Parents/guardians will receive access to the handbook and are required to acknowledge its receipt within 15 days of their child’s enrollment.

The provisions of this handbook are not to be considered as irrevocable contractual commitments between the school and the student.  Rather, the provisions reflect the current status of the rules, practices, and procedures as currently practiced and are subject to change.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Click on a heading to jump to the location in the handbook.

Section 1 - Introductory Information and General Notices

1.00         School Operations During a Pandemic or Other Health Emergency

1.20         Student Handbook Acknowledgment

1.30         General School Information

1.40         Visitors

1.50         Equal Educational Opportunities and Sex Equity

1.60         Animals on School Property

1.70         School Volunteers

1.80         Invitations and Gifts

1.85         Treats and Snacks 

1.90         Emergency School Closings

1.100         Video and Audio Monitoring Systems

1.110         Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

1.120         Students with Food Allergies

1.130         Care of Students with Diabetes

1.140         Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

1.150         Accommodating Breastfeeding Students

1.160         Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

1.170         Student Appearance

1.180         Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, Grooming Behaviors, and Boundary Violations

1.185         Faith’s Law Notifications

1.190         Prevention of Anaphylaxis

1.200         Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

1.210         Free and Reduced-Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications

Section 2 - Attendnace and Promotion

2.10         Attendance

2.20         Student Absences

2.30         Release Time for Religious Instruction and Observance

2.40         Make-Up Work

2.50         Truancy

2.60         Grading and Promotion

2.70         Homework

2.80-K8 Exemption From PE Requirement [K-8]

2.80-HS Exemption From PE Requirement [HS]

2.90         Credit for Proficiency, Non-District Experiences, Course Substitutions and Accelerated Placement

2.100         Home and Hospital Instruction

2.110         Early Graduation [HS]

2.120         High School Graduation Requirements [HS]

2.121        Assistance with FASFA Application

2.130        Concerns About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, & Programs

Library Materials Selection and Reconsideration Policy

Section 3 - Student Fees and Meal Costs

3.10         Fees, Fines & Charges; Waiver of Student Fees

3.15        Vandalism

3.20         School Lunch Program

Section 4 - Transportation and Parking

4.10         Bus Transportation

4.15         Bus Conduct

4.15-E        Exhibit-Bus Safety Rules

4.20         Parking

Section 5 - Health and Safety

5.10         Immunization, Health, Eye & Dental Examination

5.20         Student Medication

5.30         Guidance & Counseling

5.40         Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct

ALICE

5.50         Communicable Disease

5.60         Head Lice

5.70         Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

5.70-E        Exhibit-Targeted School Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment Education

Naloxone Administration Policy

Asbestos Management Plan

Insurance

Pest Management Program

Section 6 - Discipline and Conduct

6.10         General Building Conduct

6.20         School Dress Code

6.30         Student Behavior

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

6.42        Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

6.45         Harassment & Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

6.50         Cafeteria Rules

6.60         Field Trips

6.70         Access to Student Social Networking Passwords & Websites

6.80         Student Use of Electronic Devices

Toys and Prohibited Items

Section 7 - Internet. Technology, and Publications

7.10         Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks

7.20         Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School Publications

7.27         Access to Non-School Sponsored Publications

7.40         Annual Notice to Parents about Educational Technology Vendors Under the Student Online Personal Protection Act

7.50        Use of Artificial Intelligence

7.60        Google Workspace for Education

7.70         Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998

Section 8 - Search and Seizure

8.10         Search and Seizure

Section 9 - Extracurricular Activities

9.10        Extracurricular Athletic Activities Code of Conduct

9.20         Attendance at School-Sponsored Dances

9.30        Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

Section 10 - Special Education

10.10         Education of Children with Disabilities

10.20         Discipline of Students with Disabilities

10.30         Exemption From PE Requirement

10.40        Certificate of High School Completion [HS]

10.50         Access to Classroom for Special Education Observation or Evaluation

10.60         Related Service Logs

Section 11 - Student Records and Privacy

11.10         Student Privacy Protections

11.20         Student Records

11.30         Student Biometric Information

11.40        Military Recruiters & Institutions of Higher Learning [HS]

Section 12 - Parental Right Notifications

12.10         Teacher Qualifications

12.20         Standardized Testing

12.30         Homeless Child’s Right to Education

12.40         Sex Education Instruction

12.60         English Learners

12.70         School Visitation Rights

12.80         Pesticide Application Notice

12.90         Mandated Reporter

12.100 Unsafe School – Transfer

12.105 Student Privacy

12.110 Sex Offender Notification Law

12.120 Sex Offender & Violent Offender Community Notification Laws

12.130 Parent Notices Required by the Every Student Succeeds Act

ELEMENTARY FACULTY AND STAFF 2025-2026

JR-SR HIGH FACULTY AND STAFF 2025-2026

OVERVIEW
Neoga Elementary School is home to our primary elementary grades (Pre Kindergarten-5th Grade).

SCHOOL DAY

Neoga Elementary School

7:30                 Doors Open

7:45                 Breakfast Opens

8:00                 School Begins

8:20                 W.I.N. (What I Need)

10:35                 Lunch - Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade

11:45                 Lunch - 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade

2:40                Dismiss Parent Pickup

2:48                 Dismiss Bus Students and Walkers

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS (NES)

We are proud to be a PBIS school (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support). The intention of this program is to create a safe, effective, positive learning environment for every child by explicitly teaching behavioral expectations. Research has proven that schools are successful when they help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. By setting forth clear social and behavioral expectations and holding students accountable for following the school-wide expectations, we are confident we will see an increase in student learning and positive behavior.

We have three expectations for our students:

1. Be Respectful
2. Be Responsible  
3. Be Safe

We have developed a set of expectations for each physical setting. These expectations and more are taught to our students and posted around the building.

Elementary School

Neoga Spirit is our number one expectation for our students. Each month, classroom teachers will nominate those students who consistently demonstrate one of our ‘Neoga Spirit’ characteristics as listed below. Students who are nominated are invited to the monthly Board of Education meetings for recognition and they will have pizza with the principal!

Never Give Up

Encourage Others

Offer Help

Give Respect

Act Responsibly

OVERVIEW
Neoga Jr-Sr High School is home to out Junior High and High School Students (6th Grade-12th Grade).

SCHOOL DAY

Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School

7:30                 Doors Open/Breakfast opens

8:00                 Bell rings to go to 1st hour
8:05                 1st hour begins

9:31                JH Intervention begins
9:43                HS Intervention begins

11:15                 JH Lunch begins

12:35                HS Lunch begins

2:43                 Dismissal

JR.-SR. HIGH SCHOOL

School spirit is something that cannot be seen or touched, yet its presence or absence is felt by all. Where it exists in a positive manner, it is a powerful force.  Every member of the student body contributes to the building of positive school spirit in all phases of student life.

School spirit is evident when courtesy and consideration are shown to classmates, teachers, and visitors; and when each student strives to profit from his years in school and observes and discharges his duties and responsibilities.  Perhaps the most important element is the enthusiastic loyalty which comes when a student realizes he shares an important part of his life with his fellow students.

School spirit is divided into three categories:

1.  COURTESY - toward teachers, fellow students, and the officials of the school athletic activities.

      2.     PRIDE - in everything our school endeavors to accomplish and has accomplished.

      3.     SPORTSMANSHIP- the ability to win and lose gracefully.

School spirit means loyalty to all functions of the school. A loyal student supports this school and does their utmost to keep their scholastic and activity standards at the highest possible level.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF . . .

*You are tardy to school                                         Report to the office
*You have lost or found something                                Take it or ask in the office
*You have lost a library book                                        See the librarian to see if has been found or pay for it

*You have lost a textbook                                         See the teacher who issued the book
*You want to participate in a club/organization (HS)                Sign up at the beginning of the year or see the faculty
                                                                advisor
*You want to make a suggestion about improving the          Talk with a Student Council Representative or Principal
 school
*You want to bring an out of school guest to a dance (HS)        Submit completed Dance Guest form to the office by
                                                                deadline        
*You want to accompany your guardians on a trip while        Make arrangements in advance (at least 48 hours
  school is in session                                                 before) with the office
*You want to drive a car to school                                Complete a vehicle agreement in the office and pay
                                                                the fee
*You want to start a new club/organization                        See the Principal
*You are unhappy about a class/teacher                        Discuss with the teacher; then if necessary the
                                                                Principal
*You want information about college/career                 See the academic advisor
 opportunities

WHY GO TO HIGH SCHOOL?

1.        The high school course of study is flexible and will provide you with a number of academic and vocational experiences.  You may use the experiences to make realistic decisions about yourself which will help you develop a realistic program for yourself.  This program of study will help you prepare for entry into employment or allow you to continue to pursue further education.

2.        Your program can be planned to include experiences in languages, social studies, mathematics, sciences, music, art, health and physical education, and vocational trades areas, which may provide you with a strong background, no matter what your future plans may be.

3.        Employers want young people who are reliable, dependable, and willing to work energetically without constant supervision.  High school provides such experiences.  Students who are willing to achieve in school have an excellent chance to take advantage of the kind of record employers are seeking in people they hire.

4.        A good high school record has a dollar and cents value.  Statistics show that high school graduation is becoming more and more essential for employment.  High school graduates usually have more job stability in times of economic stress.

5.        Establishing a good record in high school is a strong recommendation for any job.  It proves you can apply yourself, grow, and stick to something worthwhile until it is finished.

6.        You will be a better citizen, and more capable of sharing your responsibility at home, in the community, and in the world in general.

7.        High school offers the opportunity to widen your circle of friends and make you feel more at home in many more social situations.        

8.        High school is a welding together of all opportunities. It involves learning to earn as well as learning for enrichment.  Learning to study and to work independently are necessary qualities for success in any career.

9.        Last of all a high school education permits you a wider choice in selecting an occupation because you will
        have learned the skills of study so necessary in re-training yourself in this day of ever-changing job skills.  

MISSION

Neoga Community Unit School District #3 is committed to educating all students to be responsible, competent, and confident citizens who will make a positive contribution in our changing world.

Introductory Information & General Notices

Here you will find policies that are designed to put parents, students and visitors on notice of the general rules and regulations of the school and district. Also included in this section are parent and student “sign-offs,” indicating receipt of the handbook.

Communication

The school requires notes from parents/guardians:

• In case of absence
• If a child needs to be kept in at recess because of illness
• In requests of special dismissal
• In reply to the notice of unsatisfactory work
• For educational field trips of any distance (permission slips will be supplied)
• For participation in extracurricular activities

The school requests a note from the parent/guardian if the student is to have lunch at any place other than the school cafeteria. It is important that the school and the parent know where the student is during the lunch period.

Solicitation

The selling of items unapproved by the school office is not allowed.  As a rule of thumb, ONLY SCHOOL FUND RAISERS ARE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL.  Even approved sales campaigns must be conducted in such a way that class instruction is not disrupted.  All funds from approved solicitations must be turned in to sponsors or the office as quickly as possible and not left in lockers.

Posters and Bulletins

To insure neatness and proper care of school property, no posters or bulletins may be placed or distributed in the hallways or on school grounds unless they are school related and approved by the administration.  These items are to be mounted with masking tape only in authorized areas.  It is understood that all signs posted will be taken down after a reasonable length of time.  If materials are distributed the method and location will be specified by school administration in order to avoid disturbances and duplication.

Telephone

The office telephone is a business phone and it may be used by students only in cases of emergency with the permission of office staff.

Hearing and Vision Screenings

Hearing and vision screenings are required annually on certain school populations.  Mandated grades/groups for vision screenings are preschool, kindergarten, second, and eighth, as well as all special education, new/transfer students, and teacher/parent referrals.  Mandated grades/groups for hearing screenings are preschool, kindergarten, first, second, third, special education, new/transfer students, and teacher/parent referrals.  If your child has seen an audiologist or optometrist/ophthalmologist in the past year and we do not have record of it, please send a record to be kept in your student’s medical file.  This will make things go smoother when it is time for screenings.  Please see school calendar for tentative dates.

Lost and Found

Any article found by students should be turned in to the office where the owner may obtain the article upon proper identification.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The school district shall provide equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, marital status, arrest record, military status or unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status, use of lawful products while not at work, being a victim of domestic or sexual violence, physical or mental handicap or disability, if otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, and other legally protected categories.

Persons who believe they have not received equal employment opportunities should report their claims to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator and/or a Complaint Manager for the  Uniform Grievance Policy. This individual is listed below. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against because he or she initiated a complaint, was a witness, supplied information, or otherwise participated in an investigation or proceeding involving an alleged violation of this policy or state or federal laws, provided the employee or applicant did not make a knowingly false accusation nor provide knowingly false information.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

Mr. Kevin Haarman

PO Box 280

Neoga, IL 62447

(217) 775-6049

Fee For Instructional Materials

(Per School Year)

K-12 Curriculum Fee                $75

K-12 Technology Fee                $30  

The basic instructional materials fee provides for textbooks, workbooks, art supplies, and other supplies used by the student during the year.  

Textbooks and workbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Please make sure your name is written neatly in the books assigned in case they are misplaced. Students may be charged a fine based on the office or teacher’s judgment for abuse, misuse, or lost books. Students are responsible for lost or damaged textbooks, workbooks, library books,  and other school property which is loaned to them and must be paid for before the end of the school year.

Fees are due at the time of admission of the student in school. Fees can be paid on a  semester basis, one half in August and the other half in January. They may also be paid on a  quarterly basis in August, October, January, and March. If it is impossible to pay fees on the first day, arrangements should be made with the building principal. Parents may make an application for a fee waiver through the principal’s office.

Students transferring to another school may have fees refunded according to the following:

1st quarter                 75%

2nd quarter                 50%

3rd quarter                 25%

4th quarter                 0%

Fee Waiver Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Education to waive all required fees assessed by and payable directly to the district, including costs of school lunches, for students whose parents are unable to afford them. Such eligible students include, but are not limited to, children eligible for free lunches under the School Lunch Program. Any student for whom required fees are waived shall use school purchased items on a loan basis and shall return them at the end of the school term. A waiver application form is available from the office, which may be returned to request the waiving of certain fees.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.00                 School Operations During a Pandemic or Other Health Emergency

(Updated: July 2020)

This handbook procedure is meant to apply generally to any pandemic or other health emergency and should be supplemented with other relevant and timely information.

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect individuals and, because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads sustainably. Your child’s school and district play an essential role, along with the local health department and emergency management agencies, in protecting the public’s health and safety during a pandemic or other health emergency.

During a pandemic or other health emergency, you will be notified in a timely manner of all changes to the school environment and schedule that impact your child. Please be assured that even if school is not physically in session, it is the goal of the school and district to provide your child with the best educational opportunities possible.

Additionally, please note the following:

1. All decisions regarding changes to the school environment and schedule, including a possible interruption of in-person learning, will be made by the superintendent in consultation with and, if necessary, at the direction of the Governor, Illinois Department of Public Health, local health department, emergency management agencies, and/or Regional Office of Education.
2. Available learning opportunities may include remote and/or blended learning. Blended learning may require your child to attend school on a modified schedule.
3. Students will be expected to participate in blended and remote instruction as required by the school and district. Parents are responsible for assuring the participation of their child. Students who do not participate in blended or remote learning will be considered truant.
4. All school disciplinary rules remain in effect during the interruption of in-person learning. Students are subject to discipline for disrupting the remote learning environment to the same extent that discipline would be imposed for disruption of the traditional classroom.
5. Students and parents will be required to observe all public health and safety measures implemented by the school and district in conjunction with state and local requirements.
6. During a pandemic or other health emergency, the school and district will ensure that educational opportunities are available to all students.
7. School personnel will work closely with students with disabilities and other vulnerable student populations to minimize the impact of any educational disruption.
8. Students who have a compromised immune system, live with an individual with a compromised immune system, or have a medical condition that may impact their ability to attend school during a pandemic or other public health emergency should contact school officials.
9. During a pandemic or other health emergency, teachers and school staff will receive additional training on health and safety measures.
10. In accordance with school district or state mandates, the school may need to conduct a daily health assessment of your child. Parents and students will be notified of the exact assessment procedures if this becomes necessary.
11. Parents should not send their child to school if their child exhibits any symptoms consistent with the pandemic or other health emergency.
12. Please do not hesitate to contact school or district officials if you have any concerns regarding your child’s education, health or safety.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 4:180, Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery

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1.20                 Student Handbook Acknowledgment

(Updated: February 2016)

*This signature can be done digitally in Teacherease.

Name of Student: ______________________________

Student Acknowledgement and Pledge

I acknowledge receiving and/or being provided electronic access to the Student/Parent Handbook and School Board policy on student behavior. I have read these materials and understand all rules, responsibilities and expectations. In order to help keep my school safe, I pledge to adhere to all School and School District rules, policies and procedures.

I understand that the Student/Parent Handbook and School District policies may be amended during the year and that such changes are available on the School District website or in the school office.

I understand that my failure to return this acknowledgment and pledge will not relieve me from being responsible for knowing or complying with School and School District rules, policies and procedures.

Student Signature: ____________________________        Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement

I acknowledge receiving and/or being provided electronic access to the Student/Parent Handbook and School Board policy on student behavior. I have read these materials and understand all rules, responsibilities and expectations.

I understand that the Student/Parent Handbook and School District policies may be amended during the year and that such changes are available on the School District website or in the school office.

I understand that my failure to return this acknowledgment will not relieve me or my child from being responsible for knowing or complying with School and School District rules, policies and procedures.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________        Date: ______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.30                 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 neoga.k12.il.us or at the Board office, located at:

East 7th Street, Neoga, Illinois 62447.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Chuck Campbell          President

Shawn Finney          Vice President

Angela Worman         Secretary

Brian Titus                  Member

Gerald Hanfland         Member

Don Strohl                  Member

Misty Evans                Member

The School Board has hired the following administrative staff to operate the school:

Kevin Haarman        Superintendent

Jordan Bear                 Elementary Principal
Jennifer Bridges        Jr.-Sr. High Principal

Mike Taylor                 Dean of Students

Becky Fogarty                Academic Adviser

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.40                 Visitors

(Updated: May 2024)

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.

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 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.

Any person who engages in prohibited conduct may be ejected from or denied admission to school property in accordance with State law. The person may also be subject to being denied admission to school athletic or extracurricular events for up to one calendar year.

Cross Reference:

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

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1.50                 Equal Educational Opportunities and Sex Equity

(Updated: May 2025)

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, reproductive health decisions, 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:

Kevin Haarman

Neoga CUSD #3

790 E. 7th St.

Neoga, IL 62447

Any student may file a sex discrimination complaint under the District’s Title IX Grievance Procedure.Any student may file a sex equity complaint under the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the Board’s decision to the Regional Superintendent and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities

PRESS 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure

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1.60                 Animals on School Property

(Updated: February 2010)

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.

1.70                 School Volunteers

(Updated: November 2009)

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.

Cross-Reference:

PRESS 6:250, Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

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1.80                 Invitations and Gifts

(Updated: February 2010)

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.

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1.85                 Treats and Snacks

(Updated: February 2010)

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.

Our district food service OPAA! does provide a service where you may purchase birthday party treats from them and they will prepare them for your child’s class. Order forms for this service are available in the school office.

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1.90                 Emergency School Closings

(Updated: November 2009)

In cases of bad weather and other local emergencies, please listen to any local radio or television station to be advised of school closings or early dismissals. School closings for any reason will be announced by 6 a.m. If bad weather or other emergency occurs during the day, please listen to local media stations for possible early dismissal information.

Parents will also be contacted through our School Messenger voice message system by phone.    Closures will also be communicated on the district Facebook page and district website.  In order for School Messenger to be effective, current contact phone numbers must be accurate.  Please call the school in the event your phone number or address changes.

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.

Change of address or telephone number

Any student who moves to a new address or changes a telephone number should report these changes to the principal's office immediately.  All student directory information will be guarded against unwarranted release.  This correct number is necessary for the School Messenger calls to be received.

Cross-Reference:

PRESS 4:170, Safety

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1.100                 Video and Audio Monitoring Systems

(Updated: February 2009)

A video and/or audio monitoring system may be in use on school busses 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.

Cross-Reference:

PRESS 4:110, Transportation

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1.110                 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

(Updated: February 2011)

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

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1.120                 Students with Food Allergies

(Updated: November 2009)

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 building principal at (217) 775-6049.

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 supports 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, Food Allergy Management Program

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1.130                 Care of Students with Diabetes

(Updated: February 2011)

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 building principal. Parents/guardians are responsible for and must:

a. 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.

b. Inform the school in a timely manner of any changes to their emergency contact numbers or contact numbers of health care providers.

c. Sign the Diabetes Care Plan.

d. 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 building principal.

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1.140                 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

(Updated February 2016)

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.

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1.150          Accommodating Breastfeeding Students

(Updated: August 2024)

Accommodating Breastfeeding Students

Students who choose to breastfeed an infant after returning to school are provided reasonable accommodations. A student who is a nursing mother may take reasonable breaks during the school day to express breast milk or breastfeed her infant. Reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:

1. Access to a private and secure room, other than a bathroom, to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant.
2. Permission to bring onto school campus a breast pump or other equipment used to express breast milk.
3. Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk.
4. Access to a place to store expressed breast milk safely.
5. Reasonable breaks to accommodate the student’s need to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant child or attend to health needs associated with breastfeeding (including eating, drinking, or using the restroom).
6. The opportunity to make up work missed due to the student’s use of reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding.

Complaints regarding violations of this procedure should be made to the District’s Complaint Manager or Non-Discrimination Coordinator.

Cross Reference: PRESS 7:10-AP2, Administrative Procedure – Accommodating Breastfeeding Students

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1.160                 Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

(New: June 2021)

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. An agreement to maintain and protect its own 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

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1.170                 Student Appearance

(New: November 2021)

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.

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1.180                 Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, Grooming Behaviors, and Boundary Violations

(New: June 2022)

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:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other genital infections
• Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding, bruising, or blood on the sheets, underwear, or other clothing
• Unusual weight gain or loss

Behavioral signs:

• Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics
• Keeping secrets
• Not talking as much as usual
• Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or being afraid to be away from primary caregivers
• Regressive behaviors or resuming behaviors that the child had grown out of, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting
• Overly compliant behavior
• Sexual behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age
• Spending an unusual amount of time alone
• Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe

Emotional signs:

• Change in eating habits or unhealthy eating patterns, like loss of appetite or excessive eating
• Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
• Change in mood or personality, such as increased aggression
• Decrease in confidence or self-image
• Anxiety, excessive worry, or fearfulness
• Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches
• Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
• Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
• Self-harming behaviors or expressing thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Failing grades
• Drug or alcohol use

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:

• Sexual or romantic invitations to a student
• Dating or soliciting a date from a student
• Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog with a student
• Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student
• Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
• Sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with a student
• Failing to respect boundaries or listening when a student says “no”
• Engaging in touching that a student or student’s parents/guardians have indicated is unwanted
• Trying to be a student’s friend rather than filling an adult role in the student’s life
• Failing to maintain age-appropriate relationships with students
• Talking with students about personal problems or relationships
• Spending time alone with a student outside of their role in the student’s life or making up excuses to be alone with a student
• Expressing unusual interest in a student’s sexual development, such as commenting on sexual characteristics or sexualizing normal behaviors
• Giving a student gifts without occasion or reason
• Spending a lot of time with a student
• Restricting a student’s access to other adults

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:

• Favoring a certain student by inviting the student to “hang out” or by granting special privileges
• Engaging in peer-like behavior with a student
• Discussing personal issues with a student
• Meeting with a student off-campus without parent/guardian knowledge and/or permission
• Dating, requesting, or participating in a private meeting with a student (in person or virtually) outside of a professional role
• Transporting a student in a school or private vehicle without administrative authorization
• Giving gifts, money, or treats to an individual student
• Sending a student on personal errands
• Intervening in a serious student problem instead of referring the student to an appropriately trained professional
• Sexual or romantic invitations toward or from a student
• Taking and using photos/videos of students for non-educational purposes
• Initiating or extending contact with a student beyond the school day in a one-on-one or non-group setting
• Inviting a student to an employee’s home
• Adding a student on personal social networking sites as contacts when unrelated to a legitimate educational purpose
• Privately messaging a student
• Maintaining intense eye contact with a student
• Making comments about a student’s physical attributes, including excessively flattering comments
• Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog
• Making sexually suggestive comments directed toward or with a student
• Disclosing confidential information
• Self-disclosure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
• Full frontal hugs
• Invading personal space

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

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1.185                 Faith’s Law Notifications

(New: September 2022)

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

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1.190                 Prevention of Anaphylaxis

(New: June 2022)

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

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1.200                 Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

(New: July 2023)

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) maintains a resource guide on sexual abuse response and prevention. The guide contains information on and the location of children’s advocacy centers, organizations that provide medical evaluations and treatment to victims of child sexual abuse, organizations that provide mental health evaluations and services to victims and families of victims of child sexual abuse, and organizations that offer legal assistance to and provide advocacy on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse. This guide can be accessed through the ISBE website at www.isbe.net or you may request a copy of this guide by contacting the school’s office.

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1.210                 Free and Reduced-Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications

(New: May 2024)

The following notification is provided to all households of students at the beginning of each school year as federally required notification regarding eligibility requirements and the application process for the free and reduced-price food services that are listed in Board policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services, and 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees. This notification is also provided to households of students transferring to the District during the school year. For more information, see www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/unpaid-meal-charges, and/or contact the Building Principal or designee.

Free and Reduced-Price Food Services Eligibility

When the parents/guardians of students are unable to pay for their child(ren)’s meal services, meal charges will apply per a student’s eligibility category and will be processed by the District accordingly.

A student’s eligibility for free and reduced-price food services shall be determined by the income eligibility guidelines, family-size income standards, set annually by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and distributed by the Ill. State Board of Education.

Meal Charges for Meals Provided by the District

The Building Principal and District staff will work jointly to prevent meal charges from accumulating. Every effort to collect all funds due to the District will be made on a regular basis and before the end of the school year. Contact your Building Principal or designee about whether your child(ren)’s charges may be carried over at the end of the school year, i.e., beyond June 30th.

Unpaid meal charges are considered delinquent debt when payment is overdue as defined by Board policy 4:45, Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery and the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act (105 ILCS 123/). The District will make reasonable efforts to collect charges classified as delinquent debt, including repeated contacts to collect the amounts and, when necessary, requesting that the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) apply for meal benefits to determine if the student qualifies for such benefits under Board policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services. The District will provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of the student's ability to pay or negative account balance.

When a student’s funds are low and when there is a negative balance, reminders will be provided to the staff, students, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) at regular intervals during the school year. State law allows the Building Principal to contact parents(s)/guardian(s) to attempt collection of the owed money when the amount owed is more than the amount of five lunches. If a parent/guardian regularly fails to provide meal money for the child(ren) that he/she is responsible for in the District and does not qualify for free meal benefits or refuses to apply for such benefits, the Building Principal or designee will direct the next course of action. Continual failure to provide meal money may require the District to notify the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or take legal steps to recover the unpaid meal charges, up to and including seeking an offset under the State Comptroller Act, if applicable.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 4:130-E, Exhibit – Free and Reduced-Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications

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Attendance, Promotion & Graduation

Herein are policies dealing with student academic expectations, including attendance, grading, homework, and promotion.

2.10                 Attendance

(Updated: December 2018)

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

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2.20                 Student Absences

(Updated: May 2025)

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, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program.

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), attendance at a verified medical or therapeutic appointment (including a victim services provider), 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. For students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence, an excused absence includes the fulfillment of a parenting responsibility and addressing circumstances resulting from domestic or sexual violence. Students eligible to vote are also excused for up to two hours to vote in a primary, special, or general election.

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 one day for each day absent, plus one additional day to make up work.  (Example:  Student misses two full days of school; student must submit/complete all work, including tests/quizzes; on or before the third day of returning to school.)

Students should bring documentation back to school with them for any appointments.  Any absence without documentation in excess of ten (10) days (in the school year) will be considered unexcused, unless the student submits a doctor’s note or letter from the court.  All documentation must be submitted to the office within two (2) days of the student absence for it to be excused.  Documentation can be faxed directly from medical facilities or the courts to the school 217-451-0194 (Jr.-Sr. High); 217-451-0195 (Elementary) or emailed directly to the school secretaries.  

In accordance with Illinois law, students are allowed up to 5 mental health days per school year.  A guardian must notify the appropriate school office on the day of the absence to report the mental health day.  Mental health days must be taken as full days off.  Partial days do not count toward this policy.  These days do not require a medical note or further documentation.  After the second mental health day, school staff may reach out to offer support, such as counseling or additional resources.  

All other absences are considered unexcused including:  car trouble, oversleeping, missing the bus, work, hair/nail appointments, personal errands, etc.  Junior High and Senior High students who have unexcused absences, will not receive credit for missed work.  High school students who total two (2) or more days (14 class periods) of unexcused absences will be required to stay for all exam periods, including those from which they could be exempt.

Pre-arranged excused absences must be approved by the building principal.  At the Jr-Sr High, the office must be given written notification, this can come via email from the guardians email,  at least three (3) days prior to the absence.  Once notification of the pre-arranged absence is received, the student(s) will receive a pre-arranged absence form from the office to take around for each teacher to sign off.  Once all teachers have signed the pre-arranged absence form, it will need to be returned to the office.  

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

In the event of any absence, the student’s parent/guardian is required to call the school at 217-775-6049 before 8:00 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.

Students must be in attendance for at least 4 class periods to participate in after-school activities.

Exceptions may be made for documented medical appointments or family emergencies, with administrative approval.

Students cannot benefit from their classes unless they are present; therefore, excessive absenteeism may cause a student to lose credit for that course work.  To prevent loss of credit, the following procedures may be used each semester:

A.        On the eighth absence the student and parent will receive a notice of excessive absence by letter, or email;

B.        On the twelfth absence, the student's parents will be notified of his/her classification as "potential chronic absentee;" the notice letter will also indicate that a referral will be made to the Attendance Improvement Matters (A.I.M.) and the Regional Superintendent of School;

C.        A conference between the student, parents, teacher(s), and administration will be conducted.  During the conference, a make-up plan will be developed which will specify one or more of the following for the remainder of the semester:

1.        Acceptable attendance,

2.        Acceptable make-up work for past absences,

3.        Remedial or extra help,

4.        Academic, behavioral, or social counseling,

5.        Referral for diagnostic assessment,

6.        Measures unique to the individual student

(E.g. field trip or activity requirements).

D.        If the student fails to meet the terms of the make-up plan, removal from class (es) and loss of credit(s) will result, subject to Board of Education action.

In addition to the steps previously listed, on the fifth absence per quarter, or eighth absence per semester the student may lose the following privileges:

• Field Trips
• PBIS Celebration
• Extracurricular events
• Homecoming/Prom
• Class Release Time (i.e. Farm Safety Day, Blood Drive Worker, etc.)
• Assemblies

Administration will evaluate each case and may waive or increase the penalty based upon the facts and circumstances.

Jr.-Sr. High students who are feeling ill, should go to the office, where a phone call will be placed to the parent.  Upon notification of the parent, the student will receive an early dismissal and be sent home.  When ill, students should not go to the restroom without first notifying their teacher or the office.  Spending excessive class time in the restroom without notifying their teacher or office will be interpreted as an UNEXCUSED absence, resulting in disciplinary action.  AT NO TIME SHOULD A STUDENT LEAVE THE BUILDING WITHOUT FIRST NOTIFYING OFFICE PERSONNEL AND RECEIVING PERMISSION TO SIGN OUT.

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

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2.30                 Release Time for Religious Instruction and Observance

(Updated: August 2017)

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

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2.40                 Make-Up Work

(Updated: February 2016)

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.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

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2.50                 Truancy

(Updated: December 2018)

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:

• Referral to the truancy officer
• Reporting to officials under the Juvenile Court Act
• Referral to the State’s Attorney
• Appropriate school discipline

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 expulsion from school.

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

Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

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2.60                 Grading and Promotion

(Updated: November 2009)

School report cards are issued to students on a quarterly basis. For questions regarding grades, please contact the classroom teacher.

(Grades K-8) 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.

Jr.-Sr. High
Grades are an evaluation of what you have learned.  They become part of a permanent record that lasts as long as you live.  Institutions of higher learning, potential employers, and the various military services are all interested in your high school scores.  We only keep them -- you make them.  Grades are usually accurate representations of effort, preparation, and achievement.  However, any student who receives a grade believed to be inaccurate or unfair should first privately discuss their concerns with the teacher directly involved.  If a satisfactory understanding is not reached, an appeal may be filed in writing with the principal.  A response will usually be received within five school days.  If an acceptable understanding is still not reached the student may appeal in writing to the district superintendent.

Honesty and honor are essential characteristics in citizens in our free society.  Students are each urged to be honest during tests, projects, and exams, and to encourage others to practice the same. Students who are found guilty of cheating will receive no credit on the item involved; students who advocate and facilitate cheating by others may expect additional penalty.

Grading Scale

The following grading scale is based upon a 5.0 grade point system.

                                 A                  90-100         =            5 points

                                 B                  80-89           =            4 points

                                 C                  70-79           =            3 points

                                 D                  60-69           =            2 points

                                 F                   0-59             =            1 point

Honor Roll

By means of the honor roll, students are recognized for superior scholarship.  The honor roll is publicly announced at the conclusion of each nine-week grading period.

The honor roll is based on grades in each subject except driver education -BTW.  Students must be taking at least four solids.

Enrollment in a "Pass-Fail" course removes the student from "Honor Roll" consideration.

Grades carry the following point value:

A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, F = 1, NC = 0.  The honor roll standards are as follows:  

High Honors        4.75 - 5.00

Honors                4.50 - 4.74

Honorable Mention        4.00 - 4.49

The junior high honor roll is an average of all grades received using the same point value system and the same honor roll standards.

Incomplete Grades/Withdrawals

Report card grades may be recorded as "incomplete" if a student has not met all the requirements of a course for that particular grading period.  It is the student's responsibility to complete the make-up work and get the "incomplete" changed to a grade.  The time allowed will depend upon the student's situation.  As a general rule, two weeks is plenty of time for the arrangement of make-up for incompletes.  After four weeks, outstanding incompletes may be recorded as failing grades.  No credit (NC) may be given for the full semester if one quarter of NC is received.

Students may be allowed to withdraw from a class without a grade penalty up through the end of the sixth week of a semester.  The instructor's advice is considered, and parental permission is required.  The student must substitute another academic class before the end of the third week.    Withdrawals from low enrollment classes are discouraged.  Withdrawals after the sixth week will be considered as a failing grade.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:280, Grading & Promotion

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2.70                 Homework

(Updated: June 2022)

Homework is used as a way for students to practice what they have learned in the classroom. The time requirements and the frequency of homework will vary depending on a student’s teacher, ability and grade level.

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

Jr.-Sr. High

It is essential that students, parents, and teachers understand the importance of homework and the general homework policy to be followed.  For that reason, the following "Homework Policy" has been adopted at Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School.

1.  Homework Definition

Homework is academic-related work assignments given to students which will require some time outside of the regular classroom to be completed.

2.  Homework Philosophy

Homework can and should extend class work.  It should be given on a regular basis, but never as work for work's sake.  It should be reasonable in length, challenging, and planned to serve a specific learning process.

Quality homework can increase the student's learning and rate of learning.  It can improve communication between the student, parent, and school as each strives for quality education.  Homework enables the parent to see what the student is doing in school, gives teachers another view of the student's abilities, and opens avenues of communication between the parent and the student.

Well-regulated home study increases student productivity.  If parents monitor homework and work closely with the teacher, student success is generated and more achievement will result.

3.  Homework Responsibilities

                 1.  The student should:

1.  Get some homework done in class or study hall, but Homework will need to be done at home.
2.  Arrange to use homework time efficiently by writing down assignments, budgeting regularly study time,
   and studying in a well lit, distraction free area.
3.  Discuss homework with teachers and parents, especially if there are concerns or difficulties, and be sure
   to make up any homework missed.

                 2.  The teacher should:

1.  Emphasize quality homework rather than quantity homework.  Quality homework should be based on
   and reinforce previously introduced material, while stretching the student's ability a little more.
2.  Give homework three days out of five; some homework may be done in class, but some would also be
   done at home.
3.  Monitor all assigned homework in some way; fine tooth grading is not required on each assignment, but  
   some form of grading should take place.

                 3.  The parent should:        

1.  Provide a well lit, distraction free study area and time for the student to do homework.
2.  Supervise the student's homework and make sure that directions are understood and the work
   completed in a responsible manner.  Discuss the homework with the student.
3.  Contact the teacher about any problems regarding homework.

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2.80-K8         Exemption From PE Requirement [K-8]

(Updated: November 2021)

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.

Students with an Individualized Education Program may also be excused from physical education courses for reasons stated in Handbook Procedure 10.301.

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:2

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

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2.80-HS         Exemption From PE Requirement [HS]

(Updated: November 2021)

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 11-12 may submit a written request to the building principal requesting to be excused from physical education courses for the reasons stated below.

1. Enrollment in academic classes that are required for admission to an institution of higher learning (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade); or
2. Enrollment in academic classes that are required for graduation from high school, provided that failure to take such classes will result in the student being unable to graduate (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade).

Students with an Individualized Education Program may also be excused from physical education courses for reasons stated in Handbook Procedure 10.30.

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;
2. The student’s class schedule; and
3. The student’s future or planned additional participation in activities qualifying for substitutions for physical education, as outlined above or in Handbook Procedure 10.30.

Cross Reference:

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

Re-entering Students

PRESS 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education

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2.90                 Credit for Proficiency, Non-District Experiences, Course Substitutions and Accelerated Placement

(Updated: November 2022)

Credit for Non-District Experiences

A student may receive high school credit for successfully completing any of the listed courses or experiences even when it is not offered in or sponsored by the District:

1. Distance learning course, including a correspondence, virtual, or online course.
2. Summer school or community college courses.
3. College or high school courses offering dual credit at both the college and high school level.2
4. Foreign language courses taken in an ethnic school program approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
5. Work-related training at manufacturing facilities or agencies in a Tech Prep Program.
6. Credit earned in a Vocational Academy.
   

Students must receive pre-approval from the building principal or designee to receive credit for any non-District course or experience. The building principal or designee will determine the amount of credit and whether a proficiency examination is required before the credit is awarded. Students assume responsibility for any fees, tuition, supplies, and other expenses. Students are responsible for (1) providing documents or transcripts that demonstrate successful completion of the experience, and (2) taking a proficiency examination, if requested. The building principal or designee shall determine which, if any, non-District courses or experiences, will count toward a student’s grade point average, class rank, and eligibility for athletic and extracurricular activities.

Students who do not otherwise meet a community college’s academic eligibility to enroll in a dual credit course taught at the high school may enroll in the dual credit course, but only for high school credit.

Proficiency Credit

Proficiency credit is available in limited subjects where a student demonstrates competency. Contact the building principal for details.

Accelerated Placement

The District provides for an Accelerated Placement Program (APP) for qualified students. It provides students with an educational setting with curriculum options that are usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the student. Accelerated placement includes but may not be limited to: early entrance to kindergarten or first grade, accelerating a student in a single subject and grade acceleration. Participation is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit from accelerated placement. It is not limited to students who have been identified as gifted or talented. Please contact the building principal for additional information.

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

Questions For Accelerated Grade Advancement (Elementary):

• Will this child require any interventions or support?
• Is this child at or above the next grade level up academically?
• Is this child socially and emotionally able to move up a grade level?
• Will this move benefit the child?

When it comes to accelerated grade advancement we are looking for a student that does not need support and will be able to work through the curriculum without extra intervention or extra teacher support. Our goal is to set students up for success.

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2.100                 Home and Hospital Instruction

(Updated: November 2019)

A student who is absent from school, or whose physician, physician assistant or licensed advance 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 or pregnancy-related conditions, the fulfillment of parenting obligations related to the health of the child, or health and safety concerns arising from domestic or sexual violence will be provided home instructionunder the following circumstances.

1. Before the birth of the child when the student’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction.
2. For up to three months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.
3. When a student must care for his or her ill child if:

1. The child's physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse informs the school, in writing, that the child has a serious health condition that would require the student to be absent from school for two or more consecutive weeks; and
2. The student or the student's parent/guardian informs the school, in writing, that the student needs to care for the child during this period.

4. The student must treat physical or mental health complications or address safety concerns arising from domestic or sexual violence when a health care provider or an employee of the student's domestic or sexual violence organization informs the school in writing that the care is needed by the student and will cause the student's absence from school for two or more consecutive weeks.

The school may reassess home instruction provided to a student under No. 3 or No. 4 every two months to determine the student's continuing need for home instruction.

Periodic conferences will be held between appropriate school personnel, parent(s)/guardian(s), and hospital staff to coordinate course work and facilitate a student’s return to school.

For information on home or hospital instruction, contact:

Jordan Bear - Elementary Principal
Jennifer Bridges - Jr.-Sr. High Principal

(217) 775-6049

Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:150, Home and Hospital Instruction

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Residency

The right to attend school tuition-free at Neoga Community Unit School District #3 is extended to residents who live within the Neoga School District boundaries. The Illinois School Code provides that a student's residence is deemed to be the residence of a person who has legal custody of him or her.

Resident students whose parents/guardians move out of the Neoga School District during the academic year may complete that year at the Neoga School District without payment of tuition. This non-tuition, out-of-district enrollment is allowed only for the completion of the academic year in which the move occurs and cannot be extended.

Knowingly or willfully providing false information to a school district regarding the residency of

a child for the purpose of enabling that child to attend any school in that district without the payment of nonresident tuition is a Class C misdemeanor.

Knowingly enrolling or attempting to enroll a child in the school of a school district on tuition-

free basis when the child is known to be a nonresident of the school district unless the nonresident child has a lawful right to attend is a Class C misdemeanor, and parents or guardians will be liable for payment of tuition, fees, and all other applicable fines, plus 10% per Illinois School Board of Education Code.

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2.110                 Early Graduation [HS]

(Updated: November 2017)

Students who will have successfully completed graduation requirements after seven (7) semesters may petition to graduate.  A written request must be submitted to the Board of Education during the first four weeks of the last quarter of attendance.

Early graduates must make arrangements with the high school office for anything pertaining to the graduation ceremony (i.e. announcements, cap and gown rental, graduation practices, etc.).

Any student enrolled in an off-campus course to fulfill graduation requirements must show documentation of such course(s) by the last day of the seventh semester. Failure to produce this documentation will result in denial of the early graduation petition.

The petition for graduation must include the reason(s) for the request and signed approval of the student’s parent or guardian and counselor.  The student will normally receive approval if the student plans to pursue a program which will be considered educational or vocational, such as college or university course work, service in the Armed Forces, on-the-job training, planned foreign travel, or responsible work experience.

IMPORTANT:  Students who elect to graduate early are no longer considered a part of the student body.  Eligibility for scholarships and honors awarded in the eighth semester will be lost.  Those who graduate early will not be invited to Prom and will not be eligible to go on the senior trip.  

BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION TO GRADUATE EARLY, THE STUDENT AND HIS/HER PARENTS SHOULD DISCUSS THE SITUATION WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR.

Cross Reference: PRESS 6:300, Graduation Requirements

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2.120                 High School Graduation Requirements [HS]

(Updated: March 2026)

High School Graduation Requirements

In order to be a candidate for graduation, a student must be a legal resident of the school district or a tuition student, and be enrolled in Neoga High School for the semester immediately proceeding graduation.  To receive a diploma and participate in the graduation ceremony, a student must clear all records and successfully complete twenty units of credit which must include all required courses.

To graduate from high school, unless otherwise exempted, each student is responsible for:

• Completing all State mandated graduation requirements listed
• Completing all District graduation requirements that are in addition to State graduation requirements.
• Passing an examination on patriotism, principles of representative government, and proper use and display of the American flag.
• Participating in the State assessment required for graduation. (SAT test)

State Mandated Graduation Requirements

1. Four years of language arts. (4 credits)
2. Two years of writing intensive courses, one of which must be English and the other of which may be English or any other subject.  When applicable, writing-intensive courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other graduation requirements.
3. Three years of mathematics, one of which must be Algebra I and one of which must include geometry content. (2 credits)
4. For students entering high school through the 2023-24 school year, two years of science. For students entering high school beginning with the 2024-25 school year, two years of laboratory science. (2 credits)
5. Two years of social studies, of which at least one year must be history of the United States or a combination of history of the United States and American government.  Within the two years of social studies requirement, one semester of civics is required. (2 credits)
6. One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C) foreign language, (D) career and technical education (1 credit)
7. One semester of health education. (½ credit)
8. One quarter of Driver Education, (Classroom).  (¼ credit)
9. Daily physical education classes.  (4 credits)
10. A course covering American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag.
11. One semester of consumer education.  (½ credit)
12. For students first entering high school in the 2022-23 school year, one year of a course that includes intensive instruction in computer literacy, which may be English, social studies, or any other subject and which may be counted toward the fulfillment of other graduation requirements.
    

The above requirements do not apply to students with disabilities whose course of study is determined by an Individualized Education Program or students who are exempted from participation in certain courses in accordance with State law.

Only one credit earned by correspondence-extension may be used to fulfill graduation requirements.  Such credit must be earned through the satisfactory completion of courses offered by a university extension center or other Neoga Community Unit #3 Board of Education approved program (American Correspondence School or Illinois Virtual High School).  Such course work MUST BE PRE-APPROVED by the high school principal.  Similarly, only one summer school credit may be earned at a neighboring school.

To graduate from Neoga High School, students who transfer to Neoga must fulfill all graduation requirements.  Transcripts will be evaluated and credits accepted according to the established practice of giving credits at Neoga Community Unit #3.

Students concurrently enrolled in the Advanced Placement and Academic Enrichment Program at Lake Land College may earn college credit while attending Neoga High School but may NOT use those credits to satisfy their high school graduation requirements.  Such course work will be limited to a maximum of two courses per semester and will be considered as part of the student's regular academic load for purposes of determining athletic eligibility.  All college course work must be PRE-APPROVED by the high school principal.

To be eligible for Academic Excellence and Valedictorian/Salutatorian Honors, a student must be an eighth semester student enrolled at Neoga High School for at least one full year.  Academic Excellence is awarded to students obtaining a cumulative 4 year GPA of 4.75 or above.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Graduation Requirement

As a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, the parent or guardian of each student or, if a student is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the student must comply with either of the following:

(1) File a FAFSA with the United States Department of Education or, if applicable, an application for State financial aid.

(2) File a waiver indicating that the parent or guardian or, if applicable, the student understands what the FAFSA and application for State financial aid are and has chosen not to file an application.

Upon request, the school will provide a student and his or her parent or guardian any support or assistance necessary to comply with this requirement.

A school district must award a high school diploma to a student who is unable to meet this requirement due to extenuating circumstances, as determined by the school district, if (i) the student has met all other graduation requirements, and (ii) the principal attests that the school district has made a good faith effort to assist the student or, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian in filing an application or a waiver.

Cross Reference: PRESS 6:300, Graduation Requirements

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2.121                Assistance with FASFA Application

(New: March 2026)

The following individual(s) has/have been designated by the school to assist senior students with questions related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as FAFSA) or to refer senior students to other appropriate resources.

The school offers a variety of services aimed at helping senior students complete FAFSA paperwork, including the opportunity to receive help during the school day in completing the student’s portion of the FAFSA application.

FAFSA Contact Person:

Becky Fogarty

bfogarty@neogacusd3.net

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2.130                Concerns About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, & Programs

(Updated: March 2026)

Ability to Opt-Out of Certain Course Content and Programs

Parents or guardians have the right to inspect all instructional materials used as a part of their child’s education. If you believe that curriculum, instructional materials, or programs violate rights guaranteed by any law or Board policy, you may file a complaint under the District’s uniform grievance policy.

Parents or guardians with other suggestions or complaints about curriculum, instructional materials, or programs should complete a Curriculum Objection Form, which is available from the school office. A parent or guardian may also request that their child be exempt from using a particular instructional material or participating in certain course content or programs by completing a Curriculum Objection Form.

Exempting a child from using instructional material or refusing to allow a child from taking or participating in course content or a program that allows parents or guardians to object in writing and/or opt their child out of participation shall not be reason for disciplinary action or academic penalty to the student.

Cross Reference: PRESS 6:260, Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs PRESS 6:260-AP-E, Exhibit – Curriculum Objection Form

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Library Materials Selection and Reconsideration Policy

School’s Role in Library Content

Your school frequently adds books to the library and cannot proofread every one, so it’s not responsible for reviewing all content. However, the library staff selects books based on professional standards, like relevance to the curriculum and suitability for students’ age and development. This means the school aims to provide safe, educational materials but acknowledges the challenge of reviewing every book.

Encouraging Parental Feedback

If a book your child checks out raises concerns, please let the school know. You can discuss it with the librarian or submit a formal request for review using the “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form, available at the library or school office. A committee will evaluate the book and notify you of the decision, ensuring your voice is heard.

School’s Intent and Commitment

The school’s goal is to encourage reading and joy in learning, offering a variety of books on different topics to spark interest. It’s not the intent to expose children to subjective or offensive content, but to foster a love for reading through diverse perspectives. The library upholds intellectual freedom, as outlined by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, while respecting parents’ rights to guide their children’s reading.

Working Together on Concerns

The school is committed to working with you if issues arise. Parents can request their child avoid specific books or categories, and the school will honor these requests when possible. This partnership ensures the library supports both educational goals and family values.

Student Fees and Meal Costs

3.10                 Fees, Fines & Charges; Waiver of Student Fees

(Updated: November 2022)

Fines, Fees, and Charges; Waiver of Student Fees1

The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities. Students will not be denied the opportunity to participate in curricular and extracurricular programs of the school district due to the inability of their parent 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 building principal will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present:2

• An illness in the family;
• Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.;
• Unemployment;
• Emergency situations; or
• When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage.
  

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

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3.15                 Vandalism

(New: May 2025)

The school district will seek restitution from students and their parents/guardians for vandalism or other students acts that cause damage to school property.1 

Cross-reference:

PRESS 7:170, Vandalism

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1 The Parental Responsibility Law makes parents/guardians of unemancipated minors who are 11 through 18 years of age liable for actual damages. Parents/guardians may be liable up to $20,000 for the first act or occurrence of a willful or malicious act. If a pattern or practice of willful or malicious acts by a minor is found by a court to exist for another separate act or occurrence, parents/guardians may be liable up to $30,000. 740 ILCS 115/5.

3.20                 School Lunch Program

(Updated: November 2009)

Breakfast is served every school day from 7:45 a.m. to 8 a.m (Elementary); 7:30-8:00 (Jr.-Sr. High). Lunch is served every school day from 10:35 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., except when there is a 11 a.m. or earlier dismissal. (Elementary); between 11:17 and 1:05 (Jr.-Sr. High), except on early dismissal days.

A student may purchase breakfast for $3.00.

A student may bring a sack lunch from home or may purchase a school lunch for $4.00 and/or milk for $0.50.

Free or reduced price meals are available for qualifying students. For an application, contact the building principal.

Jr.-Sr. High

The school operates a cafeteria which supplies hot breakfasts and lunches at cost.  Students may make deposits into their office accounts each day in the Office deposit box. No money will be collected in the cafeteria.  Accounts must have money in them to make a purchase.  A la carte items cannot be charged.  Students and parents may request the status of their account and receive a printed report no later than noon the next day.  Students may bring their own breakfast and lunch, but it must be eaten in the cafeteria. They may, however, purchase additional food if there is money in their account.  Lunch account credits and refunds will be given at the end of the school year upon request.

All students are expected to clear the tables of paper bags, cans, tray, etc. and put them in their proper places.  Students who abuse the use of the cafeteria by not cleaning up after themselves, throwing food, etc. will be denied use of the cafeteria.  All food and drink is restricted to the cafeteria.  Students who bring sack lunches or purchase lunches elsewhere may bring and store only quantities suitable for consumption by themselves on that day’s lunch hour.

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Transportation & Parking

Policies in this section include student transportation and bus rules. Also included are procedures for student drop-off/pickup.

4.10                 Bus Transportation

(Updated: February 2016)

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 will be published at the beginning of the school year before student registration. 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 dean of students or 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:

• 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.
• Arrive on time at the bus stop, and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus.
• 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.
• Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus.
• 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.
• 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.
• Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.

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

For questions regarding school transportation issues, contact:

Troy Vaughn - 217-775-6049

Cross Reference:

PRESS 4:110, Transportation

PRESS 7:220, Bus Conduct

PRESS 4:170-AP3, School Bus Safety Rules

PRESS 7:220, Bus Conduct

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

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4.15                 Bus Conduct

(Updated: January 2016)

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

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4.15-E        Exhibit-Bus Safety Rules

(Updated: March 2026)

Exhibit - School Bus Safety Rules

1. Be aware of moving traffic and pay attention to your surroundings.
2. 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.
3. Arrive on time at the bus stop and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus.
4. 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.
5. Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.
6. Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Tablets, computers, smart phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus.
10. Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you. Take at least five giant steps (10 feet) 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.
11. 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, even after the driver’s signal.
12. Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.

Additional resources follow:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - School Bus Safety https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/buses/getting_to_school/schoolbus2.html

U.S. Department of Transportation - School Bus Safety Campaign Material www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/school-bus-safety/evergreen-campaign-material

National Safety Council - Tips for a Safe Ride www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/back-to-school/bus

Ill. State Police - School Bus Safety https://isp.illinois.gov/StaticFiles/docs/TrafficResources/5-542.pdf

Ill. State Board of Education - School Bus Safety What Parents Should Know www.isbe.net/Documents/bus_safety_parents.pdf

Ill. State Board of Education - Instructions To School Bus Riders www.isbe.net/Documents/bus_ride_instruct.pdf

Ill. State Board of Education – School Bus Safety Guidance www.isbe.net/Documents/Bus-Safety-Guidance-June-2025.pdf

Cross-references:

PRESS 4:110-AP3, Administrative Procedure – School Bus Safety Rules

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4.20                 Parking

(Updated: November 2009)

The school has locations available for school visitor parking.

Those dropping of and picking up children may do so at the front school entrance drive location during the following hours: 7:30-8 a.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.

Vehicles MAY NOT be parked or located in the bus lanes or fire lanes at ANY TIME. Bus lanes and fire lanes are clearly marked. Vehicles located in these locations may be ticketed and/or towed by the police.

Dropping Off and Picking Up Students [K-5]

Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:30 a.m. (doors will be locked) and must be picked up by 2:48 p.m.

Always be mindful of the children’s safety. Please be respectful and follow traffic signs and directions. Parents are not to go to the individual classrooms. If you choose to come into the building instead of using our pick-up system we ask that you please wait in the main lobby until your child comes to you.

Morning Procedure for Student Drop off: Enter the driveway from 7th Street heading east. Students will be dropped off in front of the building. They will enter the front door and walk down the hallway to the gym. A school employee will be present to ensure the safety of students as they enter the building. Parents dropping students off will exit by completing the circle and back on to 7th Street. Please remember school starts at 8:00; breakfast is at 7:30.

After School Procedure for Student Pickup: Enter the driveway from 7th Street heading east and pull to the front of the building. Please remain in your vehicle to keep traffic moving smoothly. Please open your iSchoolRide app on your phone and when you get close to the front of the pickup line the classroom teacher will send your child down to you or if you are not a regular pickup person lower your window to tell the school employees who you are picking up.  Several cars will be loaded at a time and will be released in that order. Students will not be allowed to cross the road and load a  vehicle that is parked and waiting in the parking lot. Buses will load and unload students on the west side of the Elementary and must be given precedence when entering or exiting school property. Elementary students will be dismissed at 2:48.

Early Arrival

Students have access to the school beginning at 7:30 a.m. each day. Students are to use only the designated doors when entering the building and are not to go to their lockers or classroom until they are dismissed from the gym by the adult in charge. The doors of the school will open at 7:30 a.m.

Dropping Off and Picking Up Students [6-12]

Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:30 a.m. (doors will be locked) and must be picked up by 2:48 p.m.

Always be mindful of the children’s safety. Please be respectful and follow traffic signs and directions. Parents are not to go to the individual classrooms.

Jr. High students must report to the North Gym if arriving between 7:30 and 8:05 a.m.

Sr. High students should report to the cafeteria and lobby between 7:30-8:05 a.m.  At 8:05, they should report to their assigned 1st Period class.

Jr. and Sr. High students may eat breakfast from 7:30 – 8:00 in the cafeteria.

Students may not gather off-campus on public or private property, either before or after school. All students are to report directly to their assigned area upon arrival at school.  Similarly, they must vacate the building and grounds promptly after school unless under the direct supervision of a teacher, coach, or sponsor.

Bicycles, motorcycles/scooters, and cars/trucks must be parked in the designated area upon arrival near the school parking lot. Foot-powered skateboards, scooters, and skates are not allowed on school grounds due to the problems their use and storage generate.

Parking (Jr.-Sr. High)

Students may park their vehicles in the designated parking lot between the hours of 6:30 am and 9:00 pm. Vehicles must be parked between the painted lines, and must be driven under the speed limit of 10 miles per hour while in the lot. Vehicles should be driven safely and must yield to pedestrians. Vehicles parked outside painted lines or designated parking spots may be ticketed or towed at the discretion of the school, at the vehicle owner’s expense. Students caught driving recklessly in the parking lot may be subject to disciplinary action.

The school is not responsible for student vehicles, any possessions left in them, or anything attached to the vehicles. STUDENTS PARK THEIR VEHICLES ON OR NEAR SCHOOL PROPERTY AT THEIR OWN RISK. Students should be aware their vehicles are not protected in any way while in the parking lot, and items of value should not be left in or near the vehicle while unattended.

Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in cars parked on school grounds. School lots are regularly searched by contraband dogs, administration, and police officers. Students should be aware that items and spaces on school grounds are subject to search and view by others, and that prohibited items discovered during the course of a search may result in discipline, including, but not limited to, expulsion from school.

Vehicles MAY NOT be parked or located in the bus lanes or fire lanes at ANY TIME. Bus lanes and fire lanes are clearly marked. Vehicles located in these locations may be ticketed and/or towed by the police.

Video cameras may be active in parking lots and may be used for the purposes of investigation into student misconduct. Discipline for misconduct includes all disciplinary measures in the student discipline code and/or withdrawal of parking privileges.

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Health and Safety

This section contains student health and safety policies, including physical and immunization requirements, student medication procedures, and State-mandated safety drills.

5.10                 Immunization, Health, Eye & Dental Examination

(Updated: May 2019)

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 year1 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 or 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.

Cross Reference:

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

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5.20                 Student Medication

(Updated: May 2025)

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 a 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.”

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/or self-administer diabetic testing supplies, equipment, 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/or 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 are allowed to utilize medical cannabis infused products while at school and school events. Please contact the building principal 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.

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-AP, Dispensing Medication

PRESS 7:270-E, School Medication Authorization Form

Per the Illinois State Board of Education, all medications should be limited to those required during school hours which are necessary to maintain the student in school and those needed in the event of an emergency. All medications, including over-the-counter, must be prescribed/approved by a licensed prescriber (your doctor).

All medication brought to school, whether prescription or over-the-counter, must be accompanied by written authorization from the parent/guardian and physician in the form of the Medication Authorization Form. A school-approved Medication Authorization Form is available online and in the school office. All medications must be clearly labeled with the student's name, name of the medication, dosage, and times of administration. Refrigeration is available for those medications that require it. Medications, over-the-counter and prescription, must be in their original packaging. Medications will be stored in the school office under lock-up at all times with the following emergency exceptions: handheld asthma inhalers and EpiPens.  

Students with asthma must have these two items on file with the nurse in order to self-carry their inhalers: the Medication Authorization Form completed and a copy of the prescription label off of the box the inhaler came in. Students with allergies that carry an EpiPen must have the Medication Authorization Form completed by their physician with permission to self carry noted on the form. These two medications must be on the student’s person at all times and readily available for emergency use.  

The school nurse, administrator, or specially trained designee may administer the medications as required or prescribed. Students will be observed when taking their medication. Regularly scheduled medication will be signed out on the administration record for each student. PRN (as needed) medications will be annotated in the Nurse’s Log Book.  All PRN medications will be dosed by student weight unless otherwise directed by the physician on the Medication Authorization Form.  

It is the responsibility of the parent to pick up all unused medication at the end of the school year. Those medications, prescription and over-the-counter, remaining will be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.

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5.30                 Guidance & Counseling

(Updated: May 2025)

Guidance Services are available for every student in the school. Under Illinois law, any student 12 years of age or older may receive counseling services without consent of the student's parent/guardian. However, until the consent of the student’s parent/guardian has been obtained, counseling services provided to a student under the age of 17 are generally limited to not more than eight 90-minute sessions. These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational and career information, confidential personal and social concerns, and referral to persons or agencies outside the school upon request.  Students should schedule appointments or stop by the Guidance office during free periods.

Scholarships and Financial Aids

See district website guidance page for current scholarships and deadlines.

Testing

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is designed to aid secondary schools in counseling juniors who plan to continue their Education beyond high school and to serve students who wish to be considered for scholarships administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  This test is administered in October to juniors on an optional basis at a nominal cost.

The SAT test, required for graduation will be administered by Neoga High School in the Spring of each year.  The ACT (American College Test), which many colleges require for admission purposes, is administered at Mattoon High School, Eastern Illinois University, and Effingham High School.  The ACT battery consists of four subjects (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning), and uses a scale of 1 (low) to 36 (high) for scoring.  The test requires approximately four hours.  Juniors may take the ACT battery in April or June and seniors may choose one of five dates.  Applications are available in the Guidance Office.

Cross-reference:

PRESS 6:270, Guidance and Counseling Programs

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5.40                 Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct

(Updated: November 2021)

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.

ALICE

ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evaluate. We will practice ALICE drills throughout the school year, as well as, discuss with students how we will stay safe. School is one of the safest places for students to be, however, we need to be prepared if an active shooter incident or a violent attack on our school happens. Our teachers and staff have gone through training to understand the procedures and options to respond to this type of disaster.

Cross-References:

PRESS 4:170, Safety

PRESS 4:170-AP1, Comprehensive Safety and Crisis Program

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5.50                 Communicable Disease

(Updated: November 2009)

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

Following the Illinois Department of Public Health Recommendations:

Please do not send your child to school until they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Fever is defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Please do not send your child to school until they have not vomited for 24 hours. They can have nausea and vomiting without a fever. Even without a fever, we cannot risk having your child at school if they have vomited within the past 24 hours.

Please do not send your child to school until they have not had diarrhea for 24 hours. They can have diarrhea without a fever. Even without a fever, we cannot risk having your child at school if they have had diarrhea in the past 24 hours.

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5.60                 Head Lice

(Updated: November 2016)

The school will observe the following procedures regarding head lice.

Head lice are not a disease, nor do they cause disease. They cause discomfort (itching).  Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that students not be sent home from school if they have live lice.

Please check your child before the first day of school. If they have head lice, please treat them accordingly before sending them to school.

If you find that your child has head lice here are things you can do:

• The hair of all members of the family should be shampooed on the same day with the products available over the counter specific to killing lice. Follow the directions on the shampoo and be sure to put on clean clothing after.
• Remove the nits (lice eggs) using the nit comb after shampooing. Because no product kills all the eggs, it is very important to remove all traces of the nits to prevent re-infestation.  
• Wash all clothes, bed linens, and towels in very hot water and dry on the hot cycle.  Clean all combs and brushes in hot soapy water for at least 10 minutes.
• Spray is available to use on furniture, mattresses, carpets, and articles which cannot be laundered. Vacuuming is also very effective. Vacuum all furniture. 5. Please continue to use the nit comb every day for at least 7 days to ensure all nits have been removed.

If there is a concern that a student at school has lice these steps will be followed by the  school:

• The school nurse will check the student for lice. If he or she has lice the school nurse will also check siblings or other students that live in the student’s home.
• Parent/guardian will be notified that their student has lice.
• The parents may take their students home for treatment if they wish. Students will not be sent home unless the student has a severe case of lice.
• The nurse will share the treatment plan listed with parents or send information home with students.
• The nurse will check the student when he or she returns to school after treatment. If the student has nits, he or she will be allowed to stay in school.
• The nurse will check the student once a week until the nits are gone and communicate with the parents/guardians as needed.

Should you have any questions about any of the above steps, please feel free to call the school nurse or your doctor.

Cross-References:

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

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5.70                 Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

(New: May 2024)

Threats and acts of targeted school violence harm the District’s environment and school community, diminishing students’ ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Providing students and staff with access to a safe and secure environment is an important goal of the School and District. While it is not possible to completely eliminate threats, the School and District maintain a Targeted School Violence Prevention Program and a Threat Assessment Team to reduce these risks to its environment.

Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to report any expressed threats or behaviors that may represent a threat to the community, School, or self. Reports can be made to any school administrator, law enforcement authorities, or the Safe2Help Illinois helpline (www.safe2helpil.com/).

Students and parents are urged to participate in behavioral threat assessment and intervention programs if the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team believes that intervention is necessary to prevent a student from harming themselves or others. However, if for some reason there is a reluctance to participate in the process by the threat maker(s) or parent/guardian(s), the threat assessment process will continue in order to ensure a safe and caring learning environment for all.

For further information, please contact the Building Principal.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 4:190, Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

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5.70-E        Exhibit-Targeted School Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment Education

(New: May 2024)

To: District Staff and Parents/Guardians

From: Building Principal

Re: Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

Student safety is our District’s top priority. To maximize safety, the District uses a threat assessment process to identify threats and prevent targeted school violence. This process is part of the Targeted School Violence Prevention Program (Program). For more information, see Board policy 4:190, Targeted School Violence Prevention Program. The Program is part of the preparedness and response phases of the School Emergency Operations and Crisis Response Plan, which in turn is part of the District’s Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan.

The District wishes to create a climate that encourages sharing any information about a safety concern with a trusted adult who can help. Sharing information about threats and safety concerns is everyone’s responsibility: students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members. The question-and-answer section below is designed to help students, parents/guardians, and staff understand when school officials want individuals to share information about a safety concern.

What Is a Threat?

A threat is a concerning communication or behavior that indicates that an individual may pose a danger to the safety of school staff or students through acts of violence or other behavior that could cause harm to self or others. It may be expressed/communicated behaviorally, orally, visually, in writing, electronically, or in another way. Threats may be direct (“I’m going to beat you up” or “I’m going to blow this place up!”) or indirect (“Come and watch what I am going to do to her.”). A threat can be vague (“I’m going to hurt him.”) or implied (“You better watch out.”). Any possession of a weapon or mention of one is a possible threat.

A threat is a threat regardless of whether it is observed by or communicated directly to the target of the threat or is observed by or communicated to a third party; and regardless of whether the target of the threat is aware of the threat.

Sometimes students make threats that may seem funny or “joking,” but sometimes a threat is very serious and/or criminal. When you are in doubt as to whether the statement is kidding or serious, the responsible thing to do is to tell the Principal or other responsible staff member.

What Is Targeted School Violence?

Targeted School Violence includes school shootings and other school-based attacks where the school was deliberately selected as the location for the attack and was not simply a random site of opportunity. Individuals who have committed targeted violence did not “just snap,” but engaged in a process of thought and escalation of action over days, weeks, months, and even years.

In the majority of incidents of targeted violence, perpetrators did not directly threaten their targets, but they did communicate their intent and/or plans to others before the violence. This indirect expression or third-party communication of intent to cause harm is often referred to as leakage. Reporting leakage is key to preventing targeted school violence.

Who Is Required to Report Threats?

All District staff, volunteers, and contractors are required to report any expressed threats or behaviors that may represent a threat to the community, school, or self to the Building Principal. Parents/guardians and students are also encouraged to report any such threats to the Building Principal.

Reported threats are assessed by the school’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT). Each TAT includes people with expertise in counseling, instruction, school administration, and law enforcement. The goal of the threat assessment process is to take appropriate preventive or corrective measures to maintain a safe and secure school environment, to protect and support potential victims, and to provide assistance, as needed, to the individual being assessed.

The threat assessment process does not preclude anyone from acting immediately to address an imminent threat.

What Can Staff and Parents/Guardians Do?

The TAT will provide guidance to students and staff regarding recognizing concerning, aberrant, threatening, and prohibited behaviors to be reported. While there is no one list of behaviors that may cause concern, examples include, but are not limited to:

• Threatening statements or gestures
• Persons with ongoing, unresolved grievances with members of the school community
• Atypical, unusual, or bizarre communications or behavior
• Significant changes in behavior
• Increased focus or fixation on aspects of violence, harm, or death
• Information about someone expressing thoughts, plans, or preparations for violence
• Concerns that someone may harm themselves
• Behavior that significantly disrupts the learning or working environment
• Behavior that seems troubling or disturbing
• Persons seeming isolated and alienated from others
• Anyone unknown to the school

Staff and parents/guardians can reinforce this guidance by discussing with students what a threat is, encouraging students not to make threats or “joking” statements in the first place, and reiterating that seeking help to prevent someone from getting hurt or hurting another by reporting threats is appropriate.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 4:190-E6, Targeted School Violence and Threat Assessment Education

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5.80                Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

(New May 2025)

Domestic and sexual violence affect a student's ability to learn. Students who areparents or expectant parents have unique needs. Providing support services thatenable students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic orsexual violence (Article 26A Students) to succeed in school are important schooland district goals and are required by law.

Requesting Support Services

To facilitate the full participation of Article 26A Students, the school district provides in-school support services and information regarding non-school-based support services. Article 26A Students are also able to make up work missed on account of circumstances related to their status as a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual violence.

In-school support services include, but are not limited to, enabling a student to meet with counselors or others service providers, excusing the student from class as necessary for circumstances consistent with their Article 26A status, and assisting students with the development of a student success plan.

An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may request a complete copy of the District’s policies related to Article 26A Students and information on support services by contacting the Article 26A Resource Person listed below.

Filing a Complaint

An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may file a complaint for violations of this procedure with the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking.

Article 26A Resource Person:

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

Kevin Haarman, Superintendent

217-775-6049

khaarman@neogacusd3.net

Complaint Managers:

Jordan Bear, Elementary Principal

217-775-6049

jbear@neogacusd3.net

Jennifer Bridges, Jr.-Sr. High Principal

217-775-6049

jbridges@neogacusd3.net

Mike Taylor, Dean of Students

217-775-6049

mike.taylor@neogacusd3.net

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against an Article 26A Student or their parent/guardian for exercising or attempting to exercise their rights under this procedure is prohibited. Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:255, Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

PRESS 7:255-A1, Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

PRESS 7:255, A2, Complaint Resolution Procedure for Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

Naloxone Administration Policy

This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for the administration of naloxone in Neoga CUSD #3 to any person suspected of a drug overdose. The safety and well-being of all individuals within our school community are of utmost importance. Recognizing the potential risks associated with drug overdose, this policy empowers staff members to respond promptly and effectively to such emergencies.

The objective of this policy is to ensure the provision of immediate medical intervention in the event of a suspected drug overdose on school premises. By authorizing the administration of naloxone, we aim to prevent fatalities and minimize the potential harm caused by opioid overdoses.

Naloxone Availability and Storage:

Naloxone kits: Neoga CUSD #3 will maintain a sufficient number of naloxone kits that are easily accessible in designated locations throughout the premises. The kits should contain at least one dose of naloxone, along with appropriate administration devices, such as nasal atomizers or auto-injectors.

Storage: Naloxone kits will be stored securely, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, to prevent unauthorized access while ensuring their immediate availability in emergencies.

Naloxone Administration Procedure:

Recognition of drug overdose: Staff members should be vigilant in recognizing the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose, which may include unconsciousness, slow or absent breathing, pinpoint pupils, and pale or clammy skin.

Activation of emergency response: In the event of a suspected drug overdose, staff members should immediately contact emergency medical services (EMS) by dialing [emergency contact number] and providing relevant details.

Administration of naloxone:

a. Staff members who become aware of a suspected drug overdose should promptly retrieve a naloxone kit from the designated storage location.

b. The staff member should follow the instructions provided with the naloxone kit to administer naloxone to the individual experiencing the overdose.

c. After administering naloxone, the staff member should remain with the individual and monitor their condition until EMS arrives.

Reporting and Follow-Up:

Incident reporting: All instances of naloxone administration must be documented in an incident report, which should include details such as date, time, location, individuals involved, actions taken, and any follow-up procedures.

Confidentiality and privacy: Neoga CUSD #3 will maintain strict confidentiality regarding the identities of individuals involved in a drug overdose incident, in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

Referral for support: The school administration will ensure that appropriate support and counseling services are made available to the individual who experienced the overdose, as well as any witnesses or other affected individuals.

Legal Considerations:

Good Samaritan laws: The administration of naloxone by staff members in Neoga CUSD #3, in good faith and while acting within the scope of this policy, will be protected by applicable Good Samaritan laws.

Compliance with regulations: This policy will adhere to all relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines governing the possession, storage, and administration of naloxone.

Note: While formal training is not required to administer naloxone, Neoga CUSD #3 may still encourage staff members to undergo training or seek guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure their confidence and competence in handling drug overdose situations.

Asbestos Management Plan

Even though Neoga CUSD #3 has completed an extensive asbestos abatement program,  the district is required to provide public notification.

This notice is to inform building occupants of the potential hazard and locations of asbestos  containing materials in Neoga CUSD #3. It has been determined by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency that asbestos is a  potential health hazard, and precautions should be taken to avoid disturbing any asbestos  containing materials.

Materials containing asbestos have been found in the Early Childhood Learning Center and in NHS.

Any evidence of disturbance or change in condition will be documented in the  Management Plan as required by law. Cleaning and maintenance personnel who have been trained in identification of asbestos containing materials and recognize the danger of asbestos are taking special precautions during their work to properly clean up asbestos debris and guard against disturbance of the asbestos containing materials. All asbestos  containing material is inspected and evaluated periodically. Measures will be taken when needed to protect the health of building occupants.

Any concerns regarding asbestos containing materials should be directed to the Designated Asbestos Program Manager:

Mr. Kevin Haarman

Neoga CUSD #3

790 E. 7th St.

Neoga, IL 62447

Insurance

Student accident insurance is provided for all students in Neoga Community Unit School  District No. 3 during school hours, to and from school, on school transportation, or for participation in school-sponsored activities. The policy is explained in brochures available at registration and in the school office. By filling out the appropriate information on the brochure, additional coverage may be purchased.

It is emphasized that the school’s only role in the insurance is to supply forms and complete the school portion of the form. All communications should be between the parent/guardian and the insurance company.

All students are covered by the school accident insurance policy for sports/extracurricular/curricular activities without charge to the student/parent.   Fights or self-inflicted injuries are excluded. 

Parents must accept the responsibility of informing the school if injuries occur while traveling to or from school.  EACH STUDENT MUST NOTIFY HIS TEACHER OR THE OFFICE IF ANY INJURY INVOLVING A POSSIBLE CLAIM OCCURS AT SCHOOL AND NOTICE IS NEEDED ON THE DAY IT HAPPENS.   In most cases, the teacher will know of an injury but we have had some reports after several weeks have elapsed.  This makes it nearly impossible to confirm such claims to the company.  Teachers will file a written report of the injury in the office.

This insurance is supplemental and all claims must first be filed with the family’s insurance carrier.   All claims must be filed with the school’s insurance carrier within 90 days of the injury.   Extended coverage options are also available.

The school does not provide insurance coverage for personal property of students.  This applies to instruments, tools, machines, clothing, or anything a student possesses which is not school-owned.

The school sanctions the student insurance program because it provides protection that the school cannot assume.  However, the school personnel cannot spend time in adjusting claims.  Misinterpretations of the policy are often the cause of feelings of discrimination.  The insurance policy is available to review at the Board Office.

Pest Management Program

Neoga CUSD #3 has an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) policy that incorporates the safest and most effective means of pest control. In the event the district has the need for spraying or fogging with pesticides, a voluntary registry has been made. By putting your name on the registry, you are asking to be notified two days in advance before an airborne pesticide application is made. In the event of an extreme emergency where pesticides must be used immediately, you will be notified as soon as possible. Contact the school office if you want to be added to the registry.

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Section 6         Discipline and Conduct

Here you will find general student conduct requirements, student dress codes and cafeteria rules. Also included are new State mandated notifications on bullying and bullying prevention.

Neoga CUSD #3 is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment where all students can succeed academically and socially. Our discipline policies promote positive behavior, encourage self-discipline, and support student growth. We prioritize restorative practices to build relationships and resolve conflicts. We value parental partnership and encourage families to reinforce positive behavior and communicate concerns. Detailed policies follow in this section.

6.10                 General Building Conduct

(Updated: November 2009)

General Building Conduct

Students shall not arrive at school before 7:30 a.m. and classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and students are dismissed at 2:48 p.m. each day (NES); classes begin at 8:05 and students are dismissed at 2:43 (Jr-Sr High).  The following rules shall apply, and failure to abide by the rules may result in discipline:

• Hats and bandanas shall not be worn in the building.  Any hat brought to school shall be removed before entering.
• Students shall not run, talk loudly or yell in the hallways nor shall they push, shove or hit others.
• It is the duty of each person to cooperate 100% in caring for our facilities.  Students shall not write on walls, desks or deface or destroy school property.  Trash should be placed in a trash can not left on a lunch table or on the floor.
• Chewing of gum is not permitted in the elementary school building.
• Skateboards are not permitted at school.
• Water guns, play guns, and/or real guns are not permitted at school.
• No radios, tape players, CD players, cameras are permitted without permission from the principal.

Care of School Property

The school building and all property belong to you, the student, your parents, and the entire community. You should take pride in keeping the school and equipment in good condition.

Carrying Money or Valuables to School

The school is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen articles. Students should not bring or carry large amounts of money or valuables to school.

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6.20                 School Dress Code

(Updated: June 2022)

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.

• Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images.
• Student dress (including accessories) may not display lewd, vulgar, obscene, or offensive language or symbols, including gang symbols.
• Hats, coats, bandannas, sweat bands, and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the school day.
• Hair styles, dress, and accessories that pose a safety hazard are not permitted in the shop, laboratories, or during physical education.
• Clothing with holes, rips, tears, and clothing that is otherwise poorly fitting, showing skin and/or undergarments may not be worn at school.
• The length of shorts or skirts must be appropriate for the school environment.
• Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
• If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the building principal will make the final decision.
• Student whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to discipline.
  

Cross-references:

PRESS 7:160, Student Appearance

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6.30                 Student Behavior

(Updated: May 2025)

Prohibited Student Conduct

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:

• 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).
• Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• “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.
• 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.
• 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.

4.  Using, possessing, controlling or transferring a “weapon” or violating the procedures listed below under  
   the Weapons Prohibition section of this handbook procedure.
5.  Using or possessing an electronic paging device.
6.  Using a cellular telephone, smartphone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), 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. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the building principal, all cellular phones, smartphones 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 high school student’s lunch period; or (d) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.
7.  Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
8.  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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning) and sexual assault.
12. Engaging in teen dating violence.
13. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
14. Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.
15. 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.
16. Being absent without a recognized excuse.
17. Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.
18. Being involved in a gang or engaging in gang-like activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
19. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism and hazing.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. Sexting, which, for purposes of this procedure, is the act of creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing sexually explicit messages, images, or videos electronically, regardless of whether they are authentic or computer-generated, through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone. Sexting also includes creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing indecent visual depictions, non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, and non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit digitized depictions, as defined in State law.

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; or
4. Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school 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.

Suspension and Expulsion

Suspension and expulsion are obviously reserved for the more serious offenses.

Suspension is defined as a temporary removal from school or from riding a school bus for a maximum of 10 days per suspension.

Expulsion is defined as the removal of a student from school for gross disobedience or misconduct for a period of time ranging from in excess of 10 days to a definite period of time not to exceed two years.

Procedures for suspension and expulsion of students from Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School will be those recommended by the State of Illinois.  The student will have to get assignments from each teacher the day before the in-school suspension, report promptly at 8:05 a.m. with all appropriate materials, work diligently each period as approved by an administrator.

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.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is prohibited in all circumstances. Corporal punishment is defined as a discipline method in which a person deliberately inflicts pain upon a student in response to the student's unacceptable behavior or inappropriate language, with an aim or set an example for others. It includes 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 permitted by State law.

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 alikes” 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-references:

PRESS 7:190, Student Discipline

PRESS 7:190-AP2, Gang Activity Prohibited

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

(Updated: March 2026)

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 from military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, homelessness, or actual marital or parenting 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 (1) 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. (2) 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 and (3) the posting or distribution of an unauthorized digital replica by electronic means if the posting or distribution 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, posting or distributing sexually explicit images, 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:

Kevin Haarman, Superintendent
217-775-6049
khaarman@neogacusd3.net

Complaint Managers:

Jordan Bear, Elementary Principal
217-775-6049
jbear@neogacusd3.net

Jennifer Bridges, Jr.-Sr. High Principal
217-775-6049
jbridges@neogacusd3.net

Mike Taylor, Dean of Students
217-775-6049
mike.taylor@neogacusd3.net

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.

Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the school shall make diligent efforts to notify a parent or guardian within 24-hours after the school’s administration is made aware of a student’s involvement in an alleged bullying incident.  The term “bullying incident” includes individual instances of bullying, as well as all threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm determined to be a result of bullying.  Notification to a parent or guardian shall include, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures.

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 Discipline

PRESS 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure

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6.42                Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

(New: May 2024)

Discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin negatively affects a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from such discrimination and harassment is an important District and School goal. The District and School do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, or national origin in any of its education programs or activities and comply with federal and State non-discrimination laws.

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

Examples of conduct that may constitute discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: disciplining students more harshly and frequently because of their race, color, or national origin; denying students access to high-rigor academic courses, extracurricular activities, or other educational opportunities based on their race, color, or national origin; denying language services or other educational opportunities to English learners; and assigning students special education services based on a student's race, color, or national origin.

Harassment is a form of prohibited discrimination. Examples of conduct that may constitute harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: the use of racial, ethnic or ancestral slurs or stereotypes; taunts; name-calling; offensive or derogatory remarks about a person's actual or perceived race, color, or national origin; the display of racially-offensive symbols; racially-motivated physical threats and attacks; or other hateful conduct.

Making a Report or Complaint; Investigation Process

Individuals are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidences of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Reports will be processed under the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Reports and complaints of discrimination or harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

Federal and State Agencies

If the District fails to take necessary corrective action to stop harassment based on race, color, or national origin, further relief may be available through the Illinois Dept. of Human Rights (IDHR) or the U.S. Dept. of Education's Office for Civil Rights. To contact IDHR, go to: https://dhr.illinois.gov/about-us/contact-idhr.html or call (312) 814-6200 (Chicago) or (217) 785-5100 (Springfield).

Prevention and Response Program

The District maintains a prevention and response program to respond to complaints of discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including harassment, and retaliation. The program includes procedures for responding to complaints which:

1. Reduce or remove, to the extent practicable, barriers to reporting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
2. Permit any person who reports or is the victim of an incident of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to be accompanied when making a report by a support individual of the person's choice who complies with the District's policies and rules;
3. Permit anonymous reporting, except that an anonymous report may not be the sole basis of any disciplinary action;
4. Offer remedial interventions or take such disciplinary action as may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis;
5. Offer, but do not require or unduly influence, a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation the option to resolve allegations directly with the accused; and
6. Protects a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation from suffering adverse consequences as a result of a report of, investigation of, or a response to the incident.

Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion, consistent with the student discipline information in this handbook.

Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.

Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

Cross-references:

PRESS 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

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6.45                 Sexual harassment & Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

(Updated: March 2026)

Harassment Prohibited

No person, including a school district employee, 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 identity1; 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; physical appearance; socioeconomic status; academic status; 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 (Title IX)

Sexual harassment as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sexual Harassment) is prohibited. Any person, including a District employee or agent, or student, engages in Title IX Sexual Harassment when that person engages in conduct on the basis of an individual’s sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. A District employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or

2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s educational program or activity; or

3. Sexual assault as defined in or stalking as defined in District policy and federal law.

Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, touching, rape, sexual battery, sexual abuse, sexual coercion, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities.

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 incidents of bullying, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking.  

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

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

Kevin Haarman, Superintendent
217-775-6049
khaarman@neogacusd3.net

Complaint Managers:

Jordan Bear, Elementary Principal

217-775-6049

jbear@neogacusd3.net

Jennifer Bridges, Jr.-Sr. High Principal

217-775-6049

jbridges@neogacusd3.net

Mike Taylor, Dean of Students

217-775-6049

mike.taylor@neogacusd3.net

Investigation Process

All complaints will be investigated by the District in accordance with state and federal law and corresponding District policies.

Enforcement

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion, consistent with the student discipline information in this handbook.

Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent/guardian, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.

Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

Cross-references:

PRESS 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited

PRESS 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

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6.50                 Cafeteria Rules

(Updated: November 2009)

Students may not leave campus during lunch, except with permission granted by administration or authorized staff. During lunch, students must proceed directly to the cafeteria or designated lunch area, and, after getting their lunch, shall immediately sit at a table. Students shall remain seated until the lunch tone rings, at which point they shall clean the area in which they are seated, dispose of any trash in the appropriate receptacle, and exit the cafeteria to their assigned location. Students shall follow all cafeteria rules during lunch.

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.

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6.60                 Field Trips

(Updated: November 2009)

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. 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:

• Failure to receive appropriate permission from parent/guardian or teacher;
• Failure to complete appropriate coursework;
• Behavioral or safety concerns;
• Denial of permission from administration;
• Other reasons as determined by the school.

Cross-References:

PRESS 6:240, Field Trips

PRESS 6:240-AP, Field Trip Guidelines

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6.70                 Access to Student Social Networking Passwords & Websites

(Updated: February 2016)

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 7:190-AP7,E1 Letter to Parents/Guardians Regarding the Right to Privacy in the School Setting

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6.80                 Student Use of Electronic Devices

(Updated: June 2022)

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 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.

Students 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:4

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

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Toys and Prohibited Items

(New: June 2025)

To ensure a safe, orderly, and focused learning environment, Neoga CUSD #3 prohibits students from bringing toys to school unless explicitly permitted by a teacher or administrator for educational purposes. Toys, including but not limited to toy guns, toy knives, toy grenades, other look-alike weapons, and trading cards (e.g., Pokémon cards), can cause significant disruptions, safety concerns, or conflicts among students. This policy addresses specific issues, such as fights related to trading cards, and provides flexibility to manage unforeseen toy-related challenges.

Prohibited Items: Toy Guns, Knives, Grenades, and Other Look-Alike Weapons

Toy guns, toy knives, toy grenades, or any other items resembling weapons are strictly prohibited on school property, including buses and school-sponsored events. These look-alike weapons can be mistaken for real weapons, causing fear, confusion, or substantial disruptions to the school environment. In accordance with Illinois law (105 ILCS 5/10-22.6), possession of such items is treated as a serious safety concern.

Trading Cards (e.g., Pokémon Cards)

Trading cards, such as Pokémon cards, are prohibited during school hours due to their potential to cause conflicts, including fights, arguments, or distractions from learning. Students may not bring trading cards to school unless part of a teacher-supervised activity, such as a club or educational event with clear guidelines. Unauthorized trading, playing, or exchanging of cards is not permitted on school grounds. The district may designate specific times or events (e.g., after-school clubs) for supervised card activities to balance student interests with maintaining order.

Other Toy-Related Issues

To address unforeseen issues, the school reserves the right to prohibit any toy or item deemed disruptive, unsafe, or detrimental to the learning environment, as determined by school administration. This includes items that may not be explicitly listed but contribute to conflicts, distractions, or safety risks. Examples include, but are not limited to, fidget spinners, laser pointers, or other trending toys that disrupt classroom focus or student interactions.

Consequences

• General Toys: Bringing unauthorized toys may result in confiscation, with items returned to parents at the principal’s discretion, and disciplinary actions such as detention or parent conferences, per the district’s discipline code (Section 6.30).
• Toy Guns, Knives, Grenades, and Other Look-Alike Weapons: Due to their potential for significant disruption and safety concerns, possession may lead to escalated consequences, including in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or referral to the superintendent for further review, depending on severity and intent. Law enforcement may be involved if deemed necessary, per Illinois law (105 ILCS 5/10-22.6).
• Trading Cards (e.g., Pokémon Cards): Unauthorized possession or use may result in confiscation and disciplinary measures, such as warnings, detention, or loss of privileges. Repeated violations or involvement in related conflicts (e.g., arguments/fights) may lead to escalated consequences, including suspension, and mandatory parent meetings to address behavior.
• Other Disruptive Items: Consequences for unforeseen toy-related issues will be determined based on the item’s impact, ranging from confiscation to suspension, with decisions guided by the district’s commitment to safety and learning.

Parental Responsibility

Parents are urged to ensure students do not bring toys, trading cards, or look-alike weapons to school. If a prohibited item is confiscated, parents will be notified, and a meeting may be required to discuss preventive measures and, if applicable, restorative practices to address conflicts (e.g., mediation for card-related disputes). Parents are encouraged to reinforce these expectations at home to support a disruption-free environment.

Reporting and Resolution

Students, staff, or parents who observe prohibited items, such as toy guns, knives, grenades, other look-alike weapons, or trading cards causing conflicts, should report them immediately to a teacher or administrator. The school will address reports promptly, using restorative measures when appropriate to resolve conflicts and maintain a safe, respectful environment.

Proactive Measures

To balance student interests with school order, Neoga CUSD #3 may offer supervised opportunities for activities like trading card clubs, subject to administrative approval. These programs will have clear rules to prevent conflicts and ensure educational alignment. The district will review this policy annually to address emerging trends or unforeseen issues with toys or related items.

This policy supports Neoga CUSD #3’s commitment to a safe, disruption-free school environment, fostering respect, responsibility, and a focus on learning.

Cross-References:

• PRESS 7:190, Student Behavior
• PRESS 4:170, Safety

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Internet, Technology & Publications

This chapter includes a model acceptable use policy and Internet acceptable use sign-off. Also included is a policy on school-sponsored and non school-sponsored publications and websites.

7.10                 Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks

(Rewritten: June 2021)

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 is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges, disciplinary action, 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 nternet 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

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7.20                 Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School Publications

(Updated: June 2022)

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 determined 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:

• Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
• 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;
• 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,
• Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;
• 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
• Incites students to violate any Board policy.

7. A student may use the School District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure to resolve a complaint.
8. 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.

Jr.-Sr. High
Our official publications are the newspaper, The Messenger, and the yearbook, the Tomahawk.  If you want to contribute and work on these publications, please see the advisors.

All other publications developed within Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School must have an authorized faculty sponsor.  The sponsor will coordinate and supervise the planning, printing, and distribution of the publication in such a way as to avoid interference with regular instruction.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 7:310, Restrictions on Publications

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7.27                 Access to Non-School Sponsored Publications

(Updated: March 2026)

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 students1; or
6. Encourages or 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; High Schools

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7.40                 Annual Notice to Parents about Educational Technology Vendors Under the Student Online Personal Protection Act

(Updated: October 2021)

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 Illinois 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:

• Basic identifying information, including student or parent/guardian name and student or parent/guardian contact information, username/password and student ID number
• Demographic information
• Enrollment information
• Assessment data, grades, and transcripts
• Attendance and class schedule
• Academic/extracurricular activities
• Special indicators (e.g., disability information, English language learner, free/reduced meals or homeless/foster care status)
• Conduct/behavioral data
• Health information
• Food purchases
• Transportation information
• In-application performance data
• Student-generated work
• Online communications
• Application metadata and application use statistics
• Permanent and temporary school student record information

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:

• Instruction in the classroom or at home (including remote learning)
• Administrative activities
• Collaboration between students, school personnel, and/or parents/guardians
• Other activities that are for the use and benefit of the school district

Cross Reference:

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

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7.50        Use of Artificial Intelligence

(Updated: July 2023)

“Artificial intelligence” or “AI” is intelligence demonstrated by computers, as opposed to human intelligence. "Intelligence" encompasses the ability to learn, reason, generalize, and infer meaning. Examples of AI technology include ChatGPT and other chatbots and large language models.

AI is not a substitute for schoolwork that requires original thought. Students may not claim AI generated content as their own work. The use of AI to take tests, complete assignments, create multimedia projects, write papers, or complete schoolwork without permission of a teacher or administrator is strictly prohibited. The use of AI for these purposes constitutes cheating or plagiarism.

In certain situations, AI may be used as a learning tool or a study aid. Students who wish to use AI for legitimate educational purposes must have permission from a teacher or an administrator. Students may use AI as authorized in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Students may not use AI, including AI image or voice generator technology, to violate school rules or school district policies.

In order to ensure academic integrity, tests, assignments, projects, papers, and other schoolwork may be checked by AI content detectors and/or plagiarism recognition software.

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7.60        Google Workspace for Education

At Neoga CUSD #3 we use Google Workspace for Education, and we are seeking your permission to provide and manage a Google Workspace for Education account for your child. Google Workspace for Education is a set of education productivity tools from Google including Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Classroom, and more used by tens of millions of students and teachers around the world. As part of the tools and technology provided at Neoga CUSD #3, we use Google Workspace for Education including many of its third-party services. Specifically, your child may have access to the “Additional Google Services”. At Neoga CUSD #3, students will use their Google Workspace for Education accounts to complete assignments, communicate with their teachers, sign into their Chromebooks (when applicable), and learn 21st century digital citizenship skills. Neoga CUSD #3 still maintains control over the apps that are made available to your child/student, and they will be of an educational nature as needed.

Please view this Privacy Notice for answers to common questions about what Google can and can’t do with your child’s personal information. By signing the handbook, you are giving your consent for your student/child to use Google Workspace for Education and its third-party services. Please advise us if you have an issue with this policy before signing this handbook.

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7.70         Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998

The Neoga School District uses certain educationally appropriate online resources to provide services to our students. These online resources are reviewed and approved by the administration. In accordance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), we are seeking your permission for your student to access these services. Your student's username,password, full name, birth date and related information may be provided to the online resource for the purpose of securing confidential credentials and access for the student. This information will remain confidential and will not be shared except for the purpose of providing these services. Upon parental approval, the student will be provided with his/her own area, accessible only with his or her credentials, where he or she can store data, collaborate with the teacher or other students, participate in educational activities and assessments, etc. Please advise us if you have an issue with this policy before signing this handbook.

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Search and Seizure

Here you will find a comprehensive policy on student searches and seizures. The policy includes student rights under State and federal law and procedures for searching students and their possessions.

8.10                 Search and Seizure

(Updated: November 2019)

Search and 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 liaison police officers.

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

School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as, lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student.  Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there.

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.

School Violence Tipline:  Students who hear about impending violence at school often want to intervene, but are unsure of what to do.  While the best way to prevent violence is to inform a trusted adult, students can now report threats of violence anonymously to the statewide, toll-free School Violence Tipline

1-800-477-0024

Cross-reference:

PRESS 7:140, Search and Seizure

Neoga CUSD #3 has instituted a Crisis Management Plan to provide for a safe learning environment. To maintain order and security in the school, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as lockers, desks, parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by the student, without notice to or consent of the student. Students have no

reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there. The provisions apply to student vehicles parked on school property. In return for the privilege of parking on school property, a student is required to consent in writing to school searches of his or her vehicle, and the personal effects therein, without notice.

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Extracurricular and Athletic Activities

9.10                 Extracurricular Athletic Activities Code of Conduct

(Updated: June 2022)

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.

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.”
2. A permission slip to participate in the specific athletic activity signed by the student’s parent/guardian.
3. Proof the student is covered by medical insurance.
4. 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.3
5. A signed agreement by the student and the student’s parent/guardian authorizing compliance with the School District’s Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy;4 and
6. Signed documentation agreeing to comply with the School District’s policies and procedures on student athletic concussions and head injuries.

All student athletes participating in interscholastic athletic competition for Neoga Jr. – Sr. High School are automatically under the jurisdiction of the Illinois High School Association or the Illinois Elementary School Association.  Their rules and regulations are our guide and they must be followed.  If you have questions on them, don't hesitate to check with your coach, athletic director, or principal.

Local policies governing participation have been developed by the coaches and administration.  A copy of these policies will be made available at the start of each season. (See Appendix A).

Each athlete must have a current physical examination (within the last 395 days) on file in the office.

Illinois High School Association

Eligibility for most athletics is also governed by the rules of the Illinois High School 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 IHSA 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.

In order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular and athletic activities, a student must not be failing.  Any student failing to meet academic requirements will be suspended from the sport or activity until the next weekly check; effective the Monday following.

It should be noted that academic eligibility is checked on a semester basis and on a weekly basis.  The I.H.S.A. requires that senior high students shall have passed 2.5 units of credit the previous semester in order to participate in the current semester.  Both junior and senior high students must also be passing in all subjects on the Wednesday weekly check in order to participate in the following week’s interscholastic activities or contests.

Upon the third weekly of ineligibility, the junior and senior high athlete will be declared ineligible for the duration of that season

Absence from School on Day of Extracurricular or Athletic Activity

A student who is absent from school after 11:30 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: (See Appendix A)

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.

2. 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:

First violation

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.

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.

The student will be required to practice with the group, regardless of the violation (unless suspended or expelled from school).

Second violation

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.

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.

The student may be required to practice with the group (unless suspended or expelled from school).

Third violation

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.

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.

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

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9.20                 Attendance at School-Sponsored Dances

(Updated: November 2016)

Attendance at school-sponsored dances is a privilege.

As students arrive, they must sign their names and the name of their guest if the dance is open to guests outside Neoga High School.  Chaperones, including one staff member, will supervise this procedure.

School rules apply to student conduct and the same rules apply to the guests.  Infringement upon these rules will result in a student and/or guest being asked to leave the dance and a disciplinary judgment will be made at that time regarding the extent of the problem.  This decision will be made by the administration and/or staff member.  Students could possibly receive school sanctions or lose their right to attend extra-curricular activities for an extended period of time, based upon the severity of the infraction.

No students or other individuals will be allowed to be outside or in the parking lot during the dance.  Students or guests are not allowed to leave the dance to go to their vehicle without being escorted by a staff member or administrator.  Any student or guests doing so will not be allowed to reenter the dance.   This does not include parents or authorized person while they are bringing students or picking them up after the dance.  Only parents will be permitted to deliver messages to students during the dances.

When dances are open to other high school students, it will be necessary for the student wishing to bring a guest to pick up a guest verification form in the office to be completed and signed.  If the guests are in high school, they will need to have the proper signature from their school. Guests that are not in high school will need to provide alternative information in place of the school’s signature.  This form must be returned to the office three days before the dance, unless a student has special permission from the administration.  No guests younger than 9th grade or older than 20 years of age may attend the dance.  In addition, any individual currently serving an expulsion or suspension from any school district may not attend.

A decision may be made at any time by the administration to see that a student and/or guest leaves after improper behavior.  If the administration is not available, a staff member may do so.  All questionable behavior should be reported to the administration as soon as possible.

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.

Cross-References:

PRESS 6:190, Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities

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

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9.30                 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

(Updated: February 2016)

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.

Cross-References: PRESS 7:305, Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

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Special Education

This chapter contains numerous policies and procedures applicable to students with disabilities. Included are policies detailing student and parent rights and discipline of students with disabilities.

10.10                 Education of Children with Disabilities

(Updated: November 2021)

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:

Sage Rowley, District Special Education Coordinator

217-775-6049

Neoga Elementary School

Cross Reference:

PRESS 6:120, Education of Children with Disabilities

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

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10.20                 Discipline of Students with Disabilities

(Updated: June 2022)

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 7:230, Misconduct by Students with Disabilities

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10.30                 Exemption From PE Requirement

(Updated: January 2015)

Exemption From PE Requirement

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

He or she (a) is in grades 3-12, (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

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.

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10.40                 Certificate of High School Completion [HS]

(Updated: November 2009)

A student with a disability who has an Individualized Education Program prescribing special education, transition planning, transition services, or related services beyond the student’s 4 years of high school, qualifies for a certificate of completion after the student has completed 4 years of high school. The student is encouraged to participate in the graduation ceremony of his or her high school graduation class.

Cross Reference: PRESS 6:300, Graduation Requirements

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10.50                 Access to Classroom for Special Education Observation or Evaluation

(Updated: February 2012)

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/Observation Purposes

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10.60                 Related Service Logs

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

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10.70                PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) Database Information for Students and Parents or Guardians

(New: May 2024)

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) maintains a statewide database known as the PUNS database (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) that records information about individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services.

IDHS uses the data on PUNS to select individuals for services as funding becomes available, to develop proposals and materials for budgeting, and to plan for future needs. The PUNS database is available for children with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities with unmet service needs.

Registration to be included on the PUNS database is the first step toward receiving developmental disabilities services in this State. A child who is not on the PUNS database will not be in the queue for State developmental disabilities services.

For more information and to sign up for PUNS, see the Illinois Department of Human Services PUNS information page at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=41131.

You may also contact the following District employee for assistance:

Sage Rowley, Special Education Coordinator, District Social Worker

217-775-6049

srowley@neogacusd3.net

Student Records & Privacy

Policies in this chapter include State and federal student record and privacy notifications. Also included is a policy for schools that collect student biometric information.

11.10                 Student Privacy Protections

(Updated: June 2022)

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

Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s personal information to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards

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.

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.

Student ID #, School, Grade Level, Date of Birth, Name, addresses and telephone numbers of students and parents may be released to non-commercial agencies or organizations. Requests for this information will be honored when it is felt to be in the interest of the families with children enrolled in the schools.

Cross-References:

PRESS 7:15, Student and Family Privacy Rights

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

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11.20                 Student Records

(Updated: March 2026)

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.

2. The right to have one or more scores received on college entrance examinations included on the student’s academic transcript.

Parents/guardians or eligible students may have one or more scores on college entrance examinations included on the student’s academic transcript. The District will include scores on college entrance examinations upon the written request of the parent/guardian or eligible student stating the name of each college entrance examination that is the subject of the request and the dates of the scores that are to be included.

3. 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.

4. 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; to the Ill. Department of Human Services (DHS) for the sole purpose of assessing or evaluating the student’s eligibility for Medicaid waiver benefits consistent with the rules adopted by the DHS; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student.

5. 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.

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

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

• Name
• Address
• Grade level
• Birth date
• Parent/guardian names, addresses, electronic mail addresses, and telephone numbers
• Photographs, videos, or digital images used for informational or news-related purposes (whether by a media outlet or by the school) of a student participating in school or school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics that have appeared in school publications, such as yearbooks, newspapers, or sporting or fine arts programs
• Academic awards, degrees, and honors
• Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics
• Major field of study
• Period of attendance in school

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.

7. The right to request that military recruiters or institutions of higher learning not be granted access to your student’s information without your prior written consent.

Federal law requires a secondary school to grant military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon their request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers, unless the student’s parent/guardian, or student who is 18 years of age or older, submits a written request that the information not be released without the prior written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student. If you wish to exercise this option, notify the building principal.

8. 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.
9. 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-References:

PRESS 7:340, Student Records

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11.30                 Student Biometric Information

(Updated: February 2013)

Before collecting biometric information from students, the school must seek the permission of the student’s parent/guardian or the student, if over the age of 18. Biometric information means information that is collected from students based on their unique characters, such as a fingerprint, voice recognition or retinal scan.

Cross-References:

PRESS 7:340, Student Records

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11.40                 Military Recruiters & Institutions of Higher Learning [HS]

(Updated: February 2009)

Upon their request, military recruiters and institutions of higher learning will be given access to students’ names, addresses and telephone numbers. Parents who do not want their child’s name to be released (or students over the age of 18 who do not want their name released) should contact the building principal.

Cross-References: PRESS 7:340, Student Records

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Section 12  Parental Right Notifications

This section includes State and federally mandated notifications. Policies include rights of homeless families, pesticide application notification, and rights of parents to access information about their child’s teachers.

12.10                Teacher Qualifications

(Updated: November 2016)

Teacher Qualifications

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

Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification and licensing criteria have been waived;

Whether the teacher is teaching in a field of discipline of the teacher’s certification; and

Whether any instructional aides or paraprofessionals provide services to your student and, if so, their qualifications.

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

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

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12.20                 Standardized Testing

(Updated: October 2021)

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 (IAR), Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)

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 can assist their students 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 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.

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12.30                 Homeless Child’s Right to Education

(Updated: November 2009)

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:

• 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
• 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:

Educational organizations and schools, food bank and meal programs, local service organizations (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.), family shelters, medical services, and other supports.

Dispute Resolution:  If you disagree with school officials about enrollment, transportation or fair treatment of a homeless child or youth, you may file a complaint with the school district.  The school district must respond and attempt to resolve it quickly.  The school district must refer you to free and low cost legal services to help you, if you wish.  During the dispute, the student must be immediately enrolled in the school and provided transportation until the matter is resolved.  Every Illinois Public School has a Homeless Education Program Liaison who will assist you in making enrollment and placement decisions, providing notice of any appeal process, and filling out dispute forms.

If you have questions about enrollment in school, or want more information about the rights of homeless students in Illinois Public Schools, contact the district Homeless Education Program Liaison, call the appropriate Regional Homeless Education Liaison at (217)348-0151.

Neoga CUSD#3 Homeless Education Program Liaison:  The Superintendent

Cross-References:

PRESS 6:140, Education of Homeless Children

PRESS 6:140-AP, Education of Homeless Children

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12.40                 Family Life & Sex Education Classes

(Updated: May 2018)

Students will not be required to take or participate in any class or courses in comprehensive sex education; family life instruction; 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.

Cross-References:

PRESS 6:60-AP, Comprehensive Health Education Program

PRESS 6:60-E1, Notice to Parents/Guardians of Students Enrolled in Family Life and Sex Education Classes

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12.60 – English Learners

(Updated: June 2021)

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

Jordan Bear, Elementary Principal                                                 Jennifer Bridges, Jr.-Sr. High Principal
jbear@neogacusd3.net                                                        jbridges@neogacusd3.net
217-775-6049                                                                        217-775-6049

Cross Reference:

6:160, English Learners

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12.70 – School Visitation Rights

(Updated: November 2019)

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-Reference:

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

PRESS 8:95-E2, Verification of School Visitation

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12.80 – Pesticide Application Notice

(Updated: February 2010)

Pesticides are seldom used, but parents may place a request to be notified in the event of pesticide application with the board of education office.

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

Cross-Reference:

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

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12.90 – Mandated Reporter

(Updated: November 2009)

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.  Such reports will then be investigated by DCFS representatives, who are required to provide official identification.  The validity of the reporting will be determined in the end by DCFS.

Cross Reference:

PRESS 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting

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12.100 – Unsafe School Choice Option

(Updated: May 2018)

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 the District has only one school or attendance center. A student, who would otherwise have qualified for the choice option, or the student’s parent/guardian, may request special accommodations from building principal.

Cross-References:

PRESS 4:170, Safety

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12.105 – Student Privacy

(Updated: October 2021)

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-References:

PRESS 6:170-AP2, Notice to Parents Required by ESSA, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and Protection of Pupil Rights Act

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12.110 – Sex Offender Notification Law

(Updated: May 2024)

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 for any reason – 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.

Information about sex offenders or violent offenders against youth is available to the public on the Illinois State Police (ISP) website. The ISP website contains the following:

Illinois Sex Offender Registry, https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/Disclaimer

Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, https://isp.illinois.gov/MVOAY/Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Sex Offenders, https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/FAQs

Cross-References:

PRESS 4:170-AP2, Criminal Offender Notification Laws

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12.130 – Parent Notices Required by the Every Student Succeeds Act

(New: May 2018)

I. Teacher Qualifications

A parent/guardian may request, and the District will provide in a timely manner, the professional qualifications of your student’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, whether:

The teacher has met the State qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

The teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status.

The teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

Paraprofessionals provide services to the student and, if so, their qualifications.

II. Testing Transparency

The State and District requires students to take certain standardized tests. For additional information, see handbook procedure 12:20 2

A parent/guardian may request, and the District will provide in a timely manner, information regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by law or District policy, which shall include information on any applicable right you may have to opt your student out of such assessment.

III. Annual Report Card

Each year, the District is required to disseminate an annual report card that includes information on the District as a whole and each school served by the District, with aggregate and disaggregated information for each required subgroup of students including: student achievement on academic assessments (designated by category), graduation rates, district performance, teacher qualifications, and certain other information required by federal law. When available, this information will be placed on the District’s website at www.neoga.k12.il.us.

IV. Parent & Family Engagement Compact

V. Unsafe School Choice Option

The unsafe school choice option allows students to transfer to another District school or to a public charter school within the District under certain circumstances. For additional information, see handbook procedure 12:100.  5

VI. Student Privacy

Students have certain privacy protections under federal law. For additional information, see handbook procedure 12.105.  6

VII. 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. For additional information, see handbook procedure 12:60.  7

VIII. Homeless Students

For information on supports and services available to homeless students, see handbook procedure 12:30. 8

For further information on any of the above matters, please contact the building principal.

Cross-References:

PRESS 6:170-AP2, Notice to Parents Required by ESSA, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and Protection of Pupil Rights Act

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12.140 - Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

Professional and Appropriate Conduct

All District employees are expected to maintain high standards in their school relationships, to demonstrate integrity and honesty, to be considerate and cooperative, and to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students, parents, staff members, and others. In addition, the Code of Ethics for Illinois Educators, adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education, is incorporated by reference into this policy. Any employee who sexually harasses a student, willfully or negligently fails to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/), engages in grooming as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-25, engages in grooming behaviors, violates boundaries for appropriate school employee-student conduct, or otherwise violates an employee conduct standard will be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal.

The Superintendent or designee shall identify appropriate employee conduct standards and provide them to all District employees. Standards related to school employee-student conduct shall, at a minimum:

1. Incorporate the prohibitions noted in paragraph 1 of this policy;
2. Define prohibited grooming behaviors to include, at a minimum, sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is (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 include, but are not limited to:

1. A sexual or romantic invitation
2. Dating, or soliciting a date
3. Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog
4. Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student
5. Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
6. A sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with the student

3. Identify expectations for employees to maintain professional relationships with students, including expectations for employee-student boundaries based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels. Such expectations shall establish guidelines for specific areas, including but not limited to:

1. Transporting a student
2. Taking or possessing a photo or video of a student
3. Meeting with a student or contacting a student outside the employee’s professional role

4. Reference employee reporting requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7926);

5. Outline how employees can report prohibited behaviors and/or boundary violations pursuant to Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure; and 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; and
6. Reference required employee training related to educator ethics, child abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations as required by law and policies 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure; 4:165, Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors; 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; and 5:100, Staff Development Program.

Statement of Economic Interests

The following employees must file a Statement of Economic Interests as required by the Ill. Governmental Ethics Act:

1. Superintendent;
2. Building Principal;
3. Head of any department;
4. Any employee who, as the District's agent, is responsible for negotiating one or more contracts, including collective bargaining agreement(s), in the amount of $1,000 or greater;
5. Hearing officer;
6. Any employee having supervisory authority for 20 or more employees; and
7. Any employee in a position that requires an administrative or a chief school business official endorsement.

Ethics and Gift Ban

School Board policy 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban, applies to all District employees. Students shall not be used in any manner for promoting a political candidate or issue.

Prohibited Interests; Conflict of Interest; and Limitation of Authority

In accordance with Section 22-5 of the School Code, "no school officer or teacher shall be interested in the sale, proceeds, or profits of any book, apparatus, or furniture used or to be used in any school with which such officer or teacher may be connected," except when the employee is the author or developer of instructional materials listed with the Illinois State Board of Education and adopted for use by the Board. An employee having an interest in instructional materials must file an annual statement with the Board Secretary.

For the purpose of acquiring profit or personal gain, no employee shall act as an agent of the District nor shall an employee act as an agent of any business in any transaction with the District. This includes participation in the selection, award or administration of a contract supported by a federal award or State award governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) (30 ILCS 708/) when the employee has a real or apparent conflict of interest. A conflict of interest arises when an employee or any of the following individuals has a financial or other interest in the entity selected for the contract:

1. Any person that has a close personal relationship with an employee that may compromise or impair the employee’s fairness and impartiality, including a member of the employee’s immediate family or household;
2. An employee’s business partner; or
3. An entity that employs or is about to employ the employee or one of the individuals listed in one or two above.

Employees shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to agreements or contracts. Situations in which the interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value must comply with State law and Board policy 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban.

Guidance Counselor Gift Ban

Guidance counselors are prohibited from intentionally soliciting or accepting any gift from a prohibited source or any gift that would be in violation of any federal or State statute or rule. For guidance counselors, a prohibited source is any person who is (1) employed by an institution of higher education, or (2) an agent or spouse of or an immediate family member living with a person employed by an institution of higher education. This prohibition does not apply to:

1. Opportunities, benefits, and services available on the same conditions as for the general public.
2. Anything for which the guidance counselor pays market value.
3. A gift from a relative.
4. Anything provided by an individual on the basis of a personal friendship, unless the guidance counselor believes that it was provided due to the official position or employment of the guidance counselor and not due to the personal friendship. In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of personal friendship, the guidance counselor must consider the circumstances in which the gift was offered, including any of the following:

1. The history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the guidance counselor, including any previous exchange of gifts between those individuals.
2. Whether, to the actual knowledge of the guidance counselor, the individual who gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the gift.
3. Whether, to the actual knowledge of the guidance counselor, the individual who gave the gift also, at the same time, gave the same or a similar gift to other school district employees.

5. Bequests, inheritances, or other transfers at death.
6. Any item(s) during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100.
7. Promotional materials, including, but not limited to, pens, pencils, banners, posters, and pennants.

A guidance counselor does not violate this prohibition if he or she promptly returns the gift to the prohibited source or donates the gift or an amount equal to its value to a tax exempt charity.

Outside Employment

Employees shall not engage in any other employment or in any private business during regular working hours or at such other times as are necessary to fulfill appropriate assigned duties.

Incorporated
by reference: 5:120-E (Code of Ethics for Ill. Educators)

LEGAL REF.:

U.S. Constitution, First Amendment.

2 C.F.R. §200.318(c)(1).

5 ILCS 420/4A-101, Ill. Governmental Ethics Act.

5 ILCS 430/, State Officials and Employee Ethics Act.

30 ILCS 708/, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act.

50 ILCS 135/, Local Governmental Employees Political Rights Act.

105 ILCS 5/10-22.39, 5/10-23.13, 5/22-5, and 5/22-90 (final citation pending).

325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

775 ILCS 5/5A-102, Ill. Human Rights Act.

23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 22, Code of Ethics for Ill. Educators.

Pickering v. Board of Township H.S. Dist. 205, 391 U.S. 563 (1968).

Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410 (2006).

CROSS REF.:         

2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:125 (Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited)

Adopted: February 10, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Information pertaining only to the Jr.-Sr. High

Academic Load

In the best interest of the social and intellectual well-being of the student, the number of courses and activities which he or she carries shall be determined on the basis of his or her individual needs and capacity.  All students will be required to carry at least one unit of credit each quarter plus Physical Education.

Students who transfer to Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School will provide their transcript and course descriptions for evaluation by the school counselor.  A ruling on placement by the counselor will determine pupil classification and course enrollment.  Students who were previously home-schooled must submit their home-school curriculum and their letter of home-school certification from their Regional Office of Education.  The school psychologist will then administer an achievement assessment, and the results will be considered by a curriculum committee prior to enrollment and grade or course placement.  Some privately-schooled students may be required to follow the same procedures as a home-schooled student.  A student who meets the “homeless” definition may also be or remain enrolled by the counselor.

Junior high students will be promoted to the next grade upon administrative recommendation, after faculty consultation.  Consideration may include attendance, achievement, aptitude, and individual circumstances.  Remedial work may be recommended (or required) in lieu of retention. Parental input and support will be sought.  If remedial work is deemed inadequate or cannot be provided, retention in the same grade can result.

Senior high students will be classified in the next grade as they earn credit hours and credits according to the following schedule:

FRESHMEN:                         less than four units of credit

SOPHOMORE:                        at least four units of credit and

                        Four quarters of enrollment

JUNIOR:                                at least eight and one-half units of credit and

                        And eight quarters of enrollment

SENIOR:                at least thirteen units of credit and twelve quarters of enrollment

Students who do not meet these credit standards at the beginning of the school year but do reach them at semester may petition the principal for re-classification.  Students may retain their high school entry class for classification for yearbook pictures if they are enrolled in enough classes to make reclassification a possibility by the end of the semester.

Students who need extra services should ask their instructor(s) for help and suggestions.  If this assistance is inadequate, the student or parent should contact the counselor.  Tutoring or screening for specialized services may be possible.  Referrals to outside service agencies may also be warranted.

Announcement Procedures
Announcements from the office will be given in either written form or via the intercom system.  Only announcements which have the written approval of the principal or the secretary shall be read.

Assemblies and Alternative Learning Presentations

Throughout the year, assemblies and lyceums of various kinds will be held in the gymnasium.  Different type programs will be presented for your enjoyment and learning.  Some will appeal more to you than others; mature conduct, however, is expected at every program, and all speakers and entertainers should be treated courteously and with respect.

Attendance and mature conduct are also expected for all field trips and alternative learning environments.  Usually, one learns in proportion to his/her investment of time and effort.

Closed Campus

Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School is a closed campus.  Students are expected to remain at school from the opening bell until the ending bell.  Students with appropriate approval from the office may leave during the school day.  All Students leaving and returning must sign in/out in the office.  Students may only leave for lunch when accompanied by their parent/guardian.  The parent/guardian must report to the office to sign out the student.

College-Career Visitation

Two excused absences during the senior year will be granted for the purpose of college or vocational school visitation, armed services interview or testing, or post-graduate employment opportunities.  THE STUDENT MUST CLEAR THE PROPOSED VISIT IN ADVANCE WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR.  Students should plan these trips so they do not miss school on days when tests are being given.

College Requirements

Requirements for entering four-year colleges vary according to the institution and the major one wishes to pursue.  The Course Description Booklet contains specifics for various fields of study.  In general, the following are required:

4 years of English

3-4 years of mathematics

3-4 years of science (including 2 laboratory sciences)

3-4 years of social studies

2-4 years of foreign language, humanities, or vocational education

The following are desirable:  effective reading skills, keyboarding and computer applications skills, and wide participation in such extra-curricular activities as music, drama, sports, and school and community service.

Students who enroll in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and II colleges must also meet special requirements to practice or compete on an intercollegiate team during the first year of attendance.  In essence, a "C" average must have been earned in 16 core courses; in addition, an ACT composite minimum score is required.  The counselor should be consulted for more specifics.  Below is an overview of the NCAA Division I and II eligibility process:

Grades 9 and 10

•  Student takes academic college-preparatory courses, preferably one in each of the following areas:  English, math, science, social studies and foreign language.  The student should compare course selection against the list of NCAA-approved core courses.

Grade 11

• Student continues to take college preparatory courses in the areas listed above.

• Student registers for the SAT and/or ACT, making sure to use code 9999 at the time of registration.  Using code 9999 will ensure the score is reported directly to the Eligibility Center.
•  Student registers with the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.eligibilitycenter.org and completes both the academic information and the amateurism questionnaire.  The registration process requires a fee that can be waived if the student qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
•  At the end of the student’s sixth semester, the guidance counselor sends the student’s transcript (or transcripts, if more than one high school) to the Eligibility Center.

Grade 12

• Student continues to take college preparatory courses in English, math, science,      social studies and foreign language.  
• Student registers for additional ACT/SAT tests if necessary, making sure to use       code 9999 at the time of registration.
• On or after April 1 of the senior year, the student goes back to their Eligibility         Center account to update their academic and amateurism information and request   final amateurism certification.
• After graduation, the guidance counselor sends the student’s final transcript      (which needs to include evidence and the date that the student graduated) to the      Eligibility Center.

Corridor Pass

Students in the halls or restrooms after the tardy bell rings must have a valid pass from a faculty member.  Violation of this procedure may result in a detention being assigned.

Curriculum

Neoga High students should be able to find several courses in the Course Description Booklet which interest them or meet their individual educational needs.  Questions dealing with subject content should be addressed to the counselor or a teacher in the department in which the course is offered.

Certain topics or activities in a course which a parent finds objectionable (e.g. sexual abuse or religious issue, audio/video taping, movie, etc.) may be substituted for if the parent files a legitimate written objection with the principal.  District personnel will decide the nature and content of the substituted material or activity.

Driver’s Education

Each student will be placed in Driver's Education classes as space is available and scheduling allows.  Priority is given based on birth date, and every effort is made to have students prepared to receive their license by their birthday.  However, the student's safety and his/her larger academic needs come first.

Students enrolling in Driver's Education courses must have received a passing grade in at least eight courses during the previous two semesters prior to taking Driver's Education.  This requirement may be waived by the district superintendent for medical or other similar extenuating circumstances.

Poor attendance can disqualify a student from Driver's Education, by state regulations.  Each student must complete a minimum of thirty clock hours of classroom instruction in a given course (quarter).  In addition, six clock hours of practice driving must be completed during the BTW experience.  Excessive tardiness/absence or serious misbehaviors or suspensions during either phase of training can result in removal from that phase of instruction and loss of certification for the driver's license.  Substance impairment can also result in temporary or extended removal from Driver’s Education.

There are two fees which must be paid by a driver's education student.  The first is a $20.00 fee for the state permit as established by and payable to the State of Illinois.  The second fee is $150 service fee to cover part of the cost incurred by Neoga High School in providing behind-the-wheel instruction.  The second fee of $150 must be paid prior to participating in behind-the-wheel instruction.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School offers a variety of extra-curricular activities for students.  Only students enrolled through the Neoga District may participate.  

Each student is urged to participate in one or more extra-curricular activities....to be a doer and not a watcher.  Join activities that interest you.  There are athletics, music, drama, subject-oriented clubs, student council, publications, and interest groups.  When you commit yourself to the activity, you owe it your best effort not only to benefit the club but yourself.

However, POST-SCHOOL ACTIVITY participation or attendance on the same day must always be preceded by a minimum of full afternoon attendance beginning with 5th period; to do less would be to short-change your academic growth.  If you fall behind in your school work, extra help and teacher conferences take precedence over any extra-curricular activity, and you may be requested to drop extra activities.

While there is no disputing the important place grades hold in education today, the most vital factor is the total education an individual accumulates.  In order to take advantage of extra learning opportunities, plan your activity schedule carefully.  Don't become overloaded.  Obligations at home, church, and in the community should be considered in arriving at a program that will be most suitable for you.  Discuss this with your parents.  They should be informed of each extra-curricular activity in which you participate, its hours, schedule, practice sessions, and performances.

Our club program is designed to make available as many different types of clubs and activities as possible to meet the interests of the student body.  The plans, activities and functions of each club are decided upon and carried out by the members and their elected officers, with the help of an advisor.   Each club and organization is expected to perform one philanthropic project each school year.  Projects already meeting this standard have included Christmas Baskets, Blood Drive, campus improvements, and tutoring.  Planning for this project and for fundraisers should be done in September and October.  An approval form for both the "Service Project" and the "Fundraiser" are available in the office, and both must be pre-approved by the sponsor(s) and the principal for coordination purposes.  Dues are generally unacceptable.

All activities and functions taking place at Neoga Jr.-Sr. High School must be approved and scheduled by the principal’s office.  Any group which organizes for purpose, including just recognition, must receive prior approval for meetings or activities conducted on school property or at school functions.  Unauthorized groups and individuals who show signs of gang tendencies (dress identifiers, recruitment, a leadership hierarchy, hazing or violence, graffiti or unity symbols/gestures, etc.) will not be authorized to function in a safe school setting, and their discipline can be as severe as suspension or expulsion.

Fan and Team Buses

Under special circumstances, deemed by administration, a special fan bus may be provided to transport students to away games.  This is a privilege granted to those who do not abuse it.  A charge will be collected in advance to cover part of the cost of transportation.  A parent or responsible adult must accompany a junior high student when riding a senior high fan bus.  The following regulations must be followed:

        1.        All school district bus rules are in effect.  Any undesirable behavior will result in loss of privilege to ride the bus as well as further disciplinary action.

        2.        There must be a minimum of 40 paying fans and a district chaperone,  for a fan bus to be sent.

        3.        The bus will leave from the gymnasium entrance at the scheduled time.  It will not wait.  Students should be present five minutes early.

        4.        Students should not board the bus until the chaperon is present.

        5.        Students should be relatively quiet while on the bus.  Screaming and whistling will not be allowed. Singing and cheering are permitted if done properly in the chaperon's judgment.  Total silence is essential for safe railroad crossings.

        6.        Students may not stand or move about while the bus is moving.  Scuffling and throwing things are prohibited.

        7.        All students must remain seated in the gym until the game is over or the chaperon determines that bad weather or other factors dictate leaving.

        8.        Each student is required to return to the school on the same bus.  The only exception is if a parent tells the bus chaperon directly that he himself is taking his student home.  Coaches and chaperons will have sign-out sheets for the parent to sign after each event.

        9.        Reasonable dress and conduct appropriate to the situation are expected.  Any misbehavior will result in loss of the privilege of riding the fan bus and other appropriate discipline.

Grievance Procedures

An individual student or group of students who have a grievance may request a conference with the building principal.

Should the student not be satisfied at this point, an appeal may be filed with the Superintendent.  This appeal must be in writing.  The Superintendent shall set a time and place for a review and hearing of this grievance.

 If no solution can be arrived at, a further appeal may be made by the student by filing a letter with the Secretary of the Board of Education stating the grievance and reason for the appeal.  The Secretary shall set a time and place for a hearing with the Board of Education.

Lake Land College

One of the objectives of education is to assist each student to progress at his own pace so that students will experience as many different learning experiences and challenges as possible.  With this in mind, Neoga High School permits students to be concurrently enrolled in Neoga High School and Lake Land College, provided certain criteria are met.  The student must have met or be presently completing all graduation requirements and/or desire enrollment in the next course in a sequence that is not offered at Neoga High School.  Additional information is available in the guidance office.  All concurrent enrollment requests must be PRE-APPROVED by the high school principal.

Library/Instructional Materials Center

The library is open for students and faculty from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.  The library can be used by students as a quiet study hall or recreational reading room.  Browsing for reading materials is allowed for a reasonable period of time.  Reference materials are available if a student needs to secure materials for a report or a lesson.  Students are encouraged to utilize the materials in the library.  However, misconduct or disturbing others may cause a student to lose his/her library privilege.  

Fiction and nonfiction books may be check out for two weeks.  Reference books may be checked out for overnight use only and must be returned by 8:05 a.m.  A few special volumes should never leave the library.

Books on loan through the interlibrary loan system are due in accordance to the owning library’s policies.  Renewals are not always granted.

Three overdue notices are given to students requesting that the book be brought in for renewal or returned.  These notices may also be sent by email.  Failing to renew/return the item will result in lost book charges and the possible loss of library privileges.  Damaged material will result in fines for replacement.  Fines may be avoided by replacing a lost or damaged item.  It must have the same title and ISBN # and be in new or like-new condition.

What are Young Adult books?

Our collection of books is full of variety, and we add new books to the collection every year.  Due to the fact that we have students ranging from about 10 to 18 years old, we keep a wide range of books for all grade levels.  Children mature at different rates and have different backgrounds and interests.  To help with this matter, our library is continuously applying YA stickers on young adult books (those recommended for older grades.) These books may contain profanity, mature content, and/or violence.  Parents can easily see if there is a YA sticker on the spine and deem the appropriateness for their student.

Many of our books have been here for years and therefore, not all books that may need a sticker have them.  Students and parents are encouraged to recommend when a young adult sticker should be considered.  All students are educated regarding the meaning of the YA label at the beginning of the school year.  The Librarian is not responsible for the quality/content of the material your student chooses to check out.    

This sticker is not in any way a warning, restriction, or a means of censorship.  The purpose is to give a “heads up” to those students who may feel uncomfortable reading material that may contain more mature content, and for parents to easily identify and assess the possible content of the book.

LOCKERS

Students have been provided with lockers for the storage of hats, coats, books, etc., and school-related materials.  All students assigned a school locker shall be subject to the following provisions:

1.        For the safety and welfare of the students, ownership of the locker is maintained by the school district,
        and the student is granted a limited use of the locker in accordance with this policy.

2.        The only items that may be placed in the lockers are articles of clothing, school books and supplies
        related to school use, lunches, and personal items which the student needs for school activities.

3.        THE SCHOOL DISTRICT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO HAVE ITS OFFICIALS INSPECT THE CONTENTS OF ANY
        LOCKER AT ANY TIME WHEN THE SAFETY AND/OR WELFARE OF THE SCHOOL OR STUDENT IS IN
        QUESTION.  IN BRIEF, STUDENTS SHOULD NOT KEEP ANYTHING IN THEIR LOCKERS THAT THEY WOULD
        NOT WANT SOMEONE TO SEE.  SKATEBOARDS, CD’S, TOYS, ANIMALS, AND OTHER NON-SCHOOL RELATED
        ITEMS MUST BE LEFT AT HOME.  LOCKERS MUST BE KEPT ORGANIZED AND FREE OF CLUTTER AND
        TRASH.

This statement should be considered PRIOR NOTICE of our locker search procedure.

The following statements are some important points to remember:

1.        Students are assigned lockers by the office and locker assignments should not be changed except upon
        presentation of a satisfactory reason to a building administrator.

2.        STUDENTS WILL BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGE DONE TO THEIR LOCKER.  PICTURES, PAPER, ETC. SHOULD NOT
        BE TAPED OR OTHERWISE ADHERED IN/TO THE LOCKERS.  HARDWARE MAY BE REARRANGED ONLY BY
        AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.

3.               If an article belonging to you appears to have been lost or stolen, search your locker thoroughly.  Then, if
        the article isn't found, check to see if it has been turned in to the school office.  The school district
        assumes no responsibility for lost items.

4.         Large sums of money, medication, or valuable items should not be kept in your locker. They should
be checked in to the office for safekeeping.

Students are responsible for all items in their assigned locker.

Any difficulties with your locker should be reported to the office immediately.  Students will be responsible for any marking, damage, etc. done to their locker.  If you notice any damage, etc. report it to the office immediately.  Please note, in the event of a locker search, the assigned student is responsible for all items in their locker.

National Honor Society

A new chapter of the National Honor Society was organized in 1980 to honor those high school students who demonstrate high standards in the areas of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. No student is inducted simply because of a high academic average; the junior or senior student is chosen for his total achievement in the four areas.  To qualify for induction, a student must:

a.          have a 4.50 cumulative grade-point average,

b.          have met all frosh-soph requirements;

c.          A Junior must have taken Algebra I, (Algebra IA for the Class of 2019), Geometry Informal Geometry does
        not meet requirement), and currently enrolled in Algebra II.  A Senior must have completed all the Junior
        year requirements or currently be enrolled in Algebra II.

d.          have taken biology (or an advanced science class);

e.          have demonstrated involvement and service in school and non-school activities;

f.          be nominated by at least one faculty member

g.          display leadership qualities within the school or community environment          

            (examples: class officer, club officer, student council officer, church youth group officer, Boy/Girl Scout
        leadership,4-H leadership, etc.)

h.          have no failing grade for any quarter

A faculty council will consider each nominee's level of achievement in the prescribed areas, and extend an invitation for membership to those who meet the criteria.

Members are also expected to obey all school rules and regulations and to exhibit high standards of character and leadership at all times.  Any member who deliberately violates school or civil laws may be dismissed by the faculty council.  For flagrant violations, a member does not necessarily have to be warned.  A member is allowed only one warning period.

National Honor Society Members are expected to maintain the scholastic standards used as the basis for election to the Society.  One grading period of warning will be given to correct scholastic deficiencies.

Schedule Changes

Students are permitted to make schedule changes only when they are clearly warranted.  Since pre-registration for each school year begins in January, ample time is provided for careful planning of the schedule by the parents, the student, and the counselor.  Changes in program are permitted through the final registration period in August.

Despite this policy, it is recognized that circumstances exist after school begins which do warrant legitimate change of schedule.  When these changes occur, approval of the parent and the counselor is needed.  Students should acquire a "class schedule change" form from the guidance office to be signed by the parent and counselor as the first step in initiating a change. The change will be finalized when the "original" is returned to the office.  Students who drop a course usually WILL NOT receive credit for partial completion of a course.

Semester Exams
Every serious student will benefit from the review and integration of material covered in the current semester.  For that reason, students are given semester exams twice each year. Students must be present during the review days as well as during all of the exam schedule, unless they have verifiable medical appointments.  Second semester seniors who have not wavered out of all exams must attend both review days plus the remaining exam periods.  Each quarter's grade will constitute forty percent of the semester grade, and the semester exam will comprise the remaining twenty percent.  The student must pass 2 of the 3 factors in order to pass the Semester.  

Spectator Conduct

Any student or visitor who behaves in an un-sportsmanlike manner during an athletic or other extra-curricular event may be ejected from the event the person is attending.  The student, visitor, or adult may also be denied admission to school events for up to a year after a Board of Education hearing.

Examples of un-sportsmanlike conduct include:

using vulgar or obscene language;

possessing or being under the influence of any alcoholic or illegal substance;

possessing a weapon;

fighting or otherwise striking or threatening another person;

failing to obey the instructions of a security officer or a school district employee;

and engaging in any harassing, illegal or disruptive activity.

Student Council Activity Sign

The lighted activity sign in the parking lot was provided through the efforts of Student Council with help from the school and community. A council committee accepts significant calendar items and posts them each Monday.  Posting requests must be submitted to the office by the end of 2nd period each Monday.  The Student Council retains the right of determining priority in the event of too many requests.

Study Habits

All of us have habits, some good, some bad.  It is always easier to accomplish something if you have made a habit of it.  Your studying can be easier too, if you make a habit of it. This isn't a difficult job.  All you have to do is this:

-        Prepare a schedule for study.  Have a definite time to prepare each lesson.

-        Thoroughly understand the assignment and follow the suggestions of the teacher concerning the particular lesson you are preparing.

-        Provide yourself with the needed materials for preparing the lesson before you begin to study.

-        Concentrate while you study.  Do not allow your mind to wander.

-        Work independently.  Do not accept or ask for help if you can help yourself.

-        Don't be satisfied with just "getting by."

-        Be prompt with each assignment.  Budget your time so that all work is ready when due.

-         In reading, learn to sift out the big ideas from the smaller ones.  Make yourself familiar with the simple mechanics of outlining.

-        Learn to discover and put in your own words the main topics and subjects found in material you read.

-        Learn to express the essential thought of a selection in brief sentences that have meaning to you.

-        Work out for yourself some helpful method for studying for examinations.

-        Make every effort to familiarize yourself with the resources of the library.

-        Lazy and listless reading is no more effective than lazy, listless work of any sort.

-        Try to speed up your rate of reading.  As you go farther in education the lessons become longer. Practice reading at high speeds.

-        Read each assignment rapidly to fix the outline in your mind.  Then read it a second time, more slowly and more thoughtfully.

-        Read with the intention of recalling.  Stop frequently and make yourself recall what you have read.

Tardiness

Students shall be in their seats ready for class when the tardy bell rings.  Students who enter class after the tardy bell rings will be considered tardy, and may receive disciplinary action.  It should be understood that students may be dropped from class or have their privileges restricted if they fail to correct the "tardy problem."  This action will be taken after other corrective measures have been unsuccessful.

Tardiness will be considered as “excessive tardiness” after fifteen minutes into the period, and will be recorded as a period absence. Under such conditions, students will be assigned additional make-up time.

Vehicle Use

If a vehicle agreement is current and on file with the office, a student shall be allowed to drive his mode of transportation (car, bicycle, motorized vehicle) to school.  After arriving on school grounds, that student shall not be allowed to drive from the school grounds at any time unless:

1.        The student is leaving on a school-sponsored work program or activity.

2.        The student has an appointment cleared through the office.

3.        Written permission from the parent or guardian is given.

4.        The student agrees the car or motorcycle is not a valid excuse for tardiness.  

For the welfare of the driver and others, the following conditions must be maintained by the driver if the student is to drive an automobile, motorcycle, etc., to school.  The driver agrees to abide by the following conditions:

1.        No careless, fast, reckless, or hazardous driving on the school grounds or to and from school activities.  All "Rules of the Road" will be adhered to.

2.        No one is to sit in the vehicle during the school day or during any school activity.  Vehicles must be parked and vacated immediately upon arrival in the parking lot.

3.        No tobacco may be used in the vehicle while it is on the school grounds.  The same applies for alcoholic beverages, and other prohibited substances and contraband.  School officials reserve the right to search the vehicle.

4.        Cars must be parked in the school parking lot.   The row nearest the gymnasium and the row nearest the Board Office is reserved for faculty and visitors.

5.        No student is allowed to go to the parking lot during the school day unless authorized by the office.

6.        The school district reserves the right to restrict or revoke any student's driving privileges.

Withdrawal and/or Transfer

The procedures for withdrawal for transferring is as follows:

1.        Secure note authorizing withdrawal or transfer from your parent or guardian.

2.        Obtain appropriate forms from the Guidance office.

3.        Have the forms filled out by teachers; return all school books and property; and make sure all fees are paid.

4.        Take completed forms to the guidance office for final clearance.

For the benefit of the school to which a student is transferring, the student should get a copy of the grades and subjects he is presently taking from the counselor.  Again, fees and other school indebtedness should be paid, all library books turned in, and all textbooks turned in to the teachers.  STUDENT SERVICES MAY BE WITHHELD UNTIL ALL INDEBTEDNESS HAS BEEN SATISFIED.

Work Permits

Good judgment must be exercised in seeking employment. A student's first responsibility is to the school work.  If a job deprives a student of study time and participation in school activities, that student will not be able to maintain a satisfactory school record.

Work permits and all pertinent information are available in the Jr.-Sr. High school office.  A work permit is required by law in the State of Illinois for every employed minor (for each job held).  The purpose of a work permit is to prevent a minor from working in a hazardous or otherwise dangerous occupation.

A statement from the prospective employer is required of all minors requesting a work permit.  Minors under the age of sixteen must also present parents' signatures to obtain a permit.

A minor under the age of sixteen may not work more than three hours on school days or between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.  Minors under sixteen are restricted as to jobs they may legally hold.  Check to make sure the job for which you are applying is acceptable under the Child Labor Law.

The completed required forms and documents may be brought to the Jr.-Sr. High School office for issuance of the work permit.  Once issued, 2 copies will be given to the student, one for the employer and one for the student.  There is no charge for a work permit.

APPENDIX A

NEOGA JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC POLICIES/PROCEDURES

                                SENIOR HIGH                                              JUNIOR HIGH

MISSING                              A.  Advanced notice required; excused by discretion

PRACTICE                   B.  If unexcused practice; 

1st:  Conference + 1 Contest suspension and/or conditioning

2nd:  2 Contest suspension

3rd:  Dismissal

MISSING                              A.  Advance notice required: excused by discretion

GAME                          B.  Unexcused game:  2 contest suspension to dismissal

ALCOHOL/                  A.  First-hand evidence required

TOBACCO                   B.  Abuse established within 365 days

DRUG ABUSE                    1st:  3 contest suspension***

                                                     2nd:  season dismissal (min 50%)

                                             3rd:  365 day dismissal

DISRESPECT              A.  To coach, official, fan or equipment

                                     B.  Warning to dismissal at Coach’s discretion

ACADEMIC/                A.  Weekly check; no “F” allowed

BEHAVIOR                  B.  Ineligibility period till next check; effective on Monday following.

ELIGIBILITY                             May practice, but not attend contests with team.

 C.  Ineligible for season on 3rd week

 D.  Ineligible for one contest for each day suspended.

 E.  High school students must pass 5 classes per semester to remain          eligible for the following semester.  If a student does not pass  5 classes for a given semester, they will be ineligible for the entire following semester.

 APPEAL                       A.  Athlete/Coach conference

PROCESS/                    B.  Athlete/Parent/Coach conference

CHAIN OF                     C.  Athlete/Parent/Athletic Director or

COMMAND                         Athlete/Parent/Coach/Athletic Director conference

                                       D.  Athlete/Parent/Principal conference