MISSION STATEMENT

The DuQuoin Middle School believes it is our responsibility to provide educational opportunities and experiences which will enable all students to be life-long learners.  We want students to develop their talents and capabilities to prepare them for responsible roles in their home, their community and at work.  We also want to prepare them to face new challenges by offering curricular experiences with computer technology.  We believe education should encompass both academic and affective learning.  We also believe parental involvement is necessary for successful learning. 

The five purposes of DuQuoin Middle School include:

1. Provide a current, high quality education with a sound basis in the basic skills.
2. Provide a safe environment and foster an atmosphere of safety.
3. Develop positive communication and a strong working relationship between the school and the home.
4. Make students aware how education relates to real world and careers.
5. Meet all of the students’ needs – academic, social, emotional, and physical. 

DISCLAIMER

This handbook is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student, nor does it represent all school policies in their entirety and may change at any time.  This handbook is a summary of the school’s rules and expectations, and is not a comprehensive statement of school procedures.  The Board’s comprehensive policy manual is available for public inspection at the Board office.  This handbook is intended to describe the school, its current practices, procedures, rules and regulations.  Membership or participation in school-sanctioned activity is a privilege and not a property right. 

Equal Opportunity and Sex Equity

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy.

No student shall, based on sex or sexual orientation, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Any student or parent/guardian with a sex equity or equal opportunity concern should contact the principal. 

ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES

Enrollment Procedure – Due to recent changes in Illinois School Law, enrollment procedures have changed in recent years.  Please refer to the appropriate section for information regarding enrollment.

Enrollment Procedures for 5th Graders:

1.   The student and/or parents must provide evidence that 4th grade was successfully completed.

2.             Where appropriate, the family must provide proof of court appointed custody and/or guardianship.

4.   The family must provide proof of legal residency within the boundaries of the school district.

5.   The student and/or parents must submit the original birth certificate (court house copy) for the photocopying for the student’s records.

Enrollment Procedures for Transfer Students:

1.   The student and/or parents must provide transcripts or other acceptable records of attendance at the previous middle school.

2.   All necessary Health Requirements must be satisfied according to Illinois State Law.

3.   Where appropriate, the family must provide proof of court appointed custody and/or guardianship.

4.   The family must provide proof of legal residency within the boundaries of the school district.

5.   The student and/or parents must submit the original birth certificate (court house copy) for the photocopying for the student’s records.

6.   When transferring from an Illinois school, the student and/or parents must produce an original copy of the Illinois Student Transfer Form.  When transferring from an out-of-state school or private school, the sending school will be contacted to verify that the student is in good standing and able to transfer schools.

Enrollment Procedures for Non-Resident Tuition Paying Students:

1.   These students are accepted at the discretion of the school district.  The student’s record of behavior and other pertinent information will be secured when making this decision.

2.   All regulations and procedures for In District Transfer Students apply except for the requirement of legal residency within the school district.

Enrollment Procedures for Expelled or Suspended Students:

A student seeking to transfer into the District must serve the entire term of any suspension or expulsion, imposed for any reason by any public or private school, in this or any other state, before being admitted into the School District. 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS – Students entering DuQuoin Middle School for the first time are required to provide the following health information:

1.   Proof of physical examination performed by a licensed medical doctor

2.   Medical history completed by a parent or guardian

3.   Proof of inoculation against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella

4.   Proof of a dental examination performed by a licensed dentist

5.   Emergency information completed by a parent or guardian

Sixth grade students are required to provide this information prior to attending class. Students who transfer to DMS from another school must provide the above listed information within thirty (30) calendar days of enrollment in class.  The examinations must be conducted no earlier than one year prior to entering the sixth grade and results must be recorded on state-approved forms. Students with an out-of-state medical examination and/or dental examination may be considered in compliance provided the examination(s) meets the requirements in Illinois, including the immunization requirements and the date of the examination(s) is within the guidelines.  Students who fail to comply with these requirements will be excluded from attendance at DMS.  Unexcused absences will be recorded in these instances.  Parents who object to immunizations because of religious beliefs are expected to discuss the situation with the Middle School Principal.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Here are some of the people and places you will need.  Please report to the main office for assistance in speaking with these people.

Dr. Gary Kelly - Superintendent

Mr. Aaron Hill –Principal

Mr. Jeremy Cornett – Dean of Students and Athletic Director

Mrs. Sarah Carter - Secretary

Mrs. Sherry Green - Secretary

Mrs. Chrissy Harsy - Nurse.   

Absences:  To report absences or tardiness call the Principal’s Office at 542-2646.

Student Behavior:  To discuss a pupil’s general behavior as a result of a disciplinary problem call Mr. Hill, DMS Principal, or Mr. Cornett, DMS Dean of Students.  If Mr. Hill and Mr. Cornett are not available please leave a message or schedule an appointment with the school secretary and Mr. Hill or Mr. Cornett will respond as quickly as possible.

Parent-Teacher Conference:  To arrange for a parent-teacher conference, call 542-2646 and leave a message for the classroom teacher.  The teacher will return your call in order to schedule an appointment. 

Transportation and Bus Routes:  To discuss transportation matters, bus routes, or bus schedules call 542-5012 and ask for the Bus Supervisor.

Building Reservations and Calendar:  To discuss the school calendar or building reservations call 542-2646 and ask for Mr. Hill.

Miscellaneous Items:           Call 542-2646 and ask for:

     Lost and Found                  Office Staff

     Library                                Librarian                                                

Phone Calls:  Teachers and pupils are called out of class only in case of emergencies.

Matters Not Listed:  When matters arise and you are not sure who to call, please call 542-2646 and ask for Mr. Hill.

Activities at School (Dances, Games, etc.)

1.   Once students or guests enter the school they must remain inside.  If the student or guest goes outside the building, he or she will not be allowed to return.

2.   State Law prohibits any use of tobacco products on school property.

3.   No one will be permitted to enter the building showing any evidence of having consumed alcohol or drugs.  Guilty students will be subject to disciplinary action.

4.  All school dances will be closed to everyone except the students attending the dance and the adults chaperoning the dance.  Students must be enrolled in DMS to attend any school dance.  All other students and adults will not be allowed to enter the building or stay for any portion of the dance.  

Animals on School Property:  In order to assure student health and safety, animals are not allowed on school property, except in the case of a service animal accompanying a student or other individual with a documented disability.  This rule may be temporarily waived by the building principals in the case of an educational opportunity for students, provided that (a) the animal is appropriately housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (b) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or an unhealthy environment.

Assemblies: Students should follow these additional guidelines while attending assemblies at DMS. 

1.   Enter the assembly in an orderly fashion and take your seat. 

2.   Students are to remain seated with the teacher who brought them for the entire assembly.

3.   Students should show respect for anyone speaking, or performing, during an assembly by not yelling out or making unnecessary noise.

4.   All school rules apply during an assembly

Ballgames: Attending extra-curricular activities is a privilege, not a right.  Students and fans are expected to abide by good sportsmanship and the following guidelines.  Anyone who is disrupting an activity by yelling at referees, participants, or other fans, will be asked to leave and possibly barred from returning to future activities. 

1. Students should behave appropriately and display good sportsmanship.  (Booing or laughing at the opposing team or cheerleaders is not allowed.)  All school rules are in effect and will be enforced.
2. Students should remain seated during game time, and may leave the gym only at half-time and between games to purchase concession items, go the restroom, etc.  Students should walk around the basketball court and not across it.  Students are not allowed to leave the building.
3. No drinks or food are to be taken into the gym.
4. Spectators are not allowed into the classroom area of the school.  Band students may place instruments in the band room upon arrival, and are not permitted back into this area until time for them to perform (at the beginning of the third quarter of the first game).
5. Brothers and sisters younger than fifth grade should not attend ballgames, unless accompanied by an adult.
6. Ballgames are over between 8:15-8:30 p.m.  You should make arrangements to be picked up prior to coming to the game.  Cell phones may only be used to call for a ride home at the end of the game.  If a student does not have a ride home by 8:30 pm, the student may not be allowed to attend the next home game.

Band and Chorus: Students joining the band and chorus at the beginning of the school year are expected to remain in the organization until the end of the school year.  The band and chorus are extra curricular classes in which students receive a grade.  Students may be allowed to drop at the end of the first semester, providing they bring written permission from their parent/guardian.  Any student who drops band or chorus at any time during the school year will be given a failing grade.

Bell Schedule

TAP                           8:00 – 8:18

1st Period                  8:20 – 9:08

2nd Period                 9:10 – 9:58

3rd Period                 10:00 – 10:48

4^th Period                  10:50 – 11:38

5^th Period                  11:40 – 12:28 (6^th and 8^th Grade Lunch)

6th Period                 12:30 – 1:18 (5^th and 7^th Grade Lunch)

7th Period                  1:20 – 2:08 

8^th Period                   2:10 – 2:58

One Hour Early Dismissal

TAP                         8 – 8:37

1^st Period                 8:39 – 9:16

2^nd Period                9:18 – 9:55

3^rd Period                 9:57 – 10:34

4^th Period                 10:36 – 11:13

5^th Period                 11:13 – 11:58 (6^th and 8^th Grade Lunch)

6^th Period                 11:58 – 12:43 (5^th and 7^th Grade Lunch)

7^th Period                 12:43 – 1:20

8^th Period                 1:22 – 1:58

11 O’clock Dismissal

TAP                         8 – 8:28

1^st Period                 8:30 – 8:58

2^nd Period                9:00 – 9:28

3^rd Period                 9:30 – 9:58

4^th Period                 10:00 – 10:28

5^th/6^th Period            10:30 – 10:58

ORG                        10:58 – 11:00

Book Rental and/or Materials Fees: Textbooks and/or materials for each of the student’s classes are purchased by the school and provided to the student as part of the school’s cost.  In those classes where no textbook is used, materials are provided which replace the text.  The annual fee for students attending DMS is established by the Board of Education and will be announced in the Spring of each year.  Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.  Such amount shall be based on the replacement cost of the book.  A textbook rental fee is established annually.  For those families whose financial circumstances require assistance, a fee waiver form is available in the office.   

School Calendar: 2010-2011

Fines, Fees, and Charges; Waiver of Student Fees:  The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities.  Some students may be unable to pay these fees.  Students will not be denied educational services or academic credit due to the inability of their parent or guardian to pay fees or certain charges. Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive a fee waiver.  A fee waiver does not exempt a student from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials, supplies, and/or equipment.

Applications for fee waivers may be submitted by a parent or guardian of a student who has been assessed a fee.  As student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met:

1. The student currently lives in a household that meets the free lunch or breakfast eligibility guidelines established by the federal government pursuant to the National School Lunch Act; or
2. The student or the student’s family is currently receiving aid under Article IV of the Illinois Public Aid Code (Aid to Families of Dependent Children).

The building principal will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present: [1]

• An illness in the family;
• Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.;
• Seasonal employment;
• Emergency situations; or
• When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage.

Bus Transportation: Bus transportation is provided for students living within DMS district boundary lines.  Students should abide by the following rules while using district transportation.  Bus assignments and schedules are available in the office.  Specific questions concerning bus routes or policies should be directed to the Transportation Supervisor at 542-5012.

1.   The bus driver has the same authority as a classroom teacher.  Please abide by all school rules when on the bus.

2.   Students who are unable to follow school rules or who chronically fail to follow directions of those in charge may have their bus privileges suspended.

3.   Students will have a specific bus route and specific bus to ride based upon where they live.  A student wishing to ride any other bus will only be allowed to do so through the consent of the Principal.  This permission will only be given upon written request from both of the student’s parents or legal guardians.

4.   Field Trips – All students are required to use district transportation while going to, or returning from, any school sponsored field trip.  Permission will not be given to stay at the field trip site or return by any other means than the district provided transportation. 

5.   Extra-Curricular Events – All students are required to use district transportation while going to any extra-curricular event.  Students are not allowed to drive themselves to any extra-curricular event.  Only custodial parents may transport a student home after an extra-curricular event.  The custodial parent must provide a written note to the coach/sponsor of the extra-curricular activity in order to transport their student home. 

Bicycles: Students should observe the following rules when riding a bike to DMS. 

1. Bicycles are never to be ridden on the playground area.  Students must get off and walk the bike to the rack.
2. Do not ride bicycles on the sidewalks.
3. Do not give another student permission to ride your bicycle and do not ride another student’s bicycle.  The school will not be responsible if you do give permission.
4. Any student who rides a bicycle to school is doing so at his/her own risk.  All students must obtain a lock for their bicycle.

Cafeteria: All students must eat lunch in the school cafeteria.  Meals may be purchased in the cafeteria or brought from home.  Milk, snacks, and individual portions of the lunch may be purchased separately.  Students may not order out or have deliveries made for their lunch.  

1. Students should form a neat orderly line, in alphabetical order by homeroom.
2. After eating, students should return trays/and trash to the proper place.  Nothing should be left on the table.
3. Students eating in the lunchroom must obey the instructions of the lunch supervisor.
4. Students are not allowed to pass other students in the lunch line.
5. Take-out lunches from outside eating establishments are not permitted in the Cafeteria.
6. The lunch program is set up on a debit system, and each child has his/her own account.  Students must make prepayment for their lunches.  Payment may be made weekly, monthly, or in any amount the parents would like to send to credit the student’s account.  No money will be taken in the lunch line.  Payment should be done by check if possible.  Checks should be placed in an envelope with the student’s full name, homeroom teacher and grade level.  Money will be collected from students in the morning. 

Students who have not made payments to their accounts, or who are overdrawn on their accounts, will only be given a sandwich and milk until the situation is corrected.  

Cancellation of School: Should inclement weather require that school be cancelled for a particular day, the announcement will be made through the media.  Students and parents can listen to WDQN and WCIL on radio, and Channel 3 or 12 on TV.

Closed Campus: Students are considered on the campus when they board a school bus in the morning, or when they arrive on school property.  Students may not leave campus unless they have been given permission by school administration.  Students walking or taking other forms of transportation to school must move onto the campus promptly and are then considered on campus until school is dismissed.  Students must sign in/out at the office whenever arriving after school starts or leaving before school ends.  Students leaving campus without permission from school administration will face disciplinary consequences.  Parents may only sign-out their child for lunch.  Students will not be released to any individual other than their parent or guardian.   

Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution may be utilized upon request from a student, parent, teacher, counselor, or administrator.  Conflict resolution is a non-threatening technique which allows students to work through problems they are having with other students.  For additional information contact the Social Worker at DuQuoin Middle School.

Directory Information: DMS may, at times, publish student information such as name, address, telephone number, height, and weight, past awards, activities, and parent’s names.  This information is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.  This information may be used for, but is not limited to, extracurricular activities programs, press releases, and any other form of written communication to the general public.  Parents who do not wish for their student’s directory information to be published should present that request, in writing, to the building Principal. 

Drills - Fire and Disaster: Drills will be held periodically to help insure the safety of all students attending DMS.  The fire alarm is a steady continuous blast of the alarm system.  The storm warning is interrupted blasts of the passing bells.  Instructions are posted in each classroom for students to follow in case of a drill or an actual alarm.  Students are to treat each drill as the real thing and to familiarize themselves with the emergency information in each of their classrooms to help insure their safety and the safety of others.

Electronic Devices: Students should not have cell phones or any other type of electronic communication device on themselves for any reason.  These items may be kept in their locker and may only be used before arriving to school or after leaving school property.  All electronic devices must be turned off when on school grounds.  DuQuoin School District #300 does not take any responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of these items while on school property.  Students bring these items to school at their own risk.  Students who are found to have these items on their person during school hours will have them confiscated and assigned disciplinary actions.   Parents will be required to pickup confiscated items at school. 

* Students who are found to been involved in sending, receiving or possessing sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate pictures or images, commonly knowing as “sexting” will face disciplinary actions.  Disciplinary actions will be determined based upon the nature and severity of the infraction and may include but are not limited to out-of-school suspensions and/or recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion. 

Equal Rights: DuQuoin Community Unit School District #300, Perry County, Illinois provides vocational and educational opportunities for all students who are residents of the district without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, language barrier, ancestry, ethnicity, economic and social conditions, actual or potential marital or parental status, or physical and mental handicap or disability.  DMS recognizes that students may have special needs that come under the categories of State of Illinois IDEA or United States 504 mandate, and DMS will address these needs to the limit of the school’s abilities.  Students, parents, guardians, employees, or community members should notify any District Complaint Manager, Dr. Gary Kelly, if they believe that the School Board, its employees, or agents have violated their rights guaranteed by the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board policy.

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities:  Individuals with disabilities will be provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services, programs, or activities. Individuals with disabilities should notify the superintendent or building principal if they have a disability that will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required.  This notification should occur as far in advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.

Field Trips: Students on school sponsored field trips should be aware of the fact that all such trips are considered merely an extension of the classroom and all normal regulations are in effect.  Parents will be made aware of the particulars of the field trip well in advance.  No student will be allowed to take part in a field trip without a proper parental permission form and student waiver form.  All students who attend a school-sponsored field trip will be required to use district transportation going to and returning from any field trip.  Students will not be allowed to use alternative transportation to return from any field trip.  The middle school office will approve field trips and lists of participants in advance.  Students with records of chronic absenteeism, discipline problems, or failing grades will not be approved for these trips.

Guidance and Counseling: Students are encouraged to maintain a close relationship with their classroom teachers for guidance with class work as well as general or special problems as they arise.  Students are encouraged to contact the Principal, Dean of Students, or Social Worker with any individual or special problems.

The Social Worker will help students with concerns involving their educational and personal life.  All conversations with the Middle School Social Worker will be held in a private setting.  Individual needs for recognition or academic achievement and satisfaction in daily school life are the school’s main concern.

Appointments may be made with the Social Worker.  Students will be given a pass when the counselor can see them.  The counselor is here to help; make good use of their office.

Gym Procedures for Morning and Noon - Students will:

1. Use the restroom and get a drink BEFORE entering the gym
2. Not leave the gym once they enter, without permission
3. Stay seated with their appropriate grade level
4. Use inside volume for voice

Homebound Instruction: DMS provides Homebound Instruction for students who miss long periods of school for medical reasons.  Homebound Instruction begins when a student misses ten (10) consecutive days of school for medical reasons or when a physician indicates to the school that the student will be missing ten (10) or more consecutive days of school.  This instruction is instituted on the basis of the medical opinion of the student’s attending physician(s) and the evaluation of the student’s situation by the school district.  Parents who wish to learn more about Homebound Instruction should contact the Principal.

Homebound education does not replace daily classroom instruction.  Students are strongly encouraged to return to school as soon as they are capable of doing so.

Regular classroom assignments and tests are to be turned in on a regular basis while the student is receiving Homebound Instruction.  Unless special circumstances are brought to the attention of, and approved by, the school administration, students who fail to turn in assignments, projects, and/or tests after a period of more than two weeks, after receiving them, will receive a grade of "F" for these assignments, projects, and tests.  It is the responsibility of the parent/student to contact the individual classroom teacher if a problem exists in a particular subject area.

The homebound instructor assigned to each student is acting only as a liaison between the student and the regular classroom teacher.  The student’s regular classroom teacher makes the final evaluation of the student’s work and performance.

Homeless Child’s Right to Education:  When a child loses permanent housing and becomes a homeless person as defined at law, or when a homeless child changes his or her temporary living arrangements, the parent or guardian of the homeless child has the option of either:

                (1) continuing the child's education in the school of origin for as long as the child remains homeless or, if the child becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year during which the housing is acquired; or

            (2) enrolling the child in any school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.

Lockers (Assignment and Care): A locker will be assigned to each individual student.  These lockers are the property of the district and are provided at no cost to the student.  Students should have no expectation of privacy in school lockers.  The school assumes the right to search lockers and their contents at any time with or without your knowledge or presence.  Students may not share lockers with other students and locks should not be jammed in order to allow other students to access the locker.  Lockers that are found to be faulty are to be reported to the office.  Students should not write in or alter their lockers in any way.  Students must use the school issued lock and may not use locks from home.  All locks will be turned in at the end of the school year.  A $5.00 fee will be charged for lost or damaged locks.

Lost and Found: Lost and Found items are placed in the gym hallway.  Items will be discarded after a week. Students should always check the gym hallway prior to coming to the office.  Do not leave coats, hats, book bags or PE clothing in the hallway after school hours.

Money: All students should be encouraged not to carry large amounts of money to school.  Large amounts of money should be given to the teacher to lock in a secure place until dismissal.  THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OF MONEY.

Parent Conferences: Parents are welcome and encouraged to come and talk with teachers, administrators, and support staff.  Appointments must be made to coincide with teacher’s schedules.  This should be done through the principal’s office.

Passes Within School: All students must have a valid pass from a teacher while in the hallways during class time.  Students must have their student planner in order for teachers to issue passes.  Any student who is not in possession of such a pass will be asked to return and obtain one.  Students who are out of class without permission will face disciplinary actions. 

Personal Property: Each student’s belongings, including supplies and coats should be plainly marked to avoid loss.  All articles found in the school premises should be promptly taken to the office.  Radios, tape/cd players, cameras, expensive watches/jewelry and large sums of money should not be brought to school.  Items brought to school should be labeled with the owner’s name and have some identifying mark.  THE SCHOOL WILL NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR LOST ARTICLES.

Pesticide Application Notice:  The district will notify parents of pesticide applications prior to their application. 

Pictures: Individual pictures of students will be taken at registration and possibly full-length student pictures in the spring.  Several sizes of picture packets will be available.  Purchasing pictures is not a requirement, only a service offered to our students.  The Yearbook will also take candid, student activity, and organizational pictures during the school year.  At times, students may be asked to have his/her picture taken for the newspaper.  If you do not wish to have your child’s picture taken, please contact the office as soon as possible.

Playground Rules/Procedures:

1. Students will not be allowed in unauthorized play areas.
2. Objects (snowballs, rocks, sticks, etc.) are not to be thrown, playground equipment is to be used in authorized play areas only - (balls, bats, frisbees, football, etc.).
3. Trash should be placed in proper containers.
4. No food, gum, candy or drink items are allowed on the playground with the exception of special days. 

Violations of the above rules will result in a verbal warning, then consequences.

ALL SCHOOL RULES ARE TO BE ENFORCED ON THE PLAYGROUND AREA.  VIOLATIONS OF SCHOOL RULES WILL RECEIVE DISCIPLINARY MEASURES - ACCORDING TO THE VIOLATION/CONSEQUENCES OUTLINE IN THE SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY SECTION OF THE HANDBOOK.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA): PPRA governs the administration to students of survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the protected areas under PPRA.  Parents may request, in writing to the Principal, a complete description of PPRA. 

Sign-Out Sheet Procedure / Illness During School Hours: If a student becomes ill, he/she is not allowed to leave the building without permission from the Principal, Dean of Students or office personnel.  If a student becomes ill during the time the nurse is not at the school, the student is to report to the Principal’s office where a parent/guardian will be contacted to come to pick them up.  Students must be picked up in the office.  STUDENTS CANNOT WAIT OUTSIDE FOR PARENTS.  PARENTS MUST COME TO THE OFFICE TO SIGN OUT THE STUDENT.

                If students have a medical appointment and obtain an early dismissal request, parents will still need to come to the office to sign out the student. 

School Organizations: Students are encouraged to belong to school organizations.  Students will profit from membership in one of the clubs.  Please note:  No dances or parties will be permitted on any school night beyond 8:30 p.m. with the exception of Friday night.  All parties and dances must be held within the school facilities and only club members of said activities are allowed to attend.   Students must maintain passing averages in order to remain active in school clubs.  See athletics section for guidelines.  Students are expected to ride the school bus to activities.  Students may ride home after a game or activity only with a parent, if the parent has given the sponsor a written note and makes contact with a coach after the event.

Student Records: Student records are maintained in the Middle School Office.  The school maintains both temporary and permanent records on each student.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.  These rights transfer to the student when he or she turns 18 years of age or enters a postsecondary educational institution at any age.  Copies of student files are available to appropriate individuals (i.e. parents and/or students) for $.35 per page.  All inquiries concerning student records should be made in the Middle School Office. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day that DMS receives a request for access.  Parents of eligible students must submit to the Principal a written request identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. 
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate.  Parents or eligible students must submit to the Principal a written request that clearly identifies the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate.  The Principal will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision to amend in writing.  Parents or eligible students may request a hearing if the request to amend is denied. 
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records.  Personally identifiable information may be disclosed without consent to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest. 
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by DMS to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

Teacher Qualifications:  Parents may request information about the qualifications of their child’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including:

Telephone: All calls made during actual class time must be an emergency in nature.  These calls are to be made in the Middle School Office.  Students using the telephone during class are required to have a written pass from class.  Those students without a written pass will receive disciplinary consequences.  Students will not be removed from class to receive a telephone call unless in an emergency.  Phone messages for students will be accepted from family members only.

Visitors: Anyone who is not an enrolled student is required to report to the Principal’s office upon entering the building where they must sign-in and receive a visitor’s pass.  The Principal will deny a visitor’s pass if the circumstances indicate that such action is in the best interest of the school.  Student visitors, who wish to attend with a friend for a day, or portion of a day, are not allowed.   

Withdrawal from School:  Parents should contact the Middle School office if they wish to withdraw their child from DMS.  The school should be contacted at least 2 days before withdrawal.  Parents are required by law to sign withdrawal forms in the office in order for a student to officially withdraw.

STUDENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Note:  The school will fulfill its legal obligations in maintaining student control at school, to-and-from-school, or in the neighborhood of the school, and at all sites where DMS is a participant in any activity.  The Board of Education has set forth well-defined rules for the businesslike operation of our school.  These rules are in effect when you arrive at your bus stop, step onto school property, or are in attendance at any school-sanctioned event.  These rules will be carried out in the best interest of all students in attendance at DMS.  The following student rules and regulations were developed to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.  However, not every rule has been, or could be, listed in this handbook.  School officials are empowered to develop rules for the safe and effective operation of the school, as they are needed, to deal with any other conduct that is detrimental to the safety, instruction, and educational functions of the district.  Students may receive disciplinary consequences for their actions when those actions involve school related activities or school personnel.  Students are expected to follow all reasonable requests and directions from staff members.  Students may be disciplined for engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

For purposes of these rules, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event; or (e) in the case of drugs and alcohol, substances ingested by the person.

Student Rights and Responsibilities: When implementing the guidelines and disciplinary consequences in the code of conduct presented in this student handbook, the administration of DuQuoin Middle School will protect all applicable rights and responsibilities of students at DMS. 

Video Cameras: The Board of Education authorizes the use of video cameras to identify students and to document the activities of students in order to help ensure safety and order within the school.  The administration, and other appropriate personnel who have a legitimate need to know, are authorized to view all recordings for the purposes set forth above.  All recordings shall be acquired through public areas.  Persons authorized to view these recordings may show relevant portions of the recordings to students or groups of students, their parents or guardians or groups of parents or guardians to identify disruptive behavior of students and/or to document activities of students.  The recordings shall not be used for general showings to individuals or to groups or the media.  All recordings shall be used as a student record base and shall be kept in a secure location.  Recordings may be preserved by the administration until such time as determined they are no longer necessary.

Access To The Building: The building will be locked until 7:15 a.m.  Anyone who enters/exits the building between 7:15 - 8:00 a.m. will use the front doors.  Adult supervision begins at 7:30 am.  Students will be permitted ONLY in the Music rooms (for practice), Gym, or the Commons (for breakfast).  Access to all parts of the building will be at 8:00 a.m., when teachers are at their duty stations.  All classroom doors will be locked until the classroom teachers arrive and unlock their doors.  Students with club meetings before school will be allowed inside ONLY at the designated meeting time.

Attendance: Attendance is a vital part of a student’s success at DMS.  Students who regularly miss school have a greater chance of academic failure due to loss of classroom instruction.  It is the legal responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is attending school.  Parents may call 542-2646 to report an absence.  150 minutes of instruction constitutes a half-days attendance.  To be counted for a full day of attendance you must be here by 9:15 AM or leave after 2:15 PM.  DMS will attempt to contact the families of those students who are not in attendance, and for whom no calls or notes have been received, after 9:30 a.m.  Students who have eight (8) total absences in a semester will be required to provide a note from a medical professional for each absence to be excused after that point.  Written notes from parents/guardians or phone calls will not be accepted as verification of absences after eight (8) absences in a semester.  The Administration may also require notes from medical professionals to excuse absences from students who have demonstrated a routine history of being absent from school.  The Administration has the legal authority to require written documentation from a medical professional to excuse any absence at any time.  The Principal has the authority to make the final determination if an absence is excused or unexcused.  Any student who has ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absences will be dropped from DMS enrollment upon the tenth day of absence.

Excused Absence: School administration has the authority to determine if an absence is excused or unexcused.  The following are valid causes for a student’s absence from school according to the Illinois School code: illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent or guardian for the safety or health of the student, and other situations approved by the school principal.  Only the principal approves deviations from this policy.   Students will be given three days to verify that an absence is excused before it will be marked unexcused.  Students who have an excused absence will be provided an opportunity to make up tests or other work that was missed during their excused absence.  All work will be made up at the teacher’s discretion but in all cases within the grade period missed.  Students should talk with each of their teachers upon returning to school to receive make-up work. 

Students will have the number of days missed plus one day to turn in all makeup work. 

Any student that misses the entire day of school or afternoon classes due to illness or an unexcused absence will not be allowed to attend any extra-curricular activity on that day. 

Students with grade deficiencies or with 10 days absence will not be dismissed early for extra-curricular activities, sports, or field trips.

Planned Absence: Please contact the Middle School office at 542-2646 if you are aware of the need to miss school in advance.  Arrangements will be made to provide makeup work prior to students in advance of missing school.  All makeup work is due on the day students return from their absence. 

Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance:  A student will be released from school, as an excused absence, to observe a religious holiday or for religious instruction.  The student’s parent/guardian must give written notice to the building principal at least 5 calendar days before the student’s anticipated absence(s).

Students excused for religious reasons will be given an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement.

Unexcused Absence: Any absence from school, which is found not to be valid, will be counted as unexcused.  Examples include, but are not limited to oversleeping, hunting, fishing, shopping, missing the bus, car trouble, farm work, babysitting, working, etc.  Any student whose absence is determined to be unexcused will not be given make-up privileges.  This will result in a loss of credit for the work missed in those classes on the days of the unexcused absences.  Absences with no communication from home will be given three days for clarification after which they will be recorded as unexcused.  Any unexcused absence may be considered as a form of truancy if the circumstances dictate. 

Truancy:  D.Q. CUSD #300, with the use of the School Resource Officer, enforces the public ordinance prohibiting truancy enacted by the City of DuQuoin.  DuQuoin City ordinance #2006-007-01 prohibiting truancy contains the following language. 

Section 1:  It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years being either:

1. Enrolled in a public or private school within the City of DuQuoin; or
2. A resident of the City of DuQuoin enrolled in a public or private school outside the City of DuQuoin;
3. A non-resident of the City of DuQuoin enrolled in any public or private school outside of the City of DuQuoin;

to be present within the City of DuQuoin and to be absent himself or, herself from attendance at school during session without the permission of his or her parent or legal guardian.

Section 2:  Any person who so absents himself or herself without said permission shall be guilty of the offense of truancy and shall be subject to the penalties set forth below. 

1. Upon the first conviction, the payment of a fine in an amount not in excess of $25.00;
2. Upon the second conviction within a one year period, the payment of a fine of not less than $80.00 nor more than $500.00; and
3. Upon the third conviction within a one year period, the payment of a fine not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00

Section 3:  Emergency or unforeseen absences due to illness or other causes beyond the control of the person so abseting himself or herself from school without said permission shall not constitute truancy; provided that permission from the parent or legal guardian for such absence is submitted in writing to the proper school authority within 24 hours of such absence. 

Section 4:  It shall be unlawful for a parent or legal guardian to knowingly permit a person in his or her custody or control to violate this ordinance.

Section 5:  A parent or legal guardian convicted of a violation of section 4 above shall be subject to a fine of not less than $75.00 nor more than $500.00

Section 6:  the Perry County State’s Attorney is hereby authorized to prosecute violations of this ordinance. 

Unexcused Tardies: Tardiness is defined as not being in your seat and ready for class when the passing period has ended.  Discipline for Tardies is as follows:

1. In between classes - at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
2. AM/PM (in one 9 week period)

        3 tardies = lunch detention(s)

                        4-9 tardies = In-School Suspension(s)                    

                        10 tardies = Out-of-School Suspension(s)

Excused Tardies: Excused tardies may be given on a case-by-case determination.  NOTE: a note or phone call does not necessarily excuse the tardy.  The Principal has the authority to determine if tardies are excused or unexcused. 

Tardy and Absent Policy:

A.M. - Arrive:  Students that arrive before 9:15 a.m. are tardy.  Students that arrive after 9:15 a.m. are considered absent

           for the morning.

           Leave:  Students that leave before 9:15 a.m. are considered absent for the morning.  Students that leave after

           9:15a.m. are considered present for the morning.

P.M. - Arrive:  Students that arrive before 1:50 p.m. are tardy.  Students that arrive after 1:50 p.m. are considered absent

           for the afternoon. 

           Leave:  Students that leave before 1:50 p.m. are considered absent for the afternoon.  Students that leave after 1:50

           p.m. are considered present for the afternoon.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Detentions: Detentions may be assigned for minor disciplinary infractions.  Detentions are assigned during lunch and must be served on the day they are assigned.  Failure to serve detentions will result in in-school suspension(s) or additional detentions.  Students who chronically do not serve detentions may be suspended out-of-school for insubordination.    

Alternative Classroom: Students may be removed from the regular school program for disciplinary reasons and placed in the Alternative Classroom.  Students who continue to commit suspendable offenses will not be placed in the Alternative Clasroom  multiple times.  Students who continue to commit suspendable offenses will be suspended out-of-school.  Students will be in the Alternative Classroom for the minimum remainder of one school period and may extend up to ten (10) school days.  Students are to bring all books and assignments.  All classroom work completed while in the Alternative Classroom will be counted as full credit.  Students will remain in the Alternative Classroom room until dismissed by the instructor.  Students who are uncooperative in the Alternative Classroom will be immediately suspended out of school.  Students in the Alternative Classroom will not be allowed to attend extracurricular activities on the day of the assigned Alternative Classroom(s).

Rules:      1.    Arrive at regular scheduled time.

1. Student is responsible for their assignments.
2. No communication - verbal or nonverbal.
3. Remain seated.
4. Raise hand to ask for assistance.
5. No sleeping or resting.
6. Supervised restroom breaks will be permitted.
7. Students are restricted to the purchase of a school lunch from the cafeteria, or bring their lunch from home, and no candy or soda will be allowed.

Suspensions: The term “suspension” means any disciplinary action whereby a student is removed from classes for a period of 10 days or less.  Students may be suspended for infractions that may include, but are not limited to, gross disobedience or misconduct.   Out-of-school suspensions will be unexcused and will result in a zero on all work missed.  Students who are suspended out-of-school may not attend or participate in any school sanctioned activities or practice with athletic teams, or other school groups, and cannot be on school property without special permission from the principal.  A parental conference will be held in person or by phone before the student is allowed to return to school.  Students who have multiple suspensions during the course of a school year may be considered for expulsion.  Parents or students wishing to appeal a suspension must contact the Superintendent within ten days of the notice of the suspension.  Students have the right to counsel to represent their due process interests.  More information regarding suspensions may be attained from Board of Education policy, which will be made available by the Principal. 

Expulsion: Expulsion is the removal of a student from school attendance for the remainder of the school year or a period of time as determined by the Board of Education.  Students who are expelled are not permitted to be on school grounds, to use school transportation, or to attend school-sponsored activities.  Students expelled from school are not permitted to make up work missed.

Due Process - Expulsion

                A student must be provided with the following due process with respect to any expulsion from school:

1. The expulsion shall take place only after a student’s parents or guardian have been requested to appear at a meeting of the school board or with a hearing officer appointed by it, to discuss the student’s behavior.  A student may be expelled from school pending this meeting but must be provided the due process required to support an expulsion.
2. A notice of hearing must be sent to the parents or guardian by registered or certified mail stating the time, place, and purpose of the hearing.
3. The Board of Education or its appointed officer must provide a full statement of the reasons for the proposed expulsion at the hearing and must provide notice of the date on which the proposed expulsion is to be effective.
4. The student is entitled to counsel at the student’s expense.
5. Adequate time must be given to prepare a defense.
6. The student must be given an opportunity to call and examine witnesses, to cross-examine opposing witnesses, and to introduce evidence.

Disciplinary Credits: Disciplinary Credits will be assigned to students that receive Lunch Detention(s), In-School Suspension(s), and Out-of-School Suspension(s).  Disciplinary credits are point values that are assigned to each category of discipline.  Point values are:

                1 Detention = 1 point

                1 Alternative Classroom = 3 points

                1 Out-of-School Suspension = 8 points

                Disciplinary credits will accumulate on a yearly basis.  Accumulation of disciplinary credits in the following amounts will result in these consequences:

                20 points = Denial of privileges for two weeks (i.e. field trips, assemblies, athletic events, performances, etc.)

                30 points = 10 day suspension and recommended to Board of Education for expulsion or referred to Center for Optional Education (COPE).  Students that have earned disciplinary credit points may earn points off their total points for good behavior.  Points will be taken off at a rate of one point per five consecutive school attendance days without any disciplinary infraction.

Last Day Offenses: Students violating the discipline code on the last day(s) of school will serve the appropriate consequences (time) in school after the school year is over.  Grades will not be issued until students have completed serving their time.

Bullying, Intimidation & (Sexual) Harassment:  Bullying, intimidation, and (sexual) harassment are not acceptable in any form and will not be tolerated at school or any school-related activity.  The school will protect students against retaliation for reporting incidents of bullying, intimidation, or (sexual) harassment, and will take disciplinary action against any student who participates in such conduct.

No person shall harass, intimidate or bully another based upon a race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, gender identity, order of protection status, status as homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, or other protected group status.  The school and district will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.  Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities.

Students who believe they are victims of bullying, intimidation or harassment or have witnessed such activities are encouraged to discuss the matter with the student nondiscrimination coordinator, building administrator or a complaint manager.  Students may choose to report to a person of the student’s same sex.  Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate.  Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.

Any student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in bullying, intimidation or harassment will be subject to disciplinary consequences as provided in this handbook, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the school and district’s discipline policy. Parents of students who have engaged in the above behavior will be notified.  Any student making a knowingly false accusation regarding harassment may also be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Student Searches: DMS has adopted this policy for the safety and supervision of students, to maintain discipline and order in school, and to provide for the health, safety and welfare of students and staff.  To maintain order and security in the school, school authorities may inspect and search places and areas such as lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school, as well as personal effects left in those places and areas by students, without notice to or the consent of the student, and without a search warrant.  As a matter of public policy, the General Assembly finds that students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places and areas or in their personal effects left in these places and areas. 

a.   Student Searches – Students or student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion that a student may have drugs, alcohol, material of a disruptive nature, stolen properties, weapons, items posing a danger to the health or safety of students and school employees, or items evidencing of a violation of school policy, local, state or federal law.  Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information provided or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information.  The privacy and dignity of students shall be respected.  Searches shall be carried out in the presence of adult witnesses, if such witnesses are available.  Students may be asked to empty pockets, bags, wallets, purses, remove jackets, coats, shoes and other articles of exterior clothing for examination if reasonable under the circumstances.   

b.   Lockers – Lockers are owned and controlled by the school for use and benefit of the students.  Lockers are subject to periodic inspection by school officials without notice, therefore students should have no expectation of privacy when using school lockers.  Inspections can be held without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.  At the discretion of the Administration, students may or may not be present during locker searches.

c.             Law enforcement officials shall be contacted if a search produces drugs, look-alike drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen items, or evidence of a crime, in any case involving a violation of law when a student refused to allow a search, or where the search cannot safely be conducted.  Parents may also be contacted.  School officials may appropriately discipline a student who refuses to submit to a search.

Special Needs Students: Students who fall under Public law 94-142 (those having an IEP) may receive alternative disciplinary consequences other than those listed in this handbook.  A list of student rights will be made available upon request.  

Police Involvement: DMS may call for police involvement in some cases, but not limited to battery, theft, drugs, vandalism, alcohol abuse, insubordination, disrespect, weapons, arson, etc.  When police are called and arrive at DMS, jurisdiction in the matter is turned over to the police and all constitutional due process rights apply.  In cases where incidents are turned over to the police, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken by DMS.  An attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian when the police interview students at DMS.

Infractions and Consequences: The infractions and consequences that are stated in this handbook will be applied to student behavior to and from school in accordance with the Illinois code 10-22.6, where it is stated that students may be disciplined for misconduct, which occurs on the way to and from school. 

      State law requires a school district to notify the parent or guardian of a child who uses aggressive behavior, including bullying, at school (105ILCS 5/10-20.14).  School board policy prohibits students using aggressive behavior while at school that does physical or psychological harm to someone else and/or urging other students to engage in such conduct.  Prohibited aggressive behavior includes, without limitation, the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, bullying or other comparable conduct.

                The infractions and consequences that follow apply to student behavior during the time that DuQuoin Middle School is deemed responsible for the actions of its’ students (i.e. to and from school, lunchroom, playground, school-sponsored events).

Classroom Discipline: Each classroom teacher is responsible for the in-the-classroom behavior and will determine what constitutes improper behavior.  Any student removed from the classroom can be subject to the following action:

1. Lunch Detention
2. Alternative Classroom
3. Out-of-School Suspension
4. Expulsion

Disruptive Behavior: If a teacher feels it is necessary to remove a student from class, the student must be directed to the office.  Upon removal from class a Disciplinary Referral Form will be completed by the teacher indicating the reason for dismissal and delivered to the Principal by the student or the teacher.

                The Principal will receive the Disciplinary Referral Form from the teacher or student.  The Principal will have a conference with the student to discuss the problem.  The consequences will then be written on the Disciplinary Referral Form and placed in the student’s disciplinary file.  If possible, the parents will be contacted immediately.  The student will remain out of class and in In-School-Suspension for that period or until the parent can be contacted.  Students will be assigned to at least one of the four consequences listed under classroom discipline, dependent upon given situation.

**Excessive Disciplinary Infraction:

                If a student demonstrates a continuous pattern of not complying with a teacher’s classroom management plan, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted by the teacher and a conference will be arranged to discuss the student’s behavior.  Action will be taken for repeated violations of discipline policies and will be left to the discretion of the administration with possible referral to the Board of Education for expulsion or referral to COPE.  Effort will be made by the administration to work with parents in the disciplining of their student prior to review by the Board of Education.  This effort will include the student, teacher, parent(s), and administration.

Other Disciplinary Infractions: Discipline for any student actions that jeopardize the safety of other students, school property, or school personnel, or that disrupts and/or interferes with the environment that is conducive to education (not otherwise enumerated in this policy) will be left to the discretion of the administration.

Safe School Zones:  Safe School Zone Laws increase, and in some cases double, the penalties for drug offense committed on, or within 1000 feet, of school property as well as on school buses.  In addition, penalties have been increased for weapons violations on school property.  DuQuoin Middle School adheres to the Safe School Zone statues and will willingly report all violations of applicable Safe School Zone statues to the police and cooperate in the prosecution of persons arrested under these statutes. 

A.  Arson: The willful and malicious burning or attempting to burn any building or property of District #300.  The students will be suspended out-of-school for 10 days and recommended for expulsion to the Board of Education.  The authorities will be contacted in any incident of this nature. 

B.  Bus Rules/Procedures: Only those students presently riding a bus on regularly scheduled runs will be permitted to ride to and from school.  There is one exception to this regulation.  In cases where students will be staying in the home of friends or relatives, who live on the bus route, due to some emergency situation at home, the Superintendent may grant bus privileges.  Parents should contact the Superintendent at 542-3856.  All students granted permission will be given a letter by the Superintendent authorizing the bus driver to permit the student to ride the bus.

                The privileges of riding the bus may be removed if a student’s behavior is unacceptable.  School bus riders, while in transit, are under the jurisdiction of the school bus driver unless the local Board of Education designates some adult to supervise the riders.

Rules:

1. Pupils being transported are under the authority of the bus driver.
2. Be on time for the bus both morning and evening.
3. Wait patiently for the school bus.
4. Stand a safe distance from the curb or highway.
5. Get in line when the school bus is approaching.
6. Always use the steps and the handrail.
7. Sit in seats in assigned by the driver.
8. Never crowd or push.
9. Take your seats quietly and quickly.
10. 0.    Remain seated while bus is in motion.
11. 1.    Never walk or stand in aisle while bus is in motion.
12. 2.    Do not extend hands, arms, head or objects through bus windows.
13. 3.    Never throw anything.
14. 4.    Have written permission from the Principal to leave the bus other than at home or school.
15. 5.    Talk in normal tones; loud or vulgar language is prohibited.
16. 6.    Do not open or close windows without permission of the driver.
17. 7.    Keep the bus clean; never place books, pencils, etc., in the aisle.
18. 8.    Be courteous to the driver, to fellow pupils, and to passersby.
19. 9.    Never talk to the bus driver when the bus is in motion.
20. 0.    Always face the front when getting off the bus.
21. 1.    Always walk in front of the stopped bus if it is necessary to cross the street or highway.
22. 2.    Always use steps when leaving the bus; never jump.
23. 3.    Pupils who refuse to obey the directions of the driver promptly or refuse to obey regulations shall forfeit their right to ride the buses..

                Students disobeying the bus rules and endangering the lives of other students with disruptive behavior will accept the following consequences:

                First Offense = 2 Lunch Detentions

                Second Offense = Alternative Classroom(s)

                Third Offense = Bus riding privileges revoked for a period of time determined by severity of infraction

*School disciplinary rules are in effect for serious bus misconduct.

**Continuous bus disciplinary infractions may result in bus suspension

***These regulations will be revised, or added to, as the need arises.

C.  Cheating: Any student who is caught cheating will receive a “0” on that assignment, test, quiz or project.  The “0” will be averaged into the quarter grade.  Repeated offenses will result in severe disciplinary actions.

D.  Disrespect: To insult, call derogatory names, question the authority of, dishonor, or in another manner abuse verbally, non-verbally or in writing, any member of the school staff during the school year, or at school sponsored activities, will result in the following consequences:                

First Offense = 2 Alternative Classroom

                Second Offense = 2 Out-of-School Suspensions

                Third Offense = 5 Out-of-School Suspensions

Fourth Offense = Recommended for Expulsion

E.  Drugs, Alcohol, or Related Paraphernalia of Facsimiles (Use or possession; any or all) 

Students may be disciplined for misconduct, including but not limited to the following:

1. nbsp;       1.            Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco materials.
2. nbsp;       2.            Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages.
3. nbsp;       3.            Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling:
4. Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana and hashish).
5. Any anabolic steroid or performance-enhancing substance not administered under a physician’s care and supervision.
6. Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a licensed health care provider or when not used in the manner prescribed.
7. Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system.
8. “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance not containing an illegal drug or controlled substance, but one:  (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug or controlled substance; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug or controlled substance.
9. Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to:  (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances.

Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they have the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.

1. nbsp;       4.            Using, possessing, controlling or transferring a firearm or “look alike,” knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm.
2. nbsp;       5.            Using or possessing an electronic paging device.
3. nbsp;       6.             Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or similar electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others.  All cell phones and similar electronic  devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless:  (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.
4. nbsp;       7.            Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
5. nbsp;       8.            Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials.
6. nbsp;       9.            Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
7. nbsp;    10.            Bullying, hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior or encouraging other students to engage in such behavior.
8. nbsp;    11.            Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
9. nbsp;    12.            Being absent without a recognized excuse.
10. nbsp;    13.            Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.
11. nbsp;    14.            Being involved in a gang or engaging in gang-like activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
12. nbsp;    15.            Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, and hazing.
13. nbsp;    16.            Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to:  (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.
14. nbsp;    17.            Sending, receiving or possessing sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate pictures or images, commonly knowing as “sexting.”
15. nbsp;    18.            Using, purchasing, selling or possessing any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois Association of High School Association’s most current banned substance list, unless administered in accordance with a prescription. [2]

For purposes of these rules, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is:  (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event; or (e) in the case of drugs and alcohol, substances ingested by the person.

No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student.

The grounds for disciplinary action also apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including but not limited to:

1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;
2. Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
4. Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to:  (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

Disciplinary Measures

Disciplinary measures may include:

1. Disciplinary conference.
2. Withholding of privileges.
3. Seizure of contraband.
4. Suspension from school and all school activities for up to 10 days. A suspended student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
5. Suspension of bus riding privileges.
6. Expulsion from school and all school-sponsored activities and events for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years.  An expelled student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
7. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves illegal drugs (controlled substances), “look-alikes,” alcohol, or weapons.
8. Notifying parents/guardians.
9. Temporary removal from the classroom.

Student(s) will be:

1. 1.     Suspended for a period of 10 days out-of-school

1. Referred to the Board of Education for expulsion
2. Referred to the Police

2. 1.     Suspended for a period of 5 days out-of-school

1. Referred to the police
2. Referred to the CAP Team
3. Referred to an outside agency (e.g. Perry County Counseling) for a comprehensive evaluation to determine an appropriate intervention program for the student.  All financial expenses incurred during any or all phases of these programs are the sole responsibility of the student/parent/legal guardian. 
4. If the Student fails to complete the program as recommended by the CAP Team and/or an outside agency, the student will go through the steps in section (A) of this policy. 

3. Students or parents/guardians may make a one time report referral during their academic career at DuQuoin Middle School.  This referral must be made outside of any current or ongoing investigation of a violation of this policy.  Students who refer themselves or are referred by their parents/guardians under this clause shall be subject to parts 3, 4, and 5 of section B of this policy.

Each case will be considered on an individual basis and a determination of consequences will be made after all of the facts have been collected. 

Students will be subjected to Section (A) or Section (B) depending on the circumstances of the incident.

F.  Extortion: The forcing of other students to give you things of value or money, unless both parties enter into the agreement freely and without presence of either an implied or expressed threat.  Disciplinary consequences will be based upon the incident. 

G.  Fighting: Due to the difficulty often involved in determining who started a fight, both parties may be considered equally guilty.  If it can be determined that one person caused the conflict, penalties will be adjusted. Provocation as well as past history may be considered if there have been previous incidents.  Consequences increase with frequency.

1. Verbal Arguments = 1 Alternative Classroom
2. Threatening harm to another party = 1-2 days of In-School Suspension
3. Physical Contact (pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, kicking, etc. in anger and/or with intent to do harm) = Out-of-School suspension(s).  Students involved in a physical contact may be placed in Alternative Classroom for the remainder of the school day, or parents may be called to pick the student up at that time. Students will be suspended from any extra-curricular activities for that day and the day(s) of their suspension(s).
4. Inappropriate Physical Contact (horseplay/roughhousing) - Contact between students that is intentional and inappropriate in the school setting.  Examples include but are not limited to: wrestling, pushing in line, tripping, etc. Consequences = To  be determined by the
5. Physical Contact with Injury = Intentional contact which causes injury. Consequences will be based upon intent, extent of injury, and past   history.  Authorities will be notified.
6. Physical Contact with Employee with intent to cause harm = Notify authorities and 10 day suspension with recommendation to Board of Education for Expulsion.
7. Making a Threat to use a Weapon = Depending on the seriousness of the threat, the student may be removed from class by an In-School or Out-of-School suspension for up to 3 days. The student will be required to receive counseling prior to returning to the regular school environment.
8. Encouraging or “Egging on” a fight or argument, consequences will be assigned according to the circumstances surrounding the event. 

H.  Fire/Bomb Threats: Any student(s) found to be involved in the planning, attempt, or act of calling in a false bomb threat or fire drill will be subject to the following consequences:

                First Offense = 5 days of Out-of-School Suspension and notification of the authorities

Second Offense = 10 days of Out-of-School Suspension, notification of the authorities, and recommend to Board   of Education for expulsion

I.  Fireworks/Explosive Devices: The possession or use of any exploding, noise, smoke, or stink device on school property.  Possession or use: Suspension up to 10 days and possible referral to Board of Education for expulsion and to the authorities.

J.  Food and Beverages: Students are not permitted to have food, gum/candy, or beverages in the classroom, playground area, assemblies, or halls without special permission.  Possessing food, gum/candy, and beverages without special permission will result in confiscation of item(s).  Failure to give item(s) to staff member will be considered insubordination and be dealt with appropriately. Repeated offenses will result in detention.

K.  Forgery: To falsely write the name of another person on a school form or note or to falsify records, dates, addresses, etc.  The severity of the offense will determine action taken.

L.  Forging a Pass:  (Teacher’s or Administrator’s name, etc.)

First Offense = 1 Alternative Classroom

Second Offense = 3 days of Alternative Classrooms

Third Offense = 2 days of Out-of-School Suspension

M.  Gang Activity: Students are prohibited from engaging in gang activity.  A “gang” is any group of 2 or more persons whose purpose includes the commission of illegal acts.

                No student shall engage in any gang activity, including but not limited to:

1. Wearing, using, drawing, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, or other things that are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.  No chains allowed.
2. Committing any act or omission, or using any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (such as gestures or handshakes) showing membership or affiliation in a gang, and
3. Using any speech or committing any act or omission in furtherance of the interests of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to:
4. Soliciting others for membership in gangs,
5. Requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person,
6. Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policy,
7. Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.

                If any of the above stated actions occur the following will take place:

1. Materials will be confiscated (if any).
2. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be contacted.
3. The authorities will be notified.

                Students engaging in any gang-related activity will be subject to serious disciplinary actions, including possible suspension or expulsion from school.

N.  Harassment: The act of provoking a student to the point of being emotionally upset or leading to possible fight including making threats or intimidating other students.

                First Offense = 1 Alternative Classroom

                Second Offense = 3 days of Alternative Classrooms

                Third Offense = Out-of-School Suspension

                If a student demonstrates a pattern of continuous harassment towards others, the authorities will be notified, and the student may be recommended for an alternative educational placement or expulsion. 

* Racial harassment – Any student who makes derogatory comments concerning another student’s race, either verbally or in writing, will be subject to disciplinary consequences.  Disciplinary consequences will be assigned according to the severity of the offense.  Any student who demonstrates a pattern of racial harassment will be subject to possible placement in an alternative educational placement or expulsion. 

* Sexual Harassment - Sexual Harassment occurs when something is said or done to another because of that person’s sex.  It is unwelcome, unwanted, and illegal.  It may be verbal or nonverbal.  All instances of sexual harassment should be reported to the office.  Retaliation will not be condoned.

Verbal Sexual Harassment = Assigned one or more days of Alternative Classrooms or OSS, depending on the severity of thesituation.

                Physical Sexual Harassment = Out-of-School Suspension and possible recommendation for expulsion.

Students who demonstrate a pattern of sexual harassment will be placed in an alternative educational placement or recommended to the Board of Education for expulsion. 

O.  Hazing: The hazing of any student on or off school property is prohibited, whether conducted by school or non-school organizations/individuals.  Any initiations which involved the slightest element of physical danger or poor taste are not permitted.  Students involved in dangerous or unacceptable initiations will be dealt with on an individual basis and severity of consequences will be determined by the administration and or authorities.

P.  Improper Dress: Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes a substantial disruption in the school environment.  Any type of dress apparel (including short shorts and tank tops) or grooming habits that are disruptive, distracting, or that reflects negatively upon the school and student body will not be permitted.  Students are expected to be covered from the shoulders to mid-thigh at all times.  Any clothing that exposes any portion of a students mid-section, does not come to the finger tips, or that does not cover the entire shoulder area is not acceptable.  Examples of apparel not permitted include but are not limited to:

1. Students should not wear wide shoulder tops, tank tops, tops with this straps and lace overtops, tops that are cut too low, thin strap tops with overalls, tops that are worn under blouses and jackets that show stomach area, tops that expose the back, shorts or skirts that are shorter than finger tip length. 
2. Caps, hats and other headgear will not be worn in school unless part of an official school uniform, or during special activities.
3. Pants, shorts, etc, will be worn around the waist at all times.  This includes when students are seated.  A student’s underwear should never be exposed. 
4. Handkerchiefs will be securely positioned inside the pocket of trousers or slacks, not on wrists, neck, head, or dangling from pocket.  Bandannas will not be allowed on school property or at school-related activities at home or away.  Students may not wear wallet chains for any reason. 
5. Students will not be allowed to wear coats in the school building.  Exception will be winter weather and if the school climate warrants wearing a coat.
6. Patches, pictures, and inscriptions on wearing apparel will not be permitted if they express or reflect vulgarity, obscenity or violence; this also holds true for the location of the patch.  All items with a drug, tobacco, and alcohol symbol or image will be confiscated.
7. Due to health and safety concerns, body jewelry will not be allowed to be worn during physical education classes, athletic practices and/or games.

This section was developed to secure the safety of our students and faculty.  This section is not inclusive of all situations that may arise; therefore, new situations will be addressed as they become noticeable or are reported.  Non-compliance will result in:

                First Offense = Replace article of clothing and lunch detention(s)

                Second Offense= Replace article of clothing and serve one Alternative Classroom

                Third Offense = Replace article of clothing and serve three (3) days of Alternative Classroom

                Fourth Offense = Out-of-School Suspension

Q.  Insubordination to Teacher/Administration: The willful failure to respond to, or carry out, a request made by school personnel.

                First Offense = 1 Alternative Classroom

                Second Offense = 2 days of out-of-School Suspension

                Third Offense = Student may be referred to the Board of Education for expulsion or placement COPE.

R.  Littering: Littering on school property including school buses will not be permitted.  Students will be assigned appropriate cleaning duties by the administration.

S.  Name Calling: Comments or names of a hurtful nature repeatedly said to a student after staff intervention which may include individual conference, counseling, and/or a parental contact.

                First Incident = 1 Alternative Classroom

                Second Incident = 3 days of Alternative Classroom

                Third Incident = 1 Out-of-School Suspension

T.  Posters: All posters or announcements to be displayed anywhere in the building must be approved by the office. Students who post unauthorized posters or fliers will face disciplinary consequences based upon the incident. 

U.  Profanity:  Disciplinary consequences will be assigned depending on the severity of the incident and the number of incidences.  

V.  Prohibited Articles: Articles (including written materials that are obscene, that contain drug or alcohol related graffiti, or otherwise inappropriate) that are brought to school which are hazardous to the health, safety, and welfare of student’s and interfere with the normal school routine will not be permitted at school.  Items such as toy guns, water pistols, bean shooters, sling shots, toys, wallet chains, etc., if brought to school will be confiscated and returned at the end of the year.  Electronic paging devices and cellular telephones are prohibited in the school unless the use or possession of such a device has first been expressly authorized by the building principal and/or the school Board of Education.  Violations of this rule may result in suspension/or expulsion.

W.  Public Display of Affection:

                First Offense = 1 Lunch Detention

                Second Offense = 2 days of Alternative Classroom

                Third Offense = Out-of-School Suspension(s)

X.  Radios/Tapes/CD Players/Electronic Music Devices: Electronic Music Devices are allowed only before school or during lunch. At not time, are they allowed to be used in the classroom.  These items will be confiscated by the teacher and turned into the office.  Items will be returned to parents.

Y.  Searches of Students: Searches of student’s personal possessions or desks shall be conducted by the administration for the welfare and safety of the students if the administration has a reasonable basis for believing that a student is concealing material which is prohibited by federal, state, or local law or the provisions of the Illinois School Code.  A student’s desk/locker is the property of the school.  Students should have no expectation of privacy when placing personal belongings in desks and lockers or when leaving personal belongings in public places.  Desks/lockers may be searched by the administration at any time, with or without the student’s knowledge or consent.

                DuQuoin Middle School reserves the right to conduct dog searches at anytime in order to maintain a safe and drug free school environment.

Z.  Smoking or Tobacco Products/Paraphernalia:  Use or possession

                First Offense = 3 days of Alternative Classroom

                Second Offense = 2 days of Out-of-School Suspension

                Third Offense = 3 to 10 days suspension/or recommended to Board of Education for Expulsion

AA.  Students in Unauthorized Areas: (Students in hall without a pass, in hall during lunch, gym or on playground unsupervised, etc.)

                First Offense = 1 Lunch Detention

                Second Offense = 2 days of Alternative Classroom

                Third Offense = Out-of-School Suspension

BB.  Tardiness: (Per 9 weeks): Tardiness is defined as “not being in class on time.”  Consequences for unexcused tardies are as follows:

                3 Tardies = Parent contact, 1 Lunch Detention

4-5 Tardies = Parent contact, 3 Lunch Detentions

6-7 Tardies – Parent contact, 2 days of Alternative Classroom

                8-10 Tardies = Conference with parent, teacher, and administration, 1-4 days of Out-of-School Suspension

CC.  Theft: Theft is the act of taking or acquiring the property of others without their consent.  Accepting stolen property (possession) will also be considered as a theft.  The extent of the crime will determine the degree of punishment.  Theft of academic materials (exams, quizzes, student homework) will result in assigned suspensions.

DD.  Threats and Harassment Toward School Personnel: The act of making verbal, nonverbal, or written threats towards school personnel, school board members, their families, or property.  In accordance with the Illinois School Code (10-22.6), students may be disciplined for misconduct, which occurs on the way to and from school, at bus stops, at school sponsored activities, whether or not held on the grounds of the school district, while the students are transported to and from school-sponsored activities or events.  Students may also be disciplined for acts of misconduct, including gross disobedience or misconduct directed against school employees, their families, or their property, because of their status as employees.

                First Offense = Ten (10) day Out-of-School Suspension and referred to the Board of Education for Expulsion.

EE.  Truancy: Truancy is defined as being absent without valid cause for a school day or portion thereof.  Time will be made up through lunch detention, Saturday School, or in-school suspension.  The school will provide supportive services, in an effort to remedy the truancy problems.  The supportive services may include the following:

1. Conference with student during the next day of regular attendance.
2. Referred for truancy to School Resource Officer.
3. Conference with parents.
4. Support services – counseling, referral to CAP, and/or referral for testing.
5. Intervention attempts through home visits and other communications.

If these services fail to resolve a truancy problem, the student will be referred to the School Resource Officer and will be subject to the penalties assigned by the States’ Attorney’s Office in accordance with the City of DuQuoin’s Truancy Ordinance.

FF.  Unauthorized Exit From School Building or Room:  The consequences will be determined by the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

GG.  Vandalism: The willful destruction of property belonging to others.  This also includes tampering with fire safety equipment, writing on desks or walls, or tearing up seats, but not inclusive to this list.  Accidental damages will not result in suspension if reported to the office immediately.  Students will be charged for damages.  Vandalism may result in suspension and/or referral to the police.  Severity of incident will determine punishment.

HH.  Weapons: District #300 will follow the guidelines of the Gun-Free School Act, which states possession of a firearm at school results in a mandatory, minimum one-year expulsion from school.

The term “weapon” shall include all objects which, by their inherent characteristics or by the manner of their use, are designed to inflict or have the potential include, but not be limited to, such articles as firearms (whether loaded or unloaded) or knives, knuckles, razors, chains, or any other object which is used or attempted to be used in such a way as to threaten, to inflict harm, or to protect oneself.  The following consequences will take place:  Student(s) will be:

1. Suspended for a period of 10 days
2. Referred to the Board of Education for Expulsion
3. Referred to the Police

SERIOUS HABITUAL OFFENDER COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PROGRAM (SHOCAP): SHOCAP is established and maintained pursuant to the authority of section 1-8.2 of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act.  This agreement is entered into and maintained in order to foster cooperation and improve the flow of information between educators and law enforcement.  That cooperation and flow of information is essential in providing the safe, healthy and violence free school environment to which all children are entitled, and which all children need to thrive.  DuQuoin Middle School will act cooperatively in assisting law enforcement authorities in the identification of serious juvenile offenders and to further apprehend, prosecute, incarcerate, and interdict the habitual offender’s cycle. 

Athletics / Extra-Curricular

Athletic Participation:

1.   All athletes must have a physical (within last 12 months) on file and proof of health insurance before he or she is allowed to tryout or practice for any sport including cheerleading.

2.   Students who are home schooled, or anyone not enrolled as a student at DMS, are not allowed to participate in DMS extra-curricular activities since they cannot be subject to the same academic standards or eligibility checks as our in-house athletes.

3.  Students attending any educational placement other than DMS must contact the Principal to determine their eligibility to participate in athletics at DMS.    

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Attendance: Students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities must be in attendance a minimum of the last half of the school day.  150 minutes of instruction constitutes a half-day’s attendance.  Students must arrive at school no later than 11:40 in order to be considered present for half a day.  Students who are not in attendance the last half of the school day will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities on the day they are absent.  Students may participate in extracurricular activities if they are absent from school because of a school sponsored field trip, or have pre-approved permission from the Principal to be absent and still participate in extracurricular activities.  These arrangements must be made before the student is absent from school. 

 Athletic Eligibility:

• To be eligible to participate in athletics, a student must be passing in all classes.  One or more failing grades will result in the athlete being deemed ineligible until all grades are passing during the next official grade check.  Grade checks for athletic eligibility are done every Friday.  Students who are found to be ineligible due to an official grade check will be ineligible until the next official grade check is completed.    
• The third week an athlete has one or more failing averages he/she will be removed from the team for the remainder of the season.    The three weeks do not have to be consecutive, rather contained in one athletic season.
• Any 8th grade student who becomes sixteen(16) years old prior to the scheduled SIJHSAA State Finals in a given sport season shall be ineligible for that sport and in all other SIJHSAA sports for the remainder of the school year.
• Any 7th grade student who becomes fifteen(15) years old prior to the scheduled SIJHSAA State Finals in a given sport season shall be ineligible for 7th grade activities in that sport and for all other SIJHSAA 7th grade activities for the remainder of the school year.
• Any student who has been retained and is repeating a year's work is ineligible to participate in athletics.
• Any student who is repeating a portion of a year's work shall be ineligible for twelve months from the date of retention.

Insurance Waiver Forms for Athletics: All pupils who participate in competitive athletics must purchase proper school insurance or sign a release and hold harmless agreement/permission to participate form indicating that an adequate medical plan is maintained at home.  Students who do not have a signed release and hold harmless agreement/permission to participate on file or who have not purchased proper school insurance will not be allowed to participate in athletics at DMS.  This documentation must be completed prior to the first practice/try out session. 

Interscholastic Sports Program: DMS competes in the Little Egyptian Conference and all play-off tournaments of the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association.  The following sports are offered:

Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Track, Boys Baseball, Girls Softball, Cheerleading, and Girls Volleyball

Suspension from Extra-Curricular Activities: When a student receives an In School Suspension or an Out of School Suspension, he/she will not be allowed to participate or attend any extra curricular activities for the day of the said suspension.  When a student accumulates 20 disciplinary credit points or more, they will be restricted from participating in any extra-curricular activities for a two-week period.  Students who are assigned to the COPE school are restricted from athletic and school events during the time they are enrolled at COPE.

COMPUTER/INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.  This Authorization does not attempt to state all required or proscribed behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided.  The failure of any user to follow the terms of the Authorization for Electronic Network Access will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.  

Student/Community Internet/Network Safety Policy

For DuQuoin Community Unit School District #300

It is the policy of DuQuoin Community Unit School District #300 to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activities; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification of minors; (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Use of the DuQuoin Community Unit School District #300 Internet and computer access is a privilege, not a right. The school district reserves the right to remove access from individual users if there is abuse (see inappropriate network usage section for rules).

Definitions: Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.  *

Access to Inappropriate Material: To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage: To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the DuQuoin Community Unit School District online computer network when using either the Districts’ networks or the Internet. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes the uses of any of the District computer networks listed below.  These inappropriate uses are prohibited and may result in discipline or other consequences in accordance with the school/student/faculty handbook, board policy, or other administrative guidelines.  Not following this policy may result in the loss of computer and Internet usage.  Anyone vandalizing District property will be responsible for the cost of replacement. The network and its systems shall not be used to:

1.             Engage in activities which are not related to District educational purposes or which are contrary to the instructions from supervising District employees as to the network’s use.  Internet may only be used for school-related activities.  Students and community members may not use Internet unless supervised by District personnel.

2.             Access, retrieve, or view obscene, profane or indecent materials.  “Indecent materials” are those materials which, in context, depict or describe sexual activities or organs in terms patently offensive, as measured by contemporary community standards.  “Obscene materials” are those materials which, taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient interest in sex, which portray sexual conduct in a patently offensive way in which, taken as a whole, do not have any serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

3.             Access, retrieve, view or disseminate any material in violation of any federal or state laws or regulation or District policy or rules.  This includes, but is not limited to, improper use of copyrighted material; improper use of the System to commit fraud or with the intent to commit fraud; improper use of passwords or access codes; or disclosing the full name, home address, or phone number of any student, District employee, or System user.

4.             Check students’ personal email accounts using school computers.

5.             Enter into chat rooms or access personal web pages or blogs (i.e. myspace or similar websites).

6.             Use or install any instant messaging software on the school computers.

7.             Transfer any software to or from the network without authorization from the Network Administrators.

8.             Engage in for-profit or non-school sponsored commercial activities, including advertising or sales, or purchase of goods or services online.

9.             Harass, threaten, intimidate, or demean an individual or group of individuals because of sex, color, race, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation.  Never use the Internet to harm people in any way.

10.           Disrupt the educational process, including use that is reasonably foreseeable to result in a disruption, or interfere with the rights of others at any time, either during school days or after school hours.

11.           Disrupt or interfere with the network.

12.           Gain unauthorized access to or vandalize the data or files of another user,  or bypass any security measures installed on computers or the network.

13.           Gain unauthorized access to or vandalize the network or the computer network of any other individual or organization.

14.           Forge or improperly alter electronic mail messages, use an account owned by another user, or disclose the user’s individual password or that of another user.

15.           Invade the privacy of any individual, including violating federal or state laws regarding limitations on the disclosure of student/employee records. Do not give out unauthorized personal information over the internet.

16.           Download, copy, print or otherwise store or possess any data which violates federal or state copyright laws or these guidelines.

17.           Send nuisance electronic mail or other online messages such as chain letters, pyramid schemes, or obscene, harassing or other unwelcome messages. 

18.           Conceal or misrepresent the user’s identity while using the system.

1. 9.                 Post material on the District’s web site without the authorization of the appropriate District administrator.
2. 0.                 Promoting, supporting or celebrating religion or religious institutions.
3. 1.                 Deploying student pictures with name tags on district and or school web sites.
4. 2.                 Install or remove any software or hardware.
5. 3.                 Copy, distribute, or alter in any way software installed on District computers.
6. 4.                 Copy or use in any way someone else’s work.  Do not read, copy, delete, or change files that do not belong to you.
7. 5.                 Share or use someone else’s password to log into or “hack” into school computers or networks.
8. 6.                 Use a machine designated only for teacher use for student use.

In addition to these rules above, there will be no installing equipment to our network without approval of the technology support person in each building. This includes but is not limited to: personal computers, wireless access points, hand held personal data organizers, and USB flash drives.

Supervision and Monitoring: It shall be the responsibility of all members of the DuQuoin Community Unit School District #300 staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act.  Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Technology Support Staff and the District Administration.  Students and community members may not use the Internet unless supervised by District personnel.

CIPA definition of terms:

TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE: The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:

1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
3. Harmful to minors

HARMFUL TO MINORS: The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion.
2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patiently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.

SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT: The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.

CURRICULUM DATA

Promotion Policy: All students in grades five through eight will be identified for promotion based upon meeting two of the three following criteria:

1. Students must pass four of the five academic classes and three of the five exploratory classes (see explanation below).
2. Student must have a score of “meets” or “exceeds” on all of the learning areas assessed on the ISAT.
3. Student must be in attendance at least 90% of the school attendance days.

(More than 17 days of unexcused absence will jeopardize promotion)

**If a student fails two or more academic subjects (item #1), the student will be retained regardless of meeting any other criteria.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING RETENTION POLICY:

1. Any student CAN be retained with one (1) F average in an academic subject, or an F average in three (3) exploratory subjects.
2. Students WILL be retained with an F average in two (2) academic subjects or an F average in one (1) academic and three (3) exploratory subjects.

Students in this situation will be identified at the earliest possible time and parents will be notified that their child is under consideration for retention.

The decision to promote a student to the next grade level is based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance on standardized tests and other testing. A student will not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance.

Academic Subjects are classified as:  Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

Exploratory Subjects are classified as:  Art, Music, Health/PE and all other nine-week courses.

                Health will count for 1/3 and PE will count for 2/3 of the grade the last nine (9) weeks.  To fail the area, students would have to fail both classes.

                Students will receive letter grades for exploratory subjects. 

Report Cards: Report cards will be sent home at the end of each nine-week grading period.  Parents should check with the student’s teacher, if they have questions concerning the student’s progress.

                Report cards will be held if the student has unpaid charges.  Eighth graders need all fees paid before promotion (book rental, unpaid lunch charges, damaged books, etc.)

If other arrangements need to be made, the parent should contact the building principal.

Grading Scale

                A              100-94                                     C            77-74

1. -              93-90                                      C-            73-70      

                B+              89-88                                     D+           69-68      

                B                87-84                                     D             67-64

                B-              83-80                                     D-            63-60

                C+             79-78                                     F              59-Below

Honor Roll (s): Three levels of scholastic honors are given quarterly

1. Superior Honors - All “A’s” on the report card
2. High Honor - 3.5-3.999 GPA
3. Honor - 3.0-3.499 GPA

                Academic and exploratory subjects will be counted for Honor Roll purposes.  Only academic subjects will be used to calculate honor roll points.  Only one “C” letter grade in any course, including exploratory classes, is allowed for any honor roll designation; no grade of “D” or “E” is allowable for honor roll designation.  Computation of honor roll points is figured by converting letter grades to honor points in the following method:

                A = 4.0                     D = 1.0

                B = 3.0                     F or I = 0.0

                C = 2.0

                Students obtaining scholastic honors will receive a DuQuoin Middle School Bumper Sticker to give to parents for the first time, other incentives will be given for additional scholastic honors.

Promotion Ceremony: DuQuoin Middle School considers student’s participation in the annual Promotion ceremony to be a privilege and not a property right.  If, in the opinion of the administration, a student’s cumulative record of behavior warrants such action, he or she will be denied the opportunity to participate in the Promotion ceremony. 

End of Year Grade Averages: End of year grade averages for academic subjects will be calculated using numerical averages.  Special considerations may be made for at-risk students, depending upon the students’ ability level and effort.

Gifted Program: The DuQuoin Unit School District provides a program for our gifted students.  The special needs of gifted students are met through extensions of the regular classroom curriculum which incorporate higher levels of thinking, complex content, and a variety of processes and products.  This may be in the form of projects, short-term pullout programs, and/or independent study.

                Guidelines for the Gifted Education Program require that established procedures used to identify students for participation in the program be applied uniformly and be made public.  The district uses ability tests, achievement tests, teacher recommendations and prior grades to select students for participation in the program.  The criteria are applied to each student equally.

                Cut-offs are established in each area to determine inclusion in the final selection pool.  Students are ranked ordered on each of the identification items.  This information is available to any member of the public upon written request.  If you have any questions or concerns about the gifted program, please call the Gifted Program coordinator at 542-2646.

Physical Education: Physical Education is required by all students in the State of Illinois.  Students are expected to be dressed and participate in gym classes unless excused by a written statement from a physician to the school nurse and/or building principal.  If students have other reasons for not participating in physical education, it should be brought to the attention of the principal and physical education teacher.  Students must have a separate pair of “gym” shoes to change into for physical education class.  For the health and safety of all students, no piercing or jewelry of any kind will be allowed during physical education class.  Students are required to remove any piercing or jewelry of any kind prior to participation in physical education.  Please be aware that this includes any new piercing.  Students will not be permitted to cover a piercing in order to participate in PE.  Students who refuse to remove peircings or jewelry will be referred to the office for disciplinary consequences. 

Home Schooled Students: DuQuoin Middle School does not recognize grades earned while a student is being home schooled.  If the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recognizes the home schooling program, DMS will recognize work completed in a home school.  Upon entry into DMS, the home-schooled student may be required to take placement tests to accurately determine the appropriate academic schedule for the student.  Home-schooled students entering in the ninth grade must attend DMS for the entire year in order to graduate from DMS.  Home-schooled students, while attending home schooling, are not eligible for participation in SIJHSAA sanctioned activities for DMS, or participating in other extracurricular activities offered at DMS.

English Language Learners:  The school offers opportunities for English Language Learners to develop high levels of academic attainment in English and to meet the same academic content and student academic achievement standards that all children are expected to attain.

Parents/guardians of English Language Learners will be:  (1) given an opportunity to provide input to the program, and (2) provided notification regarding their child’s placement in, and information about, the District’s English Language Learners programs

SPECIAL EDUCATION / 504

Special Education: DMS offers Special Education services for students that have learning disabilities and/or emotional disorders that significantly affect their performance in the academic setting.  Students who receive these services do so under the authority of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  The IEP is created after the student is referred for evaluation, the evaluation takes place, and the results are analyzed.  The IEP is created by a team of educational professionals, the student’s parents, and, where appropriate, the student.  Parents may make requests for the evaluation of their child by contacting the school Principal.  Parents with questions about Special Education services available at DMS should contact the school Principal as well.

Education of Children with Disabilities:  It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. 

The School provides a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the school. The term “children with disabilities” means children between ages 3 and the day before their 22^nd birthday for whom it is determined that special education services are needed.  It is the intent of the school to ensure that students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

A copy of the publication “Explanation of Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Students with Disabilities” may be obtained from the school district office.

CAP Team (Pre-Referral Committee): The purpose of the CAP Team is to screen students who have been identified as at-risk and who are not receiving special education services.  The CAP Team will develop classroom accommodations for each individual student in order increase their performance in the classroom.  The CAP Team will follow procedures to determine if a student should be referred for special education services.  Please contact the Principal for a description of the screening procedures. 

Special Education Student Discipline Policy:  The school will comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when disciplining students. Behavioral interventions will be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. No special education student shall be expelled if the student’s particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability as determined through a manifestation hearing. Any special education student whose gross disobedience or misconduct is not a manifestation of his or her disability may be expelled pursuant to the expulsion procedures.

For each child who has a special education eligibility the IEP team must assess annually whether the child is able to follow the District Discipline Policy.  If it is determined that the special education eligible student can follow the general district discipline policy/procedures, this is so noted on the IEP and an alternate plan is not required.  If it is determined that because of a child’s disability he/she will not be able to follow the district policy, an alternate plan should be developed and implemented.

For a child experiencing behavioral problems, a non-restrictive intervention plan may be implemented.  Prior to consideration of a restrictive intervention, a functional behavioral analysis should be conducted.  If a restrictive intervention becomes necessary, an alternative plan is to be developed at the student’s IEP conference and will include goals and objectives to address the particular behavioral problem.  A student need not have an eligibility of behavior disordered to address behavioral problems.  The IEP manager is responsible for monitoring students’ progress and requesting an IEP meeting if the current program is not meeting the student’s needs.  It is the responsibility of the district staff to inform the IEP manager when a special education eligible student is experiencing behavioral problems.  The IEP team will determine the need for non-restrictive versus restrictive interventions.

                Coordination with the school discipline policy is essential.  The following procedure will be used:

1. 10 discipline points: Case manager will be notified and a meeting set with administration, staff, parents and student to determine the need for a behavior intervention plan.
2. 15-20 discipline points:  If intervention plan is not successful, a functional behavioral analysis will be completed and an IEP meeting will be convened.
3. 25-30 discipline points:  IEP team meeting to determine the need for more restrictive interventions and/or conduct a behavior manifestation determination.

                These procedures have been developed based on the guidelines in the Illinois State Board of Education’s document entitled “Behavior Interventions in Schools: Guidelines for Development of District Policies for Students with Disabilities”.  A copy of these guidelines may be requested from the Illinois State Board of Education, 100 North First Street, Springfield, IL  62777-0001.

504: In accordance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DuQuoin Middle School ensures that individuals with disabilities associated with the district either as students, school staff, or parents of students, are not discriminated against as a result of a disability.  The Rehabilitation Act of 973 assures that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.  An eligible student under 504 is a student who (a) has, (b) has a record of having, or (c) is regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity such as learning, self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and performing manual tasks.  DMS will evaluate, identify, and provide free appropriate education to all students who are individuals with disabilities under Section 504.  For the district’s policy regarding Section 504 and the ADA, grievance procedures, or to make a referral, contact the Principal. 

CAP TEAM / RTI

CAP TEAM:  The CAP Team is comprised of teachers, administration, speech therapist, and the school social worker.  The CAP team meets to discuss individual students who have been referred by individual teachers or grade level teams.  Students can be referred for academic, behavioral, or emotional difficulties that are impacting their ability to perform at their highest level in the classroom.  The CAP Team develops accommodations and interventions within the classroom to help improve individual student success and performance.  Please contact the CAP Team Coordinator, Mrs. Jean Ann Mathis, if you have any questions regarding the CAP Team. 

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RtI):  RtI is a process of providing high-quality, scientific, research-based classroom instruction and intervention (s) in the general education setting based on student need, with frequent progress monitoring and data collection, which is then used to make educational decisions for students.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

Accidents & Injury at School – Injuries that occur at school are to be reported to the teacher or sponsor immediately.  The school nurse will be contacted for treatment as necessary.  First aid supplies are maintained in the nurse’s office, the Physical Education department, the Industrial Arts department and the Principal’s office.  Students may be asked to complete an accident report.

When a student is injured at school and neither the parent nor other responsible person is available, and immediate medical attention is necessary, the child will be transported to the nearest hospital emergency room service for assessment and treatment.

Emergency Cards: It is absolutely necessary that an emergency card with the required information be filled out by a parent of each student.  If there are any changes they should be reported immediately.

Head Lice Protocol:  The school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding head lice.

1.             Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has head lice.

2.             Infested students will be sent home following notification of the parent or guardian.

3.             The school will provide written instructions to parent or guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the infestation.

4.             A student excluded because of head lice will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings the student to school to be checked by the school nurse or building principal and the child is determined to be free of the head lice and eggs (nits).  Infested children are prohibited from riding the bus to school to be checked for head lice.

Health Screening Program – The school nurse will schedule four vision and hearing screening dates during the course of the school year.  Two of these dates will take place the first semester with the remaining two dates taking place the second semester.  The purpose of the health-screening program is to identify students who may have a vision or hearing impairment and to refer them, through their parents, to appropriate physicians and/or agencies for treatment.

Illness at School – Students who are ill to the point of requiring medical attention should indicate such to their teacher.  The teacher will send or escort the student to the Nurse’s office.  When necessary, arrangements will be made by the school nurse or principal to send the student home.  Parents will be contacted before students are permitted to leave school.  Students who leave school without having had arrangements made through the school nurse or principal will be issued an unexcused absence for the classes missed, and may be suspended for violating DMS’ closed campus policy.  It is imperative that students secure permission from the School Nurse or Principal prior to leaving campus.

Communicable Diseases - Students diagnosed with a contagious illness will be excluded from attending school for such a time until they are medically proven not to pose a threat of transmission of that disease to other students.  Students will be provided with education services until they may resume attending school.  Students will be excluded from attending school based upon the procedures regulating the control of communicable diseases as specified by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the ISBE School Code Health Section.

Insurance Plan – Families may purchase accident insurance through the school for accidents that take place at school or while participating in a school-sanctioned event.  This insurance may be purchased during fall registration. 

Medicine at School – Students should follow the guidelines listed below when bringing medication to school.

1.   All medication, prescription or non-prescription, must be stored in the nurse’s office. 

2.   Students may carry asthma inhalers with them providing they have the necessary forms and documentation on file in the nurse’s office.

3.   Students must bring any medication, prescription or non-prescription, in the original container, which includes the student’s name, clearly printed on the container.

4.   A signed and dated authorization from the parent/legal guardian must be on file in the student’s health record.

5.   Students who have a chronic health condition such as a seizure disorder, ADD, or asthma, that requires routine medication while attending school, must have a physician’s order, in addition to the authorization from the parent/legal/guardian, on file in the health office.

Physical Education Exemption - Students enrolled in physical education who develop an acute illness or injury may be excused from participating in physical education classes in the absence of a medical excuse for a maximum of three days for the same illness or injury provided the student has a dated and signed note from the parent or guardian or school nurse.  This note shall indicate the reason for the excuse and shall be presented to the student’s physical education teacher by the student.

Any illness or injury that exceeds three days will require a physician’s excuse indicating the reason for the excuse and the length of time the student is to be excused from participating in the class.  The physician’s excuse is to be presented to the school nurse and to the student’s physical education teacher.  All notes temporarily excusing a student from participating in physical education are kept by the physical education teacher during the time the student is enrolled in the class and are not considered part of the permanent health record of the student.  Students who are excused from participating in physical education may be required to complete alternative assignments to make up for the participation portion of their grade in physical education.

Students who repeatedly seek an excuse from participating in physical education classes may be required to have a medical evaluation.

Medication for Students

                District #300 discourages the administration of medication at school or during school-related activities.  This policy covers the administration of all medication, prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at school related functions other than as provided for in this policy and its implementing procedures. (See School Medication Authorization Form “Self-administration of asthma medication”).

                When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent(s)/guardian(s) believe that it is necessary for the student to take medication during school hours, they must request that the school dispense the medication to their child/ward under the guidelines of the policy and procedures set forth below.

School Medication Authorization Form (Medications dispensed by the school): No school district employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form “Medications dispensed by the school” is submitted by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).  The School Medication Authorization Form “Medications dispensed by the school” should be submitted to, and reviewed by, the school nurse.  The “School Medication Authorization Form “Medications dispensed by the school” is valid for the school year in which it is submitted.

School Medication Authorization Form (Self-administration of asthma medication): Provided the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) have completed and submitted the School Medication Authorization Form “Self-administration of asthma medication”, a student may possess life-saving asthma medication (inhalers) for immediate use at the student’s discretion.  Students may possess and self-administer this medicine (1) while in school, (2)while at a school-sponsored activity, (3) while under the supervision of school personnel, or (4) before or after normal school activities.  District #300 strongly recommends that a parent(s)/guardian(s) provide an additional dose(s) of life saving medication to be kept in the nurse’s office in the event that the student forgets or loses his/her medication.  In the event a student misuses their medication, the student will be reeducated on the use of medication and appropriate disciplinary actions taken as deemed necessary.

     *The school district shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication or of the medication’s storage by school personnel.  Parent(s)/guardian(s) must indemnify and hold harmless the School District and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self administration of medication or the storage of the medication by school personnel.

     Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

Insurance Program / Accident Report: Insurance is offered to all students in the district.  These programs are limited policies with definite indemnities set for each type of injury.  One type of insurance covers the student coming to school, attending school, going home from school and attending school-sponsored activities.  The other type covers the student 24 hours a day, for the day school opens until the day school opens the following year.

                Students must report the incident to the supervising teacher who will file an accident report with the school nurse, who in turn will file it with the doctor and insurance company.  Students and parents should make a special effort to read the coverage offered on the application blank, especially the section on “Items not covered”.  The school does not in any way profit from the insurance.

                The policy is offered through the school as a service to our students and parents.