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Parent Resources
Back to School Safety - Crossing Intersections
District 62 has eleven schools throughout Des Plaines. Children are found walking to and from these schools throughout the entire school year. Crossing guards are present to help children cross the streets safely. In Des Plaines there are approximately 41 schools crossing zones where crossing guards are stationed. Crossing guards wear a traffic safety vest and hold a portable stop sign making it easy to identify them. Everyone must obey his or her lawful commands. State law requires full obedience to crossing guards, equal to that of a police officer. Any person convicted of violating this law is subject to a mandatory fine of $150.00.
Please visit http://www.desplaines.org/services/police/CrossingGuards.asp for a Crossing Guard Map. Care for more information regarding crossing guards? Please call 847-827-2832.
Keeping Our Children Safe
Back to School is an important time for District 62 students and families. Sadly, it’s also an important day for Stranger Dangers. District 62 works closely with the District 62 school resource officer, local police departments, and our staff to ensure the safety of our students. We also want to remind parents to discuss the following safety precautions with your children:
- Children should not approach motor vehicles carrying strangers asking for directions. Adults don't need directions from children!
- Set up a code word with your children in the event of an emergency. A friend may have to pick up your child/children somewhere other than school and you need a plan. Your child should know the code word and understand the importance. Your child should be prepared to respond to anyone who knows the code word. Make the word meaningful to your family so a real Stranger Danger would not be able to figure it out.
- If a stranger does approach your child, tell them to remember the license plate number of the motor vehicle and to report this information to you immediately. Don't assume it was nothing and discount what your child has to tell you. Call your local police and report any suspicious activity.
- Teach your child to use the telephone and how to call for the police-911. It may help save a life one day-nab a Stranger Danger-catch a Burglar?
- Children need to know that Stranger Dangers sometimes claim to be the police. If a police officer needs to speak with your child, in the majority of cases, the police officer will be in a fully marked squad car with the name of your local community displayed and the officer will be in uniform. The police are aware of these types of encounters and will understand if a child may not want to speak with the officer for obvious reasons, especially if the officer is in an unmarked car and is in civilian clothing.
- With the heavy volume of traffic, numerous roads and expressways that link major cities urban communities, Stranger Dangers can easily avoid detection in just a few minutes by exiting the area on one of these major roadways. Stranger Dangers travel away from their homes and will pick a new town each day and may even travel a few communities in just one day.
Thank your for partnering with our school. We share the desire to keep all children safe, and we will continue to keep you informed. Please contact us should you have any questions or concerns.
Bullying Expert Advises Parents to Get Involved
- Superintendent's Letter to Parents - Bullying Toolkit - English | Español
- Procedures for Classroom Observations - English | Español
- Independent Educational Evaluator or Qualified Professional Visits
- Parent/Guardian Visits
- Observation Request Form
Nodding heads, tears, and hugs signified that a respected bullying, cyber-bullying, and teen depression expert’s parenting suggestions hit home. Tuesday evening John Halligan, who lost his 13-year old son Ryan to suicide, shared Ryan’s Story with District 62 parents. The audience embraced the lessons that Halligan learned from his family’s ordeal, as well as strategies and insights that parents could use.
Earlier in the day, Halligan shared his story with Algonquin and Chippewa Middle School students. Halligan talked with students about the consequences of being the perpetrator or receiver of bullying. He also discussed the role of bystanders and the importance of students talking with their parents, teachers, and/or school administrators when bullying begins. Halligan openly answered student questions and admitted where his family made mistakes. His message was so poignant, that many students returned with their parents for the evening presentation.
In his evening presentation, Halligan advised parents to get involved in their child’s cyberspace by sitting at the computer with them and letting the child teach them about Internet use. He also stressed establishing clear and enforceable guidelines and questioning how much technology and access does a child need. Please visit www.RyanPatrickHalligan.org for more information about Ryan’s Story and to learn more bout bullying, depression, and suicide prevention.
The District 62 Foundation sponsored the middle school and parent presentations.
WATCH ABC7NEWS VIDEO (Time 00:01:54)
Don’t Hang Up!
Recently during an AlertNow message about a soft lockdown at three D62 schools, numerous parents hung-up and hit redial.
It is very important when receiving an AlertNow general announcement that parents listen to the entire message. Normally, general announcements are scheduled for evening hours. As all of you know, several communities close to Des Plaines were under hard lockdown due to an escaped prisoner, who was eventually captured. In an effort to keep parents informed that the District was aware of the situation, and that students were safe, we sent out the mid-afternoon call.
General announcements will reach only one phone number that you identify and your email address. We also learned that the message was sent in several languages to some households. Please check with your school secretary to review and revise your child’s contact and language information.
For more information regarding AlertNow announcements, please read AlertNow located in the lower right column on this page.
MEDIA STATEMENT -
RE: STUDENT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Attributable to Dr. Jane L. Westerhold, Superintendent, Des Plaines School District 62.
Learn more...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2010
Contact: Mindy Ward, Director of Community Relations
Des Plaines School District 62
(847) 824-8070
Des Plaines School District 62 uses a progressive discipline policy with an emphasis on resolving issues and keeping students in the classroom. Our teachers are skilled in classroom management techniques that protect the learning environment for all students. Please reference the School Board Policy link for a full copy of the District 62 Board policy and Parent/Student Handbook content regarding student discipline.
When a student is involved in behavior that is inappropriate for the classroom and disruptive to others, an “in-school suspension” is a common intervention identified as a disciplinary measure in Board of Education Policy 7:190 and the District 62 Parent/Student Handbook. It is not used when students are physically or emotionally out of control, but when they engage in the type of conduct that is not appropriate in the learning environment. Typical infractions that result in an in-school suspension include using inappropriate language, disrupting other students’ learning repeatedly, showing disrespect for staff, or throwing food at lunch. Special needs students may require an individualized approach to address their behavioral issues. When necessary, the special education team may conduct a functional behavioral analysis and then develop a behavior plan.
Students assigned to in-school suspension are provided with the learning materials necessary to continue their class work, additionally allowing parents to continue their regular schedule knowing that their children remain focused on their academic work at school.
Each District 62 school has a designated in-school suspension area. For example, at Algonquin Middle School, this area is an 8' x 7'4" room similar in size and design to the offices used by educational support staff, such as social workers, psychologists, and speech and language professionals throughout the District. This space has appropriate ventilation, lighting, a fire alarm and access to washrooms.
Due to the infrequency of in-school suspensions, we have determined that it is not necessary to have a larger space designated for this disciplinary intervention. In fact, during this past year, only 1.8% of the students have been assigned to in-school suspension out of 4,812 PreK-8 students districtwide. Students assigned to in-school suspension are monitored by a staff member.
Parents are notified by phone and mail when students are assigned to in-school suspension. These communications outline the specific offense(s), the consequences and the due process rights of parents. As professional educators, we believe it is appropriate for student disciplinary issues to be handled directly and privately between teachers, school administrators, parents and students. As such, District officials will not comment on disciplinary matters involving specific students.
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