MT. ZION . . .
a great place to LEARN
Visit Mt. Zion's Web Site: http://www.mtzion.k12.il.us
MT. ZION DISTRICT NO. 3 HANDBOOK/CALENDAR 2017-2018
Dr. Travis R. Roundcount, District Superintendent
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On Mt. Zion, On Mt. Zion Charge right down that field Kick the ball right through the goal post Touchdown sure this time Rah! Rah! Rah!
Refrain: On Mt. Zion, On Mt. Zion Fight on for your fame Fight, fellows, fight and we will win this game. Rah! Rah! (clap, clap, clap) Rah! Rah! (clap, clap, clap) Rah! Rah! (clap, clap, clap) Say team rah!
On Mt. Zion, On Mt. Zion Run right down the floor Put the ball right through the basket Now we’re sure to score Rah! Rah! Rah!
Refrain
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Accident/Illness ...... 20 Handicap Accessible ...... 54 Alcohol/Drug Policy ...... 20 Health/Medical ...... 54-56 Asbestos Materials ...... 20 Heartland Technical Academy ...... 46 Assignment/Passbook Guidelines (Grades 7-12) ...... 20 Homeless Students - Rights ...... 56 Athletic Code - Students ...... 21 Homework ...... 56 Attendance Regulations and Procedures...... 25-27 Honors and Awards ...... 56 Baccalaureate and Commencement ...... 27-28 IESA Eligibility Rules ...... 21-22 Band Instruments and Insurance ...... 28 IHSA Eligibility Rules ...... 22-25 Bicycles and Walking to School ...... 28 Insurance - Supplemental Student Accident ...... 56-57 Board of Education ...... 4 Libraries ...... 57 Building Information ...... 4 Lockers/Gym Lockers ...... 57 Bullying ...... 28 Lost and Found ...... 57 Bus Discipline ...... 28-29 Mission Statement ...... 5 Cafeteria ...... 29-31 Mobile Electronic Devices ...... 57-58 Calendar 2016-17 ...... 6-18 National Honor Society Selection Procedures ...... 58 Calendar 2018-19 ...... 19 Passes ...... 58 Class Changes ...... 31 Passive Alcohol Sensor/Hand Held Metal Detector ...... 58 Closed Campus ...... 31 Pest Management Policy ...... 59 Co-Curricular Activities, Code, Conflicts ...... 31 Physical Education ...... 59 College Entry Exams and Information...... 31 Posters/Circulars ...... 59 Computer Network System Guidelines for Acceptable Use ...... 32-34 Publications ...... 59 Dances (Grades 7-12 only) ...... 34 Recess/P.E. K-6 ...... 59 Deliveries ...... 34 Records Access - Students ...... 59-62 Detentions: Teacher, Office ...... 34-35 Records Access - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ...... 62-64 Directory Information...... 35 Residency Requirement ...... 64 Discipline Code of Conduct-Students ...... 35-36 Respect for Peers/Property ...... 64 Discipline Policy & Procedures for Students ...... 36-42 Retention ...... 64 Dress and Appearance ...... 42 Richland Transfer Academy ...... 45-46 Dual Credit Students ...... 43-45 Safety Drills ...... 64-65 Early Bird ...... 46 School Song ...... 2 Eligibility Requirement Policy (5-12 only) ...... 46 Sex Offender Notification ...... 65 Emergency School Closings ...... 46-47 Sexual Harassment Policy ...... 65 Equal Educational Opportunities ...... 47 Snacks-Classroom (Grades K-6) ...... 66 Exam Waiver Privilege ...... 47 Social Services ...... 66 Exchange Programs ...... 47 Surveillance/Emergency Equipment ...... 66 Family Access Program ...... 47 Suspension or Expulsion and Right to Hearing ...... 66-67 Fees ...... 48-50 Telephone ...... 67 Field Trip Transportation ...... 50 Transportation Contact/Notice to Parents/Guardians ...... 4, 67-68 Foundation for Quality Education ...... 50-51 Valuables ...... 68 Fundraising ...... 51 Vehicle Rules and Regulations ...... 68-69 Grade Reporting ...... 51 Visitation Rights of Parents ...... 69 Grades ...... 51 Visitors-School Visits ...... 69 Graduation Honors ...... 52 Weapons Policy ...... 69 Graduation Requirements ...... 52-53 Weighted Grades (High School Only)...... 69, 70 Grievance Procedure-Discrimination ...... 53-54 Withdrawing from School ...... 70 School Counselors ...... 54 Work Permits ...... 70
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School Calendar Building Information The school calendar is an attempt to list the school events and Dear Parents, McGaughey Elementary School (Gr. PreK-1st) activities that parents and students will find helpful during the This publication places in one concise guide Ms. Brandi Kelly, Principal 2017-2018 school year. In addition to the activities listed on 1320 West Main, Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1348 much of the information which you will want or Phone: 864-2711 Fax: 864-4126 the calendar, there will be many others during the year that need to know about the Mt. Zion Community Email: [email protected] were not scheduled at the time the calendar was printed. Schools for the current school year. It contains Watch the school newsletters, website, and bulletins for Mt. Zion Grade School (Gr. 2nd & 3rd) announcement of these activities. the rules, regulations, procedures, and many of Mr. Gary Gruen, Principal the activities that take place in our school system. 725 West Main, Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1335 Phone: 864-3631 Fax: 864-6131 Mt. Zion Board of Education This handbook is only a summary of Board Email: [email protected] Mr. Todd Garner, President Mr. Jeffrey Sams, Vice President policies and may be changed during the year Mt. Zion Intermediate School (Gr. 4th-6th) Mr. Randall Thacker, Principal Mr. Dave Brandon, Secretary without notice. The handbook cannot possibly cover all potential scenarios that may evolve 310 S. Henderson, Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1384 Mr. Jerry Birkey Phone: 864-2921 Fax: 864-5175 Ms. Kristi Niles during the course of the school year and is not Email: [email protected] Mr. John Flora intended to limit administrators' authority to address matters that may not be specifically Mt. Zion Junior High School (Gr. 7th & 8th) Mr. Nathan Brock Ms. Julie Marquardt, Principal identified in the handbook. Mr. William Rockey, Curriculum & Technology Director District Central Office 315 S. Henderson, Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 455 Elm Street While this guide is comprehensive, you may Phone: 864-236 Fax: 864-6829 Mt. Zion, IL 62549 Email: [email protected] have questions which it has not addressed; feel Email: [email protected] Phone: 864-2366 free to contact the principal of the building which Fax: 864-2200 your student attends for clarification. Mt. Zion High School (Gr. 9th-12th) Ms. Cheryl Warner, Principal Superintendent: Mr. Mike Mose, Assistant Principal Dr. Travis R. Roundcount Supportive community members, hard- Mr. Ben Davis, Athletic Director Email: [email protected] working students and a dedicated staff and Board 305 S. Henderson, Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 of Education can take pride in knowing they have Phone: 864-2363 Fax: 864-5815 Associate Superintendent: Email: [email protected] contributed to quality education for students in the Email: [email protected] Mr. Brian M. Rhoades Mt. Zion Community Unit School District #3. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Mt. Zion Food Service: Together, we can become an integral part of Director of Transportation: Ms. Gwen Karr, Director Mr. Mark A. Hogan one of the most important responsibilities of 305 S. Henderson, Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 society, the education of our youth. Phone: 864-2114 Fax: 864-5815 Phone: 864-5233 Email: [email protected] Fax: 864-3621 Email: [email protected] We look forward to the challenges of another BASAP (Before and After School Program): year! Ms. Lori Rutherford, Director Macon-Piatt Special Education Coordinator: Dr. Travis R. Roundcount 1320 West Main, Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1348 Phone: 864-2814 (McG) or 864-3017 (MZG) Ms. Renea Smith Superintendent of Schools Email: [email protected] Phone: 424-3030 Program Sites: McGaughey & Mt. Zion Grade Email: [email protected] Hours: 6:15 a.m.-8:00 a.m. & 3:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
District Central Office
217
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL
Mt. Zion Intermediate
McGaughey Mt. Zion Jr. High
MT. ZION . . .
a great place to LEARN
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Mt. Zion Community Unit School District: Mt. Zion Grade “A Great Place to Learn”…working with Mt. Zion High School families to fully develop every child’s ability to be a life-long learner and contributing member of society.
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Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 6 August 2017
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Online Registration Open for 2017-18 School Year 3 4 5 8:00AM6 -6:00PM On-Site Registration 7 8 9
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
6:30PM BASAP Orientation @ McG
Board of Education 1st Day for Teachers 1st Day for Students K-12 13 Meeting JH 7PM 14 15 Teacher Institute Day 16 Early Dismissal 17 18 19 No Students in Attendance K -6: 11:45 AM
7-12: 11:05 AM Teacher In-Service Training 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
5-5:45PM McG Kindergarten A Orientation 6-6:30PM McG Grade 1 Orientation 2-4PM Community Club Ice Cream Social Pre-K Home Visits @ Fletcher Park 6-6:45PM McG Kindergarten B Orientation 7-8PM MZG Grade 2 Orientation
20 21 22 23 Pre-K Orientation & 1st Day 24 25 26
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Pre -K Home Visits Pre-K Home Visits
MZG Fundraiser Begins 6:00PM HS Driver’s Ed Parent Night
5:30-6:15PM MZG Grade 3 Orientation 6:30PM INT Gr 5 Open House National SAT 6:30PM INT Gr 4 Open House Jr. High & High School Fall Picture Day Pre-K Home Visits 7-9PM JH Open House 31 27 28 29 30 31
6-7PM Community Club Meeting @ MZG
6:30PM INT Gr 6 Open House
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 7 September 2017
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY
In1-Service Training 2 Early Dismissal 1 2 K -6: 11:45 AM
7 -12: 11:05 AM PreK AM Session Only
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Labor Day
No School
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 National ACT
Mid-term Progress 10 11 12 13 Reports Available 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Intermediate School Fall Picture Day 10-11AM INT Gr 5 Grandparents Day 1:30-2:30PM MZG Gr 3A Grandparents Day
Community Club Schwan’s Fundraiser Kickoff 1:30-2:30PM MZG Gr 2A Grandparents Day 10-11AM INT Gr 6 Grandparents Day 6-7PM McG K-1 Grandparent Open House INT Fall Fundraiser Kickoff
10-11AM INT Gr 4 Grandparents Day 6-7PM McG Kgtn Grandparent Open House 1:30-2:30PM MZG Gr 2B Grandparents Day 6-8PM MZG Book Fair 1:30-2:30PM MZG Gr 3B Grandparents Day
Board of Education 17 18 Meeting JH 7PM 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Homecoming Game 7:00PM
MZG Fundraiser Ends McGaughey & Grade Fall Picture Day Homecoming Parade 5:30PM McG Hike for the Hive @ MTZHS Track Homecoming Dance 8:00PM 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
French Club Crepe & Rummage Sale @ HS Small Gym
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 8 October 2017
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Parent Teacher
Conference Day
No School
3 4 5 6 76:00PM College Fair 8 9National SAT
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Columbus Day
No School
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
PSAT/NMSQT Optional Test for Juniors
Board of Education End of 1st Nine Weeks 15 16 Meeting JH 7PM 17 18 19 Sem 1 - Qtr 1 20 21
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
1- 3PM PreK-3rd Grade Community
Club Fall Festival @ McG
Jr. High & High School Picture Retakes Show Choir Fall Show
Qtr 1 Report Cards Available 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
RED RIBBON WEEK
Show Choir Fall Show Intermediate School Picture Retakes National ACT
31 29 30 31
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 9 November 2017
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY 1 2 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 National9 SAT 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Veterans Day
1:45-2:45PM INT Gr 6 Parent Visitation
10 1:4511 -2:45PM INT Gr 4 Parent Visitation 12 2:45PM13 Braves Signing Day 14 15 16
1:45-2:45PM INT Gr 5 Parent Visitation 1:30-2:00PM MZG Veteran’s Day Assembly Kelly Fox 5K Race 6-7PM Community Club Mtg @ MZG McGaughey & Grade Picture Retakes
Mid-term Progress 12 13 14 15 Reports Available 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
12:30-1:30PM MZG Gr2B Parent Visitation
1:45-2:45PM McG KA Parent Visitation 1:30-2:30PM MZG Gr3A Parent Visitation 1:30-2:30PM MZG Gr3B Parent Visitation 12:30-1:30PM MZG Gr2A Parent Visitation 1:45-2:45PM McG KB Parent Visitation 6-8PM McG Book Fair
Board of Education School Improvement 19 20 Meeting JH 7PM 21 Early Dismissal 22 23 24 25 K -6: 11:45 AM 7-12: 11:05 AM 24 25 26 27 28Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving29 Vacation 30 PreK AM Session Only No School No School
1:45-2:45PM McG 1A Parent Visitation 1:45-2:45PM McG 1B Parent Visitation
31 26 27 28 29 30
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 10 December 2017
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2
French Club - Chicago Trip 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
MZG Holiday Shop 6:30PM 1st Grade Holiday Concert @ District Auditorium JH & HS Holiday Concert @ District Auditorium MZG Holiday Shop McG Holiday Shop McG Holiday Shop
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Community Club Holiday Cookie Trays for 6:30PM 3rd Grade Holiday Concert @ 6:30PM Gr 5-6 Chorus Concert @ 6:30PM Gr 4 Chorus Concert @ Teachers and Staff District Auditorium District Auditorium District Auditorium
Board of Education In-Service Training 17 18 Meeting JH 7PM 19 20 21 Early Dismissal 22 23 K -6: 11:45 AM 7-12: 11:05 AM
PreK AM Session Only
9 -10AM MZG Holiday Parties 10:15 -11:15AM INT Holiday Parties
End of 2nd Nine Weeks
Sem 1 - Qtr 2
6:30PM Gr 4-6 Band/Orchestra Concert @ District Auditorium McG Pre-K Holiday Parties McG K-1 Holiday Parties
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Christmas Day Winter Break Winter Break Winter Break Winter Break
No School No School No School No School No School
31
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 11 January 2018
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY
Teacher Institute Day Qtr 2 Report Cards Available 1 2 1 2 No Students in Attendance 3 4 5 6
Winter Break Winter Break School Winter Break No School No School Resumes No School
3 4 5 6 7 8 IHSA9 Track Certified Clinic
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Board of Education 14 15 Meeting JH 7PM 16 17 18 19 20
Martin Luther King Jr.
Birthday
17 18 No School 19 20 21 22 23
Show Choir Invitational Show Choir Invitational
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Show Choir Invitational 6PM Mt. Zion District Spelling Bee 6-8PM Pre-K--6th Mother/Son Event @ INT 31 28 29 30 31
Jump Rope for Heart begins
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 12 February 2018
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY
Mid -term Progress 1 2 Reports Available 1 2 3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
6-7PM Community Club Meeting @ MZG 2:45PM Braves Signing Day Jump Rope for Heart ends
School Improvement 11 12 13 14 15 Early Dismissal 16 17 K -6: 11:45 AM 7 -12: 11:05 AM PreK PM Session Only at AM Time
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Pre-K Valentine Parties
1:30-2:30PM MZG Valentine Parties 1:30-2:30PM K-1 Valentine Parties McGaughey & Grade Spring Pictures
Board of Education 18 19 Meeting JH 7PM 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Presidents Day
No School
Mt. Zion Foundation for
Quality Education - Annual
Auction @ Mt. Zion Convention Center 6:30PM Freshman Orientation 31 25 26 27 28
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 13 March 2018
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3
6-8PM Community Club Spring Fling @ INT 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Casimir Casimir Pulaski Pulaski Day Day
No School No School
Apollo Conference Band Concert National SAT
End of 3rd Nine Weeks 11 12 13 14 15 Sem 2 - Qtr 3 16 17
6-8PM Father Daughter Dance
Board of Education Qtr 3 Report Cards Available 18 19 Meeting JH 7PM 20 21 22 23 24
7PM NHS Induction 7PM 7th Grade Orientation
School Improvement 25 26 27 28 Early Dismissal 29 30 31 K-6: 11:45 AM 7-12: 11:05 AM Spring Vacation Day PreK PM Session Only at AM Time No School
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 14 April 2018
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Spring Vacation Day No School
3 4 5 6 7 8 Community9 Club Color Run
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
10 11 ISBE12 - SAT Exam (all Juniors) 13 14 15 16
6:30PM Kindergarten Spring Concert @ 6:30PM 2nd Grade Spring Concert @ District Auditorium District Auditorium National ACT
Board of Education Mid-term Progress Reports Available 15 16 Meeting JH 7PM 17 18 19 20 21
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
6-8PM MZG Art Show and Book Fair 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
ISBE - SAT Make-up Exam 6-8PM McG Art and Book Fair Show Choir Spring Performance Show Choir Spring Performance 31 29 30
Show Choir Spring Performance
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 15 May 2018
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
2:45PM Braves Signing Day National SAT 6:30PM INT Gr 4 Chorus Concert @ 6:30PM INT Gr 5 Chorus Concert @ 6:30PM INT Gr 6 Chorus Concert @ 3 4 5 District6 Auditorium District7 Auditorium District8 Auditorium 8:009 PM Prom
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
HS AP Exams HS AP Exams
10 6-11 7PM Community Club Meeting @ MZG 12 13 14 15 16 7PM HS Awards Night @ District Auditorium HS AP Exams HS AP Exams 6:30PM INT Gr4-6 Band/Orchestra Concert @ District Auditorium 6:00-8:30PM JH End of the Year Party 7PM JH Florida Trip Meeting @ HS Big Gym 7PM JH Awards Night @ District Auditorium HS AP Exams
*Tentative Last Day of 13 14 15 School If No Snow Days 16 17 18 19 Are Used *See May 29th for Last Day of School Hours and Activities
17 18 19 MZG20 Play Day (Tentative) 21 22 23
HS AP Exams
HS AP Exams McGaughey Play Day
Board of Education 20 Meeting JH 7PM 21 22 23 24 25 26
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
2:00PM HS Graduation
Tentative Last Day of School 31 27 28 If All Snow Days Are Used 29 30 31 *School Improvement Early Dismissal Memorial Day K-6: 11:45; 7-12: 11:05 No School PreK PM Session Only at AM time End of 4th Nine Weeks - Sem 2 - Qtr 4 Qtr 4 Report Card Day for Gr K-6 (Gr 7-12 report cards will be available via Family Access at a later date)
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 16 June 2018
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY 1 2 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8Summer School Begins National9 SAT 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
National ACT 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Board of Education 17 Meeting JH 7PM 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Summer School Ends
31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 17 July 2018
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Board of Education 15 Meeting JH 7PM 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
30 31
Shading indicates classes not in session on that date. Page 18 August 2018
SUNDAYSUNDAY MONDAYMONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY SATURDAYSATURDAY 1 2 1 2 3 4
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Board of Education 12 Meeting JH 7PM 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 26 27 28 29 30 31
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MT. ZION CUSD #3 SCHOOL CALENDAR 2018-19
AUG. 15 - FIRST DAY FOR RETURNING TEACHERS - TEACHER INSTITUTE DAY - NO STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE 16 - FIRST DAY FOR K-12 STUDENTS AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING; EARLY DISMISSAL: GR 7-12 @ 11:05 AM; GR K-3 @ 11:35 AM; GR 4-6 @ 11:40 AM SEPT. 3 - LABOR DAY - NO SCHOOL 20 - MID-TERM PROGRESS REPORTS AVAILABLE OCT. 5 - NO STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE - FULL DAY P/T CONFERENCES (K-12) 8 - COLUMBUS DAY – NO SCHOOL 19 - END OF FIRST NINE-WEEK PERIOD 25 - QUARTER 1 REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE NOV. 20 - MID-TERM PROGRESS REPORTS AVAILABLE 21 - TEACHERS' INSTITUTE DAY - NO STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE 22 - THANKSGIVING DAY - NO SCHOOL 23 - THANKSGIVING VACATION - NO SCHOOL DEC. 21 - IN-SERVICE TRAINING - EARLY DISMISSAL: GR 7-12 @ 11:05 AM; GR K-3 @ 11:35 AM; GR 4-6 @ 11:40 AM 21 - END OF SECOND NINE-WEEK PERIOD 21 - END OF FIRST SEMESTER 24 - FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS VACATION - NO SCHOOL JAN. 2 - TEACHER INSTITUTE DAY - NO STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE 3 - SCHOOL RESUMES 8 - QUARTER 2 REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE 21 - MARTIN LUTHER KING'S BIRTHDAY - NO SCHOOL FEB. 7 - MID-TERM PROGRESS REPORTS AVAILABLE 18 - PRESIDENTS’ DAY - NO SCHOOL MAR. 8 - END OF THIRD NINE-WEEK PERIOD 11-15 - SPRING VACATION - NO SCHOOL 21 - REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE APR. 18 - MID-TERM PROGRESS REPORTS AVAILABLE 19 - 22 - TEACHER INSTITUTE DAY - NO STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE MAY 20 - TEACHERS' SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOP - EARLY DISMISSAL: GR 7-12 @ 11:05 AM; GR K-3 @ 11:35 AM; GR 4-6 @ 11:40 AM 20 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL IF NO SNOW DAY S ARE USED *MAY 20–31 - PENDING SNOW DAYS * - END OF FOURTH NINE-WEEK PERIOD * - END OF SECOND SEMESTER * - REPORT CARD DAY FOR GRADES K-8; GRADES 7-12 AVAILABLE VIA FAMILY ACCESS AT A LATER DATE MAY 31 - LAST DAY IF ALL SNOW DAYS ARE USED
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ACCIDENT/ILLNESS
Any illness or injury should be reported to the office. If the injury or illness appears to warrant it, parents will be contacted for information and instruction. It is important that all pertinent information regarding home address, home phone number, parents’ place of employment and employment phone numbers, as NOTICE TO PARENTS/STUDENTS RE: ASBESTOS MATERIALS well as emergency contacts, be kept current should emergencies arise. State statutes require school districts to update parents and employees annually on the presence of asbestos- Parents of students with special medical containing materials throughout its school buildings. needs (e.g., hemophilia, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.) should inform the school nurse or building In accordance with AHERA regulations, the buildings of Mt. Zion Community Unit School District No. 3, 455 principal of such conditions so that appropriate Elm Street, Mt. Zion, Illinois 62549, have been reinspected for asbestos-containing building materials by an accredited inspector. Also, an Asbestos Management Plan has been prepared by an accredited Management action may be taken when and if necessary. Planner. Both the Inspection Report and Management Plan are on file in the Office of the Superintendent and Information pertaining to health conditions and/or are available for public review during normal business hours. Copies of these reports are available upon physical restrictions should be supplied by the notification. student’s physician. These reports state that asbestos-containing materials had been found. The condition and type of the asbestos has been shown in the individual reports. ALCOHOL/DRUG POLICY As you are probably aware from published accounts, the MT. ZION COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT Any student exhibiting signs of #3 HAS REMOVED ALL KNOWN FRIABLE ASBESTOS FROM ITS BUILDINGS. possessing, using, selling, buying, If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Travis R. Roundcount at: (217) 864-2366. transmitting, or secreting any alcoholic beverage, narcotic or hallucinogenic drug, Dr. Travis R. Roundcount, Superintendent of Schools marijuana (including medically prescribed), Telephone 217/864-2366 • 455 Elm Street, Mt. Zion, IL 62549 • Fax 217/864-2200 barbiturate, amphetamine, intoxicant, inhalant, drug paraphernalia, and/or any other controlled substance including any look-alike drug and/or look-alike non-alcoholic Police or juvenile authorities and the a) If a student loses an assignment book it will beverage, while on the campus, at a school Superintendent of Schools shall be notified. cost $10 to replace it and he or she may lose activity, or in a vehicle used for transportation some or all passes for that quarter. to school jurisdiction, shall be subject to suspension/expulsion. The sale, distribution, ASSIGNMENT/ PASSBOOK GUIDELINES b) Each student will be given 2 days to either intent to sell or deliver drugs including look- (Grades 7-12) find, or replace his or her book. If not alike drugs and alcohol in the school building, replaced after two days the student will be on campus, school activity, or in a vehicle The assignment/passbook is an attempt to assigned a detention. (During the time the used for transportation to school and parked help students better organize their day through student has no assignment book, no passes on or in the vicinity of the campus or at any the use of a calendar planner. Each student will will be given.) time under school jurisdiction is prohibited. be given an assignment book on the first day of school.
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ATHLETIC CODE - STUDENTS 3) A family commitment - the student must will be a $260 annual maximum limit on obtain approval from the Coach or Athletic participation fees for a family. The fee must be Academics Director before missing the first practice. paid before a student is allowed to try out for a The academic eligibility policy as stated in 4) Conflict with another school activity - the sport. the IHSA and IESA Eligibility Rule sections of the student must notify the Coach or Athletic If the athletic participation fee cannot be paid Student/Parent Handbook will be strictly adhered and the student wishes to participate in a sport, Director of the conflict prior to missing the to. The primary responsibility of a Mt. Zion athlete he/she should contact the Athletic Director or first practice. is his/her academics. In addition, high school Principal. athletes must meet IHSA Athletic Eligibility rules Exceptions may be made by the Athletic If the student decides to quit the sport, a printed at the bottom of this section. Director or the building Administrator, but shall be refund of the participation fee will be given up approved prior to the start of the season so that until the first game. No refunds will be given after 5th & 6th Grade Extra-Curricular Participation plans can be made accordingly. the first game or competition. All students in grades 5-6 are eligible to participate in Jr. High Athletics if the Athletic Equipment Use IESA ELIGIBILITY RULES administration determines that the use of 5-6 Mt. Zion athletic equipment should not be worn in gym classes or elsewhere, other than in graders is warranted. 2.040 SCHOLASTIC STANDING regular athletic contests or scheduled practices, unless directed by the Coach. 2.041 All contestants shall be in grades five Requirements Before Participation through eight and shall not have passed Co-curricular participants are required to be Athletes are responsible for all equipment and clothing issued to them or entrusted to them eighth-grade standing. full time students in the Mt. Zion School District 2.042 A student shall be doing passing work as grades 5-12. Students are required to submit the for their use. Damages or lost articles must be paid for at replacement cost. determined by the local school district in following information to the coach and/or Athletic all school subjects and the school shall Director prior to the beginning of participation: Student/Athlete Rules of Conduct certify compliance with this By-Law. Use a. Athletic Form A. of a player, contestant, or participant b. Athletic Participation Fee Receipt (or waiver) All students/athletes must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Mt. Zion Co-Curricular shall be deemed such certification. c. Current Physical Examination Form - this is 2.043 For all IESA activities, athletic as well as good for 395 days from the date of his/her Code that will be distributed and signed by parents and students at the beginning of each non-athletic, passing work shall be physical exam. This form must be completed checked weekly to govern eligibility for by an Illinois licensed physician and must be school year. The Co-Curricular Code will be enforced 24/7 365 days. the following Monday through Saturday. turned in prior to tryouts (all sports including For fall sports, the first eligibility check cheerleading and pom pons). Suspension and Expulsion shall be made following the first full week d. Birth Certificate of attendance at the beginning of the Suspension, expulsion, and right to hearing procedures, as stated in the District school year. During the succeeding Late Tryouts weeks of the school year, the eligibility Late tryouts will be permitted under the Student/Parent Handbook and other publications as may be promulgated, will apply to athletic check shall begin the week prior to the following circumstances: first contest in an activity. 1) Student injury and/or illness - the student or disciplinary situations. 2.044 The eligibility check shall be the same parent must notify the Coach or Athletic Athletic Participation Fee day each week unless school is not in Director in advance that the athlete will not be During the school year, all athletes must pay session; then it must be taken on the last able to begin the season because of an injury a participation fee. The cost of the athletic day of student attendance that week. (illness). participation fee is $40 per student/per sport for 2.045 Grades shall be accumulative for the 2) The student moves into the Mt. Zion District students in grades 5-8, and the fee is $60 per school's grading period. (or enrolls late) after the season has started. student/per sport for High School students. There
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2.046 In cases where a contest has been 2.063 In school districts where there is more Refer to the IESA web site for additional postponed or re-scheduled, the current than one member school, a student information: www.iesa.org. week eligibility shall be used to determine cannot be transferred from one member a student's eligibility. For example, a school to another member school for the IHSA ELIGIBILITY RULES contest is scheduled to be played on purpose of representing the school in any Tuesday and because of poor weather, activity, with the exception of the When you become a member of an the contest is rescheduled for two weeks provisions of Section 2.032. interscholastic team at your high school, you will later. A student who was grade eligible 2.070 USE OF PARTICIPANTS find that both your school and the IHSA will have for the originally scheduled game but is Only students who are currently eligible rules you must follow in order to be eligible for ineligible during the week of the under the rules and By-Laws are eligible interscholastic participation. The IHSA's rules rescheduled game is not eligible. to participate. have been adopted by the high schools which are Conversely, a student who was ineligible 2.080 SCHOOLS WITH WHICH CONTESTS members of IHSA as part of the Association's the week of the originally scheduled MAY BE HELD constitution and by-laws. They must be followed game and is grade eligible the week of 2.081 Member schools may permit eligible as minimum standards for all interscholastic the rescheduled contest is eligible to students to participate in interscholastic athletic competition in any member high school. play. activities as school representatives Your high school may have additional 2.050 RESIDENCE pursuant with the following: requirements, but they may not be less stringent 2.051 A student shall be eligible if he/she 2.0811 Schools which are members of this than these statewide minimums. attends the member school in the district Association. The principal/official representative of your in which he/she resides. 2.0812 Illinois elementary attendance centers school is responsible to see that only eligible 2.052 If the parents of a student move from one containing any of the grades five through students represent the school in interscholastic school district to another during the eight which are not members of this competition. Any question concerning your school year, the student may retain Association. eligibility should be referred to your eligibility for the remainder of the school 2.0813 Non-Illinois elementary attendance principal/official representative, who has a year provided the student continues to centers in states adjacent to Illinois which complete copy of all IHSA eligibility rules, attend the school in the district from contain any of the grades five through including the Association's due process which the parents moved. eight. Member schools on the Illinois procedure. Only the IHSA Executive Director is 2.060 TRANSFER borders should indicate on schedules authorized to make formal rulings on eligibility, so 2.061 A student who transfers his/her submitted to the IESA Office whenever a if your principal/official representative has attendance from one school district to school is outside Illinois. questions or wishes assistance in answering your another school district shall become 2.082 Member schools may not permit students questions, the principal/official representative eligible upon completing an 11-day to participate as school representatives in should contact the IHSA Office. waiting period and any other eligibility interscholastic activities with high school Information contained here highlights only requirements. or non-school groups. Please check with the most important features of the IHSA bylaws 2.062 In school districts where there is more the Illinois High School Association regarding interscholastic eligibility. It is designed than one member school, a student (IHSA) regarding their policy on high to make you aware of major requirements you transferred from one member school to school students practicing with students must meet to be eligible to compete in another member school shall become in grades 5-8. interscholastic competition. The information here eligible the day he/she starts attendance 2.083 Member schools are not allowed to is only a general description of major by-law at the new member school, provided practice against other schools or allow provisions and does not contain the statement of there is bonafide evidence that his/her students from their own school to practice the by-laws in their entirety. You can review the legal residence is now in the area served with a different school. by-laws at www.ihsa.org. by the new member school.
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You may lose eligibility for interscholastic 3) Residence 5) Transfer competition if you are not in compliance with Your eligibility is dependent on the location of the A. In all transfer cases, both the principal of the IHSA by-laws. Remember, if you have any residence where you live full time with your school from which you transfer and the questions regarding IHSA rules, please contact parents, parent who has been assigned custody principal of the school into which you transfer your principal/official representative. by the court, or court appointed legal guardian. must concur with the transfer in writing on a You may be eligible if you are entering form provided by the IHSA Office. You 1) Attendance high school as a freshman and: cannot be eligible when you transfer until A. You may represent only the school you A. You attend the public high school in the this form is fully executed and on file in attend. Participation on a cooperative team district in which you live full time with both of the school office. of which your school is a member is your parents, custodial parent or court acceptable. appointed guardian, or B. If you transfer after classes begin for the B. You must be enrolled and attending classes B. You have paid tuition to attend a public current school term, you will definitely be in your high school no later than the school for a minimum of 7th and 8th grades ineligible for thirty days from the date you beginning of the 11th school day of the in a district other than the one where you live start attending classes at the new high semester. with your parents, custodial parent or court school. In addition, you will be ineligible for C. If you attend school for ten (10) or more days appointed guardian and you continue to pay that entire school term in any sport in which during any one semester, it will count as one tuition as a high school student in that same you engaged in any team activity, including of the eight (8) semesters of high school district; or but not limited to tryouts, drills, physical attendance during which you may possibly C. You attend a private/parochial school located practice sessions, team meetings, playing in have eligibility. within the boundaries of the public school a contest, etc. at the school from which you D. If you have a lapse in school connection for district where you live with your parents, transferred. For example, if you were out for ten (10) or more consecutive school days custodial parent or court appointed guardian; cross country at the school from which you during a semester, you are subject to or transfer and transfer after the IHSA sport ineligibility for the rest of the semester. The D. You attend a private/parochial high school season has begun, you will be ineligible for specific terms of your extended absence and have attended a private/parochial school cross country that entire school term at the must be reviewed by the Executive Director for 7th and 8th grades, or for any four (4) new school. to determine if it is "lapse in school grades from kindergarten through eighth C. If you transfer attendance from one high connection" or not. grades; or school to another high school, you will be E. You attend the private/parochial high school ineligible unless: 2) Scholastic Standing which one or both of your parents attended; 1. Your transfer is in conjunction with a A. You must have passed and received credit or change in residence by both you and toward graduation for twenty-five (25) credit F. You attend a private/parochial high school your parents, custodial parent or court hours of high school work for the entire located within a thirty (30) mile radius of the appointed guardian from one public previous semester to be eligible at all during residence where you live with your parents, school district to a different public school the ensuing semester. custodial parent or court appointed guardian. district; B. A student can regain eligibility by 2. Your transfer is between high schools successfully passing a course in summer 4) Home School within a public school district and both school that is equivalent to the failed course. Mt. Zion CUSD #3 does not allow home you and your parents, custodial parent or C. See Eligibility Requirement Policy for weekly school students to participate in court appointed guardian change eligibility requirements. extracurricular activities. residence to the district attendance area for the school to which you transfer;
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3. Your parents are divorced or legally licensed physician, physician's assistant or C. You will lose your eligibility if you receive separated; you transfer to a new school nurse practitioner in order to practice or special benefits or privileges as a in conjunction with a modification or other participate. Your physical examination each prospective student-athlete which are not change in legal custody between your year is good for 395 days from the date of the uniformly made available to all students who parents by action of a judge; and required exam. The physician's report must be on file attend your school. court documents are on file at the school with your high school principal/official D. You may not receive an "athletic scholarship" into which you transfer. representative. or any other special benefit from your school D. If you transfer in conjunction with a change in because you participate in athletics. legal guardianship, a ruling on your eligibility 8) Amateur Status E. It is a violation for any student-athlete to must be obtained from the IHSA Office. A. If you win or place in actual competition, you receive or be offered remuneration or any E. If you transfer attendance from one school to may accept a medal or trophy for that special inducement which is not made another while you are ineligible for any accomplishment, without limit to its cost. available to all applicants who apply to or reason, the period of ineligibility imposed Your school may provide IHSA state enroll in the school. prior to your transfer or the period of champions with championship F. It is also a violation to induce or attempt to ineligibility that would have been imposed rings/mementoes. induce or encourage any prospective student had you stayed at the school, will be enforced B. For participating in competition in an to attend any member school for the purpose at the school to which you transfer, even if interscholastic sport, or for athletic honors or of participating in athletics, even when you are otherwise in compliance with the by- recognition in a sport, you may receive any special remuneration or inducement is not laws. type of award (except cash, check or legal given. Please remember that you may not be F. Any questions about your eligibility in any of tender) that does not exceed $75 fair market offered or receive any benefit, service, these instances must be resolved by a formal value. There is no limitation on the value of privilege or opportunity which is not also ruling from the IHSA Executive Director. your school letter. provided or made available to all prospective G. In all other transfer situations, a ruling by the C. The amateur rule does not prohibit you from students at that school. IHSA Executive Director is necessary to being paid to referee, receiving pay for Note: If you are interested in finding out more determine your eligibility. This ruling must be teaching lessons or coaching in a little kids information about a school, contact the obtained in writing by the principal/official league, etc. It only applies to your own principal/official representative or an representative of the school into which you competition in an athletic contest. administrator at the school, not a member of the transfer before you participate in an D. If you violate the amateur rule, you become coaching staff. interscholastic athletic contest. ineligible in the sport in which you violate. You must be reinstated by the Executive 10) School Team Sports Seasons 6) Age Director before you may compete again. A. Each sport conducted by IHSA member You will become ineligible on the date you schools has a starting and ending date. Your become twenty (20) years of age, unless your 9) Recruiting of Athletes school may not organize a team, begin twentieth (20th) birthday occurs during a A. The by-laws prohibit recruiting of high school practice or participate in contests in a given sport season. In that case, you will become students for athletics. If you are solicited to sport until the authorized starting date. Your ineligible in regard to age at the beginning of enroll in or transfer to a school to participate school may not continue to practice or the sport season during which your twentieth in athletics, you are being illegally recruited participate in contests after the authorized (20th) birthday occurs. and your eligibility is in jeopardy. ending date. This means that: B. You will lose your eligibility if you enroll in or 1. During the school year, you may not 7) Physical Examination transfer to a school in response to recruiting participate on a non-school team You must annually have placed on file with efforts by any person or group of persons, coached by any member of your school's your principal/official representative a connected with or not connected with the coaching staff unless it meets specific certificate of physical fitness, signed by a school, related to athletic participation. criteria established by the by-laws.
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2. No school coach may require you to 12) All-Star Participation 14) Misbehavior During Contests participate in an out-of-season sport A. After you have completed your high school A. If you violate the ethics of competition or the program as a requirement for being a eligibility in the sport of football, basketball, principles of good sportsmanship, you may member of a school team. soccer or volleyball, you may participate in be barred from interscholastic athletic B. Violation of the sport season by-laws will three (3) all-star contests in any of these contests, either as a participant or spectator result in penalty to you and/or to your sports and still play for other school teams, or both. school's coaching personnel. provided: B. If you are ejected from a contest for 1. The high school season in that sport has unsportsmanlike conduct, you will be 11) Playing in Non-School Competition been completed. ineligible for your team's next contest. You A. During the time you are participating on a You may lose your eligibility for other are also subject to other penalties. school team in a sport at your high school, interscholastic sports if you play in all-star you may neither play on a non-school team competition in any of these sports under any The complete set of IHSA By-laws and Policies is nor compete in non-school competition as an other conditions. available at www.ihsa.org. individual in that same sport or in any skill of B. You are not restricted from participating in all- that sport. star competition in sports other than football, ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS B. If you participate in non-school competition basketball, soccer, or volleyball, except that AND PROCEDURES during a sport season and subsequently wish you may not do so during the school season to join the school team in the same sport, for the sport. Teachers and administrators of the Mt. Zion you will not be eligible. School District urge all parents and students to C. If you wish to participate in a competition 13) Coaching Schools be aware of the value of regular school sponsored and conducted by the National A. A coaching school, camp, or clinic is defined attendance. Governing Body , or its official Illinois affiliate as any program, sponsored by an Attendance directly affects academic organization or individual, which provides for the sport, your principal /official performance because basic skill development instruction in sports theory and/or skills; representative must request approval in depends upon valuable classroom instruction and which does not culminate in competition, and writing from the IHSA Office prior to any such explanations. In addition, a student’s attendance which is attended by more than two (2) record is often considered by a potential participation. persons from the school which the student employer along with academic performance. D. You may try out for a non-school team while attends. It is the responsibility of parents to see that you are on your school's team in that same B. During the school term, you may not attend a their sons/daughters are in school regularly. The sport, but you may not practice, receive coaching school or clinic for any District, in turn, realizes that unique instruction, participate in workouts, or interscholastic sport. circumstances may occasionally affect a participate in competition with a non-school C. You may attend a coaching school, camp or student’s attendance. team in that same sport until you cease clinic during the summer (that period between As per Illinois Statutes, for attendance record being a member of your school's team. You the close of school in the spring and the and report card purposes, a student must be cease being a member of your school's team opening of school in the fall) within the present 300 minutes or more of classroom when the team(s) of which you are a following criteria: instruction to constitute a full day of attendance member terminates for the school term. 1. You may not attend a coaching school, and 150 to 299 minutes for a half day. Any E. You will become ineligible if you participate camp or clinic for any sport after Sunday student that attends school less than 150 minutes on, practice with or compete against any of Week No. 5 in the IHSA Standardized is considered absent for a full day. However, for junior college, college or university team Calendar. grades K-1, a full day of attendance is equal to during your high school career. D. You may take a private lesson at any time four clock hours (240 minutes), and a half-day of provided no more than two students from attendance is equal to two or more clock hours your school are in the private lesson. (120 minutes or more).
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School Hours school upon their return. All doctor/medical Excused Absences Jr. High/High School (Grades 7-12) excuses must be received in the school office (separate from Anticipated Absences) 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. within 48 hours of the student returning to Students will be excused from school when J.H /H.S. Early Bird Classes school. the reason for the absence falls under the "Valid 6:50 a.m.-7:35 a.m. 3) Parents (custodial) who find it impossible to Cause" statement of the School Code of Illinois. All students should leave the school Valid cause shall be defined as illness, telephone the school should make special building/grounds at the end of the school day observance of a religious holiday, death in the arrangements through the principal for unless required/supervised by a staff immediate family or family emergency, and may member. reporting absences. include situations beyond the control of the Elementary Schools (K-6) 4) A student who is absent due to illness during student/parents. Seven (7) student absence days 8:30 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. the school day will not be admitted to after per semester will be considered excused. Any Dismissal times vary by building. Students school extra-curricular activities/performances. absence, vacation and/or illness thereafter, will should not be on school property before Excused appointments as delineated in the require a doctor's note or will be unexcused. For 8:00 a.m. appointment section will not affect the option each day that a doctor’s medical note is provided Student supervision at the elementary school of attending after school activities. (within 48 hours of returning to school) that day grounds begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends with the 5) Students that are on a medical homebound will not count against the seven (7) allotted days departure of the last bus. Students who walk or per semester. status are not allowed to attend any school ride their bikes must leave the school playground The following reasons are examples of as soon as school is dismissed. functions until released from homebound situations that will not be excused absences: Any absence from school will be classified as status, unless authorized by the building pictures, personal grooming appointments not one of the following: (1) Excused, (2) Excused principal in advance. related to medical conditions, automotive Anticipated, (3) Unexcused, (4) Truancy. maintenance, employment during school hours Removing students from school is Anticipated Absences when not related to a Mt. Zion High School discouraged, but if a student has an anticipated Removing students from school is educational program, or oversleeping. High absence (i.e. vacation), the parent/guardian and discouraged. Therefore, in the event that a parent School students are not allowed to leave during student must adhere to procedures listed below. anticipates that their child will be absent from the school day for medication or forgotten items. school (i.e. appointments, college visits*, court Determination of excused absences will be made Absence Procedures appearances, etc.), every effort should be made by the administration. 1) Only the parent (custodial) has the authority to to notify the school in advance of the absence. telephone an absence or early dismissal for a Also, students should notify respective teachers Unexcused Absences student. When a student is absent, the to make arrangements for homework to be A student shall receive an unexcused parent/guardian (custodial) must notify the completed. absence when: *High School students who are planning a school office. It will be necessary for the 1) He/she is truant. college visit, must get a College Day Request 2) Parent/guardian (custodial) fails to notify the school to call the parents of absent children form from the high school office or guidance office of an excusable absence prior to the who have not notified the school by 9:30 a.m. office. The request portion of the form must be student’s return to school. for students grades 7-12 and by 10:30 a.m. for completed and turned into the high school 3) He/she has been absent more than seven students in grades K-6. If the parent attendance secretary no later than 3 p.m. the day (7) days per semester and does not produce (custodial) is unavailable, emergency numbers before your scheduled visit. The verification a medical excuse from a physician. will be used to contact appropriate portion of the form must be signed and dated by 4) Any absence that does not fall under the individual(s). an appropriate college employee and returned to excused absence category. 2) A student whose absence has been excused the high school attendance secretary in order to Unexcused absences shall have the by a phone call and/or note will be admitted to be counted as an excused absence. opportunity to make up missed assignments for
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50% credit as outlined in the make-up work subject to compulsory school attendance and All students will be able to make up work policy. who is absent without valid cause from missed during an excused absence. They will be attendance for a school day or portion thereof. given the number of days absent plus one to Appointments make up the work. Any work turned in after the Medical appointments, court appearances, If a student is chronically or habitually truant allotted amount of days may result in a zero. It is etc., will be treated the same as other excuses. (absent without valid cause for at least 5% [9 the expectation that work that was assigned/due Custodial parents must call or send a note when days] of the previous 180 school days), legal (prior to the absence) on one of the excused requesting dismissal from school for an action may be taken against the parents and/or absence days should be returned the first day of appointment. Students must return the School student. Referral will be made to the Assistant attendance when the student returns. It is the responsibility of junior high and high school Appointment Form upon return to school to be Regional Superintendent and Truant Officer and students to initiate contact with teachers excused. However, students that are possible court action may follow. regarding missed work upon their return. accompanied into the office by a parent/guardian Supportive services and resources will be No incompletes will be given at the end of prior to and subsequent to the appointment, will made available for truants and chronic truants the school year except in emergency situations not be required to return the School Appointment including Youth Advocate Counseling, Mental due to accident or illness. Form. Health Center, Regional Office of Education’s Students who have irregular attendance Whenever possible, parents should schedule Truant Alternative Program, and Futures’ and/or whose absences are unexcused may face these appointments during non-school hours. Unlimited. grade retention due to lack of basic skill
development. Tardiness Late To School Students are expected to be in their Students that are late to school are required BACCALAUREATE AND COMMENCEMENT assigned classroom when the bell rings. Students to sign in at the office. The policy and related must have a pass from their classroom teacher to discipline actions for late arrivals at Mt. Zion High School Baccalaureate and be out of class at all times. Junior/Senior High School are as follows: Students are tardy if they are not at their Per Semester Commencement exercises are formal ceremonies celebrating the successful assigned stations (as designated by the teacher) Late 1-2: Excused completion of high school graduation when the bell rings. At the High School and Late 3-4: Detention requirements. Junior High School, if a student has an Late 5-7: Saturday School Only those who have satisfied all unexcused tardy to an individual class, they will Late 8 and Subsequent Offenses: Saturday requirements established by the Mt. Zion Board follow the passbook procedures. A student that is School & Social Probation of Education will be eligible to participate in the five (5) or more minutes late to class without a Excused lates will not count against the Commencement exercise. Although it is strongly pass will be considered truant. above discipline enforcements. recommended that eligible students choose to be Except for the passing periods, students are a part of the Baccalaureate and Graduation not to be in the hall without a student pass signed Make-up Work/Incomplete Grades ceremonies, participation is voluntary and not by some member of the staff. If a student is If a student is absent from class, it is his or required. detained, and tardiness may result, the teacher her responsibility to make up the work missed, If a student chooses not to participate in must issue him/her a student pass. according to each individual teacher’s directions. Baccalaureate or Commencement, his/her All students will be able to make up work eligibility to receive a diploma is not adversely Truancy Procedures missed, according to each individual teacher's affected. Students should notify the senior 1) Truancy will result in appropriate directions. Contact the school office to make counselor by the first week in May if they prefer punishments, as determined by the building arrangements for homework. For grades K-6, call not to participate in the Commencement principal. by 10:30 a.m. for 3:00 p.m. pick-up. For grades exercises. Arrangements can be made for the 2) The Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 122, 7-12, call the office by 10:00 a.m. on the second receipt of the diploma after Commencement has Section 26-2a defines a truant as a child consecutive day of absence for 2:30 p.m. pick-up. taken place.
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The established attire is the standard cap engaging in these disruptive behaviors is an Anonymous reports can be sent to the and gown with gold cords provided for National important District goal. Refer to #4 on page 37 for building principals by regular mail, email, phone, Honor Society members and gold honor tassels a definition of bullying. or any other method in which the reporter prefers. provided to the top ten students in the graduating 7:190, Student Discipline. This policy Contact information including names, phone class. prohibits students from engaging in hazing or any numbers, mailing addresses, and email Any students who are planning to graduate kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or addresses are provided on page 4 of this early are required to meet with their school psychological harm to another or any urging of handbook. It’s requested by the administration counselor to discuss deadlines and requirements other students to engage in such conduct; that when possible, a person reporting bullying a year prior to their expected graduation date. prohibited conduct includes any use of violence, contact the administrator within 5 days to ensure force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, the report was received and to provide any
harassment, bullying, hazing, or other additional information that the district BAND INSTRUMENTS AND INSURANCE comparable conduct. administrator may need. The district 7:310, Restrictions on Publications and administration will make reasonable efforts to Generally, the purchase or rental of an Written or Electronic Material. This policy complete investigations and notify parents of instrument for band is the student's responsibility. prohibits students from: (i) accessing and/or those involved within 10 days. The district Band instructors will train students in the proper distributing at school any written or electronic prohibits retaliation against any person who care and cleaning of their instruments, so that the material, including material from the Internet, that reports bullying. A student’s act of retaliation will instruments will remain in good condition. will cause substantial disruption of the proper and be treated as bullying for purposes of determining Parents/guardians should check with their orderly operation and discipline of the school or consequences. A student will not be punished for own individual insurance companies to ensure school activities, and (ii) creating and/or reporting bullying or supplying information, even if that stolen and/or vandalized instruments are distributing written or electronic material, the investigation concludes that no bullying covered. including Internet material and blogs, that causes occurred. However, knowingly making a false substantial disruption to school operations or accusation or providing knowingly false BICYCLES AND WALKING TO SCHOOL interferes with the rights of other students or staff information will be treated as bullying. members. Appropriate interventions will be taken to address Students who ride bicycles to school are 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. bullying. The district has social work services, required to park them in the racks provided and This policy prohibits any person from harassing counseling, and psychological services available or intimidating a student based upon a student’s to our students. Each building has males and encouraged to lock their bicycles during the sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national females within its administration, social workers, school day. All other modes of student powered origin, physical or mental disability, sexual and/or counselors who are available to receive transportation are prohibited (scooters, orientation, or other protected group status. information from students concerning gender skateboards, rollerblades, etc.) Students who Individuals engaging in such activity shall be sensitive issues.” walk to school are advised to stay on sidewalk subject to disciplinary action from this institution areas and to cross streets at corners or as determined by such administrative or Board BUS DISCIPLINE designated walkways. action as is required by Illinois Law or by Board In grades K-6, students who wish to change policy. I. Bus Discipline Philosophy their regular mode of transportation on an Cyber-bullying is prohibited. This would Unacceptable behavior on the bus must be occasional basis must bring a note from a include bullying through the transmission of addressed clearly and consistently. All students, parent/guardian granting permission to do so. information from a computer that is accessed off parents, and employees should understand what school property or is from technology or an BULLYING electronic device that is not owned by the school behavior is acceptable and unacceptable and district if it interferes with or limits the victim’s what consequences may be administered for unacceptable behavior. Cameras may be utilized Bullying, intimidation, and harassment ability to participate in opportunities offered by the diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s school. to monitor student behavior and bus safety. ability to educate. Preventing students from
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II. Unacceptable Behavior P. K-6 cell phones/recording devices must items are available for purchase during lunch A. Use of profane language. remain in backpack or pocket while on the each day for grades 4-12. B. Possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol, bus. There may be times when school is not in or other drugs. Q. Other behavior that the administration session due to snow/emergency days. When C. Eating or Drinking. deems threatening to the safe operation of students return to school, the lunch menu may D. Standing or changing seats while the bus is the bus and/or its occupants. change due to closing. The school office and in motion. teachers will notify students of the changes either E. Discarding, throwing, or spitting any material III. Bus Discipline Procedures during the daily announcements or in class. on the bus. The bus driver may verbally reprimand any Parents/guardians may also inquire by calling the F. Destroying, defacing, or removing any student, or the bus driver may make a written Food Service office on that day at 864-2114. part of the bus. request to the administration that a student be G. Riding the bus with knees on the seat, disciplined or suspended from riding the bus. Lunch & Breakfast Prices body facing toward the rear of the bus, or Only the administration or School Board may Please refer to the Back-to-School placing feet in the aisle after being seated. suspend students from riding a school bus. publication for lunch and breakfast pricing or call H. Disregarding laws such as keeping the Food Service office at 864-2114. windows above line, storing material by CAFETERIA the bus driver or in the aisle, putting any Debit Account Overview part of the body or any material out of the All students will go to the cafeteria during Nutrition and Technology team-up in the Mt. bus, etc. their lunch period where they may eat either Zion School District with an automated meal I. Riding a bus other than the one assigned or prepared lunches or lunches brought from home. purchasing system. This program provides a getting on or off at a stop other than the Milk or juice can be purchased by students positive identification process used to access a student’s regular stop is not allowed without bringing sack lunches. Glass containers are not student debit account and record purchases of prior arrangements being made. If an allowed for safety reasons. Students may not food service items. A debit account will be alternate stop is needed, the parent/guardian leave the cafeteria, for any reason, without prior established for each user and sharing of must send a note, call the student’s school, permission from a supervisor, teacher or accounts will not be allowed. or call the transportation office at: 864-5233. administrator. Students, parents, and staff may deposit Changes cannot be made by the student Grades K-6: Only a custodial parent, or a advance sums of money to cover food service calling their parent/guardian via cell phone family member with custodial parent purchases. Advance deposits allow the user to once the student is on their assigned bus. permission, will be allowed to eat lunch with draw from an individual debit account rather than J. Talking/noisemaking at railroad tracks. his or her child or will be allowed to take his having to handle cash during the lunch serving K. Using hands or feet to annoy or injure or her child out of the building for lunch. time. Payments and purchases are recorded another person on the bus such as hair Grades 7-12: Only a custodial parent will be daily. pulling, shoulder tapping, kicking, fighting, allowed to eat lunch with his or her child or etc. will be allowed to take his or her child out of Efunds L. Physically or verbally showing disrespect for the building for lunch. An alternative electronic method of the bus driver such as not following the payment is efunds. This system makes payments driver’s directives. Food Service Program - District #3 Overview for school expenses in real time. You must create M. Possessing weapons (as defined by policy). The food service program for grades K-12 an account with efunds using the link provided in N. Possessing play guns, scouting knives or offers a lunch meal daily consisting of a the family access food service page or the link on other sharp instruments. meat/meat alternative, vegetable, fruit, bread, the school web page. Once you create an O. Bringing an animal on the school bus. and milk. A breakfast meal is offered to students account with efunds, you can select your child’s in grades K-8 each day before school. Al a Carte name and make the appropriate payment by checking account transfer or credit card. This payment will go directly into the proper account.
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A convenience fee of $1 per transaction for E. Payments of cash will be accepted in a B. At year-end, all student debit account checking or $2.45 per $100 transaction for credit sealed envelope, available at drop box balances will be forwarded to the subsequent card will be charged by efunds. locations. Envelope must be labeled with school year. If a student debit account student name, ID number, and amount of balance is $10.00 or more, a parent or Policy for Student Debit Account Deposits cash deposit. guardian may submit written request for Grades K-6 F. No change will be given to students. refund. The refund request should be A. Funds may be deposited using Efunds G. School cashier will maintain records of cash directed to the Food Service Office. The electronic payment system, and the account deposits. request will be processed and mailed from will be debited automatically. the District's Administration Office. B. Payments will be accepted each morning Policy for Student Debit Account in Arrears C. Parents/Guardians of graduating senior school is in session and should equal at least Grades K-6 students will receive notification by mail in one week of food service purchases. A. When a student's debit account reaches May explaining refund options of debit C. Payments should be sent in an envelope $10.00, $5.00, and $0.00 an email will be account balance. Requests will be processed with student's name, student's ID number, sent. If no email is listed in Skyward a notice and distributed accordingly at year-end. and teacher's name. will be sent home with the student. D. Payments should include lunch, milk, and a B. When a student's debit account shows more Free/Reduced Meal Applications la carte money. than $5.00 negative, the student will have Free and reduced lunch and breakfast E. Payments should include break-milk money the option to purchase a sandwich and milk applications, along with letters containing for students in Kindergarten. for $1.00. guidelines are available during registration and F. Payments will be posted to student's debit C. When a student's debit account is in arrears, throughout the school year in each school's account on day received and the cashier will NO Ala Carte purchases will be allowed. office. A parent/guardian wishing to apply must maintain records of cash deposits. complete and return the application to their Grades 7-12 student's school office. Verification of income Policy for Student Debit Account Deposits A. When a student's debit account balance may be requested and a letter of approval or Grades 7-12 reaches $10.00, a verbal notice will be given denial will be sent by the mail to the A. Funds may be deposited using Efunds to the student and an email will be sent. The parent/guardian. electronic payment system, and the account computer screen will be in student's view for will be debited automatically. self-monitoring of debit account balance. Debit Account Policy for Student's with B. Payments will be accepted before B. When a student's debit account is in arrears Free/Reduced Status 10:00 a.m. each morning school is in or has insufficient funds to purchase desired A. Students with free/reduced status may only session. Locked drop boxes are available in food items, the student will have the option to purchase a la carte items if his/her debit three locations in the Jr. & Sr. High purchase a sandwich and milk for $1.00. account has funds available to cover such Buildings. This method of payment collection C. When a student's debit account is in arrears, items. will insure posting of deposit and funds will NO Ala Carte purchases will be allowed. B. Kindergarten students with free/reduced be available in the student's debit account status wishing to purchase milk/juice for before lunch serving time (10:20 a.m.). Student Debit Account Refund Policy break time should make payment to cover C. Payments made after 10:00 a.m. will be A. Upon student withdrawal from Mt. Zion such ($.35 per carton) on a weekly or posted the following school day. Students School District #3, a parent or guardian may monthly basis. will not be allowed to purchase ala carte submit written request for refund of the debit C. Students with free/reduced status may only items until payments are posted. account balance. The refund request should receive one (1) free/reduced lunch and one D. Payments by check or money order are be directed to the Food Service Office. The (1) free/reduced breakfast per day. preferred and must contain student name request will be processed and mailed from and ID number to insure proper posting. the District's Administration Office.
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Food Service Snow Day Procedures CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The decision on an individual student’s ability In the event of a snow day, the meal for the Students are encouraged to participate in to participate in potentially conflicting activities, snow day will be served on the first day back. one or more school or community sponsored without jeopardizing the other participants, is to After this first day, the meal will be as originally activities. Activity participation enables the rest with the sponsors of the activities. If, scheduled for the date. student to achieve experience in social activities, however, an agreement cannot be reached which develop leadership qualities, pursue leisure-time is mutually satisfactory, the principal and/or CLASS CHANGES interests, develop new interests, enlarge assistant principal will make a final decision. No friendships, learn the art and policy of Sunday practices or events may be scheduled. High School: Please refer to the High School government, and have fun! Only travel from an event is allowed on Sundays. Student Course Planning Handbook. At the Junior and Senior High Schools, The only exception may be state competitions as Junior High/Intermediate: Changes will not be athletic and non-athletic clubs and activities are determined by the administration. made after the first two weeks of school unless it varied and serve a wide range of student is in the best interest of the student and school. interests. At the elementary level, a few school- COLLEGE ENTRY EXAMS AND The final decision rests with the principal after the sponsored activities are available, and the INFORMATION parent/guardian has had a conference with the community sponsors athletic programs for teacher and a change of class form has been children, grades 4-6. Students are not allowed to National Testing Dates for ACT/SAT: It is completed. leave and return to the building/athletic complex required that college bound juniors, by during extracurricular activities unless graduation, take the national SAT. College bound CLOSED CAMPUS accompanied by their parent. juniors may also choose to take the ACT depending on the colleges they are applying to. In the morning, upon arrival on school CO-CURRICULAR CODE (Grades 5-12) These test results are one of the several criteria property, students at the Junior/Senior High used by colleges to determine admission status Complex must enter the building. At the lower Students and parents will be required to sign and/or proper placement in specific courses. Up elementary levels, weather permitting, students a co-curricular code that will be distributed at the to date costs and online registration information for the ACT can be found at www.actstudent.org. will play outdoors until the bell rings. No one may beginning of the school year. Up to date costs and online registration leave the building until scheduled to leave. Students that have a medical exemption information for the SAT can be found at Students are not allowed to go home for items from participating in Physical Education will not www.collegeboard.org. they forgot or medication, parents must bring be allowed to participate in any co-curricular Registration deadlines are approximately it to them. activity that requires physical exertion. The one month before the testing date. Any students in violation of this school district will consult with medical regulation will be considered truant and professionals to provide adaptive Physical ACT Test Dates 17-18 SAT Anticipated Test Dates 17-18 subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Education activities. September 9, 2017 August 26, 2017 Students may not leave the building and October 28, 2017 October 7, 2017 go to the parking lot during school hours or CO-CURRICULAR CONFLICTS December 9, 2017 November 4, 2017 during the lunch period for any reason February 10, 2018 December 2, 2017 without prior permission from the office. Because of the increasing amount of April 14, 2018 March 10, 2018 Lower elementary students may walk home for activities (performances, games, contests, trips, June 9, 2018 May 5, 2018 lunch after they have obtained permission from projects, etc.) of both athletic and non-athletic co- June 2, 2018 the principal’s office. Intermediate students may curricular groups, students who wish to occasionally walk to the high school for various participate in more than one major activity are PSAT/NMSQT Test Date (optional for Juniors): reasons, under the supervision of school going to experience simultaneous demands on October 11, 2017 personnel. their time by two or more teams/clubs/ organizations to which they may belong.
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Information Sharing specified Wednesday in October during school to time as needed for, or useful to, sound Counselors will periodically visit classrooms, hours. A student must sign up in advance with operation and management of the system. update web page postings, distribute newsletters, the school counselor in order to take the exam. and send emails or school reach messages. To The PSAT/NMSQT test score is used by various B. Privileges ensure that all email communication gets to you, companies to determine scholarship candidates. The network is provided to conduct research please be sure that our records indicate your and communicate with others; the Internet is to correct email address. Also, please become Using Cyberspace to Investigate be used for educational research and/or familiar with the guidance department web page Post-Secondary Options academic purposes only. This includes when using personally-owned devices on the school and check the daily announcements for the most With more widespread use of the Internet campus and at school activities. Access of the up to date information. and the World Wide Web, students are able to district computers and networks, including the access a number of different Web sites offered by top notch companies that allow the student to internet, is a privilege and not a right. PARCC & ISA Tests Inappropriate use of the system may result in The state has mandated that students in search for colleges, scholarships, loans, testing preparation, and careers. Please check the high discipline, including loss of computer use grades 3-8 be assessed in both English school website, guidance department for more privileges. Language Arts and Mathematics each spring helpful websites. using an assessment known as the Partnership C. Authorization for Internet Access for Assessment of Readiness for College and Several Web sites that counselors have Each staff member, student and Careers (PARCC). investigated and recommend are: parent/guardian, and adult user of the network Also in the spring, according to the Illinois http://www.collegeboard.org must sign the District's Authorization for Internet State Board of Education guidelines, students in http://www.embark.com Access as a condition for using the District's grades 5 and 8 who are in a science class, and http://www.collegeview.com Internet connection. Failure of any student, staff high school students enrolled in a Biology or http://finaid.org member, or adult user to follow the terms of the http://www.ets.org/ Authorization for Internet Access, or the policy, Advanced Biology class will take a science test http://www.nelliemae.org will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary known as the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). http://www.wiredscholar.com/ The designated science courses at the high http://www.kaplan.com action and/or appropriate legal action. All use of school level are subject to change based on state http://www.fastweb.com the Internet may be tracked student, staff guidelines. http://www.petersons.com/ member, and adult. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/index.html?src=mr Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) SAT & PSAT/NMSQT Tests http://www.actstudent.org The Mt. Zion School District will use Internet http://www.collegeillinois.org/ filtering mechanisms on all internet enabled
computers to restrict the access of minors and During the school year, the state is requiring COMPUTER NETWORK SYSTEM adults to inappropriate Internet sites. Filtered all Illinois students in grade 11 to take the SAT sites will include obscene, child pornography, and test. The SAT is widely used by many colleges GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE USE other sites harmful to children. All on-line and universities for admission purposes. It also A. Acceptable Use activities including electronic messaging or can be used as an indicator for career readiness The use of computers and related services electronic communication by minors and adults as well. The high school will notify students and and media in the Mt. Zion School District must at will be monitored. Unauthorized disclosure, use, parents of when, where, and how the SAT will be all times be consistent with the objectives of the and dissemination of personal identification administered. District. Every user of computers and computer information regarding minors are prohibited. An optional test that is available to juniors (at network services (the "computer network system" Unauthorized online access, including "hacking" an approximate cost of $15.00) is the or "system") in the District must comply with and other unlawful activities, is prohibited. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude these guidelines. The Superintendent or It shall be the responsibility of all members of Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). designee may revise these guidelines from time the Mt. Zion CUSD #3 staff to educate, supervise, This test is given at Mt. Zion High School on a and monitor appropriate usage of the online
Page 33 computer networks and access to the Internet in notify an administrator, teacher, or the computer http://www.mtzion.k12.il.us under the accordance with this policy, the Children's network system administrator immediately. “Information” tab. Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Users should not expect that files stored on Children's Internet Protection Act, and the school-based computer or district controlled cloud G. Prohibited Uses Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. storage environments (ie. Google Drive) will be The following activities are unacceptable and private. Electronic messages and files stored on prohibited, and shall result in disciplinary action D. Email/Student Web Pages school-based computers may be treated like which, in the case of students, may include Email provided to students by the District is school lockers. Administrators and faculty may disciplinary measures as provided under the Mt. primarily for internal educational communications. review files and messages to maintain the Zion School Student Code of Conduct, as well as Student email is not private and students should integrity of the system and ensure that users are suspension or denial of computer network system have no expectation of privacy when utilizing acting responsibly. Files will be scanned on a privileges. school provided email. Student email addresses regular basis. should not be available to the public unless Do not use the system to: deemed appropriate by the administration for F. District Issued Devices 1. Retrieve, view or disseminate obscene, educational purposes. Student personal use of Students receiving a district-issued device indecent or vulgar materials, or C.D.'s. District provided email resources is prohibited. should strive to keep it in like-new condition. The 2. Retrieve, view or disseminate any material in Any use should be in the scope of the device should be kept in the district issued case violation of any federal or state regulation or educational curriculum and teacher expectations when transporting or storing the device. Students school policy. This includes, but is not limited of utilizing the tool for instructional purposes. will be responsible for loss and/or any needed to, improper use of copyrighted material and Student to student, student to teacher, and repairs outside the scope of normal wear-and- improper use of passwords or access codes. student to administrator email correspondence tear in the same manner as a textbook. All district 3. Transfer files or any software to or from a should follow proper etiquette guidelines and be devices are monitored for acceptable use school computer without prior approval from within the scope of educational communication. regardless of location, whether on school an authorized staff member. No jump drives Any web pages created by a student using premises or not, and student use of the device are to be used on the network without the System must be part of a district-sponsored should always fall under the scope of this approval of the Technology Director. It is the activity, or otherwise be authorized by the document. Students who misuse or abuse the District's intention to prevent the spread of appropriate district administrator. All content, device may face disciplinary action. technological viruses. including links of any web site created by a District issued devices may be used with 4. Engage in for-profit commercial activities, student using the system must receive prior headphones during study hours. Students should including advertising or sales. approval by the classroom teacher or an keep in mind that their supervising teacher has 5. Harass, threaten, intimidate, or demean any appropriate district administrator. All contents of a access to view all browsing activities and screen person or group of people. web site created by a student using the System shots of the student’s screen at any given time 6. Disrupt the educational process, or to must conform to the Acceptable Use Guidelines. during the school day. Students who are interfere with the rights of others at any time, considered to be in violation of the Acceptable either during school days or after school E. Security of System and Responsibilities Use Policy may lose the privilege to utilize their hours. This includes Cyber Bullying as of System Users device during study hall hours for a length of time addressed in the district Bullying Policy. Security in the system must be a high priority up to the remainder of the school year. 7. Disrupt information network traffic, or to for all users. Do not disclose your log in ID or In addition to the guidelines set forth in this interfere with network and/or connected password to anyone, or attempt to log into the document in regards to district-issued devices, systems. system as another person. Passwords should be students should strictly adhere to the “Use of 8. Gain access without permission to the files of changed periodically. The user is responsible for Technology – Chromebook Procedures and others, or vandalize another user's data or anything that occurs under their log in. If you Information for Students and Parents” document files. become aware of any improper use of the signed prior to receiving the device, also 9. Gain unauthorized access to resources, system, or violation of security rules, you must available on the district webpage at entities or the network operations system.
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10. Gain access to unapproved software implied, for the computer network system which DANCES programs. Improperly forge or alter electronic is provided for students and adults of the District. mail messages, or use an account owned by The District will not be responsible for any Grades 7-12 only another user. damages suffered including the loss of data When chaperoned by an adequate staff of 11. Invade another person's privacy. This resulting from delays, non-deliveries, responsible adults, dances and other social night includes but is not limited to disclosing the misdeliveries, or service interruptions. Use of any activities are encouraged. Such activities and full name, home address, or phone number information obtained via the system is at the plans must be cleared through the class sponsor, of any other person. To protect their own user's own risk. The District denies any who in turn must clear them through the principal privacy, users should not use the system to responsibility for the accuracy or quality of disclose their own names, addresses, or information obtained through the system. The to avoid any conflict in dates. phone numbers, either. District is not responsible for any unauthorized Senior High students may bring guests; 12. Download, copy, print or otherwise store or charges resulting from access to the Internet. however, all guests must be of high school age possess any data, which might be (under 21) and have a guest permission form on considered in violation of these rules. School Web Page file in the office before the dance. Each student 13. Activate chat-rooms, e-mail (students) unless The Mt. Zion Community School District #3 may bring only one guest. All guests will adhere approved by the administration or a faculty provides a School Web Page for each school to Mt. Zion High School's Student Code of member. allowing for student work, pictures from field trips, Conduct. Guests will not be admitted at the door and other activities to be posted on the Internet. unless accompanied by the student registering H. Vandalism When using student work or pictures, NO last the guests. At the Junior High level, guests will Any type of vandalism or attempted names will be used. If a picture or sample of not be permitted. vandalism (physical or electronic) to District student work is used, it will only be identified by Any student or guest who leaves during the computers, the District network, files of others or group or student's first name. A parent who does dance will not be readmitted. to the computer network system is prohibited, not want a child's picture and/or work on the and will result in immediate cancellation of DELIVERIES Internet must file the proper form in the school computer network system privileges, disciplinary action and potential legal action. Vandalism office. Deliveries of flowers, candy, balloons, food includes, but is not limited to, the downloading, uploading, or creation of computer viruses. CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES from delivery drivers, etc., for students will not be accepted at any Mt. Zion School District building.
I. Sanctions Student athletes must comply with Illinois’ If a user intentionally engages in any of the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act and all DETENTIONS prohibited acts listed above, the user shall be protocols, policies and bylaws of the Illinois High disciplined in accordance with the Mt. Zion School Association or Illinois Elementary School Detentions may be given for a variety of School District Student Code of Conduct and may Association before being allowed to participate in misconducts including, but not limited to, be subject to the following disciplinary actions: any athletic activity, including practice or tardiness, class disruption, food and/or gum 1. Suspension of Internet access or privileges; competition. where and when prohibited, and certain types of 2. Revocation of Internet access or privileges; A student who was removed from practice or misconducts on school grounds. In grades K-6, 3. Suspension of computer network access; competition because of a suspected concussion notification will be sent home for parent signature 4. Revocation of computer network access; shall be allowed to return only after all statutory and may indicate the need for transportation 5. Warning through out of school suspension; prerequisites are completed, including without arrangements. In grades 7-12, students will be 6. Referral to legal authorities for prosecution. given 24-hour notice to make arrangements for limitation, the School District’s return-to-play and their own transportation. Detentions are to be J. Disclaimer return-to-learn protocols. Mt. Zion School District No. 3 makes no served with the building administrator’s directives warranties of any kind whether expressed or within five (5) days of issuance. Detentions cannot be served during class time.
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Teacher Detentions (Grades 4-12 only) responsibility for his/her own action in The Mt. Zion School District is committed to A teacher detention may last up to 30 accordance with socially accepted conduct.” the goal of safe schools and an orderly process minutes after the school day ends and will be Schools have developed disciplinary policies of instruction. This commitment requires that served with the teacher who issued the detention. with this definition as a guide, but in recent years everyone - students, parents, teachers, school it has become apparent that these policies have administrators, central office personnel, and Office Detentions (Grades 4-12 only) not always produced the desired results. members of the Board of Education - assumes An office detention will last for 60 minutes Therefore, it has become necessary to review his/her share of responsibility toward the and will be recorded in the office. disciplinary policies and to develop a philosophy attainment of that goal. To do otherwise would be and policy which will enable schools to provide an a great disservice to the young people of DIRECTORY INFORMATION atmosphere for the development of effective Mt. Zion. citizens for the society in which they exist. Directory information may be disclosed The Board of Education of Mt. Zion Rights, Responsibilities and Regulations without prior notice or consent unless the Community Unit School District No. 3 believes This code is intended, in general terms, to parent/guardian or eligible student notifies the that the primary function of its schools must describe some of the rights and responsibilities of Records Custodian or other official in writing, be the preparation of all students for students in the Mt. Zion Community Unit Schools before October 1 of the current school year, that meaningful, rewarding participation in our and to set forth regulations governing school he does not want any or all of the directory democratic society. Each student has a right to behavior information disclosed. Directory information those educational experiences which will enable The rules and standards set forth apply to includes the student's name, address, telephone him/her to meet his/her present and future needs conduct on school premises or on school buses listing, date and place of birth, major field of and to realize his/her individual potential for or involving school property, to conduct off school study, participation in officially recognized participation. This right will be respected so long premises which directly affects other students or activities and sports, weight and height of as it does not result in behavior which denies to the school, to conduct off the school premises members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, others the same right. This is a basic concept of which may directly affect teachers and other degrees and awards received, and the most democracy which must be progressively nurtured employees of the district, and to conduct at recent previous educational agency or institution in all of our students during their school years as school functions of any kind. attended. a part of their normal physical, social and This code does not define ALL types and emotional maturation. aspects of student behavior. Military Recruiters' Access to Directory Info Every school district has the inherent right to As per federal law, the Mt. Zion High School require cooperation of its members, staff and Establishment of Policies, Rules, Regulations Principal (or designee) will, upon the written students, in the performance of its educational The Board of Education and the request of a military recruiter, provide access to function and to take appropriate action when the Superintendent of Schools, through the authority the Directory Information referred to in the above conduct of any of its members impedes, obstructs granted by Illinois School Code Chapter 122, paragraph, unless written notice to the contrary is or threatens the harmony of the institution or the Article 10, Sect. 20.5, may establish written submitted to the Records Custodian or other realization of its educational objectives. policies, rules and regulations of general official in writing, before October of the current It must be recognized from the outset that application governing student conduct in all year. schools cannot do the job alone. The influence of schools. the family, community and preschool training of In addition, each principal, within his or her DISCIPLINE CODE OF CONDUCT - children cannot be minimized. Parents cannot school, may establish certain written rules and STUDENTS evade the important role they play in the regulations not inconsistent with those development of the behavioral characteristics of established by the Board of Education and the Philosophy their children. The parent is the child's first Superintendent of Schools. Discipline has been defined as: “Controlled teacher and remains the most important teacher behavior to develop within an individual throughout the formative years.
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Areas of Prohibited Student Conduct intimidation of a staff member, hazing of a Detention/Saturday School The Board of Education subscribes to the student, or an interference with school Time assigned the student by a staff member or theory that a democratic society can function purposes or an educational function. administrator to be served outside of the successfully only when there is an intelligent academic portion of the school day. citizenry. DISCIPLINE POLICY & PROCEDURES Restitution The Board of Education also places strong FOR STUDENTS The parent/guardian and student shall be billed emphasis upon individual student responsibility by the business office for the cost of damages. for both learning and behavior, but it is also RANGE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONSEQUENCES Students may be required to perform simple essential that rules and regulations imperative in The following is a chart displaying the range work consistent with the nature of the offense committed to remedy the damage which they or governing the relationship between the school of consequences for misbehavior. It begins with others have caused to property or grounds, for and its members be communicated in clear the least severe consequence and ends with example: removal of gum from under desks and concise policies. Therefore, the Board of expulsion. The chart does not imply a required sequence of disciplinary actions. seats, repair of damaged property, removal of Education has enumerated some of the main gang identifiers painted on buildings, repair of areas of conduct which may lead to disciplinary Warning grounds damaged by vehicles, etc. action, including possible suspension for a period Social Probation of ten (10) school days or expulsion not to Parent Contact Parent Conference Exclusion from participation in and/or attendance exceed two (2) school years. The Superintendent at an extracurricular school-sanctioned activity. of Schools is authorized to suspend and/or Detention/Saturday School Restitution Office Supervision recommend to the Board of Education expulsion Social Probation Temporary holding situation: Students are placed in cases of gross disobedience and misconduct. Office Supervision in a supervised area for one or two class periods Gross disobedience and misconduct include, but In School Suspension after a staff member has removed them from a not limited to the violations listed in the discipline Referral to Outside Agencies class or situation for disciplinary reasons. During policy. Out of School Suspension a supervision period, the student will work on Grounds for disciplinary action apply (1-10 Days) class assignments under the supervision of a whenever the student's conduct is on school Referral to an Alternative district employee. property or reasonably related to school or school Ed Program activities including, but not limited to conduct Expulsion In School Suspension occurring: Alternative to out-of-school suspension, not to 1) On school grounds, or commencing on Parent notification may occur at all levels in the exceed ten days at a time. Students assigned school grounds but occurring off school "Range of Administrative Discipline for a full day will be required to attend seven grounds, before, during or after school hours Consequences”, but will occur from the “Parent hours of closely supervised instruction designed or at any other time the student is Contact” through “Expulsion” levels. to help the student make appropriate behavior participating in or is attending a school modifications and receive 100% credit. Referral to Outside Agencies related activity; DEFINITIONS OF CONSEQUENCES Referral for services to community agencies 2) Off school grounds at a school-sponsored Warning including, but not limited to, the local police activity, or event, or any activity or event Students are told that repeated offense(s) will result in more severe disciplinary action. department, the truancy office at Macon-Piatt which bears a reasonable relationship to Regional Office of Education, medical school; Parent Contact Parent is notified of the discipline concern by professionals, etc. 3) Traveling to or from school or a school Suspension (Out-of-School) activity, function or event, in school provided phone, mail or in person. Parent Conference A temporary exclusion of a student from school and/or school authorized transportation. (including all activities sanctioned by the Mt. 4) Anywhere, if the conduct may reasonably be A formal scheduled meeting with parent/guardian to discuss a student’s behavior. Zion School District), from all school district considered to be a threat or an attempted property, from riding the school bus or from a
Page 37 class or classes for a period of time not to a. The guidelines do not allow for zero- medically prescribed), barbiturate, exceed ten (10) attendance days and receive tolerance discipline except as required by amphetamine, intoxicant, inhalant, drug 100% credit for work made up and submitted to federal law or in the Illinois School Code. paraphernalia and/or any other controlled the teacher. Students who have been The asterisk (*) also indicates violations that substance including any look-alike drug suspended for 4-10 days may receive support may be reported to the police. All services during the out-of-school suspension. parents/guardians and students should be and/or any look-alike non-alcoholic beverage, Student will receive re-engagement services as aware that some of the acts listed below as while on the campus, at a school activity, or determined by administrators upon their return well as violations of the District Handbook, in a vehicle used for transportation to school to school. can also bring criminal prosecutions and and parked on or in the vicinity of the Bus Suspension penalties in addition to school disciplinary campus, or at any time under school A student may be suspended from riding the action. The school, the police or state’s jurisdiction, shall be subject to school bus in excess of ten (10) attendance attorney, parents/guardians, and/or students suspension/expulsion. The sale, distribution, days for safety reasons. If a student does not can also bring legal action against a have alternative transportation to school, it is the student/parent for certain offenses. The intent to sell or deliver drugs including look parent/guardian’s responsibility to inform the District will notify the police department of alike drugs and alcohol in the school building, school that no such alternative transportation is any act involving drugs, weapons, and on campus, school activity, or in a vehicle available. If the District receives notice from the assault of district employees. Students used for transportation to school and parked parent that no alternative transportation is should notify the administration of any on or in the vicinity of the campus or at any available, that student can receive 100% credit violation of the discipline policy. time under school jurisdiction is prohibited. for work made up and submitted to the teacher. Out of school suspensions and Police or juvenile authorities and the Referral to an Alternative Education Program expulsions are only used for legitimate Referral to an alternative education program, educational purposes. The District will Superintendent of Schools shall be notified. which students attend in place of their regular make all reasonable efforts to resolve Jr. High/High School: In School Suspension attendance center. threats, address disruptions and minimize through recommendation for Expulsion up to Expulsion the length of exclusion to the greatest 2 years. Board of Education approved exclusion of a extent possible before disciplining a K-6: Parent contact through recommendation student with a suspension or expulsion. student for a period of time greater than ten (10) for expulsion up to 2 years. attendance days but not to exceed two (2) 1. Alarms, False (Including Bomb Threats)* calendar years. Expelled students are not Making a false fire alarm or any other 3. Arson * allowed on Mt. Zion School District property or knowingly false and disruptive rumor or K-12: In School Suspension through allowed to attend any activity sanctioned by the report. recommendation for Expulsion up to 2 Mt. Zion School District until their term of Jr. High/High School: In School years. expulsion has been completed. Students will Suspension through recommendation for Expulsion up to 2 years. 4. Bullying/Hazing receive re-engagement services as determined Bullying is defined as persistent, by administrators upon their return to school. K-6: In School Suspension through Out of School Suspension up to 10 days. negative, psychological or physical acts
directed by a stronger student or group DISCIPLINE VIOLATIONS AND RANGES 2. Use, under the influence or possession, against a weaker one. Bullying includes, OF CONSEQUENCES Sale or Distribution of Drugs Including but is not limited to, aggressive or
Alcohol* negative gestures, or written, verbal or Discipline is determined on a case-by-case Any student exhibiting signs of possessing, physical acts that place another student basis and is at the discretion of school in reasonable fear of harm to person or using, selling, buying, transmitting, or administrators and Board of Education. The level property, or that has the effect of insulting of consequences imposed will be consistent with secreting any alcoholic beverage, narcotic or or demeaning any student in such way as the Illinois School Code. hallucinogenic drug, marijuana (including to disrupt or interfere with the school’s
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educational missions or education of any 8. Detention, Failure to Serve (K-12) be used and wearable technology (i.e. student. Please reference the bullying . 1st Offense: Teacher Detention (5 smart watches, etc.) may not be worn policy on Page 28 for more details. days to serve). unless authorized by administration or a Jr. High / High School: Not Served with Teacher - Office faculty member. Students in grades 9-12 1st Offense: Detention through Out of Detention. are allowed to use their cell phone/device School Suspension. Not served in Office - Saturday wearable technology (i.e. smart watches, Repeated Offenses: In School School. etc.) during passing periods and during Suspension through Out of School their lunch time as long as it is not Suspension. 9. Disruptive Behavior/Horseplay (K-12) disruptive to the educational process or K-6: Warning through Out of School . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): infringing on the rights of others. Ear Suspension. Verbal Warning through Out of buds/headphones connected to school- 5. Bus Misconduct (K-12) School Suspension. issued devices may be used during study In the interest of safety, the Mt. Zion hall. Unauthorized use of a cell School District expects students who ride 10. Electronic Communication/ phone/device/wearable technology (i.e. buses to follow its expectations for their Entertainment Devices/Cell smart watches, etc.) during the school behavior on the bus. Phones/Wearable Technology (i.e. day will result in consequences. .1st & Subsequent Offense(s): smart watches, etc.): During class time, authorized use Warning through Bus Suspension. The use of cell phones/devices/ of a cell phone/device/wearable wearable technology (i.e. smart watches, technology (i.e. smart watches, etc.) 6. Cheating etc.) on school property by students is includes the consent of the classroom Cheating and/or stealing assignments, considered a privilege. Failure to follow teacher for academic purposes only. answer books, violation of copyright laws, the rules related to the use and Unsupervised/unauthorized use of a cell plagiarism, etc. is prohibited. possession of cell phone/device/wearable technology (i.e. Jr. High/High School: Automatic Zero phones/devices/wearable technology (i.e. smart watches, etc.) during class time is through 3 days In School Suspension. smart watches, etc.) may result in the prohibited. K-6: Teacher Discretion through In loss of the privilege. For the protection of students, School Suspension. Mt. Zion CUSD #3 is not responsible employees, and the educational process, for lost, damaged, or stolen electronic the use of cell phones/devices/wearable 7. Destruction of or Damage to Public or communication/entertainment devices/ technology (i.e. smart watches, etc.) is Private Property/Vandalism (K-12) * cell phones/wearable technology (i.e. strictly prohibited for the locations and Willfully or negligently defacing, smart watches, etc.). Mt. Zion CUSD #3 situations described below. destroying, damaging, stealing (or is not responsible for monetary charges attempting to steal), or causing the same for students using data plans or other cell 1. The use of a cell phone/device in a locker to be done to any school property or phone/device services. This is the room or a restroom is prohibited. another person’s personal property is responsibility of the owner of the cell Circumstances may warrant a violation of prohibited. Police or juvenile authorities phone/ device. this stipulation to be treated the same as may be notified. The student will be held sexual harassment/misconduct. financially responsible for the cost of Cell Phones/Wearable Technology (i.e. 2. The use of a cell phone/device/wearable replacing or restoring such property to its smart watches, etc.) and other technology (i.e. smart watches, etc.) original condition. Electronic/ Communication Devices: during quizzes or tests may be treated . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): High School: (7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) the same as cheating/academic Warning and restitution through Cell phones/devices may be dishonesty. Suspension with recommendation for carried by the students, but they must be 3. Students serving In-school suspension, Expulsion up to 2 years out of sight and silenced. During the Detention, or Saturday School are school day, cell phones/devices may not prohibited from using a cell
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phone/personal device/wearable . 3rd Offense: The student will be . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): technology (i.e. smart watches, etc.). assigned 3 Saturday Schools, and Warning through recommendation for 4. Personal listening devices (i.e. the phone/ device/ wearable Expulsion up to 2 years. headphones, ear buds, etc.) are technology (i.e. smart watch, etc.) prohibited during the school day, unless may be picked up by the student 15. Harassment-Other Than Sexual (K-12) approved by a teacher for academic after 2:30 p.m. . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): purposes. K-6: Warning through detention. Device Warning through Out of School Note: High school students may use ear confiscated (parent may be required to Suspension. buds/headphones in the cafetorium during pick up the device after 3:00 p.m.) lunch. During study hall, a student may only 16. Harassment-Sexual use ear buds/headphones when connected to 11. Failure to Follow Directions/ Sexual harassment is defined as a school-issued device. Insubordination engaging in unwelcome sexual K-6: (8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.) Cell Willful failure to comply with the advances, requests for sexual favors, Phones/Devices/Wearable Technology (i.e. directions of teachers, student teachers, and engaging in other verbal or physical smart watches, etc.) must be turned off and school aides, bus drivers, principals, or conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature, kept in either the student’s locker or other authorized school personnel. imposed on the basis of sex. Examples of backpack. Cell Phones/Devices/Wearable K-12: Warning through Out of School sexual harassment include unwelcome Technology (i.e. smart watches, etc.) may not Suspension. touching, crude jokes or pictures, be carried or worn by students at any time discussions of sexual experiences, during the school day. 12. Forgery/False Reports to Staff (K-12) teasing related to sexual characteristics, Jr. High: (7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) Cell . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): and spreading rumors related to a phones/devices may be carried by the Loss of privileges through 3 days In person’s alleged sexual activities. students, but they must be out of sight and School Suspension. turned off. During the school day, . Jr. High/High School: In School phones/devices/wearable technology (i.e. 13. Gambling (K-12) Suspension through Out of School smart watches, etc.) may not be used or worn Gambling is prohibited on school Suspension. unless authorized by administration or office premises or at school events. . K-6: Warning through Out of School personnel. The use of cell phones/devices in . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): Suspension. restrooms and locker rooms is strictly Warning through 3 days In-School prohibited. Unauthorized use of a cell Suspension. 17. Illegal Entry* (K-12) phone/device/wearable technology (i.e. smart . 1st Offense: In School Suspension watches, etc.) during the school day will 14. Gang-Like Activities* (K-12) through recommendation for result in consequences. As used herein, a gang is referred to as Expulsion up to 1 calendar year. any group of two (2) or more persons Jr. High/High School whose purpose includes the commission 18. In An Unauthorized Area . 1st Offense: The student will be of any act that violates any school rule or Jr. High/High School assigned 1 Office Detention, and the violates any local, state, or federal law. . 1st Offense: 1 Saturday School phone/device/wearable technology No student on school grounds, on a . 2nd Offense: 2 Saturday Schools (i.e. smart watch, etc.) may be picked school bus or at any school or school- K-6 - Parent contact through In School up by the student after 2:30 p.m. related activity shall engage in any gang Suspension. . 2nd Offense: The student will be related activity including wearing or assigned 1 Saturday School, and the displaying of known gang symbols 19. Inappropriate Dress (K-12) phone/device/wearable technology (colors, signs, signals, gestures, graffiti, Dressing, grooming, or behaving, in a (i.e. smart watch, etc.) may be picked etc.). manner which presents a clear and up by the student after 2:30 p.m. present danger to a student’s health and
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safety, or in a manner that causes an . K-6: Warning through Expulsion up . 1st and Subsequent Offense(s) - interference with schoolwork or which to 2 years. Warning through Detention. creates a classroom or school disruption. . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): 26. Physical Confrontation/Physical 31. Unexcused Tardiness - Late to School Remedy the situation through out of Violence with Staff * Students who are late to school are school suspension. Causing or attempting to cause physical required to sign in at the office. The injury to any employee, or authorized policy and related discipline actions for 20. Inappropriate Public Display of adult, including touching of the late arrivals at the elementary schools Affection (K-12) employee/person who is attempting to are as follows: . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): stop the confrontation, is unacceptable in . K-6: Parent contact through referral Warning through In School Mt. Zion Schools. The District expects all to Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Suspension. students to exhibit no violent behavior. Education. . K-12: In School Suspension through 21. Inappropriate Sexual Conduct (K-12) recommendation for Expulsion up to 32. Theft * st . 1 & Subsequent Offense(s): 2 years. . Jr. High/High School: Detention In School Suspension through through recommendation for
recommendation for Expulsion up to Expulsion up to 2 years with 2 years. 27. Profanity restitution. Profane and obscene language, . K-6: Warning through In School 22. Computer Acceptable Use Policy gestures, or drawings and possession of Suspension. Violations magazines/literature with an overt sexual . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): content are not tolerated. 33. Threats to Staff * (see letter herein) Detention through Out of School . K-12: Warning through In School Threatening or intimidating any teacher, Suspension. Suspension. other school employee or visitor is 28. Saturday School, Failure to Serve prohibited. An open previously published 23. Parking Lot Violations . Jr. High/High School: Saturday letter to parents depicts this theory. . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): School through 2 days In School Interfering with school purpose or with Warning through Saturday School. Suspension and reassignment of the orderly operation of the school by missed Saturday School. using, threatening to use, or counseling 24. Participation in Acts Designed to other persons to use violence, force, Disrupt School (strikes, mass 29. Sex Texting (Sexting) (K-12) coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, or defiance etc.) (K-12) Soliciting, sending, or displaying explicit disruptive means. This includes verbal, . 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): materials. written or implied threats and/or Unexcused absence through Out of . In School Suspension through discussions about using weapons, guns, School Suspension. recommendation for Expulsion up to bombs, etc. which could alarm, disturb, or 2 years. interfere with the orderly operation of the 25. Physical Confrontation/Physical school. Violence with Students 30. Unexcused Tardiness-Classroom . Jr. High/High School: In School Causing or attempting to cause physical (K-12) Suspension through recommendation injury to any student, or other person is Students are expected to comply with for Expulsion up to 2 years with a unacceptable in the Mt. Zion Schools. state and local attendance laws including, recommendation that an assessment The District expects all students to but not limited to, truancy from specific occur before re-enrollment exhibit no violent behavior. classes and tardiness in general or to . K-6: In School Suspension through . Jr. High/High School: Detention specific classes. recommendation for Expulsion for up through Expulsion up to 2 years. to 2 years with a recommendation, if
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appropriate, for a mental health . Jr. High/High School: Detention buildings, on campus (school grounds), assessment by a recognized medical through In School Suspension. or at a school activity. For purposes of doctor, psychologist, or licensed . K-6: Warning through In School this section, a weapon is defined to be a counselor at parent expense before gun, rifle, shotgun, sling shot, sand club, Suspension. re-enrollment. sand bag, metal knuckles, throwing star, knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, 34. Threats to Students* (see letter herein) 36. Truancy num-chucks, pellet gun, or air gun. Look- Threatening or intimidating any student. Students are expected to comply with alikes include, but are not limited to, BB An open previously published letter to state and local attendance laws including, guns, air-soft pistols, paintball guns, parents depicts this theory. Interfering but not limited to, truancy from specific cigarette lighters and laser pointers with school purpose or with the orderly classes. Truancy includes being more shaped like a gun. operation of the school by using, than 5 minutes late to a class as well as Use of any weapon, defined above or hereinafter, that is used for the purpose threatening to use, or counseling other no parent contact in relation to a student persons to use violence, force, coercion, of intimidating or injuring others in a absence. Truancy will result in parent threats, intimidation, fear, or disruptive school building on campus (school means. This includes verbal, written or contact through referral to Macon-Piatt grounds), or at a school activity is also implied threats and/or discussions about Regional Office of Education. prohibited. Items including, but not limited using weapons, guns, bombs, etc. which . K-12: Parent contact through to, medical paraphernalia, knives, could alarm, disturb, or interfere with the referral to Macon-Piatt Regional baseball bats, pipes, bottles, locks, orderly operation of the school. Office of Education. sticks, pencils and pens if used or attempted to be used in a threatening . Jr. High/High School: In School manner or to cause bodily harm will be Suspension through recommendation 37. Verbal Confrontation with Staff for Expulsion up to 2 years with a considered a weapon. Obscenity and/or indecent conduct or recommendation that an assessment Possession of explosive devices (e.g. occur before re-enrollment. language, including any verbal abuse of a grenade, mine, rocket, missile, bomb, . K-6: Warning through teacher, secretary, food service worker, bomb-shell, black powder bombs and recommendation for Expulsion up to custodian, bus driver, and/or supervisor Molotov cocktails, artillery projectiles, firecracker, fireworks, M80’s, or similar 2 years with a recommendation, if at school activities or on or off school devices containing some type of property. appropriate, for a mental health explosive that is designed to explode); assessment by a recognized medical . K-12: Detention through In School stun gun or taser; tear gas gun; and all doctor, psychologist, or licensed Suspension. other weapons including, but not limited counselor at parent expense before to, weapons as defined by Section 24-1 re-enrollment. 38. Verbal Confrontation with Student of the Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/24-1), Obscenity and/or indecent conduct or including knives that are prohibited by 35. Use, Possession, Distribution, language, including any verbal abuse of a law, brass knuckles, billy clubs, or “look Purchasing or Selling Tobacco, student at school activities or on or off alikes” thereof, is prohibited in school buildings, on campus (school grounds), Electronic/ Vapor Cigarettes or Tobacco school property. . K-12: Warning through In-School or at a school activity. Materials in any form Suspension. Junior High/High School The use, possession, distribution, . 1st & Subsequent purchase or sale of tobacco related 39. Weapon Related * Offense(s): In School Suspension products/paraphernalia on school Possession, use, control or transfer through recommendation for grounds during school hours and during of guns, firearms, rifles, shotguns, or Expulsion up to 2 years. school functions is prohibited. look-alikes are prohibited in school
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. K-6: Parent contact through personnel, or persons, or for the purpose of self- alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or illegal recommendation for Expulsion up to defense or the defense of property. or violent behavior. 2 years. • Dress and grooming including accessories, Co-curricular Misconduct shall not display lewd, vulgar, obscene or 40. Any Other Acts That Endanger the While participating in co-curricular activities plainly offensive language or symbols, Well-Being of Students, Teachers, or (either as a participant or as a spectator), including gang symbols. students will adhere to the Mt. Zion Community • Bare backs, plunging necklines (cleavage), Any Other Employees (K-12) Unit School District No. 3 Discipline Code as well and bare midriffs are unacceptable. 1st & Subsequent Offense(s): In School as all federal, state, and local laws. Student • Any shirt with a shoulder strap width of less misconduct during co-curricular activities may be than 1-1/2” will be unacceptable. Suspension through recommendation for handled similarly to misconduct taking place • Shorts, skirts, or dresses that are shorter Expulsion up to 2 years. during school hours on district premises. than fingertip length (when hands are Appropriate discipline measures may be hanging down at the student’s side) are not Students Suspended From Other Schools taken by the sponsor/teacher/coach as well as acceptable. Any student suspended or expelled for any referrals to the administration for disciplinary • Coats, sunglasses, and head apparel (hats, reason from any other public or private school in action. This may cause the student to be bandanas, etc.) shall not be worn in the Illinois or any other state must complete the removed from co-curricular activities and/or buildings during the school day. entire term of the suspension or expulsion before positions of leadership (e.g., Student Council, • Pierced jewelry that may be a distraction or admission to this School District is permitted. FFA, FBLA). endangerment to the student is not Students and parents are reminded that permitted. Spiked apparel, etc., that can be participation in activities a privilege. Students Other Discipline Alternatives used as weapons cannot be worn. must assume responsibility for their behavior Other discipline measures which can be • Clothing made of see-through, sheer, fishnet during their participation and abide by any rules taken by teachers and/or appropriate fabric or clothing with holes that expose skin and codes as may be implemented. administrative personnel include, but are not in the following areas: chest, abdomen, limited to the following: (1) verbal reprimand, (2) DRESS AND APPEARANCE shoulders, genital area or buttocks, or the parent conferences, (3) time out, (4) detention, legs above mid-thigh are not appropriate for
(5) Saturday School, (6) withdrawal of privileges, school. Students in the Mt. Zion School District are (7) behavioral contract, (8) peer counseling, (9) • Boxer shorts, pajama bottoms or expected to wear clothing in a neat, clean and referral to counselor, (10) referral to social undergarments shall not be worn as well-fitting manner. Students are to use discretion worker, (11) letter of apology/essay about proper outerwear on school property. in their dress and are not permitted to wear conduct, (12) referral to police liaison officer, (13) • Ragged hemlines or cut off hemlines that apparel that is distractive or obscene. Dress and rearrangement of class schedules, (14) directed drag shall not be worn in the buildings. grooming shall neither present a risk to the study (in-house suspension), (15) restitution, (16) • Properly-fitting clothing is to be worn. health, safety, or general welfare of students in seizure of contraband, (17) mandatory Oversized, extremely baggy clothing or the school nor interfere or disrupt the educational counseling, and (18) social probation. improperly-fitted clothing is not allowed. environment or process. Students who are in Corporal punishment shall not be used. Pants and shorts must be worn at the waist - violation with these guidelines will be asked to Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, sagging is prohibited. change their attire immediately and will be given paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students • Tattoos that, by their content, violate any of a warning. Subsequent violations may result in in physically painful positions, or intentional the provisions of the Student Dress Code further disciplinary action. Interpretation will be infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment must be covered at all times while students the responsibility of the Building Administrator(s). does not include, and certificated personnel are are on school property and/or in attendance • Dress and grooming shall not be contrary to permitted to use, reasonable force as needed to at school sponsored activities. maintain safety for other students, school curriculum goals and/or educational objectives or advertise, promote, or picture
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DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS for RCC must be met, as stated in the "Dual The course outlines utilized for college Credit Program Guidelines" (Attachment 1). courses offered at Mt. Zion High School will be Mt. Zion students enrolled in the dual credit When students successfully complete an the same as for the courses offered on RCC's program and attending classes at Richland RCC course, college credit will be awarded at campus and will contain the content articulated Community College must adhere to all rules and Richland Community College. Mt. Zion's with colleges and universities in the State of regulations contained in the Mt. Zion School administration will determine which college Illinois. Course prerequisites, description, District No. 3 Handbook/Calendar and the District courses will receive dual credit at the high school requirements, learning outcomes and methods of Board Policy Manual. by completing and submitting the "Principal's evaluating students will be the same as those Students absent from classes at Richland Approval Form" to the RCC Records Office. used for the same course on campus. due to illness during the school day will not be The attachment for "Mt. Zion High School D. Calendar - Students enrolled in RCC admitted to after school extra-curricular activities. Required Courses" (Attachment 2) delineates courses for dual credit will be required to follow However, excused appointments as delineated in RCC courses that may be substituted through Richland's calendar throughout the school year. the appointment section of this handbook will not dual credit for MZCUSD required courses. Other This includes vacation days, early dismissal days, effect the option of attending after school RCC courses may be substituted only with prior high school assemblies, or any other high school functions. approval of the Mt. Zion High School principal. special activity scheduled during the RCC class B. Student Requirements - Students time. Richland Community College/ selected for enrollment in college courses must Mt. Zion CUSD #3 have appropriate academic qualifications, a high III. Class Instructors level of motivation, and adequate time to devote A. Instructors for Dual Credit courses will be Dual Credit to studying a college-level course. The Mt. Zion selected, employed, and evaluated by Richland Cooperative Agreement High School principal, in consultation with the Community College. Instructors will be selected high school counselors, will recommend high from RCC's full time or adjunct faculty. I. Purpose - This cooperative agreement school juniors and seniors, and high school B. Instructors will have appropriate between Richland Community College District "gifted" students who may benefit from enrollment credentials as stated in the faculty position #537 (RCC) and Mt. Zion Community Unit School in dual credit courses. description and demonstrated teaching District #3 (MZCUSD) documents both parties' Students enrolled in the college courses competencies at the college level. High school agreement to offer dual credit for Richland must satisfy course placement tests and teachers who meet the qualifications for teaching Community College (RCC) courses taken by high prerequisites when applicable. college level courses may submit an RCC school students from Mt. Zion Community Unit • Students must take an English placement application form for adjunct faculty positions. School District #3 (MZCUSD). test unless they have an ACT score of at Generally, the minimum credential is a Master's least 19 (English and Reading). degree in the course discipline. II. Guidelines • Students must take a Math placement exam. C. Instructors will utilize the same course A. Credit - Richland Community College will All college class participants will abide by the outline, textbooks, learning outcomes, and offer one or more college courses at Mt. Zion college rules and regulations as stated in RCC's grading policies as the same course(s) taught on High School or at another designated site, said Student Rights and Responsibilities publication. the RCC campus. The appropriate college dean courses to be jointly selected by the High school students will be required to will provide the current syllabi and course administrations from RCC and MZCUSD. In attend a minimum of two (2) Mt. Zion High School materials for each course covered by this addition, high school students may attend classes classes in addition to enrollment in any dual credit Agreement. on the RCC campus with the written approval of courses. the high school principal. (100 level or above and C. Class Requirements - The college class IV. Grades 3 credit hour minimum.) enrollment size will be determined by RCC. A A. Richland Community College will supply All Illinois community college policies, minimum of 12 students wil be needed to hold an a grade roster to each dual credit course accreditation standards and local college policies RCC class on a Mt. Zion site. instructor. According to college procedures, the Page 44 instructor will submit a grade for each student VI. Terms of Agreement Instructors: The instructors for these courses enrolled to the RCC Records Office by the date A tentative listing of dual credit courses will be selected, employed, and evaluated by specified. RCC Records Office will submit final jointly agreed upon to be offered at Mt. Zion High Richland Community College. Instructors will be grades to the Mt. Zion administration for each School is included in this Handbook. Additional selected from RCC's full-time and/or adjunct student enrolled and approved for dual credit. courses may be added to mutual consent and will faculty with appropriate credentials and B. Dual credit students may withdraw from operate under the terms in effect at the time. demonstrated teaching competencies at the Richland Community College classes under the This Agreement can be modified by mutual college level. withdrawal regulations as given in the College consent. If it is determined in the future that the Qualifications of Students: Students selected Catalog. The policy states that students may partnership is undesirable for either party, the for enrollment in college-level courses must have withdraw through the last day of class before the Agreement can be terminated by either party with appropriate academic qualifications, a high level final exam week of the term. A grade of "W" will thirty (30) days written notice. However, in that of motivation, and adequate time to devote to be given at the college for courses that are event, all students enrolled in courses will be studying a college-level course. The students' officially dropped. If a student quits attending and permitted to complete those courses which are course selections are made in consultation with does not officially withdraw, a grade of "F" may then in progress. high school counselors and/or principals and be assigned for the class on the College records. ordinarily are restricted to students in the junior For Mt. Zion High School records, students RCC Dual Credit Program Guidelines and senior years of high school. The students will enrolled in dual credit courses must adhere to Mt. Richland Community College provides a meet all college criteria and follow all college Zion deadlines for withdrawing from a class (six variety of opportunities for high school students to procedures for enrolling in courses. weeks). Withdrawals after the six-week deadline accelerate their education. High school students Placement Testing and Prerequisites: will result in an "F" on the High School transcript who meet the necessary placement requirements Students enrolling in college-level courses must and will be calculated as such into the student's and prerequisites may enroll in regularly satisfy course placement tests or course high school G.P.A. scheduled courses offered on campus or at one prerequisites when applicable. This ensures that C. Instructors of dual credit courses will of the many extension sites within RCC's district. high school students enrolled in college-level notify the Mt. Zion High School principal on a College courses offered at off-campus sites, courses have the same qualifications and weekly basis of any dual credit student who is including high schools, are of the same high preparation as other college students. failing the course. This grade report is needed to quality, cover the same content, and have the Course Outlines: The course outlines utilized establish student eligibility for co-curricular same rigor as courses offered on Richland's for courses offered at secondary schools are the activities. The high school administration will campus. same as for courses offered on campus, and at establish the required reporting dates. The following guidelines apply to Dual Credit other off-campus sites, and contain the content course offerings: articulated with colleges and universities in the V. Registration State Policies and Accreditation Standards: State of Illinois. Course prerequisites, A. Students may register for dual credit courses All state policies specified by the Illinois descriptions, outlines, requirements, learning at designated times when an RCC representative Community College Board, accreditation outcomes, and methods of evaluating students will be scheduled at Mt. Zion High School or at standards specified by the North Central are the same as for on-campus offerings. RCC's main campus. Association, and local college policies that apply Dual Credit: The determination for whether a B. Students must pay appropriate fees to courses, instructional procedures, and college course is offered for concurrent credit at according to the schedule established for academic standards at the college apply to the high school is made at the secondary level payment each semester. college-level courses offered by the college on according to the policies and practices of the C. Students will purchase the appropriate campus, at off-campus sites, and at secondary school district. (100 level or above and 3 credit textbooks and required course materials as schools. These policies, regulations, instructional hour minimum.) The main objective for offering specified by the course instructor. procedures, and academic standards apply to college-level academic courses for high school students, faculty, and staff associated with these students is to stimulate qualified secondary courses. students to be challenged during their junior Page 45 and/or senior year of high school and to allow Other courses may be offered on our campus Mt. Zion Richland them to have advanced college placement status based on student interest and sign-up. (A course Weighted Course Weighted Course when entering the college of their choice. A may be offered on our campus if a minimum of 12 Fine Arts French & Spanish course(s) can be selected from transfer courses students sign up.) Spanish III Spanish 201 that have been articulated with senor institutions Spanish IV Spanish 202 in Illinois or from the first-year courses in ICCB Mt. Zion recognizes any Richland Community Spanish Language & No Correlated Course approved associate in applied science degree College course for Dual Credit purposes if that Culture (AP) -- programs. The main objective in offering college- course is a minimum of three credit hours and a French III French 201 level occupational courses for high school 100 level course or above. Students may take French IV French 202 Richland Community College Dual Credit courses students is to provide successful transitions from French V No Correlated Course on our campus and/or on the Richland one educational experience to another, improving Career & Technical Accounting & C.I.S. Community College campus. students' successful transition to high-skill, high- Accounting II Accounting 101
Management Systems Accounting 102 wage careers. Advanced Computers No Correlated Course High School Credit Awarded High School Credit Awarded: Tentative Correlated Weighted Courses All courses awarded college credit through Between Mt. Zion and RCC RICHLAND TRANSFER ACADEMY Richland Community College are eligible for 1/2 (one-half) Mt. Zion High School credit, provided Mt. Zion students who participate in the Dual Richland Community College has partnered the course (or combination of courses) entails at Credit program will earn a "weighted" point when with area high schools to offer an opportunity for least three (3) semester hours and is 100 level or they successfully complete RCC's course(s) that students to earn up to 38-41 transferrable college above. No online or independent study courses correlates to Mt. Zion High School's "Weighted" credits in a two year Dual Credit Program. are accepted for Dual Credit. course(s). At Mt. Zion, a student earns one-half Much like the students who attend the technical academy, students who enroll in the weighted point per semester. Tentative Listing RTA will be at Mt. Zion High School 1/2 day and
will attend RCC and be enrolled in three college Richland Community College Mt. Zion Richland level courses the remainder of the day, earning 9- Dual Credit Courses Weighted Course Weighted Course 10 college credits each semester. Courses for Mt. Zion High School Students Mathematics Mathematics offered to students in this program are "approved" Calculus I (AP) Mathematics 121 & 122 by the Illinois Articulation Initiative to transfer as Site: Mt. Zion High School Calculus II (AP) Mathematics 122 & 221 General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) to During the past years that Mt. Zion and Richland Probability & Statistics Mathematics 171 other 4 year colleges and universities in the State Community College have cooperated in the Dual Pre-Calculus Mathematics 116 & 117 of Illinois. (Fore more information on the Illinois Credit Agreement, several courses have routinely Algebra II Mathematics 098 Articulation Agreement visit their website at been offered at Mt. Zion. They are: Science Science http://www.itransfer.org.) Physics Physics 101 & 102 Fall Semester: Anatomy & Physiology Biology 201 & 202 Engl. 101 Composition 1 Requirements for Admission: Chemistry Chemistry 100 & 110 Math 116 In order to enroll in the Richland Transfer Advanced Chemistry (AP) Chemistry 131 & 132 Psych. 110 Intro. to Psychology Academy students must meet the following Advanced Biology (AP) Biology 102 criteria: English English Spring Semester: 1. Minimum 3.70 weighted cumulative HS GPA. Accelerated English III No Correlated Course Engl. 102 Composition 2 2. Junior or senior during the school year for English Literature & English 102 & 251 Math 116 which the student is applying. Socio. 110 Intro to Sociology Composition
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3. Missed no more than 10 days of school the Students enrolled in the RTA would still be student’s responsibility to provide his/her own previous two semesters. expected to meet the graduation requirements set transportation for this class. Early Bird is 4. No Out of School disciplinary issues the forth by the Mt. Zion Board of Education to considered part of the normal school day. previous two semesters. receive a Mt. Zion High School Diploma. 5. Sophomore applicants: Have earned 9 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT POLICY credits by January of Grade 10. Junior HEARTLAND TECHNICAL ACADEMY applicants: Earned 15 credits by January of Grades 5-12 Grade 11. The Heartland Technical Academy offers 18 High school students must pass six 6. Option 1: Successfully pass both the English different programs to students who have specific academic classes per week in order to maintain and Math placement tests required by RCC. career/college interests. Fifteen of these "activities eligibility" in the Mt. Zion High School. Option 2: Earn approved ACT scores for programs offer dual credit and most are taught at Students that are not passing 6 classes will be placement into transferrable coursework. the Richland Community College campus. prohibited from missing school for trips taken Math 22, English 19, and reading 19. Parents and interested students can consult the during the school day, provided the trip is not part Students taking the ACT should have their website: www.tech-academy.org for program of the grade earning process. Per IESA eligibility scores sent directly to RCC. descriptions and further details. rules, students participating in junior high 7. Complete the MTZ - Richland Transfer activities must pass all subjects to maintain Academy Application and have it turned in by Requirements for Admission: "activities eligibility" and participate in out of the deadline. Admission to the Heartland Technical classroom activities. NOTE: Meeting the application criteria does not Academy is based on the following guidelines: Students WOULD be allowed to participate in guarantee admission. Participation in the RTA 1. Junior or senior during the school year for those activities which are part of the “grade can further be limited by Mt. Zion CUSD #3 or which the student is applying. earning” process. These would include band and RCC based on the number of applicants, 2. Academic success defined as a 1.8 overall choir concerts performed within the District. scheduling concerns, and other administrative GPA. However, all such NECESSARY activities must considerations. 3. Missed no more than 10 days of unexcused be determined by the teacher AND the principal school days the previous two semesters. prior to the beginning of any grade period. Fee Information: 4. No Out of School disciplinary issues the High School athletes are also required to The Mt. Zion School District pays for tuition previous two semesters. maintain IHSA eligibility and Junior High School and fees associated with enrollment in the 5. Counselor recommendation. athletes are required to maintain IESA eligibility. Richland Transfer Academy. Students will be Students must complete an application and responsible for purchasing their own books for transcripts are sent with that application. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS the program. Individual students will pay a program fee of $400 per year for participation in Fee Information: When the decision is made to close schools the program. The program fee is due at the time Students attending the Technical Academy for the day, the Districts parent communication of registration in August. will be charged $200 per year which is due in system will be activated. Parents/guardians/staff August at the time of registration. Students on will receive notification via home phone, cell GPA Information: reduced lunches will be charged $100 and phone, work phone and/or e-mail. Radio and It is important to note students do start their students on free lunches will be charged $50. television stations will also be notified. college GPA with enrollment in the dual credit courses, and this GPA may transfer to their EARLY BIRD WXFM (99.3 FM) Radio - Mt. Zion intended 4 year college or university. WDKR (107.3 FM) Radio - Decatur Students enrolled in the RTA would be Early Bird education classes will be offered WZNX (The Fox) (106.7 FM) Radio - Decatur expected to follow the attendance calendar of from 6:50 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. to allow students WYDS (D93) (93 FM) Radio - Decatur Richland Community College. more flexibility in their schedules. It is the WEJT (Live 105) (105.1 FM) Radio - Decatur Page 47
WDZ (1050 AM) Radio - Decatur 1. Academic Requirements: The student EXCHANGE PROGRAMS WDZQ (95.1 FM) Radio - Decatur maintains at least a "B" academic average WSOY (1340 AM) Radio - Decatur for the semester in the class which the exam Mt. Zion High School will enroll no more than WSOY (Y103) (102.9 FM) Radio - Decatur WAND (10/17) TV - Decatur will be waived, and the student has four students during any given semester. All WCIA (3) TV - Champaign accumulated 16 credits or more, and exchange programs must be I.H.S.A. approved to WICS (2/20) TV - Springfield 2. Attendance Requirement: The student has be considered for placement at Mt. Zion High no more than three (3) absences from the School. Placements should be for two semesters School officials will make every attempt to class during the semester which the exam and should be made by May 15 of the previous determine if conditions call for school closing by will be waived. Excused college days and year. All exchange student applicants must be 16 6:30 a.m. at the latest. other school related activities during the years old or older. Mt. Zion High School classifies If there is no announcement, school will be school day will not count toward the three all exchange students as a senior in high school. open as usual. absence imitation, and Every effort will be made to have no more than In the event school is dismissed early or 3. Citizenship Requirement: The student has one student from a particular country during any closed for the day due to weather conditions, the no suspensions during the semester given school semester. cancellation of all co-curricular activities and/or (includes out of school and/or bus Exchange students attending Mt. Zion High practices will be determined by the School will be responsible for any and all costs administration. suspension). charged to our student population. Second Semester Exam Waiver Privilege During the second semester, any senior is Exchange students desiring to attend Mt. EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Zion High School who are not part of an approved eligible to be exempt from final exams if they meet the following criteria: program will need prior approval from the The Mt. Zion School District is committed to superintendent, and may be subject to tuition and providing educational programs and services 1. Academic Requirements: The student maintains at least a "C" academic average fees. designed to meet all students’ individual needs and abilities. The District’s educational for the semester in the class which the exam will be waived, and the student is eligible to FAMILY ACCESS PROGRAM environment will not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, religion, color, sex, graduate at the end of the second semester. The Family Access Program allows parents national origin, economic status, or handicap. 2. Attendance Requirement: The student to view information about their student(s) via the Individuals who feel they have been discriminated has no more than (3) three absences from Internet. Parents/guardians of students enrolled against for any reason have the right to express the class during the semester which the in Grades 1-12 will have "real-time" grades and their concern using the District grievance exam will be waived. Excused college days can login to this secure web site (after obtaining a procedure. and other school related activities during the user login and family password) to view the school day will not count toward the three absence limitation. following areas of information: Mt. Zion High School - EXAM WAIVER PRIVILEGE 3. Citizenship Requirement: The student has no suspensions during the semester Attendance: (All grades) A convenient calendar
(includes out-of-school and/or bus allows parents to review absences at a glance. A All students at Mt. Zion High School are suspension). click on the day of the absence provides details expected to take semester exams. The exception Second semester exams for seniors may be such as type of absence. to this requirement is the final exam waiver scheduled prior to the regularly scheduled final Student Schedules: (Grades 4-12) This link privilege, which may be earned by students exams for grades 9-11. provides a convenient list of your child's daily class schedule and email addresses of his/her based on the following criteria: School activities supervised by certified staff teachers. First Semester Exam Waiver Privilege members do not count toward the three absence Food Service Facts: (All grades) Parents/ A senior student may waive (not take) a first limitation. guardians can track how their child's food money semester exam(s) if the following criteria are met: Page 48 is being spent. The option for weekly overviews Grade Pre-K ...... $35.00 provide as much information as possible helps families manage their expenses. This food Grades K-1 ...... $70.00 (student's name, student's ID#, reason for service overview lets parents know their student's Grades 2-6 ...... $85.00 payment-food service, registration fee, etc.). current balance. Grades 7-12 ...... $100.00 Discipline Issues: This tab allows parents to Required Addresses review the offense and the action taken (if any) Athletic Fees when a discipline issue occurs. Athletic participation fees for this school year are MTZ HS-Food Service MTZ High School Office Grades by Class: Both quarterly grades and as follows: 305 S. Henderson St. 305 S. Henderson St. midterm progress reports may be viewed. Grades 5-8 ...... $40.00 per sport Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 Parents/guardians of students enrolled in Grades Grades 9-12 ...... $60.00 per sport 1-12 will have "real-time" grades on Family 1 Family ...... $260.00 (maximum limit) MTZ JH-Food Service MTZ JH-School Office Access that will be updated weekly. 315 S. Henderson St. 315 S. Henderson St. Easy to Update Family Emergency Electronic Payment Process Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 Information: (All grades) Parents can view The district accepts electronic payment for existing information and contact the school with student food service accounts, registration fees, MTZ INT-Food Service MTZ INT-School Office timely information updates. This enables the and other payments made to the school district. 310 S. Henderson St. 310 S. Henderson St. school to maintain accurate information. This system usually takes up to a week to Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1384 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1384 To access the system, go to the district web process so it is not intended for lunch balances site: www.mtzion.k12.il.us and select Family below $10.00 or other payments that need to be MZG-Food Service MZG-School Office Access under the Information Tab. The Mt. Zion made immediately. Credit will not be applied to 725 West Main St. 725 West Main St. Public Library provides computer Internet access your child's account until the District has actually Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1335 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1335 for those residents that may not have a computer received the check from the bank. To utilize this at home. free electronic payment system: McG-Food Service McG-School Office The information available is for the current 1320 West Main St. 1320 West Main St. school year; previous school year information is 1. Go to your local banks on-line bill pay Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1348 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1348 not available. You only need one login even if you system. Enter a school building's name and have multiple students in the school district. You address from the following list, as the MTZ-District Office can access all of your students from the same company you wish to pay. For children in 455 Elm St. screen. Access will be allowed to student different buildings please make separate Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1314 information as long as at least one student is entries and the bank will send separate enrolled in the Mt. Zion School District. When the checks. If you are making a payment for Sample Notes And/Or Memo To Include On last student of a family officially leaves the district, Registration and Food Service to the same The Check the account will be disabled. building we would again ask that you make • Please post to Acct. #123456-John Smith E-mail [email protected] separate entries and the bank will send • Lunch Acct. for John Smith concerning questions and concerns about Family separate checks. This will allow the District to • Registration Fee for John Smith Access. better track the payments being made by the • Athletic Fee for John Smith bank on your behalf. • Pay Rider Fee for John Smith FEES 2. On your banks on-line bill pay system, enter
the amount of the payment you wish to Efunds Instructional Fees make. An alternative electronic method of payment Instructional fees for this school year are as 3. On your banks on-line bill pay system, enter is efunds. This system makes payments for follows: in the memo line/description line the reason school expenses in real time. You must create an for the payment. Please be specific and account with efunds using the link provided in the Page 49 family access food service page or the link on the scheduled trips to museums, concerts, expenses such as fire, flood, or storm school web page. Once you create an account places of business and industry or field damage; or similar emergency situations. with efunds, you can select your child’s name and trips related to instruction in social D. Notification to parents will be as follows: make the appropriate payment by checking studies, the fine arts, career/vocational 1. The waiver of school fees regulation will account transfer or credit card. This payment will education or the sciences). Financial be communicated in writing to the go directly into the proper account. A losses will not be refunded to students parents of all students enrolled in the convenience fee of $1 per transaction for due to ineligibility, absence, etc. district at the start of the 1991-92 school checking, or $2.45 per $100 transaction for credit 3. Athletic Participation Fees. year and thereafter to the parents and card, will be charged by efunds. 4. Graduation Fees (e.g., caps, gowns). guardians of all students enrolling in the B. "School Fees" shall not include: district for the first time. A fee waiver Waiver of School Fees 1. Library fines and other charges assessed application form will be included with this A student shall be eligible for waiver of for the loss, misuse, or destruction of notice when it is sent to parents. The school fees in a given year when, due to lack of school property (e.g., musical notification will be in English or otherwise financial resources, he/she is unable to make instruments, library books, textbooks, translated for the home language of the payment of stipulated fees. This fee waiver policy, athletic equipment or uniforms). parents to ensure their understanding of being subject to the State Mandates Act, shall be 2. Charges for the purchase of class rings, the district's policy. If translation of the implemented and sustained only during those yearbooks, pictures, diploma covers or notice is not feasible, interpreters, other school years when sufficient funding is made similar items. students, family or neighbors capable of available by the Illinois State Board of Education 3. Charges for optional travel undertaken by communicating this policy and related to reimburse the District for incurred loss of a school organization or group of regulation will be utilized. The notice shall revenue resulting from said policy. students outside of school hours (e.g., a describe: For the purposes of this Administrative trip to Spain by the Spanish Club or a a. the district's policy, including the Regulation, "School Fees" shall be defined as Junior High School class trip.) criteria and other circumstances under any monetary charges to be collected by the Mt. 4. Charges for admission to school dances, which the district will waive school Zion Community Unit School District #3 from a athletic events or other social events. fees; student, parent, or guardian of a student as a C. Standards for determination of eligibility b. the fees subject to waiver under the prerequisite for the student's participation in a include: district's policy; school/district program. "School Fees" shall not 1. A qualification for free lunches under "AN c. the procedure to be used by parents include those supplies required and necessary for ACT AUTHORIZING SCHOOL BOARDS or guardians in applying for a waiver ordinary educational purposes (e.g., pencil, AND WELFARE CENTERS TO of school fees, including the paper, notebook, physical education attire, etc.). SPONSOR COMMUNITY SCHOOL availability of forms that may be used The following shall serve to provide specific LUNCH PROGRAMS AND FREE to request a fee waiver; and reference for implementation and operation of this BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS 2. The first announcement or notice sent to regulation: AND AUTHORIZING AND REQUIRING parents or guardians who owe fees shall A. "School Fees" shall include, but not be FREE SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS, state: limited to: PROVIDING FOR STATE a. that the district waives fees for 1. Charges for textbooks and instructional REIMBURSEMENT" (Community School persons unable to afford them in materials. Lunch Program) (III.Rev.Stat.1989, ch. accordance with its policy; and 2. Charges for field trips made during 122,par. 712.1 et seq). b. the procedure for applying for a fee school hours, or made after school hours 2. Eligibility for reduced price lunches waiver, or the name, address and if the field trip is a scheduled and/or 3. Significant loss of income due to severe telephone number of the person to customary part of a class or extra- illness or injury in the family or unusual contact for information concerning a curricular activity (e.g., annually fee waiver. Page 50
E. Procedures for the resolution of disputes will calendar days following the adoption of the Foundation's Mission be: amendment(s). The mission of the Mt. Zion Foundation 1. All initial requests for waivers of fees will G. School records that identify individual for Quality Education is to enhance the quality of be decided by the building principal. students as applicants for or recipients of fee educational programs and services available to When such a request is denied, notice of waivers are subject to the Illinois School all Mt. Zion students through the generation, the decision will be mailed to the parents Student Records Act (Ill.Rev.Stat. 1989, Ch. attraction and distribution of financial and other or guardians within thirty (30) calendar 122, par. 50-1 et seq.). Information from such resources to the Mt. Zion Schools. These days of receipt of the request. The records is confidential and may be disclosed resources shall be used to provide students with decision will state the reason for the only as provided in the Act. denial and will inform the parents or H. No discrimination or punishment of any kind, expanded and enriched learning opportunities. guardians of their right to appeal, including the lowering of grades or exclusion What Is The Purpose of the Foundation? including the process and timelines for from classes, may be exercised against a that action. The denial notice will also The Foundation has been created to enrich student whose parents or guardians are the lifelong learning programs of the Mt. Zion include a statement informing the parents unable to purchase required textbooks or Community Unit School District #3. It will provide or guardians that they may reapply for a instructional materials or to pay required fees. funds beyond the normal operating budget for waiver any time during the school year, if (Section 28-19.2(a) of The School Code). community educational programs not available circumstances change. through tax revenues. 2. All appeals will be decided by the FIELD TRIP TRANSPORTATION Associate Superintendent of Schools. An Where Do The Funds Come From? appeal shall be decided within thirty (30) All students will be required to ride provided Foundation funds are obtained from calendar days of the receipt of the school bus transportation to and returning from individual and corporate tax deductible parents' or guardians' request for an contributions, as well as from other foundations. an activity or event unless prior written appeal. Parents and guardians will have The contributions can general in nature or can be the right to meet with the Associate permission is obtained from the administration 24 given to support a particular project. Superintendent, who will decide the hours in advance. appeal in order to explain why the fee What Types Of Projects Will Be Funded? waiver should or should not be granted. If MT. ZION FOUNDATION FOR The Foundation Board has determined the appeal is denied, then the district will QUALITY EDUCATION that funds will be awarded to a variety of mail a copy of its decision to the parents. programs and identified educational needs P. O. Box 31 Mt. Zion, IL 62549 The decision will state the reason for the including, but not necessarily limited to, denial. (217) 864-2366 technology, fine arts and other educational 3. No fee shall be collected from any parent Trustees opportunities. or guardian who is seeking a fee waiver Kelli McInerney, Chairman in accordance with this regulation until Tami Romano, Vice Chairman Who Decides How The Money Will Be Spent? the Building Principal and/or Associate Steve Grohne, Treasurer All donations to the Foundation are spent Superintendent have acted on the initial Heather Mason, Secretary request or appeal (if any is made), and Dr. Mary Cole with the approval of the Board of Trustees. The the parents or guardians have been Lisa Flora use of the funds must be consistent with the notified of the decision. Kevin Fritzche Foundation's mission and goals. The Foundation F. If this fee waiver policy and/or procedure are Kelly McCourt Edwards Board encourages program suggestions and Shane Mendenhall substantively amended, then parents or recommendations from district employees, alumni Dr. Travis R. Roundcount guardians of students enrolled in the district Michelle Shumaker and community patrons. will be notified in writing within thirty (30) Betsy Tanner Page 51
Your Support of the Foundation Is Vital! III. To encourage school/community numerically. However, some courses deal strictly Contributions can be made to the Foundation partnerships: with a letter grade due to the subjectivity of the in several ways. Make a gift of cash, check, material being graded. An explanation of the securities and/or personal property in any A. Provide a vehicle for organizations and letters follows: amount. You may choose to pledge a certain individuals to share resources with the A: Superior (90-100): The student’s dollar amount selecting either monthly or annual schools for the purpose of enriching and achievement in all areas of the subject is payments. expanding learning opportunities. clearly superior and the quality and Designate gifts as a memorial to loved ones, B. Promote knowledge and awareness both quantity of work are consistently living or deceased. Include the Foundation as a within and without the community about excellent. educational challenges and opportunities. beneficiary in your estate planning B: Above Average (80-89): Achievement in many areas of the subject is above What Are The Goals Of The Foundation? FUNDRAISING average, and quality and quantity of work are consistently excellent. I. To encourage student development: All school related fundraisers must be C: Average (70-79): Achievement in most approved by the building principal and listed on areas of the subject is average and the A. Provide enrichment programs and activities the District fundraising calendar. Fundraisers quality and quantity of work are generally designed to offer students opportunities to should be planned to ensure that sales are acceptable. excel. prohibited in the school building during the school D: Below Average (65-69): Achievement in B. Provide students with expanded services in day, unless granted prior permission by the the subject is barely passing and the areas such as career counseling, study building principal. quality and quantity of work are the skills development and other academic minimum acceptable for credit. needs. GRADE REPORTING F: Poor (64 & below): Achievement is poor C. Provide resources for the acquisition and or progress is lacking, minimum implementation of advanced educational Grades 2-12 report cards will be posted on requirements have not been met, and technology in areas such as Family Access each 9 weeks. Mid-term progress credit is not granted. telecommunications. reports will be posted on Family Access each 4 ½ Grade reporting will be available through D. Provide opportunities for enhancing week period between report cards. Parents need Family Access. student appreciation and skill levels in the to notify the school office if they would like a print fine arts. out of these reports. The calendar attached Audit Policy
provides the anticipated dates that report cards A student who has earned a "D" in a course II. To encourage excellence through and mid-term progress reports are posted. may choose to audit that course to prepare for professional growth of staff and teachers: the next sequential course and/or to earn a better K-1 report cards will be sent home at the end A. Provide resources to teachers and staff of each 9 week period. grade needed for admission to post-secondary for the development of innovative ideas programs. A student must have a counselor and programs within the school GRADES recommendation and administrative approval. environment. B. Recognize outstanding achievements The regular grading system uses the letters When a student audits a class: and contributions by of the educational A,B,C,D, and F to report the achievement in each 1) No additional credit is earned. community. marking period. The final grade for the semester 2) The new grade is recorded on the transcript C. Provide opportunities and resources for at the High School is the average of the reported but does not affect G.P.A. the ongoing professional development of period grades including the final examination. A 3) The student must be enrolled in seven staff and teachers. student must pass a course in order to receive courses. credit. When possible, grades will be computed Page 52
4) Students auditing a mathematics course must GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS requirements and shall receive their attend a meeting of the parents, principal, and diplomas when the requirements are met. teacher to review and sign the Mathematics Guidelines Said students may enroll in credit classes Student Contract. 1. A student must be enrolled at Mt. Zion and transfer those credits to Mt. Zion High High School the semester immediately School for graduation requirements. Honor Roll preceding graduation. With the approval of 6. Not more than two total credits earned An honor roll recognizes student academic the High School Principal, a senior student through correspondence course work may achievements in grades 5-12. who lacks credits to be graduated with his or count toward regular high school graduation her class may attend summer school or take (graduation with one's class). All credits Grades 5-8 correspondence courses following his or her earned in another state-recognized high Students whose grade point average is 3.00- senior year and then receive a diploma. school will transfer to Mt. Zion High School. 3.50 will be placed on the honor roll. However, said students may not participate Students transferring to Mt. Zion High Students whose grade point average is 3.51- in graduation activities prior to the School from approved schools will have their 4.00 will be placed on high honor roll. completion of all graduation requirements. transcripts evaluated by the Guidance 2. All students whose class has not graduated Department; previous coursework may be Grades 9-12 must be enrolled for a full day program with substituted for one or more of the Mt. Zion SUMMA CUM LAUDE - A’s in all courses. a minimum load of six (6) classes. graduation requirements, subject to the Exceptions may be granted by the high HIGH HONOR ROLL - 3.51-4.80 average in all approval of the High School Principal. school principal only when a scheduling courses. However, the substituted coursework must conflict exists. HONOR ROLL - 3.00-3.50 average in all have been successfully completed prior to 3. Diplomas will be issued at the time of courses. A “D” or “F” in any subject disqualifies enrollment at Mt. Zion High School. regular graduation to those who have a student from any honor roll. Correspondence work may not count met the requirements. Students who towards early graduation. Correspondence complete their work at mid-year will receive GRADUATION HONORS work may not be taken in lieu of required a diploma at the time of the regular classes, unless remediating a previously graduation and may take part in graduation failed class. Each year a valedictorian and salutatorian exercises at the end of the year. Any student 7. A student with a disability whose are chosen from the graduating class. Each must that has outstanding debts (suspensions, Individualized Education Program ("IEP") have attended Mt. Zion High School four detentions, fees, fines, etc.) will not be prescribes special education, transition semesters in order to qualify. The senior with the allowed to participate in planning, transition services, and related highest "weighted" grade point average at the graduation/promotion ceremonies. services beyond the student's four years of end of the eighth semester is the valedictorian 4. Anyone who attended Mt. Zion High School, high school, and who has completed four and second highest is the salutatorian. In naming failed to graduate, and subsequently passed years of high school by the end of the school the valedictorian and salutatorian, students who entrance requirements to an approved year, will be allowed to participate in the take the same number of weighted classes and college or university and, thereafter, graduation ceremony of the student's high receive A's in the extra non-weighted classes will successfully completed one full year of school graduating class and receive a not be penalized; co-valedictorians and/or co- college study, shall be issued a Mt. Zion certificate of completion. Notification to the salutatorians could be named (i.e., a student High School diploma upon receipt of an high school principal of intent to participate must be enrolled at Mt. Zion High School prior to official college transcript which verifies the in the graduation ceremony under these the beginning of his/her second semester of the successful completion of 32 semester hours guidelines must occur by February 1. sophomore year). of college credit. Nothing in the policy or procedures prohibits 5. All students whose class has graduated the Superintendent or designee from may enroll as special students in those prohibiting a student from participating in the classes needed to fulfill graduation Page 53
graduation ceremony of his/her graduating Two (2) credits of physical education are required permitted at some colleges and universities; class or a subsequent graduating class for unless the student has a physical education check with the appropriate admissions office. other reasons (such as disciplinary exemption signed by a doctor. Rules governing dual credit students are sanctions or non-payment of fees), which For the Vocational Education Program: outlined herein. See section on Dual Credit. would disqualify students without disabilities 2 credits (4 semesters) of vocational classes from participating in the graduation must be completed prior to admission to the Work Diplomas for Veterans ceremony. Program or Decatur Area Vocational Center. The A law was recently passed that allows the school 8. Mt. Zion Junior High School students will not Keyboarding requirement will account for 3 board of any district maintaining grades 10-12 to receive High School credit for courses semesters of this stipulation. award a diploma to any honorably discharged (Spanish I, French I and II, Algebra, and For the College Preparatory Program: veteran who: served in the armed forces of the Geometry) taken while enrolled at Mt. Zion The Illinois Board of Higher Education United States during World War II or the Korean Junior High School; however, these courses recommends these credits prior to admission to Conflict; resided within an area currently within will be listed on their High School Transcript. any state college or university for entering the district; left high school before graduating in For All Students: freshman beginning with the class of 1990: order to serve in the armed forces of the United High School credits will be awarded as follows: States; and has not received a high school a. 1 credit will be awarded for the 4 credits of English, diploma. For further information, please contact successful completion of other courses 3 credits of math (Algebra I or above), the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs at: meeting five days per week, one period 3 credits of science (laboratory sciences), 1-800-437-9824.
each day for one year. 3 credits of social science, and b. 2 credits will be awarded to work program education GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE- students for one full year of work DISCRIMINATION experience. Re-alignment of the above requirements is Individuals who feel the School District has GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS discriminated against any student for reasons of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, Mt. Zion High School students must earn 24 credits to graduate. The following courses must be part of those credits: economic status, or handicap are encouraged to resolve the situation by meeting and discussing 4 credits of English (English I, II, III and IV or RCC ENG 101 and RCC ENG 102 and/or Accelerated English I, II, III, IV [AP]) 3 credits of Mathematics; one course must be Algebra and another course must include Geometry content the problem with the appropriate staff member(s) 3 credits of Science and/or building administrator. 2 credits of Social Sciences (1 credit of U.S. History during 11th grade, 1/2 credit of Government, 1/2 credit of Modern World History) 1/2 credit of Keyboarding In those cases where the situation cannot be 1/2 credit of Health resolved satisfactorily through the chain of 1 credit of Fine Arts (may be: Music, Art, Foreign Language, or Vocational Education [see below]) 1/4 credit of Consumer Education command procedure, the complainant should 2 credits of Physical Education (Students must take PE every semester unless a waiver applies and is approved) follow these steps:
The following vocational courses may be used to satisfy the Fine Arts requirement with the exception of those courses used to fulfill 1. The grievance should be presented in writing another graduation requirement.** to the building principal. Once a grievance
• Heartland Technical Academy programs has been presented to the principal, he/she • Cooperative Office/Interrelated Occupations will respond in writing within two weeks. • Agriculture department courses • Computer Education courses 2. If the grievance has not been resolved, it • Family and Consumer Sciences department courses shall be submitted in writing to the • Business department courses • Industrial Arts department courses Superintendent of Schools who will respond in writing within two weeks. **(For example, Consumer Education may not be used to satisfy the fine arts component because it is already a graduation requirement.) 3. If the grievance still is not resolved, it may be referred to the Board of Education. Page 54
4. The complainant has the right to appeal Physical Examinations All students entering 6th grade must show the decision of the Board of Education to A physical examination is required for a proof of one dose of: the Meningococcal the Superintendent of the Macon County student’s first entrance into Preschool, Vaccine. Regional Office of Education and, Kindergarten, 6th grade, 9th grade, or when thereafter, to the State Superintendent of transferring from an out of state school into All students entering 12th grade must show Education. an Illinois school. The exam must be dated proof of two doses of: the Meningococcal within one year prior to the date the student Vaccine, unless the first dose was given on or after the 16th birthday, in which case only one SCHOOL COUNSELORS enters school and is due no later than October 15 of the current school year. dose is required.
Students may see school counselors as a In order to be a valid Health Physical Exam, the exam must be documented on the proper Dental Examinations result of self-referral, request by counselor, Dental examinations are required for parent referral, administrative/teacher/staff State of Illinois form, the “Certificate of Child Health Examination”, available for download students entering Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th referral, and/or friend referral. Parents can and grade for the first time. Dental exams must be are encouraged to call, make appointments, and from the district website. No other form is acceptable. Also, the “Health History” portion of performed by a licensed dentist and are due by attend counseling office events. School May 15 of the current school year and may have counselors provide services for academics, social the form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian. (An exam completed on a been completed at any time on or after November emotional concerns, peer relations, family issues, 15 of the previous year. Dental exams are to be crisis situations, special needs, health issues, “Sports Physical” form is not an acceptable school physical exam, however, the school completed on the “State of Illinois Proof of individual/group counseling, test preparation School Dental Examination Form”, available information, and college & post-secondary exam may be used to meet the requirement of a sport’s physical.) for download from the website. Dental exam planning. waiver forms are available if a dental exam is
unobtainable for specific reason. Please refer to HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE Immunizations Minimum Immunization requirements must be the waiver form for the specifics. met and submitted no later than October 15 of Mt. Zion School District #3 buildings are the current school year, or have an approved Eye/Vision Examinations handicap accessible. Please contact the building medical or religious immunization exemption Eye/vision examinations are required for Principal or office if you should need any on file with the school. Recent changes to the all students’ first entry into Kindergarten or upon assistance. Immunization Requirements are as follows: first entry to an Illinois school at any grade level. The form, “State of Illinois Eye HEALTH/MEDICAL All students entering Kindergarten, 6th and 9th Examination Report” is the acceptable form to grades are required to show proof of having be used and is available for download from the Administrative Code two doses of: Varicella (or proof of immunity) district website. Eye exams are due on or before The School Code of Illinois requires parents October 15 of the current school year, or within 6 to show proof that their student has met All students in grade K-12 are required to weeks from date of enrollment. An eye exam physical, dental, and eye examination and show proof of two doses of: Measles, waiver form is available if an exam is immunization requirements. Failure to meet the Mumps, Rubella unobtainable for specific reasons. Please refer to physical exam and immunization requirements by the waiver form for specifics. October 15 of the current school year results in All students entering Pre-K programs are required to show proof of immunization for: exclusion from Illinois schools until these Hearing and Vision Screenings Invasive Pneumococcal Disease or PCV requirements is met. Health/Medical forms are Impaired vision and hearing in children can available on the school district website or in the seriously impede learning and may contribute to school offices. Dental exam requirements are due the development of emotional and behavior by May 15 of the current school year. problems. Screening of a child’s vision and Page 55 hearing can lead to early discovery and HEALTH INFORMATION (CONTINUED) - CONTAGIOUS DISEASE REFERENCE CHART treatment which can prevent or alleviate many The following are general recommendations by the Illinois Department of Public Health. It should be noted that these diseases of these problems. The State of Illinois are primarily transmitted by direct contact with the infected individual through coughing, sneezing, or unsanitary conditions. mandates vision and hearing screenings as Incubation outlined in the “Rules and Regulations of Disease Early Signs & Symptoms Exclude Until the Child Vision and Hearing Test Act”. Period These mandated vision and hearing screenings Slight fever, followed by rash which looks For not less than 6 days after the are provided to students during school hours at Chicken Pox 14-21 days like small blisters. Blisters dry up to form appearance of last eruption - no no charge to the parent/guardian. The screens scabs and fall off in about 14 days. temperature and blisters dry. are performed by State of Illinois certified vision and audiometric technicians. The purpose of Slight fever and swelling of glands on Rubella For not less than 5 days after 14-21 days back of neck. Pinkish-red blotches, these screenings is to identify those children (3-day) Measles appearance of rash. who might have vision and/or hearing beginning on face. problems and to then refer those children for further medical evaluation. Further Starts like a cold with fever, watery eyes and nose and cough. Within 3-5 days a No nasal or ear discharge, at least 1 medical evaluation, regarding the referral Measles 10-14 days concern, is at the parent/guardian’s expense. rash of dull red blotches appears, starting week. on face, spreading downward on body. Should you not want your child to participate in the vision and hearing screenings at school, please put the request in writing and provide Fever and nausea. Pain and swelling at Until all swelling disappears - at least Mumps 12-26 days to the school office and/or school nurse at the angles of the jaw and in front of the ears. 9 days. start of each school year. Vision screenings are provided annually for all preschool children 3 years of age or Sudden fever, sore throat, and red tongue with white spots. Red pin-point dot rash, Minimum 24 hours after antibiotics older, and all children in kindergarten, 2nd Scarlet Fever 1-3 days and 8th grades, teacher referrals, students first on neck and upper chest. Scarlatina are started. is a light case of scarlet fever. who are new to the district and all students receiving special education services. (Kindergarten students who have met the Starts with symptoms of a cold and 10 days, Has received 5 days of treatment or Whooping Cough cough; characteristic “whoop” develops required eye exam will not be screened.) commonly 7 days appropriate antibiotic. Hearing screenings are provided in cough, followed by vomiting. annually for all preschool children 3 years of age or older, and all children in kindergarten, ILLNESS GUIDELINES: The child’s temperature should be normal for 24 hours before returning to school 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades, teacher referrals, (under 100 degrees without the aid of any fever medication). students new to the district and all students receiving special education services. directions from a physician. Both prescription and . The Medication Authorization form is non-prescription medications, including available via download from the district Medications at School emergency medications require the following: website. Medications will be administered at school . Medication Authorization for each individual under the guidelines outlined under School Board .Medication Authorization form signed by medication that is to be administered. Policy. The school nursing staff, principal, and both the physician and the parent/guardian . A Medication authorization form is required secretary may administer or supervise self- (valid for one school year only). each school year for each medication to be administration of medications only with specific administered. Page 56
. Self-administration and self-carrying of Authorization form signed by the physician who are not homeless. This commitment to the certain emergency medications will be and parent/guardian, and labeled as required. educational rights of homeless children, youth, allowed under certain conditions: Parent’s . Provide accurate and updated emergency and youth not living with a parent or guardian, must sign a written release of liability, the contact information. applies to all services, programs, and activities student must demonstrate responsibility, it provided or made available as prescribed in the must be authorized by the physician and the Fever McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. building principal. Students with a temperature of 100 degrees In an effort to comply with the McKinney- or higher should not be at school until they Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Mt. Zion School Additionally: are fever free for 24 hours, without the use of District affirms that all Homeless Students will not . All prescription medications must be labeled fever reducing medications. be denied the benefits of, or be subject to, by the pharmacist or the prescriber with the discrimination under any educational program or name of the child, name of the medication, Head Lice activity as students who are not homeless. the amount to be given, the time to be given, Students who have been determined to have name of the prescriber, and the date of the head lice may not return to school until they are HOMEWORK prescription. determined to be “nit free” and checked by a . Over the counter medications (OTC or non- school nurse. Three days is considered sufficient prescription) should be brought in with the Some learning experiences may be time to remedy the situation. If additional time is manufacturer’s original label with the list of enhanced by extending class work through the needed, please speak with the principal or school active ingredients and the child’s name assignment of work to be done outside regular affixed or written clearly on the label. nurse. class times. Teachers may give homework to . Medications must be picked up by a pupils to aid in their development. parent/guardian at the end of the school year, Illness/Injury/Accident The type, frequency, and quantity of medication will not be sent home with a child. Any illness, injury or accident should be homework should be based on the needs of the Medications not picked up will be destroyed. reported to the school office. If the illness or injury individual student as determined by the appears to warrant it, parents will be contacted professional judgement of the teacher. Homework Food Allergies for information and instruction. It is important that shall be an application or adoption of a classroom Food allergies can be life threatening. The risk all pertinent information regarding emergency experience and shall not be assigned for of accidental exposure to food allergens can be contact information be kept current. disciplinary purposes. reduced when schools, students, parents and Parents of students with special medical physicians work together to minimize the risk for needs (e.g. hemophilia, diabetes, HONORS AND AWARDS exposure, providing a safe environment for food- epilepsy/seizures, life threatening allergies, etc.) allergic students. should inform the school nurse or building Mt. Zion High School will follow the NASSP principal of such conditions so that appropriate approved programs booklet for awards and action can be taken when and if necessary. . Notify the school of your child’s allergies. Be honors. Information pertaining to health conditions and/or sure to provide food allergy information to the school cafeteria, school bus personnel, physical restrictions should be supplied by the INSURANCE - SUPPLEMENTAL student’s physician. before and after school programs and STUDENT ACCIDENT coaching staff. HOMELESS STUDENTS - RIGHTS . Provide written medical documentation, All students enrolled at Mt. Zion Community instructions, and medications as directed Unit School District #3 are covered under the by a physician. Use of the Food Allergy The Mt. Zion School District shall provide an district's supplemental student accident Action Plan is highly recommended and is educational environment that treats all students insurance. The student Accident Policy provides available via download on the school website. with dignity and respect. Every homeless student an annual maximum of $50,000 coverage for . Emergency medications should be provided shall have equal access to the same free and as per district policy with a Medication appropriate educational opportunities as students Page 57 medical expenses as a result of an accident while LIBRARIES and other sanitary conditions, attempts to locate attending regular school sessions. lost or stolen articles, and efforts to locate Excess Provision - This coverage is provided as Libraries are open to students during the prohibited and/or dangerous materials. secondary insurance to parents and students in hours determined by each principal and librarian. The school is not responsible for items lost out of lockers. Students should not reveal locker the district. If there is other insurance, benefits Students are reminded that self-discipline is combinations to other students and are expected are paid on the unpaid balances after the primary necessary so as not to disrupt or prevent to use only their assigned lockers. insurance has paid. If there is no other insurance, anyone’s use of the library. Talking must be kept this becomes primary coverage. to a minimum and always conducted in a low Benefit Period - Expenses incurred after one Gym Lockers (Grades 7-12 only): Each student voice. Proper care of library materials and must have a padlock (preferably a combination year from the date of injury are not covered, even equipment is necessary at all times. lock) for his/her assigned locker. The school is though the service is a continuing one or one that All library materials must be checked out not responsible for items lost from gym lockers. is necessarily delayed beyond one year from the properly and according to the librarians' date of injury. directions. C.D.'s and "R" rated films are not to be LOST AND FOUND Benefit claim forms are available in each checked out through the library. Materials may be school's office. The District assumes no used in the library without checking them out; Inquiries concerning misplaced articles responsibility for any accident or for the filing of reference materials are not to leave the library. should be directed to the principal’s office and an Fines will be assessed for overdue materials; claims. Claims must be filed immediately after an appropriate form will be completed by the it is important to return materials on or before the accident by the student/parent. student. If any article is found, it should be turned due date. in to the office. Please label all personal property, clothing, books, equipment, bags, lunch boxes, Guidelines for Sending Claims LOCKERS etc. In regard to making a claim, the parent/guardian must observe the following Grades 4-12: Students are assigned a corridor MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES procedures and time limits: locker for their books and other personal 1) Within 30 days from the date of the injury, a belongings. Each locker is equipped with a Definition: Mobile electronic devices for the licensed medical physician must treat the combination lock. Locker combination directions purpose of this policy will only include laptops, student. are: tablets, and e-readers. 2) Within 30 days of a covered accident or as
soon as possible parents must complete and 1) Clear the lock by turning it past zero two 1) Use of mobile electronic devices must be for file a School Insurance Claim Form, which times. can be obtained from the office at each 2) Stop at zero. the purpose of education or research, and be school. 3) Turn to the RIGHT to your first number. consistent with the educational objectives of 3) Return the completed Claim Form with any 4) Turn to the LEFT past your second number. the District. billings that you might have received from 5) Stop at the second number the second time. 2) Use of mobile electronic devices by students the physician and/or facility and mail to the 6) Turn to the RIGHT to your third number. must be approved by the building level address on the form. In case of lock failure, the student should administration and the classroom instructor 4) Parents may submit copies of itemized bills report to the main office for assistance. or supervisor. and other carriers' explanation of benefits as School officials reserve the right to examine 3) A student will not be allowed to use a mobile long as treatment does not exceed one year both the locker and the contents of the locker at electronic device in a way that is in violation from the date of the accident. any time. The purpose of such examination shall of the School District Policy. 5) If the student and/or parent have any include, but not be limited to, attempts to locate 4) When using school-issued devices at school questions regarding claims, they may fire and/or other hazards, for normal maintenance the only Wi-Fi connection the student is contact Brian Rhoades, Associate allowed to use is the Wi-Fi connection Superintendent at: 864-2366. provided by the Mt. Zion School District. All Page 58
use of other wireless connections is leave them unattended or unsecured. The gathered does not guarantee election. The prohibited. school district is not require to provide Faculty Council reviews each information form. 5) Use of mobile electronic devices is limited to storage for mobile electronic devices. Along with excellent scholastic achievement, a scheduled instructional class time and candidate must also have a documented service scheduled study time. Mobile electronic Discipline for Misuse of Mobile Electronic Device: record, an honorable character, and hold devices can only be used in academic Misuse of a mobile electronic device will leadership positions in school and/or the classroom areas, the media center, and result in disciplinary action including but not community. other approved designated areas. Mobile limited to the device being confiscated, the Per Section 4 of the National NHS electronic devices can only be used at the student not being allowed to bring a MED to Constitution, a student does not become a above times and locations with the approval school, the student losing all network and member of NHS until he/she has been inducted and supervision of a Mt. Zion staff member. computer access privileges while at school, the at a formal ceremony. Inductees are highly 6) Any use of mobile electronic devices is student being removed from the class, and if encouraged to attend the formal ceremony. strictly prohibited in non-academic areas necessary other appropriate discipline or legal However, in the event that extenuating including but not limited to locker rooms, and action that would apply. circumstances prevent an inductee from being restrooms, whether here or at another facility able to attend the formal ceremony, he/she can where a school activity or athletic event is NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY SELECTION be inducted by reciting the NHS Pledge and signing the NHS Member Book in the presence of occurring. PROCEDURES the NHS Sponsor and Chapter President. 7) The recording capabilities of a mobile Any student inducted into National Honor electronic device can only be used with the Selection to NHS is a privilege, not a right. Society is expected to uphold the NHS virtues of Students do not apply for membership in the permission of the building administration and scholarship, leadership, service, and character. National Honor Society; instead they provide the classroom instructor or supervisor. The Members or inductees may be given a recording capabilities of the mobile information to be used by the local selection probationary notice or removed from NHS for electronic device can only be used for committee to support their candidacy for failure to uphold any of the NHS virtues. Failure purposes of education, and must be membership. Membership is granted only to to uphold the NHS virtues includes but is not consistent with the instructional objectives of those students selected by the Faculty Council. limited to any type of suspension for disciplinary the Mt. Zion School District. Students who This is not an election, nor is membership reasons, accumulating consequences for several use the recording capabilities of a mobile automatically conveyed simply because a student small disciplinary infractions, violating the electronic device inappropriately will face has achieved a specified level of academic District’s Co-Curricular Handbook, failure to discipline consequences that could include a performance. NHS is more than just an honor roll. accumulate required hours for community warning through a recommendation for Each student's academic, leadership, service, service, and a cumulative grade point average expulsion from school. and character records are carefully considered by that drops below a 3.75. 8) Students who choose to bring their personal the Faculty Council. mobile electronic device to school will Membership is open to qualified PASSES understand that school personnel will not be sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have been responsible for troubleshooting or supporting in the school equivalent of one semester. This Students in grades 7-12 will use the school the use of that device. period is necessary for students to establish issued planner/passbook for passes out of class. 9) Mobile electronic devices are popular theft themselves and for the faculty to get to know Students in grades 7-8 are limited to 15 passes items. The District is not responsible for the them. Students with a 3.75 grade point average per quarter while students in grades 9-12 are loss, theft, damage, or vandalism to student or above are considered for NHS. limited to 10 passes per quarter. If a student mobile electronic devices. Students and After a student has been determined to have loses their passbook they must buy another one parents are strongly encouraged to ensure the necessary academic requirements, he/she is ($10). that if students have mobile electronic required to complete a student activity information devices in their possession they should not form. These surveys are not applications for membership, and the review of information Page 59
PASSIVE ALCOHOL SENSOR/ the semester if they meet any of the following POSTERS/CIRCULARS HAND HELD METAL DETECTOR criteria: 1) The student is in grade 11 or 12 and is a Any sign, poster, or notice displayed or Any student may be expected to submit to a participant in interscholastic athletics. circulated on school property must be approved passive alcohol sensor or hand held metal 2) The student is in grade 9-12 and is a or initialed by the Superintendent or designee. detector while on school property or at any school participant in Marching Band (1st semester Notices pertaining to school associated activities event. Any student having a positive reading may exemption only). will most generally be approved. be subject to disciplinary action. 3) The student is in grade 11 or 12 and must Any poster, sign or notice posted without the enroll in a class that, if not taken, would administration’s approval will be removed. prevent the student from graduating. 4) The student is in grade 11 or 12 and must PUBLICATIONS enroll in a class that, if not taken, would prevent the student from admission to an Each building offers a yearbook to its institution of higher learning of the student’s students each year. Cost and acquisition choice. information will be distributed to all students. NOTICE TO PARENTS/STUDENTS 5) The student has a medical issue and Schools also publish monthly/weekly provides documentation signed by a Mt. Zion School District #3 has an Integrated Pest newsletters which provide information about Management (IPM) Policy which incorporates building physician. events, activities, curriculum, and other items of maintenance, sanitation, physical barriers, and as a All students must obtain 2 credits of P.E. with interest. last resort, the most safe, effective means of pesticide no option of waiver except for students with a application. Although we have no intention of spraying physician documented medical condition that RECESS/P.E. K-6 or fogging with pesticides, in the unlikely event that would prevent a student's ability to participate in this is found necessary, we are creating a voluntary P.E. registration. By putting your name on this list, you are Students will be permitted to stay inside for asking to be notified two days before an airborne recess with a note from a parent or guardian for HS Gym Uniforms pesticide application. In the event of an extreme three (3) consecutive days or less. Any student Students are required to have a regulation emergency when pesticides must be used needing to remain inside longer than three (3) immediately, we will notify you as soon as possible. gym uniform to participate in Physical Education. Contact your school's office if you wish to be added to This uniform shall consist of a Mt. Zion Braves consecutive days must obtain a note from the the registry. t-shirt, socks, gym shoes, and school appropriate doctor; subsequently, prior to returning to recess, gym shorts. The P.E. teachers have the authority a physician's release will be required. If you have any further questions, please feel free to to determine appropriate P.E. attire. Students will be excused from P.E. activities contact Dr. Travis R. Roundcount at: (217) 864-2366. with a note from a parent or guardian for three (3) consecutive days or less. Any student needing to JH Gym Uniforms Every student is required to have a remain out of P.E. longer than three (3) Dr. Travis R. Roundcount, Superintendent of Schools consecutive days must obtain a note from the regulation gym uniform to participate in Physical Telephone 217/864-2366 • 455 Elm Street, Mt. Zion, IL 62549 • Fax 217/864-2200 Education. This uniform shall consist of a solid doctor. Prior to returning to P.E., a physician's red or white t-shirt, socks, gym shoes, and solid release will be required. Additionally, any student
red or white shorts. The student's name is to be excused from P.E. will also be excused from all PHYSICAL EDUCATION marked in permanent marker on the outside of recess activities. each piece of the uniform. Physical Education Waiver Policy RECORDS ACCESS - STUDENTS Illinois School Code requires that all high Grades K-6 only school students take P.E. every semester; All students must wear gym shoes to The Superintendent of Schools is the however, students may be exempt from P.E. for participate in Physical Education. official records custodian of the Mt. Zion Page 60
Community Unit School District #3 Schools. 3) Parents or any person specifically (iii) If the challenge is not resolved by The following information pertains to the designated as a representative by a the informal conference, a formal rights and obligations of parents, students and parent have the right to: hearing shall be initiated. the school under the Illinois School Student a. Inspect and copy all permanent and (iv) Formal hearing: A hearing officer, Records Act (ISSRA) Chapter 122, Par. 50-1 et temporary records within a reasonable who is not employed in the seq. of the Illinois Revised Statutes (1985) and time and in no case later than 15 days attendance center in which the the Rules promulgated thereunder by the Illinois after the date of receipt of such request student is enrolled, shall be State Board of Education, which can be found at by the official records custodian. A appointed by the school and shall 23 Illinois Administrative Code 375. student shall have the right to inspect and conduct a hearing within a 1) The student permanent record consists copy his or her school student permanent reasonable time but no later than 15 of basic identifying information, record. No parent or student shall be days after the informal conference, attendance record, accident reports and denied a copy of school student records unless an extension of time is health record, record of release of due to inability to bear the cost of such agreed upon by the parents and permanent record information, and may copying. (ISSRA, Par.50-5) school officials. The hearing officer also consist of records of awards and b. Have present at the option either of the shall notify the parents and school participation in school-sponsored parent or the school, a qualified officials of the time and place of the activities. No other information will be professional, who may be a psychologist, hearing. Each party shall have the placed in the student permanent record. The counselor, or other advisor, and who may right to present evidence, and to call permanent record will be kept for 60 years be an employee of the school or witnesses, the right to cross- after graduation or permanent withdrawal. employed by the parent, to interpret the examine witnesses, and the right to (ISSRA, Par. 50-2 (e); 50-4 (e)) information contained in the student counsel. A record of the hearing 2) The student temporary record consists of temporary record. If the school requires shall be made by tape recording or all information that is of clear relevance that a professional be present, the school by a court reporter. The decision of to the education of the student, but is not shall secure and bear any cost of the the hearing officer shall be rendered required to be in the student permanent presence of the professional. If the parent no later than 10 school days after record. It may include family background so requests, the school shall secure and the conclusion of the hearing and information, intelligence test scores, aptitude bear any cost of a professional employed shall be transmitted to the parents test scores, psychological and personality by the school.(ISSRA, Par. 50-5 (b)) and the school district. The hearing test results, teacher evaluations, teacher c. Challenge the accuracy, relevancy or officer’s decision shall be based anecdotes, and disciplinary information. propriety of any entry in the school solely on the evidence presented at A record of release of temporary record student records, exclusive of grades, by the hearing and shall order (a) information must be included in the student requesting a hearing with the school. retention of the challenged contents temporary record. The temporary record will (i) The request of a hearing shall be of the student record, or (b) removal be reviewed for elimination of out-of-date, submitted in writing to the school of the challenged contents of the inaccurate or unnecessary information every and shall contain notice of the student record; or (c) change, 4 years or upon a student’s change in specific entry or entries to be clarification or addition to the attendance centers, whichever occurs first. challenged and the basis of the challenged contents of the student The temporary record will be destroyed challenge. record. The parties shall have the entirely within five years after graduation or (ii) An informal conference will be held right to appeal the decision of the permanent withdrawal. (ISSRA, Par. 50-2 (f) within 15 school days of receipt of hearing officer to the Regional and 50-4 (f); Rules, Section 375.10) the request for a hearing. Superintendent of Schools. (v) Appeal: Notice of appeal must be presented to the Regional Page 61
Superintendent of Schools within 20 Education with a current demonstratable such service, if the parents make no school days after the decision of the or educational or administrative interest objection, the records may be transferred hearing officer. The opposing party in the student, in furtherance of such to the requesting school; (ISSRA, Par. shall be notified of the appeal at the interest; (ISSRA, Par. 50-6 (a) (2)) 50-6 (a) (3); Rules, Sec. 375.70 (a)) same time. Within 10 school days, c. "Federal law permits the school district to e. to any person for the purpose of the school shall forward a transcript disclose personally identifiable research, statistical reporting or planning of the hearing, a copy of the record information in the student's education provided that no student of parent can be entry in question and any other records to "school officials with legitimate identified from the information released pertinent materials to the Regional educational interests." School officials and the person(s) requesting the use of Superintendent of Schools. Upon include persons employed by the district such information has signed an affidavit receipt of such documents, the as an administrator, supervisor, teacher, agreeing to comply with all rules and Regional Superintendent of Schools or support staff member (including but statutes regarding school records; shall examine the documents and not limited to...transportation (ISSRA, Par. 50-6 (a) (4); 375.70 (d) (2)) record, make findings and issue a personnel...);...or a person, agency, or f. pursuant to a court order, provided that decision to the parents and the company with whom the District has the parent shall be given prompt written school district within 20 school days contracted, or otherwise arranged to notice upon receipt of such order, the of receipt of the documents. If the perform a special task or service...Such nature and substance of the information subject of the appeal involves individuals may have a legitimate proposed to be released in compliance accuracy; relevance or propriety of educational interest to review an with such order and an opportunity to any entry in special education education record in order to fulfill his or inspect, copy and challenge the contents records, the Regional her professional and/or official of the school student records; (ISSRA, Superintendent of Schools should responsibility. Pa. 50-6 (a) (5); Rules, Sec. 375.70 (c) seek advice from appropriate A legitimate educational interest also (3) special education personnel who exists where the staff member or other g. to any person as specifically required by were not authors of the entry. The individual works directly with students state or federal law, provided that such school shall be responsible for and needs to review education records to person shall provide the school with implementing the decision of the increase his/her awareness of steps appropriate identification and a copy of Regional Superintendent of Schools. necessary for the safety and welfare of the statute authorizing such access and Such decision shall be final, and students and staff members"; (IDEA, Sec. that the parent receives prior written may be appealed to the Circuit 300.572 (d)) notice of the nature and substance of the Court of the county in which the d. to the official records custodian of information to be released and an school is located. (ISSRA, Par. 50-7; another school in which the student has opportunity to inspect, copy and Rules, Section 375.90) enrolled or intends to enroll, provided that challenge such information. If the release 4) No school student records or information the parent receives prior written notice of of information relates to more than 25 contained therein may be released, the nature and substance of the students, such prior notice may be given transferred, disclosed or otherwise information to be transferred and in a local newspaper of general disseminated, except as follows: opportunity to inspect copy and challenge circulation or other publication directed a. to a parent or student or person such information. If the address of the generally to parents; (ISSRA, Par. 50-6 specifically designated as a parents is unknown, notice may be (a) (6); Rules, Sec. 375.70 (b)) representative by a parent; (ISSRA, Par. served upon the records custodian of the h. subject to regulations of the State Board, 50-6 (a) (1)) requesting school for transmittal to the in connection with an emergency to b. to an employee or official of the school or parents. Such service shall be deemed appropriate persons if the knowledge of school district or the State Board of conclusive, and 10 school days after such information is necessary to protect Page 62
the health or safety of the student or school student records and shall be secured under the Illinois School Student other persons, provided that the parents available only to the parents and the Records Act. (ISSRA, Par. 50-8) are notified as soon as possible of the official records custodian. The record of 12) Upon graduation or permanent information released, the date of release, release shall include the nature and withdrawal of a handicapped student, the person, agency or organization, and substance of the information released, the psychological evaluations, special the purpose of the release; (ISSRA, Par. name of the person requesting such education files and other information 50-6 (a) (7); Rules, Sec. 375.60) information, the capacity in which such a contained in the student temporary i. to any person with the prior specific, request has been made, the purpose of such record which may be of continued dated and written consent of the parent request, the date of the release, the name assistance to the student may, after five designating the person to whom the and signature of the official records years, be transferred to the custody of records may be released and the custodian releasing such information and a the parent or student if the student has designated records or designated copy of any consent to such release. succeeded to the rights of the parents. portions of the information to be released. (ISSRA, Par. 50-6 (c)) The school will explain to the student and The parent has the right to inspect, copy 9) All rights and privileges accorded a the parent the future usefulness of and challenge the records and to limit parent under the ISSRA shall become psychological evaluations, special education any such consent to designated records exclusively those of the student upon his files and other information contained in the or designated portions of the information 18th birthday, graduation from secondary student temporary record. (Rules, Section contained within the records. (ISSRA, school, marriage or entry into military 275.40 (d) Par. 50-6 (a) (8); Rules Sec. 375.70 (d)) service whichever occurs first. Such 13) Any policies of the school relating to school 5) Parents may insert in their child’s school rights and privileges may also be exercised student records which are not included in the student record a statement of reasonable by the student at any time with respect to the Act or Rules are considered a part of this length setting forth their position on any student’s permanent school record. (ISSRA, handbook. disputed information contained in that Par. 50-2 (g)) 14) Copies of the Illinois School Student record. The school shall include a copy of 10) The following is designated as directory Records Act, 23 Illinois Administrative Code such statement in any subsequent information and may be released to the 375 (Student Records), and district or school dissemination of the information in dispute. gen-eral public unless the parent policies relating to school student records (ISSRA, Par. 50-7 (d)) requests that any or all such information which are not included in the Act or Rules 6) Parents will be given reasonable prior notice not be released: student’s name and are available for review in the office of the before any school student record is address, gender, grade level, birth date and school records custodian and the district destroyed or information deleted therefrom place, parent’s name and address, superintendent. and an opportunity to copy the record or academic awards, degrees and honors, information proprosed to be destroyed or information in relation to school-sponsored RECORDS ACCESS - FAMILY deleted. (ISSRA, Par. 50-4 (h)) activities, organizations and athletics, the EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT 7) Except for the student and his parents, no student’s major field of study, and period of person to whom information is released and attendance in the school. (ISSRA, Par. 50-6 The Family Educational Rights and Privacy no person specifically designated as a (e); Rules, Sec. 375.80) Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with representative by a parent may permit any 11) No person may condition the granting or respect to their education records. They are: other person to have access to such withholding of any right, privilege or benefit 1) The right to inspect and review the student's information without a prior consent of parent or make as a condition of employment, education records within 45 days of the day obtained in accordance with ISSRA, Par. credit or insurance the securing by any the District receives a request for access. A 50-6 (a) (8). (ISSRA, Sec. 50-6 (d)) individual of any inforamtion from a student’s parent/guardian or eligible student should 8) A record of any release of information temporary record which such individual may submit to the Records Custodian, Principal, shall be maintained for the life of the obtain through the exercise of any right or other appropriate official, written requests Page 63
that identify the record(s) they wish to District in an administrative supervisory, 3) Sex behavior or attitudes; inspect. The District official will make academic, or support staff position (including 4) Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or arrangements for access and notify the law enforcement unit personnel and health demeaning behavior; parent/guardian or eligible student of the time staff); a person or company with whom the 5) Critical appraisals of others with whom and place where the records may be District has contracted (such as an attorney, respondents have close family relationships; inspected. If the records are not maintained auditor, or collection agent); or a person 6) Legally recognized privileged relationships, by the District official to whom the request serving on the Board of Education. such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; was submitted, that official shall advise the A school official has a legitimate educational 7) Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of parent/guardian or eligible student of the interest if the official needs to review an the student or parents; or correct official to whom the request should be education record in order to fulfill his or her 8) Income, other than as required by law to addressed. professional responsibilities. determine program eligibility. 2) The right to request the amendment of the Upon request, the District discloses Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student's education records that the education records without consent to officials student out of - parent/guardian or eligible student believes of another school in which a student seeks or 1) Any other protected information survey, are inaccurate or misleading. intends to enroll. regardless of funding; A parent/guardian or eligible student may 4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. 2) Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam ask the District to amend a record that they Department of Education concerning alleged or screening required as a condition of believe is inaccurate or misleading. They failures by the District to comply with the attendance, administered by the school or its should write the District official responsible for requirements of FERPA. The name and agent, and not necessary to protect the the record, clearly identify the part of the address of the Office that administers FERPA immediate health and safety of a student, record they want changed, and specify why it is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis is inaccurate or misleading. Department of Education, 400 Maryland screenings, or any physical exam or If the District decides not to amend the Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202- screening permitted or required under State record as requested by the parent/guardian 4605. law; and or eligible student, the District will notify the 3) Activities involving collection, disclosure, or parent/guardian or eligible student of the Model Notification of Rights Under the use of personal information obtained from decision and advise the parent/guardian or Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) students for marketing or to sell or otherwise eligible student of their right to a hearing distribute the information to others. regarding the request for amendment. PPRA affords parents certain rights Inspect, upon request and before Additional information regarding the hearing regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and administration or use - procedures will be provided to the use of information for marketing purposes, and 1) Protected information surveys of students; parent/guardian or eligible student when certain physical exams. These include the right 2) Instruments used to collect personal notified of the right to a hearing. to: information from students for any of the 3) The right to consent to disclosures of Consent before students are required to above marketing, sales, or other distribution personally identifiable information contained submit to a survey that concerns one or more purposes; and in the parent/guardian or eligible student's of the following protected areas ("protected 3) Instructional material used as part of the education records, except to the extent that information survey") if the survey is funded in educational curriculum. FERPA authorizes disclosure without whole or in part by a program of the U.S. These rights transfer from the parents to a consent. Department of Education (ED) - student who is 18 years old or an emancipated One exception which permits disclosure 1) Political affiliations or beliefs of the student minor under State law. without consent is disclosure to school or student's parent; The Mt. Zion School District has developed officials with legitimate educational interests. 2) Mental or psychological problems of the procedures, in consultation with parents, A school official is a person employed by the student or student's family; regarding these rights, as well as arrangements Page 64 to protect student privacy in the administration of RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS Postmarked mail addressed to military protected information surveys and the collection, personnel disclosure, or use of personal information for In accordance with the Illinois School Code, Lease agreement for occupancy marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. permanent records must indicate that the Proof of ownership of residence The Mt. Zion School District will directly notify parent/legal guardian resides within the parents of these policies at least annually at the boundaries of this school district. RESPECT FOR PEERS/PROPERTY start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The Mt. Zion School District 1. Present a certified birth certificate for the Physical conflict will not be tolerated. If a will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail student. disagreement should develop between students, or email, parents of students who are scheduled 2. Present proof of residency within the District it is the student’s responsibility to seek assistance to participate in the specific activities or surveys by providing the required number of from any staff member in an effort to resolve the noted below and will provide an opportunity for documents from each of the following situation in a non-violent manner. the parent to opt his or her child out of categories within thirty (30) days of the Damages to the building, its equipment, or participation of the specific activity or survey. The student’s enrollment date: the property of others will not be tolerated.
Mt. Zion School District will make this notification Restitution for any damages will be required. Category 1 (One document required) to parents at the beginning of the school year if Students are expected to show respect for the Most recent property tax bill and proof of the District has identified the specific or property of others. payment, e.g., canceled check or Form 1098 approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled (homeowners) Mortgage papers (homeowners) RETENTION after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned Signed and dated lease and proof of last month’s payment, e.g., canceled check or In striving to reach a decision in regard to activities and surveys listed below and be retention, consideration will be given to: the provided an opportunity to opt their child out of receipts (renters) Letter from manager and proof of last possible effects of retention, the likelihood of gain such activities and surveys. Parents will also be resulting from retention, psychiatric advice if provided an opportunity to review any pertinent month’s payment, e.g., canceled check or receipts (mobile home resident) available, results of standardized tests, and surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities grades. and surveys covered under this requirement: Letter of residence from landlord in lieu of lease (See Building Principal) Retention is justifiable in cases where • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal achievement is too far below standard and is information for marketing, sales or other caused by any of the following: frequent or distribution. Category II (Two documents showing proper address are required) prolonged absence, lack of effort by capable • Administration of any protected information students, physical immaturity, and social survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. Driver’s license Vehicle registration immaturity. • Any non-emergency, invasive physical The decision to retain is the sole examination or screening as described Voter registration Most recent cable television and/or credit responsibility of the school, as per Illinois School above. Statutes and Mt. Zion Board Policy. Parents who believe their rights have been card bill Current public aid card violated may file a complaint with: SAFETY DRILLS Current homeowner/renters insurance policy Fire drills are held at regular intervals. The Family Policy Compliance Office and premium payment receipt signal for the fire drill is a steady sounding of the U.S. Department of Education Most recent gas, electric, and/or water bill fire horn. Procedures to be followed in case of a 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Military Personnel Enrolling a Student for the First fire drill are posted in all classrooms and Washington, D.C. 20202-5901 Time in the District. discussed by each teacher. When the fire alarm (Must provide one of the following within 60 days after the date of student’s initial enrollment) is sounded, all work should be stopped Page 65 immediately, and people should move to the exit Offender Registry is available through a link on the 1) Denies or limits the provision of educational indicated and out of the building in a quiet and Illinois State Police website: http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor. aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that orderly manner. makes such conduct a condition of a If a student should accidentally turn on a SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY student’s academic status; or false alarm, he/she must report to the office 2) Has the purpose or effect of: immediately and give the location of the broken It is Board Policy to not discriminate on the a. Substantially interfering with a student’s box. If a student deliberately pulls a false fire basis of sex, marital status or pregnancy in educational environment; alarm, the punishment for such an offense may District-operated or District-supported programs b. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or include suspension and/or expulsion from school, or activities. In addition, Board Policy prohibits offensive educational environment; as well as being turned over to the police. sexual harassment or sexual intimidation of c. Depriving a student of educational aid, Tornado drills are held at regular intervals. students by other students and District benefits, services, or treatment; or Again, procedures are posted in each classroom employees. No person, including a District d. Making submission to or rejection of such and discussed by the teacher. In case of a employee or agent, or student, shall harass, conduct the basis for academic decisions tornado drill or alert, the principal will give intimidate or bully another student based upon a affecting a student. information over the intercom or, by messenger, student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, Examples of sexual harassment include in case of power failure. All students will be ancestry, national origin, physical or mental touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of moved, according to their location, to an area disability, sexual orientation, or other protected sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual considered safer than the classroom. Every group status. The District will not tolerate characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a student and teacher will participate in these drills. harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying person’s alleged sexual activities. Earthquake procedures should be posted in whether verbal, physical, or visual, that affects Students who believe they are victims of sexual each classroom and reviewed with the students. the tangible benefits of education, that harassment or have witnessed sexual Earthquake drills will be conducted. unreasonably interferes with a student’s harassment, are encouraged to discuss the The actual saving of lives may depend on educational performance, or that creates an matter with the Building Principal. Students may obedience to instructions. There should be intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational choose to report to a person of the student’s absolutely no talking during the drills, as it may be environment. Examples of prohibited conduct same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to necessary to give different, emergency include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, the extent possible given the need to investigate. instructions. causing psychological harm, threatening or Students who make good faith complaints will not In addition, the District has a Crisis causing physical harm, or wearing or possessing be disciplined. Intervention Plan for implementation in the case items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of Individuals engaging in such prohibited of extraordinary conditions which might endanger one of the characteristics stated above. activity shall be subject to disciplinary action up to student safety and welfare. Complaints of harassment, intimidation or and including expulsion from this institution as bullying are handled according to the provisions determined by such administrative or Board SEX OFFENDER NOTIFICATION on sexual harassment below. action as is required by Illinois Law or by Board Sexual Harassment Prohibited Policy. Pursuant to Public Act 94-994, a school Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. This policy applies to acts of sexual district is required to notify the parents of children Any person, including a district employee or harassment by any member of one sex against a attending schools within the district that they may agent, or student, engages in sexual harassment member of the opposite or the same sex at all access information regarding registered sex whenever he or she makes sexual advances, levels of the school community (i.e., supervisor- offenders that is available to the public. This law is requests sexual favors, and engages in other subordinate, faculty-student, employee-peer, intended to increase awareness of the Illinois Sex verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex- student-student). If you feel that you have been Offender Registry (I-SOR) and to encourage based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that: discriminated against, harassed or intimidated on parents to review the information available to the basis of sex, please contact the Principal or them. For your information, the Illinois Sex Superintendent. Page 66
SNACKS-CLASSROOM (Grades K-6) SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION AND suspension proceeding should follow as soon as RIGHT TO HEARING practical. Often students bring treats or snacks to 1) A student may be suspended by the school to share on special occasions. While General Discipline Administration. The student’s parents must bringing snacks does not pose a problem, food When a student commits an act of gross be notified immediately by the Principal, allergies, health and sanitation concerns dictate disobedience or misconduct as defined by the Assistant Principal, or designee of the what treats are acceptable. Store or Food Service School Board, the student's right to an education suspension, the number of days of bought treats are the only treats allowed. To may be temporarily withheld. But no suspension (may not exceed 10 school days) order birthday party snacks from Food Service governmental agency, such as a school, may and the right of review of the suspension by contact Gwen Karr at 864-2114. deprive a student of rights without due process of the local School Board. If the administration/classroom teachers are law. A student is entitled to procedural due 2) At hearings conducted by the School Board made aware of students with food allergies, they process and must be allowed to present a or a Hearing Officer appointed by the Board, will make every effort to prevent that type of defense and explain the circumstances of the the student has a right to a lawyer at the product from being brought into the classroom. actions in question. student’s own expense, the right to question Our schools will continue to celebrate these The basic differences in suspension and the person who made the decision to special occasions with our students. expulsion are as follows: suspend, and the right to make a statement 1) A suspension is not to exceed 10 school on his/her own behalf. SOCIAL SERVICES days. An expulsion is from eleven (11) school 3) A record of the proceedings will be retained days to a maximum of two (2) school years. by the school and provided to the student or 2) The Board of Education, the Principal, representative on request upon reasonable District social services are available for Assistant Principal, or the District reimbursement of incurred expenses. students and families. Typically, the social Superintendent may suspend a student; only 4) If the suspension decision is reversed, all services assists students with weaknesses in the local Board of Education can expel a references to it in the student’s records must three basic areas that are critical for positive student. be removed. educational and social growth: motivation 3) A student may be SUSPENDED after an Types of Suspensions (completing school work on time and making informal hearing; a student may be 1) Temporary removal from an individual passing grades), behavior (following school and EXPELLED after a formal hearing. class: If a student is disobedient or classroom rules), and social skills (fitting into Suspension disruptive, the pupil may be removed groups and working cooperatively with others). 1) The suspending school official must give the from the class temporarily. The student Teachers often refer students for this service, and student oral or written notice of the charges will be assigned to another setting during the you are welcome to contact your school for more and evidence to support the charges. class period (usually the office). The student information about these services. reports to all other classes. The student 2) If the student denies the charges, (s)he must be given an opportunity to present an receives homework assignments and may SURVEILLANCE/ explanation in a conference with the participate in make-up tests. No parent EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT suspending school official. The school official notification is required and no appeal is must inform the student whether or not the authorized. Mt. Zion School District #3 uses video suspension is to be imposed. 2) In-school suspension: Most district surveillance equipment on its premises for A student whose presence poses a students who are suspended will be monitoring and safety purposes. It is a crime if a continuing danger to persons, property, or an assigned to a “directed study” area, as person knowingly damages, sabotages, destroys, ongoing threat of disruption of the academic determined by the administration. or causes a permanent or temporary malfunction process may be immediately removed from Parental notification and due process will be in any physical or electronic security, fire, or life school. In such case, the requirements of a given. During the period of in-school safety system or any component part of any of suspension, they will not be permitted to those systems. Page 67
attend or participate in any activities, athletic unsportsmanlike conduct during after school their children, may be eligible to receive money events, programs, meetings, etc. The activities. from the State to help offset some of the cost, for student is to remain off school premises, Expulsion example bus fares, or mileage reimbursement for except during school hours. The student is In expulsion cases, the following is required: private automobiles at the current rate. expected to complete all assignments 1) The student and the student’s parents will be If you can answer yes to the following missed due to the suspension, including notified of the reasons for the expulsion, questions for the school year, you may be eligible tests on a daily basis as required by the including a full statement of the reasons for to receive reimbursement if providing teacher. dismissal, the length of the expulsion and the transportation. In-School Suspension Rules date, time and place of the School Board • No Talking. hearing. The expulsion does not take place 1) Will the pupil be under the age of 21 at the • No sleeping or laying head down. until after the School Board meeting. close of the school year? • Students should be completing assigned 2) At the hearing conducted by the School 2) Is the pupil a full-time student in grades work while in in-school suspension. Board or a Hearing Officer appointed by the kindergarten through 12? • Students are prohibited from using a cell Board, the student has a right to a lawyer at 3) Does the pupil either live 1-1/2 miles or phone/ personal device/ wearable the student’s own expense, the right to more from school or live less than 1-1/2 technology (i.e. smart watches, etc.). question the person who made the miles from school but must be transported • The restroom may be used during the recommendation to expel, the right to present due to a serious safety hazard resulting third and fifth periods. evidence, call and question witnesses, and from vehicles? (See following paragraphs.) • Students are not to leave in-school the right to make a statement on his/her own 4) Does the pupil attend a school within Illinois suspension without office permission. behalf. which meets Illinois compulsory attendance • The teacher will direct the students to 3) A record of the proceedings will be retained laws? lunch at 10:45 a.m. by the school and provided to the student or 5) Did the parent/guardian incur transportation 3) Out-of-School suspension: A student may representative upon request and on a expenses resulting from transporting be suspended for up to ten (10) school reimbursable basis. the pupil to and from school? days for acts of gross misconduct and/or persistent disobedience. Parental TELEPHONE If you answered yes to the above questions, notification and due process are required. lived in Illinois and wish to file a claim, you must The student will not be permitted to attend or Students are not called to the office to answer go to the school where each of your children is participate in any activities, athletic events, incoming calls except for an emergency. If enrolled by June 30, to complete a claim programs, meetings, etc. The student is to parents need to have an urgent message application. Claim forms should be available from remain off school premises during the period delivered, office personnel will take the message February through June. of suspension. This includes weekend and see that the student receives it. Students and Parent(s)/guardian(s) who have pupils events, if applicable. parents are urged to keep all telephone living less than 1-1/2 miles from the school 4) Social Probation: Students on social messages to a minimum. Students may use the attended must verify that a safety hazard due probation are not allowed on school property office telephone only after obtaining permission to vehicular traffic exists by completing an outside of the school day. If a student has an from the office staff. Application for Determination of Serious outstanding detention (or fee not determined Safety Hazard at the Regional Superintendent to be the responsibility of the parent or of Schools Office for the county in which they guardian) he/she may be placed on social TRANSPORTATION - live by February 1 of the current school year. probation until the matter is resolved. NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS The Regional Superintendent of Schools is Students may also be placed on social required to send the application to the Illinois probation for inappropriate behavior/ Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who must Department of Transportation within 15 days. The provide transportation to and from school, Illinois Department of Transportation reviews and because free transportation is not available for Page 68 approves or denies the application and returns it vehicles entering onto Mt. Zion Community Unit may assist the school when conducting to the Regional Superintendent of Schools within School District #3 property. vehicle searches. (Also see 30 days. Handbook/Calendar for discipline.) Upon receipt of the reviewed application, the 1) Any student vehicle to be parked on school 12) Cruising (indiscriminate movement) on Regional Superintendent of Schools will mail it to property during regular school hours must school property is prohibited. the parent/guardian who requested the safety be approved for said privilege by submitting 13) Once a vehicle enters school property, it hazard be verified. If the safety hazard is verified, a Motor Vehicle Registration Form to the must be parked at the earliest opportunity the parent/guardian must go to the school the office and display a current parking permit. unless its intended purpose is "dropping off" pupil attends and complete the claim form. 2) Speed Limit: 10 (ten) miles per hour. or "picking up" a passenger. Parents who received verification of a safety 3) Reckless driving is prohibited and shall be 14) Honking horns and loud music are not hazard during or after October 1, 1999, and defined for the purpose of this policy to acceptable in the school parking lot. whose children will attend the same school and include any person who drives a motor 15) "Squealing" and "burning rubber" is live at the same address, do not have to reapply vehicle on school property disregarding the prohibited. for safety hazard verification. rights of others or in a manner as to 16) Driving permits [high school students only Once all claims are completed at the endanger any person or property. $40 1st semester, $20 if purchased after school, the claim forms will be sent to the (Determination shall be made by the January 2 (with a $60 per family cap)] must Illinois State Board of Education. If your claim Administration.) be purchased in the high school office and is approved, you should receive a check directly 4) Vehicles must come to a complete stop at all displayed appropriately and visible from the from the State for the lesser of the cost of stop signs. front of the vehicle. This permit must be transporting your child/children or the average per 5) Operators of motor vehicles must yield the visible at all times while the car is on school pupil reimbursement paid to public schools for right of way to school buses. property. If a parking permit is lost, a transporting regular education pupils. If 6) Operators of motor vehicles shall observe all replacement must be purchased in the High insufficient funds are appropriated by the General signs posted or painted on driveways. School Office for $5.00. Failure to abide by Assembly, all claims will be pro-rated. 7) Throwing or dumping any waste materials the vehicle rules could result in discipline If you have any questions, please call or such as garbage, cans, bottles, wires, glass, ranging from assigned parking through come to the school as soon as possible. or paper from any motor vehicle is suspension from school. In the event that you prohibited. drive another vehicle, you must register with VALUABLES 8) Driving or parking vehicles on non-paved the office. areas is prohibited. 17) When new licenses or car transfer certificates All articles and valuables are brought to 9) Operating any motor vehicle without the are issued by the State, such information school at the owner’s risk. Money and valuables knowledge or consent of the owner or other must be registered with the office. should not be kept in lockers. If you have person in control of the vehicle is prohibited. 18) All student driven vehicles must be parked in valuables when you report to physical education, 10) Operating a motor vehicle in a speed designated student parking areas (within the put them in your physical education locker and contest, including those commonly known as yellow lines). Student parking is restricted to lock the locker or give them to the physical "drag racing", is prohibited. areas painted with yellow lines. There is education teacher. 11) No illegal matter such as drugs, alcohol, absolutely no student parking allowed in staff weapons, explosives, or stolen property may parking areas (white lines) or in other areas VEHICLE RULES AND REGULATIONS be transported, secreted, or kept in any designated as no parking areas (red lines) motor vehicle brought on school property. which may or may not be posted with signs. The Illinois Motor Vehicle Code shall in all The school district has the right to a 19) Operators of motor vehicles shall not respects be complied with by users on school reasonable search of any vehicle entering or transport other persons in pickup beds or property. The following regulations shall apply 24 parked on school property suspected of fenders of vehicles etc., while on school hours a day, 7 days a week, to all operators of carrying such matter. The police/K-9 units property. Page 69
20) Students who purchase driving permits for VISITORS - SCHOOL VISITS law, brass knuckles, billy clubs, or "look-alikes" other students or other persons will automati- thereof, is prohibited in school buildings, on cally lose driving privileges for a specified All visitors must use the school's buzz-in campus (school grounds), or at a school activity. amount of time (to be determined by the system for entry into the school. Upon entering The building principal or designee shall notify administration). the school, visitors must immediately report to the the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency Failure to abide by these rules may result office. Former students will not be allowed to visit system of any student who brings a weapon to in the removal of driving privileges and/or students or teachers during the school day. school. See ‘Discipline Policy & Procedures for suspension from school. Students’ in this Handbook for the consequences The Mt. Zion Community Unit School WEAPONS POLICY of violating the Weapon Policy. District #3 assumes NO responsibility for loss of personal property or damage to motor Possession, use control or transfer of guns, WEIGHTED GRADES vehicles parked on school property. firearms, rifles, shotguns, or look-alikes are prohibited in school buildings, on campus (school The following classes are designated as VISITATION RIGHTS OF PARENTS grounds), or at a school activity. For purposes of “weighted” courses. No additional add-on bonus this section, a weapon is defined to be a gun, point(s) are added for a grade of "F". It is important The School Visitation Rights Act permits rifle, shotgun, sling shot, sand club, sand bag, to note that the course grade will remain the same employed parents who are unable to meet with metal knuckles, throwing star, knife, switchblade on the student's transcript. Only the points assigned educators because of a work conflict the right to knife, ballistic knife, num-chucks, pellet gun, or air to the grade for purpose of calculating the GPA an allotment of time during the school year to gun. Look-alikes include, but are not limited to,BB change. Those “weighted” classes are: attend necessary educational or behavioral guns, air-soft pistols, paintball guns, cigarette conferences at the school their child attends. MATH SOCIAL SCIENCES lighters and laser pointers shaped like a gun. Calculus I (AP-AB) African American Experience 810ILCS147/1 et seq. As per Statute, the Mt. Use of any weapon, defined above or Pre-Calculus Psychology Zion School District hereby notifies parents of the hereinafter, that is used for the purpose of Probability & Statistics U.S. History (AP) following: intimidating or injuring others in a school building Algebra II Ancient World History 1) Upon written request, employers must grant on campus (school grounds), or at a school Calculus II (AP-BC) employees leave of up to eight hours per Math 116 FINE ARTS activity is also prohibited. Items including, but not Spanish III school year, not to exceed four hours in any limited to medical paraphernalia, knives, baseball ENGLISH Spanish IV given day, to attend their children's bats, pipes, bottles, locks, sticks, pencils and Advanced English I Spanish Language & classroom activities or school conferences pens if used or attempted to be used in a Advanced English II Composition (AP) which cannot be scheduled during non-work threatening manner or to cause bodily harm will Advanced English III French III hours. English Literature & Composition (AP) French IV be considered a weapon. French V For regularly scheduled, non-emergency Possession of explosive devices (e.g. SCIENCE visitations, the Mt. Zion School District will grenade, mine, rocket, missile, bomb, bomb-shell, Physics (AP) VOCATIONAL make time available for visitation during both black powder bombs and Molotov cocktails, Advanced Chemistry (AP) Management Systems regular school hours and evening hours. artillery projectiles, firecracker, fireworks, M80's, Anatomy & Physiology Accounting II 2) The Mt. Zion School District will provide Advanced Biology (AP) Advanced Computers or similar devices containing some type of Chemistry documentation to the parent of the time and explosive that is designed to explode); stun gun
date of each school visitation upon a or taser, tear gas and all other weapons Courses taken outside of Mt. Zion High parent's assertion of their rights under the including, but not limited to weapons as defined School may be weighted if approved by the High Act.entation to the parent of the time and by Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code (720 ILCS School Principal, after reviewing course outlines date of each school visitation upon a 5/24-1), including knives that are prohibited by parent's assertion of their rights under the and transcripts. (See following page for how to Act. calculate GPA using this weighted system.)
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WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL HOW TO CALCULATE THE GPA ON THE "ADD-ON' WEIGHTED SYSTEM K-3 Parents should notify the office one week prior to withdrawing. With the adoption of the Skyward computer management system, the "Add-On" weighted system was implemented. 4-8 Students should notify the office one (Remember that the weighted system is used as an additional means to rank students; it does not change grades.)
week prior to withdrawing. On the last To determine the GPA using the "Add-On" method: day of attendance, they should obtain a withdrawal form from the office. 1. Calculate GPA using traditional 4.0 scale. 9-12 It is the student’s responsibility to obtain 2. For each year long course passed, add .04 to the year-end GPA (semester weighted courses earn .02). a withdrawal form from his/her counselor. Each teacher must sign the sheet For Example: indicating all book materials, and school property have been returned. After the 1st Semester 2nd Semester “Add On” Points Course Grade Pts sheet has been signed by the student Avg Grade Avg Grade (After Calculating GPA) and parent, it must then be returned to *Advanced English III A A 4 .04 (.02 each semester) the counselor or the office. U.S. History A A 4 WORK PERMITS *Anatomy & Physiology A A 4 .04 (.02 each semester)
1) Bring a certificate of employment from your *Pre-Calculus A A 4 .04 (.02 each semester) employer to the office. If your employer does Band A A 4 not have one of these forms, you may pick one up in the office. PE A A 4 2) Bring the completed employment form to the Spanish II A A 4 office. A birth certificate may be required if the office cannot certify date of birth. *Weighted 28 / 7=4.0 +.12 = 4.12 Year End GPA
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