KENNETH L. HERMANSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

101 Wesglen Parkway Romeoville, IL 60446 (815) 886-7581 Fax: (815) 886-5593

School Administration Kristina Williams, Principal Julie Wright, Assistant Principal

School Colors

Wine and Grey

School Mascot Husky

Values Our students will be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe

Mission Statement

The K. L. Hermansen School Community will provide a safe, nurturing environment to aid in the development of a foundation for personal and educational growth. By engaging all stakeholders in collaborative experiences, we will develop the necessary selfdiscipline and beliefs to be productive members of our culturally diverse society. Our continuous and uncompromising commitment to learning will lead us to attain our highest potential. ESCUELA PRIMARIA KENNETH L. HERMANSEN

101 Wesglen Parkway Romeoville, IL 60446 (815) 886-7581 Fax: (815) 886-5593 Administradores de la Escuela Kristina Williams, Principal Julie Wright, Assistant Principal

Valores

Nuestros estudiantes serán Respetuosos, Responsables, y Seguros Misión

La comunidad de la Escuela K. L. Hermansen proporcionará un ambiente seguro para ayudar en el desarrollo de una base para el crecimiento personal y educativo. Involucrando a todos los interesados en experiencias colaborativas, desarrollamos la autodisciplina y creencias necesarias para ser miembros productivos de nuestra sociedad culturalmente diversa. Nuestro compromiso continuo e intransigente de aprendizaje nos llevará a alcanzar nuestro máximo potencial.

Mascota de la Escuela: Perro Esquimal Colores de la Escuela: Color Vino y Gris Lista de información importante que encontrará en este manual: Asistencia Educación Bilingüe Transportación Disciplina Cobros – Escuelas Primarias Procedimientos de promoción, retención y colocación Educación Especial Pruebas de Estudiantes en Escuelas Públicas de Valley View Tecnología Calendario Oficial Escolar Grafica de Información Médica

Si tiene alguna pregunta, favor de contactar directamente a la escuela al teléfono: 815-886-8384 Ó si no le brindaron apoyo en español, puede contactar la línea de atención al público en español al Tel: 815-886-2700 ext. 477 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr., Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Garrick Grizaffi, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services Rachel Kinder, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Sharon Hawks, Executive Director for Human Resources Elizabeth Martinez, Executive Director of Educational Services PreK-5 Karen Flories, Executive Director of Educational Services 6-12 Erica Ekstrom, Executive Director of Student Services BOARD OF EDUCATION Steven Quigley, President Chrystal Hansen, Vice President Deborah Sykora, Secretary James T. "J.T." Boudouris, Member Elizabeth "Liz" Campbell, Member Dan Falese, Member Diane Parro, Member

MISSION Our mission is to ensure that ALL students are prepared for college, and a successful life, academically, socially, and emotionally, as well as equipped with the necessary tools to have options and make decisions about their long-term goals. This will be accomplished by believ- ing and working towards ALL students learning through rigorous curricula and meaningful, effective instruction; consequently demonstrating mastery on high-quality assessments, with all stakeholders being held accountable throughout the process. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Attendance ...... 1 Asbestos Hazard ...... 3 Bilingual Education ...... 3 Bus Transportation ...... 3 Child Sex Offender Law ...... 8 Classroom Assignment ...... 8 Communication Between Home and School ...... 8 Raptor System ...... 9 Elementary Lunch Policy ...... 9 Chaperones for Events or Field Trips ...... 10 Volunteers ...... 10 DCFS ...... 10 Discipline ...... 10 Guest Teachers ...... 16 Early Arrival or Late Departure from School ...... 16 Emergency School Closing Procedures ...... 16 Early Childhood ...... 17 Emergency Drills ...... 17 Fees - Elementary Schools ...... 18 Edline ...... 19 Facebook & Social Media ...... 19 Field Trips ...... 19 Gifted Program ...... 20 Grade Reporting - 90/10 Philosophy ...... 20 Grade Determination Policy ...... 20 Failure Notification ...... 21 Harassment of Students and Employees ...... 21 Homework ...... 21 Identifying Information on Student Articles ...... 21 IDM (Instructional Decision Making) ...... 21 Instruction on Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention ...... 22 Insurance Availability ...... 22 Library/Media Centers ...... 22 Nutrition Standards for All Foods and Beverages Sold in VVSD Schools ...... 22 Nutrition Standards for Food ...... 23 Beverage Standards ...... 23 Fundraisers ...... 23 Nutrition Services ...... 24 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) ...... 27 Parties ...... 27 Personal Property of Students ...... 27 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Photographs of Students ...... 27 Professional Qualifications ...... 28 Special Education and Child Find ...... 30 Student Appearance ...... 30 Student Assessment (Testing) in the Valley View Public Schools ...... 31 Technology ...... 31 Third Party Requests to See Students ...... 33 Toxic Materials in the Elementary Schools ...... 33 Uniform Complaint Procedure ...... 33 Student Records Information and Parent Rights ...... 33 Medical Information Chart ...... 36 Valley View School District Calendar ...... 37 Sample Allergy History Form ...... 38 Kindergarten and Early Childhood Transportation ...... 39 Permission Form ...... 40 Student Bus Discipline Report (K-5) ...... 41 Parent/Student Handbook Signature Page ...... 42 ATTENDANCE POLICIES THE ILLINOIS SCHOOL CODE REGARDING ATTENDANCE The Illinois School Code states: “Whoever has custody or control of any child between the ages of 6 and 17 years shall cause such child to attend some public school in the district wherein the child resides the entire time it is in session during the regular school term.”

A PARENT’S ROLE: THE SCHOOL CODE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE It is a parent’s responsibility to see that his/her child is in regular school attendance. This includes ensuring that the student arrives to school on time and that absences are reported to the school when the child will not be in attendance for the school day.

PROCEDURE TO REPORT AN ABSENCE If your child is going to be absent from school, the parent/guardian must call the school office every day your child is absent. Calls may be placed any time prior to the start of the school day and within two (2) hours after the start of school. Please provide the school secretary with the following information: 1. Your child’s full first and last name 2. His/her teacher name, or student’s ID number if teacher name is not known 3. Your full name 4. Your relationship to the student 5. The reason for the absence 6. When the student is expected to return to school Student absences from the classroom are either excused or unexcused in nature, based on the reason for the absence. Absences from the classroom, which are due to school-related events, are excused absences and include: 1. School-sponsored field trips 2. Receiving services from related service personnel such as a counselor, dean, social worker, psychologist, principal, testing center administrator. 3. Receiving an in-school or out-of-school suspension 4. College visits, limited to three per year during a student’s junior and senior year Absences from the classroom, which are due to non-school related events, are also excused absences if they fall within the parameters listed below: 1. An illness verified by the custodial parent or guardian, limited to 5 days maximum per semester. If three consecutive days are missed, a note from the child’s doctor is required for further absences to remain excused absences. Absences due to illness beyond the five per semester will be considered unexcused unless otherwise excused by the school administration after consultation with the student’s parent/guardian and review of notes from the student’s health provider. 2. An observance of a religious holiday 3. A death in the immediate family or family emergency 4. A situation beyond the student’s control or other circumstances, which may cause concern to the parent for the safety or health of the student. After three absences due to situations beyond the student’s control in a semester, the absences will be considered unexcused unless otherwise excused by school administration. School administration is responsible for determining the validity of the situation beyond a student’s control. 5. Take Your Child to Work day takes place the 4th Thursday of April. Students who observe this day with their parent or guardian will be given an excused absence. Please notify your school office one week in advance if your child will be participating in this annual event. Examples of absences that are not valid and are considered unexcused absences include: 1. Keeping an older child home to babysit younger siblings 2. Taking family vacations or other family related social events 3. Participating in non-school sponsored field trips or activities 4. Missing the bus or lack of transportation Excessive absenteeism is seen as student truancy. Chronic truants are those students with unexcused absences for 5% or more of the pre- vious 180 days of attendance. A school may, at any time, refer a case of excessive absenteeism to the Attendance Caseworker. If the issue cannot be resolved, the case may be referred to the County Truancy Officer for possible court interventions. Absences that are not called in before the day missed, or within the first two hours of school being in session for that day, will result in a phone call to the home from the school office. This is to ensure the child’s safety by confirming the parent knows the child is not in class. In some cases, the call will be made by the school’s automated calling system, ParentLink, in order to quickly place a large volume of attendance calls. Parents must still call the school office to discuss and excuse student absences when they receive the ParentLink at- tendance call.

- 1 - MAKE-UP WORK A student has one day to complete his/her missed work for each day absent. A student will be able to receive his/her work from teachers upon return to school. If a parent knows that his/her child will be out for more than three days, the parent may request work on the 2nd day. Parents and students are always able to view class assignments by logging on to their child’s Edline account and accessing teacher web pages.

TARDINESS GUIDELINES PROCEDURE WHEN ARRIVING TO SCHOOL LATE The first few minutes of the school day, and the first few minutes of each class period thereafter, are extremely important as this is the time when the day’s assignments and procedures are explained to the students and attendance is taken. Please make sure that your child leaves for school in plenty of time to be in his/her seat and ready for the class to begin at the bell. If a child is transported by bus, the district cannot send a bus back for those students who missed it and therefore it becomes the parent’s responsibility to transport the child to school. Students arriving late to school must report to the school office and have a note from the parent/guardian excusing the lateness, if not escorted by the parent/guardian directly. The school office personnel will provide the student with a tardy pass for admittance to class. All tardies to school will be considered unexcused unless administrative approval is obtained. Students late to school due to the late arrival of a school bus will be admitted to class as excused and do not need a note.

PROCEDURE WHEN ARRIVING TO CLASS LATE

Half Day Kindergarten-Offered AM only. Held at Oak View Elementary School. AM Kindergarten 9:05 – 11:35 AM – 120 Minutes = Full Day Attendance · Tardy to school if student arrives between 9:05 and 9:35 AM · Full day absent after 9:35AM Note: A half day kindergarten student not in attendance for two hours is marked absent the entire day. There is no half day absences for AM kindergarten sessions.

Full Day Kindergarten and First Grade 9:05 AM – 3:15 PM – 240 Minutes = Full Day Attendance · Tardy to school if student arrives between 9:05 and 10:40 AM · Half Day Absence if student arrives before 1:15 PM · Full day absent student arrives after 1:15PM

Second Through Fifth Grade 9:05 AM – 3:15 PM – 300 Minutes = Full Day Attendance · Tardy to school if student arrives between 9:05 and 9:35 AM · Half Day Absent if arrives between 9:35AM and 12:10PM · Full Day Absent if arrives after 12:10PM

Coming into class after the bell rings is considered tardiness. Unexcused tardiness to class will be handled through each teacher’s class management plan. Excessive tardiness, whether excused or unexcused, will not be allowed. The following is a guideline to help parents and students know when lateness becomes a tardy or an absence, depending on the grade level of the student: Repeated lateness to school and/or tardiness to class within the school day will result in disciplinary action as detailed in the building procedure area of this handbook.

EARLY DISMISSAL In an effort to continue to provide for the safety of our children, no early dismissal of students will be permitted after 2:45pm. If you must sign our child out at the end of the day for an appointment, please arrive prior to 2:45pm. The end of the day is a very busy time and accom- modating early dismissals so close to the end of the day interferes with ensuring a safe and orderly dismissal.

EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM NOTIFICATION 5, 10 AND 15 DAY ABSENCE NOTICES Parents/Guardians will be notified when students have missed 5 days of class instruction and again when they have missed 10 and 15 days of class instruction. Every day of absence, except school sponsored activities such as field trips, is counted toward the 5, 10 and 15 day absence notices. These notices are sent home to inform parents of excessive student absences. If a serious illness or personal or family problem exists, parents should notify the school attendance office. - 2 - 10 CONSECUTIVE DAYS ABSENT DROP PROCESS, TRUANCY AND CHRONIC TRUANCY Drop Process – If a student has been absent for 10 consecutive unexcused days or the parents have made no effort to contact the school, the student will be presumed to have moved or otherwise been withdrawn from school. In such a case, the student will be removed from the attendance rolls. The student will need to be re-enrolled at the Administrative Center in order to return to school. Truant – A “truant” child is a child subject to the compulsory school attendance code and who is absent without valid cause from such atten- dance for a school day or portion thereof. Chronic or Habitual Truant – A “chronic or habitual truant” is a child who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without a valid cause for 5% or more of the previous 180 days of attendance and may be reported to the Will County Truancy De- partment.

FAMILY RESIDENCY CHANGE NOTIFICATION Attendance Board Policy 7:60, 7:70 Parents or legal guardians are required to notify the school district immediately when the family changes residence. In cases where a stu- dent’s family moves within the District from one area to another during the school year, the Superintendent may authorize the student to complete the current school year at the first attendance center, providing the parents accept responsibility for transporting the student. This allowance is at the sole discretion of the Superintendent, or his or her designee, and is only for the duration of that school year.

If you have moved out of our school district mid-school year, please visit the Enrollment Department to fill out a Request to Continue form. A request to continue is approved provided the parents accept responsibility for transportation, and tardies and absences are minimal. If you want to transfer to the new school district instead, please go to your child’s school to officially withdraw your child.

ASBESTOS HAZARD EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT (AHERA) In accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the District’s buildings have been inspected for asbestos. A Management Plan has been developed and has been implemented for each of the District’s buildings. This Management Plan is updated every three (3) years. The Management Plans are available for public viewing at the school building. Appointments can be made to view the Management Plans by calling the office at 815/886-2700, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BILINGUAL EDUCATION AND ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE SERVICES FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS PK-12 Valley View School District 365U supports the social and academic English language acquisition of students with limited English proficiency enrolled in our PreK-12 classrooms. Students who meet the eligibility guidelines established by the State of Illinois and the Federal Title III Grant Programs are considered English Language Learners and they receive English language acquisition support through two state and fed- erally funded programs: Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) and Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI). The district’s Department of Bilingual Education, in collaboration with teachers and administrators from our PreK-12 schools, conducts frequent formal assessments to determine the progress made by all our TBE/TPI students toward language proficiency, which determines program placement permanency. Additional information can be obtained through the Office of Bilingual Education at 815-886-2700.

BUS TRANSPORTATION General Information: Just prior to the beginning of each school year, the parents of students eligible for bus transportation will be notified by mail of their child's bus route number, the location of the assigned bus stop, and the scheduled times for the arrival of the bus at the bus stop. The parent/guardian of special education students will be contacted the week prior to the first day of school by the bus driver with route information. More busing information and procedures for Kindergarten and Early Childhood students can be found in the back of this handbook. If you do not receive notification within a few days of the beginning of school, please call the transportation department at 815-886-6686. Students who live more than 1.5 miles from their assigned school or who must cross dangerous intersections (as defined by the State of Illinois) will be transported on school district buses to and from school. Only children eligible for bus transportation services may ride buses. Student(s) are assigned a bus stop and route based upon their home address. Student(s) can only ride the bus route they are assigned and can only ride that bus from their assigned bus stop. Student(s) are not to ride a different route and/or board/depart from a different bus stop without the written permission of a school Principal or designee. If for some reason your student(s) needs to ride a different route/bus stop to and/or from school: n Parent/Guardian must write a letter to the Principal of school requesting permission. n Principal or designee must sign letter giving permission for the change. n Student(s) must present a permission letter signed by Principal or designee to the driver to ride a different route. No exceptions will be made without a signed permission from the Principal or designee. Such changes will be approved only in case of emergency. If approval is granted, the school will contact the District Transportation Department. If a student should miss the bus for any reason, please report to the school office. Students have the option of calling for a ride home at the school office. Be aware all buses are on schedules which require timely dismissals from schools. All schools have a 7 minute window for - 3 - students to get to their buses and be seated. Student safety at dismissal time with buses and cars leaving schools is of paramount importance. It is the Transportation Department’s established procedure that bus doors are opened for seven (7) minutes after dismissal bell. Drivers then close their doors and leave in order. Drivers are not to open the doors for students that are late to the bus. This practice was put in place so that students would not come running to buses as they are leaving the school, putting themselves in danger. The district transportation office is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each school day. You may call this office for additional information that is not contained in this handbook or in school information packets. The telephone number is (815) 886-6686. For Bilingual Transportation, please call (815) 886-7586.

SAFETY RULES & SCHOOL BUS ETIQUETTE As partners in education, we would like to enlist your assistance as parents in imparting safety rules and etiquette to our students while they are on board. This will help to ensure that our students enjoy a safe and pleasant journey every day.

SCHOOL BUS RULES 1. Be courteous and respectful to the driver and fellow passengers. 2. The driver has the right to assign seats. Remain seated with your seat belt on. 3. No eating, chewing gum and/or drinking on the bus. 4. No fighting, yelling or screaming, it distracts driver. 5. High school students are required to show IDs upon driver’s request. Aisles/Emergency exit doors must be kept clear at all times. The district transportation office is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each school day. You may call this office for additional information that is not contained in this handbook or in school information packets. The telephone number is (815) 886-6686. For Bilingual Education, please call (815) 886-7586.

EMERGENCY DRILLS During the school year all students participate in one emergency bus procedure training, which is sponsored and conducted by each school. This includes the practice of emergency bus evacuation procedures, a review of other emergency procedures, and a description or demon- stration of safety equipment on each bus. All students participate in this drill so that they will know what to do should the need arise.

PAID TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE BUSING Non-Eligible Bus Transportation may be available for students who live under 1.5 miles from their attendance center at parent expense. There is a limited amount of space available for non-eligible busing, and students are assigned to an existing route and stop on a first come first serve basis. Transportation is based on the attendance days as designated by the Board of Education. There will be no discounts or refunds made for vacation and/or emergency days as declared by the Superintendent of Schools. There will be no refunds for discontinuance of trans- portation service by request of parent/guardian. An application with payment of money order or cashier’s check can be mailed directly to the transportation office or accepted at your local school. Credit card payments; Visa, Master Card and/or Bank Debit cannot be made at schools. You have the option of making a copy of your credit card, attaching it to the application and mailing them to the Valley View School District 365U, Spangler Transportation, 39 E. Forestwood Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446 or coming to the transportation office in person. Sorry, we do not accept American Express or Discover. Stipulations: Busing fees must be paid in full at time of registration. No partial payments will be accepted. Existing stops will be assigned. Discipline problems will be followed per School District Policies. The school personnel will handle all discipline problems. If suspended for any length of time, no refund will be made for the time the student does not ride. Suspension or expulsion from the bus does not exclude attendance from school. The only musical instruments that will be permitted on the bus will be those that fit on a student’s lap. This option for the Non-Eligible Transportation Program only applies for transportation to and from the registrant’s home area or day care provider located within the boundaries of your assigned school and only applies if the student can be added to an existing route without significantly altering pick-up and drop-off times for students already on the route. At the elementary level, transportation only applies to and from school; it does not include any school activities (i.e., art, band, music, etc.) Please call the Transportation Office for current fees. (815) 886-6686

ALTERNATE LOCATION DROP-OFF/PICK-UP PROGRAM The Alternate Drop-off/Pick-up Program provides student transportation to and from an alternate drop-off/pick-up location rather than the student’s residence at the beginning and end of each school day. Conditions of Participation n The residence of the child care provider must be within walking distance, with no intervening IDOT safety hazard areas, of the bus route serving the child’s school. n The alternate location is at a point on an existing route and the student’s drop-off/pick-up at the alternate location does not significantly impact the total transportation time for students. - 4 - n Participation shall be contingent upon availability of space on the bus route. n Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must sign a Waiver and Release of All Claims form. n The Child Care Provider must sign a Child Care Provider form. n Participation in the Program is contingent upon five-days-per-week participation for a minimum period of one semester. n Participation in the Program will terminate in the event that any false or misleading information is provided on the forms.

CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Each passenger on a Valley View school bus or activity bus that is equipped with a passenger restraint systems shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened passenger restrain system (seat belt). Passenger restraint systems shall be used at all times the school bus or activity bus is in operation. The restraint should remain fastened until which time the passenger exits the school bus or activity bus. Passengers that refuse to use the passenger restraint system (seat belt) shall be disciplined according to School Board policy. Proper fastening and release of the passenger restraint system (seat belt): Fastening: To fasten, insert the latch plate (metal tongue) attached to one side of the webbing into the proper buckle (receptacle that comes out the seat belt (opening) in the back seat, a slot in the seat cushion or from the side). The latch plate is securely fastened in the buckle. Adjust the lap belt to fit low and tight across the hips/pelvis, not the stomach area. Place the shoulder belt snug across the chest, away from the neck. Never place the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm. Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the belt rests across the middle of the shoulder.

Unfastening: To unfasten, push the buckle release button and remove the latch plate from the buckle. The buckle has a release mechanism that, when manually operated during unbuckling breaks the bond and separates two sections.

VIDEO MONITORING ON SCHOOL BUSES Camera Location, Operation and Control n The Transportation Director may approve the equipping of school buses with visual and audio monitoring devices for monitoring student behavior. n Visual and audio monitoring equipment shall be in operation to monitor student behavior or the action of district employees. n The Transportation Director shall be responsible to audit the use and security of surveillance cameras, including monitors and tapes. n This handbook provides notice that the Board may be recording student behavior on school buses and the purposes of such practices. n Recordings may be released to third parties if required by law or for law enforcement purposes. n Video monitoring or other surveillance or recordings on school buses are not student records.

RULES OF CONDUCT ON BUSES The general rules of conduct applicable during the school day will be enforced for misbehavior on the school bus. In addition to the general rules of conduct, student misbehavior on the bus may be cause for the removal of bus privileges in accordance with Board of Education policy. Listed below are transportation safety rules for students. Students violating these rules will be referred for disciplinary action. The administration reserves the right to charge a student with an offense not set forth below. The transportation system is considered to be under the jurisdiction of the Valley View School District, therefore any disciplinary infraction will be handled as if it were committed on the school grounds.

BUS SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS Please discuss the following which are required of every student while waiting at the bus stop and riding the bus. A student who does not meet these expectations may be denied bus transportation. 1. Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings, or aisles. 2. Arrive 5 minutes before your pick up time at the bus stop and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus. 3. Stay away from the bus until it stops completely and the driver signals you to board. Enter in single file without pushing. Always use the handrail. 4. Observe safety precautions at bus stop discharge points. Where it is necessary to cross the street, proceed to a point in front of the bus where you can see the bus driver and the bus driver can see you, on the right side of the street where traffic may be observed in both directions. Then wait for a signal from the bus driver permitting you to cross. 5. Stay in your seat with the seat belt securely fastened while the bus is in motion. 6. Remain in the bus in the event of a road emergency until instructions are given by the driver. Be alert to a danger signal from the driver. 7. Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times after entering and until leaving the bus. Keep all objects inside of the bus and away from the windows. 8. Remember that loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion divert the driver’s attention and could result in a serious accident. - 5 - 9. Be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing stop. 10. Never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment. 11. Never run back to the bus, even if you have dropped or forgotten something. 12. All school rules that pertain to behavior and conduct also apply to riding a bus to and from school and to participating in related school activities and field trips. 13. The courtesy and respect that is expected of a student in school is also expected on a bus. 14. Bring no animals on the bus. 15. Help keep the bus neat and clean. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits. 16. Do not ask the driver to stop at places other than the regular bus stop; he/she is not permitted to do this except by proper authorization from a school or Transportation official. 17. A bus driver has the authority (a) to assign students to seats, and (b) to report to the principal those students who do not meet behavioral expectations. 18. Students are to only ride the bus assigned by the Transportation Department. Students not eligible for transportation may not ride the bus. 19. Students who miss their bus after school should immediately report to the school office or inform an adult of the situation.

SAFETY STEPS YOU CAN TAKE n Supervise children to make sure they get to the stop 5 minutes prior to pick-up time, wait far away from the road, and avoid rough play. n Teach your child to ask the driver for help if he/she drops something near the bus (B). If a child stoops to pick up something, the driver cannot see the child. He/she could be hit by the bus. A book bag or backpack helps keep loose items together. n Make sure clothing has no loose drawstrings and backpack straps are short, so they don’t get caught in the handrail or bus door. n Educate and encourage safe school bus loading and unloading. Children should ask the driver for help if they drop something near the bus. n If you think a bus stop is in a dangerous place, talk with your school office or transportation director about changing the location.

TEACH YOUR CHILD TO GET ON AND OFF THE BUS SAFELY 1. When loading, stay away from the danger zone and wait for the driver’s signal. Board the bus in single file. 2. When unloading, look before stepping off the bus to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder (side of the road) and move away from the bus. 3. Before crossing the street, take “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the driver’s face can be seen. Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross. Supervise children at the school bus stop. Make sure they move away from 4. Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Continue to watch the bus, out of the danger zone. for traffic when crossing.

RISKY BUSINESS FOR MOTORISTS: PASSING A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS What is the most dangerous part of the school bus ride? The bus stop! Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus. Most of the children killed in bus- related crashes are pedestrians, five to seven years old, who are getting on or off the bus. They are hit by the school bus or by motorists illegally passing a stopped bus. In neighborhoods, near schools, and at bus stops, drivers need to take special precautions because children do not behave like adults.

If red lights are flashing, stop! They show that children are get- ting on or off the bus and may be crossing the street.

- 6 - SCHOOL BUS STOPS: A RISKY PART OF THE RIDE

WHY STUDENTS ARE IN DANGER Millions of children in the United States ride safely to and from school on school buses each day. Al- though school buses are the safest way to get to school, an average of 33 school-age children die in school bus-related traffic crashes each year.

Most of those killed are pedestrians, five to seven years old. They are hit in the danger zone around the bus (A), either by a passing vehicle or by the school bus itself. It is illegal for a car to pass a bus with its red light flashing.

The Danger Zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic danger of being hit. Children should stay ten feet away from the bus (or as far away as they can) and results. never go behind it. They should take giant steps in front of the bus before crossing, so they can see and be seen by the driver.

Young children are most likely to be hit because they: = hurry to get on or off the bus, = act before they think and have little experience with traffic, = assume motorists will see them and will wait for them to cross, = don’t always stay within the bus driver’s sight.

Violation of these laws can result in a citation and fine. In many places, school bus drivers can re- port passing vehicles!

For more information, call the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline: 1/888-DASH-2-DOT or visit the NHTSA website, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The extended stop signal arm alerts traffic when children get on or off the bus.

Bus Discipline Procedures: The responsibility for effective bus discipline rests jointly with the bus driver, the school, the student, and the parent. In order to ensure that all who are involved in this responsibility work together for the purpose of student safety and welfare, the following procedures are to be followed: 1. If a student violates a bus rule, the violation shall be reported by the bus driver, using the Bus Discipline Report Form. All copies will be sent to the student's school within one working day of the violation. A copy of the Bus Discipline Report Form can be found in the appendix section of this handbook. 2. At the discretion of the principal, and depending upon the severity of the infraction and the student's past behavior, the disciplinary action may include, but not be limited to, the following: a. An official notification letter will be sent to the student's parents advising them of the infraction(s) and the possible consequences that can be imposed should the behavior continue. The transportation department will receive a copy of this letter and another copy will be retained in the student's temporary record file. b. A conference between the student and the principal, or between the principal and the parents, will be held ensuring that all involved are fully aware of the problem and the possible consequences if such behavior continues. c. Temporary exclusion of the student from bus transportation privileges for a period of time to be determined by the principal. In the event that a student is excluded from district bus transportation, the parents of the student shall be notified of the exclusion no less than one school day prior to the beginning date of the exclusion. A student who is excluded from district bus transportation services because of unacceptable behavior is not excused from school. It is the responsibility of the student's parent to transport the student to and from school. If a student misses school because of a bus exclusion, the absence is regarded as unexcused. All applicable building, classroom, and school property rules and expectations apply to students while they are on the bus or at the bus stops. In addition to school expectations and rules, the following are examples of unacceptable bus and bus stop behavior which may also be subject to disciplinary action: 1. Behavior which distracts the driver. 2. Behavior causing a delay in pickup/delivery of students. 3. Out of seat, not in assigned seat. 4. Rudeness to, or failure to obey, the driver.

- 7 - 5. Unsafe behavior while boarding or unloading, or at a bus stop. 6. Damage or vandalism to a bus. 7. Behavior which results in danger to other passengers. 8. Eating and/or drinking is not allowed on school buses. Parents will be held financially responsible for any damage or vandalism to a bus caused by their child. CHILD SEX OFFENDER AND MURDERER COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION LAW Law enforcement agencies provide the names and addresses of child sex offenders to the Superintendent and each school principal throughout the school year. The Superintendent and Building Principals use this list to screen all individuals who may come in contact with students at school or school-based events. This includes all school employees, volunteers, contractor employees, student teachers, and individuals within proximity of district schools. Pursuant to the Sex Offender Community Notification Law, information is available to the public about sex offenders registered in the community. The Illinois State Police sex offender registry website is located at: www.isp.state.il.us/sor/sor.cfm. Please see additional information within the Communication Between School and Home Section below. CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENT When creating classrooms it is imperative that we take into consideration student academic levels, as well as gender and student social and emotional needs. For these reasons we cannot honor requests for particular classroom assignments. Please know that careful con- sideration is taken when placing your child into a classroom. Our goal to ensue that each child receive instruction that matches his/her learning style. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences are a very important part of the entire educational process. Teachers generally contact parents by phone or letter inviting them to participate in the conference. If you wish to request a conference, please feel free to contact the teacher to set up a mutually convenient time. When an appointment is made for a conference, it is important that every possible effort be made to keep the appointment. Many times conferences are scheduled within 15-20 minutes of each other. Report Cards: Students receive report cards at the end of each full quarter of the school year. The report card will indicate to you how well your child is achieving Common Core State Standards. It will also give you an indication of how well your child is progressing in the development of work and study skills. Sign the report card envelope and return the envelope to school as soon as possible. School Newsletters: Each elementary school publishes a newsletter for parents which includes information about upcoming events, news, and bulletins from the parent-school organization. Telephone Calls to Teachers: Please understand that phone calls can only be taken by teachers when they are not with students. Each school will be happy to take a message for the teacher to call you back. ParentLink: School to parent communication is a vital tool in the process of successful education for all students. It is a district initiative to keep parents informed of school events and ensure that they are included in communications regarding school oper- ations and special events affecting the educational outcome of their children. For this reason, an electronic messaging service called ParentLink will be utilized to record and send messages to parents via phone and email. The ParentLink communication suite offers three main services to the District 365U community which aids this communication process. These services are: 1. ParentLink will be utilized to call parents if there is a school emergency, such as building closures due to inclement weather in addition to the standard radio and TV notification systems already in use. 2. ParentLink will be utilized to call parents regarding school events that are focused on increasing family involvement at school functions. Events such as Open House and Parent-Teacher Conferences are examples of school events that will be promoted using ParentLink messaging services. 3. ParentLink will be utilized to place automatic attendance calls when students are reported as absent from their class and not called in by their guardian as an expected absence. Parents can still contact the school attendance centers to discuss and excuse students from classes, but ParentLink will be utilized to make the initial large volume of out going notification calls to parents regarding student absences. ParentLink enables the District to call the families of all 18,000+ students in less than 30 minutes, if needed. It is important that family phone numbers are kept up to date on the school’s database so that these calls can accurately reach parents. If there is a correction to be made on the family phone record, please call your school office and report the necessary changes as soon as they are known.

Visitors to and Conduct on School Property (Board Policy 8:30) For purposes of this policy, “school property” means school buildings, District buildings not being used as a school, vehicles used for school purposes, any location during a school athletic and other school-sponsored event, and school grounds. Visitors are welcome on school property, provided their presence will not be disruptive. All visitors must initially report to the Building Principal’s office. Any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member in advance by telephone or email - 8 - to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s confer- ence/preparation period. To support student safety and well-being, no dogs or other animals are allowed on school property at any time. This excludes leashed service or therapy dogs. The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all individuals on school property or at a school event. No person on school property or at a school event shall: 1. Injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, a School Board member, sports official or coach, or any other person; 2. Damage or threaten to damage another’s property; 3. Damage or deface School District property; 4. Violate any Illinois law, or town or county ordinance; 5. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products, including “smokeless” or electronic cigarettes; 6. Consume, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs, or possess dangerous devices or weapons; 7. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner); 8. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the School Board; 9. Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized District employee’s directive; 10. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding; or 11. Violate other District policies or regulations, or an authorized District employee’s directive. Raptor System In the interest of keeping our children and staff safe, Valley View School District 365U has implemented the V-Soft Raptor visitor management system (commonly called Raptor). This internet-based program allows schools to scan valid IDs for all visitors and electronically check all visitors against registered sexual offender databases in 50 states. When you visit any VVSD school, the main office or security desk will ask for valid identification. A valid ID includes: driver’s license, state ID card, military card or any foreign consulate card. During your visit, the school building will retain your ID and will give you a pre-printed visitor badge to wear. You will no longer need to sign in. Upon leaving, you will return the name badge to the main office or security desk, and your ID will be returned. Visitors, including parents, are not allowed to go directly to classrooms or other areas of the school without first getting office approval. This enables the school to be fully aware of exactly who is in the building at any given time should an emergency arise or it becomes necessary to locate a visitor. All visitors are expected to fully comply with staff directives and failure to fully do so may result in the visitor’s removal from the building, amongst other possible responses, including police intervention if necessary. You will receive more information on this topic from your local school. Elementary Lunch Policy We are asking all visitors to refrain from visiting your student in our cafeteria during lunch time. There are several reasons this policy is in place. We have taken into consideration safety, supervision, physical space and student’s allergies. We understand that this may be an incon- venience but we believe that this is in the best interest of our learners. If you need to bring lunch for your child, please be prepared to leave the lunch in the front office and the school staff will ensure your child receives it prior to lunch time. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and support with this district policy Convicted Child Sex Offender State law prohibits a child sex offender from being present on school property or loitering within 500 feet of school property when persons under the age of 18 are present, unless the offender is: 1. A parent/guardian of a student attending the school and the parent/guardian is: (i) attending a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of his or her child academically or socially, (ii) participating in child review conferences in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to his or her child regarding special education services, or (iii) attending conferences to discuss other student issues concerning his or her child such as retention and promotion and notifies the Building Principal of his or her presence at the school, or 2. Has permission to be present from the School Board, Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee. If permission is granted, the Superintendent or Board President shall provide the details of the offender’s upcoming visit to the Building Principal. In all cases, the Superintendent, or designee who is a certified employee, shall supervise a child sex offender whenever the offender is in a child’s vicinity. A child sex offender must contact the school principal and complete a “School Visit Request” form in order to lawfully visit school property. This form must be completed for each visit to school property. Enforcement Any staff member may request identification from any person on school grounds or in any school building; refusal to provide such information is a criminal act. The Building Principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who refuses to provide requested identification. As circumstances warrant, the Superintendent or designee shall take appropriate action to enforce this policy including requesting the person to immediately leave school property, contacting law enforcement, and seeking to deny future admission to school events or meetings - 9 - according to provisions in Board policy 8:40, Spectator Conduct at School Events. Chaperones for Events or Field Trips There may be occasions when parents may wish to volunteer to chaperone events or field trips that their child may be involved in through the District. If volunteers are requested by the School, they will have to complete a Parent Certification Concerning Certain Criminal Charges And/Or Convictions form to be submitted to the School office for approval in order to be permitted to attend the event or field trip.

Volunteers All volunteers who are not fingerprinted will be required to review and sign off a Volunteer Certification Concerning Certain Criminal Charges and Volunteer Expectations and Responsibilities) on an annual basis. In addition you will be provided with a copy of the “12 Tips for Working with Students”. Please see the office to obtain these forms.

For those volunteers who are required to be fingerprinted, you must also complete the Volunteer Expectations and Responsibilities form and be provided with the “12 Tips for Working with Students” document. These forms will be kept confidential and will be maintained at the school. You will be required to sign a new one each year. In addition to these documents, your building may provide you with additional information specifically related to your school.

DCFS - REQUIRED REPORTS (Board Policy 5:90) The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act requires all school employees to report instance of suspected abuse or neglect. Failure to comply with this act may result in the suspension or revocation of any certificate issued by the Illinois State School Certification Board. This requirement, as stated above, is very explicit and leaves no doubt that "willful" failure to comply may result in serious consequences. The major purpose is to identify children who are being abused or neglected and to protect them from harm. This means that, whenever a school employee is notified of or suspects the possibility of child neglect or abuse, a report to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is required. The fact that this report is made does not imply that it is already decided that a child is being neglected or abused. It is solely the responsibility of DCFS to make this determination after an investigation.

DISCIPLINE (Board Policy 7:190) General Information: Discipline is necessary in any school to maintain a pleasant, safe, and stable learning environment. There are specific "District" and "School" policies and procedures covering this subject. It is the shared responsibility of the parent and the student to become fully informed and knowledgeable regarding discipline procedures and the consequences for infractions of rules. Each school will provide parents and students with specific school behavior expectations and consequences for infractions of rules. Students: Teachers and other educational employees shall maintain discipline in the schools. In all matters relating to the discipline in and conduct of the schools and the school children, they stand in the relation of parents and guardians to the students. This relationship shall extend to all activities connected with the school program and may be exercised at any time for the safety and supervision of the students in the absence of their parents or guardians. Prohibited Student Conduct: The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to: 1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco materials. 2. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. Students who are under the influence are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession. 3. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling: a. Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana and hashish). b. Any anabolic steroid not administered under a physician's care and supervision. c. Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a licensed physician or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician's instructions. d. Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system. The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications. e. "Look-alike" or counterfeit drugs, including a substance not containing an illegal drug or controlled substance, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug or controlled substance; (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug or controlled substance. f. Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances. Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are - 10 - treated as though they had the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession. 4. Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a weapon in violation of the "weapons" section of this policy. 5. Using or possessing an electronic device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the Building Principal, all electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals. 6. Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member's supervision and in the context of instruction. 7. Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a District staff member's request to stop, present school identification, or submit to a search. 8. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores. 9. Engaging in hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to another or any urging of other students to engage in such conduct. Prohibited conduct includes any use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, harassment, bullying, hazing, or other comparable conduct. 10. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person's personal property. 11. Being absent without a recognized excuse; State law and Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants. 12. Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society, a. Being a member, b. Promising to join, c. Pledging to become a member, or d. Soliciting any other person to join, promise to join, or be pledged to become a member. 13. Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia. 14. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, and hazing. 15. Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property. For purposes of this policy, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; or (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event. The misconduct described within this handbook is a description of the types of conduct that is prohibited and does not list all potential violations that a student may be disciplined for. The administration has the right to discipline students for conduct consistent with, even if not specifically articulated, the prohibited conduct described in this handbook. Efforts, including the use of early intervention and progressive discipline, shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school- related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or physiological harm to someone else. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the parent/guardian of a student who engages in aggressive behavior is notified of the incident. The failure to provide such notification does not limit the Board’s authority to impose discipline, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior. No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student's parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student. The grounds for disciplinary action, including those described more thoroughly later in this policy, apply whenever the student's conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities including but not limited to: 1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time; 2. Off school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, event, or any activity or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school; 3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function or event; or 4. Within 500 feet of any regular school bus stop location; 5. Anywhere, including while off-campus or through electronic means, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member or student; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property. Subject to certain limitations, the school may take disciplinary action for student misconduct perpetuated by electronic means if the misconduct causes or is reasonably forecasted to cause substantial disruption to the educational setting.

- 11 - Disciplinary Measures Disciplinary measures may include: 1. Disciplinary conference. 2. Withholding of privileges. 3. Seizure of contraband. 4. Suspension from school and all school activities for up to 10 days, provided that appropriate procedures are followed. A suspended student is prohibited from being on school grounds. 5. Suspension of bus riding privileges, provided that appropriate procedures are followed. 6. Expulsion from school and all school-sponsored activities and events for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years, provided that the appropriate procedures are followed. An expelled student is prohibited from being on school grounds. 7. Notification of juvenile authorities whenever the conduct involves illegal drugs (controlled substances), "look-alikes," alcohol, or weapons. 8. Notifying parents/guardians. 9. Temporary removal from classroom. 10. In-school suspension for a period not to exceed 5 school days. The Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised. 11. Detention or Saturday school, provided the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) have been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative disciplinary measure must be used. The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or designee. 12. Community service with local, public, and nonprofit agencies that enhance community efforts to meet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. The District will not provide transportation. School administration shall use this option only as an alternative to another disciplinary measure giving the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) the choice. A student who is subject to suspension or expulsion may be subject to an immediate transfer to an alternative school program. Corporal punishment shall not be used. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.

BULLYING Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or al- leging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive. These actions diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important District goal(s). Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, status of being homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations: 1. During any school sponsored education program or activity. 2. While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school sponsored or school sanctioned events or activities. 3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment. 4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or pro gram or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program. Definitions from Section 27-23.7 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-23.7) Bullying includes cyber-bullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 1. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property. 2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health. 3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance. 4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. Cyber-bullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromag-

- 12 - netic system, photo-electronic system, or photo-optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyber-bullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, that: (i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and community, (ii) contribute to maintaining school safety, (iii) protect the in- tegrity of a positive and productive learning climate, (iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to be successful in school and society, (v) serve to build and restore relationships among students, families, schools, and communities, and (vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in school. School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district, including without limitation school and school district administrators, teachers, school guidance counselors, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards. Bullying Prevention and Response Plan The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the District’s goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassment. This plan must be consistent with the requirements listed below; each numbered requirement, 1-12, corresponds with the same number in the list of required policy components in 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(b) 1-12. 1. The District uses the definition of bullying as provided in this policy. 2. Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of this District. However, nothing in the District’s bullying prevention and response plan is intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views pro tected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution. 3. Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the Building Level Administrator or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying, is encouraged to report it to the Building Level Administrator, any staff member, or by using the anonymous reporting tool. 4. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the Superintendent or designee shall promptly in form the parent(s)/guardian(s) of every student involved in an alleged incident of bullying and discuss, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures. 5. The Superintendent or designee shall promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, by, among other things: a. The policy or implementing procedure shall include a process to investigate whether a reported act of bullying is within the per missible scope of the district's or school's jurisdiction and shall require that the district or school provide the victim with infor mation regarding services that are available within the district and community, such as counseling, support services, and other programs. b. Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of a bullying incident was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported bullying incident. c. Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as deemed appropriate, in the investigation process. d. Notifying the Building Principal or school administrator or designee of the reported incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received. e. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the Building Principal or school administrator or his or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying. The Superintendent or designee shall investigate whether a reported incident of bullying is within the permissible scope of the Dis trict’s jurisdiction and shall require that the District provide the victim with information regarding services that are available within the District and community, such as counseling, support services, and other programs. 6. The Superintendent or designee shall use interventions to address bullying, that may include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community- based services. 7. A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. A student’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions. 8. A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions. 9. The District’s bullying prevention and response plan must be based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including

- 13 - students and parents/guardians. 10. The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the District’s Internet website, if any, and include it in the student handbook, and, where applicable, post it where other policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted. The policy must also be dis tributed annually to parents/guardians, students, and school personnel, including new employees when hired. 11. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. This process shall include, without limitation: a. The frequency of victimization; b. Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school; c. Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs; d. The types of bullying utilized; and e. Bystander intervention or participation. The evaluation process may use relevant data and information that the District already collects for other purposes. The Superintendent or designee must post the information developed as a result of the policy evaluation on the District’s website, or if a website is not available, the information must be provided to school administrators, Board members, school personnel, parents/guardians, and students. 12. The Superintendent or designee shall fully implement the Board policies, including without limitation, the following: a. 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may use this policy to complain about bullying. b. 6:60, Curriculum Content. Bullying prevention and character instruction is provided in all grades in accordance with State law. c. 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development. Student social and emotional development is incorporated into the District’s educational program as required by State law. d. 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks. This policy states that the use of the District’s electronic networks is limited to: (1) support of education and/or research, or (2) a legitimate business use. e. 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing, intimidating, or bullying a student based on an identified actual or perceived characteristic (the list of characteristics in 7:20 is the same as the list in this policy). f. 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. This policy prohibits teen dating violence on school property, at school sponsored ac tivities, and in vehicles used for school-provided transportation. g. 7:190, Student Discipline. This policy prohibits, and provides consequences for, hazing, bullying, or other aggressive behaviors, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. h. 7:310, Restrictions on Publications. This policy prohibits students from and provides consequences for: (1) accessing and/or dis tributing at school any written, printed, or electronic material, including material from the Internet, that will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, and (2) creating and/or distributing written, printed, or electronic material, including photographic material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members. Weapons A student who uses, possesses, controls, or transfers a weapon, or any object that can reasonably be considered, or looks like, a weapon, shall be expelled for at least one calendar year, but no more than 2 calendar years. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion period and the Board may modify the Superintendent’s determination, on a case-by-case basis. A “weapon” means possession, use, control, or transfer of: (1) any gun, rifle, shotgun, a 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, or use of a 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, billy clubs; or (3) “look- alikes” of any weapons as defined above. Any item, such as a baseball bat, pipe, bottle, lock, stick, pencil, or pen, is considered to be a weapon if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm. The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon the prior request of an adult supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts and similar programs, whether or not school-sponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm. Required Notices A school staff member shall immediately notify the Building Principal in the event that he or she: (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on or around school grounds, however, such action may be delayed if immediate notice would endanger students under his or her supervision. (2) observes or has reason to suspect that any person on school grounds is or was involved in a drug-related incident, or (3) observes a battery committed against any staff member. Upon receiving such a report, the Building Principal or designee shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, State Police, and the student's parent/guardian. “School grounds” includes modes of transportation to school activities and any public way within 1000 feet of the school, as well as school property itself. Delegation of Authority Each teacher, and any other school personnel when students are under his or her charge, is authorized to impose any disciplinary measure, other than suspension, or expulsion, corporal punishment or in-school suspension, which is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student discipline. Teachers, other certificated employees, and other persons (whether or not certificated) providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel or persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property. Teachers may remove students from a classroom for disruptive behavior. The Superintendent, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students is authorized to impose the same disciplinary measures as teachers and may suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct from school (including all school functions)

- 14 - and from riding the school bus, up to 10 consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The School Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of 10 days for safety reasons. Gang Activity Prohibited (Board Policy 7:190-AP2) Purposes: Violence upon and intimidation of students and employees of this District is unacceptable. This District has an important and substantial interest in creating an appropriate learning atmosphere by preventing gang presence and fights in schools. This policy is intended to target the violent and/or disruptive nature of gangs in an educational setting. This policy is further intended to help reduce violent gang activity, ease tensions between students who fight over attire, aid school officials in identifying campus intruders, and promote student and employee safety in general. The Board finds that the primary effects of the display of clothing, jewelry, emblems, badges, symbols, signs, or other things that are evidence of membership of affiliation in any gang include an intimidating effect on students and employees that are not members or affiliated in a gang which is inconsistent with the academic environment and educational mission of the schools in this District, in addition to constituting a danger to the public health, safety, and welfare of the students and employees in this District. Finally, this policy is adopted to improve student performance and to ultimately further the educational goals of this District. Gang Activity: Students are prohibited from engaging in gang activity. A “gang” is defined under 740 ILCS 147/10, as that statute may be amended from time to time, and is presently defined as any combination, confederation, alliance, network, conspiracy, understanding, or other similar conjoining, in law or in fact, of three or more persons with an established hierarchy that, through its membership or through the agency of any member engages in a course or pattern of criminal activity. As used herein, a “gang activity” shall mean any conduct engaged in by a student: (1) on behalf of any gang; (2) to perpetuate the existence of any gang; (3) to effect the common purpose and design of any gang; and/or (4) to represent a gang affiliation, loyalty, or membership in any way while on school grounds or while attending a school function.

These activities include threatening or intimidating other students or employees to commit acts or omissions against his or her will in furtherance of the common purpose and design of any gang. Examples of such threatening or intimidating behavior include: (a) the wear- ing, possession, use, distribution, display or selling of any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other things that are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang; (b) committing any act or omission, or use any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, hand-shakes, etc.) showing or promoting membership or affiliation in a gang; (c) tagging, or otherwise defacing school or personal property with gang symbols or slogans; and (d) using any speech or committing any act or omission in furtherance of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to: (i) Soliciting others for membership in any gang(s); (ii) Requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person; (iii) Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies; and (iv) Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person. Consequences: A student who engages in gang activity in violation of this policy shall be expelled for at least one calendar year, but no more than two calendar years. The Superintendent may modify the disciplinary action, which, in his determination, may include: (1) Removal from extracurricular and athletic activities; (2) Referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities; and/or (3) Suspension for up to 10 days. The Board may modify the Superintendent’s determinations on a case-by-case basis. Drug Free Zone All schools in the Valley View District are declared to be a Drug Free Zone, which extends 500 feet beyond the school property, including bus stops. The misconduct described within this handbook is a description of the types of conduct that is prohibited and does not list all potential violations that a student may be disciplined for. The administration has the right to discipline students for conduct in line with, even if not specifically articulated, with the prohibited conduct described in this handbook. Further, the specific type of discipline set forth below is not meant to be final, but only a guideline to the type of discipline which may be meted out by the administration for a particular violation. In addition, the administration specifically reserves the right, on a case-by-case basis, to deviate from the disciplinary action set forth below, when in their sole discretion, it is necessary for the proper and efficient operation of the school system. Any chronic (repeated) behavior may be grounds to place a student on disciplinary contract. Search and Seizure (Board Policy 7:140) To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities may inspect and search places and areas, such as lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school, as well as the personal effects left in those places and areas by students, such as vehicles and book bags, without notice or consent of the student or parents, and without a search warrant. As a matter of public policy, the Illinois General Assembly has found that students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these areas and places or in their personal effects left in such areas and places. School authorities may include school liaison or resource officers.

- 15 - Further, school authorities may request the assistance of law enforcement officials, which may include animals trained to detect contraband, for the purpose of conducting inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, vehicles, and other school property or equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials. If such search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either federal or state law, local ordinance, or the school’s policies or rules, such evidence may be seized by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. School authorities may also turn over such evidence to law enforcement authorities even if such au- thorities were not involved in the search that resulted in the seizure of such evidence. Parents and students are notified through this handbook that the school may request or require a student to provide a password or other related account information in order to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website if the school has rea- sonable cause to believe that the student’s account on a social networking website contains evidence that the student has violated a school disciplinary rule or policy. Further, under certain limited circumstances allowed by law, school officials may have the authority to search the contents of students’ cell phones, tablets, or other personal electronic devices if it is believed that such a search would provide evidence of the student’s violation of school disciplinary rules or policy or violation of local or state law. Suspension Procedures (Board Policy 7:200) The following are suspension procedures: 1. Before suspension, the student shall be provided a conference during which the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges. 2. A pre-suspension conference is not required and the student can be immediately suspended, when the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process. In such cases, the notice and conference shall follow as soon as practical. 3. Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). A written notice of the suspension shall state the reasons for the suspension, including any school rule which was violated, and a notice to the parent(s)/ guardian(s) of their right to a review of the suspension. A copy of a notice shall be given to the Board of Education. 4. Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board of Education or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. At the suspension review hearing, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer and may be represented by counsel. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall take such action as it finds appropriate. 5. The request for a suspension review hearing noted above must be submitted within 20 days following the written notice of suspension. If a parent/ guardian does not make such a written request within 20 days, the parent/ guardian shall be deemed to have waived the right to request a review of the suspension.

GUEST TEACHERS We are fortunate in having capable people to help us whenever our regular teachers are absent. A guest teacher is a professional person whose impression of our school will be taken into the community. Students can be certain that these are good impressions by being polite, helpful, and considerate. Misbehavior with a guest teacher is regarded in the same way as misbehavior for the regular teacher. All school rules apply to the student. EARLY ARRIVAL OR LATE DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL At times, students may be required to stay after school for disciplinary reasons, to complete unfinished assignments, to assist a teacher, or for other purposes. In some cases a student might be requested to come to school before the normal starting time for similar reasons. The school will provide advance notice of the student's need to remain after school or to arrive before the usual starting time. Provisions for transportation to or from school should also be made in advance. No supervision of school grounds or playgrounds is provided outside of school hours. Therefore, children should not be sent to school early or allowed to "hang out" after school.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES Early Dismissal: An emergency school closing is an action that is taken by the superintendent, or his designee, whenever an emergency condition arises which would create a danger to the safety of students or staff if the schools were to remain open. Examples of such emergency conditions include, but are not limited to: A. Deteriorating weather conditions, B. Power failure, C. Heating or air-conditioning failure, D. Water service disruption or sewer back-up, E. Medical emergency, F. Bomb or bomb threat conditions. Emergency Closing Center Website www.emergencyclosingcenter.com

INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES When school must close due to any emergency including weather, school officials will announce the closing using the ParentLink phone messaging system as well as the emergency radio announcement services available.

- 16 - School officials ask that parents listen for the ParentLink, check Twitter, and the district webpage, and listen to the message on their home phones, as well as listen to their radio rather than telephoning concerning the closing of school. If no announcement is made via ParentLink to the home or via radio, it can be assumed that schools are open. Students must be dressed appropriately for the weather. During cold months, please make sure that hands, face and feet are protected from the possibility of frostbite. Students will go outside for recess or remain outside before school when the temperature, including the wind chill, is 11 degrees or higher.

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND CLOSING OF SCHOOL On rare occasions, a severe storm or other emergency may require that school be cancelled. A school closing decision is generally made by 6:00 a.m. School closing information is reported on the following stations and through the ParentLink system. AM Stations FM Stations Television 720 WGN 96.7 WSSR 2 CBS 780 WBBM 100.7 WRXQ 5 NBC 106.5 WXNU 98.3 WCCQ 7 ABC 1320 WKAN 95.9 WERV-The River 9 WGN 1340 WJOL 105.5 WYKT 32 FOX CLTV NEWS Emergency Closing Center Website: www.emergencyclosingcenter.com

Emergencies at Dismissal Time: In case of an emergency situation such as a tornado warning, police order, etc. which occurs at dismissal time, children will be kept at school if it appears that they cannot reach home safely. During an emergency situation no buses will be permitted to leave the school until directed to do so by the building administrator. If a school bus is enroute to or from school, and a tornado warning is issued, the driver will take action by finding the closest stable building, preferably the nearest school, library, village hall, etc. or by taking the students to their homes and making sure they get inside the house safely. For more detailed information contact your child's school. EARLY CHILDHOOD Every effort will be made to pick up and drop off early childhood students at the curb of the residence. Some locations may re- quire an alternate location. The school bus driver will contact early childhood parents/guardians no later than 6/23/2014 with pick up and drop of information.If you have an questions, contact the Transportation Department (815) 886-6686 between 7:00AM and 4:00PM. Important: Transportation procedures require students to be released to an adult. If the adult is not visibly seen, the child will be returned to the school and the parent will be contacted and be required to pick up their child. Note: Please fill out form on back, if someone other than parent will receive the student. EMERGENCY DRILLS Fire Drills: Elementary school fire drills are held in order to provide for the safety and well being of students and staff. State fire codes address many aspects of life safety, including school fire drills at least five (5) times a year. For most fire drills, no advance notification is provided for students or staff. Fire drills include the complete evacuation of all persons from the building. These unannounced drills help everyone maintain a state of preparedness for actual emergencies. Lockdown Drills: All school buildings are required to conduct one lockdown drill that is witnessed by law enforcement. A school lockdown is a procedure that happens when school officials believe that there is a credible threat to student and staff safety. When a lockdown is ordered, people are told to stay inside their classrooms and lock the doors. This is designed to prevent entrance from hallways into classrooms. Windows are shut, locked, and covered with blinds to obscure visibility, and people may be asked to stay away from doors and windows, sheltering in an area where they cannot be seen. The school itself will also be locked to prevent entering or exiting the school until the lockdown has been lifted. Tornado Drills: Each school maintains an updated plan for tornado drill emergencies. Once a year, all Illinois schools are required to participate in a state- wide tornado drill. At this time, all students are directed to a predetermined location in the school and instructed in "duck and cover" procedures. Individual schools may conduct severe-weather drills on a more frequent basis.

- 17 - Required student fees must be paid BEFORE any additional or optional class fees are applied.

Early Childhood All Day Kindergarten Grades 1-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 & STEP

Book Fee*

Registration Fee

REQUIRED STUDENT FEES Required student fees must be paid BEFORE any additional or optional class The followingEARLY student BIRD fees DISCOUNTare requiredfees of are all applied. students attending or receiving services from Valley View Public Schools. These fees are due at or before Back to School Registration.$60.00 Required student$205.00 fees must be$85.00 paid BEFORE $150.00 any additional $250.00or optional class fees are applied.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL $75.00 $220.00 $100.00 $175.00 $285.00 Early Childhood All Day Kindergarten Grades 1-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 & STEP

Book Fee* $30.00 $25.00 $40.00 $65.00 $75.00

Registration Fee $30.00 $180.00 $45.00 $85.00 $175.00 (non-refundable)

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT Take advantage of this Total fees owed ifdiscount paid by registering$60.00 during $ your20 5child’s.00 designated$85.0 Back0 to$ School150. 0Registration0 $25 dates0.0 0and before August times8th (see page 8) and paying school fees.

Total fees owed if paid **Aon Non-Discounted or after August Registration 8th** Fee will$7 be5 .applied00 for$ each22 0student.00 who$ fails10 to0 register.00 at$ 1or 7before5.0 Back0 to$ School285 Regis.00tration.

Students attending only an outside facility or receiving speech-only services are required to pay registration fees at their home school, according to the student’s grade level:

Early Childhood Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 & STEP Registration Fee $30.00 $45.00 $85.00 $175.00 Take advantage of this The purpose of the Early discountBird Discount by registering is to encourage during allyour students child’s todesignated complete Backall steps to Schoolof the registrationRegistration process dates andat or before Back to School Registration, whichtimes will (seereduce page long 8) lines and duringpaying the school first fees.day of school when students should be in the classroom. Take advantage of this enter your child’s student ID number in the memo field discount by registering during your child’s designated Back to School Registration dates and times (see page 8) and paying school fees. NOTE: **A StudentsNon-Discounted new to Registration the district Fee enrolling will be appliedafter the for first each day student of school who fails will to be register eligible at or for before this Backdiscount to School within Regis 30 tration.school days of the first attended day. unless a written request for a refund is received from a parent before June 30th. **A Non-Discounted Registration Fee will be applied for each student who fails to register at or before Back to School Registration. Students attending only an outside facility or receiving speech-only services PLEASE BE ADVISED • Acceptable forms of payment are: cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover). If Early Childhood Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 & STEP paying by check, enter your child’s student ID number in the memo field and make payable to VVSD or your child’s school. • All moneyRegistration collected willFee be applied to oldest fees first. • Money left in your student’s account at the end of the school year will be rolled over into a beginning balance in his/her account for the next school year, unless a written request for a refund is received from a parent before June 30th. • Pre-dated and unsigned checks will be returned. • Valley View Publicenter Schools your child’scontracts student with aID collection number inagency the memo to actively field pursue payment on all unpaid student fees. • Non-sufficient fund checks will result in a $10.00 service fee for each occurrence. Families with outstanding NSF checks must pay by cash, money order or credit card. • Replacement fees will be charged for all lostunless or damageda written requesttext books. for a refund is received from a parent before June 30th. • Refunds of money collected will be applied to all outstanding fees first. Please allow 3-4 weeks for refund processing.

- 18 - Pay School Fees Online Today!

ONLINE FEES Pay School Fees Online Today! Follow these quick steps to access your online account to submit a credit/debit card payment: 1.) Go to www.vvsd.org and click the “Online School Fees” button. Then click on the “Pay Fees Now” button. 123456 - Student 1 Name Click the link next to “Instructions” for more detailed instructions. 123457 - Student 2 Name 2.) Using the PIN number provided on your fee letter and a valid email address, activate your account. 3.) Enter the amount you wish to pay for each student, then process your online payment using a credit or debit card. Payments will be applied to the oldest outstanding fees first.

EDLINE Valley View Public School District uses Edline as an online information portal for our students and parents. Edline is a web based ap- plication providing access to personalized information via a secure website and a private account for all middle and high school students and parents. Elementary school students and their parents do not need an activation code to view content of school and class web pages.

PUBLIC EDLINE FEATURES Available to all students and parents a Calendar of Events (class & school) a Course Syllabus and/or Classroom Expectations a Links to other websites, such as Online a Textbooks and Study Notes a List of Active Classes a School Contact Information a School Handbook a Teacher Email Contact

To access Edline, and/or activate your account, go to the Valley View District web page at www.vvsd.org, click on the “Edline Information” tab on the left, then click “Login to Edline”.

EDLINE CLASS WEB PAGES After activating your parent Edline account, and logging into www.edline.net, you will have access to the following information for each of your child’s classes:

FACEBOOK & SOCIAL MEDIA The following information is provided by www.facebook.com: No information from children should be entered under age 13. If you are under age 13, please do not attempt to register for Facebook or provide any personal information about yourself to us. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 13, we will delete that information as quickly as possible. If you believe that we might have any information from a child under age 13, please contact us through this help page at: http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=underage FIELD TRIPS Students occasionally participate in field trips, which are Board of Education approved and aligned with state standards and school improvement goals, in order to expand their educational experiences. For your child to participate in a field trip, the school must receive written permission from the parent or guardian. If written permission is not received by the school, your child will not be able to participate in the field trip. The teacher will send home information regarding a field trip with a permission slip attached. The teacher may use school district buses for field trip transportation, or he/she may use one of the private bus companies that we have on file in the district office. Only bus companies which are approved by the district office can be contracted to provide these services.

- 19 - GIFTED PROGRAM In the program for challenge/gifted and talented in grades 2-5, eligible students--those demonstrating superior intelligence and high ac- ademic achievement—are provided instruction which is differentiated from the standard school program through acceleration and en- richment. In mathematics, instruction is accelerated (advanced in coursework a minimum of one grade level). Language Arts, which uses an integrated reading and writing approach, is enriched (enhanced with topics that are broader in scope, of greater depth, and of higher difficulty than those typically offered in the standard school program). Mastery of basic skills in these subject areas is still expected; however, such skills are introduced earlier and are taught at a faster pace. Enrichment experiences are also included in math- ematics, science, social studies, and computer education. All other areas if the curriculum is taught the same as in regular education, with teachers adding enrichment where possible.

Challenge/Gifted students attend one of two Challenge/Gifted center schools in the district: Robert C. Hill or Jonas Salk. School assign- ments for students are based upon school attendance boundaries established by the school board.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD The academic progress of students enrolled Challenge/Gifted is monitored regularly. All Challenge/Gifted students are automatically reevaluated for continuation in the program at the end of each school year. If a student’s performance in Challenge/Gifted is in jeopardy, the student and his/her parents will be notified. If necessary, a conference with the student and the parent(s) may be conducted, and specific learning goals for the student may be established. If continued gifted/challenge placement is proven to be inappropriate, the student may be removed from the program by parent or school request. At the end of fifth grade, Challenge/Gifted students are formally reevaluated for placement in the middle school phase of the district’s gifted/challenge program. Students who satisfy the minimum expectations for middle school gifted/challenge will be enrolled in the program the following year. Students who do not meet the minimum expectations will be enrolled in a regular education program. Stu- dents who do not meet the minimum expectations will be enrolled in a regular education program.

GRADE REPORTING - 90/10 PHILOSOPHY (REFERENCE BOARD POLICY 6:280) Students receive report cards at the end of each instructional unit. The report card will indicate how well the student is attaining the content required to master skills in line with the Common Core State Standards and/or the Illinois Learning Standards. Progress reports will give a midpoint indication of how well the student is progressing in development of work and study skills. The report card is for your records, and we encourage parents to discuss the contents of the student’s report card with the student. Grades are not intended as rewards or punishments; as such, behavior will not be a factor in calculating a student’s level of content mastery. Other factors that distort the meaning of grades, such as attendance, will not be included in grading. Both behavior and attendance will be handled as separate matters with appropriate interventions put in place as needed. Grades will reflect level of proficiency, based on established standards, at the end of an instructional unit. Therefore, at least 90% of a student’s grade will be derived from summative evidence (assessments completed at the conclusion of learning). Such assessments may include tests, essays, projects, labs, or performance-based assessments. No more than ten percent (10%) of a student’s grade will be derived from formative evidence such as practice questions, homework, class work, etc. Student academic success is a team effort between the teacher, the parent and the student. Teachers are expected to communicate with parents beyond report cards whenever it is necessary to inform the parents of a student’s performance concern and to ask for support. This communication is done in various ways such as at parent teacher conference times, and/or phone call or email exchange. Please refer to the Report Card Schedule section of the handbook for specific dates that instructional units end for the school and when grades will be distributed.

GRADE DETERMINATION POLICY Teachers are expected to inform every student at the beginning of each semester of the grading procedures to be used in the course, the type of evaluation activities to be used, such as quizzes, test, projects, etc., and the tentative schedule for such evaluations. Students are expected to complete all assigned work, such as classroom work, homework, and projects, in order to meet class and content knowledge requirements. Elementary School Grade Level K-3 GRADE SYMBOL DESCRIPTION

B The letter 'B' reflects a rating of below, which means that your child has partial understanding of the current grade level expectations. M The letter 'M' reflects a rating of meets, which means that your child demonstrates consistent understanding of the current grade level expectations. E The letter 'E' reflects a rating of exceeds, which means that your child's understanding is consistently above current grade level expectations. The procedures outlined below are to be used in assigning report card grades by the indicated grade level of the student. Teachers are expected to base grades on recorded evidence using the district-approved criteria for evaluating a student’s mastery of class content

- 20 - knowledge targets. The following letter grades are descriptive of student achievement: These grades are to be awarded in relation to grade level, course or program expectations. This means that all students are equally eligible to attain the grades listed unless under the grading practices detailed in an individualized education plan (IEP) customized for the particular student. For some school work, such as written compositions, musical performances, and elementary grade level assignments, grades may be assigned directly rather than through use of a percentage scale. Estimated Dates for Elementary Report Cards Quarter 1 - October 23, 2015 Quarter 2 - January 8, 2016 Quarter 3 - March 18, 2016 Quarter 4 - May 27, 2016

Elementary Progress Reports Progress reports for elementary students will be sent home approximately half way through each quarter.

FAILURE NOTIFICATION In the interval between report cards, parents will be notified about their students who are in danger of failing or whose work is incomplete. These reports are meant to encourage the parents to see the teacher about the student’s progress. Parents who wish to meet with teachers should call the school for an appointment. Other support staff members, such as guidance counselors, are also available in the school buildings to help. Appointments to meet with support staff can also be arranged by calling the school office.

HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES (Board Policy 7:20, 5:20) The Board of Education has adopted a policy regarding harassment of students and employees. If a student or employee complains of an alleged violation of this policy, the supervisor or principal is required to conduct an investigation with possible disciplinary action by the principal, superintendent, and/or Board of Education. A copy of the policy and related documentation is available at your school office.

HOMEWORK (Board Policy 6:290) Homework is a necessary part of the District’s instructional program. Homework is assigned to further a student’s educational development and is an application or adaptation of a classroom experience. The Superintendent has provided guidance to ensure that homework: 1. Is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principles, and skills; 2. Is not assigned for disciplinary purposes; 3. Serves as a communication link between the school and parents/guardians; 4. Encourages independent thought, self-direction, and self-discipline; 5. Is of appropriate frequency and length, and does not become excessive, according to the teacher’s best professional judgment; and 6. Is used and graded consistent with Board Policy on Grading and Promotions (6:280).

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ON STUDENT ARTICLES Unfortunately, the "lost-and-found" in each of our schools is usually very full. Please label your child's clothing and personal articles so when something disappears, we can find its owner quickly. Use permanent ink to place the name of your child on lunchboxes (inside and outside), boots, coats, raincoats, totebags, pencil boxes, etc. When sending money, checks, notes, letters, etc., to school with your child, please place them in sealed envelopes which are clearly marked with your child's name, teacher's name, grade, and/or room number.

IDM (Instructional Decision Making)/ULT (Universal Leadership Team) The implementation of IDM (Instructional Decision Making/ULT (Universal Leadership Team)) continues to be the main initiative of Valley View School District. IDM/ULT is based on a three tier model of instruction for both academics and behavior. Tier 1 is the universal or core curriculum. Tier 2 are the interventions put in place in addition to the core curriculum for those students that are not making adequate progress. Tier 3 is when even more support is put in place for those students not succeeding or making adequate growth with Tier 2 interventions. IDM/ULT uses data to determine and improve the overall effectiveness of core instruction as well as interventions provided. A key

- 21 - factor in its success is identifying struggling students early so that interventions can be put in place, helping to support a child and acting before the student fails.

INSTRUCTION ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION Each year in every pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, as part of the science/health and safety curriculum, students receive instruction in recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse. No child in any of the elementary grades shall be required to participate in such lessons if the parent(s) or guardian(s) submits a written objection. Therefore, if you object, please send a note to the school at the beginning of the year indicating your desire to have your child excluded from these lessons.

INSURANCE AVAILABILITY Student Accident Catastrophic coverage is written to provide excess coverage for student injuries. All enrolled students are covered while participating in District sponsored and supervised activities, including direct travel to and from the school and home, and sponsored travel as a member of a group under the direct supervision of the District. Coverage includes all student activities, including sports, intramural and marching band activities, while under the supervision of the District. Student Accident Catastrophic coverage provides coverage for accident medical expenses, excess of a $25,000 coverage deductible. The policy includes a two year deductible period, which means the $25,000 deductible must be met within two years of the student injury in order for coverage to apply. Once the deductible has been satisfied, the Student Accident Catastrophic policy provides a benefit term of ten years. For complete terms and provisions, please refer to the policy which is on file at the school districts business office. For students that are not covered by a health insurance program, student insurance plans are available for purchase. Information about those plan options are available at www.1stagency.com/voluntaryaccidentcoverage.htm

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTERS The elementary school library program provides services and resources to help students become independent and discriminating library users. Each of the district elementary schools has a Library/Media Center (LMC) staffed with a trained, certified specialist. Each center contains children’s books, magazines, audio/visual and multimedia materials to support the district curriculum and state guidelines. Kindergarten through fifth grade classes are scheduled into the center once each week for a thirty-minute period. During that time, students participate in formal classroom instruction and check out library books. Students are encouraged to return books on time. Stu- dents who lose or damage library materials are expected to replace the item(s) or reimburse the school for the replacement cost. The LMC director collaborates with the staff in each building to meet the learning needs of all students, kindergarten through fifth grade; therefore, specific policies and procedures may vary from school to school.

NUTRITION STANDARDS FOR ALL FOODS AND BEVERAGES SOLD IN VVSD SCHOOLS (FNS 2011-0019-4718) Effective starting July 1, 2014 In the past, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations only governed the reimbursable meals in the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. Section 208 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act provided USDA the authority to establish nu- trition standards for ALL foods and beverages sold to students outside of the Federal child nutrition programs in schools. The USDA established Nutrition standards will impact ALL food and beverage SOLD to STUDENTS on the school campus during the school day including: • A la carte in the cafeteria Definitions: • In school stores Competitive food is defined in this Interim Final Rule as all food • Snack bars and beverages sold to students on the School campus during the • Vending machines School day, other than those meals reimbursable under the • Fundraising National School Lunch and the School Breakfast Programs. School campus: all areas of the proper ty under the jurisdiction of the school that is ACCESSIBLE to students during the school day. (Not applicable to faculty areas in which students do not have access) School day is the period from the midnight before,to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day

- 22 - NUTRITION STANDARDS FOR FOOD To be allowable, a food item must 1. Be a whole grain rich product (50% or more Whole grains); OR 2. Have as the first ingredient a fruit, vegetable,dairy product or protein food (meat, beans, poultry, etc.); OR 3. Be a “combination food” with at least ¼ cup fruit and/or vegetable(fruit and yogurt, hummus and vegetables) OR 4. Contain 10% of the DailyValue of one nutrient of public health concern (only through June 30, 2016) Calcium, potassium, vitamin D, dietary fiber AND Nutrients All Grade Levels Saturated Fat ≤35% of total calories from fat per item as packaged/served Total Fat ≤10% of total calories per item as packaged/served. Trans Fat Zero grams of trans fat per portion as packaged/served (< 0.5 g) Sodium - Entree’s ≤480 mg sodium per item (for entrée items that do not meet NSLP/SBP exemption) Sodium - Snack & Side Items ≤230 mg (until June 30, 2016) ≤200 mg (after July 1, 2016) Calories - Entree’s ≤350 calories per item (for entrée items that do not meet NSLP/SBP exemption) Calories - Snack & Side Items ≤200 calories per item Total Sugar ≤35% of weight from total sugars per item (dried/dehydrated fruits/vegetables exempt) Exemptions from meeting all nutrient standards: Fruit & Vegetable Exemption National School Lunch Program Breakfast and Lunch entrees Sugar-free chewing gum is exempt from standards

BEVERAGE STANDARDS Beverage Elementary School Middle School High School Plain water, carbonated or not No Size Limit No Size Limit No Size Limit

Low fat milk, unflavored* ≤ 8 oz ≤ 12 oz ≤ 12 oz

Non fat milk, ≤ 8 oz ≤ 12 oz ≤ 12 oz unflavored or flavored*

100% fruit/vegetable juice** ≤ 8 oz ≤ 12 oz ≤ 12 oz

Caffeine: Elementary and Middle School: Foods and beverages must be caffeine-free, with the exception of trace amounts of naturally occurring caffeine substances High Schools: No caffeine restrictions High Schools Only: Calorie Free beverages maximum serving size 20 oz. Lower-Calorie Beverages: Maximum Serving Size 12 fluid ounces • Up to 60 calories per 12 fluid ounces; or • Up to 40 calories per 8 fluid ounces \ FUNDRAISERS • All foods that meet the regulatory standards may be sold at fundraisers on the school campus during school hours. This does not apply to bulk food sales intended to be consumed at home (i.e. frozen cookie dough, pies, market day, etc) • The standards would not apply to items sold during non-school hours (concessions during sporting events, weekends, or off-campus fundraising events.) • No fundraiser foods or beverages may be sold in competition with school meals in the food service area during the meal service.

- 23 - HOW WILL THIS IMPACT MY SCHOOL? K-8 SCHOOLS • The standards for foods apply to all grade levels. If there is food sold within your school campus during the school day (see definition box), it must comply with the nutrition standards for food as well as the beverage requirements on the table listed above. This would include any vending machine or snack bar that students have access to during the school day as well as the a la carte food items sold during the meal periods. • Regulation information should be shared with your parent organization, extracurricular groups and clubs that may SELL food or beverages for fundraising purposes, as these rules would be impactful on their fundraising efforts. Alternative fundraising options may have to be developed.

HIGH SCHOOLS • This regulation affects all vending, snack bar, school store, concessions, a la carte in the cafeteria that occur during the school day. The school day includes 30 minutes after the end of the official day. This has a financial impact on your programs which receive the revenues from these food and beverage sales. However, if the food or beverages are sold outside of the school day (i.e. concessions at an evening sporting event) this regulation does not take effect. • Regulation information should be shared with your parent organization, extracurricular groups and clubs that may SELL food or beverages for fundraising purposes, as these rules would be impactful on their fundraising efforts. Alternative fundraising options may have to be developed.

SCHOOL SPECIFIC NOTES: Additional Resources can be found at: http://isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/nslp-usda-nutrition-stds.htm - Illinois State Board of Education http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/allfoods.htm - United States Dept. of Agriculture https://schools.healthiergeneration.org/focus_areas/snacks_and_beverages/smart_snacks/ - Alliance for a Healthier Generation

NUTRITION SERVICES For comprehensive and up-to-date information on Menus, Nutrition Information, Allergen Information, Free/Reduced Meal Applications and more, please visit our website at: www.vvsd.org/food Combo Meal Prices Combo Meals include 5 components: 1) lean meat/meat alternate 2) whole grains 3) fruits 4) vegetables 5) milk. Students choose a min- imum of 3 components. Students must have a fruit or vegetable to receive the full meal pricing below. Combo meals include up to 2 fruits and 2 vegetables. A vegetarian option is available daily at all sites. Breakfast Lunch Elementary Schools $1.25 $2.00 Middle School $1.25 $2.50 High School $1.25 $2.75 Reduced Price Meals $0.25 $0.40 Free Meals $0.00 $0.00

Food Allergies The Nutrition Services Department of Valley View Public Schools 365U, has compiled an ingredient listing for foods served in the school breakfast and lunch programs. This document is updated at least once each semester, and can be found by clicking on the Food Allergen tab at www.vvsd.org/food. If your child has a food allergy that requires a menu accommodation, your child’s physician must complete and submit a Physicians Form for Food Substitution to your child’s school nurse. This form can be obtained by accessing the Food Allergen tab at www.vvsd.org/food. The Nutrition Services Department will make breakfast and lunch accommodations for any child with a legal disability. Nutrition Services Meal Account The Nutrition Services Department uses a debit system that enables parents and students to prepay for school meals. All enrolled VVSD students automatically have a meal account. Funds can be added to an account in the following ways: 1) Check or Cash - A prepayment can be sent to school with your student. Checks, rather than cash, are suggested. Please make the check payable to: Valley View School District. If you have students in more than one school, separate checks must be written for each school.

- 24 - 2) Credit Card – Go to www.vvsd.org/food and click on the MyLunchMoney.com icon/link. How Are Funds Accessed? Middle school and high school students are able to access their meal account by swiping their student ID at the register. If a student loses his/her ID, he/she should immediately notify the Nutrition Services Kitchen Manager who will safeguard the funds in his/her account until the student secures a new ID. Elementary School students’ check- out procedures vary by site, many using the above method. Loans for Meals All students are notified when they have a low balance. Elementary students will be loaned one breakfast and one lunch. When a pre- payment is received, the loan will be repaid before any additional monies are added to the student’s account. We do not make loans to middle and high school students. Applications for Free or Reduced Price Meal Benefits Near the beginning of each school year, but no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the start of the school, applications for free or reduced meal benefits are available. Once published, applications can be found on-line at www.vvsd.org/food and are available for pick up at the Administration Center, each school office or at registration. • Only one application per household is needed • An application may be completed at any time during the school year. To ensure prompt processing of the application, please return it to the Nutrition Services Administration Office located inside Bolingbrook High School at 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Meal benefits do not carry over from one school year to the next. Households must apply for benefits every school year. Direct Certification for Free Meal Benefits Students who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits are direct certified for free meal benefits. Foster Child status, Homeless status or Income Eligible Medicaid students are all directly certified for free meal benefits as well. These families will receive a letter from the school district notifying them that their students have been certified for free meal benefits. Please do not fill out a household eligibility application for these students. Web Access to Student Meal Account Information – www.vvsd.org/food In order to set up an account for the first time, you will need your student’s birthday and student ID number. Visit www.vvsd.org/food and look for the MyLunchMoney.com icon/link to: 1) Make a credit card prepayment into their student’s account 2) View the last 7 days of transactions on their student’s account 3) Check the balance of your student’s account What Happens to Funds Remaining in the Account at the end of the School Year? Any positive or negative balance remaining in a student meal account at the end of the school year will become their beginning balance the following year, unless a refund form is obtained, completed and given to the kitchen manager. The Refund Request form can be ob- tained at www.vvsd.org/food . FOODS AND BEVERAGES IN THE CLASSROOM Due to food allergies and other health concerns, food may not be brought into the school/classroom for group consumption, whether the food is shared at school or sent home. Please refer to your child's school handbook for specifics on non-food items accepted for celebra- tions or events. A student under a medical care plan requiring that food or drink be available in the classroom will be allowed to bring appropriate food or drink into the classroom given he/she has provided the school with a physician's instructions.

USING FOOD TO ENHANCE INSTRUCTION Food may be used to enhance educational experiences during instructional lessons on a limited basis. If food is being used in a lesson, the activity will align with the Common Core State Standards and be approved by building administrators. Parents will be notified IN ADVANCE of food being used and their ingredients.

CLASS PARTIES OR CELEBRATIONS Throughout the school year, children and teachers take part in various celebrations. Food will not be served during these class parties and/or celebrations. Your child's teacher will notify you of celebration/party specifics and if they need supplies or parent volunteers. Ad- ditionally, food will not be given to students as a reward.

ACCIDENT PROCEDURES Accidents that occur during the school day and require medical attention will be handled according to the following procedure: 1. The school nurse or administrator will evaluate the student. 2. The parent or emergency contact designated by the parent will be contacted, and the student will be released to that person. 3. Appropriate accident reports will be completed.

- 25 - 4. Medical expenses are the responsibility of the parent. 5. At the elementary and middle school level, no ill student will be permitted to walk home. MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM Each student should present a completed Emergency Information Form on registration day. This form is to be signed by the parents. The form gives permission for the school to seek medical attention for the student, at the parent’s expense, when the parents cannot be contacted. The school nurse will contact only those numbers on the Emergency Information Form and those in the District computer database. This form shall be renewed at the beginning of each school year. If the student does not have a current Emergency Information Form on file, contact the School Nurse and one will be mailed to you. Students must be seen by the School Nurse/Building Administrator before going home due to injury or illness. All calls to parents will be made by the School Nurse/Building Administrator, not the student. Parents must be contacted before a student will be sent home. In addition, please note the allergy history form in the back to school handbook. If your child has allergies, please complete and return to the health office. Students wishing to be seen by the School Nurse must have a pass to the Health Office. If there is a medical emergency (active bleeding, vomiting, fainting, severe injury, difficulty breathing) students should be sent directly to the Health Office with another student, faculty member, or the School Nurse/Building Administrator will be called to the student area. Injuries that occur at home will not be treated in the Health Office

STUDENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS The state of Illinois requires dental, vision, and physical examinations and immunizations upon initial enrollment in kindergarten or first grade, and upon entrance into sixth grade. Dental exams are required at second and sixth grade also. For entrance into ninth grade, a physical exam and immunizations are required, but the dental exam is encouraged, not required. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires all students to be immunized against preventable communicable diseases, including, but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria/ pertussis/tetanus (DPT), polio, and hepatitis B. Students entering kindergarten are required to have proof of a lead screening test. State law requires that school districts must not allow students to attend school if they are not in compliance with these regulations by October 15 of any school year; state law also allows school districts to set an earlier date, which date is September 1 for Valley View Schools. A school exam may be used as an athletic physical, but an athletic physical is NOT sufficient for a school exam.

ILLNESS If the student has a fever of 100 degrees or greater, has a heavy cough, is vomiting or has diarrhea, the student should not be sent to school. The student may be sent to school after the fever and/or above symptoms have been resolved for 24 hours. Facilities for the care of sick students are limited and must be kept available for emergencies or sudden illness during the school day. Parents may be contacted and requested to pick up their child if a student displays any of the above symptoms or symptoms of a communicable disease. Valley View School District 365U follows the Illinois Department of Public Health Communicable Disease Guide.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students are required to participate in physical education unless they have a written note from a physician. The physician’s note must be on file with the school nurse. This note may also excuse the child from recess. All students are required to have gym shoes, socks, and appropriate attire for physical education classes. Students will be expected to participate in outdoor activities during the fall and spring. Students are encouraged to have a sweatsuit or comparable clothing at school to be worn on days when the instructors allow additional clothing to be worn.

HEAD LICE Head lice constitute a nuisance rather than a disease. Students found to have head lice are sent home with appropriate instructions for treatment and may return when the school nurse determines the hair is totally free of live lice and any nits close to the hair shaft. School personnel notify parents and check groups of symptomatic students as they deem necessary.

HEARING AND VISION SCREENING Valley View School District conducts hearing and vision screenings during the school year. Vision mandated grades are preschool, kindergarten, second grade and eighth grade. Hearing mandated grades are preschool, kindergarten, first, second, and third grade.

HOME/HOSPITAL SERVICES Valley View School District provides home/hospital instruction to all eligible students whose academic programs are disrupted due to medical conditions expected to cause the student to be medically unable to attend school for 2 or more consecutive weeks or on an ongoing intermittent basis of at least 2 days at a time multiple times totaling at least 10 days or more of absences during the school year. Medical conditions may consist of physical, psychological, and/or emotional needs. Eligibility criteria and all necessary forms are included in the Home/Hospital Service Guide, which may be obtained from the school's main office. A signed medical statement on the physician’s stationary is acceptable in lieu of the medical referral form contained in the packet. The physician’s statement must specify 1) the student’s condition, 2) the impact this condition has upon the student’s ability to attend school, and 3) the anticipated duration or nature of the student’s absence. Home/hospital instruction is typically one hour of instruction per day of attendance. In addition, support services and individualized accommodations may be offered to the student upon return to school, de- - 26 - pending on the nature and severity of the medical condition. Please contact your school’s main office to obtain more information about these services. Any medical assistive device such as crutches, a brace, orthopedic boot, or wheelchair must have medical authorization for school use. ADMINISTERING MEDICATION TO STUDENTS (Board Policy 7:270) Students should not take medication during school hours, on school grounds, or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being or in the event of an emergency. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or during school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the District’s procedures and Illinois law on dispensing medication. No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non- prescription medication until a completed and signed “School Medication Authorization Form” is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student shall possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in Board Policy and consistent with the terms of the completed and signed “School Medication Authorization Form.” For those students that require the administration of medication during the school day, the District requires appropriate documentation of such. The District will permit a student’s self-administration of medication for asthma or an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen ) if certain requirements have been met, as consistent with the law. In order to allow a student’s self-administration of asthma medication, a parent must provide the school a written authorization and the prescription label, which must contain the name of the medication, the prescribed dosage, and the time at which or circumstances under which the medication is to be administered. In order to allow a student’s self-administration of an EpiPen , the parent must provide the school a written authorization from the parent as well as written authorization from the student’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, which shall provide: 1) the name and purpose of the auto-injector, 2) the prescribed dosage, and 3) the time or times at which or the special circumstances under which the auto-injector is to be administered. Provided that the student is authorized to do so pursuant to a diabetes care plan, the school shall allow a student to self-manage his or her diabetes. A copy of the District’s policy, procedures, and request form for administering medication will be supplied to you upon request. Parents should also be aware that the law allows school nurses to administer and EpiPen to any student that the nurse believes, in the nurse’s professional good faith, to be having an anaphylactic reaction, regardless of whether the student has previously been diagnosed with a food allergy or prescribed an EpiPen. The school district shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury related to the administration of medication to students. NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Each school is required to meet federal educational guidelines as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2002. At Valley View, we work hard to meet and exceed standards obligated by NCLB. There are two regulations through NCLB about which we abide: “Highly qualified” teachers and meeting or exceeding standards on statewide testing.

n Since July 1, 2006, our teachers are required to be qualified to teach through two sets of standards: Illinois teacher certification standards and federal “Highly Qualified” teaching standards. All Title I schools are required to report any teacher who does not meet federal “Highly Qualified” standards to the parents of the students in his/her class during the fourth week of attendance. In addition, parents may request information about their child’s teacher’s qualifications. n The district and each individual school are required to meet percentages set forth by the state board to assure the public that by the year 2014 all students are meeting or exceeding standards on statewide testing. The academic progress for your school and the district are available on each school report card, which are available at www.vvsd.org/about/report_cards.php. PARTIES Each school has specific procedures and policies regarding classroom parties in celebration of student birthdays, Valentine's Day, etc. You will be receiving this information from your home school at the beginning of each school year. Please feel free to contact the school to discuss the policy and procedure dealing with this topic. PERSONAL PROPERTY OF STUDENTS The District disclaims any and all responsibility for the safety and/or protection of students' personal property, whether the personal property is located within District-provided storage facilities or otherwise. Personal property includes all property under the custody or control of the student, regardless of whether or not such property is owned by the student. All personal items, including, but not limited to, electronic games, toys, CD players, and trading cards should remain at home unless requested by your child’s teacher. PHOTOGRAPHS OF STUDENTS Throughout the school year, we take pictures of students for a variety of reasons including promotional tapes for the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation. If, for any reason, you do not want your child to be photographed, please notify your school principal in writing by October 1.

- 27 - PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS As a parent or guardian of a student in the Valley View School District, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers, and requires us to give you this information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers: • Whether the Illinois State Board of Education has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches • Whether the Illinois State Board of Education has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances • The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees • Whether any teachers’ aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact your building principal. PROMOTION, RETENTION AND STUDENT PLACEMENT PROCEDURES The principal of the elementary school is responsible for implementing the following when considering students for retention: 1. All elementary school principals are to ensure that Intervention Plans were developed and implemented for students failing to meet the minimum standards at their grade level. 2. The decision for retention should be a cooperative effort between the parents, the teacher, and the administration. 3. If all parties do not agree, the final decision rests with the principal. The principal will take into consideration the recommendation from the Problem Solving Team and the parent’s/guardian’s written opinion before making a final decision. The decision to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, classroom performance, and designated District and school assessments. A student shall not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance. The administration shall determine remedial assistance for a student who is not promoted. RECORDS INFORMATION Health records, cumulative records, and directory information are kept in the main office and/or healthroom under lock-and-key at all times. If you would like information regarding student records, please contact your school office at your convenience. Usually, after completing the fifth grade of school, certain irrelevant and unnecessary information is automatically removed and discarded from the cumulative records, consistent with the law. In addition, parents/guardians/students have the right to challenge information contained therein after completing and filing the proper forms. Also, should you want to review your child's records, please contact the school office or your child's teacher to make an appointment to do so. Non-Custodial Parents'/Guardians' Rights to Inspect/Review Records: Non-custodial parents have the right to inspect records and to participate in teacher conferences unless this is disallowed in a divorce decree or a court order. The school must have a certified copy of such decrees or court orders before excluding non-custodial parents from this right. Non-custodial parents wanting to receive copies of report cards, newsletters, or other reports concerning their children should contact the Principal of their child’s school. Please see the appendix section under student records for more complete information regarding this matter.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM We recognize that, as a member of certain religious/cultural groups, some of our students may not want to participate in certain activities or functions at school. If this is the case, please send the teacher a note at the beginning of each school year explaining those activities which you do not wish your child to participate in e.g., various celebrations of holidays, classroom parties, the Pledge of Allegiance. Also, if the school nurse or Health Assistant is not to be involved in administering first aid, please inform the school. Please do not take for granted that the school or the teacher is aware of your wishes regarding this matter because of previous contact with the school in prior years.

RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS ACT The District is required to inform parents of their rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA). 20 USC 1232h. Under the PPRA, parents have the following rights: • to inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered by the District to students; • to inspect, within a reasonable period of time following parental request, any instructional materials used in connection with an Department of Education-funded survey, analysis, or evaluation in which their child participates; • to notification of any administration of physical examinations or screenings that the school or agency may administer; • to inspect any collection instrument used for the purpose of collection, disclosure, or use of personal student information for the purpose of marketing, selling, or otherwise making available such personal information (however, this right does not extend to activities concerning collection, disclosure, or use of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to students or the District such as for college and military recruitment; book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products; curriculum and instructional materials used by the District; tests and assessments used by the District to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information concerning students and any subsequent analysis and release of such combined data; students’ involve- ment in sales of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities; or student recognition programs);

- 28 - • to refuse consent for their child to submit to and/or to request protections of student privacy for any survey that reveals the following information: · political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; · mental or psychological problems of the student or parent; · sex behavior or attitudes; · illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; · critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; · legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; · religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; or · income (other than that required by Illinois law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance); Any parent interested in further information concerning the exercise of these rights should contact the building principal. RIGHTS UNDER THE SCHOOL VISITATION RIGHTS ACT Parents have certain rights under the School Visitation Rights Act (820 ILCS 147/1). Employers that employ at least 50 or more indi- viduals in Illinois are to afford certain right to parents of students attending Illinois schools. Employed parents who have worked for an employer for at least six consecutive months, who work at least half time, and who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict, must be given leave of up to 8 hours during the school year to attend school conferences or classroom activities related to the employee’s child if the conference or classroom activities cannot be scheduled during the parent’s non-work hours. However, no more than 4 hours of which time can be taken on any given day and leave under this Act may not be taken unless the employee has exhausted all accrued vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave, and any other leave that may be granted to the employee except sick leave and disability leave. Advance notice must be provided to employers. The District will provide documentation for parent’s use confirming the date and time of each such school visitation upon a parent’s request for such documentation. For regularly scheduled, nonemergency visitations, the District will make time available for visitation during both regular school hours and evening hours, when practicable and readily able to do so. SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL This manual is available on the District website and at the District Administrative Center, 755 Dalhart Avenue, Romeoville, Illinois 60446. This manual contains all policies which the school board has adopted and by which the school district is operated and administered. Should you want to review any/all of these policies, please refer to the district web site or the district administrative center. In the event of any conflict between this handbook and Board Policy, Board Policy controls. SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 A. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in any program receiving federal financial assistance. A handicapped person as defined by Section 504 is one who: i. has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, ii. has a record of such an impairment, or iii. is regarded as having such an impairment. (34 CFR 104.3) B. Section 504 provides protection to all handicapped individuals in addition to those students covered by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). C. Section 504 requires that all handicapped students are provided a free and appropriate education regardless of the nature or severity of the person’s handicap. The act guarantees handicapped students equal opportunities for participation in all school programs and activities. D. For purposes of compliance with Section 504, the Valley View School District is required to: 1. screen and evaluate any student who is suspected of being handicapped. 2. determine the eligibility of a student based on the results of the screening and evaluation. 3. develop a 504 Plan for those students deemed eligible which outlines the necessary services and/or reasonable accommodations to be provided. 4. deliver appropriate services and/or reasonable accommodations when determined are needed. 5. guarantee procedural safeguards concerning appropriate notices, review of records, right of counsel, and access to a hearing for purposes of reconsideration. 6. review cases periodically. Section 504 Grievance Procedures Section 504 allows the parent access to a grievance procedure which will be administered by the District 504 Coordinator, Executive Director of Student Services. This person should receive all 504 complaints and coordinate the process leading to informal or formal mediation or hearing if deemed necessary. 1. If a parent disagrees with the eligibility under Section 504 or the 504 Plan, the parent must document the areas of disagreement and inform the District 504 Coordinator. 2. The first method of resolution of disagreement will be a meeting between the principal, parent, and District 504 Coordinator. 3. If local mediation is unsuccessful, a request may be made for a locally appointed hearing officer to review and hear the case. - 29 - 4. As a result of the local hearing the district may choose to ask the Illinois State Board of Education, Department of Special Education, to appoint a mediator to resolve the dispute. Notice of Nondiscrimination/Title IX Education Amendment The Valley View School District 365U ensures equal educational opportunities are offered to students, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, or disability. The District does not discriminate in the admission or access to or treatment or employment in, its programs and services. Questions in reference to educational opportunities may be directed to the Director of Special Education, Valley View Schools, 755 Dalhart Avenue, Romeoville, Illinois, 60446, Phone 815/886-2700, or to the Director of Human Resources, Valley View Schools, 755 Dalhart Avenue, Romeoville, Illinois, 60446, Phone 815/886-2700. SPECIAL EDUCATION AND CHILD FIND A. Public Awareness and Child-Find IDEA requires that the District identify, locate, and evaluate all children birth through age 21, who are suspected of having a disability, which adversely affects educational performance. This includes children attending private and religious affiliated schools and highly mobile children, and/or homeless children regardless of the severity of the child’s disability . B. Student Resource Team (SRT) Each school has a Student Resource Team (SRT), which consists of the Principal/Assistant Principal, and/or SRT Leader, general education classroom teacher, social worker, school psychologist, speech and language therapist, school health assistant, and special education teacher. The SRT exists for the purpose of assisting teachers, parents, and students in the development of appropriate interventions when students experience difficulties in the learning environment. The SRT includes school personnel with a broad range of skills to address social- emotional, academic, language, health, or related needs of students. The SRT is responsible for determining the need to conduct a Full and Individual Evaluation. The SRT is responsible for developing an Individualized Educational Program for students with identified disabilities and who are found to be eligible for special education and related services. Any parent who believes that their child may have a disability and need accommodations and/or services should contact the child’s teacher or SRT leader. C. Special Education Programs and Services Valley View School District 365U offers a full continuum of special education programs and related services for students who meet the eligibility guidelines established by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The services and/or program available for a particular student will depend on that student’s individual needs. D. Discipline of Students With Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) Discipline of students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) involves a system of balances between the student’s procedural safeguards and the school district’s interest in maintaining efficient and safe educational programs and environments. Students with disabilities are subject to the rules and guidelines set forth in this handbook and board policy. Any student with a disability may be disciplined by means of external suspension (up to ten school days) or lesser disciplinary consequence without regard to whether the student's disability caused the student's misbehavior, if the student violated a school rule and such violation would trigger such discipline for a student without a disability. Students with disabilities may be suspended for more than ten cumulative school days in the school year if their suspensions do not constitute a change of placement for disciplinary reasons. If a change of placement for disciplinary reasons, including expulsion, is warranted based on the disciplinary infraction, the District will conduct a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR). A student with a disability shall not be expelled for misbehavior if it is determined through the MDR that the student’s disability caused the misbehavior. If it is determined through the MDR that the student’s disability did not cause the misbehavior, a student with a disability may be subject to expulsion procedures in the same manner as students without disabilities. However, even if expelled, the District must continue to provide educational services, although elsewhere, to a student with a disability. E. Parents’ Rights and Additional Information Further information, including information about student and parent rights, is available through the office of the building principal or by contacting the office of the district’s Executive Director of Special Education at 815/886-2700. STUDENT APPEARANCE (Board Policy 7:160) Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. During cold months, please make sure that hands, face, and feet are protected from the possibility of frostbite. Students will go outside for recess or remain outside before school when the temper- ature, including the wind chill, is 11 degrees or higher. Please take this into consideration when planning proper attire. Student’s 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. Building administration will address any student violation of this policy regarding student appearance wit the student and student’s parents, if necessary. The dress regulations listed below apply at all buildings and to co-curricular activities taking place within the buildings outside of regular school hours. These regulations are to be observed and enforced: 1. Appropriate footwear is required.

2. Bare midriff, see-through garments, clothing which bares the chest, tube tops, and halter tops are prohibited. Clothing will cover - 30 - from shoulder to mid-thigh. All clothing, accessories, jewelry, makeup, etc., shall be worn in a manner which is not disruptive to the learning environment. 3. Clothing, accessories, or jewelry which bears any message which is considered to be disrespectful of country, school, religion, or debasing the dignity of groups or individuals is prohibited. 4. The wearing, display, or possession of any item of clothing, accessories, or jewelry which depicts alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs, or which displays obscene or sexually explicit language, profane language, or provocative pictures, is prohibited. 5. The wearing, display, or possession of articles of clothing, accessories, jewelry, emblems, badges, symbols, signs, or other things which are evidence of membership in or affiliation, or alignment with any gang, secret society, or unauthorized organization is prohibited. 6. The wearing of hats, bandanas, or hair rollers is prohibited in buildings unless specifically approved by the Building Principal and/or designee. 7. The wearing of overcoats, out-of-doors clothing, or sun glasses in classrooms or in the building during class time is prohibited unless specifically approved by the Building Principal and/or designee. 8. Any clothing accessories which could be used as weapons such as: hair-picks, wallet chains, etc., are prohibited. STUDENT ASSESSMENT (TESTING) IN THE VALLEY VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS The assessment (testing) program in the Valley View Schools is a coordinated plan for periodically monitoring the progress of students at multiple grade levels in a variety of subjects. Assessment is a critical element of the Illinois school improvement process.

The purposes of testing are to: • Evaluate the extent to which each student is meeting state standards for learning; describe how students, schools, and the district perform in comparison to the state and nation; chart progress of students, schools, and the district over time; generate information which can be used for school accountability, policy making, future improvement, educational placement. • Schools participate annually in the Partnership for Assessment of College and Career Readiness (PARCC). The PARCC assessment assesses reading and mathematics at grades 3, 4, and 5. This assessment replaces the previously administered Illinois Standards Achieve- ment Test (ISAT). • ACCESS measures the progress of students in grades 3, 4, and 5 with limited English proficiency in attaining English-language reading and math skills. • The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessment is designed for grades 3, 4, and 5 for students with Individualized Education Programs for whom all other state assessments are inappropriate, even with accommodations, because of their disabilities. This assessment replaces the previously administered Illinois Alternative Assessment (IAA). • The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment is given to 1st through 5th grade. This test measures proficiency in Reading and Math as compared to the Common Core learning standards. Local Assessment Instruments Local assessments provide individual student data with which to make curricular, instructional, and institutional decisions. Assessments are administered throughout the school year, and include the use of publisher’s tests, locally developed standards-based assessments, teacher ob- servations, essay tests, and performance based assessments and checklists. At each grade level, students are assessed in the fundamental learning areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical development and health, and fine arts. These assessments are used to monitor growth at the student’s academic achievement as it relates to Illinois Learning Standards. Quizzes, projects, anecdotal records, and tests may also be used periodically in order to provide the teachers with information regarding a student’s progress and general achievement in the class. This information is then used to adjust the pacing and instructional program as appropriate. If you have any questions about the testing program in the district, please contact your local school for more information. TECHNOLOGY Access to Electronic Networks Electronic networks, including the Internet, are a part of the Valley View School District’s instructional program and serve to promote edu- cational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. The Superintendent shall develop an implementation plan for this policy and appoint system administrator(s). Valley View School District is not responsible for any information that may be lost or damaged, or become unavailable when using the network, or for any information that is retrieved or transmitted via the Internet. Furthermore, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the Internet. Curriculum and Appropriate Online Behavior The use of Valley View School District’s electronic networks shall: (1) be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the District as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the students, and (2) comply with the selection criteria for instructional materials and library resource center materials. As required by federal law and Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, students will be educated about appropriate online behavior, including but not limited to: (1) interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and (2) cyber-bullying awareness and response. Staff members may, consistent with

- 31 - the Superintendent’s implementation plan, use the Internet throughout the curriculum. The District’s electronic network is part of the curriculum and is not a public forum for general use. Acceptable Use All use of Valley View School District’s electronic networks must be: (1) in support of education and/or research, and be in furtherance of the goals stated herein, or (2) for a legitimate school business purpose. Use is a privilege, not a right. Students and staff members have no expectation of privacy in any material that is stored, transmitted, or received via the District’s electronic networks or District computers. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using electronic networks. The District’s Authorization for Electronic Network Access contains the appropriate uses, ethics, and protocol. Electronic communications and downloaded material, including files deleted from a user’s account but not erased, may be monitored or read by school officials. Internet Safety Each Valley View School District computing device with Internet access shall have its internet content filtered that blocks access to viewing internet visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by federal law and as determined by the Superintendent or designee, or (4) harmful to computers and equipment. The Superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of internet filtering. An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filtering device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the Superintendent or system administrator. The Superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy’s implementation plan to address the following: 1. Ensure staff supervision of student access to online electronic networks, 2. Restrict access by students to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials, 3. Employ reasonable efforts to ensure the privacy, safety, and security of students and staff when using electronic communications including electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications from external sources, 4. Restrict unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities of students online, 5. Restrict unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information, such as, names and addresses. Authorization for Electronic Network Access Each staff member must sign Valley View School District’s Authorization for Electronic Network Access as a condition for using the District’s electronic network. Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Authorization before being granted unsupervised use. All users of the District’s computers to access the Internet shall maintain the confidentiality of student records. Reasonable measures to protect against unreasonable access shall be taken before confidential student information is loaded onto the network. The failure of any student or staff member to follow the terms of the Authorization for Electronic Network Access, or this policy, will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. Terms and Conditions Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s network resources, including the Internet, must be for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the educational objectives of the District. Transmission of any material in violation of United States or state statute or regulation is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyright or trade secret material, threatening or obscene material, and criminal activity. The use of the network resources for commercial activities, product solicitations, or political lobbying is also prohibited. Inappropriate use will be reported to the responsible authorities. Privilege - The use of the District’s network resources, including the Internet, is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges. The appropriate building or district administrator will make decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated the Authorization. A copy of network etiquette and unacceptable uses can be found in the student handbook. Security - Users of the network resources agree not to violate or attempt to violate system security or intentionally interfere with the system performance, or to access another person’s account, files, or password. Individuals may be denied access to the system based upon security violations. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the network. No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service inter- ruptions caused by negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the authorized user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. WARNING - The taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal image or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a CRIME under state and/or federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate state or federal agencies, which may result in arrest, criminal prosecution, and LIFETIME inclusion on sexual offender registries. Some examples of unacceptable uses of District technology are: • Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation. • Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or devirused, including the unauthorized installation of software. • Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use. - 32 - • Using the network for private financial or commercial gain. • Wastefully using resources, such as exceeding file space. • Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities. • Invading the privacy of individuals. • Using another user’s account or password. • Posting material authorized or created by another without his/her consent. • Posting anonymous messages. • Using the network for commercial or private advertising. • Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material. • Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked. The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: • Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others. • Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. • Do not reveal the personal addresses or telephone numbers of students or colleagues. • Recognize that electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. Anyone operating the network has access to all mail. Message relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. • Use of e-mail for sharing jokes, chain letters, and other inappropriate material (see above) is not consistent with the use of the tool for educational purposes. Any of these actions may result in a loss of privileges. • Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users. • Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property. All use of the district network resources shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. It is further understood that should a student or staff member willfully or with gross negligence commit any violation, access privileges may be revoked, and school/district disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. THIRD PARTY REQUESTS TO SEE STUDENTS Occasionally, it is necessary that school district personnel must meet with or interview students regarding various matters related directly to the business of educating students. Also, on occasion, local law enforcement and DCFS personnel request to speak to students during the school day. Elementary schools follow the procedures developed by the Superintendent. TOXIC MATERIALS IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS The "Toxic Art Supplies in School Act, Public Act 84-725," requires that all schools ensure that children are protected against art supplies which contain toxic substances or which are potential human carcinogens. (Examples-White Out, rubber cement, certain permanent markers.) Elementary school children are protected by the prohibition of schools and school districts from purchasing arts and crafts materials/supplies containing toxic substances. We, in the Valley View Public Schools, are very concerned about the use of any materials which may be dangerous to our students' health or welfare. Therefore, we request that any materials brought to school by your child(ren) be non-toxic. Please read the labels carefully before purchasing the supplies or materials. Together, we can ensure that our children continue to be kept safe from such materials and substances.

UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURE If a parent disagrees with a classroom or school practice, the parent is encouraged to seek resolution of the issue by consulting the teacher or principal. The primary purpose of this practice is to secure a satisfactory result with those most directly involved in the situation. The district also provides a more formal system for filing a written complaint. Further information, including an outline of the procedures and a form to be completed, can be obtained from the principal. STUDENT RECORDS INFORMATION AND PARENT RIGHTS Notification of Rights Under FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Additionally, rights are provided through the Illinois School Student Records Act. These rights include: (1) The right to inspect, review, and copy the student’s educational records within 15 school days following the request.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected or copies made available. (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask Valley View Community Unit School District 365U to amend a record that they believe is inac- - 33 - curate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. (3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in per- forming his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if reviewing the record assists the official in fulfilling his or her professional responsibility. (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920 Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone, photograph, date & place of birth, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities & sports, weight & heights of athletes, dates of attendance, degrees & awards received, most recent previous school attended, gender, grade level, parents’ name, email addresses, and student ID numbers on student ID cards and/or badges. Directory information may be disclosed without prior notice or consent. To the extent that the District allows post-secondary schools or po- tential employers to have access to students’ directory information, the District must also allow military recruiters the same level of access. Parents and eligible students have the right to limit the disclosure of any or all such directory information and have the right to restrict military recruiters from being provided the student’s directory information. To opt out of the disclosure of all or part of directory information, parents must request in writing before October 1 of the current school year to the school principal that directory information not be disclosed. Access To Student Records And Safeguards To Protect Their Use No information contained in your child's records can be released without your written permission except: 1. To a parent of the student, your designated representative, or a person having your specific, dated, written consent;

2. To employees or officials of the school district or of the State Board of Education having current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student; 3. To the official records custodian of another school, within or outside of Illinois, in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll, upon the request of the student or school records custodian; 4. To any person for the purpose of research, statistical reporting or planning, providing that no student or parent can be identified from the information released, and the person to whom the information released, signs an affidavit agreeing to comply with all applicable statutes and rules pertaining to school student records; 5. Pursuant to a court order, you must be given prompt, written notice of the terms of the order, the information to be released, and the opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge this information; however, notice shall not be provided if you are named in the order; 6. In an emergency where knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons; 7. As specifically required by state or federal law; 8. Information classified as "directory information." Information to Non-Custodial Parents Copies of all correspondence and reports (reports or records which reflect the pupil's academic progress, reports of the pupil's emotional and physical health, notices of school initiated parent-teacher conferences, notices of major school-sponsored events, such as open houses, which involve pupil-parent interaction, and copies of the school calendar regarding the child) shall be provided to both parents of a child whose parents are divorced. Such copies shall be provided by mail when they are requested by either parent, unless there is a court order to the contrary. District Procedures For Deleting Or Destroying Outdated Student Records Permanent records include basic identifying information, transcript and grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, scores on college entrance examinations, the unique student identifier assigned and used by the student information system, attendance record,

- 34 - health record, and scores on state high-school level assessments. Temporary records include information included within the definition “school student record” [105 ILCS 1012(d)] and are not those records required to be in the student permanent record. Video or other electronic recordings on buses or for security or safety or by law enforcement professionals are not student records. The District maintains permanent records for 60 years and temporary records for 5 years after the student has transferred, graduated, or otherwise withdrawn from school. Parents and eligible students have a right to request a copy before destruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a school may maintain indefinitely anonymous information from student temporary records for authorized research, statistical reporting or planning purposes, provided that no student or parent can be individually identified from the information maintained. Transfer of Student Records The records of a student shall be transferred by the records custodian of a school to another school in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll upon the request of the records custodian of the other school or the student, provided that the parent receives prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information to be transferred, and opportunity to inspect, copy and challenge such information. If the address of the parents is unknown, notice may be served upon the records custodian of the requesting school for transmittal to the parents. Such service shall be deemed conclusive, and ten calendar days after such service, if the parents make no objections, the records may be transferred to the requesting school. No school may refuse to admit or enroll a student because of that student's failure to present his student permanent or temporary record from a school previously attended. Within 14 days after enrolling a transfer student, the new school shall request a certified copy of the student's record from the previous school. The previous school shall send the student's record within 10 days of receipt of the request. When the student record of a missing child is identified, the record shall not be forwarded, and the police shall be notified. Student Rights Regarding Temporary Student Record Information A school may afford to students any or all the rights afforded to parents under the Act of these regulation in relation to the temporary record. Responsible Authority for Records In the District The responsible authority for records in our district is the superintendent. He is charged with the responsibility of determining that records are to be kept and who has access to them. In District 365U, the building principal is designated by the superintendent with the responsibility of overseeing the student records on a day-to-day basis. Whenever you wish to review your child's educational records, schedule an appointment with the building principal. The principal (or designee) will be pleased to review the records with you. You have the right to receive a copy of your child's records for a nominal fee. Information To Parents No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege, or benefit or make, as a condition of employment, credit, or insurance, the securing by any individual of any information from a student's temporary record which such individual may obtain through and exercise of any right secured under FERPA or the Illinois School Student Records Act and/or relevant regulations.

- 35 - Medical Information Chart

DISEASE SYMPTONS INCUBATION PERIOD EXCLUSION PERIOD

Measles (hard, red, 10 day) Cold and fever, watery red eyes with sensitivity 7 to 14 days 4-7 days after appearance of rash or rash has to light, bluish grey spots in mouth (look like subsided. Communicable Pd. - 2-4 days before rash and table salt crystals) by molars, cough, rash 5 days after appearance of rash. brick red to dull brownish-pink starting behind ears, face and neck spreading to chest, Not less than 7 days after eruption of abdomen and legs. Mild itching. rash.

Mumps Fever, bodyaches, lack of appetite, headache, 12 to 16 days after onset of swelling. earache aggravated by chewing, cheek and Communicable Pd. - 24 hours before jaw swelling. swelling and 3 days after the swelling has gone down.

Scarlet Fever Sore throat, vomiting, fever, red rash on face, 2 to 5 days Until 24-48 hours after treatment started with neck, chest, abdomen, spreading to extremi- antibiotics. Fever free. (Scarlatina, Strep infection) Communicable Pd. - 24 hours before onset of ties that last for 2-7 days, strawberry tongue, symptoms until 2-3 weeks if untreated and no swollen glands complications. If treated 24-48 hours. Must take full course of medication.

Rubella Fever, headache, runny nose, swollen lymph 14 to 21 days 7 days after onset of rash. nodes, fine pinkish rash starting on face, neck (German Measles, 3-day measles) Communicable Pd. - 4-7 days before onset of and spreading to trunk and limbs. rash and up to 5 days after, should be kept away from pregnant women.

*Pink Eye Itching, tearing of eye with redness, pain, 24-72 hours Bacterial-after on medication for 24 hours, feeling of foreign body in eye, sensitivity to others when eyes clear or release from Dr. to (Conjunctivitis-viral, bacterial, allergic) Communicable Pd. - Depends on causative light, crusty or mucoid discharge from eye. return to school. agent - viral, or bacterial.

*Impetigo Itchy small red spot progressing to raised red 2 to 14 days 24 to 48 hours after starting medication. (Staphylococci/Streptococci) marks that blister and are filled with fluid then Medication needs to be taken as directed until rupture and crust (may look like honey). When gone. Dr.’s note to return to school. crust cleaned off area will be red. Will spread to other areas of body. Highly contagious progresses within a few hours to a couple of days. Need to have Dr. evaluate to determine if Impetigo or other skin condition-Chickenpox, eczema, allergy etc.

*Scabies Itching (worse at night), red small bumps with Transmission through skin contact. The adult After treatment of a pediculicide, 24 hours. (Itch Mite) thread-like red lines usually located between mite can survive without a human host for 2-3 Follow-up exam. May need second treatment fingers, flexor surface of wrist, elbows, waist- days. in one week, Dr.’s release. line, axillary folds, nipples in females, genitalia.

Chicken Pox Fever, itchy red small spots that change to 2-3 weeks 7-9 days/rash scabbed and dry. small red raised marks, to fluid filled blister (Varicella) Communicable Pd. - Up to 5 days before the and then to opaque fluid filled bumps and to onset of rash and not less than 6 days after final stage of scabbing. the appearance of the rash. Lice Usually itching. Parasitic (capitis) feeds on the Contact with infested person can cause Until the hair is totally free of live lice or many (Pediculosis) scalp. Red marks on scalp. Louse lays eggs immediate infestation. nits close to hair shaft. in the hair. Head lice (eggs) nits are small oval Eggs hatch in 7-10 days. whitish/silver eggs attached to the hair. The live louse is rarely seen, head louse is tiny and Nits will live off the body for up to 10 days. tan/grey in color. Eggs hatch in about one Lice live off the body for 2-4 days at the right week. Louse matures to adulthood in 10 days. temperature (74-86 degrees F)

Ringworm (Tinea) Itching, reddish mark that gradually spreads Only for ringworm of the scalp - May return while clearing in the center. When in the after 24-48 hours following treatment and a Several different classifications scalp, the hair breaks off and a bald spot Dr.’s note. Athletes foot occurs. Jock itch Ringworm of body/scalp/nails

Fifth Disease Headache, malaise, rare fever, a striking red- 6-14 days None (Erythema Infectiosum) ness of the cheeks (slapped face appearance), Should avoid pregnant and a body rash (lace pattern) lasting for 2 to 4 days.

- 36 - 2015 - 2016 VALLEY VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR

August 17-18 School Year Begins - Teacher Institute Day - Non-Attendance Day for Students / Día de No Asistencia Estudiante August 19 First Student Attendance Day (Grades PreK-12) Full attendance day for all students / 1er Día de Clases September 7 Labor Day - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas October 12 Columbus Day - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas October 16 First Grading Period Ends / Calificaciones de 1er Bimestre November 6 Parent Teacher Conferences - Non-Attendance Day for Students (Conferencias Padres y Maestros) Grading School November 11 Veterans' Day - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas Period Days November 25-27 Thanksgiving Break - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas December 18 Second Grading Period Ends / Calificaciones de 2do Bimestre December 21 Winter Break Begins - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas January 4 Schools Re-open - Students Return / Estudiantes Regresan a Clases January 18 Martin Luther King's Birthday - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas February 15 Presidents' Day - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas February 26 Parent Teacher Conferences - Non-Attendance Day for Students / Escuelas Cerradas y Conferencias Padres y Maestros March 7 Casimir Pulaski Day - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas March 11 Third Grading Period Ends / Calificaciones de 3er Bimestre March 15 Institute Day/General Primary - Non-Attendance Day for Students / Día de No Asistencia Estudiantes March 25 Good Friday - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas April 4 Spring Break Begins - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas April 11 School Re-opens - Students Return / Estudiantes Regresan a Clases May 27 Tentative Last Day of School & Fourth Grading Period Ends - Full student attendance / Calificaciones 4to Bim May 30 Memorial Day - Schools Closed / Escuelas Cerradas (27 de mayo: Ultimo Día de Clases) June 5 High School Graduation / Graduación de Preparatoria May/June 31-6 Emergency Days / Días de Emergencia

- 37 - Appendix B-8: Sample Allergy History Form

(Return to Nurse/Designated School Personnel (DSP))

Dear Parent/Guardian of: Date:

According to your child’s health records, he/she has an allergy to:

Please provide us with more information about your child’s health needs by responding to the following questions and returning this form to the school office.

1) When and how did you first become aware of the allergy?

2) When was the last time your child had a reaction?

3) Please describe the signs and symptoms of the reaction.

4) What medical treatment was provided and by whom?

5) If medication is required while your child is at school, the enclosed Emergency Action Plan (EAP) form must be completed by a licensed medical provider and parent/guardian.

6) Please describe the steps you would like us to take if your child is exposed to this allergen while at school.

Parent or Guardian: Date:

Print Name:

Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Illinois Schools Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health

- 38 - To: Parents of Kindergarten and Early Childhood Students

From: Valley View School District, Spangler Transportation Center

Please review the following procedures for the pickup/drop off of Kindergarten and Early Childhood students:

AM Kindergarten Students: will be picked up at neighborhood stops for the route into school. Every effort has been made routing the AM kindergarten students out of school to prevent them from crossing in front of the school bus. In some cases the driver will have to pass your home and circle around the block to drop your child on the right side of the street.

AM Kindergarten students coming home at 11:30 AM to be dropped at their home location wherever possible. If two students live on the same block only one stop is made for both students. If you live in a court the bus stop will be at the entrance of the court.

Parents/Guardians of kindergarten students will receive a post card in the mail that describes the pickup and drop off locations, prior to the start of the school.

Early Childhood Students: will be picked up / dropped off as close to his/her residence as safely possible. There are locations that we are not able to safely maneuver in a school bus. In these areas the parent/guardian will be responsible to bring the student to a designated location. Pick up / drop off locations are required to be the same each day. If your student will be using the services of a daycare provider, you will need to complete a daycare/sitter form prior to transportation services beginning. You may locate these forms on the school district website at www.vvsd.org and view the transportation page. If you have any further questions, you may contact the transportation department at 815-886-6686.

These routes cover many miles and have a vast difference in student needs, it is important that your student is ready five minutes before the scheduled pick up time. If your child will not need transportation services at anytime, please contact us at 815-886-6686.

Parents/Guardians will receive a phone call from the school bus driver approximately five days before the start of the school year. They will introduce themselves, provide route pick up / drop off times and discuss your specific child’s needs.

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Spangler Transportation Center

has my permission to be received by (Student)

who is (Person receiving child) (Relationship to child/friend)

This change will take place from to . (Start Date) (End Date or until further notice)

has been advised that they (Person receiving child) will show their picture ID (Driver’s License or State ID) to the driver.

(Parent/Guardian Signature) (Date)

If you have any questions please contact us at (815) 886-6686.

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STUDENT BUS DISCIPLINE REPORT (K-5)

Name of Student School Time Date

Driver Signature Bus No. Stop Location

_____ Horseplay; disruptive or disorderly behavior which distracts the driver _____ Behavior which causes a delay in pickup/delivery of students _____ Unsafe behavior while boarding or unloading, or at bus stop _____ Use of obscene or abusive language/gestures on a bus _____ Out of seat; not in assigned seat _____ Rudeness to, or failure to obey, bus driver _____ Fighting on a bus _____ Intimidation or threats on a bus _____ Possession of a weapon or instrument used as a weapon _____ Damage or vandalism to a school bus _____ Theft on a school bus _____ Physically hurting another person on a bus _____ Smoking cigarettes, lighting matches, setting fires or exploding any kind of fireworks on the bus _____ Behavior which results in danger to other bus passengers _____ Other (Specify)

THIS IS STUDENT’S BUS DISCIPLINE NOTICE NUMBER ______

DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT:

DISPOSITION OF CASE:

Parent Sign and Return to School Principal Signature

White/Principal Canary/Parent Pink/Driver Goldenrod/Transportation Dept. Form 398 - 41 - DISTRICT ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK

The district handbook outlines the policies and procedures of Valley View School District 365U. An understanding of the policies and adherence to the policies and procedures will ensure positive parent-school relationships. I have received and reviewed the district handbook.

Parent signature Date

Student’s Name

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