 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
About UsPrincipal Message |
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
Student HandbookContents Revised March 2005 Click Here to Download Printable PDF Version
Dear ICS FamiliesWelcome to Iroquois Community School (ICS). We are glad you have chosen ICS for your school and look forward to being of service to your entire family throughout your years with us. This handbook contains information, which we hope will answer most of your questions concerning various procedures here at ICS. Throughout the year we will be asking you for feedback on how well we are supporting you and your family. However, if you have any questions or suggestions at any time, please do not hesitate to call us at (847) 824-1308. Please accept my best wishes for a most successful school year. ICS CovenantIn affirmation of the mission of District 62, we, the Iroquois Community School, will work together to provide the best possible educational climate, curriculum, resources, and staff in order to equip our students with the skills necessary for their success as responsible citizens, productive workers, and lifelong learners. Iroquois Community School includes our students and their families, our school personnel, other members of our school system, and our community. Working together means sharing a commitment to follow the ICS covenant to the best of our abilities. Iroquois Community School is a place where we:
The community of learners at Iroquois Community School will:
We, the Iroquois Community School, make this Covenant with all who enter our doors. Adopted by Covenant Subcommittee in May, 1999 Accepted by Site Development Council - May 19, 1999 ICS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES(Created by ICS students in grades 1-8, Fall 1997) Rights1. To be respected · To be heard · To be treated kindly · To be trusted. 2. To speak for yourself. 3. To have fun · To enjoy school. 4. To be safe. 5. To learn · To make choices. Responsibilities1. To be respectful · To listen · To be kind to others · To be honest. 2. To respect the opinions of others. 3. To think before you act. To follow rules. To set a good example. To control behavior. 4. To follow rules. 5. To give 100%; To pay attention; To be prepared; To learn; To complete homework. In order for each student to freely practice their rights, the following is an explanation of specific responsibilities for which each student will be held accountable: To be respectful:To listen; To be friendly to others; To be honest.
Respect the Opinion of Others:To listen and be open-minded; To allow others to express their opinion; To Think Before You Act;To follow rules; To set a good example; To control behavior.
To Follow Rules;To maintain a safe school environment; To promote a positive learning experience. Give 100%:To pay attention; To be prepared; To learn.
Students in grades 4-8 will use an assignment notebook. Teachers at all grade levels will assign homework. As a rule, students will receive homework assignments each school day, and the amount of time required to complete such homework will typically be no less than 10 minutes per grade level per day. This will vary per child, according to strengths and challenges. Parents will be expected to provide a quiet, well-lighted place for children to study and to see that their children complete homework assignments. Families are encouraged to use this time for reading and studying when formal homework is not assigned. Parents may, but will not be expected, to assist their children in understanding homework. Students will complete homework and submit it to their teachers on time. Homework will be returned in a timely manner. Homework will count toward the report card.
As a result of fulfilling responsibilities, students are entitled to the following rights:
Parents InformationWhen students violate one of their Responsibilities, they are issued a Courtesy Class. Classes take place for one (1) hour after school. These classes are taught by one or more teachers, who sit down and discuss the issue(s) with the student. We discuss what happened, who it affected, and what can be done differently in the future. Before issuing a Courtesy Class, teachers use other methods/techniques to help with the behavior. If students receive one (1) Courtesy Class, they lose the privilege to attend the end-of-the-year party that honors students who did not receive a Courtesy Class all school year. If a student receives three (3) Courtesy Classes in a quarter, a meeting is called with parents and staff. The goal is to come up with an alternative system of dealing with that child’s misbehavior. Every quarter, students start with a clean slate. Middle school students who receive 2 or more Courtesy Classes during the school year are not allowed to become a member of National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). NJHS is a society that values both scholarship and citizenship. Possible Consequences for Violating the Rights and Responsibilities
Possible Positive Reinforcement for Respecting the Rights and Responsibilities
Daily ProceduresStudent EntryIn the morning, all students are to assemble on the playground area behind the school. Morning supervision will begin at 7:40 AM. The outdoor supervisors will be available to direct students to the playground and away from cars and bus drop off zones. Grade specific doors are assigned to allow safety upon entrance to the school. If students plan to use the LMC, computer lab, or meet with a teacher, they are to use the front doors. In order to see a teacher in the morning, students must obtain a pass from the teacher. Otherwise, all students will enter through their assigned doors. AnnouncementsThe day will begin with pertinent school announcements followed by the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance. Additional announcements will be allowed before or after lunch and at the end of the school day. This will be done on an as needed basis so as not to unnecessarily disturb the educational process of our learners. Name TagsIn our school community, every student and staff member will wear a nametag identifying themselves as a member of the ICS community. In addition, visitors will also be required to wear a nametag. The purpose of our nametag is to ensure safety and a sense of community among us, as we greet each other by name. Nametags should remain in the school building at all times, and, except for gym recess, should be worn the entire school day. Communication with School PersonnelThe teachers are pleased to schedule individual conferences whenever you or they feel the need to talk about your child’s progress or program. If you’d like to schedule a conference, please call the office at (847) 824-1308. In addition, ICS will have periodic open houses and evening activities. A school-wide weekly newsletter goes home to each family on Friday. Inclement WeatherStudents will be allowed in the building at 7:40 AM and are to sit by their lockers. If students are already in the LMC, computer lab, or a teacher’s room, they may remain at that location until the school days begins. AttendanceRegular school attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. The activities that take place in the classroom are a vital part of the teaching-learning process. Days lost from class can never be recaptured. Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation. Persistent absenteeism creates a genuine hardship for a student and is regarded as a very serious problem. Attendance and TardinessAttendance will be taken in the morning and when afternoon classes begin. The following schedule will be used to determine tardiness:
Students who enter their classrooms after these times will be marked tardy. They are required to report to the office for a late pass. Whenever parents/guardians anticipate their child to be late, they are encouraged to notify the school office. Parents/guardians are expected to allow enough time so their child can arrive at school on time. Students are eligible to attend after-school activities provided they attend their afternoon classes. Excused AbsencesIt is recognized that there are times when students cannot or should not attend school. Such absences are classified as “excused absences”. An absence shall be excused when a child is absent from school because of illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the control of the students, as determined by the school board or such other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the safety or health of the student. TruancyStudent absenteeism, which is not classified as “excused”, is identified as truancy. A student who is diagnosed as experiencing an attendance problem shall be offered supportive services to include, but not limited to, student-teacher conference, parent conferences, individual counseling, family counseling, and information about community services that are available to the student and relevant to his/her needs. In accordance with The School Code of Illinois, no punitive action, including out of school suspensions, expulsions, or court action shall be taken against a chronic truant for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student. Students who are identified as chronic truants will be reported to the office of the Regional Superintendent of Schools. Emergency Weather ConditionsSchool ClosingsIn the event it becomes necessary to close District 62 schools, announcements will be made over the following stations: If it is determined in the early morning District 62 schools are to be closed, the following telephone tree goes into effect: principal calls ICSC President, ICSC President calls room parents, room parents call parents. Early School Admittance PlanEven on the very coldest days, the earliest that students will be admitted into the school building is 7:40 AM. The determination for early admittance will be made according to the U.S. Weather bureau’s 7:00 AM report as to the temperature and wind chill. The U.S. Army wind chill chart is used in computing the wind chill factor. As a check and back up system, a special weather radio station giving 24-hour reports from The National Weather Service is utilized. This device also serves as a tornado or disaster warning device. HealthMedicationDistrict 62 has a written policy on the use of prescription and non-prescription medications by students. ADMINISTERING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TO STUDENTS7.271The primary responsibility for administering medications to students rests with the student’s parents/guardians. Whenever possible, all medications should be administered by parents prior to and at the conclusion of the school day. Students recovering from temporary illness or students on permanent medication who require prescription medication during the school day may be administered medication at school. In addition, the policy for self-administering asthma medications shall be substantially based on the Recommended Guidelines for Medication Administration in the Schools published by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the State Board of Education and Section 5/22-30 of the Illinois School Code regarding student self-administration of asthma medication.
ADMINISTERING NONPRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TO STUDENTS7.272The primary responsibility for administering medications to students rests with the student’s parents/guardians. Whenever possible, all medications should be administered by parents prior to and at the conclusion of the school day. In cases of emergency requiring the administration of nonprescription medication during the school day, students may bring such medication to school in a dosage sufficient for one day.
Accident and IllnessesIn case of illness or injury, a student will be cared for temporarily by school personnel. As authorized on the student emergency information form, the school will act on the parent/guardian’s behalf to make arrangements for emergency care and transportation (i.e. ambulance if necessary). It should be further understood that the school district will assume no responsibility nor be liable for the costs of such transportation or medical care. Remember, an emergency telephone number where parents can be reached and the name and telephone number of the student’s family doctor must be on file at the school and should be kept current. Please report any changes to the school office immediately. If an illness or emergency occurs, every effort will be made to notify parents immediately. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the adult listed on the emergency form will be contacted. In the event that neither the home nor emergency number can be reached, the student will receive appropriate first aid and be allowed to rest until the parent/guardian can be located. Each school has a health clerk who is available each school day and the services of a registered nurse who is available with the District on a full-time basis. The health clerks have first aid training and are able to care for minor health problems or emergencies. They are also responsible for administering the hearing and vision tests. Lunch ProgramThere are three options available to students for lunch:
Students are not covered by the district’s student accident insurance if they leave the school grounds for any reason during the lunch hour except to eat at home. This is a safety factor and is extremely important. Hot Lunch ProgramHot lunches are contracted out to a private company that publishes a monthly menu of meals that is sent home with each child. The menu of the week is provided in the ICS weekly newsletter. Parents are advised to check the menu regularly to make sure the daily meal is agreeable to the child’s taste and to avoid food allergies. In the event that a child loses or forgets his lunch money, a lunch may be charged at the school office. Only one lunch may be charged at any one time, and the child will be sent home with a reminder note as to the amount of the charge. Meal tickets may be purchased in advance at the school office. These advanced tickets are kept in the lunchroom and need not be used on consecutive days. Students are given a notice when they have one ticket left. Students from families whose annual gross income is at or below the government schedule may qualify for free or reduced lunch prices. Information is distributed to all parents at the beginning of the school year, or you may contact the school office with any questions you may have. Students may purchase white or chocolate milk and/or ice cream desserts for reasonable prices in the cafeteria. Students are expected to demonstrate common courtesy and appropriate manners during lunch. Lunch RecessLunch hour recess is held out of doors whenever possible. Therefore, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for all weather conditions. Fruit BreakA student “snack time” is a part of many classrooms at ICS. The students are allowed to bring fruit, vegetables, cheese or other healthy snack items to eat in the classroom each morning. SafetyBirth CertificatesPublic Act 84-1430 imposes several duties on school districts, which are intended to combat the problem of missing children. One of these duties is to inform the local law enforcement agencies if the school does not receive either of the following:
The mandates of this law are placed on students entering District 62 for the first time. Fire and Disaster DrillsDuring fire and disaster drills, talking is absolutely forbidden. Students are required to walk and follow directions of the staff. We practice evacuating the building at least ten times during the school year. Each classroom reports to a designated place on the school grounds. The drills are not announced ahead of time to ensure that each child knows what to do in a real emergency. Disaster drills are held one time per year. Use and Possession of Hazardous ItemsStudents use or possession of any of the following items is strictly prohibited by Iroquois Community School and District 62 policy:
Electronic DevicesElectronic devices (including cell phones and pagers) of any kind can not be used during the school day. Safety PatrolThe safety patrol is utilized to aid in the health and safety of all children. Patrol guards are not permitted to discipline children. They can only report unsafe behavior to the principal or adult in charge. Students can easily identify patrol guards as they wear optic orange belts or vests. The safety patrol will consist of students in the grades 5 –8. Adult crossing guards are posted at major cross streets before school, during the noon hours, and after school. BicyclesOnly students in grades 3 through 8 are permitted to ride bicycles to and from school. All students should know the bicycle safety rules before being allowed to ride their bikes. Students must walk their bicycles across busy streets. Students should lock their bicycles in the provided bicycle rack. Scooters and RollerbladesStudents may ride these to school, but they must be walked on school property. Rollerblades and scooters must be secured in student lockers. Drop Off and Pick Up ProceduresDrop Off and Pick UpThe students may arrive any time after 7:40 AM. Buses have the right of way in the morning for drop-offs. Car drop-offs are highly encouraged to use Birch Street. Students should gather on the playground to for the 7:53 AM. line-up bell. The entry bell will ring at 7:55 AM. At that time, students will enter through the designated doors. Students who arrive after 7:55 AM should enter through the front entrance. If arrival is after 8:00 AM, students should go to the office for an “admit” slip. Please drive slowly and be constantly on the alert for children whenever driving around school. When bus stop signs are extended, you must stop! Student OrientationClass PlacementAll new families must complete a student placement form for each child attending ICS. This will provide teachers with information about the student’s academic interests and strengths, as well as the student’s social, emotional, and physical characteristics. This information will be used to help create balanced classrooms. Meet and GreetPrior to the first day of school, there will be a “Meet and Greet”. This is an opportunity for students and their families to come and see their classrooms, meet their teachers, drop off their supplies, receive their lockers and tour the building. In addition, students, families and staff will have several other opportunities to meet and get to know each other throughout the school year. IntersessionThe intersession program follows the policies and procedures of Iroquois Community School. This program is designed to provide your child with a well-supervised and nurturing environment. Intersession is open to all ICS students. The focus of our program is to complement your child’s classroom experience with educationally enriching activities. It is also designed to be an affordable, quality program that meets the needs of ICS parents and children. We realize that it is difficult to find appropriate child care for the three intersessions and believe that our intersession program will help to meet this need while also providing opportunities for enriching your child’s educational experience. The environment and curriculum are designed to provide experiences that stimulate a child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development in an enjoyable atmosphere. The program will consist of a daily Mini-Camp comprised of different activities, specialized Discovery Classes, and classes designed for academic enhancement. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and classes such as computers, music, sports, arts and crafts, science, math, dance, and drama. A program listing the classes and activities offered will be sent out before each intersession. Intersession PhilosophyThe intersession staff is comprised of people of varying professional and educational backgrounds: ICS staff, retired teachers, high school and college students and volunteers who have developed expertise in various fields. All staff members have a strong desire to work with and encourage children. The intersession staff is committed to the following guidelines:
AbsencesPlease call our office by 8:00 AM to report your child absent. If we do not hear from you by 8:30, you will be called by telephone to determine where your child is. Dress CodeChildren should wear casual, comfortable clothes. The children may be participating in athletic activities so they should wear appropriate clothes and shoes for these events. Sandals are not recommended. Lunches and SnacksThere is a morning and an afternoon fruit break. It is suggested that you provide your child(ren) with nutritious snacks for these breaks. Lunches are available for purchase. “Free and reduced lunches” are not provided during intersessions. SECRET SOCIETIES7.192Gangs and Gang-Related ActivitiesThe presence of or student involvement in gangs or gang-related activities on school grounds, while school is in session, or at school-related events, including the display of gang symbols or paraphernalia, is strictly prohibited. Any student who violates this policy shall be subject to suspension or expulsion in accordance with the district student discipline policy. As used in this policy, a “gang” is defined as any group composed in whole or in part of students that have one or more of the following as a purpose or activity: intimidating, threatening, or inflicting physical violence upon any person, committing illegal acts, or violating school rules. As used in this policy, the phrase “gang-related activity” shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE BY STUDENTS7.194Student possession, use, sale or transfer of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants, drugs not properly prescribed, illegal drugs or controlled substances, “look-alike” drug or substance, or drug paraphernalia on school property or at school-sponsored events is strictly prohibited by the Board of Education. Transfer or sale of any drug properly prescribed by a licensed physician is strictly prohibited by the Board of Education. The prohibition on use of alcohol, intoxicants, drugs, etc. is intended to prohibit students from exhibiting any physical or mental effects reasonably attributable to consumption of such substances. For the purposes of this policy, the term “look-alike” means any substance or item which is not, but reasonably appears to be, or is represented to be, the real substance or item. An example is a green leafy plant material which is not, but is claimed, believed, or appears to be marijuana. For the purposes of this policy, “possession” means having knowledge of, and any control over, an item. Control includes, but is not limited to, having access to an item in a school locker, personal effects, or other place where the item is located. It is not necessary that a student intend to control the item. A student may acquire knowledge of an item visually, by being told about the item, or through other sensory perception. A student’s knowledge will be determined based on the surrounding circumstances, not just the student’s statements.
DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS7.196Possession, use, control or transfer of any object which may be used to cause bodily harm, including but not limited to knives, guns, brass knuckles, billy clubs, look-alike weapons, etc. is strictly prohibited by the Board of Education. Sticks, baseball bats, pipes, bottles, pens, pencils, compasses, etc., may be considered weapons if used or intended to be used to cause bodily harm. An example of a “look-alike” weapon is a toy gun, which is very difficult to distinguish, except upon close examination, from an actual gun. For the purposes of this policy, “possession” means having knowledge of, and any control over, an item. Control includes, but is not limited to, having access to an item in a school locker, personal effects, or other place where the item is located. It is not necessary that a student intend to control the item. A student may acquire knowledge of an item visually, by being told about the item, or through other sensory perception. A student’s knowledge will be determined based on the surrounding circumstances, not just the student’s statements. For example, “forgetting” that an item is in one’s locker or personal effects does not constitute lack of knowledge. A student in violation of the provisions of the above paragraph shall be subject to immediate expulsion from school in accordance with appropriate state and federal laws. Furthermore, the building principal or designee shall notify the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system of any student who brings a firearm or weapon to school.
STUDENT SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION7.200Suspension From SchoolThe Superintendent (or designee) or any principal shall be authorized to suspend pupils guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, as defined in this policy, and no action shall lie against them for such suspension. The suspension shall be for a term not to exceed ten school days. Upon written request by the parent or guardian of a suspended student, the suspension shall be reviewed by the Board of Education or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. Suspension from Riding a BusThe Superintendent or any principal shall be authorized to suspend any pupil guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus from riding the bus if such bus service is provided through contractual agreement by the school district, and no action shall lie against them for such suspension. The definition of gross disobedience and misconduct, as set forth in this policy, shall be applicable. The suspension, except if for a temporary period, shall continue until it has been reviewed by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. Expulsion from School
Appointment and Utilization of Hearing Officers:
Gross Disobedience or Misconduct DefinedGross disobedience or misconduct, which may lead to suspension or expulsion of a student pursuant to the provisions of federal and state statutes, shall include any activity or behavior which might reasonably lead school authorities to forecast substantial disruption or material interference with school activities or which in fact is a substantial disruption or material interference with school activities. Disciplinary action may be taken against any student guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, whenever and wherever a student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:
Gross disobedience or misconduct shall also include, but not be limited to, the following types of activities or behavior
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Working
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
©2008 by Community Consolidated School District 62 |
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|