Handbook

Table of Contents:

Student Handbook
School Procedures
Character Counts
Academic Integrity
Absences
Acceptable Dress
Accidents
After School Activities
Athletics
Bullying
Bus Riders
Bicycles
Building Evacuation
Cell Phones
Computers
Emergency Closing of School
Early Dismissals
Field Trips
Health Issues
Homework
I.D. Cards
Laser Pointers
Learning Resource Center
Lost and Found
Lock-downs
Lockers
Lost and Found
Lunch
Make-Up Work
Performance Music, Foreign Language, Exploratory
Moving on Ceremony
Office Referrals
Perfect Attendance
Physical Education
Report Cards
School Resource Officer
Student Activities
Student Council
Student Messages, Items Dropped Off
Tardy Policy
Testing
Video Camera and/or Monitor
Video Taping and Photographing of Students
Visitors
Disciplinary Policies

Kennedy Junior High

1. Non-bus riders should plan to arrive no earlier than 7:30 AM. Students arriving before this time will need a pass to enter the building. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds once they arrive.  Students are to leave the building by 3:05 PM unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or attending a school-functioned event.
2. Hats are not to be worn in the building during school hours (7:30 AM - 2:50 PM).
3. During lunch, students wearing bulky coats and hoodies may be asked to take them off when in the lunch line.  Please wear appropriate garments under these articles of clothing.
4. Students must have a pass to use the free phone during the school day (excluding before school and during their lunch hour). The phone is located in the main hall leading to the MPR.  Cell phones may be used after 2:50.
5. Gum chewing is not allowed in any part of the building. This includes lunch recess. Eating and drinking is not permitted in the halls.
6. Students will walk and use a regular voice in the halls. Students must carry a pass when they are in the halls during class time. Students will treat other students with respect.  Keep your hands and feet to yourself.  Backpacks are not to be carried around the school unless approved by the office.
7. Registered bus riders must have parental permission to ride home on another bus.  Notes from both parents and student IDs must be presented to the front office BEFORE school to insure that permission can be validated.
8. Students may not sell items at school unless they are from an approved school fundraising activity.
9. All locker decorations are to be limited to one sheet of paper. Decorating must be done AFTER school.  Balloons are not permitted in school.  Students should never pre-set their lockers.
10. Personal radios, recorders, cell phones, CD players, communication devices, etc. will not be used during school hours unless under the supervision of a teacher. We discourage students from bringing these items to school.  The school takes no responsibility for these items. These items must be turned off and kept in the locker from the time students enter the building until 2:50 PM.  Electronic devices that are visible will be confiscated and returned to the student at the discretion of the school.
11. Laser pointers are not permitted and will be confiscated. Legal action may be taken if the laser pointer is used in an unsafe manner.  (Lisle Village ordinance)
12. For safety reasons, shoes with wheels, skateboards, in-line skates, or scooters are not to be ridden or brought onto school property.
13. Hair dyeing is only permitted during specified ""School Spirit"" days.  Aerosol and pump sprays are not to be brought to school.
14. Students will ask for permission before video taping or taking pictures while on school grounds.
15. Public displays of affection (hugging, kissing, holding hands, etc.) are not appropriate.
16. Students will follow the security procedures Kennedy has in place to keep the building safe.
17. Aerosol and pump sprays are not permitted on school property.
18. Backpacks are not to be carried around school unless approved by the office.

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Plagiarism: Kennedy Junior High uses the same criteria for plagiarism as the high schools. "Plagiarism is the act of using another person's ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source. In other words, to plagiarize is to give the impression that you have written or thought something that you have in fact borrowed from someone else... Plagiarism is essentially theft - the stealing of someone else's intellectual property." [A+ Style Manual, pg. 2) Consequently, when evidence of plagiarism exists, the assignment will receive no credit and the student has no opportunity to make-up work.

Other Examples of academic dishonesty: 

Giving test questions or answers to a member of a later class or receiving test questions or answers from a member of an earlier class.

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ABSENCES

During the school year, the following procedure for reporting absences will be used. If your child will be absent, you are to call and notify the school before 8:00 am. To report an absence, call 630-420-3220, press 1. The Attendance Line is open 24 hours a day. Parents should be prepared to give the following information: Name, spelling the last name, Grade, and Reason for the absence.

Note: Do not request homework for student on the Attendance Line.  Email the teacher for this request.  See section on Make-Up Work.

The school must be informed anytime the student will not be in school. Parents are notified if their students are not in school and are not called in on the attendance line. Excused absences are: illness, doctor's appointment, a death in the family and certain religious holidays, parental request. The district has a list of accepted religious holidays. Take Your Student to Work Day is not recognized by the district. Students missing that day will be counted absent but excused.

Students are granted one family emergency tardy per trimester. By law, students missing first hour are marked 1/2 day absent from school. Students missing three academic classes are marked as a full day absence. (Lunch and supervised study are not classified as academic instruction.)  Students missing part or all of first hour (unexcused) will receive a lunch detention. Any student arriving to class during the first five minutes is considered tardy to class and not tardy to school. These are handled by the teacher (see Tardies). Students missing two classes unexcused will receive a pm detention. Students unexcused from a ½ day of school (three classes) will automatically receive a Saturday School Detention.  Students unexcused for a full day will receive an in school suspension. After five consecutive missed days, (or 10% of the required days of attendance) students that continue to miss all or part of a school day due to illness will be required to submit a doctor's note.  Letters will be mailed home when students reach the 10% levels. (Checked monthly)  

Truancy
A ""truant"" is a child subject to compulsory school attendance who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof.

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ACCEPTABLE DRESS

At Kennedy Junior High we expect students to wear attire that is appropriate and that is not a disruption or distraction to the educational process.  Inappropriate dress is defined in the Student District policy:

DISTRICT POLICY
No garments, spiked or dangerous jewelry depicting distasteful symbols debasing the dignity of a person; no garment, jewelry depicting beer, alcohol, liquor, or drugs may be worn at school; no garments, jewelry with sexually explicit, obscene, or vulgar messages or symbols may be worn at school or at any school-sponsored activities.  In addition, at all the junior highs it is expected that:

• Students should wear clothing that totally conceals undergarments. All tops must have straps that are at least one inch wide. Tops must cover the midriff.  Boy's shirts must have sleeves.
• All garments should be reasonable in length. A good rule of thumb is that garments extend beyond the longest fingertip when arms are fully extended to the side.

Classroom teachers will make the determination if clothing is a disruption to the class. Students should be warned that their attire is inappropriate or disruptive. A change of clothes will be made. Shirts may be turned inside out if wording can be hidden. A cover-up can be put on to fix the problem.

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ACCIDENTS

A school nurse is at the school weekly and is also available on an on-call basis. The health technician is available for the convenience of students who have become ill or injured or who need help with medical problems. Service should only be requested when needed! Students must obtain a pass from their classroom teacher before reporting to the health technician's office. At passing time students should inform their next teacher if they need to go to the health office and they should obtain a pass. This applies to all cases with, of course, the exception of an emergency. Students may not leave the school for illness/injury without first reporting to the health technician's office for authorization. The health office maintains a health record of student visits.

All accidents, no matter how minor, are to be reported to the teacher in charge, who will refer the student to the health technician if necessary.  Accidents occurring on the way to school should be reported to the heath technician immediately upon reaching the school building. The seriousness of an accident cannot always be determined at once, so to be on the safe side, report to the teacher in charge immediately. If the health technician is not in the building, accidents should be reported to the office.

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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Students should leave the school grounds following the completion of the school day unless under the direct supervision of a teacher. Students involved in after-school athletic practices or events will be allowed to go to their lockers after they return from their competitions.  Students attending after-school events must take their books, coats, etc. with them because they will not be able to return to their lockers. Students staying for games must stay in the gym while they are waiting for the competitions to begin.  Once students leave the building they will not be readmitted unless accompanied by an adult.

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ATHLETICS

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS
Interscholastic sports are offered to all 7th and 8th grade boys and girls at Kennedy. Students are required to have a physical examination on file at school before they can try-out or participate for a sport. Interscholastic sports include Girls' Volleyball, Boys'/Girls' Cross Country, Boys' Football, Girls' Basketball, Boys' Wrestling, Boys' Basketball, Girls'/Boys' Track, and Cheerleaders.

DISTRICT 203 EXPECTATIONS FOR ATHLETIC EVENTS

1. Cheer and encourage teams in a positive manner
2. Utilize garbage cans to dispose of any food, drink or paper containers, etc.
3. Remain seated in bleachers until half-time or an official break in the game.
4. Remain in the building once an activity begins. (Stay in athletic area)
5. Utilize areas out-of-bounds to enter and exit the bleachers and gymnasium.
6. Respect other fans supporting their teams.

The sports program is an off-shoot of our educational program. Please remember that the students are not professionals. Please allow the athletes to play, the coaches to coach, and referees to referee! All concerns should be directed to the Principal.

CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT
A co-curricular code of conduct has been developed for all Kennedy activities. Coaches and advisers will inform participants of its contents.

INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES
A variety of intramural activities are offered to all students throughout the year. These activities are designed for students to learn new skills, meet new friends and have fun. (See schedule) Students should listen for the announcements of meeting dates and times of after school activities such as the newspaper, yearbook, clubs, athletic activities, etc.

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BULLYING

Bullying is not tolerated at Kennedy Junior High.  We want students to feel safe while they are at school.  If you feel you are being bullied, you

should follow these steps.
• Tell an adult in the building where it has happened.  (Teacher, Lunchroom supervisor, bus supervisor, bus driver, etc.)
• Tell your parents.
• If the bullying continues, tell your counselor.  Your counselor will provide you with practical tips on what to do if the bullying continues. 

They will refer you to the assistant principal if further disciplinary actions are warranted.

Do not let the bullying go on for weeks.  The faster you tell someone, the faster the issue can be resolved.

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BUS RIDERS

According to state law, students who live one and one-half (1.5) miles or farther from school by the most direct route are eligible to ride the school bus. Students may ride only that bus which stops nearest their home.

If students currently ride the bus, they may ride another student's bus or have a student ride their (if they are both bus riders) once they obtain an approved pass from the main office.  To obtain this pass, they need to present their student IDs as well as parent permission notes from each student.

Students are required to obey the driver at all times. The privilege of riding the bus is dependent upon good behavior and observance of the rules and regulations. Bus riders are subject to all school rules. The purpose of these rules is to provide for safety and an enjoyable bus ride for all. Bus drivers are required to report any student who violates these rules and regulations to the Safety Director. Privileges to ride may be suspended. The student's privileges must be reinstated by the proper authority before the student may resume riding the bus. Any student who repeatedly violates the rules or commits a serious offense may have their bus riding privileges suspended for the entire school year. (This includes the privilege of going home with a friend or taking another bus rider home with them). Students who are suspended from riding the bus must be present in school on the suspension days.

All buses are under the supervision of the Director of Transportation for the district. If you have any problems notify the transportation office at (630)-420-6464. Any bus discipline problems should be reported to the assistant principal at school.

Student Expectations While Riding a School Bus

These expectations were written in order to promote a safe and secure bus environment for all students.

1. I will remain seated at all times
2. I will keep my hands and my head safely inside the bus
3. I will use appropriate language and voice at all times
4. I will always cooperate with my bus driver
5. I will always behave respectfully and report unsafe behavior
6. I will not eat or drink on the bus
7. I will help make sure the bus is litter free
8. I will never tamper with bus equipment or vandalize my bus
9. I will not be involved with or demonstrate violent behavior
10. I will show my students ID when requested
11. I understand for my safety that all district 203 policies apply while I am traveling to and from school

These rules have been established solely in the best interest of student safety.  Buses are equipped with cameras which have visual and audio recording capabilities.  These tapes are routinely reviewed.  In the event of misconduct, tapes are reviewed by appropriate district personnel at which time disciplinary action may be initiated. Each year the students in District 203 complete a bus evacuation drill as required by Public Act 94-0600.

Communication Procedures Regarding Emergency Bus Situation
In the event of a bus delay due to an emergency, the following procedure will be followed:
School personnel will staff the office phone to receive incoming calls in order to provide information. When necessary, school personnel will notify the parents of the students on the bus with information regarding the situation and let them know when to anticipate the bus reaching the scheduled stop.

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BICYCLES

Bicycle racks are provided on the north side of the building. All bicycles should be locked to the rack. The School District assumes no liability for bicycles ridden to school.

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BUILDING EVACUATION

In the event of a school evacuation, students will be moved an approved safe location.  A recording will be set up on the Kennedy phone number, 630-420-3220.  Instructions on how to pick up your child will be given.  This will only be used in emergency situations.

Fire Drills
Every room has a chart telling the pupils in that room what route to take in case of fire. Fire drills are conducted several times during the year. The signal for a fire drill is the sounding of the fire alarm, which is unmistakable and means only one thing: VACATE THE BUILDING. When this alarm is sounded, all students should walk quickly and quietly down the halls to the location indicated by the chart or the classroom teacher.

Disaster Drills
The signal for a disaster drill is the intermittent sounding of a siren built into the public address system. Upon hearing this signal, all persons report quickly and quietly to assigned disaster drill locations. Students should sit facing the wall with the head lowered and covered by a book or the child's arm.  Stay away from doorways and other glass areas.

Severe Weather Conditions
During severe weather conditions, students will take shelter in the school according to the disaster drill conditions. Students will NOT be dismissed from school until weather conditions are safe or a parent picks them up at school. Buses will NOT operate during severe weather conditions.

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CELL PHONES

Cell phones must be kept in student lockers in the OFF position during the school day.  Students found with a cell phone in their possession during the school day will be referred to the office and the phone will be confiscated and a warning written in the book.  Second offense, student will serve a lunch detention.  Third offense, student will be issued an after-school detention.  Forth offense, student will be issued a 2-hour Saturday School.

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COMPUTERS

The use of school computers is a privilege.  The misuse or abuse of district computers or computer systems will result in the loss of privileges and possible disciplinary action. See Student Discipline, Class One # 18.

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EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL

Closing of the entire District due to inclement weather, or of one school only (such as for a broken pipe), will result in a phone message being sent to all parents.  A Talk203 email message will also be sent to all District Talk203 subscribers.  In addition, a recorded message regarding the closing will be available on the District 203 Administrative Center's main telephone line, 630-420-6300.  Parents and District Talk203 subscribers will only receive notice if schools are closed, otherwise the day will proceed as usual. Please recognize that no system is foolproof; a power outage or extreme demand on these systems could affect access to communications technologies.  See district website for radio and TV listings.

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EARLY DISMISSALS

Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during the day without permission from the office. Any student who needs to leave the building during the school day must present a note, signed by a parent, to the office before 8:00 AM. The note should state student name & grade, why the student must leave the building (i.e., dental appointment, doctor appointment, etc.), the time leaving the building. All students leaving school will be given an early dismissal pass.  Before leaving the building, the student should present his/her pass to the teacher and the parent should sign him/her out. Students returning from an early dismissal must be signed in by their parent or present a doctor's signed admittance card.  Students missing academic classes will be marked absent (excused).

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FIELD TRIPS

School-sponsored field trips are scheduled at various times throughout the school year. Some of these, like trips to museums or ethnic neighborhoods, are designed to complement the educational curriculum, while others, like roller skating parties, are more social in nature.  Attendance on field trips is considered a privilege which will initially be extended to all students.

The school district assumes a tremendous responsibility in planning and chaperoning field trips. Therefore, students whose behavior indicates that they could not cooperate on school outings will not be allowed to attend.

Eighth grade students will have the opportunity to attend an end of the year celebration field trip to Navy Pier and cruise on the Odyssey Boat. This trip is a privilege given to those eighth grade students who have maintained good standing throughout their eighth grade year at Kennedy Junior High School. Students that lose all their discipline points during the year will not be eligible to attend this trip. Eighth Grade teams may also enforce additional criteria for participation on the end of the year field trip. This is the criteria used when accessing the loss of points:

Each Eighth Grade student will be given 25 behavior points at the beginning of the year.  The student must have a positive number of points (at least one point) at the end of the year in order to attend the Eighth Grade Celebration.

 HEALTH ISSUES

Medications
When a student requires daily or regular medication, parents must make every effort to give prescribed doses of the medication at home. It is recommended that parents consult with their doctor to see if midday medication can be adjusted and given at another time. Therefore, only medications, (prescription and non-prescription alike,) which are prescribed by a physician and which are essential for the student to remain in school shall be given. Students are prohibited from storing any medication in lockers or carrying it on their person unless permission has been granted by the Certified School Nurse. Please contact the school health technician for further information regarding a specific need.

If your child will be taking medication of any kind during the school day, you and your child's physician MUST complete the District 203 medical permission form.  The form can be obtained from the school health office or on the District website.

Students taking prescription or non-prescription (Tylenol, cough syrup, cold capsules, etc.) are reminded of school policies.

Transfer, sale, purchase, possession, use, abuse of, or being impaired by any alcoholic beverage, intoxicant, non-prescription drug, prescription drug not properly prescribed, inhalant, narcotic, cannabis, so-called "pep pills" or "speed", tranquilizers, "look-alike" drugs or any other controlled substance, or other illegal substance while on school premises or attending school sponsored activities. The terms transfer, sale and purchase include any involvement in such activity or the attempt to conduct such activity. (Classification Three #3)

Pupil Accidents/Illnesses
Students with any type of rash, sore, or other skin condition should not come to school until the condition has been evaluated and identified by a physician and a written physician release to return to school has been provided to the school health office. The release should include the diagnosis, treatment plan and any information about precautions/restrictions to take at school. 

After a student has provided a written physician release for a student to return, any open wound or sore must be covered with a dressing taped on all four sides.

Students will benefit from being taught to never share personal items when active in the community, at home, or school such as clothing, uniforms, sports equipment, towels, skin balms or lotions, razors, water bottles, bar soap, etc. Students should always report any skin lesions to an adult.

Following these simple precautions, and good hygiene practices such as effective hand washing, can help prevent the spread of many communicable diseases.

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HOMEWORK

All students are given regular homework assignments. These assignments are used to supplement and enhance the activities of the regular school programs. In the event a student should forget books or materials in their locker they may return to their locker up till 5:00 p.m. After 5:00 p.m. they must be accompanied by a parent. Students should make arrangements with a friend to bring home the books and/or handouts they might need.  

Each team will have a method to ensure that students can access their homework from home. 

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I.D. CARDS

I.D. Cards will be used for identification. Replacements can be purchased through the Learning Resource Center for $5. They will be needed in the Learning Center, on the school bus and to pay for lunch when using the swipe card debit system.

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LASER POINTERS

Laser pointers are not toys and should not be brought to school.  The Lisle City Ordinance makes it clear that it is against the law to direct the light from a laser pointer or ""dot"" upon any person, building, vehicle, or other object.  The only exception to the rule is if the student is under the direct supervision of a teacher and it is being used for an educational purpose.

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LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

All books in our Learning Resource Center are catalogued according to the Dewey Decimal System. Each year new books are added to provide a wider variety of selection. Students are permitted to check out any book except those on reserve, for a period of fourteen days. They may be renewed after that time.  Reference books may be checked out overnight.  Lost books must be paid for.  Students must have a student ID to check out books.  
The Learning Resource Center is open before school from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. and after school until 3:30 p.m. for work on assignments which require library research.  Passes are issued from the LRC.

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LOCKDOWNS

A systemic way to secure the building has been developed for every school in the district. In the event of a dangerous situation or crisis, the teachers and staff will follow the building lockdown procedure for our build¬building. Classrooms will remain on alert until the all clear is given by the office.

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LOCKERS

Each student is assigned to a personal hall locker for which he/she is responsible. Security of these lockers can not be guaranteed.  Do not leave any valuables or large sums of money in these lockers. The school cannot take responsibility for items taken from the lockers.  Edibles should never be left in the locker overnight. We cannot emphasize enough that locker combinations must be kept private and not shared with anyone. Outside decoration of lockers is limited to one 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper. Please see Notification of School Searches.

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LOST AND FOUND

Articles which are found around school will be placed on the tables next to the exit that students use for recess. Small items (glasses, jewelry, etc.) are kept in the front office.  Items left for more than a month are donated to local charities. Please put name on all articles.  Items found on school property are expected to be turned into the Lost and Found.  Students in possession of lost items may receive a consequence for theft. Students that are missing items of value should report it to the School Resource Officer.

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LUNCH HOUR

Money is not loaned out to students for lunches. Parents are allowed to bring food for only their student. New school policy does not allow birthday treats. Students may not arrange or have food delivered from outside sources during the lunch hour. Only school sponsored parties are permitted during lunch.  Lunches may be dropped off in the Lunch bins at the front lobby. 

Because student schedules vary, we cannot guarantee students will get their food in time for lunch. Money on their student account will alleviate a trip to school to deliver a forgotten lunch.

LUNCHROOM RULES

1. RESPECT ALL ADULTS.
2. No loud talking. Be quiet when the signal is given.
3. Students must ask permission to leave or switch their table. Sit down when you come to the cafeteria.
4. You must ask first before you go to the washroom.
5. Washrooms are to be used before you are dismissed to recess.
6. Students will be dismissed to go outside.
7. If you spill or leave a mess, you are responsible to clean it up.
8. You may ONLY go to ONE (1) line to buy food. No line switching. 
9. If you touch the food, you buy it.
10. During lunch periods, students are to remain in the lunchroom or on the playground. Students may only leave the lunch room/recess area when they have a pass from their teacher.
11. The throwing of any item will not be tolerated.
12. Bring your coats to lunch. You are not allowed to go to your locker once you are in the lunchroom.  During lunch, students wearing bulky coats and hoodies may be asked to take them off when in the lunch line.  Please wear appropriate garments under these items of clothing.

RECESS RULES:

1. No pushing, shoving. Keep hands to yourself.
2. No food, candy, or drinks may be taken outside.
3. Stay out of the sand. Stay in your designated play area.
4. Do not abuse equipment. Kicking of play ground equipment (other than footballs) is not permitted.
5. Other than playground equipment, no other items should be thrown. (Snow, grass, rocks, etc.)

6. Line up when whistle sounds to go in. No pushing.

Lunch Room Consequences:
Students that do not follow the lunchroom procedures or rules will be subject to following consequences:  (students will receive warnings during the first two weeks of school)

• First Offenses will result in a one day clean-up duty or restricted recess time.
• Second offense will result in three days sitting on stage, cleaning the cafeteria and sitting on the curb.  A call home. (Eighth graders lose one  points  towards the eighth grade trip)
• Third offense will result in a referral to the office.  A lunch detention will be assigned. Students must bring in their lunch.  (Eighth graders lose two  points  towards the eighth grade trip)
• Fourth offense will result in a ten day assigned seat on stage/curb and a referral to the office.  A one hour detention will be assigned. (Eighth graders lose three points towards the eighth grade trip). A behavior contract will be offered to the student to reduce the time to 5 days.
• Fifth offense will result in a ten day assigned seat at one of the lunch tables and standing on the curb.  An office referral will be written.  A one hour detention will be assigned.  (Eighth graders  lose three  points  towards the eighth grade trip)
• Sixth offense will result in a permanent assigned seat.  A referral to the office will be written.  A Saturday School Detention will be assigned. 
• Each additional offense will result in a 5 days of lunch detention. (Eighth graders lose 10 points towards the eighth grade trip).  Students must bring in their lunch.

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MAKE-UP WORK

Students are responsible for making up all work missed due to absence. Missing work can be picked up starting with the third day of absence. Please email the team teachers for this request.  Homework can be picked up at the front office after 3:00 p.m.
Students will be allowed the total number of school days absent in order to make up work missed, e.g., if a student is absent for five days, he/she will be allowed five days to make up the work, unless other arrangements are made with the teacher.  (Students suspended from school must turn all their work in on the day they return.)

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PERFORMANCE MUSIC, FOREIGN LANGUAGE, EXPLORATORIES

BAND, ORCHESTRA, CHORUS
These are graded classes that all students may take as electives, and must attend as in any other class unless given prior consent of the of the music teacher.

They are open to all students, and placement is made by tryouts.  Class lessons as well as full group rehearsals are regularly scheduled during the school day.  They perform at concerts and are occasionally called upon to perform at assemblies and other events.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES
These are graded classes that students in the 7th or 8th grade may take instead of Exploratory classes, choosing either Spanish or French.  This is a 2-year track program, and once the decision is made to take the class, it is a minimum one-year commitment.

EXPLORATORIES
These are graded classes that are taken by all 6th graders and selected by all 7th and 8th grade students that choose Exploratories instead of a Foreign Language.  Once chosen, it is a one-year commitment.

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MOVING ON CEREMONY

The 8th Grade Moving On Ceremony is a celebration of the student's completion of junior high.  It takes place the morning of the last day of school and family members are welcomed to attend.  It is sponsored by the Home and School Association.  Disciplinary consequences may prevent a student from attending the ceremony.

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OFFICE REFERRALS

It is our belief that teachers, parents, and administrators must work together to create a positive behavior program for the students at KJHS.  Teachers will attempt to handle all discipline problems that arise under their supervision. If repeated attempts to solve the problem fail, the student will be referred to the assistant principal. The assistant principal will take the appropriate steps necessary to remediate the problem. Consequences ranging from a conference, detention, Saturday school or suspension or expulsion from school are possible. Office detentions are served after school ranging from 1/2 hour to 2 hours in length.
 
Saturday School
Saturday School detentions may be given in lieu of an internal or external suspension. This decision is made by the principal or assistant principal. Saturday school is attended from 7:30 AM until 11:30 AM on Saturday morning. Students that fail to show up at a Saturday School will be suspended from school the following school day.

Internal Suspensions
Infractions of the discipline code may result in an internal or external suspension from school. Internal suspensions are served in the Internal Suspension room next to the assistant principal's office. Students are required to do work, receive help from their teachers (when available) and complete the tasks before they leave. Internal suspensions go from 8:00 AM to 2:50 PM. Students that misbehave, or not complete their work may have their time extended.  Parents will be notified if they are needed to provide transportation after school. They may attend activities after the suspension is completed. Students are expected to bring a lunch and drink. They receive no cafeteria privileges.

External Suspensions
External suspensions remove the student from the educational setting for specified number of days. Students are not allowed on school district property without permission of the school (to retrieve homework or talk to a teacher). They may not attend any district activities until their next day of attendance. Any work assigned is expected to be handed in when they return.

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PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year Perfect Attendance will no longer be awarded due to the difficulty in verifying full and partial day absences. 

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The uniform that our staff and students have chosen consists of a T-shirt and gym shorts. The T-shirt is maroon and gray. The words "Kennedy Phys. Ed." are printed across the front along with a space provided for printing the student's name with a permanent marker. This shirt is required to be worn for physical education class daily.  Our physical education policy states that the student may wear any solid colored shorts to class. This does not include jams or any multi-colored shorts that have designs on them. It is required that the shorts have the student's name on them somewhere in case they are lost or misplaced. The students are also required to have white socks, gym shoes and a sweat suit for outside classes in the fall and early spring. These items should also be marked with the student's name.
 
Physical Education Excuse
All students must participate in physical education unless excused by their physician. A student may be excused from participation with a note from a parent for up to three consecutive days. Thereafter, an excuse from a physician is required. Such special arrangements are made through the school nurse or health technician.

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REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued three times per year, at approximately twelve week intervals. Parents have the ability to check the status of their student's grades on-line.  Each parent is given a code to access this information on the i-Parent Website.  Each team will tell the parents how often the site will be updated.

Grading Scale 

  92-100% A
  90-91%   A-
  88-89%   B+
  82-87%   B
  80-81%   B-
  78-79%   C+
  72-77%   C
  70-71%   C-
  68-69%   D+
  62-67%   D
  60-61%   D-

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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Kennedy Junior High School currently has a School Resource Officer (SRO) in our building half time.  The purpose of the SRO program is to bridge the gap between police officers and young people and increase positive attitudes toward police and law enforcement.  The SRO will be a teacher providing law-related education to students, parents, and staff.  Working as a law enforcement officer for the entire school community, the SRO will use expertise from law enforcement to assist students, parents, and staff.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES

We encourage all students to get involved in some of the various activities available to students at Kennedy.  Involvement in activities outside the classroom will make the years at Kennedy more meaningful and will contribute to the total growth of the individual student.

Kennedy Charity Caterers – Mrs. Janis
The Kennedy Charity Caterers is a service club that helps and services the community as the students learn basic and advanced food preparation techniques.  The ""Caterers"" prepare menus and foods for different luncheons and activities held at Kennedy and donate all of their profits to charity. Some of their activities are raffling off gingerbread houses that they have made and decorated during the winter holidays, selling Valentine cookies, catering luncheons and preparing all of the refreshments and serving for the Blue Iguana Café.  In the past year, $2,000 was donated by the Caterers to the homeless shelters in the area and cookies and refreshments were provided for the shelter's specific events throughout the year. They also learn new techniques in food preparation, running a business and serving the community.  They meet on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 or 4:30 if they are baking food for an event. 

PeaceKEYpers- Mrs. Reitz
The PeaceKEYpers Club has a mission to give students at Kennedy Junior High a better understanding of global issues, to help lessen the impact of poverty on impoverished nations, to assist others in achieving peaceful resolutions, and provide a service organization for the school. Students choose the club's activities each year and direct them, giving individuals the chance to develop leadership skills.  In the past, we have raised money through our project "Bread for Books" to help schools in Mississippi, South Africa, and Chicago, conducted fundraisers and awareness sessions for schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan though "Pennies for Peace", and sold spiritwear with all profits benefiting the UNICEF Education Fund.  Each semester we award "PeaceKEYper Awards" to students who have solved a conflict in a peaceful way or have helped a friend.  We are looking for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who want to work hard and have fun while doing it!

LRC Student Assistants- Mrs. Goodman
If you love to organize things, see new books before anyone else, and know that you are really needed, then the LRC Student Assistants is the club for you! Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades may sign-up to work in the LRC either before school (7:30 a.m.-7:50 a.m.) or after school (2:50 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.). Job experiences (any field!) and parental approval are required. It's a great club that helps the whole school!

Literary Magazine- Mrs. Goodman
The creative talents of KJHS students abound in this Kennedy publication. Any student may submit and be reviewed for publication in "EAGLE TALONS". Students' art, photography, poetry and short stories are accepted. Students may become part of the editorial board by applying to Mrs. Goodman, Eagle Talons adviser, at the beginning of the school year.

Computer Club - Mrs. Ruther
The computer club runs on a weekly basis from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. from the beginning of January through the middle of May.  The programs being used are PowerPoint, Movie Maker, Adobe PhotoShop, Photo Story, along with exploring html and JavaScript languages. This club is for the beginner through the advanced users, with students sharing ideas, tips, and critiquing and supporting the work of others.

Mathcounts Club – Mrs. Croco
Mathcounts is a club for 7th and 8th grade students that meets on Monday mornings before school from 7:10 AM – 7:50 AM.  Our first meeting is the last Monday in September and the last meeting is the last Monday in January.  A school competition is held in January to determine the 8 students who will continue to meet and practice for the Chapter Mathcounts Competition.  Students who are successful at the chapter level advance to the state level competition.  More information and practice problems are available at the Mathcounts website: http://www.mathcounts.org/.  Interested 6th grade students need to take an assessment to demonstrate the necessary skill level before attending the club meetings. 

Science Olympiad- Mr. Cave
The Science Olympiad team is an interscholastic team consisting of 15 students who compete in 23 different events at the regional and state levels. All areas of science are covered including biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.  Also included are engineering and technology.  The range of testing modes includes everything from paper/pencil tests to lab practical-type events to design and building devices that require the students to calibrate devices to accomplish a goal before competition.  Tryouts are held in November and early December to select team members.  Practices are once a week until the regional in late February.  The state competition is held in early April.  We now also have a JV team consisting of 15 students who participate in the Regional only.

Lunch & Read Bunch- Mrs. Goodman
The Lunch & Read Bunch is open to 8th grade students who love to read and to discuss good books! The books are often controversial and provide students with reasons to plead their cause or give rationale to their reasoning. Once every 5 weeks a new book is chosen, read by the group and then discussed over lunch where a dessert has been provided. The beginning and end meetings are pizza parties with desserts and pop. Seventh graders are invited to the end party to entice them to join the group in 8th grade. Three to five leaders are selected to spearhead the discussions. The leaders are responsible for developing questions and providing treats at each meeting. This is a ""must"" group for those who love to read!

Arts and Crafts Club—Mrs.Bunce
Arts and Crafts club is an entertaining club that meets once a week throughout the school year, where you can make anything from origami to fine jewelry. The club has a relaxed feeling that promotes creativity and fun. It's a place to get together with friends and be inspired. We have parties and raise money to take a trip to The Painted Penguin at the end of the year. Come on down to Room 152 and join us.  In September, look for sign-up sheets in the Multipurpose Room.

Crossroads
Crossroads is an entirely student led bible study. Every Wednesday students come together to talk about issues that they are going through as a junior higher. The students encourage each other through difficult situations. They look at the Bible to help them through these situations and for guidance. They promote character here at Kennedy and discuss ways to help other students out and make Kennedy an even better place than it already is. Crossroads is always looking for student leaders who are interested in leading instruction and activities!

Yearbook -Mrs. Hirst
Kennedy's yearbook committee creates memories of students' junior high experiences.  Members have several responsibilities.  Students choose the theme, cover and layout for  the book.  Pictures of sports teams, field trips, dances and more are taken by the yearbook committee.  We have an important job from the beginning to the end of the school year.  Members capture Kennedy memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.  Come aboard and be a part of collecting history.

Junior Reach
Junior Reach is a fun breakfast social club for all KJHS students, who want to lead healthy lifestyles, make good choices, and give back to the community.  We meet once a month and enjoy a variety of speakers, raffles, interactive activities and participate in local service projects.  Look for more details on the KJHS website, in the first KJHS newsletter or contact Rita Frederick at 630.428.3093 or rmabfred@comcast.net. 
 
Eagle Eye News Magazine – Mr. Wainwright
The Eagle Eye News Magazine covers a wide variety of topics from current Kennedy news to things occurring in the world.  Eagle Eye is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and meets one morning each week from 7:20-7:50.  Current movie and book reviews, sports updates, interviews, feature articles, repeating columns and original cartoons are just some of the many things to read in each issue.  Students plan, write and edit the paper and are free to cover their own particular interests through their writing.  The day of the week that the meetings are held will be posted by the second week of school.  Three issues are published each school year, and during the 2007-2008 school year alone, there were over 36 pages of content published by the students.

Newcomers – Mrs. Schlumpf
The Newcomers Club is for all 6th graders and new 7th and 8th graders.  It meets twice a month from the start of school through December.  It is a fun club that helps students discover more about their community, school and peers.  The Newcomers Club organizes fun activities and outings.  Prior activities included a scavenger hunt, board game night, movie night, a breakfast bake, outdoor activity day, and pizza party.  The club also attends sport events together.  Each year's activities and schedules are determined by that year's group members.  Schedules are posted in the main office and invitations are sent out as reminders of activities.  This club is a great way for new students to make friends.  Please join us – we look forward to seeing you.

Chess Club
Chess club is open to all students of all grade levels.  We meet on most Friday mornings before school in the LRC throughout the year.  Responsible students are allowed to play on limited days during their lunch hour in lieu of outdoor recess.  All players of different levels (beginner to veteran) are welcome.  Come as often as you wish, bring a friend, have some fun, and enjoy chess! 

Origami Club- Mrs.  Goodman
The Origami club is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and meets January through April creating origami that will be connected to poetry. Each piece of origami is given to a KJHS staff member during National Poetry Month in April.

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STUDENT COUNCIL

Student Council is a representative group of students whose main responsibilities include development of school spirit and sponsorship of a variety of activities throughout the school year. It is an excellent opportunity to serve your school and develop leadership qualities.  No elections are needed.  If you wish to serve, all are welcome. All we ask is that you attend the meetings and participate in the activities. 
Activities of the student council include:
Service Projects                    Citizenship
Special "School Spirit Days"     Safety
Assembly programs                Orientation for new students
Parties and dances                Other activities as needs arise

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STUDENT MESSAGES, ITEMS DROPPED OFF

If it is necessary that parents get a message to a student during the school day, call the school office. Messages received before 8:00 AM will go out in the morning announcements.  Messages received after 8:00 AM and before 11:00 AM will go out during the child's lunch hour. All other messages will be picked up by students at 2:00 PM. We do not guarantee messages will get to students if left after 1:45 PM. Items being dropped off at the main office will be handled in the same manner as student messages. All items must be marked prior with the student's name and grade. Grade level boxes are located outside the front office. Please do not leave money in these boxes. We strive not to interrupt class to call down students. 

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TARDY POLICY

All students arriving late to school (up to 8:45 AM) will be marked as TARDY.  Between 8:00 AM and 8:05 AM students should not report to the office but go directly to class. This tardy is not considered late to school, but late to first hour. Teacher consequences are then applied to this tardy. After 8:05 all students must check into the office for an admit pass to class.

Students with a credible doctor's admit slip may sign themselves back in to school. If a doctor's note is not presented when the student arrives, the student must be signed in by a parent or guardian. A student signing in without a parent's or doctor's note will be considered unexcused and the student will receive a disciplinary referral. If a parent wishes, the family emergency pass can also be used.  At the end of each trimester, the tardy slate is wiped clean.

Tardy/late arrival due to illness (signed in by parent) may be accepted five times a trimester before a doctor's note is required. After that they will be handled as unexcused tardies.   Students will receive the following discipline consequences during one trimester:

3rd, 4th, 5th       unexcused tardy-Lunch detentions
6th, 7th, 8th       unexcused tardy- PM detentions (One Hour)
9th and up          unexcused tardy-Saturday School detentions

In cases of inclement weather, attendance is held at the discretion of the administration. Students arriving during this time do not need to be signed in by their parent.

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TESTING

District 203 administers several batteries of standardized tests to junior high students in order to assess students' achievement and aptitude, as well as to assist in determining placement in special programs and classes. Sixth and Eighth grade students take the I.T.B.S tests in September.  All students take the I.S.A.T. tests in March.

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VIDEO CAMERAS AND/OR MONITORS

To assist in maintaining security and to deter inappropriate conduct, the School District may position video cameras and/or monitors in public areas of school property, such as hallways, stairwells, gymnasium, cafeteria, school buses, and exterior locations of school buildings.  Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken for misconduct which is recorded or observed from the cameras and/or monitors.

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VIDEO TAPING AND PHOTOGRAPHING OF STUDENTS

During the course of the school year, you will be involved in many school activities that may be captured on video or photographed for sharing and/or placement of the school website or in District publications. Videotaping and photographing of children in special education settings for non-educational purposes will be authorized only with parent consent. Outside of special education settings, students may be videotaped or photographed by parents, observers, school employees, students, and news media personnel from time to time while participating in school activities. If your parents desire that you not be videotaped or photographed in these circumstances (outside of special education settings), please be sure to have them sign the Permissions Denial form that is sent annually in the registration packet and return it to the school. This form also provides for exclusion of family contact information (address and phone number) in the Home and School Directory. The Permissions Denial form must be signed and submitted to the principal at the beginning of each school year to avoid any misunderstandings. The form may be accessed on the District 203 website at the following link. http://www.naperville203.org/assets/PermissionsDenialForm%2Epdf.

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VISITORS

All visitors must sign in and wear a visitor's badge before they enter the building. Due to the tremendous responsibility to staff and liability to the school district, students who are not enrolled at Kennedy Junior High School can no longer be approved as "guests" unless their visit has been prearranged with a teacher. 

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DISCIPLINARY POLICIES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
NAPERVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DISTRICT
203 NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS

PHILOSOPHY OF STUDENT CONDUCT
 

The Board of Education believes that student behavior should reflect standards of good citizenship.  Students are expected to conduct themselves within the bounds set by the Board of Education and, as hereby authorized, the administrative regulations set forth by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Consideration for the rights and well-being of others, cooperation with all members of the school community (which includes staff, students, community members, Board of Education and parents) and respect for oneself and others are the basic principles guiding student behavior.

Rules and guidelines established by District 203 should encourage positive, constructive, and responsible student behavior and an environment conducive to learning.  It is the responsibility of all members of the school community to familiarize themselves with the rules and guidelines governing student conduct.

The Board especially believes that, if staff, parent(s) or guardian(s), and students know and understand the expectations for student conduct and the consequences for not meeting these expectations, behavior problems in our schools will be reduced and a better educational environment will prevail.

All members of the school staff share responsibility for maintaining good discipline and presenting positive role models.  Behavior problems should be reported and handled promptly for the benefit of the student and the school.  Recognizing that each situation is unique and that administrative discretion is necessary, the goal is to implement the appropriate disciplinary action needed to change the undesirable behavior and maintain an orderly school environment.

This statement is written with the best interest of the student and the welfare of others in mind.

Additional Interventions Related to Discipline Code
Toward the promotion of safe and drug free schools, the District supports programs which address this end.

The District is concerned for the health, safety, well-being of all students and recognizes that students' problems as they are manifested in school -- specifically pertaining to behavior, attendance, health, and academic issues may impact their ability to learn.

The District recognizes these issues as legitimate educational concerns because they can influence student learning and seeks to address these concerns through a comprehensive student assistance program.  The student assistance program will provide a structured, organized approach for all schools within the District to respond to students' problems as they are manifested in school.  Assistance may take the form of prevention/education, observation of inappropriate behavior, intervention at appropriate levels, encouragement of professional assessment, referral, and support/aftercare.

Notification of School Searches
Students are hereby notified that school lockers, desks, storage facilities and other school property are subject to searches at any time for any reason.  Furthermore, students have very limited expectations of privacy on school property and are hereby notified that, in order to further the school's interest in the educational needs and safety of all students, the school may search any student property, including bags, backpacks, clothing, purses, and automobiles, whenever the administration deems such necessary.

Specifically Addressing Substance Abuse
In order to ensure the highest standards of learning in the classroom, District staff will urge students to abstain from the use of chemical substances, identify student behavior which may indicate chemical involvement, use or abuse, and implement intervention or support services as needed along with appropriate disciplinary action.

Specifically Addressing Violence Prevention

Peer Mediation
In line with peaceable schools philosophy, District 203 has implemented a conflict resolution program within all junior and senior high schools.  By teaching students techniques to help them manage and resolve conflicts, we can avoid many significant interruptions to the educational program.  The technique used is peer mediation.  Trained students help their peers resolve conflicts by working through a group problem-solving process.  It is a proactive/preventative approach designed to build decision-making skills and help avoid violent situations.

It should be clear that peer mediation is a process which helps resolve conflict.  It does not take the place of the consequences for a disciplinary incident.

Student Discipline
The primary responsibility for student discipline within the school rests with the individual Building Principal. The primary responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within the classroom lies with the individual classroom teacher. Corporal punishment shall not be used. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm.  Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.

The Board of Education has established specific rules and regulations to govern the discipline of its students when conduct of a student constitutes gross disobedience or gross misconduct.

Special Education students (those with an I.E.P.) exhibiting gross disobedience or gross misconduct shall, where appropriate, be referred for a multi-disciplinary conference and disciplined in accord with Special Education placement/Individualized Educational Program procedures.

Students who are suspended externally are to be excluded from all District 203 activities and property for the duration of their suspension.
Each parent/guardian will receive a copy of the student discipline policy within 15 days after school begins or when the student enrolls if it is after the beginning of the school term.  Within the first week of school the students will be helped to understand the contents of the discipline policy.

The items within each classification are simply examples of ways in which a particular classification may be violated.  These examples in no way limit the ability of the Board to discipline students for violations which are not specifically listed.  In addition, a violation shall be interpreted to include either an actual commission of an offense or an attempt to commit an offense.

Notwithstanding designation of a specific place below, students are subject to disciplinary action for misconduct or disobedience occurring on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, in connection with student transportation, or at any place where the misconduct or disobedience has a reasonable relationship to school.

Classification # 1
Students committing or involved with this type of violation are subject to disciplinary action ranging from conferring with an administrator to expulsion from school.  Continued infractions of this classification will have a cumulative effect, in terms of disciplinary action.  The following are examples of Classification #1 violations:

1. Excessive tardiness.
2. Class and/or school truancy.  Current city ordinances and state law in regard to truancy will be strictly enforced by school officials.
3. Violation of the disciplinary rules and regulations contained in the Student Handbook not otherwise covered in this policy.
4. Misconduct or promotion of misconduct on School District property, at school sponsored activities, or as a school bus passenger.
5. Disruptive behavior which interferes with the educational atmosphere in the school or at any school-sponsored activity.
6. Gambling.
7. Forgery, falsifying information or manipulation of attendance.
8. Cheating/Plagiarism.
9. Use of profane or obscene language.
10. Unauthorized use of school property.
11. Disregard for student parking regulations.
12. Insubordination to a School District employee.
13. Trespassing on School District property.
14. Posting of signs and other materials without administrative approval.
15. Violation of Bus Conduct Policy or related Administrative Regulations. 
16. Use of pagers, paging devices, portable phones and any electronic communication devices is prohibited from the time students enter the building until the end of the last class period unless authorized or approved by the building administration.
17. Use of electronic devices such as cameras, camera phones and PDA's, to take, display, or send images videos or text messages is prohibited on school grounds during the course of the school day. Inappropriate use of such devices is prohibited at all times on school grounds and at all school sponsored activities; This may include displaying, sending or posting at any time any images, video, and/or text messages produced without permission.
18. Unauthorized or improper use of or access to the district's computers, computer system, e-mail, Internet access, or other information system components, including violation of the "Acceptable Use Policy."
19. The wearing of hats, caps, or head-coverings of any kind by individuals from the time they enter the school building until they exit the school building is prohibited  unless otherwise approved by the Building Principal.
    In addition, unless otherwise approved by the Building Principal, wearing of coats, jackets, and outdoor wear garments in the building will not be permitted during the school day (from the first class period bell until the bell ending the last class period).  Coats are to be stored in student lockers or other designated places during the school day.
20. No garments, objects, or jewelry that depicts distasteful symbols debasing the dignity of a person that depicts alcohol, or drugs or that contains sexually explicit, obscene, or vulgar messages or symbols may be worn or displayed at school or at any school-sponsored activity.  In addition, no spiked or dangerous jewelry may be worn or displayed at school or at any school-sponsored activity.
21. Willingly participating in any act, or to be in possession of any material, which is of a sexual nature and which is offensive or embarrassing.
22. Perpetrating on an unwilling person an act which is of a sexual nature and which  is offensive or embarrassing.
23. Possession of lighters, matches or other such materials.
24. Failure to follow student schedule.
25. Demonstrating aggressive behavior or behaviors that put them at risk for aggressive behavior.  Aggressive behavior is defined as conducts and behaviors towards other students and staff that appear to terrorize, intimidate or start fights.
26. Harassment, which is often, but not always, associated with race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or physical differences, and which includes intimidation, threatening individuals or inciting the participation of others in such behavior through, but not limited to, the use of email, web sites, voice mail, or any other verbal, written or electronic communication. 

Classification # 2
Students committing or involved with this type of violation are subject to immediate suspension and/or expulsion.  The following are examples of Classification #2 violations:

1. Fighting.
2. Damage resulting from misconduct or intentional damage to school property or personal property of School District employees, students or others or criminal damage to property of any such persons. (Restitution will be required)
3. Tobacco products in any form: smoking, possession, use, sale, or distribution is prohibited on school grounds or at any school related activity.  Smoking, possession of a lighted cigarette or use of tobacco products is prohibited on adjacent property or within visible sight of the school grounds.  Current city ordinances and state law in regard to tobacco will be strictly enforced by school officials.  Students under the age of 18 will be referred to the Naperville Police Department for additional intervention.
4. Gross insubordination or disrespect toward Board members, administrators, teachers, custodial staff, secretarial staff, food service employees and other School District employees and volunteers.
5. Theft, including taking the property of others without their permission or consent.  Possession of stolen items.  Possession of tools that are used to gain possession of another person's property.
6. Possession or use of fireworks (i.e., smoke bombs, stink vials, firecrackers, caps, etc.).
7. The participation in any unauthorized club, secret society, satanic activity, and/or gang activity.  This includes, but is not limited to the display, wearing, or possession of contemporary gang identifiers, the use of gang hand signals, the solicitation of others for memberships, and the requesting of payment of dues, insurance, or other forms of protection from individuals.  This also includes intimidating, or threatening an individual or inciting others to participate in any form of physical violence involving a person or property.
8. Use of derogatory comments which are often, but not always, associated with race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or physical differences, with the intent to be disrespectful.
9. Hazing (any pastime or amusement, engaged in by students for the purpose of holding up any individual to ridicule).
10. Sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors. In addition, sexual harassment may include other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct interferes with an individual's performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.  Refer to Administrative Regulations #7.20-R for further definition of sexual harassment.

Classification # 3
Students committing or involved with this type of violation are subject to immediate suspension and/or expulsion.  This type of misconduct is considered flagrant and carries the most severe consequences.  Classification #3 violations are reported to the Naperville Police Department or other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.  The following are examples of Classification #3 violations:

1. Possession of a weapon as defined in the ""Weapons in School"" section of this policy.
2. Actions considered threatening the well-being of Board members, School District employees, students, volunteers, or other person's including physical assaults upon School District employees, Board members, students, volunteers, or other persons.
3. Transfer, sale, purchase, possession, use, abuse of, or being impaired by any alcoholic beverage, intoxicant, non-prescription drug, prescription drug not properly prescribed, inhalant, narcotic, cannabis, so-called "pep pills" or "speed", tranquilizers, "look-alike" drugs or any other controlled substance, or other illegal substance while on school premises or attending school sponsored activities. The terms transfer, sale and purchase include any involvement in such activity or the attempt to conduct such activity. 
4. The terms "possession" and "use" shall include possession or use by a student who has consumed, or is impaired by, or reasonably appears (such as through odor or behavior) to have consumed or be impaired by, any of the aforementioned substances, whether prior to entering school or at any school sponsored event.
5. The term "intoxicant" includes any substance which is not properly prescribed and which, if used, is intended to produce an altered physical or mental state, including, for example, an inhalant which produces a "high".
6. The possession or use of any drug paraphernalia.
7. Use or possession of anabolic steroids not properly prescribed.
8. Setting off a false fire alarm or disaster alarm.
9. Bomb threat.
10. Deliberately causing or attempting to cause injury to another person.
11. Possession or use of an explosive or incendiary device.
12. Any activity prohibited by criminal law or municipal ordinance.

Weapons in School
In accordance with the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act 10-22.6 provides that any student who brings a weapon to school should be expelled for not less than 12 months.  For purposes of the section,  ""Possession of weapon"" refers to possession, use, control, or transfer of (1) any gun, rifle, shotgun, a weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Act, or use of a weapon as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code, (2) any other object if used or attempted or intended to be used to cause bodily harm, including but not limited to, knives, brass knuckles, billy clubs, or (3) "look alikes" of any weapon as defined above.

A student who uses, possesses, distributes, purchases, or sells an explosive, firearm, knife, or any other object that can reasonably be considered, or looks like, a weapon shall be expelled for a definite time period of at least one calendar year, but no more than 2 school years.  The Board of Education, however, may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.  The Building Principal or designee shall notify the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system of any student who brings a firearm or weapon to school.

Early identification: Aggressive behavior: students who are identified by school staff as having demonstrated aggressive behavior or behaviors that put them at risk for aggressive behavior shall be referred to the building administrator.  The building administration shall establish procedures by which teachers may refer such a student.  Upon review by the building administrator, it shall be determined whether the conducts and behaviors of the student are of such a nature and degree that the student is at risk for aggressive behavior.  The building administration shall promptly notify the student's parents or guardian of the referral and shall attempt to schedule a parent-teacher conference to discuss the referral and to recommend such available early intervention procedures as are deemed reasonably appropriate.

Required Notices
A school staff member shall immediately notify the building principal in the event that he or she (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on or around school grounds (however, such action may be delayed if immediate notice would endanger students under his or her supervision), (2) observes or has reason to suspect that any person on school grounds is or was involved in a drug-related incident, or (3) observes a battery committed against any staff member.  Upon receiving such a report, the building principal or designee shall immediately notify the student's parent(s)/guardian(s), the State Police and the local law enforcement agency.

Reciprocal Reporting
The Superintendent is authorized to follow the provisions of the Illinois School Code in creating administrative regulations which include guideline procedures to establish and maintain a reciprocal reporting system between the school district and local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal offenses committed by students.

Certified Staff
Teachers may temporarily remove a student from the classroom for acts of repeated insubordination or gross misconduct if such student is engaging in disruptive behavior which interferes with the educational process.  In such instances, the teacher shall direct the student to the office of the appropriate building administrator.  The student shall, in the presence of that administrator, be advised of the charges against him or her as soon as reasonably possible after such classroom exclusion and be provided with a reasonable opportunity to explain or deny such charges.  That building administrator shall then make a decision as to the disposition of the charge.  The student may thereafter request a hearing before the Building Principal.  After the disposition by the Principal, the student may request a District level hearing.  The subsequent decision by the Board of Education shall be final.

Videotaping and Photographing
During the course of the school year, you will be involved in many school activities that may be captured on video or photographed for sharing and/or placement of the school website or in District publications. Videotaping and photographing of children in special education settings for non-educational purposes will be authorized only with parent consent. Outside of special education settings, students may be videotaped or photographed by parents, observers, school employees, students, and news media personnel from time to time while participating in school activities. If your parents desire that you not be videotaped or photographed in these circumstances (outside of special education settings), please be sure to have them sign the Permissions Denial form that is sent annually in the registration packet and return it to the school. This form also provides for exclusion of family contact information (address and phone number) in the Home and School Directory.

The Permissions Denial form must be signed and submitted to the principal at the beginning of each school year to avoid any misunderstandings. The form may be accessed on the District 203 website by clicking the link below

Permission Denial Form

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