Chapter 1 - Introductory Information & General Notices

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 through the District’s website or at the Board office, located at: 300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

The School Board governs the school district, and is elected by the community. Current School Board members are:

• Dr. Debra Barton, President
• Laura Stanton, Vice President
• Lea Grover, Member
• Alena Hansen, Member
• Maria Krause, Member
• Dr. Lisa Messinger, Member
• Emily Smith, Member

The Board has hired the following administrative staff to operate the schools:

• Dr. Kathy J. Hinz, Superintendent
• Dr. Eric Olson, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Operations
• Dr. Anastasia Gruper, Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning
• Mr. Dave Jenkins, Assistant Superintendent of Technology Services
• Mrs. Cathy Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Business
• Dr. Ryan Olson, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
• Mrs. Kari Firak, Director of Communications and Public Engagement

District 47 uses ParentSquare to relay important messages. These messages are typically sent via phone, text, and email. During the online registration process parent(s)/guardian(s) are asked to designate the phone number(s) and email address(es) to enable receipt of these messages. Should contact information change, the parent(s)/guardian(s) should notify their child’s school office. Push notifications may also be received by those individuals who have downloaded the District’s mobile app. 

All visitors, including parent(s) and sibling(s), are required to enter through the front door of the building and proceed immediately to the main office. Visitors should identify themselves and inform office personnel of their reason for being at the school.

Visitors must sign in, identify their name, the date and time of arrival, the classroom or location they are visiting, and present a U.S. or state-issued ID or driver’s license. The District utilizes the Raptor Visitor Management System, which scans the ID against a sex-offender database prior to granting a visitor access to a building. Approved visitors must take a lanyard and ID tag identifying themselves as a guest and wear it around their neck on the outside of any clothing at all times. Visitors are required to proceed immediately to their location in a quiet manner. All visitors must return to the main office and sign out before having their ID returned and leaving the school.

Any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, before or after school during teacher contractual hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period.

Visitors are expected to abide by all school rules during their time on school property. A visitor who fails to conduct himself or herself in a manner that is appropriate will be asked to leave and may be subject to criminal penalties for trespass and/or disruptive behavior.

No person on school property or at a school event shall perform any of the following acts:

1. Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, board member, sports official or coach, or any other person.
2. Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner or use vulgar or obscene language.
3. Unless specifically permitted by State law, possess a weapon, any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or looks like a weapon, or any dangerous device.
4. Damage or threaten to damage another’s property.
5. Damage or deface school property.
6. Violate any Illinois law or municipal, local or county ordinance.
7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products.
8. Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be impaired by or under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug.
9. Be present when the person’s alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred.
10. Use or possess medical cannabis, unless he or she has complied with Illinois' Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act and district policies.
11. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner, or using devices that feature 1-way voice, 2-way voice, or other recording capabilities such as AngelSense).
12. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the board.
13. Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized district employee’s directive.
14. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding.
15. Violate other district policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or district employee.
16. Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the district or a school function.

Any person who engages in prohibited conduct may be ejected from or denied admission to school property in accordance with State law. The person may also be subject to being denied admission to school athletic or extracurricular events for up to one calendar year.

If a parent/guardian needs to bring something to their child during the school day, he/she should bring it to the office/drop off location outside the front door to the school and school staff will make sure the child receives it. 

Teachers are happy to meet with parent(s)/guardian(s) upon request, but they are not available to speak with parent(s)/guardian(s) when students are present and under their supervision. In order to ensure a conversation/meeting can be had, please phone ahead and make an appointment to make sure that your child’s teacher has time available to meet with you. 

Teachers are also available by e-mail for questions that do not require a long response or explanation. Email communication is intended for quick questions/communications and should not replace phone or face-to-face conversations. Please note that the majority of a teacher’s day is spent with the students and/or planning for the students so you most likely will not receive a response by email on the same day. If you need to get in touch with a teacher right away, please contact the main office of the school for assistance in getting a message to the teacher. Please do not contact your child via a cell phone/text and ask them to relay a message to the teacher.  

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are allowed reasonable requests to visit their child’s classroom only after obtaining permission from the building administration. Random and unannounced visits from parent(s)/guardian(s) will not be allowed since this can be disruptive to the learning environment. Similarly, observations by outside therapists, consultants, etc. are not allowed without prior notice and approval by the building administrator. All visits and observations may include participation of District personnel. As a condition of any visit or observation, the visitor agrees to keep strictly confidential all information observed concerning students (Board Policy 7:360, Parent Observation of Student in Class).

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, reproductive health decisions, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy.

No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity 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 Asst. Supt. of Student Learning at (815) 788-5000.

Any student may file a sex discrimination complaint under the District’s Title IX Grievance Procedure. Any student may file a sex equity complaint under the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the Board’s decision to the Regional Superintendent and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education.

District 47 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, gender, religion, national background, age, marital status, and physical/mental challenges as required by state and federal law. The District has jurisdiction over Title IX complaints (on the basis of sex) as well as other complaints of harassment and discrimination alleged and/or occurring within the District. Respect for the dignity and worth of each individual shall be paramount in the establishment of all policies by the Board and in the administration of those policies by the administration.

The Asst. Supt. of Student Services, serves as the Title IX Coordinator and is available to provide assistance to the grievant as needed in the preparation and processing of the grievance and the appeal of decisions. The Title IX Coordinator is located at the District 47 CORE Center at 300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake, by calling (815) 788-5000, or via email at rolson@d47.org. 

Complaints alleging harassment or discrimination by a District employee or the District itself may be made using Board Policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. Such complaints should be directed to one of the District's Complaint Managers who are located at the District 47 CORE Center at 300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake or by calling (815) 788-5000.

In order to assure student health and safety, animals are not allowed on school property at any time, 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 administration 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. 

As an additional reference, the McHenry County Department of Health has an Animal Control Ordinance, Article VI.

All school volunteers must complete a “Volunteer Information Form” and be approved by the school administration prior to assisting at the school. Forms are available on the district’s website. Some teachers utilize parent volunteers in the classroom while others do not. The individual teachers make this decision. Teachers who desire parent volunteers will notify parents. For school-wide volunteer opportunities, please contact the building administration.

Volunteers are required to check in and out at the main office and receive a visitor badge before going to their destination.

Party invitations or gifts for classmates should not be brought to school to be distributed. The office is unable to release addresses and phone numbers of students. Elementary PTOs/PTAs organize a student directory for parents interested in sharing their contact information with other families. Please contact your building’s PTO/PTA for information about and/or to obtain the student directory. 

Due to health concerns and food allergies, parent(s)/guardian(s) are not able to bring in food/candy of any kind for any type of classroom event or holiday party (i.e. economic fairs, Halloween, Winter, and Valentine classroom parties) and/or birthday celebrations. This exclusion of outside food includes Valentine’s Day cards that have candy/food incorporated into them. Our experience has been that students are just as happy to receive pencils, stickers, etc. and/or to have a craft activity to celebrate holidays and special events in the classroom. Sodexo, the District’s food service provider, does have a menu of snack options available for purchase if a classroom parent or group of parents feels strongly about providing a food option for an entire classroom for a holiday celebration. Please note there is no food allowed for birthday celebrations. A list of snack options and prices is available by contacting your child’s school office. The cost for providing snacks via Sodexo would be the responsibility of the parent(s) who are interested in providing them; however, we do not endorse or require parents to pay for and/or donate toward the provision of snacks. To ensure the health concerns of all students in the classroom are considered, any parent(s) interested in purchasing snacks for a classroom celebration via Sodexo needs to consult with the classroom teacher prior to purchasing items.

During the cold winter weather, be sure that your child comes to school with appropriate winter coats, hats, gloves, etc.  Students go outside daily for lunch recess and need to be dressed for the weather. The guidelines established by District 47 during cold weather are as follows:

*District 47 schools refer to ”feels like” temperatures according to the Weather Channel app. 

In cases of bad weather and other local emergencies it may become necessary to close school for the day. School closings for any reason will be announced as soon as possible. Additionally, if bad weather or other emergencies occur during the day, an early dismissal of the schools may be put into effect.

For your child’s safety, make certain your child knows ahead of time where to go in case of an early dismissal. If we dismiss early for an emergency, all after-school functions are automatically canceled.

In the event that school is cancelled or an early release is needed, the following sources will be used to disseminate the information:

• ParentSquare - A message will be sent to parents via phone, text and email. If parents/guardians download the District 47 mobile app, push notifications may also be received. See the ParentSquare in this document for more information.  
• School District website/social media - The District 47 website, www.d47.org will post any cancellation of school and the announcement will also be disseminated via social media (Instagram.com/d47schools & facebook.com/D47schools).

A video and/or audio monitoring system may be in use on school buses and a video monitoring system may be in use in public areas of the school building. These systems have been put in place to protect students, staff, visitors and school property. If a discipline problem is captured on audiotape or videotape, these recordings may be used as the basis for imposing student discipline. If criminal actions are recorded, a copy of the tape may be provided to law enforcement personnel.

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 administration 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.

No student shall be denied equal access to education on the basis of their gender identity. A student whose gender expression is different from expectations based on the student’s sex assigned at birth shall not be considered disruptive of the educational process or in interference with the maintenance of a positive teaching/learning climate. To ensure the safety and well-being of the student, school personnel should not disclose a student’s transgender status to other students or parents of other students unless such disclosure has been authorized by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). 

The building administration shall establish a Gender Support Team to support any student in gender transition. The Gender Support Team shall respect the self-determination of the student and shall develop a written Gender Support Plan for the student’s academic, social, and emotional success in conjunction with the parent(s), student, and staff. The Gender Support Plan shall 1) include a clear plan for supporting the student’s access to gendered facilities and school-sponsored programs that are consistent with their gender identity, 2) be addressed by a name and pronoun corresponding to their gender identity, and 3) include a method for the requested name to be included in the District’s electronic database in order to inform teachers (including substitute teachers) of the name to use when addressing the student, at the request of the parent(s)/guardian(s). School libraries may include accurate information on gender diversity as well as gender-affirming children’s books, young adult fiction, non-fiction, and multimedia. An individual student’s gender transition or personal gender history should never be the subject of a class lesson unless specifically directed in the student’s Gender Support Plan.

Allegations involving violations shall be reported in the manner consistent with Board Policies 7:20 - Harassment of Students and 7:180 - Prevention of and Responses to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment.

State law requires our District to annually inform parents of students with life-threatening allergies or life-threatening chronic illnesses of the applicable provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal statutes, state statutes, federal regulations and state rules. If your child has a life-threatening allergy or life-threatening chronic illness, please notify the building administration.

Federal law protects students from discrimination due to a disability that substantially limits a major life activity. If your child has a qualifying disability, an individualized Section 504 Plan will be developed and implemented to provide the needed support so that your child can access his or her education as effectively as students without disabilities.

Not all students with life-threatening allergies and life-threatening chronic illnesses may be eligible under Section 504. The District may be able to appropriately meet a student's needs through other means.

Food Allergies Procedures

District 47 has specific procedures in place for students with food allergies. The parent or guardian of a student with food allergies should contact the school nurse who will then develop a specific Health Care Plan in cooperation with the parent or guardian, which will include all necessary information about the student and his or her allergies. The specific treatment plan will be shared with ALL staff that have contact with the student. The school nurse provides necessary in-services for staff. Parent permission is required in order for the teacher and nurse to share the medical information of any student in the class with the classmates.

In the cafeteria, students with food allergies are monitored to make sure no one is sitting near them with potentially reactive foods and students are not allowed to share food with others. Our kitchen does not serve peanut butter or peanuts of any form. Tables are thoroughly cleaned at the conclusion of each lunch period and washed with a disinfectant.

We highly recommend that students with specific food allergies wear “medical alert bracelets” at all times. Staff members are not required to check food labels. For more information, refer to "Treats" above.  

If your child has diabetes and requires assistance with managing this condition while at school and school functions, a Diabetes Care Plan must be submitted to the building administration. Parents/guardians are responsible for and must:

1. Inform the school in a timely manner of any change which needs to be made to the Diabetes Care Plan on file with the school for their child.
2. Inform the school in a timely manner of any changes to their emergency contact numbers or contact numbers of health care providers.
3. Sign the Diabetes Care Plan.
4. Grant consent for and authorize the designated District representative(s) to communicate directly with the health care provider whose instructions are included in the Diabetes Care Plan.

For further information, please contact the building administration.

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important goals of the District.

The District maintains student and parent resources on suicide and depression awareness and prevention. Much of this information, including a copy of the District’s policy, is posted under Social Emotional Learning on the District’s website. Information can also be obtained from the school office.

If you need assistance, help is also available from the following organizations:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• Call or text 988

Crisis Text Line

• Text HOME to 741741

Safe2Help Illinois

• Call 844-4-SAFEIL (723345)
• Text SAFE2 (72332)

Parent organizations are invaluable resources to the District’s schools. While parent organizations have no administrative authority and cannot determine District policy, the School Board welcomes their suggestions and assistance.

Parent organizations may be recognized by the Board and permitted to use the District’s name, a District school’s name, or a District school’s team name, or any logo attributable to the District provided they first receive the Superintendent or designee’s express written consent. Consent to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos will generally be granted if the organization has by-laws containing the following:

1. The organization’s name and purpose, such as, to enhance students’ educational experiences, to help meet educational needs of students, to assist specific academic clubs through financial support, or to enrich extracurricular activities.
2. The rules and procedures under which it operates.
3. An agreement to adhere to all Board policies and administrative procedures.
4. A statement that membership is open and unrestricted, meaning that membership is open to all parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school, District staff, and community members.
5. A statement that the District is not, and will not be, responsible for the organization’s business or the conduct of its members, including on any organization website or social media accounts.
6. An agreement to maintain and protect its own finances.
7. A recognition that money given to a school cannot be earmarked for any particular expense. The Board’s legal obligation to comply with Title IX by providing equal athletic opportunity for members of both genders will supersede an organization’s recommendation.

Permission to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos may be rescinded at any time and does not constitute permission to act as the District’s representative. At no time does the District accept responsibility for the actions of any parent organization regardless of whether it was recognized and/or permitted to use any of the above-mentioned names or logos. The Superintendent shall designate an administrative staff member to serve as the recognized liaison to parent organizations. The liaison will serve as a resource person and provide information about school programs, resources, policies, problems, concerns, and emerging issues. Building staff will be encouraged to participate in the organizations.

A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. The school does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance.

Child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations harm students, their parent/guardian, the District’s environment, its school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn.

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Warning signs of child sexual abuse include the following.

Physical signs:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other genital infections

• Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding, bruising, or blood on the sheets, underwear, or other clothing

• Unusual weight gain or loss

Behavioral signs:

• Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics
• Keeping secrets
• Not talking as much as usual
• Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or being afraid to be away from primary caregivers
• Regressive behaviors or resuming behaviors that the child had grown out of, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting
• Overly compliant behavior
• Sexual behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age
• Spending an unusual amount of time alone
• Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe

Emotional signs:

• Change in eating habits or unhealthy eating patterns, like loss of appetite or excessive eating
• Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
• Change in mood or personality, such as increased aggression
• Decrease in confidence or self-image
• Anxiety, excessive worry, or fearfulness
• Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches
• Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
• Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
• Self-harming behaviors or expressing thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Failing grades
• Drug or alcohol use

Warning Signs of Grooming Behaviors

School and District employees are expected to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels.

Prohibited grooming is defined as (i) any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, (ii) by an employee with direct contact with a student, (iii) that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples of grooming behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors:

• Sexual or romantic invitations to a student
• Dating or soliciting a date from a student
• Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog with a student
• Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student
• Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
• Sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with a student
• Failing to respect boundaries or listening when a student says “no”
• Engaging in touching that a student or student’s parents/guardians have indicated as unwanted
• Trying to be a student’s friend rather than filling an adult role in the student’s life
• Failing to maintain age-appropriate relationships with students
• Talking with students about personal problems or relationships
• Spending time alone with a student outside of their role in the student’s life or making up excuses to be alone with a student
• Expressing unusual interest in a student’s sexual development, such as commenting on sexual characteristics or sexualizing normal behaviors
• Giving a student gifts without occasion or reason
• Spending a lot of time with a student
• Restricting a student’s access to other adults

Warning Signs of Boundary Violations

School and District employees breach employee-student boundaries when they misuse their position of power over a student in a way that compromises the student’s health, safety, or general welfare. Examples of boundary violations include:

• Favoring a certain student by inviting the student to “hang out” or by granting special privileges
• Engaging in peer-like behavior with a student
• Discussing personal issues with a student
• Meeting with a student off-campus without parent/guardian knowledge and/or permission
• Dating, requesting, or participating in a private meeting with a student (in person or virtually) outside of a professional role
• Transporting a student in a school or private vehicle without administrative authorization
• Giving gifts, money, or treats to an individual student
• Sending a student on personal errands
• Intervening in a serious student problem instead of referring the student to an appropriately trained professional
• Sexual or romantic invitations toward or from a student
• Taking and using photos/videos of students for non-educational purposes
• Initiating or extending contact with a student beyond the school day in a one-on-one or non-group setting
• Inviting a student to an employee’s home
• Adding a student on personal social networking sites as contacts when unrelated to a legitimate educational purpose
• Privately messaging a student
• Maintaining intense eye contact with a student
• Making comments about a student’s physical attributes, including excessively flattering comments
• Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog
• Making sexually suggestive comments directed toward or with a student
• Disclosing confidential information
• Self-disclosure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
• Full frontal hugs
• Invading personal space

If you believe you are a victim of child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, or boundary violations, or you believe that your child is a victim, you should immediately contact the Building Principal, a school counselor, or another trusted adult employee of the school.

Additional Resources include:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
• National Sexual Abuse Chatline at online.rainn.org
• Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (2783)

Employee Conduct Standards

School districts are required to include in their student handbook the District’s Employee Code of Professional Conduct. These standards, in part, define appropriate conduct between school employees and students. A copy of these standards can be found on the District’s website or requested from the Superintendent’s office.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) maintains a resource guide on sexual abuse response and prevention. The guide contains information on and the location of children’s advocacy centers, organizations that provide medical evaluations and treatment to victims of child sexual abuse, organizations that provide mental health evaluations and services to victims and families of victims of child sexual abuse, and organizations that offer legal assistance to and provide advocacy on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse. This guide can be accessed through the ISBE website at www.isbe.net or you may request a copy of this guide by contacting the school’s office.

While it is not possible for the School or District to completely eliminate the risks of an anaphylactic emergency, the District maintains a comprehensive policy on anaphylaxis prevention, response, and management in order to reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for anaphylactic reactions. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and students who desire more information or who want a copy of the District’s policy may contact the Building Principal.

District 47’s Learning Media Centers are well equipped and serve as a valuable extension of the classroom. Students may check out materials and are expected to return them in a timely fashion. Students are responsible for keeping track of the due date for materials they have checked out. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for being aware of the books that their child is checking out and reading from the LMC. Students will not be allowed to check out additional items as long as they have an overdue item. If an item is lost or damaged, the student's parent/guardian will be assessed its replacement cost. 

 The Board has provided lockers and desks for the purpose of providing students with a place to store outerwear, books, and other articles necessary for their use during the day. The student is to use only the locker that has been issued to him or her. At middle school, a student MUST keep his or her locker locked at all times. All personal items and books, when not in use, are to be kept in a student’s locker. A student is not to tamper with another student’s locker or give his or her locker combination to anyone. The District retains ownership and control over the lockers and/or desks at all times and reserves the right to inspect and search lockers and/or desks and their contents without notice. The school/District is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal property. Random locker searches may occur throughout the school year. 

The dress requirements for all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students for physical education are the regulation gym attire chosen by District 47. Students should wear gym shoes with non-marking soles. All students will have physical education class every day. P.E. uniforms may be purchased at the same time as District fees are collected and will be issued during P.E. class. If they were not paid for at that time, uniform fees should be brought to the office during the first week of school. Shorts, shirts, and socks are to be laundered at home weekly. In addition to the required uniform, it may be appropriate to bring a long-sleeved sweatshirt and sweatpants to keep in your P.E. locker to use on cool days. All pieces of P.E. clothing must be marked with the student’s name.

You will be assigned a locker to be used for P.E. classes at the middle schools. You are to use only the locker that is assigned to you and you MUST keep it locked at all times. Do not tamper with another locker or give your combination to anyone. The District retains ownership and control over the lockers at all times and reserves the right to inspect and search lockers and their contents without notice. Loss of articles is not the responsibility of the District. 

Students will be released from school only to the parent/guardian or to a person designated by the parent/guardian. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that a list of such persons is provided to their child’s school via ParentVue (Synergy) and that this list is up-to-date. In situations of divorce or separation, the custodial parent designates to whom a student may be released. In situations of joint custody, both parents must agree to a single list of people to whom a student may be released. Siblings may only pick up students with prior permission/notification from parents.

School staff shall refuse to release a student to any person, whether related or unrelated to the student, who has not been authorized by the parent/guardian. Persons not known to school staff will be required to present a driver’s license or other photo identification to a staff member before a student is released to them. School staff will maintain a record of persons to whom the student is released, the date, and the time that the student is released.

Federal and State laws and regulations require public school districts throughout Illinois to engage in activities to actively seek out young children (3-5 years of age) who reside within their communities, who may be experiencing developmental delays/disabilities warranting special education services. For additional information, please call 815-788-3100.

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect individuals and, because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads sustainably. Your child’s school and district play an essential role, along with the local health department and emergency management agencies, in protecting the public’s health and safety during a pandemic or other health emergency.

During a pandemic or other health emergency, you will be notified in a timely manner of all changes to the school environment and schedule that impact your child. Please be assured that even if school is not physically in session, it is the goal of the school and district to provide your child with the best educational opportunities possible.

Additionally, please note the following:

1. All decisions regarding changes to the school environment and schedule, including a possible interruption of in-person learning, will be made by the superintendent in consultation with and, if necessary, at the direction of the Governor, Illinois Department of Public Health, local health department, emergency management agencies, and/or Regional Office of Education.
2. Available learning opportunities may include remote and/or blended learning. Blended learning may require your child to attend school on a modified schedule.
3. Students will be expected to participate in blended and remote instruction as required by the school and district. Parents are responsible for assuring the participation of their child. Students who do not participate in blended or remote learning will be considered truant.
4. All school disciplinary rules remain in effect during the interruption of in-person learning. Students are subject to discipline for disrupting the remote learning environment to the same extent that discipline would be imposed for disruption of the traditional classroom.
5. Students and parents will be required to observe all public health and safety measures implemented by the school and district in conjunction with state and local requirements.
6. During a pandemic or other health emergency, the school and district will ensure that educational opportunities are available to all students.
7. School personnel will work closely with students with disabilities and other vulnerable student populations to minimize the impact of any educational disruption.
8. Students who have a compromised immune system, live with an individual with a compromised immune system, or have a medical condition that may impact their ability to attend school during a pandemic or other public health emergency should contact school officials.
9. During a pandemic or other health emergency, teachers and school staff will receive additional training on health and safety measures.
10. In accordance with school district or state mandates, the school may need to conduct a daily health assessment of your child. Parents and students will be notified of the exact assessment procedures if this becomes necessary.
11. Parents should not send their child to school if their child exhibits any symptoms consistent with the pandemic or other health emergency.
12. Please do not hesitate to contact school or district officials if you have any concerns regarding your child’s education, health or safety.