The Policies of the Board of Education

V. Students
500.1 ENTRANCE AGE
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 19, 1997
       February 10, 2005
       December 6, 2007

            Children who attain age five (5) by September 1st of the school term shall be admitted to kindergarten upon the commencement of that school term. The age requirement for entrance into first grade shall be consistent with the age requirement set forth above for kindergarten, i.e., age six (6) by September 1st of the school term. Children with exceptional needs who qualify for special education are eligible for admission beginning at age three (3).

Legal Reference(s)
105 ILCS 5/10-20.12
105 ILCS 5/14-1.02

500.2 REGISTRATION AND ADMISSION
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            All children who are residents of the School District and who meet the age requirements shall be eligible for admission upon proper registration. Upon registration in the School District for the first time, the parent or legal guardian must provide proof of residency in the School District, a certified copy of the child's birth certificate, and proof of a health examination and immunizations as required by applicable law. All required school fees must be paid at the time of registration unless a fee waiver is obtained pursuant to Policy 500.6.

Legal Reference(s):
Residency: 105 ILCS 5/10-20. 12a and 126
Birth Certificate: 325 ILCS 55/1 et. Seq. and 50/1 et. seq.
Immunizations: 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1

500.3 RESIDENCY
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 19, 1997
              June 18, 1998
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Except or otherwise provided by aw, only resident pupils may attend school in the District.

            The residence of a person who has legal custody of a student is deemed to be the residence of the student. "Legal custody" means one of the following:

            A.      Custody exercised by a natural or adoptive parent with whom the student                       resides;

            B.      Custody granted by order of a court of competent jurisdiction to a person                       with whom the student resides for reasons other than to attend school                       in the School District;

            C.      Custody exercised under a statutory short-term guardianship, provided                       that within 60 days of the student's enrollment a court order is entered                       that establishes a permanent guardianship and grants custody to a person                       with whom the student resides for reasons other than to attend school in                       the School District;

            D.      Custody exercised by an adult caretaker relative who is receiving aid under                       the Illinois Public Aid Code for the student, who resides with that adult                       caretaker relative for reasons other than to attend school in the School                       District; or

           E.       Custody exercised by an adult who demonstrates that, in fact, he or she                       has assumed and exercises legal responsibility for the student and                       provides the student with a regular, fixed night-time place of abode for                       purposes other than to attend school in the School District.

            The Board of Education shall charge tuition in the amount of one hundred ten percent (110%) of the per capita cost of conducting and maintaining the schools of the School District, as determined by the most recent School District audit, for any non-resident student who is found in attendance or who is permitted to attend the School District as a non-resident. The enrollment of any non-resident student is subject to the express approval of the Board of Education and shall be permitted in the sole discretion of the Board of Education only under unique and exceptional circumstances. A student who, after having established residency in the School District, becomes a non-resident during any school term, may complete that school term tuition free.

            Residency must be established before a student can be admitted.

            The School District will allow the enrollment of those pupils whose parents or legal guardians present proof acceptable to the administration of the purchase of a home within the School District, such purchase to be closed and occupancy to be taken on or before October 31 of the school term for which enrollment is sought, provided that the parent or legal guardian enters into an Agreement providing for the payment of non-resident tuition. The terms and form of said Agreement shall be as approved by the Board of Education. The Superintendent or an administrator designated by the Superintendent is hereby authorized to execute such Agreement on behalf of the School District. A copy of all such executed Agreements shall be provided to the Board of Education. Any person who willfully presents any false information regarding residency to enable a pupil to enroll in the School District without payment of non-resident tuition, or who knowingly enrolls a non-resident pupil, is subject to a Class C misdemeanor.

            Whenever the Superintendent receives information which he or she deems reliable that indicates that a student currently in attendance may not be a resident of the School District, he or she shall conduct or cause to be conducted an investigation to determine the residency of the child. Pending the completion of such an investigation, the student may continue to attend school subject to the payment of tuition should it be determined that the student is a non-resident.

            The Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures and rules and regulations to implement this policy and the hearing procedures for residency disputes as provided by law.

Legal Reference(s):
325 ILCS
50/5; 55/5

500.4 BIRTH CERTIFICATE
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Upon enrollment for the first time in the School District, the student's parent or legal guardian must, within no less than thirty (30) days, provide a certified copy of the student's birth certificate. In the event that a certified copy of the birth certificate cannot be produced, the parent or legal guardian must produce such other documentation to establish the child's age and identity as is possible and as is acceptable to the School District, along with an Affidavit explaining the inability to obtain and produce the birth certificate. The form of Affidavit required shall be as established by the Superintendent.

Legal Reference(s):
325 ILCS
50/5; 55/5

500.5 HEALTH EXAMINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            Within one (1) year prior to the entering of kindergarten, the first grade, or upon enrollment for the first time in the School District; or upon enrolling in the School District having attended school most recently in another state; and upon entering the sixth grade, each child must present proof of having received a complete physical examination and those immunizations as are or may from time to time be required by law.  In addition, other health examinations including, but not limited to, dental and vision examinations may be required when deemed necessary by the Building Principal and approved by the Superintendent. Dental examinations performed by a licensed dentist are required for students in kindergarten, second and sixth grades. Completed dental forms are required by May 15th of the school year.

            Any student who does not present proof of having had either the required physical examination or the required immunizations by October 15th of the school term for which such was required or within thirty (30) days of enrollment should enrollment occur after the start of the said school term, shall be excluded from school until such time as proof of the required examination and immunizations is presented.  Children whose parents or legal guardians object to health examinations or to immunizations on religious grounds, shall not be required to submit their children to health examinations or immunizations if such parents or legal guardians present to the Building Principal a signed statement of objection, detailing the grounds for such objection.

            An accumulated health record, including a yearly emergency card, shall be maintained for each student.

Legal Reference(s):
105 ILCS 5/27-8.1

500.6 FEES; WAIVER
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: August 13, 1992
Reviewed: December, 2007

            All school fees shall be paid in advance for each situation, event, and/or function requiring or calling for payment of a fee.

            Such fees shall, however, be waived if the student's parent or legal guardian cannot, in the judgment of the administration, afford them. The Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures and rules and regulations for the waiver of fees. Fees shall be waived for all children eligible for free lunches or breakfasts under the community school lunch program.

            If a fee waiver is denied then the Superintendent shall mail a copy of the decision to the parents or legal guardians within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the request. The decision shall state the reason for the denial and shall inform the parents or legal guardians of their right to appeal, including the process and timelines for said action.

            If parents/legal guardians are denied they may reapply for a waiver any time during the school year if circumstances change.

            The Superintendent may provide by rule for the payment of fees by periodic installment, where so requested by the parent or legal guardian.

Legal Reference(s):
105ILCS 5/2-3.96
23 IL Admin. Code 1.245

500.7 SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AREAS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: July 21, 1994
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Board of Education generally endorses the concept of neighborhood elementary schools. The purpose of the neighborhood school is to establish boundary lines of a school building in a configuration consistent with School District enrollments. School attendance boundaries shall be reviewed from time to time and redrawn when deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Education. Each child shall attend the school which serves the neighborhood in which he or she lives, unless for reasons deemed appropriate by the administration, placement in another school is in the best interests of the student or the schools of the School District.

500.7.1 SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: May 18, 2006
Reviewed: December, 2007

            GENERAL:  It is the policy of the District to comply with all requirements of law regarding school choice.

            ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS:  In the event that any school in the District should fail to make Adequate yearly Progress for two consecutive years during which it received Title I funds, students attending that school shall have the option, upon the request of a parent, to transfer to another school in the District not identified for school improvement, subject to its attendance capacity.

            PRESISTENTLY DANGEROUS SCHOOL/VICTIM OF VIOLENT CRIME:  No school in the District has, under any criteria, ever been identified as a persistently dangerous school. In the event that a District school is so identified in the future, the students attending that school will be given the opportunity to transfer to a safe school within the District subject to attendance capacity. A student who is a victim of a violent crime while on school grounds during school hours or while attending a school related function, shall be allowed to transfer to another school within the District. For the purpose of this policy, “persistently dangerous school” and “victim of a violent crime” shall be as defined by the Illinois State Board of Education.

            DEVELOPMENT OF FURTHER PROCEDURES:  When, if ever, it should become necessary to do so, the Superintendent or designee(s) shall develop any further procedures necessary to implement this policy including:
            1.       Development of a student capacity figure for each attendance center based upon the Health and Life Safety Code of Illinois.
            2.       Development and maintenance of a list of the lowest achieving students in rank order, from low income families who are attending each school in the District on improvement or corrective status and a list in rank order of achievement level of all other students attending each school.
            3.       Development of a Notice letter to the parents of all students attending a school in the District in improvement or corrective status to inform them of the school choice option available under the provisions of this policy and applicable law. This notice letter is to include notice of the obligation of the parent to elect the choice option within thirty (30) days of the date of the letter, and information regarding the obligation of the District to provide transportation.
            4.       Development of procedures to assure that the Notice letter referred to in item 3 above is, to the extent practicable, in a language the parent can understand, and sent out in a timely fashion, when possible, not later than June 1st of each successive school term.

Legal reference(s):
Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-21.3a
20 U.S.C. § 6316

500.8 STUDENT RECORDS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Student records shall be maintained in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Annually, and upon initial enrollment, parents and legal guardians shall be advised of their rights regarding student records including access to and release of those records as well as the right and procedure to follow in order to challenge the content of student records. The Superintendent shall develop and maintain administrative procedures and rules and regulations to implement this policy.

500.9 STUDENT-STAFF RELATIONS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Each student is encouraged to regard staff members as people with specific knowledge and capabilities which can be well utilized to advance the student's own knowledge and development. Students are expected to regard staff members as individuals, employed to provide direct or indirect contributions to learning. Students are required to respect the rights of staff members and interference with those rights is not permitted. No student shall be allowed to interfere with the efforts of instructional staff to coordinate or assist in learning, to disseminate information for purpose of learning, or to otherwise implement a learning program.

500.10 STUDENT SAFETY
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 18, 1998
        December 6, 2007

            The safety of students is of paramount importance. It is better assured through proper supervision of students in all school buildings and grounds and through instruction to students for the development of courteous and safe habits particularly with regard to safe bus riding practices. The Superintendent shall establish and maintain administrative procedures for evacuation and disaster drills.

            In addition to the above safety measures, school personnel shall endeavor to be constantly be watching for suspicious strangers loitering in or near school buildings or seated in parked automobiles nearby. If the circumstances warrant, the police shall be notified.

            Teachers shall instruct students not to accept gifts or automobile rides from strangers; and the students will also be instructed to tell the teachers, their parents or legal guardians, police, or school patrols of any suspicious strangers.

            From time to time, informational programs are to be conducted for students relating to exercising proper safety measures.

500.11 SCHOOL PROPERTIES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: July 25, 1996<
Reviewed: December, 2007

            School officials shall have the authority to inspect and search places such as lockers, desks, parking lots and other school properties as well as personal effects left in those areas by students without notice to or consent of the student and without a search warrant. School authorities may request the assistance of law enforcement in conducting such searches. If a search provides evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law, local ordinance or the school's rules or policies, the evidence may be seized, may be used in disciplinary action and may be turned over to law enforcement authorities.

Legal Reference(s)
105 ILCS 5/10-22.6

500.12 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Superintendent will establish administrative procedures for those emergency medical situations which require emergency medical assistance. Parents or legal guardians shall be notified of any medical emergency as soon as possible.

500.13 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
Adopted: December 5, 1991
Revised: June 18, 1998
        December 6, 2007

            Parents or legal guardians have the primary responsibility for the administration of medication to their children.  Only when a student requires a drug or other medication to remain in regular daily attendance throughout the school term, and such drug or medicine must be administered during school hours, and the parent or legal guardian of the student cannot reasonably administer such drug or medicine, then the parent or legal guardian may request the school to permit the Certified School Nurse or Registered Nurse to administer the necessary medication or to monitor self-administration of the necessary medication.  In those circumstances when it is not advisable for self-administration of medication, the services of a Certified School Nurse, a registered professional nurse, or administrative employee/designee, will be required to administer medication to students.  No teacher or other non-administrative school employee, except certified school nurses and non-certified registered professional nurses, shall be required to administer medications to students.  This policy does not prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students.  The Superintendent shall cause to be prepared administrative procedures for the implementation of this policy.  This policy is not intended to cover the occasional need for medication.

500.14 REPORT OF ILLNESS OR INJURY
Adopted: June 14, 1990Reviewed: December, 2007

            If any student becomes ill or is injured during the school day or during any school-sponsored activity, any employee who has knowledge of such illness or injury shall immediately report it to the Building Principal or the School Nurse's office. A record of any student injury or serious illness shall be made on the official School District form. When deemed necessary, every reasonable effort shall be made to notify the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). All head injuries shall be reported to parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as soon as possible. No such child shall be released during the school day except to a parent or legal guardian or person(s) authorized by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

500.15 SIGNIFICANT COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            This policy is intended to protect the health and safety of afflicted persons as well as other members of the school community. For the purposes of this policy, significant communicable diseases are defined as those diseases which physicians in Illinois are required to report to public health authorities and those diseases which the Superintendent may, from time to time, identify as being of local concern in the School District.

            Staff members and students will be instructed in methods to prevent transmission and spread of communicable diseases. The Superintendent shall establish such administrative procedures as may be necessary to assure the proper reporting and handling of students with communicable diseases.

500.16 STUDENT APPEARANCE
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: July 25, 1996
Reviewed: December, 2007

I.          STUDENT APPEARANCE

            Students' dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency. Procedures for handling students who dress or groom inappropriately will be developed by the Building Principal and included in the Parent-Student Handbook.

II.         STUDENT DRESS

            Students are expected to dress in a neat and clean manner. Clothing that violates one or more of the following shall not be worn during school or school-sponsored activities.

            A.       Clothing that is suggestive or indecent.

            B.       Clothing that creates a health or safety hazard.

            C.       Clothing that substantially disrupts the educational process.

            Such clothing includes but is not limited to thongs, halter tops, see-through blouses, tube tops, bare midriff shirts, inappropriate tank tops or shorts, clothing that contains any pictures, words, or symbols which glorify, promote, encourage or advertise tobacco products, illegal drugs or alcohol, and clothing or articles which depict gang or satanic symbols.

            Parents or legal guardians should make every effort to review their child's attire so that it is appropriate and falls under this policy.

500.17 PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OF STUDENTS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            School employees are prohibited from using any form of physical contact with students as a disciplinary measure and from using any form of physical contact with students which may foreseeably be harmful, demeaning, or licentious except that physical restraint of students by a certified employee may be utilized as hereinafter provided.

I.         GENERAL

            A.      Disciplinary Measure. A disciplinary measure is any action taken by a                       School District employee for the purpose of raising a student's behavior                       to a level consistent with the general standards of behavior required of                       all students or required of a limited group of students engaged in a                       specialized activity requiring higher standards of behavior such as the                       interscholastic sports program. Punishment of any sort for violation of                       such standards of behavior is a disciplinary measure.

            B.       Corporal Punishment. Corporal punishment is any physical contact                       between a certified employee and a student where such contact is                       intentionally utilized by such employee as a disciplinary measure.                       Corporal punishment includes physical restraint of a student where                       the purpose of such restraint is to administer corporal punishment.                       It shall not be deemed corporal punishment when physical contact                       between a certified employee and a student results from the                       unintentional or accidental acts of the employee or for purposes other than                       to administer corporal punishment.

            C.       Physical Restraint. Physical restraint is to use physical contact to restrict                       the actions of a student for the purpose of preventing those actions from                       harming the student himself or herself, other persons or property, or                       disruption of the educational process.

II.       CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

            Corporal punishment is prohibited.

III.      PERMISSIBLE PHYSICAL RESTRAINT

            Certified employees may physically restrain students in any reasonable manner when necessary to prevent:

            A.       Injury to themselves, the student, or other persons;
            B.       Damage to School District property or the property of others; or
            C.       Imminent and significant disruption of the school program.

            Physical restraint of students shall not otherwise be used.

IV. DISCIPLINE

            Any employee who violates this policy is subject to appropriate discipline including possible discharge.

500.18 STUDENT DISCIPLINE

500.18.1 STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 18, 1998
        December 6, 2007

            The Superintendent shall appoint a parent-teacher advisory committee composed of at least one (1) parent representative from each school, one (1) teacher representative from each school, the Building Principal of each school, and the Superintendent who shall chair the committee. The committee shall meet at least annually and submit recommendations with respect to policy and administrative procedures on student discipline to the Board of Education on or before the close of each school term. The committee, in cooperation with local law enforcement officials, shall develop for recommendation to the Board of Education, policy guideline procedures to establish and maintain a reciprocal reporting system regarding criminal offenses committed by students. The committee shall, with the Board, develop policy guidelines to address bus safety procedures and provisions to address students at risk for aggressive behavior.

Legal Reference(s):
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14

500.18.2 NOTICE OF STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            The Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures to inform parents and legal guardians of the Board of Education policies, School District administrative procedures, and school rules and regulations regarding student discipline. Building Principals may establish additional attendance center disciplinary procedures, subject to approval by the Superintendent. The first week of each school term, the Building Principal or his or her designee shall explain to students; in a manner appropriate to their ages, the rules for student conduct as well as the disciplinary procedures used by the schools. School discipline rules and procedures will be provided to parents and legal guardians at the beginning of each school term or within fifteen (15) days after a student enrolls in school if such enrollment is subsequent to the start of a school term.

Legal References(s):
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14

500.18.3 STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 19, 1997
              June 18, 1998
      February 13, 2003
      December 6, 2007


I.          GENERAL

            While on school premises, riding in school buses, or at school conducted or sponsored activities, wherever located, students are expected and required to behave in an orderly and appropriate manner with due regard and respect for the rights and property of others, the rules and regulations of the School District, the directives of school personnel, and all existing laws. Students are subject to appropriate disciplinary measures for unlawful or improper conduct and, upon demonstration of gross disobedience or misconduct, may be suspended and/or expelled from school in accordance with the provisions of The Illinois School Code, School District rules and regulations, and other applicable laws.

II.         SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION FOR GROSS DISOBEDIENCE OR MISCONDUCT

            Gross disobedience or misconduct may include, but is not limited to, the following prohibited student conduct, occurring on school premises, on school buses, while traveling to and from school, or at school conducted or sponsored activities, wherever located. Gross disobedience or misconduct may also include a series of violations of school rules and regulations or misbehavior which, in isolated incidents, may not warrant suspension or expulsion but which taken together amount to gross disobedience or misconduct. Irrespective of the place of occurrence, gross disobedience or misconduct may also include any of the following prohibited conduct, when determined to constitute a substantial danger to the orderly conduct of the educational process or to the health and safety of students, employees, or other persons on school premises, riding school buses, going to or from school, or at school conducted or sponsored activities, wherever located:

III.        PROHIBITED CONDUCT

            A.       Interference with or obstruction of the educational process or legitimate                       purposes of the school by use of violence, force, noise, coercion,                       intimidation, passive resistance, or similar act;

            B.       The making of any bomb threat or false reporting of the presence of a                       bomb on school premises or causing or participation in the making of                       such a false report;

            C.       Fighting, assault, battery, or any other conduct which a student may                       reasonably be expected to know may endanger the health and safety of                       students, school personnel, or other persons, or interfere with the                       educational process;

            D.       Possession, sale, or use of tobacco in any form;

            E.       Possession, sale, or use of fireworks, explosives, or any other                       flammable substances not authorized by proper school officials;

            F.       Theft of, vandalism to, or trespassing on School District property, the                       property of any School District personnel, or the property of other persons;

            G.       Possession, sale, use, transfer, or being under the influence of any                       alcoholic beverage, dangerous drug not properly prescribed, narcotic,                       marijuana, or other controlled substance such as now or hereafter defined                       by any applicable law or regulation, or any look alike substance;

            H.       Possession, use, sale, or transfer of over-the-counter drugs;

            I.       Possession, use, sale, or transfer of any paraphernalia which may be                       reasonably considered as paraphernalia for the administration of a                       dangerous drug, narcotic, or other controlled substance as now or                       hereafter defined by any applicable law or regulation; excluding, however,                       any instance of possession or use where such occurs by a person                       necessarily to facilitate the administration of such dangerous drug,                       narcotic, or controlled substance as prescribed by a licensed physician;

            J.       Possession, sale, or use of any firearm, knife, or other object                       which may reasonably be considered to be a weapon or a look-alike                       weapon or is used as a weapon to threaten the safety of or harm another                       person;

            K.       Insubordination or disrespect to School District personnel, interference                       with School District personnel in the performance of their duties, or refusal                       to comply with reasonable and lawful instructions of School District                       personnel;

            L.       Truancy or tardiness;

            M.       Dress or appearance which presents a health or safety hazard or which                       materially and substantially disrupts the educational process;

            N.       Gambling;

            O.       Cheating in academic matters;

            P.       Giving a false fire alarm;

            Q.       Possession of electronic paging devices; or

            R.       The commission of any act punishable by any national, state, or local law                       or regulation.

            S.       Misuse of School District facilities or violation of Internet Use Procedures                       in such a manner to cause harm.

            T.       Use of any cellular radio telecommunication device (e.g. cellular phone) on                       school property during school hours, except in the event of an emergency                       or otherwise is compliance with the policy of the school.

500.18.4 DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 19, 1997
       December 6, 2007

            In addition to appropriate in-school disciplinary measures imposed during the regular school day, the following major disciplinary measures may be taken where appropriate:

            A.       "Detention" -- the keeping of a student in school after the regular                       student dismissal time for a period of up to one (1) hour per day on one                       (1) or more school days.

            B.       "Suspension" -- the temporary exclusion of a student from school for a                       period from one (1) to ten (10) school days as determined by the                       Superintendent, Building Principals or Assistant Principals. Suspension                       may also include the temporary exclusion of a student from school by the                       Board of Education for a period of up to and including ten (10) school                       days or for such additional period of time as final action by the Board of                       Education on the student's expulsion from school is pending. A student                       will be required to make up all assignments missed during his or her                       suspension.

            C.       "Expulsion" --the exclusion of the student from school for a period in                       excess of ten (10) school days by a final decision of the Board of                       Education.

            D.       "Expulsion With Probation on Conditions" -- the expulsion of a student                       with probation on conditions.

            An administrator, as referred to in paragraph B above, may recommend a Board of Education/parent or legal guardian meeting prior to reinstatement of a student who receives a suspension or in other cases as deemed necessary.

            The disciplinary measures defined above are not all inclusive, but rather are a listing of major disciplinary actions that may be taken to punish a student for misconduct. It is the hope and intent of the Board of Education that such punishments when utilized will:

            A.       Deter future misconduct;

            B.       Assist the student in developing proper behavioral patterns; and

            C.       Engender in the student respect for the rules of the school and educate                       the student to the principle that all must live by the rule of the law.

500.18.5 CHRONIC DISCIPLINARY PROBLEM
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            A chronic disciplinary problem is defined as a student who, despite prior discipline for misbehavior, persistently violates the rules of the school or persistently engages in misbehavior which disrupts the educational process of the school. A student identified as a chronic disciplinary problem may be suspended and/or recommended to the Board of Education for possible expulsion on the basis that, despite prior punishment, such student has persistently violated the rules of the school and/or engaged in consistent misbehavior causing a disruption of the educational process, even though each prior violation or incident of misbehavior may not alone have warranted suspension or expulsion. A student who is a chronic disciplinary problem may be referred to available appropriate supportive services for assistance.

500.18.6 TRUANCY
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 13, 1991, July 25, 1996
June 19, 1997 & June 18, 1998
Reviewed: December, 2007

            A student is truant if absent from school without valid cause for a school day or any portion of a school day. The administrator shall make reasonable effort to promptly notify the parents or legal guardians of any truancy, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. A chronic or habitual truant is one who has been absent without a valid cause for ten percent (10%) or more of the previous one hundred eighty (180) regular attendance days. A student who is identified as a chronic or habitual truant shall be directed to such available supportive services or other school resources as, in the judgment of the school, may assist the student in correcting the problem.

            Where a student is identified as a chronic or habitual truant, diagnostic services shall be used to identify the cause of the student's absenteeism, which services shall include interviews with the student, his or her parents or legal guardians, and any school personnel or other parties who may have information about the reasons for the student's attendance problem.

            It is the policy of this School District that no punitive action be taken against a student who is a chronic or habitual truant solely for such truancy unless available supportive services and school resources have been offered to the student and he or she has failed within a reasonable time to correct his or her behavior.

            The Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures for the reporting of truancy to parents and legal guardians and to proper authorities, when necessary. Such administrative procedures shall also identify appropriate supportive services and available resources for truants.

            Supportive services and diagnostic procedures may include, where deemed appropriate:

            A.       Parent conferences and student interviews;

            B.       Student and/or family counseling;

            C.       Information about and referral to community services and resources which                       are available to the student and relevant to the student's needs; and/or

            D.       Referral for social history, adaptive behavior, or related evaluation.

            Valid causes for excused absence from school shall include:

            A.       Physical or mental inability to attend school

            B.       Observance of religious holidays or tenets that forbid secular activity on a                       particular day or days or at a particular time during a day;

            C.       Participation in religiously-affiliated and mandated exercises, retreats, or                       services;

            D.       Death in the immediate family;

            E.       Confirmation classes for students between the ages of 12 and 14;

            F.       A family emergency; or

            G.       Such other valid cause as determined by the Board of Education.

            Examples of religious holidays (not all inclusive) are Christmas, Good Friday, Good Friday (Orthodox), Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Savuot, Shemini Atzerat, Simchat Torah, Muslim New Year, Ra's al-sana, and Id Al-Fitr and Id Al-Adha.

500.18.7 STUDENT CONDUCT ON BUS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            While riding in school buses, students are required to conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner. Students are expected to:

            A.       Remain seated and facing forward;

            B.       Refrain from making loud and/or distracting noises;

            C.       Refrain from pushing, fighting, moving about and annoying others; and

            D.       Obey the lawful instructions of the bus driver.

            Students who violate any of the above rules or otherwise fail to act in an appropriate and proper manner shall be reported, in writing, to the Building Principal and be subject to appropriate discipline. The Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures for the enforcement of this policy.

500.18.7.1 AUDIO/VIDEOTAPING ON SCHOOL BUSES
Adopted: December 4, 2003
Revised: December 6, 2007

            The Board of Education has determined that to enhance bus safety and monitor behavior it hereby authorizes District use of audio/video cameras on School District buses. The audio/video cameras may be installed on all buses used for transportation of the School District's students. Such videotapes will not be maintained by the School District as student record information. If such a videotape is used or maintained in any other special circumstances the videotape will be handled in accordance with federal and state law. The School District Superintendent, or his/her designee, will provide proper notice of this policy to parents and students.

Legal Reference(s):
20 U.S.C. §1232g
105 ILCS 10/1 et seq
34 C.F.R. §99.3

500.18.8 REMOVAL FROM CLASS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            A teacher may temporarily remove a student from class for disruptive behavior generally only after first using less severe disciplinary measures to correct the behavior problem. The length of the removal from class shall be determined by the Building Principal, in consultation with the teacher. Any student removed from class by a teacher must be provided adequate supervision and is required to make up any missed assignments. In removing a student from class, the teacher must not leave the remainder of the class unsupervised.

500.18.9 BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Adopted: March 23, 1995
Revised: December 6, 2007

            Students receiving special education services will be governed by the use of positive approaches which help to develop and strengthen desirable behaviors. In cases where more restrictive procedures may be required, such behavioral interventions shall be used in consideration of the student's physical freedom and social interaction, and be administered in a manner which respects human dignity and personal privacy. At all times, a student's right to placement in the least restrictive appropriate educational environment must be maintained.

            The Superintendent shall establish administrative procedures, through the input of a parent-teacher advisory committee, for the use of behavioral interventions to manage, intervene, or change the behavior of students with disabilities. Such procedures will conform with protection available to students with disabilities and their parents or guardians under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The procedures will also include: a designation of behavioral interventions by level of restrictiveness; utilization of school-based discipline committees to review behavioral intervention practices; identification of behavioral intervention consultants; procedures for developing behavioral management plans; procedures for the documentation of emergency use of restrictive interventions; provisions for parent involvement and assurance of due process rights including parent notification and right to appeal; and, provision for staff training and professional development.

500.18.10 TRANSFER STUDENTS CURRENTLY SERVING A SUSPENSION OR EXPLUSION
Adopted: October 11, 2001
Reviewed: December, 2007

            No student who is, or becomes, a resident of this School District, and is serving suspension or expulsion for any reason from any public or private school in this or any other state, shall be admitted into this School District until the student has completed the entire term of the suspensions or expulsion. For a student transferring from an out-of-state public or private school, the Superintendent, or his/her designee, is hereby authorized to take reasonable steps to verify the written certification from the parent(s) that the student is not currently serving as suspension or expulsion imposed by the school from which the student is transferring. As a condition of enrollment int his District, the parent(s) of any such out-of-state student may be required to sign a written consent tot he release and forwarding of any current or relevant student discipline record information and/or communications regarding the student's discipline record with the student's prior school. If this District subsequently received information from the prior school that the transferring student is currently serving a suspension or expulsion, the student shall be removed from school and immediately be required to complete the remainder of such suspension or expulsion.

            The District reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether to place such an expelled or suspended student in an alternative school program established under Article 13A of the Illinois School Code for some or all of the remaining period of the suspension or expulsion. This does not create any right to attend such an alternative school for any student currently serving a suspension or expulsion.

Legal References(s):
105 ILCS 5/2-3.13a

500.18.11 AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
Adopted: August 22, 2002
Revised: December 6, 2007

            Students who are identified as having demonstrated aggressive behavior or behaviors that put them at risk for aggressive behavior including but not limited to "bullying" which is hereby defined as conducts and behaviors toward other students that, appear intended to terrorize, intimidate, demean,or start fights with other students, shall be referred to the school principal or designee. The principal or designee shall promptly notify the student's parents or guardian of the referral and shall attempt to schedule a parent-teacher conference to discuss the referral and to recommend such available early intervention procedures as are deemed reasonably appropriate. Students who are found to have engaged in bullying shall be subject to appropriate discipline.

            The superintendent will establish procedures by which teachers can refer such a student to the principal as a student who may be at risk for aggressive behavior or is believed to have engaged in bullying behaviors.

            Any student who believes that they have been or are currently the victim of bullying or other aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to their teacher, a counselor/social worker or school administrator.

            Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed to a student.

500.18.12 USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT OR ISOLATED TIME OUT
Approved: February 13, 2003
Reviewed: December, 2007

            This policy does not prohibit school staff from maintaining the safety of the school environment by using proper force to keep students from hurting themselves or others or from damaging school property. "Restraint", as used here, shall not include momentary periods of physical restriction or control by school staff, without the aid of material or mechanical devices, accomplished with limited force and designed to: 1) prevent a student from completing an act that would result in potential physical harm to himself, herself or another or damage to property or 2) remove a disruptive student who is unwilling to leave an area voluntarily. The Superintendent, or his/her designee, is hereby designated as the school official to be informed of incidents and maintain the documentation required by law. The Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall establish and implement procedures for the utilization of isolated time-out or physical restraint, including a process for evaluating any serious injury to a student, staff member or other person, and annual review of the use of such methods, consistent with the requirements set forth in the Illinois regulations addressing these methods as 23 Il.Ad.Code §1.285

Legal Reference(s):
Illinois Admin. Code (23 Il.Ad.Code §1.285)
Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-20.33)
Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/114-8.05(c))
Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-20.14)
Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/24-24)

500.19 DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES

500.19.1 GENERAL RULE
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            Except in emergencies, a student must be advised on the misconduct which may result in removal from class, detention, suspension, or other severe disciplinary action, and given an opportunity to respond to the charges of misconduct and the proposed disciplinary action before a final decision is made. If the student denies the misconduct, he or she shall be advised of the basis for the teacher's or administrator's belief that the misconduct occurred and/or appropriate under the circumstance, given an additional opportunity to respond.

500.19.2 SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Prior to any suspension from school, the suspending administrator shall advise the student of the misconduct which he or she is accused. The administrator shall also hear a statement from the student and give the student an opportunity to explain his or her side of the story.

            If the administrator decides to suspend the student, notice of the suspension and the reasons therefore shall, if reasonably possible, be reported immediately to the parents or legal guardians by telephone. The telephone notice shall be followed immediately by a certified letter to the parents or legal guardians setting forth the reason(s) for the suspension and giving notice of the right to request a review of the suspension by the Board of Education. A copy of this letter shall be forwarded to the Superintendent for distribution to the Board of Education. The Superintendent, Building Principals, Assistant Principals, and deans of students are hereby authorized to suspend pupils guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days.

            If the parent or legal guardian wants a review of the suspension, a verbal or written request to the Superintendent for a suspension review must be made within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the written notice of the suspension. If a hearing is requested, it is to be held as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than the second Regular Meeting of the Board of Education following the first day of the suspension. If subsequent to any review hearing the suspension is disallowed by the Board of Education, the following steps shall be taken:

            A.       The student's records shall be expunged of all notations or remarks                       regarding the matter;

            B.       The student's teachers shall be notified in writing that the absence is                       "excused"; and

            C.       The student is to be given assistance in making up all work missed during                       the suspension, and is to be given full credit for it.


500.19.3 EXPULSION PROCEDURES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: June 19, 1997
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Prior to recommending a student for expulsion, the administration will attempt to schedule a conference with the student's parents or legal guardians. Subsequent to such conference, if the administration decides to recommend expulsion, the student's parents or legal guardians will be promptly notified by a certified letter of the expulsion recommendation, the reasons for it, the time, place, and purpose of the hearing on the matter. An expulsion hearing shall be before the Board of Education or its duly appointed hearing officer. Subsequent to the hearing, the Board of Education shall take such action as it deems proper.

            The building administrator shall make a recommendation to the Board of Education as to the length of expulsion and/or any conditions of probation to insure the safety for all students.

500.19.4 HEARING PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENSION REVIEWS AND EXPULSION
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Superintendent will be responsible for arranging the time and place for any suspension review or expulsion hearing and for notifying all interested parties.

            Suspension reviews and expulsion hearings shall be presided over by either the Board of Education or a hearing officer appointed by the Board of Education.

            The following may be present:

            A.       The student;
            B.       The parents or legal guardians;
            C.       Attorneys representing the student, parents or legal guardians, or                       School District;
            D.       School District administrators;
            E.       School District stenographer; and
            F.       Witnesses for either party.

            The Superintendent will be responsible for the preparation of a statement detailing the incidents leading to the suspension or recommended expulsion.

            All participants in the hearing will be permitted to make comments or ask questions regarding the facts of the case or by way of explanation or mitigation of the student's conduct. Upon the request of either party, witnesses may be excluded during the testimony of other witnesses.

            Unless the Board of Education or its hearing officer rules otherwise, no more than five (5) witnesses may be called by either party.

            The technical rules of evidence shall not apply to any suspension review or expulsion hearing.

            If the hearing is conducted by a hearing officer, he or she will make written summary of the evidence presented at the hearing, which written summary shall be submitted to the President of the Board of Education within three (3) days after the hearing. The Board of Education will then make its decision at the next Regular Meeting of the Board of Education following the hearing or at a special meeting called for this purpose.

            If the Board of Education conducts the hearing, it will make its decision in due course after such deliberation as may be necessary but not later than at the next Regular Meeting of the Board of Education.

            The decision of the Board of Education on any suspension or expulsion review shall be final.

500.20 DISCIPLINE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

500.20.1 GENERAL
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            Special education students are expected to abide by the policies and rules and regulations of conduct established by the School District and are required to do so. However, the Board of Education recognizes that certain disabling conditions may cause inappropriate conduct which the exceptional child cannot reasonably be expected to control. Such conduct, if repeated or deemed substantially disruptive to the educational process, shall result in a change of placement recommendation. Generally, a special education student may not be suspended or expelled for misconduct which is a manifestation of his or her handicap. However, suspension(s) of up to ten (10) school days in the aggregate per each school year may be imposed:

            A.       Where the special education student's continued presence constitutes a                       physical danger to the student, other students, faculty, or School District                       property; or

            B.       Where appropriate to achievement of the goals of the student's                       Individualized Education Program ("IEP"); or

            C.       When otherwise permitted or required by law.

Legal References(s):
23 Illinois Admin. Code 226.400
23 Illinois Admin. Code 226.410

500.20.2 EXPULSION
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            Expulsion of a special education student for conduct which is a manifestation of the student's disability is prohibited. Any determination as to whether there is a causal relationship between an exceptional student's alleged gross misconduct or disobedience and the students exceptional characteristics shall be made at a multidisciplinary staff conference conducted in accordance with the change of placement procedures as mandated by law. The School District shall, when necessary, seek an appropriate court order, if due to the student's conduct and behavior there is a continuing danger to the health and safety of the student or others, and the School District proposes to change the student's placement or suspend the student from school for more than ten (10) days. In addition, under certain circumstances the student may be placed in an alternate interim placement for a period of up to 45 days.

Legal Reference(s):
23 Illinois Admin. Code 226.410

500.20.3 SUSPENSION
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            Prior to any short term internal or external suspension (exclusion for less than ten (10) days in the aggregate during any school year) the suspending authority shall follow the same due process procedures as are applicable to non-disabled students. In addition, prior to any such suspension, the suspending authority shall review the students Individualized Education Program ("IEP") and prior discipline record to determine whether there is any reason that the student should not be suspended on the same basis as a non-special education student for similar misconduct. If the student's IEP does not provide for short term suspension, then the suspending authority shall consult with the staff member responsible for the overall implementation of the student's IEP, or such staff member's designee. If after such consultation it is determined that the alleged misconduct is a consequence of the student's disability, the student shall not be subject to external suspension unless the student's presence constitutes a danger to the safety of the student, other students, or School District property; in which case such suspension will be limited to ten (10) school days during which time a multidisciplinary conference shall be convened to determine as soon as possible whether a change of placement is necessary.

500.20.4 POST SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Revised: December 6, 2007

            The post suspension procedures applicable to non-handicapped students shall be followed subsequent to the suspension of a disabled student. In addition, at the request of the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or the student's Individualized Education Program ("IEP") case manager, or if the suspension is an external suspension for ten (10) school days, or brings the total number of days of external suspension for the school term to ten (10) school days, then a multidisciplinary staff conference shall be called to consider any necessary modifications, if any, to the student's IEP.

500.21 STUDENT DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            No staff member shall excuse any pupil from school prior to the end of the school day, or into any person's custody, without the direct prior approval and knowledge of the Building Principal or, in his or her absence, an administrator from the School District administrative office.

            The Building Principal shall not excuse a pupil before the end of the school day without a request for the early dismissal by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Requests for early dismissal of a pupil may be honored if the person can be positively identified as the pupil's parent or legal guardian. Any additional precautions may be taken by the school administration as appropriate with regard to the age of the student or other circumstances.

500.22 SCHOOL-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Of those activities and programs which occur outside of the School District's academic curriculum, only those specifically designated by the Board of Education or by a Board-authorized administrator, as school-sponsored activities shall be considered to be school-sponsored.

            Access to school buildings, grounds, and equipment shall be limited to those participating in school-sponsored activities. Organizers of activities not designated as school-sponsored activities, who wish to use school buildings or grounds, must apply for such use in accordance with the policy on Use of School Facilities and abide by the School District's administrative procedures for Use of School Facilities.

            Use of the public address system and/or any bulletin board in any school building in the School District shall be permitted only in connection with school-sponsored activities.

            Any School District employee who supervises, organizes, or in any way participates in an activity which has not been designated as a school-sponsored activity has a duty to ascertain that the participants in such activity are aware that the employee's involvement in no way makes the activity a school-sponsored one. The Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures and rules and regulations for the approval, operation, and conduct of extracurricular activities including athletics, clubs, field trips, or similar functions.

500.23 SOLICITATION OF FUNDS
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Collection of money from students by outside organizations is prohibited as the Board of Education believes that the determination on contributions to such organizations is rightfully a function of the family. Students participating in an activity in any way organized, sponsored, supervised by, or connected with the school are not allowed to solicit funds for these activities by door-to-door sales. Any other method of solicitation shall conform to administrative procedures prepared by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Education.

500.24 PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Each student who chooses to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular conference athletic program must have a certificate of consent, signed by a parent or legal guardian, and a certificate of satisfactory physical condition, signed by a licensed physician, before starting practice. These must be on file in the Building Principal's office or other office designated by the Building Principal. This policy shall be in effect for every student during each sports season.

            Each student who chooses to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular intramural athletic program must have a certificate of consent, signed by a parent or legal guardian. This must be on file in the Building Principal's office or other office designated by the Building Principal. This policy shall be in effect for every student during each school term.

            The student's parent or legal guardian shall be required to sign the School District's permission and consent form prior to the participation by the student in any conference or intramural athletic activity.

            The Superintendent or his or her designee shall designate those extracurricular conference and intramural athletic programs which are to be school-sponsored. Only those programs specifically so designated shall be considered to be school-sponsored.

500.25 SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            No student shall be permitted on school grounds more than ten (10) minutes before or after the regular school day for students, except when participating in a school-sponsored activity or when on school grounds due to the early arrival or late departure of a school bus to which the student is assigned. The Superintendent shall at least annually advise the students and their parents or legal guardians of this policy and that supervision will not be provided by the School District at times when the students are not permitted on school grounds.

500.26 STUDENT GRADES
Adopted: June 14, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Superintendent shall be responsible for establishing the School District's marking standards and Board of Education approved means for evaluating student progress. Teachers shall have the responsibility and the right to determine grades based upon their professional judgment. A teacher's grade shall not be changed without prior notification to and discussion with the teacher. Administrative procedures for consideration of a change of a grade shall be established by the Superintendent.

500.27 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - DRUG ABUSE
Adopted: September 27, 1990
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Non-medical use of drugs is hazardous to the health of students. The illicit use, possession or distribution of drugs or look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia is not permitted on School District buses, in School District buildings or on School District grounds at any time. This Policy extends to all school-sponsored and related activities as well as field trips and athletic and music trips, whether held before or after school, evenings or weekends. Students shall not be permitted to attend school when they are under the influence of illicit drugs. For the purpose of this Policy, students who are under such influence shall be treated in the same manner as though they had drugs in their possession.

            Students shall be advised of this Policy in a manner deemed appropriate by the Building Principal. In addition, information concerning the effects and potential dangers involved in the illicit use of drugs shall be included in the curriculum in compliance with the law.

            If a staff member finds a student to be illicitly using, possessing or distributing drugs or look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia in violation of this Policy, the student shall be suspended and/or expelled. In addition, parents/legal guardians, and juvenile authorities shall be notified promptly. In all cases, parents'/legal guardians' cooperation shall be sought. When a substance is determined to be an illicit drug, the identity of the student shall be given to the proper authorities for prosecution.

            Electronic signaling devices found on School District facilities shall be confiscated by the Superintendent or his or her designee. The presence of such a device may be cause for further search for possession of drugs and appropriate discipline as established by the Board of Education.

            If there is reason to believe that a student is using drugs illicitly at any time on or off School District premises, the special services of the School District shall be made available to the student and their parents or legal guardians.

            Organizations sponsoring activities on the School District's facilities outside of regular school hours shall be made aware of this Policy and shall be expected to take appropriate disciplinary measure. Failure to do so could result in cancellation of that organization's privilege to use School District facilities.

500.28 CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Adopted: August 13, 1992
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Board of Education believes when a crisis situation occurs, all segments of the school community may be affected: its students; its staff members; and its public. Schools are concerned about the emotional welfare of its people during crisis situations. Given a crisis situation, any and all necessary and responsible actions should be initiated to insure needs are dealt with in a professional, compassionate, and respectful manner.

            The Superintendent or designee shall facilitate organization of a knowledgeable and supportive team of individuals to prepare administrative procedures and a crisis management plan of action. The crisis management plan shall be reviewed by the Board of Education.

500.29 STUDENT INCLUSION
Adopted: August 26, 1993
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Board of Education respects individual rights and needs and recognizes diversity among Kirby School District 140 students. The Board of Education advocates inclusion of all students in an educational environment and culture that promotes acceptance, achievement, and self-worth. The Board of Education recognizes that individual attendance centers and learning environments must be adaptable, continuously focusing on the personal education requirements of all students in preparation of their contributions and participation in a challenging, changing world.

            Each building administrator, under the direction of the Superintendent or designee shall facilitate and assure this policy is implemented to afford that all students are included, to the maximum extent appropriate, in a standard education environment.

500.30 WEAPON FREE SCHOOLS
Adopted: March 9, 1995
Revised: June 19, 1997 & June 17, 1999
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Any student who is determined to have brought a weapon to school and/or have possessed a weapon on school property at any school sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school, which could endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the school community, shall be expelled from school for a period of not less than one (1) year. For purposes of this policy, the term "weapon" means (1) possession, use, control, or transfer of any gun, rifle, shotgun, or weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Act, use of weapon as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code; (2) any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including but not limited to, knives, brass knuckles, or billy clubs, or (3) "look-alikes" of any weapon as defined in this section.

            The Superintendent may on a case by case basis, modify the period of expulsion and the Board of Education may, modify the Superintendent's determination on a case by case basis.

            Administration shall be required to refer the violation of Board of Education policy to the local law enforcement agency.

Legal Reference(s):
105 ILCS 5/10-22.6

500.31 STUDENT CLASS ASSIGNMENT
Adopted: July 20, 1995
Reviewed: December, 2007

            A student will be placed in a class and with a teacher who, in the judgment of administration, is most likely to further the student's educational future. Administration will plan class assignments at the school level. The child's current teacher or teachers provide significant input for placement for the next school year. Many factors are considered for the placement of each child. Factors include the range of academic abilities, social mixture, gender balance, individual learning styles, student personalities and interaction, students benefiting from being together or separated, overall student behavior, student/teacher considerations, and class size.

            The objective of the assignment process is to produce the most workable combination of student groups. Class assignments should provide a positive classroom environment to enable each student to function to their fullest ability.

            Dialogue from parents regarding their concerns is encouraged. Information from the parent is important to the placement decision and to ascertain learning styles. Requests for specific teachers will not be considered. The professional judgment of the faculty will provide each student with the best possible learning environment. The final decision regarding student assignment is the authority of the Building Principal or designee.

500.32 SECTION 504
Adopted: June 18, 1998
Reviewed: December, 2007

            It is the policy of the School District to provide a free and appropriate public education to all handicapped students within its jurisdiction, regardless of the type of handicap or its severity. The School District shall observe all rights secured by Section 504, as amended.

            Students who are handicapped consistent with the definitions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will be identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate instruction and educational services. Persons who are handicapped or who contend that they should be regarded as handicapped under Section 504 have the right, in accordance with Section 504, to file a grievance with the School District, in accordance with this policy statement, concerning allegations of violations of Section 504 regulations or to contest the School District's actions regarding the provision of services.

            Grievances under this policy statement shall be resolved in an impartial hearing in full observance of all procedural safeguards required by law including provision of records pursuant to the Illinois School Student Records Act to appropriate persons, upon request.

            The aggrieved person has the right to participate in the impartial hearing through representatives, to be represented by counsel, to present witness and to question witnesses for the School District. The hearing shall be held before an impartial person who shall act as hearing officer, and who shall issue a decision regarding the grievance within a reasonable time after the hearing.

            The grievant or the School District may, if dissatisfied with the resolution of the grievance, seek review of the grievance before a panel of impartial persons which shall not include the initial hearing officer. The panel shall issue a decision within a reasonable time of its review.

            The Section 504 Coordinator for Kirby School District 140 is the Director of Special Services. The Coordinator may be contacted at (708) 532-6462. The Section 504 Coordinator shall be responsible for arranging for impartial persons to act as hearing officer and review panel for Section 504 grievances, for scheduling the hearing and review, and for insuring that the hearing, review, and resolution of the grievance is not unreasonably delayed.

500.33 ATTENDANCE - PREGNANT STUDENTS
Adopted: March 13, 2003
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Board of Education affirms the right of a pregnant student to continue her participation in the public school program.

            The expectant student may be excused from school when, in her doctor's opinion, her physical and/or emotional well-being warrants that such measures be taken. In such instances, the District shall provide for instruction during her absence from school.

            The District may provide home instruction, correspondence courses, or instruction at an alternative education site for pupils who are unable to attend school because of pregnancy. The means of instruction provided shall be at the discretion of the District. Such instruction shall be provided to the pupil (1) before the birth of the child when the pupil's physician has indicated to the District, in writing, that the pupil is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction and (2) for up to 3 months following the birth of the child or a miscarriage.

            The instructional course shall be designed to offer educational experiences that are equivalent to those given to pupils at the same grade level in the District and that are designed to enable the pupil to return to the classroom.

            The rights of a pregnant student do not exclude her responsibility for observing the student rules and regulations established by the District and do not exempt her from disciplinary measures insured for breaking District rules.

500.34 STUDENT PRIVACY AND PARENTAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Adopted: February 13, 2003
Reviewed: December, 2007

            The Board of Education respects the privacy rights of parents and their children. No student shall be required, as a part of the school program or the District's curriculum, without prior written consent of the student, (if an adult, or an emancipated minor) or, for an unemancipated minor, his/her parents, to submit to or participate in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

            1.       political affiliations or beliefs of the student or his/her parent;
            2.       mental or psychological problems of the student or his/her family;
            3.       sex behavior or attitudes;
            4.       illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
            5.       critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have                       close, family relationships;
            6.       legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those                       of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
            7.       religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or his/her parents;                       or
            8.       income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for                       participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such                       a program).

            Parents also have the right to inspect 1) third party surveys before survey/evaluation is administered or distributed by the school to the student; and 2) information regarding the administration of physical examinations or screenings administered to the student.

            The Superintendent shall ensure that procedures are established whereby parents may inspect any materials used in conjunction with any such survey, analysis, or evaluation and is directed to provide notice to parents of students enrolled in the District of the substantive content of this policy at the beginning of the school year.

Legal Reference(s):
Protection of Pupil Rights Act (20 U.S.C.1232(g) and 1232(h))

500.35 PROHIBITION ON DISCIPLINE OF STUDENT FOR FAILURE TO MEDICATE
Adopted: February 13, 2003
Reviewed: December, 2007

            Any disciplinary action that is based totally or in part on the refusal of a student's parent(s) or guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student is hereby prohibited.

"Psychostimulant medication" means medication that produces increased levels of mental and physical energy and alertness and an elevated mood by stimulating the central nervous system.

"Psychotropic medication" means medication whose use for antipsychotic, antidepressant, antimanic, antianxiety, behavioral modification or behavioral management purposes is listed in AMA Drug Evaluations, latest edition, or Physician's Desk Reference, latest edition, or which are administered for any of these purposes.