BRIMFIELD GRADE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

 

 

Welcome to …

 

BRIMFIELD GRADE SCHOOL: Home of the INDIANS

 

This handbook is presented to you with hopes for success from the administration, faculty, staff, and the Brimfield Board of Education.  We hope the information presented will help you in your academic work and in choosing activities at BGS.

 

BGS will be your home for the next school year.  You are an integral part of it!  Make effective use of its facilities and your own abilities.  Gain great satisfaction from doing things well whether that is in the classroom or in co-curricular activities.

 

The BGS staff strives to play a positive role in your educational development.  It is now your responsibility to do all you can to use these experiences to help mold you for your future life.  Have a successful and rewarding year.

 

 

PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO LEARN

 

Every student has the right to learn all that the curriculum and the faculty can provide.

Your teachers are here to provide learning opportunities for you.  In order to gain from your experiences at BGS, you will be expected to be on time to school and class.  You will need to be prepared for school each day. Bring all necessary materials to school and class with you every day.  Your first priority is to be an active learner and participant.

 

Every child has the right to learn in an environment free of unnecessary distractions.

Classroom conduct should be such that it does not distract attention of classmates from the lesson nor disrupt the teacher conducting the class.  Hallway and break time conduct should be orderly.  Students need to recognize that they must learn to be respectful and considerate of themselves and others.

 

Every member of the faculty has the right and the obligation to maintain a learning environment which is conducive to the educational process and free from emotional strain.  Students belong in class.  However, no student has the right to interfere with the education of another student or disrupt the environment in such a way as to diminish the opportunities of students and teachers to do their best work.  When students are disrupting the educational process or not being active listeners or learners, they will suffer the consequences of their actions according to the teacher’s classroom rules or the discipline procedures of the school.  Teachers and/or administrators will make every attempt to contact the parents of students who choose to be distractions to the learning environment.  It is our goal to discuss the problem and work together in order to see that the problem is not repeated.  Continual disruptions may have severe consequences on the academic advancement of the student.

 

 

The purpose of this handbook is to make students and parents aware of district rules, regulations, and general information concerning our school.  This handbook is only a summary; the District is governed by Board Policies which are available to the public at the administrative office.  Since this handbook cannot address every situation or contingency, the administration and school staff will address each instance as it occurs.  Please consult with the school’s principal if you have any questions about any part of this handbook.  For reasons of practicality and brevity, not every rule or item of parent or student interest has been included.

 

RESIDENCE

 

Only students who are residents of the District may attend a District school without tuition charge, except as otherwise provided below or in State law.  A student’s residence is the same as the person who has legal custody of the student.

 

A person asserting legal custody over a student, who is not the child’s natural or adoptive parent, shall complete a signed statement stating: (a) that he or she has assumed and exercises legal responsibility for the child, (b) the reason the child lives with him or her, other than receiving an education in the District, and (c) that he or she exercises full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency.  In addition, the child’s natural or adoptive parent, if available, shall complete a signed statement or Power of Attorney stating:  (a) the role and responsibility of the person with whom their child is living, and (b) that the person with whom the child is living has full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency.

 

A student whose family moves out of the District during the school year will be permitted to attend school for the remainder of the year without payment of tuition.

 

If, at the time of enrollment, a dependent child of military personnel is housed in temporary housing located outside of the District, but will be living within the District within 60 days after the time of initial enrollment, the child is allowed to enroll, subject to the requirements of State law, and must not be charged tuition.

 

Requests for Non-resident Student Admission

Non-resident students may attend District schools upon the approval of a request submitted by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) for non-resident admission.  The Superintendent may approve the request subject to the following:

1. The student will attend on a year-to-tear basis.  Approval for any one year is not authorization to attend a following year.
2. The student will be accepted only if there is sufficient room.
3. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be charged the maximum amount of tuition as allowed by State law.
4. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be responsible for transportation to and from school.

Admission of Non-Resident Students Pursuant to an Agreement or Order

Non-resident students may attend District schools tuition free pursuant to:

1. A written agreement with an adjacent school district to provide for tuition-free attendance by a student of that district, provided both the Superintendent or designee and the adjacent district determine that the student’s health and safety will be served by such attendance.
2. A written agreement with a cultural exchange organizations and institutions supported by charity to provide for tuition-free attendance by foreign exchange students and non-resident pupils of charitable institutions.
3. According to an intergovernmental agreement.
4. Whenever any State or Federal law or a court order mandates the acceptance of a non-resident student.

 

ATTENDANCE

 

Students are expected to be in attendance at school every day and to be on time.  A complete record is kept of absences and tardiness and becomes part of the student’s permanent record.

 

School hours are from 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.  A bell will ring five minutes before the beginning time in the morning in order to give children time to enter the building in an orderly manner.  Supervisors will not be provided on the playground before school.  Students who walk to school should not be on the school grounds before 7:50 a.m., unless they are eating a school provided breakfast.

 

A student will receive credit for a full day of attendance when the student has been in class 300 minutes of the school day.  This does not include passing time between classes and lunchtime, but actual time in the classroom.  A student will receive credit for a half-day of attendance if the student has been in class 150 minutes or more of the school day, but less than 300 minutes.  Any student who is in attendance 149 minutes or less will be counted absent for the full day (As per the auditor for attendance for the State of Illinois.)  On our current schedule, a student must report to the school’s office by 9:20 a.m. to be counted for a full day of attendance.  However, any student leaving early or arriving late on days scheduled for early out will be counted absent.

 

If for any reason a student is not present in school, parents are required by law to call the school office between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. each day the student is absent.  If you do not call, the school will call the parents within 2 hours concerning the students whereabouts.  The school phone number is 309-446-3366.

 

EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

According to Illinois law, students must attend school when it is in session during the regular school term.  The responsibility for attendance on a regular and continuous basis rests with the student and his or her parents.

 

Two categories of absences are recognized: excused and unexcused.  An absence will be considered unexcused unless evidence of the following is shown: illness, death in the immediate family, medical appointments, observance of a religious holiday, and emergencies, or such other situations deemed from time to time by the Superintendent or his designee to be a valid excuse for absence.  “Needed at home” will not qualify as an excused absence.

 

Evidence necessary to establish an excused absence includes a note signed by a parent or guardian specifying the reason for the absence or a note signed by a licensed physician.  A phone call does not constitute the proper record keeping to determine absences.  An absence of five or more school days out of ten successive days due to illness will be considered an excused absence only if a note from a licensed physician is provided attesting to said illness. 

 

Upon the occurrence of an unexcused absence, a notice of such shall be given in writing to the parent or guardian of the student and/or at the Principal’s discretion may be sent to the District Truant Officer.  The student shall be referred for counseling with the principal, counseling staff member, or social worker.  Subsequent unexcused absences will be dealt with in the same manner.  Consultation with the parent or guardian shall be made upon the tenth successive day of unexcused absence.  Said consultation shall be with the Superintendent or his designee.

 

TRUANCY

The School District will determine if the student is a truant, chronic or habitual truant, or a truant minor.  The Superintendent shall direct the appropriate School District staff to develop diagnostic procedures to be used for identifying the cause(s) of unexcused student absenteeism.  The diagnostic procedures shall include, but not to limited to, interviews with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and any school official(s), or other people who may have information.

 

The following supportive services may be offered to truant or chronically truant students:

• parent-teacher conferences
• student and/or family counseling
• information about community agency services

 

Any 17 year old resident may, upon providing documentation of dropout status for the previous 6 months, participate in the District's various programs and resources for truants.

 

If truancy continues after supportive services have been offered, the Building Principal shall refer the matter to the Superintendent.  The superintendent may call upon the resources of outside agencies such as the juvenile officer of the local police department or the truant office of the Regional Office of Education of Peoria County.  The School Board, Superintendent, School District administrators, and teachers shall assist and furnish such information as they have to aid truant officers.

 

No punitive action, including out-of-school suspension, expulsions, or court action shall be taken against a chronic truant for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student.

 

Chronic or habitual truant - A "chronic or habitual truant" is a child who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for 10 percent or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days.

 

Truant minor - A child whom supportive services, including prevention, diagnostic, intervention,  remedial services, alternative programs, and other school and community resources have been provided and have failed to result in the cessation of chronic truancy or have been offered and refused.

TARDINESS

Any student entering the classroom after 8:05 a.m. will be required to present the teacher with a pass from the office.  A child missing more than 150 minutes of class time will be marked absent.  Students should always have a note from a parent or guardian explaining the reason for tardiness.  Any tardiness that is not accompanied by a note from a parent or guardian will automatically be marked unexcused.  Any student that has chronic tardiness will be referred to the building principal for further counseling, conferencing, or referral to Project Target.

 

RETURN TO SCHOOL PROCEDURE

When a student returns to school he/she must present a note to the office signed by the parent or guardian.  The note should include the following information:

•         Date the note is written

•         Student’s name

•         Date of absence(s)

•         Reason

•         Parent or guardian signature

If parents know in advance that their child will have to be absent, please notify the school as soon as possible so that interruption of student progress will be minimized.

 

VACATIONS

The school district recognizes that all families cannot take vacations during the summer months.  Travel experiences can benefit a student’s education.  Therefore, a student may apply for an absence not to exceed five continuous days for a family vacation.  Such request must be signed by a parent or guardian and turned in four (4) weeks prior to the requested absence.

 

The school administrator will evaluate the request and approve or deny it based on the student’s grades and planned classroom activities during the requested absence.  The student will be expected to complete all assignments by a pre-arranged date before/after the absence.  Families are strongly encouraged to refrain from asking for vacation time on days designated for State and local testing.  Please do not put the teacher and administration in this predicament.

 

HEALTH RELATED ISSUES

 

HEALTH CARE DIRECTOR

Brimfield C.U.S.D. #309 is extremely fortunate to have a Health Care Professional to serve the medical needs of our students.  In society today, and in our schools, we have many children that require on-going medical attention.  In order for these services to be done in an efficient manner, it requires effective communication between the school, home, and physician.  Throughout the year, it may be necessary for our Health Care Professional to set/alter procedures and deadlines.  If this is the case, we will need the cooperation of all parties involved to maintain a safe and functional service.

 

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Please complete the emergency card for your children.  This information will be used to contact parents or guardians in the case of an emergency.  Please notify the office of any change in the information contained on the emergency card throughout the school year. (i.e. phone numbers, employers, doctors, etc.)  No child will be sent home from school without approval from a parent or guardian.  The parent or guardian must be home to meet and stay with the child.

 

HEALTH EXAMINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONS

By State law, each child must have a physical examination and be properly immunized.  A complete immunization record must be on file for each student in school.  This record must contain the month, day, and year that the immunizations were received.  Please use the chart below to determine your child’s compliance requirements.  Requirements for a child entering:

Preschool		Kindergarten
□	a physical exam	□	a physical exam
□	a dental exam	□	a dental exam
□	DPaT shots	□	DPaT booster
□	Polio shots	□	Polio booster
□	HIB shot	□	MMR shot
□	MMR shot	□	Varicella or proof of having Chicken Pox
□	Hepatitis B shots	□	Lead Test
□	Varicella or proof of having Chicken Pox
□	Lead Test	5th or 9th Grade
□	TB screening	□	a physical exam
		□	Hepatitis B shots
2nd or 6th Grade		□	9th grade only:  TD shot
□	a dental exam

 

Students entering school before October 15 of any given year must present proof of immunization by this date or they will be excluded from school until the requirement is met.  If, for medical reasons, one or more required immunizations must be given after October 15 a schedule for the administration of the remaining immunizations and a medical reason for the delay must be given to the school.  If the child does not meet the requirements for the immunization schedule, he/she will be excluded from school.  Students enrolling after October 15 must present immunization records and their latest health and dental examinations upon entering school. Any student that transfers from an out-of-state school must have a physical examination by an Illinois certified physician.

 

DENTAL EXAMS

Children in Kindergarten, 2^nd grade and 6^th grade shall present proof on the appropriate form of having been examined by a dentist before May 15 of the school year.  If a student in Grade 2 and 6 fails to present proof by May 15, then the school may hold the child’s report card until one of the following occurs:

1.                   the child presents proof of a completed dental examination;

2.                   the child presents proof that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15; or

3.                   the parents obtain a waiver from the Department of Public Health or provide objection to the dental examination on religious grounds.

 

 

MEDICATION

We will not give medication to children without parent permission.  The school will furnish no medication, including Tylenol.  If it is determined by a doctor that it is necessary for a child to take medication during school hours:

1.       Written orders must be provided to the school from the doctor giving the name of the medication, the dosage, and the time(s) to be taken.

2.       If liquid medicine is used, a pre-measured container would be helpful.

3.       The child gives himself/herself the medicine  (cont.)

4.       Medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the druggist or pharmacy. (include the student’s name on the container)

5.       Only enough medication shall be sent to school for that week.  The container is to be taken home on Friday of the last day of school in a given week.

 

If a child is on medication and a parent wishes to come to school to administer the medication, they may do so.  This is usually done during the child’s regularly scheduled lunch period. 

 

SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF ASTHMA MEDICATION

Brimfield Grade School will permit the self-administration of asthma medication and also permit the self-administration of medication through the use of an epinephrine auto-injector for pupils with allergies provided the parents or guardians provide a written authorization and a written statement from a physician, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse that states the name of the student, name and purpose of the medication, the prescribed dosage, the time or times at which or special circumstances under which the medication is to be administered.  The parents or guardians of the pupil must sign a statement acknowledging that the school district is to incur no liability, except for the willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the pupil and the parents or guardians 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 the self-administration of medicine by the student.  This permission is effective for the school year in which it is granted and must be renewed each subsequent school year.

 

After all requirements are met, a pupil with asthma may possess and use his/her medication while in school, while at a school-sponsored activity, or while under the supervision of school personnel.

 

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES

After an absence due to a contagious disease (chicken pox, diphtheria, German measles, impetigo, scarlet fever, whooping cough, hepatitis) a parent or guardian must supply a note for re-entry to the school.  A student absent with pink eye may return to school 24 hours after receiving the first application of medicine.

 

GENERAL ILLNESS

Schools recognize the fact that children become ill and must require them to miss school.  We ask that parents use good judgment in deciding when a child should return to school.  A child must be free of a fever for twenty-four hours before returning.

 

LICE PROCEDURE

1.       An individual with lice/nits will be excluded from school and will not be re-admitted until an examination by school personnel determines the individual is free from all nits.

2.       Individuals re-admitted after treatments for lice/nits will be subject to weekly re-checks and will be excluded from the classroom should they become re-infected.

3.       Students that are sent home because of lice/nits:

•   Should not ride the bus until inspected by school personnel and declared free of lice/nits.

•   Should have a parent or guardian accompany them for the inspection by school personnel before re-admittance to school.

4.       The school may inspect all or some of the students for lice/nits.

5.       Parents-PLEASE notify the school of any lice problems.

 

MEDICAID INFORMATION

Medicaid reimbursement is a source of federal funds approved by Congress to help school districts maintain and improve special education services.

 

Therapy and diagnostic services provided to your child are partially reimbursable.  Unless you object in writing, SEAPCO (Special Education at Peoria County) will claim Medicaid/KidCare reimbursement for services provided.  These claims will have no impact on your ability to receive Medicaid funding either now or anytime in the future.

 

If you do not object to this release of information related to Medicaid claims for your child, do nothing.

 

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

 

GRADES AND REPORTING

Student evaluations are compiled by teachers on the basis of percentage scores on daily work, quizzes, tests, and special projects.  Another important factor in grading is the teacher’s evaluation of in-class performance.  These factors are combined in a fair and impartial manner to arrive at a numerical score.  Numerical scores represent percentage equivalents of work correctly completed in the following amounts:

93-100 -A

85-92 -  B

78-84 -  C

70-77 -  D

   1-69 - F

 

Evaluations will be calculated at the end of each nine (9) week period and sent home with students for parent consideration.  In some performance areas there is not a sufficient amount of objective information to determine a numerical score.  Letter reports of S-U-I-L, or √ (needs improvement), will be used in these situations.  Teachers are encouraged to notify parents as soon as rapid improvement or decline in student performance is noted.  Teachers will notify parents or guardians of a child’s academic progress mid-way through each nine-week grading period.  These percentages are a close estimation of the students’ progress up to that point.  Either the teacher and/or the parent may request conferences at this time.

 

The student must complete all assignments, or suitable teacher selected alternatives.  If assignments remain as not completed after a reasonable period of time, a zero will be entered for each assignment and averaged with other scores to determine a final grade.

 

UNGRADED HOMEWORK PAPERS

There are times when homework is done for practice of a skill and therefore is not done for a specific grade.  However, it is still important to complete the work. Teachers will have the discretion to determine how work that has not been completed will affect the student’s grade.

 

MAKE-UP WORK POLICY

It is the responsibility of the student to see that all make-up work is completed .  Two days make-up time will be allowed for the first day of an excused absence, and one day for each day absent thereafter for any work assigned during the absence.

 

If assignments are made before an absence occurs, those assignments or tests are then due on the first day the student returns.

 

No credit will be given for work handed in after the due date except when excused by absence.  Teachers may consider extenuating circumstances when applying this rule.

 

After students’ assignments have been graded students will have an opportunity, in most cases, to make corrections.  Corrections accurately completed within teacher specified guidelines will receive credit as deemed necessary by the appropriate teacher.

 

CURRICULUM

The core curriculum consists of:

1.       Reading (phonics, comprehension, etc.)

2.       Language Arts (spelling, English, oral language, written language)

3.       Math

4.       Science

5.       Social Studies

6.       Computers (grades 7 and 8 only)

 

 The basic skills listed above, are the foundation for success in promotion-retention decisions made by school officials.  Students will also have the opportunity to receive instruction in physical education, art, music, and will visit the library.

 

KINDERGARTEN ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT

According to Illinois School Code 5/10 - 20.12:

Any child who will be five on or before September 1 of any school year may attend school at the beginning of the school term.  Based on an assessment of a child's readiness, a school district may permit a child to enter school at a younger age if the class size is not directly impacted.

 

Promotion & Changing a Grade (Policy 228.0)

The administration and professional staff shall establish a system of grading and reporting academic achievement to students and their parents and guardians. The system shall also determine when promotion and graduation requirements are met.  The decision to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance based on Illinois Standards Achievement Tests, or other testing. A student shall not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance.  The administration shall determine remedial assistance for a student who is not promoted.

 

Promotion – Grade School

K-2

All students in grades K-2 must successfully complete school assessments with a score of 80% or above.  The students must also pass four of the five core classes three out of four grading periods.  Because this program is success oriented, a score below 80% is an indication of a serious deficit in a core area.  Therefore, a minimum of 80% is required in all core subjects to attained mastery.

3-6

Students in grades 3-6 must earn a 70% overall average on selected assessments in the core subjects.  Students must pass all of the core curriculum classes three out of four grading periods.  The core curriculum includes Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and English.

7-8

Students in grades 7-8 must earn a 70% overall average on selected assessments in the areas of English, Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies.  Students must pass five of the six core curriculum classes (Computer Technology, English, Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies) in three of the four grading periods. 

Note: Because classroom grades reflect the on-going daily academic progress of student achievement, they will be the primary consideration of possible retention issue.

 

Retention

Retention is based on the premise that remediation for deficiencies in skill development is most efficient and effective at that point in educational development where the need first appears.  To push students into a learning environment where essential entry level skill development does not exist is not in the best interest of the student or the system.

Grading

Every teacher shall maintain an evaluation record for each student in the teacher’s classroom.  The final grade assigned by the teacher cannot be changed by a District administrator without notifying the teacher.Reasons for changing a student’s final grade include:

•          A miscalculation of test scores;

•          A technical error in assigning a particular grade or score;

•          The teacher agrees to allow the student to do extra work that may impact the grade;

•          An inappropriate grading system used to determine the grade; or

•          An inappropriate grade based on an appropriate grading system.

Should a grade change be made, the administrator making the change must sign the changed record.

 

TESTING

Each student will be tested on curricular areas pertinent to their particular grade level.  The following tests are administered:

 

Test	When	Subject	Grade Level
Illinois Standards Achievement Test    March		Math, Reading   Math, Reading, Science	3, 5, 6, 8 4, 7
Iowa Basic Skills Test              September & April		Math, Reading	K-7

                         

BAND

We offer a band program at Brimfield Grade School for children in grades 5-8.  Information will be distributed early in the year.  Grading will be as follows:

            Grade 5-6        S, S- , U

            Grades 7-8       Numerical Grade

 

CHORUS & GENERAL MUSIC

General music classes are offered to all students in Pre-K through 5th grades.  Students in grades 6-8 will be directed by our Choral Director.  Grading for grades K-5 will be S, S-, U; while student in grades 6-8 will receive numerical grades.

 

GIFTED/TALENTED

Brimfield Grade School recognizes the uniqueness of individual learners and recognizes the need to provide a program which is designed to identify the special needs of academically talented and gifted students, and to provide enrichment or acceleration of skills and content to be taught.  Identification procedures are part of the district’s comprehensive gifted plan.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The purpose of physical education class is to promote physical fitness and health for our students.  Vigorous participation is the key to the successful building of fitness.  Students are required to participate in PE classes, unless a doctor’s note states that the student is not able to participate.  Exceptions to this rule may occur if a student’s behavior is a danger to self or others.  Therefore, if a student is at school, participation is required.  However, at times when a student is recovering from sickness or experiencing some minor physical maladies not requiring a doctor’s attention, a parent may request light activity or excuse their child from PE that day.  These requests will be honored for a period of time that is agreed upon between the teacher/parent/doctor.  After a period of time missed, the student may be required to submit a note from a physician permitting participation to begin.  A third consecutive excuse will not be honored without a doctor’s note.

 

Failure to participate in PE class for unexcused reasons will aversely affect the student’s grade.  A student’s grade may also be lowered by consistent lack of effort in class or not being prepared for class with the proper uniform for their grade level. Grading will be as follows:

            Grade K-6       S, S- , U

            Grades 7-8       Numerical Grade

 

FIELD TRIPS

The Brimfield Board of Education will allow each class the opportunity to take one educational field trip per year with transportation paid by the school district.  The students must pay all other related expenses.

 

The grade school principal must first approve additional field trips during the school year.  All related expenses, including transportation, must be paid by the student.

 

Before a child leaves school grounds, they must:

1.       Have a permission slip filled out in advance and signed by a parent or guardian.

2.       Meet all the criteria both in academics and behavior established by the sponsor or principal.

3.       Have paid all the necessary fees to attend.

 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES OR VISITATION

Parents visiting the school during school hours must first check in at the office.  The use of conferences is encouraged when questions arise concerning academic or behavioral problems.  Classrooms WILL NOT be disturbed for conferences during class hours except for an emergency.  A conference or visitation is to be done by appointment.  Please call the school office, or send a note indicating the day and time you wish to visit or have a conference.

 

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR GRADE SCHOOL CLASSES

For those students entering Brimfield High School as freshmen, who completed their eighth grade studies at Brimfield Elementary, the following courses carry credit towards high school:

 

Algebra 1- taken as an eighth grader, will receive high school credit. However, it will not count toward the three-year high school math requirement.

 

Please note that there is also the option of taking Algebra 1 in high school for those students who feel they did not do as well as they wished in that subject in the eighth grade.

DISCIPLINE

 

DISCIPINE GUIDELINES

The student disciplinary guidelines at Brimfield Grade School are intended to teach and reinforce students as to appropriate behavior.  The disciplinary guidelines are aligned with Board Policy.  We try to make discipline at school consistent and effective.  This program requires parental support.  If parents have a question about a discipline problem they should first call and talk with the teacher involved.  If the parent is still unsatisfied, then they should call the principal.

 

Due to extenuating circumstances, with any and all handbook regulations/policies, the Administration reserves the right to determine whether consequences may be altered or changed to fit the situation.

 

SCHOOL WIDE RULES

1.       The student will follow all oral and written directions, guidelines, and rules.

2.       The student will not physically, visually, or verbally distract others.

3.       The student will show respect for other students and adults and their property.

4.       The student will be prepared, ready, and on time for class.

 

RECESS RULES

Recess time is provided for students in grades K-8.  During this time, students are given an opportunity to socialize with their friends and peers.  Recess is a privilege that is earned.  If students do not respond behaviorally or academically to the rules established, this privilege will be removed.

1.       One person down the slide at a time, only one person on the ladder at a time, go feet first, others wait their turn at the bottom of the ladder.

2.       Ladder bars will have appropriate rules enforced depending on the age of the child.

3.       One person on a swing at a time, no pushing, swing straight, no twisting, no jumping off swings while in the air.

4.       No wrestling or pulling others people’s clothing.

5.       No throwing of objects other than balls.

6.       When you hear a whistle, immediately stop what you are doing and quietly listen for instructions.

7.       Restroom and drink breaks will be scheduled accordingly.

8.       Students arguing, using inappropriate language, or involved in misconduct are subject to the penalties outlined in the discipline policy.

9.       Stay at the south end of the building, between the street and the locker room sidewalk.  Do not go beyond the south sidewalk.  Stay away from windows and doors in order to eliminate distractions to other classrooms.

K-4 DISCIPLINE POLICY

The following section will aid in understanding the discipline procedures for students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade.  Please explain these procedures to your children and emphasize the importance of abiding by school rules.  In order to reach their maximum achievement, students need to learn a sense of self-discipline, responsibility, and self-control.

 

Teachers will explain certain operational policies for their classrooms to students within the first week of school.  Overall school rules will be explained to the students by the teachers or principal.  For repeated discipline problems, the parents will be contacted concerning their child’s behavior, and a conference will be scheduled by either the principal or the teacher.  After the second conference, if behavior problems still occur, the child could receive a possible suspension from school.  Behavior referrals will not be written by teachers for lack of academic work.

 

Suspensions are either in school or out-of-school.  If a child receives an out-of-school suspension, parents may elect to serve an in-school suspension with their child.  In doing so, your child will receive credit for work done during the days of suspension.  If parents choose this option, it must be cleared by the principal.  Parents will be required to stay with the child for the duration of the day in order for this option to be effective.  A second suspension in one semester is automatically out-of-school unless otherwise determined by the administration.

 

Students suspended out-of-school will receive partial to full credit (determined by the teacher) for work done on the day(s) they are not in attendance.

 

In cases of extreme or repetitive student misbehavior or excessive referrals, a student may be suspended from school for 1-10 days of school or may face possible expulsion.

 

The offenses listed are considered serious enough for disciplinary action.  Although detentions will be used infrequently, they may be issued with the permission of the parent.  The responsibility for punishing student misbehavior is left to the discretion of the teacher/principal.  A disciplinary notice is comparable to a detention notice.

 

INFRACTIONS                                              ACTION

Misbehavior                                                     Student/teacher conference

Disrespect                                                        Student/principal conference

Unacceptable language (profanity)                     Parent/teacher/principal conference

Defiance towards school personnel                   Possible suspension

Verbal or sexual harassment                              Possible suspension

Fighting (active participation)                             3 day suspension/possible expulsion

Pushing (active participation)                             3 day suspension/possible expulsion

Theft                                                                3 day suspension/possible expulsion

Threat to school personnel                                3 day suspension/possible expulsion

Other acts which are deemed to be

    disruptive to the educational process             3 day suspension/possible expulsion

Damaging or defacing school property               reimbursement and/or repair

                                                                        possible suspension/expulsion

 

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR REPORTING

State Law requires a school district to notify the parent or guardian of a child who uses aggressive behavior, including bullying, at school.  School board policy prohibits student's 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.  Course of action taken may be parent conference, counseling services, non-district affiliated psychological service, alternative school placement, or a referral to a community agency.

 

5-8 Behavioral Intervention Procedures

The goal of any discipline policy is to teach responsibility, self-control, reliability, and self-discipline.  The parents and teaching staff must work together instilling self-discipline in each child.  Teachers must maintain a well-disciplined classroom environment so that all students have the opportunity for maximum learning.  These procedures are to address behavioral related issues not academic issues.

 

On the road to self-discipline, there must be some guidelines or rules for the students to follow.  In addition, each teacher will have certain operational policies for their classroom.  In fifth through eighth grade, students will follow a demerit/detention policy.  Students will receive demerit(s) or detention(s) for listed infractions or any other act that the teacher or principal deems necessary.   A copy of this policy will be given to each student and explained by the principal.  Behavior problems may result in detention, parent conferences, suspension, or expulsion.

 

Once a student has accumulated 10 demerits in a week’s time, he/she will receive a detention notice on that Friday.  The detention notice is to be taken home and signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school no later than the next Tuesday morning.  It may also be noted that if a student receives the following number of demerits in a week the following detention plan will be followed:

 

            Demerits                                   Detentions

10                                                                                               one

20                                                                                               two

30                                                                                               three

40                                                                                               four

 

Detentions are accumulated in a semester’s time.  If a student receives 7 detentions, a letter will be sent to the parents stating that the child is 3 detentions away from a school suspension.  Please note the following:

1.       7 Detentions- letter of warning sent to parent or guardian

2.       10 Detentions- 3 day school suspension (in/out of school)

3.       20 Detentions- 5 day school suspension (in/out of school)

4.       30 Detentions- 10 day suspension and/or possible expulsion

 

 

Detention hall is held on Tuesday from 3:15 pm-4:15pm (unless otherwise indicated) and will be supervised by the faculty or administration.  Parents are responsible for providing transportation after detention hall.

           

 

0FFENSE	ACTION
1. Misbehavior in classroom	demerits to suspension based on seriousness     of the incident
2. Truancy/Unexcused tardies to school	Parent/Student Conference, counseling, referral to Project Target, Hearing in front of Board of Education
3. Students not reporting to detention hall	re-assignment of detention to all day in-school detention and additional detention
4. Gum chewing, eating food or candy in class, assembly, restroom	1-5 demerits
5. Being in or around vehicles in the parking lot without permission	1 detention
6. In the hall, restroom, or any off limit area       without permission	demerits to detentions
7. Loitering	1 detention
8. False fire alarms, 911 calls, tampering or theft of any life safety equipment	suspension to expulsion plus possible referral to law enforcement personnel
9. Public display of affection	1 detention
10. Disrespect, insubordination, verbal abuse, profanity, or defiance towards school personnel	detentions to suspension, possible expulsion
11. Forgery of notes, detention slips, passes,       report cards, notices, homework, etc.	2 detentions & parent notification
12. Leaving the school grounds without  permission after arriving to school	1st offense:  3-day suspension 2nd offense:  5-day suspension 3rd offense: 10-day suspension
13. Active participation in a fight	1st offense:  3-day suspension 2nd offense:  5-day suspension 3rd offense: 10-day suspension
14. Possession or use of tobacco products in school, on school grounds, or at school related activities	1st offense:  3-day suspension 2nd offense:  5-7-day suspension Parent notification
15. Possession or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; possession of drug paraphernalia or “look-a-like” substance.  Possession or use of inhalants	5 to 10 day suspension and possible expulsion, Law enforcement officials contacted, possible arrest
16. Damaging or defacing school property	detentions to expulsion, reimbursement and/or repair, possible arrest
17. Extortion, intimidation, or threat to fellow student	detentions to expulsion, depending on severity
18. Physical confrontation or verbal threat to school personnel	suspension to expulsion depending on  severity, law enforcement contact
19.  Theft	return and /or reimbursement, detentions to expulsion depending on severity
20. Other acts which are deemed to be disruptive to the educational process	demerits to expulsion depending on severity
21. Possession of weapons at school or school      suspension with expulsion proceedings	See policy listed below

BULLYING

Bullying is defined as student behavior that hurts, frightens, threatens, or tyrannizes students who are either physically or psychologically smaller or weaker than the person engaging in bullying.  Examples of bullying may include, but are not limited to:

•         Physical bullying- may include punching, shoving, poking, hair pulling, or other similar behaviors

•         Verbal bullying- may include name-calling, teasing, gossip, humiliation, intimidation, or other similar behaviors.

Bullying behaviors will not be tolerated.  Please refer to aggressive behavior for consequences.

 

 

Harassment of Students Prohibited (Policy 235.0)

No person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass or intimidate another student based upon a student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status.  The District will not tolerate harassing or intimidating conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that affects 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, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.

Complaints of harassment or intimidation are handled according to the provisions on sexual harassment below.  The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students that the District will not tolerate harassment, such as by including this policy in the appropriate handbooks.

Sexual Harassment Prohibited

Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. Any person, including a district employee or agent, or student, engages in sexual harassment whenever he or she makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, and engages in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that:

1.        Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student's academic status; or

2.        Has the purpose or effect of:

a.        Substantially interfering with a student's educational environment;

b.        Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment;

c.        Depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or

d.        Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student.

The terms “intimidating,” “hostile,” and “offensive” include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort.  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 sexual harassment or have witnessed sexual harassment, are encouraged to discuss the matter with the student Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, 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.

An allegation that one student was sexually harassed by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal for appropriate action.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the District's current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers. At least one of these individuals will be female, and at least one will be male.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator                  Complaint Managers:

Name	Superintendent	Name	Guidance Counselor		H.S. Principal
Address	216 E. Clinton St.	Address	323 E. Clinton St.		323 E. Clinton St.
	Brimfield, IL  61517		Brimfield, IL  61517		Brimfield, IL  61517
Telephone No.	(309) 446-3378	Telephone No.	(309) 446-3349		(309) 446-3349