ARCOLA BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of the Board of
Education of Arcola Community Unit District #306
President Klinger called the meeting to order. The following members answered roll call: Crane, Rothrock, Fortney, Boyer, VanErt and Klinger. Mueller was absent.
Motion by Crane seconded by VanErt to keep the current 2007-08 handbook in force. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Rothrock, aye; Fortney, aye; Boyer, aye; VanErt, aye; Klinger, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Motion by Klinger seconded by Rothrock to make the current 2007-08 handbook available electronically. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Rothrock, aye; Fortney, aye; Boyer, aye; VanErt, aye; Klinger, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Motion by Boyer seconded by
Fortney to adjourn at
_______________________________
President
_________________________________
Secretary
ARCOLA HIGH SCHOOL ARCOLA JUNIOR HIGH
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR
STEPHEN GROLL PRINCIPAL
EXCELLENCE…AN
ARCOLA TRADITION
FOREWORD
Please read each section of this booklet carefully and familiarize yourself with its contents. This handbook is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student; rather, it is intended to describe the school, its current practices, procedures, rules and regulations. Yearly updates will be available to you at the beginning of school each year.
If you have any questions, please contact me at the high school office, 268-4962.
Stephen Groll
Principal
Arcola Community Unit #306
WELCOME TO ARCOLA JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The first class graduated from
In addition to providing students with an excellent education, Arcola Junior/Senior High School has a rich sports tradition.
Arcola’s nickname, “Purple Riders”, has caused much
discussion among local sports fans.
Apparently in the mid 1930’s, a Champaign News-Gazette
sportswriter coined the nickname. At
that time, the Arcola football teams were enjoying a 33 game winning streak
that lasted from early in the 1933 season to early in the 1937 season. The streak was thought to be the longest in
the
The school is a member of the Illinois High School Association, Illinois Elementary School Association, and the Little Okaw Valley Conference.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the
1. We
believe that each child in
2.
We believe we should create within the child a
desire and respect for learning. Each
child should be encouraged and motivated to think clearly, logically,
creatively, and independently. He should
also develop communication skills which will enable him to express himself in
both, an oral and written manner. Each child should be taught to use a variety
of print and non-print sources including the Internet. Information literacy should be a primary
goal.
3. We believe we should develop within every child an understanding and appreciation of himself, his fellow man, and his personal responsibility as a future citizen of our community, state, nation and world.
4. We believe that the understanding and the cooperation of parents, teachers, and the community are essential to the accomplishment of the total purpose of education.
5. We believe that the school facilities belong to the citizens of the community and should be made available for worthwhile community activities.
6. We believe that continuing education is important and that the school will strive to offer classes in areas where community interest is demonstrated.
Mission Statement
We will work together to learn all we can and become productive citizens.
GOAL
The general goal of the high school faculty and staff is to provide an excellent education for each student in attendance. We would also like for each student to develop socially and emotionally as well as academically, and to remember high school as a time in their lives during which they received not only a foundation in education, but also had a great deal of fun and enjoyment.
The following pages will outline some information which will help you as a student at Arcola Junior/Senior High School.
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Arcola CUSD #306 policy ensures that equal educational
opportunities are offered to students regardless of race, color, national
origin, age, sex, religion or handicap.
Questions in reference to educational opportunities may be directed to
Superintendent of Schools,
GENERAL INFORMATION
Superintendent’s Office: (217) 268-4963
Superintendent:
Reggie Clinton
Bookkeeper:
Lyn Maxwell
Jr.
High/High School Office: (217) 268-4962
Principal: Stephen Groll
Secretary: Nancy Mathias
Clerk: Debbie Hall
Elementary
School Office: (217) 268-4961
Principal: Gary Philippi
Secretary: Julie Gauna
Clerk: Debbie Stenger
24-Hour
Attendance Hotline: (217) 268-4703
Board
Members:
Mark
Klinger: President
Wes
Mueller: Vice President
Lisa
Boyer: Secretary
Jim Crane, Joe Fortney, Randy Rothrock, Lisa
Van Ert
School Visitation
Parents
are welcome to visit or volunteer at Arcola Schools. All visitors, including parents, must first
report to the office and sign in. As a
courtesy to the teacher, please make an appointment in advance with the
classroom teacher prior to the visitation and/or conference. Teachers are available for conferences at a
variety of times.
Visitors
All
visitors must check into the high school office before going to (or meeting with)
anyone in the junior or senior high schools, student or faculty.
Parents with Disabilities
Parents
or guardians with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations to attend
a parent conference, school program, athletic event, school board meeting, etc.
should contact the district superintendent.
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
Entrance
details for students entering Arcola Schools for the first time may be obtained
by phoning the appropriate school.
Registration requirements are:
(1)
Completing an information form for each student.
(2)
Providing a copy of the student’s birth certificate and social security
number.
(3)
Providing the school with the required immunization and health
examination information on each student.
(4)
Providing the necessary information to permit our school to get the
transfer record from the previous school attended.
(5)
Provide the school with a STUDENT
TRANSFER FORM from the previous
All
checks to cover fees should be written to Arcola
Community Unit No. 306 Schools.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) unable to pay for school textbook rental may
petition school officials for a textbook rental waiver or reduced fee form.
RESIDENCY
Resident Students
Only
students who are residents of the district may attend a district school without
a tuition charge, except as otherwise provided in Board policy 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 to receive an
education in the district, and (c) that her 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 of
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 the payment of
tuition.
Non-Resident Students
Non-resident
students may attend District Schools:
1.
Upon the approval of a request submitted by a student’s
parent(s)/guardian(s) for non-resident admission. The Superintendent may approve the request
subject to the following:
a.
The student will attend on a year-to-year basis. Approval for any one year is not
authorization to attend a following year.
b.
The student will attend the school designated by the School Board.
c.
The student will be accepted only if there is sufficient room.
d.
The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be charged the maximum amount of
tuition as allowed by State law.
e.
Transportation to and from school shall be the responsibility of the
parent(s)/guardian(s).
2.
According to an intergovernmental agreement to accept non-resident
students under the No Child Left Behind Act’s school choice provisions.
3.
Pursuant to a written agreement with adjacent school districts to provide
for tuition-free attendance by a student of the adjacent district, provided
that both the Superintendent or designee and the adjacent district determine that
the student’s health and safety will be served by such attendance. When making a request for tuition-free
attendance, the student or parent(s)/guardian(s) should state in writing how
the student’s health and safety needs will be served by such attendance.
4.
Pursuant to a written agreement with a cultural exchange organization or
institution supported by charity to provide for tuition-free attendance by
foreign exchange students and non-resident pupils of charitable institutions.
5.
Whenever any state or federal law or a court order mandates the
acceptance of a nonresident student.
Homeless Children
Any
homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s
parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required to establish residency. Board policy 6:140, Education of
Homeless Children, and its implementing administrative procedures, govern
the enrollment of homeless children.
Additional support services are available to homeless children and their
families. To obtain services or
information, contact Cindy Mills in the High School Office.
Challenging a Student’s Residence Status
If
the superintendent or designee determines that a student attending school on a
tuition-free basis is a non-resident of the District for whom tuition is
required to be charged, he or she on behalf of the Board shall notify the
person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due. The notice shall be given by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The person who
enrolled the student may challenge this determination and request a hearing as
provided by The School Code.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Parent(s)
or guardian(s) of students who intend to withdraw from school must notify the
building principal. Students must turn
in books and pay all bills. Withdrawal
forms must be signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) and returned to the school
office. Information that will assist
enrollment in another school will be provided by the school office. A student transferring to an
EMERGENCY REFERENCE
At
registration, it is extremely important for your child that the school be
furnished with the following information to help the school take care of your
child if he/she becomes ill or is injured:
¨ Parent(s)’s or guardian(s)’s
work and home telephone numbers.
¨ The name of your child’s
doctor
¨ The name and telephone number
of a neighbor or relative who could take care of your child if you are not
available.
TEXTBOOK RENTAL
Textbook
rental will be determined prior to each school year. Students will be charged for willful damage
to a book. The students will be required
to pay a price equal to the replacement cost of any book issued to a student
and not returned or a book damaged to the degree that it cannot be re-issued.
STUDENT DEBT COLLECTION PROCEDURES
The
following procedure will be used to collect unpaid fees due to the
1.
September 15th :
Elementary and Junior/Senior High Principal will send a statement to the
parents of those students with unpaid fees.
Statement will include: amount of
debt, what the debt is for, and a due date of October 14th.
2.
October 15th :
Elementary and Junior/Senior High Principal will send a letter and
statement to the parents of those students with unpaid fees. Statement will include: amount of debt, what the debt is for, and due
date marked past due. Letter will ask
them to contact the office to set up a payment plan if they are unable to pay
the amount in full.
3.
November 15th : List of
students and their parents who haven’t responded to the two previous requests
for payment is turned over to the Superintendent.
4.
November 22nd :
Superintendent sends letter and a copy of their statement to the parents
saying that if progress towards resolving this matter isn’t made by December 20th
they will leave us no alternative than to turn the matter over to a collection
agency.
5.
January 15th : Any
parents who have yet to make any progress towards paying their child’s fees
will be turned over to a collection agency.
POLICY ON STUDENT FEES/WAIVERS
In
conjunction with the imposition, collection and/or waiver of fees or charges to
be paid by students, including the costs of school lunches, it is the intention
of the Board of Education to comply with the provisions in The School
Code of Illinois (Ill. Rev. Sat., ch. 122, Pars. 10-20.13,
28-19.2 and 712.1 et seq.) and federal law (42 U.S.C. 1757 et seq.) and regulations promulgated thereunder. Administrative procedures may be developed to
facilitate compliance.
LETTER TO PARENTS
This
is to advise you that you may be eligible for a waiver of student fees if you
receive public aid; if your gross income is under that set out in the federal
guidelines for free or reduced price lunches; or if you are otherwise able to
establish that you cannot afford to pay these fees. Applications requesting waiver of fees should
be submitted to the principal. Forms for
submission of such requests are available in the principal’s office.
The
use of false information to obtain a waiver is a felony under
APPLICATIONS FOR WAIVERS
Submission/Appeal of Denial
Applications for waivers of student fees and/or lunch
charges should be submitted to the principal of the school attended by the
student. The principal shall review each
application received and shall promptly notify the parent(s)/guardian(s)
whether the request is granted or denied.
If the application is denied, a written appeal of the decision may be
filed with the Superintendent within ten (10) days after notice of denial. If the application is denied by the
superintendent, a written appeal of the decision may be filed with the Board of
Education within ten (10) days after notice of denial. The decision of the Board of Education is
final.
Forms
Applications for waiver of lunch charges shall be
submitted on forms developed by the State Board of Education to comply with
federal law. Applications for waiver of
student fees shall be submitted on the attached form (Application for Waiver of
Student Fees).
Notice to Parents
All parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be advised by this
letter of the opportunity to apply for free or reduced price lunches on forms
developed by the state Board of Education which are to be sent to all homes,
and parents shall also be notified of the opportunity to apply for waiver of
student fees on the attached form. At
the inception of each school year the school district or the regional
superintendent shall cause to be published in a newspaper serving the district,
notification of the opportunity to apply for free and reduced price lunches on
forms developed by the State Board of Education to comply with federal
law. Each application and notification
to parents shall state that providing false information to obtain a waiver of
fees is a felony under the statutes of Illinois, and that falsification may be
reported to the office of the State’s Attorney.
Confidentiality
All information received in conjunction with
applications for waivers will be treated confidentially and used only for the
purposes for which intended.
APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF FEES
(SUBMIT TO PRINCIPAL)
SCHOOL_______________________________________________________________
STUDENT______________________________________________________________
FEE(S)
DESCRIPTION____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
I,
THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF _______________________________________, HEREBY REQUEST THAT THE ARCOLA COMMUNITY UNIT
DISTRICT #306 BOARD OF EDUCATION WAIVE THE ABOVE-MENTIONED FEE(S) BECAUSE:
__________ THE STUDENT IS RECEIVING PUBLIC AID (AID TO
FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN OR “AFDC”).
EVIDENCE OF PARTICIPATION IN “AFDC” IS ATTACHED.
__________ THE GROSS HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF THE ABOVE-NAMED
STUDENT IS AT OR BELOW THE FEDERAL GUIDELINES.
FAMILY ANNUAL MONTHLY WEEKLY
SIZE __________ INCOME
________ INCOME ________ INCOME __________
__________ OTHER
REASONS WHY I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD
THE
FEES:____________________________________________
__________ I AM AWARE THAT PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION
TO OBTAIN A FEE WAIVER IS A FELONY UNDER
PRINT
PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME
ADDRESS
DATE __________ PARENT/GUARDIAN
SIGNATURE
WRITTEN
EVIDENCE THAT THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS AT OR BELOW FEDERAL GUIDELINES IS
ATTACHED.
ACTIVITY FEE
There is a $15.00 yearly charge for each student
which will help cover costs of field trips and other extracurricular and
interscholastic participation.
HEALTH RECORD
The State of
STUDENT INSURANCE
The school district does not carry any type of
medical insurance for the students. The school board each year
designates an insurance company that is allowed to make an accident policy
available to the students. This is a
service to the students. The school
board will attempt to choose the company that provides the greatest coverage
for the lowest cost. The school district
does not become a contractor for that insurance company.
Students are responsible to file any necessary forms
required by the company for claims submitted.
Usually there is a two-part form; one part is to be filled in by the
parent and one part completed by the doctor or the hospital. It is important that both sections of the
form be completed and submitted to the insurance company. The choice to purchase the insurance is
entirely the responsibility of the student and parent.
Any student involved in athletics will be required to
furnish proof that she or he has accident insurance.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The School Board recognizes that the student with a
communicable disease is entitled to all rights, privileges and services
provided by law and the District’s policies.
The District shall balance those student rights with the District’s obligation
to protect the health of all district students and staff.
The Board directs the administration to observe all
rules of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable
diseases. The Superintendent shall
develop and implement procedures for the District to report to the local health
authority, where appropriate, known or suspected cases of a communicable
disease involving a District student.
The collection and maintenance of the student’s medical information
shall be done in a manner to ensure the strictest confidentiality and in
accordance with Federal and State laws regarding student records.
There is hereby created a Communicable Disease Review
Team for the purpose of evaluating students with communicable diseases. The Review Team shall consist of the
Superintendent, the Building Principal, the School Nurse, if any, and the
Guidance Counselor. Whenever a student
with a known or suspected case of a communicable disease is reported to the
Communicable Disease Review Team, it shall determine on a case-by-case basis whether
the student shall be permitted to attend school in a regular classroom setting
or participate in school activities.
Whenever possible, consultation shall first be had with the student’s
personal physician and local health authorities. The determination shall be made by balancing
the seriousness of the disease involved, the risk of transmission of the
disease and evaluating the potential dangers by regular classroom attendance to
the student affected with the disease.
If the student with the communicable disease is not
permitted to attend school in a regular classroom or participate in school
activities with other students due to a determination by the Communicable
Disease Review Team that he or she poses a high risk of transmission of a
communicable disease to other students and staff, or because attendance would
present an unacceptable level of danger to the affected student, every
reasonable effort shall be made to provide the student with an adequate,
alternative education. State regulations
and school policy regarding homebound instruction shall apply. Temporary removal of the student from the
District’s classroom(s) may be appropriate when:
-
the student lacks control of bodily secretions;
-
the student has open sores that cannot be covered
-
the school environment proves dangerous to the affected student’s health
or well being: or
-
the student demonstrates behavior (e.g. biting) which could result in
direct inoculation of potentially infected body fluids into the bloodstream.
When
a student displaying any of the above described behavior is reported, the
Communicable Disease Review Team shall determine whether temporary removal from
the classroom is appropriate. The
seriousness of the disease and the risk of its transmission shall be considered
when making this determination. Whenever
the risk of other persons contracting the disease from the student with the
communicable disease can be reduced to the level of risk which would otherwise
exist without the presence of the student, lesser restrictions shall be
imposed. Such lesser restrictions may
include, without limitation, separate bathroom facilities, physical separation
from other students and separate transportation for the student with the
communicable disease. The student’s age,
ability to understand and follow instructions, and ability to control body
movements and fluids shall be considered in making the determination.
A
student excluded or restricted because of risk to his or her own health may
have restrictions altered by the Communicable Disease Review Team as conditions
warrant. The removal of a student with a
communicable disease from normal school attendance shall be reviewed by the
Communicable Disease Review Team at least once every month to determine whether
the condition precipitating the removal has changed. Whenever possible, consultation shall be had
with the student’s personal physician and local health authorities.
When
a student returns to school after an absence due to a communicable disease, the
school administration may require that he or she present a certificate from a
physician licensed in the State of Illinois stating that the student is free
from disease or otherwise qualifies for readmission to school under the rules
of the Illinois Department of Public Health, which regulates periods of
incubation, communicability, quarantine and reporting.
If
the parent(s) or guardian(s) disagree with the student’s alternative
educational placement or program, they shall be offered the opportunity to
appeal to the School Board within ten (10) days of their notification of the
decision of the Communicable Disease Review Team.
The
Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall be responsible for the
communication and interpreting the District’s communicable disease policies and
procedures to school district personnel, parents and students.
LEG.
REF: Ill.
Rev. Stat., ch. 122,
para. 50-1 (1985).
Rules
and Regulations for the Control of communicable Diseases, 77
Adm. Code 690.100 et seq. (1985).
Policy
adopted: 4/14/88
LOCKERS – HALL
Students
are assigned a locker for their books and other personal belongings. Locks are rented from the school office. The rental fee is $5.00 of which $3.00 will
be refunded to the student when the lock is returned at the end of the
year. Students may not change locks or
lockers without permission from the office.
Items kept in the locker will not be secure unless the locker is
locked. Renting a lock from the school is optional.
School
officials reserve the right to search a student’s locker if they deem the
search is necessary to maintain the integrity of the school environment and
health and welfare of the school population.
The
school is not responsible for items lost or stolen from lockers. Students should not reveal their locker
combinations to other students and are expected to use only their assigned
lockers. Open beverage containers of any
sort may not be placed in lockers.
LOCKERS – GYM
Each
student must have an authorized gym lock on their assigned locker. The authorized lock will be issued by the
instructor when school starts. This lock
must be checked in at the end of the school year or a charge of $3.00 will be
assessed. Unauthorized locks will be
removed from lockers. The school is not responsible
for item lost or stolen from the lockers or locker room.
FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Lunch and Breakfast
Information
Cafeteria Lunch and Breakfast
Menus
will be sent home in the district newsletter monthly. You may purchase breakfast and/or lunch
daily, weekly, or monthly.
Breakfast Prices Lunch Prices Extra Milk
Student Price
$1.00 Student
Price $1.75 25¢
Reduced Student Price: 50¢ Reduced
Student Price: 50¢
FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH POLICY
The
Federal Government requires that free or reduced lunches be provided for those
who qualify. Qualifications are based
upon need and family income. Those who
feel that they are entitled to free and reduced lunches for their children are encouraged
to get application forms from the appropriate principal’s office.
FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM
A Free/Reduced Lunch and
Breakfast Application along with a letter of explanation will be provided to
families at the beginning of each school year and to new students upon
enrollment. To apply for free/reduced priced
meals, complete the application and return it to the school office. Applications may be submitted at any time
during the year. School officials verify
that the information furnished in the application is correct.
If a family member becomes
unemployed or if the family size changes, the parent should contact the school
to file a new application. If a child is
approved for meal benefits, the school must be notified when the household
income increases by more than $50.00 per month ($600.00 per year) or when the
size of the household decreases. The
information provided by the household is confidential and will be used only for
purposes of determining eligibility and verifying data.
JUNIOR HIGH NOON RESTRICTIONS/REQUIREMENTS
All
7th and 8th grade students will remain at school during
their lunch period. Parents may pick up
their children for lunch if they send a note or call the office at
268-4962.
FIELD TRIPS
A
student’s eligibility for field trips will be based upon his/her academic
and/or discipline record to the point in the school year when the field trip
occurs. A denial of participation may be
invoked by the teacher and/or principal if the student’s behavior to that point
in the school year indicates that the student is likely to be a behavioral
problem on the field trip and/or because he/she has not earned the privilege of
participating in the field trip because of their behavior at school.
PASSES
Hall
Passes: Passes are required any
time a student is not in his regularly assign room for a particular period of
the day. Teachers must issue a pass to students to go
to the restroom, library, or to any other place within the school during the
time classes are in session.
TELEPHONE
Students
are allowed to use the school telephone with permission from the office and
only for school related purposes.
Students
will not be called from class to the telephone except in a case of an
emergency.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
Students
must check out through the office before leaving school grounds for any reason
during the day. Any student who leaves
the building without checking out through the office will be considered
unexcused.
CELL PHONES, ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES, LASER POINTERS
AND PERSONAL MUSIC DEVICES
Cell
Phones: Cell phones may be brought to
school and stored in the students’ vehicle or locker. During school hours they will remain in the
off mode.
The personal use or possession of electronic
signaling devices, pagers, laser pointers, and personal music devices (I-Pods,
MP3 Players, etc.) by a student shall be prohibited on the school premises
unless the device is authorized and approved for use by the building principal
in accordance with school district administrative procedures. “Electronic signaling devices” as used in
this policy include pocket and all similar electronic paging devices.
Unauthorized
electronic signaling devices, pagers, laser pointers, and personal music
devices found on the school campus shall be confiscated by the building
principal or his designee. The presence
of an unauthorized and unapproved device shall be cause for further discipline
according to School Board policy and administrative procedures.
ARCOLA HIGH SCHOOL DRESS CODE
We
take pride in the appearance of our students.
A student’s dress reflects the quality of the school, of his/her conduct
and of his/her school work. All students
are expected to exercise good personal hygiene, dress and groom themselves
neatly in clothing that is suitable for school activities.
Students
are required to wear appropriate clothing to school. The school is the final authority to
determine what is appropriate dress for classroom and school related activities
(such as extracurricular and games).
Classroom appropriateness is left to the judgment of the classroom
teacher
Any
clothing, jewelry, or body art that is considered obscene, offensive, unsafe or
inappropriate for school will be unacceptable.
Some examples of unacceptable clothing are, but not limited to: low-cut and provocative tops, midriff shirts,
visible bra straps; tight or backless shirts; see-through tops, short shorts,
clothing that does not cover undergarments; clothing advocating the use of
tobacco, alcohol, drugs, gang related or Satanism, clothing with suggestive
remarks or slogans. The shirt and pants
must meet while sitting or standing, so that no skin is visible. The appropriate length for skirts, dresses
and shorts will be: standing with
relaxed shoulders, cannot be shorter than where the fingertips fall on the side
of the leg (mid-thigh). Students in
violation will be required to comply with the dress code as outlines here.
Sunglasses
and all head apparel, unless approved by the principal or worn for religious
beliefs, must be removed whenever students are in the building.
No
coats or jackets are to be worn in classrooms, unless approved by the classroom
teacher.
Students
found in violation of the dress code, upon the first offense will be:
a.
asked to remove or cover inappropriate body art or jewelry, or may be
sent home to change into appropriate clothing, leaving all inappropriate
clothing at home – the time away from school will count as unexcused. Detention may also be assigned.
Or,
b.
given appropriate clothing by the school office to wear the remainder of
the school day, leaving all objectionable clothing or accessories in the office
until the end of the school day – time out of class to be counted as unexcused
and clothing distributed by the office to be returned the following day.
Students
found in violation of the dress code, upon the second or subsequent offense, in
addition to the first offense penalties, may receive an in-school or
out-of-school suspension. A conference
may also be requested with the student, at least one of their parents/legal
guardian, the school principal, guidance counselor, and a representative of
their teachers.
Arcola
Unit #306 promotes responsible student behavior and attitudes in all areas of
life, including sexual behavior and attitudes.
Clothing that displays pictures or words that have a sexual connotation
or message is considered inappropriate to wear in school. The same holds true for students engaged in a
public display of affection. Public
displays of affection are prohibited.
If
any situation involving the wearing of inappropriate clothing or public
displays of affection is not solved upon request of a teacher or school
administrator, the student will be subject to regular school disciplinary
action.
CLEARANCE CARD/END OF YEAR CHECK OUT
Clearance
cards will be issued by the high school librarian the last week of school. The student must have this card signed by
every coach/teacher in whose class or activity he/she participated. The card must also be signed by a lunchroom
supervisor and the librarian.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DRESS POLICY
All
students enrolled in physical education classes grades 7-12 must wear a
standard tee shirt which is available at local merchants and any color purple
shorts which meet the standards of the class instructor.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
All
children between the ages of 7 and 17 must attend a public school unless:
1. He/she attends a private,
parochial, or home school;
2. He/she is physically or
mentally unable and has a written excuse from a doctor;
3. He/she is attending religious
classes or is otherwise excused by school authorities in accordance with board
of education policies.
CALL-IN PROCEDURE
Parents
are asked to notify the school if their student is going to be absent. There is a 24 hour call-in line available for
this purpose. The 24 hr. phone line
number is 268-4703.
ABSENCES – PARENTAL NOTIFICATION
Beginning
July 1, 1986, if any child enrolled in a public school in grades Kindergarten
through 8 is absent from school, and there is no record that such absence is
for a valid cause, as defined under Article 26 of the Illinois School Code
Sect. 26.3B, nor notification that the absence has been authorized by the
parent, legal guardian or other person having legal custody of such child, an
employee or other agent, whether a volunteer or otherwise, designated by the
public school in which the child is enrolled shall, within 2 hours after the
first class in which the child is enrolled, make a reasonable effort to
promptly telephone and notify the parent, legal guardian, or other person
having legal custody of the child, of the child’s absence from school. Such notification shall not be given for an
absence authorized by the parent, legal guardian or other person having legal
custody of such hold. Prior to any
enrollment of a child in a public school, the school district shall notify
parents, legal guardians, or other persons having legal custody of a child of
their responsibility to authorize any absence and to notify the school in
advance or at the time of any such absence, and that the school requires at
least one and not more than 2 telephone numbers be given for purposes of the
Section. The school district shall
require that such telephone numbers be given at the time of enrollment of the
child in school, which said numbers may be changed from time to time upon
notification to the school.
EXTENDED ILLNESS
In
the event that a student is confined to a hospital or restricted to home care
by a doctor, the period of confinement specified by the doctor shall count as a
single absence for the purpose of this policy.
However, actual days of absence will be indicated on all reports. When an extended illness exceeds ten school
days duration and is of such a nature that the student is able to study but
unable to attend classes, the parents may request that the school provide
homebound instruction for their child.
PLANNED ABSENCE/VACATION
In the event that a student goes on vacation during school
time, the absence shall count as a single absence if the student receives prior
approval from the principal no later than one school day before the anticipated
absence. Forms are available in the office and must be
completed before the principal will approve them. If the student does not receive prior
approval from the principal, the actual days of absence will be counted.
COLLEGE VISITATION GUIDELINES
The
selection of a college is a very important decision. Before enrolling in a college, seniors are
encouraged to visit the college of their choice. Most colleges have select days for students
to visit. The visit should be scheduled
through an admissions counselor at least one week in advance. This will allow a university or technical
school the necessary time to prepare for the visit.
If
a visit is made during a normal school attendance day for
Juniors
will be allowed to take one college visit/career planning day. The date will be set in the Spring by
administration.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Religious
observances will be excused. Prior arrangements must be made
with the office.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Students
will not be excused for hair appointments, shopping trips, prom fittings,
senior picture appointments, getting a driver’s license, over-sleeping, and/or
other circumstances deemed inexcusable by the office.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
Whenever
possible appointments and meetings should be scheduled after school hours. Certain situations require the scheduling of
appointments or meetings during the school day.
In order for the absences to be excused by the office, a student must
provide the office with written verification from the service provider. This includes: all types of medical appointments, all types
of rehabilitation appointments, all types of social service appointments
(Public Health, Public Aid, Mental
Health, WIC) all other types of
assessments and all court appointments and legal business.
TRANSPORTATION
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Transportation
to and from school is provided for students enrolled in grade K-12 who live
more than 1.5 miles from the school. The
distance from the student’s home to the school entrance is figured in exact
distance using maps available at the
NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Parent(s)
or legal guardian(s) who must provide transportation to and from school, because free transportation is not
available for their children, may be eligible to receive money from the
state to help offset some of the costs, for example: bus fares, mileage reimbursement at 22.5
cents per mile. You may be eligible if
you can answer yes to the following questions for the current school year:
(1) Will the pupil be under the
age of 21 at the close of the school year?
(2) Is the pupil a full-time
student in grades Kindergarten through 12?
(3) Does the pupil either live 1 ½
miles or more from school or lives less than 1 ½ miles from school but must be transported due to a serious
safety hazard resulting from vehicles (see following paragraphs)?
(4) Does the pupil attend a school
within
(5) Did the parent/guardian incur
transportation expenses resulting from transporting the pupil to and from
school?
If
you answered “yes” to the above questions, live in Illinois and wish to file a
claim, you must go to the school where your children enrolled by June 30th
of the current year to complete a claim application. Claim forms will be available from February
through June. Parent(s)/guardian(s) who
have pupils living less than 1 ½ miles
from the school attended must verify that a safety hazard due to vehicular
traffic exists by completing an Application for Determination of Serious Safety
Hazard at the Regional Superintendent of Schools office for the county in which
they lived by February 1 of the current year.
The Regional Superintendent is required to send the Application to the
Department of Transportation within 15 days.
The Illinois DOT reviews and approves or denies the application and
returns it to the Regional Superintendent within 30 days who mails it to the
requesting parent/guardian. If the safety hazard is certified, the
parent/guardian must go to the school the pupil attends and complete the claim
form. The completed claim form will
be sent to the Illinois State Board of Education. If the claim is approved, a check will be
mailed to the applicant during November of the following year for the lesser of
the costs of transporting the pupil(s) or the average per pupil paid to the
public schools for transporting regular education pupils. If you have any questions, contact the
school.
Arcola
Community Unit #306 District operates six different bus routes plus
kindergarten routes and 2 city buses. In
order to protect the children and to keep school in session we operate the
following bus routes when weather conditions or other emergencies dictate. Please note the six bus routes have been
reduced to two. In the event the roads
and weather is so severe that the schools are closed, none of the buses will
operate.
ARCOLA COMMUNITY UNIT #306 EMERGENCY BUS ROUTES
EMERGENCY
ROUTE 1:
Leaves
Arcola and proceeds to Galton on Route 45 and waits there. The bus will then return to Arcola and pick
up students along Route 45. After
returning to Arcola, this bus will then proceed west on Route 133 toward
Chesterville. If the road into Country
Club Estates is passable the bus will pick up there. If the driver deems it too dangerous he will
proceed onto Chesterville to the restaurant and will wait 10 min. At this time the bus will go south of
Chesterville to the Warren Arthur corner, then turn left towards Arcola picking
students along the
EMERGENCY
ROUTE 2:
This
bus leaves Kemp and goes to Hindsboro and waits at the restaurant for 10 min.
then proceeds back toward Arcola on Rt. 133 to Rt. 130. Returning to Rt. 133 the bus will pick up
along Rt. 133 and into Kemp. Then on Rt.
133 back to Arcola coming through the Trailer Park on
THE
Please
Note:
The
general rule is that the buses will not run on any country road except those
mentioned above. Parents can bring their
children to the nearest designated pick-up point and they will be transported
to school and returned to that point.
A
child who cannot get to one of the pick-up points and is thereby unable to be
in school will receive an excused absence for the day missed. Such absences will be considered as school-related
and will not be charged against the student.
BUS CONDUCT
All
students must follow the Arcola CUSD # 306 School Bus Safety Guidelines. Gross disobedience or misconduct providing
grounds for suspension from riding the school bus includes; but is not limited
to:
1. Prohibited student conduct as
defined in the student discipline policy.
2. Willful injury or threat of
injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
3. Willful and/or repeated
defacement of the bus.
4. Repeated use of profanity.
5. Repeated willful disobedience
of the bus driver’s or other supervisor’s directives.
6. Such other behavior as the
administration deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its
occupants.
Use
of Video Cameras on School Buses
Video
cameras may be used on school buses as necessary in order to monitor, conduct,
and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.
The
content of the videotapes are student records and are subject to district
policy and procedure concerning school student records. Only those people with a legitimate
educational or administrative purpose may view the videotapes. In most instances, individuals with a
legitimate educational or administrative purpose will be the superintendent,
building principal, transportation director, bus driver, and sponsor, coach, or
other supervisor. If the content of a
video tape becomes the subject of a student disciplinary hearing, it will be
treated like other evidence in the proceeding.
Bus
Discipline Procedure
The
district’s regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student’s
privilege to ride a school bus.
STUDENTS WHO DRIVE TO SCHOOL
Driving
to school is a privilege, not a right.
Students must park only in designated areas as announced at the
beginning of school. Students must drive
safely and obey all traffic laws or lose their privileges for driving to
school. Parking preference will not be
given for grade level nor for class rank.
Parking in designated student areas will be on a first come, first
served basis. No student will have an
assigned parking spot. Students parking
in designated staff parking areas will be asked to move their vehicle to an
appropriate student parking area.
Administration reserves the right to have student vehicles towed at
owner’s expense if the vehicle is parked in an area reserved for staff.
BICYCLES
Bicycles
must be parked in racks provided. It is
the responsibility of each student to secure his or her bicycle during school
hours. The school is not responsible for
lost or stolen bicycles.
SAFTY/MEDICINE/EMERGENCY
DISASTER DRILLS
FIRE: Signaled by one continuous blast over the
alarm system. You should proceed to the
nearest exit, at your teacher’s direction, with the rest of your class or study
hall. Once the alarm has been silenced,
you will be signaled to return to the building.
WALK AT ALL TIMES! Running makes
matters more dangerous.
TORNADO
WARNING: The school district is
constantly in touch with the Civil Defense officials. We will be warned in plenty of time if a
tornado or bad storm is in the area. A
tornado warning is signaled by a series of short blasts on the alarm
system. Your teacher has been instructed
on the various areas of safety within the building. Stay with the teacher and the members of your
class at all times during the alarm. Pay
close attention to the directions given by the teacher and follow those
instructions that are given for your protection. WALK AT ALL TIMES! The teachers will be signaled to return to
class when the danger has passed.
EARTHQUAKE: Take
cover under desks. Do not leave room
until shaking stops. If necessary to
exit building—all classes meet on East side of building east of flagpole for
attendance. Your cooperation during fire
and tornado drills is important in case an actual emergency should occur.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Parent Notification
Arcola
District # 306 has detailed plans and procedures for emergency situations that
may arise in relation to school.
Included are plans for Fire, Tornado and Tornado Alerts, Winter Snow
Storms and other Weather Conditions, Earthquake, etc. Emergency information is posted in each
classroom. Each classroom teacher
reviews the emergency information with students and the students practice
disaster drills to prepare students and teachers for getting to the best safety
location in an emergency.
The
plan also addresses emergencies that will require evacuation of the
building. In the event evacuation is
necessary K-6 will be relocated in the
It is important that students and parent(s)
or guardian(s) refrain from calling the school or school administrators’ home
during an emergency or bad weather advisories.
Phone
lines are needed by school personnel to provide for the safety and well being
of the students. School plans call for
the notification of parent(s) or guardian(s) directly, or by area/local radio
and TV stations as soon as possible in cases where notification is advisable.
Parents should not call the radio or TV stations concerning school
concerning school closing. Do not
call the school. We need to keep phone lines open.
Decisions
to close school will be made and given to the media by 6:30 a.m. if
possible. Early dismissal notification
will also be given to the media in as timely a manner to fit the conditions.
School
closings and dismissals are announced on the following radio and TV stations:
|
Radio/TV Notification |
||||
|
Radio
TV |
||||
|
WKIO |
92.5 |
|
WAND |
|
|
WLBH |
96.5
FM |
|
WCIA |
|
|
WLRW |
94.5 |
|
WEIU |
|
|
WDZQ |
95.1
FM |
|
WICD |
|
|
WMCI |
101.3
FM |
|
|
|
|
WDWS |
97.5
FM |
|
|
|
|
WXET |
1400
AM |
Effingham |
|
|
MEDICATION POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Policy:
The
purpose of administering medications in school is to help each child maintain
an optimal state of health that may enhance his/her educational plan. The medications shall be those required
during school hours that are necessary to provide the student access to the
educational program.
General
Procedures:
A.
All doses of needed medications should be given at home rather than at
school if at all possible.
B.
Parents are encouraged to come to school to give the necessary
medication. They should notify the
school office prior to their administering the medication.
C.
No medication (prescription or over-the-counter medications) will be
given by school personnel unless the proper procedure is followed.
D.
Parents must follow the procedure developed by
E.
The school district retains the discretion to reject requests for
administration of medicine either by the school or by the student.
Administration
of Medicine to Students at School
A.
A “Request for School Administration of Medication” should be completed
in full, signed by the physician and parent and returned to the school
office. See for Form A.
B.
The physician must provide written orders detailing the name of the drug,
dosage, time it is to be given, possible side effects and how long it is to be
given. See Form A.
C.
The parents must sign the form.
See Form A.
D.
The medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately
labeled by the pharmacy or physician.
This container must duplicate the directions given on the request for
“School Administration of Medication”.
E.
School personnel WILL NOT administer medication unless the parent follows the above
guidelines.
F.
All medications will be kept in a locked file or drawer at school at all
times.
G.
An attempt will be made to have the medication administered by the same
person each day.
H.
Parents are encouraged to bring the child’s medication to school rather
than sending it with the child.
I.
When the student is taken off the medication, the school principal should
be notified.
J.
Within one (1) week after the expiration of the physician’s order or the
end of the school year, the parent will be responsible for removing the
remaining medication from school.
Medicine not removed will be destroyed.
Self-Administration
of Medication at School
A.
A student capable of taking his/her own medication (as determined by
school administration) and needing to take it frequently or over an extended
period of time must have the “Request for Self Administration of Medication”
(Form B) filled out and signed by the physician and parent. Only the one-day’s supply should be brought to school
each day.
B.
If an elementary or junior high school student requires a nonprescription
medication for a temporary condition (headache, toothache, etc.) he/she may
bring to school a one-day supply in an envelope with the student’s name and the
name of the medication. A note
indicating the reason for the medication and signed by the parent must
accompany the medication. It should be
given to and kept by the secretary until needed.
C.
For students who require the use of an inhaler: A determination should be made by one or a
combination of the physician, parent, teacher and administration as to whether
the student can be responsible for his/her own inhaler. The inhaler must be properly labeled and the
consent forms completed by physician and parent.
PROHIBITION OF TOBACCO USE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
State
law prohibits the use of tobacco on school property. Tobacco shall mean cigarette, cigar, pipe or
tobacco in any other form including smokeless tobacco which is any loose cut,
shredded, ground, powdered, compressed or leaf tobacco that is intended to be
placed in the mouth without being smoked.
STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBLITIES – DRUG ABUSE
Non-medical
use of drugs is hazardous to the health of students. The illicit use, possession or distribution
of drugs or look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia is not permitted on school
buses, in school buildings or on school grounds at any time. This policy extends to all school sponsored
and related activities as well as field trips and athletic and music trips,
whether held before or after school, evenings or weekends. Students shall not be permitted to attend
school when they are under the influence of illicit drugs. For the purpose of this policy, students who
are under such influence shall be treated in the same manner as though they had
drugs in their possession.
Students
shall be advised of this policy in a manner deemed appropriate by the Building
Principal. In addition, information
concerning the effects and potential dangers involved in the illicit use of
drugs shall be included in the curriculum in compliance with the law.
If
a staff member finds a student to be illicitly using, possessing or
distributing drugs or look-alike drugs in violation of this policy, the student
shall be suspended for a period of up to ten (10) days for the first
offense. In addition, parents and
juvenile authorities shall be notified promptly. In all cases, parents’ cooperation shall be
sought. When a substance is determined
to be an illicit drug, the identity of the student shall be given to the proper
authorities for prosecution.
Repeat
offenders may be recommended to the School Board for expulsion.
If
there is reason to believe that a student is using drugs illicitly at any time
on or off school premises, the health and counseling services of the school
shall be made available to the student and his parents.
Given
reasonable grounds for suspicion, school officials may search for and seize
illicit drugs brought onto school buses or school property and submit such
drugs to the proper authorities for analysis.
Organizations
sponsoring activities on the school’s facilities outside of regular school
hours shall be made aware of this policy and shall be expected to take appropriate
disciplinary measures. Failure to do so
could result in cancellation of that organization’s privilege to use District
Facilities.
LEG.
REF.: Ill. Rev. Stat., ch 38, para. 22.
Policy
adopted: 10/10/90
SCHOOL SAFE TIP
LINE
800-477-0024
Effective September 7, 1998, the Illinois State
Police will activate a “School Safety Tip Line” for students to report threats
of violence or weapons on school grounds or at school events. This toll free line will be answered at the
The TIP LINE is NOT
intended as an emergency hotline to replace 9-1-1. The primary message for students will be to
encourage them to report concerns to local school officials; a teacher or
counselor if they have seen a weapon or believe a violent incident will take
place. The TIP LINE will be described as
an option in those cases when the student fears reprisal and is unwilling to
sacrifice anonymity or for some reason is uncomfortable in telling school
officials.
The Illinois State Police and the Illinois Attorney
General’s Office will collaborate on an education component to publicize the
TIP LINE with the assistance of a pro bono
The Illinois State Police respectfully requests your
assistance in providing an up-to-date listing of school superintendents and
principals for each school district in your region, along with day-time office
phone numbers and emergency contact numbers (home phones) of these key school
administrators. This information will be
used to contact these individuals in an emergency.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
(No Child Left Behind)
At
1. Has the teacher met state
qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas
taught?
2. Is the teacher working under
emergency or other provisional status?
3. What is the baccalaureate
degree major of the teacher?
4. What graduate degrees does the
teacher hold and in what subject(s)?
5. Does my child receive services
by a paraprofessional, and if so, what are the paraprofessional’s
qualifications?
To
receive any of the above information, please send a written request to the high
school office.
Section 504 Program
Students
who have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more
major life activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks,
walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working in the
school setting may qualify for classroom accommodations through an Individual
Section 504 Plan. The decision to implement
a Section 504 Plan for a student is made by a committee consisting of the
principal, classroom teacher, parent, and other school or medical
officials. You may contact the building
principal for more information about Section 504.
Special Programs and Services
for Students with Disabilities
The
education of children with disabilities is an integral part of our total school
program, and a variety of special education services are available. Students may receive the following services
and programs on our campus: learning
disability services in a resource setting, cross-categorical self-contained
classes, and speech and language services.
Because
of the uniqueness of children’s needs, it is sometimes necessary for us to have
help from outside our district. This
help is available through the Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education
(EIASE). Therefore, some of our students
attend special education classes in our district, and other attend classes at
EIASE programs, some of which are located in neighboring communities.
As
a member of EIASE, additional services are available to our students. These include psychological services, social
work services, program administration, audiological services, physical therapy,
occupational therapy, adaptive physical education, teachers for visually impaired
students, teachers and programs for hearing-impaired students, vocational
education, early childhood programs, programs for severely or multiply
handicapped children, and programs for behaviorally or emotionally disturbed
students.
A
few children with disabilities require placement in special residential schools
operated by private facilities. The
district arranges these placements in conjunction with special education
specialists and parents, and pays tuition as prescribed by the state.
The
district provides an intensive screening program in the spring for all children
ages 3-5 as a method of identifying children whom may have difficulty in
school. We test for possible hearing,
vision, speech, motor, and learning problems.
Students may be identified for special education services in a public
school’s early childhood or speech program as early as age 3. This is an excellent program, and we
encourage all parents to take advantage of this free service.
Before
any child can become eligible for a special education program, a case study
evaluation must be completed. Parents,
teachers, administrators, parents, the Illinois State Board of Education, and
community services agencies may refer any child for such an evaluation.
Prior
to case study evaluation, except for home/hospital instruction, the parent or
guardian must be notified in writing of the procedures that will be conducted
and that he/she will be asked for written consent to begin the evaluation. Referrals may be made through the office of the
building principal. For more information
about the case study evaluation process, contact the principal.
All
information obtained for a case study evaluation is confidential. The district has a policy that describes the
method for obtaining student information, the confidential nature of the
information, the use of the information, how the information is recorded and
maintained, how long it is maintained, and to whom it is made available. You may read this policy in the office of the
superintendent.
Parents
or guardians of a child with disabilities who disagree with the school
regarding their child’s special education program, lack of a program, his or
her individual education prescription, possible suspension from school,
dismissal from a program, or even the recommendation of graduation from a
program should contact the school principal or district superintendent to
express their concerns and try to work out a solution. However, if these concerns cannot be resolved
in this manner, a parent or guardian may seek relief by requesting an impartial
due process hearing or special mediation.
The Illinois State Board of Education will schedule an impartial due
process hearing and appoint an impartial hearing officer to hear both sides of
the dispute and render a recommendation to the local school district. Requests for due process hearing should be
made in writing to the district superintendent.
Upon such a request, parents or guardians will be informed about due
process procedures and their rights to representation.
Additional
information regarding rights of children with disabilities may be found in A
Parent’s Guide: The Educational Rights
of Students with Disabilities and in Rules and Regulations to Govern the Administration and
Operation of Special Education (21 Illinois Administrative Code 226-Special
Education). These documents are available through the
district superintendent and the Regional Office of Education.
All
exceptional children in
Specific
information regarding special education programs and the referral process may
be obtained from Cindy Mills through the High School Office.
Bilingual Program
Limited
English Proficient students receive English language instruction through the
bilingual program. Students are screened
and parental permission is obtained for participation.
GRADE SYSTEM
Class Rank and GPA
The class of 2006 will have grade point averages (GPA’s) and class ranks computed on an unweighted system.
The class of 2007 and after will have GPA’s and class ranks computed on a four point unweighted system. Each class will earn credits toward graduation. Twenty-four credits are required to graduate. Letter grades will be earned for each class. Driver’s Education, PE, Community Service, and dual credit classes will be listed on the transcript, however, the grade will not be calculated in the GPA.
Grades will be computed as follows:
A= 4 credit points
B= 3 credit points
C= 2 credit points
D= 1 credit point
E= 0 credit points
Grade
point average is computed by taking total earned credit points divided by
credits toward graduation. This computation will be made following the second
semester, fourth semester, sixth semester, seventh semester, and eighth
semester. Class rank will be assigned after the computations are completed.
GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
A student at
SEMESTER EXAMS
1.
Semester grades will be an average of the two nine week grades (40% each)
and the semester test grade (20%).
2.
The final grade for courses that last the entire year will be an average
of the two semester percentages.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
The report card cannot
possibly communicate to the parent everything which the teacher would like to
express or everything which the parent would like to know. An opportunity for parent-teacher conferences
is provided soon after the end of the first quarter, but conferences are
encouraged at any time throughout the year through the initiative of either the
parent or teacher as the need arises.
Parents are invited to make appointments by calling the school at
268-4962.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are scheduled to
be given to students following the end of each quarter. Teachers evaluate the work of their students
at the middle of each grading period and will notify parents with a D/E. Unsatisfactory progress reports are sent out
at the mid-point of the grading period for all students who are in danger of
failing the course at that point. It is
also the policy that students who are in danger of failing courses or who have
grades that would keep them from being promoted or from graduating, be advised
well in advance that the danger exists.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) also are to be advised well in advance.
HONOR ROLL
JUNIOR HIGH
HONOR ROLL
High Honors—GPA of 3.5 – 4.00
Honors-- GPA of
3.0 – 3.49
P.E., Band, and Chorus are not
computed in the Honor Roll GPA.
HIGH SCHOOL
HONOR ROLL
High Honors – GPA of 3.5 or
above, or as many or more A’s as B’s
Honors – GPA of 3.00 to 3.49,
or a B average
Students receiving any grade
below a B will not qualify for the High Honor Roll, and any grade below a C
will not qualify for Honors. Students
must be enrolled in at least 4 academic classes to qualify for honor roll.
Driver Ed and P.E. are not
computed in honor roll.
PROCEDURE FOR APPEALING A GRADE
1. A request is made to meet with
the teacher for an explanation of the grade.
2. If Step 1 fails, a meeting is
to be held with the student, parents, teacher, and building principal.
3. If Step 2 fails, a meeting
with the student, parents, teacher, building principal, and superintendent will
be held.
4. The final step would be a
request to meet with the school board, in Executive Session, to appeal the
grade. The school board will have the
final authority to change a grade.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The Arcola Chapter of the
National Honor Society is a group of students who have been elected into
membership by meeting selection criteria.
Sophomore, junior and senior students who meet the criteria of
character, leadership and service combined with a scholastic cumulative weighted
grade point average of 3.5 are eligible for selection. The goal of the chapter is to provide
recognition of students who excel in the areas required for membership. Their activities include a service project,
recognition of honor roll students and social activities.
Scholarship
1.
A semester cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 based upon the
grade scale for nomination for selection.
Students are eligible for nomination after the first semester of their
sophomore year.
2.
Students who achieve membership must maintain this cumulative average. If a student falls below this average at the
end of any semester, he/she will be issued a warning. The student will have one semester to raise
his/her average back to the 3.5 minimum.
Students who do not attain this average after one semester may be
subject to dismissal after a hearing by the executive committee.
Leadership and Service
At
the end of each year the student should be able to show the following point
totals as evidence of leadership and service.
Sophomore 8 points
Junior 12 points
Senior 16 points
Students
will achieve points as follows:
1
point Membership in club, activity,
sport (this will include related youth
activity
groups)
2
points Chairperson of committee within
the activity beyond normal duties
3
points Class officer, officer of a club,
activity, church activity, special honors
related to student activity
(i.e. Most Valuable Player, scholastic
honors, choral and band honors through contest,
captain of a team)
Points
will accumulate and must be maintained throughout high school. Should a member not continue to accumulate
points, the student will be issued a warning.
The student will have one semester to achieve points needed. Should the student not attain the points
required after he/she has been issued a warning, he/she may be dismissed after
a hearing by the executive council.
Character
The
executive committee will use the character criteria outlined in the NHS
Handbook in this evaluation.
Final Selection
1.
If the student has the 3.4 cumulative grade point average and the correct
number of service and leadership points, the executive committee will vote upon
selection.
2.
The teachers may vote “yes” or “no” or “abstain” for each potential
member.
3.
Three of the five teachers must vote “yes” or “no”.
4. If a teacher does not know the
student, the teacher may abstain from voting.
5. Majority rules on selection.
CLASS CREDIT:
PROMOTION – RETENTION
At
the end of each school term each student is to be promoted or retained. The final authority for decisions on the
promotion or retention of a student rests with the building principal. Promotion means advancement to the next
higher grade level, and retention means repeating the grade level just
completed to the extent deemed necessary by the building principal. In compliance with Section 10-20.9a of the
School Code, the Arcola schools shall not promote a student to the next higher
grade level based upon age or any other social reasons not related to the
academic performance of the student.
To
qualify for promotion based upon successful completion of the curriculum, a
student must:
·
In grades 7, 8 must not receive a yearly average of “F” in three or more academic
subjects.
·
In grade 7 must receive a passing mark on the test on the Constitution of
the
If
a student does not qualify for promotion based upon the successful completion
of the curriculum (above), the building principal may consider that student’s
performance in the following areas as a basis for promotion:
·
Performance based on
·
Performance on the standardized testing done at that building.
·
Successful completion of a summer school program.
·
Successful completion of additional instruction during the current school
year.
·
Other criteria consistent with the intent of this policy.
·
Performance and successful completion of non-academic courses (Art, Band,
Chorus, Physical Education).
·
Attendance
If
additional instruction of summer work is done outside the Arcola schools, it
should be approved in advance by the building principal.
The
building principal shall consider input from staff and parents in regard to the
promotion or retention of a student; however, the responsibility for compliance
with
GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS –
Requirements
will be changing as required by the new state law.
Current
Requirements
8 Semesters English
3 Years Mathematics
2 Years Science
2 Years Social Studies
(American
History)
4 Years Physical
Education
1 Year Computer
Concepts
1 Semester Health
Education
1 Semester Driver
Education
1 Semester Consumer
Education
1 Semester Civics
COLLEGE PREP
RECOMMENDATIONS
4 Years English
4 Years Mathematics
3 Years Science
3 Years Social
Studies
2 Years Foreign
Languages/Humanities
CLASS RANK
Only
classes taken at
VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN
To
be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian a student must attend high
school for 8 semesters as a full-time student.
The student must have attended
STUDENT CLASSIFICATION
0 credits Freshman
6 –
11 credits Sophomore
12-17 credits Junior
18
and over Senior*
*If
at the end of her/his junior year a student does not have the number of credits
necessary to be considered a senior but it is mathematically possible for the
student to earn enough credits to graduate by the end of their senior year the
student will be included as a member of the senior class.
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN COLLEGE
COLLEGE CLASSES/DUAL CREDIT
Students
that desire to take college classes above what is offered at
COURSES AVAILABLE