BOARD OF EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Jeff Miller Mr. Bill King, Superintendent

Mr. Richard Well Mr. Nick Roscetti, Principal , Principal

Mr. Ted Myetich

Mr. Rodney Yurkovich COUNSELOR

Mrs. Dianna Huff Mrs. Amy Lair

Mr. Larry Webb

Mr. Dave LeGrande

Lewistown #97 District Office

15501 E. Avenue L

Lewistown, IL 61542

Phone: (309) 547-5826

FACULTY

Greg Bennett........................................................... Social Studies/AD

Roger Cox..................................................................................... Art

Kathy Dutton ........................................................... Special Education

Abigail Ghandi......................................................................... Spanish

Clay Ginglen ................................................................... Band/Chorus

Brad Hatfill.............................................................................. Science

Kerry Hatfill.......................................................... Computers/Business

Wendy Johnson .................................................................. PE/Health

Tara Keets .............................................................. Special Education

Susie Lafary.................................................................. English/Speech

Amanda Meiners......................................................................... Math

Mike Osborn............................................................................... Math

Matt Pierce.................................................................... Social Studies

Shannon Pritchard ............................................. PE/Driver’s Education

Gina Simpson................................................................. Math/Science

Gail Spiva ............................................................................... Science

April Suter..................................... Comp/Business/Media Center LRC

Christal Swickard.......................................................... English/History

Nancy Williams ...................................... Family & Consumer Sciences

Darren Winkler............................................................. English/Writing

Bryan Young....................................................................... Agriculture

Edward Zulauf................................................................ Industrial Arts

SECRETARIES CUSTODIANS

Tina Moran Rick Hopping

Thresa Sepich Jerry Smith

CAFETERIA TRANSPORTATION

Charlene Hopping Marion Jugovic

Penny Myers

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

Lewistown High School District #97, a member of the West Central Illinois Special Education Cooperative, offers a free and appropriate education to all high school age children (up to twenty-one (21) years of age) residing in District #97. Any child is eligible for special education services if he/she is orthopedically impaired; health impaired; learning disabled; speech impaired; or visually handicapped or emotionally handicapped. Parents and other members of the community may review a copy of the Rules and Regulations to Govern Special Education at the special education cooperative administrative office in Macomb, Illinois.

Services provided by District #97 include:

1. Hearing and vision screenings at regular intervals

2. An ongoing and annual screening by teachers and other professional personnel, for referral of those children who exhibit problems which interfere with their educational progress and/or their adjustment to the educational setting.

Response to Intervention (RTI): Referrals to District #97 for preliminary evaluation may be made through the building principal by school district personnel, the parent of the child, community service agencies, persons having primary care and custody of the child, or the Illinois Board of Education, when there is reason to believe that a child may require special education services. All referrals for special education must begin with an RTI referral. LHS has an RTI team that meets regularly to discuss any students who are significantly struggling in school. The RTI team has the authority to decide if a student qualifies under a Math or English designation and what services should be provided to him or her. Now, by law, students must go through the RTI process in order to qualify for Special Education Services in many cases. For more information about RTI and RTI services please contact the principal.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

In case of severe weather conditions school closings will be announced on WBYS and WDUK radio stations. Information will also be announced on local television stations as well. Please do not call the school regarding early dismissal due to the weather. As soon as a decision has been made, it will be announced on the radio and television stations listed above.

LUNCH

TYPES OF LUNCHES AVAILABLE:

1. Hot lunches may be purchased at a cost to be determined before the first day of school.

2. Free hot lunches are available to students from families whose income is at or below the levels established by the federal government. (Applications for free lunches are available in the high school office). Students who receive a token for a free lunch may only use that token to receive a hot lunch. It cannot be used toward the purchase of any ala carte items as per federal law.

3. Students not wishing to participate in the school lunch program may bring a sack lunch and purchase milk or fruit juice at the serving counter. Ala carte items will be available for purchase as well.

USE OF SCHOOL BUILDING DURING LUNCH

Upperclassmen (Juniors/Seniors) in good standing, (no suspensions in current semester) may leave the school for lunch. Underclassmen (Fr/Soph) are to eat lunch at the school in the cafeteria. All students who eat lunch at the school will remain in the cafeteria for the first 20 minutes of lunch (This includes upperclassmen who choose not to leave for lunch-upperclassmen who wish to leave for lunch must do so when first released for lunch). Students are not permitted to run to lunch or cut in line. Students may use the lobby restroom during lunch. Upperclassmen returning from lunch early (first 20 minutes) are to report to the cafeteria. The principal will decide where students may congregate once they have eaten lunch. Students are not allowed elsewhere in the building without permission of the school staff. ALL FOOD IS TO BE EATEN IN THE CAFETERIA. Students are not permitted to sit in their automobiles on school grounds during lunch. Upperclassmen need to understand that any inappropriate actions at lunch (including the parking lot) or suspensions during a semester will result in the revocation of their privilege to leave campus during lunch.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES TO STUDENTS

Administering medication during school hours or during school-related activities is discouraged unless it is necessary for the critical health and well-being of the student. Parent/Guardian(s) may authorize their child to self-administer a medication through the assistance of office personnel. All medication shall be kept in the administrative office. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF ASTHMA MEDICATION

A student may possess medication prescribed for asthma for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the student has a signed doctor’s note on file with the office accompanied with signed authorization by the parent/guardian.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome, unwanted, unsolicited sexual behavior or attention. Sexual harassment is prohibited at LHS and any student who commits it will be subject to discipline from the student code of conduct. Sexual harassment involves the behavior of a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or of the same sex. Any employee, district agent or student engages in sexual harassment whenever he/she makes sexual advances, touches themselves or others inappropriately, makes sexual gestures, shows pictures or graphics of a pornographic nature, displays video or written words of sexual content, speaks or uses sexually offensive language, requests sexual favors or persistently engages in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature. Sexual harassment also includes communicating explicit messages by “sexting” cell phone images, e-mailing, or using other technology devices to display inappropriate sexual images. It is very important to understand that “sexting” anything to or about any underage person violates both State and Federal Law and will lead to serious legal consequences up to and including the violator being considered a sex offender. It is also very important to remember that sexual harassment is based upon the perceptions of the accuser and not the accused.

BULLYING

For an action to be considered bullying and not conflict/joking around 4 criteria must be met. If those criteria are met then there will be a certainty of consequence for the action.

4 Criteria for Bullying are:

1. There must be an imbalance of power between the two students in some way including social status, size, strength, or aggressiveness.

2. Usually repeated more than once-but one severe occurrence can certainly be enough to fall into the bullying category.

3. The victim is humiliated by the action.

4. The bully enjoys humiliating the victim.

*All 4 criteria are determined by the principal as is the determination of bullying.

NOTICE TO PARENTS

Legislation requires instruction for students in areas which may be considered sensitive or controversial. HB 1225 adds “Sexual Abstinence Until Marriage” to the list of topics that must be included in the health education curriculum of all elementary and secondary schools.

HG 2728 addresses the development and dissemination of instructional materials and programs about child sexual abuse.

SB 550 amended the Comprehensive Health Education Act to address the AIDS disease. SB 550 requires instruction on the prevention, transmission, and spread of AIDS. It also requires instruction on alcohol and drug (substance) use and abuse.

Permanent student records and the information contained therein will be maintained for not less than 60 years after the student has transferred, graduated, or otherwise permanently withdrawn from the school. Temporary records and information contained in those records for not less than 5 years after the student has transferred, graduated, or otherwise withdrawn from the school. However, student temporary records shall not be disclosed except as provided in Section 5 or 6 {105 ILCS 10/5 or 105 ILCS 10/6} or by court order. Before any school student record is destroyed or information deleted, the parent shall be given reasonable prior notice at his or her last known address in accordance with regulations adopted by the State Board and an opportunity to copy the record and information proposed to be destroyed or deleted.

Uniform Reporting Procedure The high school principal is the hearing officer for any issues associated with the high school. If the issue involves the principal then the Superintendent is the hearing officer to settle the matter.

Parents are encouraged to support Lewistown High School’s efforts at complying with state laws and meeting the needs of our students by reviewing the instructional materials and discussing these topics with their children at the time of the instruction. If parents have concerns regarding the topic of instruction identified above, they should contact the building principal. Instructional materials and textbooks are available for inspection. Students will not be required to participate in AIDS instruction or instruction in avoiding sexual abuse if their parents strongly object to the instruction and request in writing that their student be excused from said instruction.

BOOKS, FEES AND MATERIALS

School fees will be set by the School Board during the summer preceding registration in August.

Parents/students who are unable to pay school fees should turn in a fee waiver or contact the office to arrange for delayed payments. Students are responsible for all textbooks and equipment assigned to them by the teachers. Textbooks or equipment that are lost or damaged beyond repair will be assessed at replacement cost and will be charged to the student. Students that damage textbooks or equipment, but materials are still usable, will be assessed a fine at the end of the term.

BOOK BAG POLICY

Students may bring book bags into the school building but may not carry them from class to class. Athletic bags containing athletic equipment are to be taken to the student’s PE locker or coaches’ rooms immediately upon entering the school building.

SAFETY GLASSES

Safety glasses are required in all industrial arts, science labs, and agriculture classes. Any student who refuses to wear safety glasses as required will be pulled from the class and receive an “F” for the semester.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Lewistown High School District #97 is an eligible member of the Prairie State Insurance Company (PSIC). Student accident coverage will be provided for the 2010-2011 school year for each student enrolled. A brochure will be given during registration that describes this coverage provided at no cost to the parent/guardian through the school district’s participation in PSIC. This policy DOES NOT include football coverage but does provide for the purchase of additional optional coverage for football and 24-hour coverage.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT DRESS

The administration and staff at Lewistown High School believe that the attitude and behavior of the members of the student body are influenced by dress and grooming. With the help and cooperation of the parents, the school will continue to encourage students to dress in a fashion that reflect good taste and a style appropriate for a school day. Clothing should in no way distract from class work or school activities, nor create a danger to the health or safety of students. Realizing that it is difficult to determine all possible types of appropriate attire, the following are examples of, but NOT an exhaustive list, guidelines that could be considered inappropriate attire for school.

Reasonable cleanliness of an individual and wearing apparel is expected.
Jackets, coats, windbreakers, hats or other head coverings, gloves, sunglasses, and other forms of outer-wear apparel are not to be worn during the school day. They are to be left in student lockers once the early bell has rung. Exceptions may be PE classes, construction trades classes, or other classes working on projects outside. Sweatshirts are not considered outer wear. Exceptions to this rule may be made by the administration.
Proper fitting clothing is to be worn. Oversized, extremely baggy clothing or improperly-fitting clothing is not allowed. Pants and shorts must be worn at the waist. Sagging pants that expose any portion of an undergarment, whether the student is standing or sitting, are prohibited.
Clothes that expose the shoulder(s) or that exposes the back, sides, or midriff of a student or are see-through are not appropriate for the school setting and are not acceptable. Straps on all shirts MUST be a minimum width of three of the student’s fingers (or 1 ½ inches). Examples of inappropriate clothing are bare midriffs, halter tops, tube tops, open-back clothing, spaghetti strap tops, etc. (All tops/shirts must touch pants, shorts or skirts when arms are raised above the student’s head.)
Male and female students must wear clothing that completely covers the body, whether the student is sitting or standing, from the shoulders to the mid-thigh. Blouse/shirt necklines must be above the underarm level. Undergarments are not to be visible. (Mid-thigh is defined as: Where a student’s fingers touches skin on the leg with his/her arms extended straight down along the side of the body.)
No garments with pocket chains, dangling chains, spiked or dangerous jewelry are to be worn due to safety concerns for students and potential damage to school property.
Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. House slippers or similar items are not acceptable in school.
Gym attire is only to be worn in PE.
Sleepwear or other clothing items not appropriate for school and/or a place of employment are prohibited.
The wearing of apparel depicting alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sexual connotations, obscenities, violence, or ethnic or racial slurs is prohibited.

*Within these guidelines the basic responsibility for dress and grooming shall be left to the parents of the students. It should be noted that groups of players in extracurricular activities will be expected to conform to the dressing requirements of the coach/sponsor.

First Offense-referred to the principal. The guidelines will be reviewed, and clothing must be changed before returning to class.

Second Offense-Unexcused from classes until clothing is changed and a detention will be assigned.

Third Offense-a Saturday Suspension is assigned, and the student must change before returning to class.

Fourth Offense-treated as a habitual behavior problem, an out-of-school suspension is possible.

TELEPHONE/CELL PHONE/IPOD/ANY DEVICE THAT PLAYS MUSIC OR SENDS AND RECEIVES INFORMATION- USE BY STUDENTS

The office telephone is for emergency use only. Students are to have permission before using the phone. Students are not to use classroom phones for personal calls. Students will not be allowed to take calls during class time unless the call is determined to be an emergency by the office staff.

· Cell Phone, IPOD, MP3, etc use is not permitted in classrooms at any time. Students must leave their cell phone, IPOD in the room in order to leave the classroom with a pass.

Cell phone use is strictly forbidden between 8:15 and 2:58 except during lunch. For ALL violations parents (or their adult designee-but not a HS student) must pick up the phone at school. When students get a 3^rd violation in a school year, they will receive a 3 hour Saturday Suspension. Students will receive an OSS for every violation after the third one.

HALLWAY PASSES

Each student must have a pass when outside the classroom while classes are in session. The student must be in the location (or in route) indicated by the pass. Failure to comply with the above ruling will result in disciplinary action starting with a detention for a first offense. Please note that students are not to take cell phones with them when leaving the classroom during class time.

LOCKERS

Each student has been assigned his or her own locker. These lockers are to be used to protect a student’s possessions and textbooks. Students must keep their lockers locked at all times and use only the locker that has been assigned to them. Students need to report any locker problems to the office immediately. Students should not keep drinks in their lockers, and any students who keep open cans in their locker will be disciplined. Students should not deface or damage their lockers in any way. Any damage to the locker or school property kept within is the responsibility of the student. Students will be required to pay for any damage to school property.

LOCKERS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL. School authorities are authorized to conduct area-wide general administrative inspection of school property; (e.g. a search of all students’ lockers with a police dog) without notice or consent of the student and without a search warrant. In all other cases, school authorities may search such school property when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the search will produce evidence that the student is in violation of the law or district rules. School authorities may also legally search VEHICLES parked on school property without a search warrant.

GRADING SCALE

This grading scale is in effect for all classes in Lewistown High School.

%	Grade
100	A+
93 – 99	A
92	A-
91	B+
84-90	B
83	B-
82	C+
75 – 81	C
74	C-
73	D+
66-72	D
65	D-
Below 64.4	F

GRADUATION REQUREMENTS

*Students attending LHS for four years must earn 28 credits and meet all requirements to be eligible for graduation. Students must satisfactorily complete the following criteria:

English	4 credits
Consumer Education	½ credit
*Mathematics	3 credits
*Social Science	3 credits
*Health	½ credit
*Science	3 credits
*Speech	½ credit
*Physical Ed	4 credits
*Computer Applications	½ credit
*Humanities/Vocational	2 credits
*Driver Ed	Classroom Phase
One mathematics credit must be for Algebra. One mathematics credit must be for Geometry One science credit must be for General Science* (Gr. 9) ~ (3 science credits beginning with Class of ’11 ) One science credit must be for Biology I* (Gr. 10) Successful completion of Physical Education* for 8 semesters is required of all students. The only exemptions are explained in the Physical Education Exemption Policy printed elsewhere in this handbook. One social science credit must be Social Studies* (Gr.9) One social science credit must be US History* 1 (Gr. 11) Two credits must be earned in the area of music, foreign language or vocational education.

In addition, to the above required courses, a student must pass an examination on American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag to be eligible to receive a certificate of graduation.

A unit of credit is given for the successful completion of a course which meets at least 80 minutes every other day, 5 days per two week period, for at least 36 weeks, or the equivalent amount of time during the school year.

Credit will be given for certain courses only upon the successful completion of a year of study and/or laboratory or work experience as prescribed in the course description. Titles of courses to be included in this category will be determined cooperatively by the instructional staff and administration.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

7 possible credits/year: 8 possible credits/year:

3 years 8-block 27 credits 3 years 8-block 26 credits

2 years 8-block 26 credits 2 years 8-block 24 credits

1 year 8-block 25 credits 1 year 8-block 22 credits

CLASS STANDING

The following standards have been established to determine a student’s official classification. These minimums must be earned before a student is permitted to participate in “class” activities. Sophomore-7 credits; Junior-14 credits; Senior-21 credits.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian-The student with the highest GPA (figured to thousandths) at the end of 8 semesters of high school, with at least 4 semesters at LHS, will be named Valedictorian. The second highest GPA will be named Salutatorian.

RETAKING A CLASS

Students receiving a D+ or less in a class may choose to repeat the class and replace the initial grade. Credit for the class will only be given once. Example: If an Algebra I student receives a D as a semester grade, that student may retake the class. That student receives a retake grade of C; the C will replace the D on the student’s transcript.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXEMPTION POLICY

Students in grades 9 through 12 may be excused from participating in Physical Education for the following reasons:

1. A physical or emotional condition diagnosed and reported by a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act and submitted to the principal by the student’s parent/guardian. The student shall be provided alternative special activities.

2. A written religious statement of objection based on constitutional or religious grounds signed by the parent/guardian and submitted to the principal. The student will be enrolled in an academic subject that has been approved by the building principal and for which credit may be earned in lieu of the required credit in Physical Education.

Students in grades 11 and 12 may be excused from Physical Education for the following reasons:

1. Participation in a varsity interscholastic athletic program. The student athlete may take an extra course in lieu of Physical Education and be excused from Physical Education for the entire year regardless of the duration of the interscholastic sport. The student athlete may substitute a semester-long course for Physical Education regardless of the length of the sports season.

2. Enrollment in a specific academic course not included in existing secondary institution the student plans to attend, when the addition of such a course to the student’s schedule would result in a course load greater than the district’s normal practice.

3. Enrollment in a class necessary to meet specific state and local graduation requirements when the addition of such a course to the student’s schedule would result in a course load greater than the district’s normal practice.

Eleventh and twelfth grade students must submit a written request for exemption from Physical Education to the building principal. Each request shall be evaluated by the principal on an individual basis. The student shall receive written notification either confirming or denying the exemption. Approved exemptions shall be on the basis of one semester. An extension of the exemption for additional semesters may be approved if circumstances warrant.

HONOR ROLL AND GRADE REPORTS

To qualify for the high honor roll, a student must have at least a 4.0 average or better. To qualify for the honor roll a student must obtain a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA. To receive honorable mention, a student must have a 3.0 to 3.49 GPA. Points for grades are assigned as follows: A=4 points; B=3 points; C=2 points; D=1 point and an F=0 points. Grades for non-academic subjects do not count toward the honor roll average. These classes include Drivers Ed, Study Skills, Vocational Work experience or a class taken in addition to our regular 8-class schedule, such as Early Bird Speech. A student can not have a grade lower than a C- to be included on the honor roll.

SEMESTER GRADES

Semester grades are calculated as follows:

40% based on first quarter grade

40% based on second quarter grade

20% based on semester exam grade.

Students must pass 2 of the 3 listed above to receive credit for the semester.

MID-TERM GRADUATION

Be it resolved by the Lewistown School Board District #97 that a senior who has successfully completed a minimum of 28 credits for the current school year and has been a full time student in an accredited four year high school for a minimum of seven semesters may be eligible for graduation. To be eligible for mid-term graduation, students must:

1. Return a completed request form to the office before May 15^th of their junior year.

2. Not enroll in tuition courses which obligate the district for a full year of tuition expenses.

COURSES TAKEN IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR 8-BLOCK SCHEDULE

A student who successfully completes a course may receive high school credit provided

1. The course is approved in advance by the high school counselor and the high school principal.

2. The student assumes responsibility for all fees.

3. Early bird classes taken in lieu of another class will count toward GPA/class rank and extracurricular eligibility.

Credits do not count toward GPA/class rank or extracurricular eligibility. A maximum of 2 classes/1 credit may be counted toward the requirements for a student’s high school graduation.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES (Novel Stars)

A student enrolled in a correspondence course may receive high school credit for work completed, provided

1. The course is given by an institution accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

2. The student is a fourth or fifth year senior.

3. The student assumes responsibility for all fees.

4. The course is approved in advance by the high school principal.

A maximum of 2 classes/1 credit may be counted toward the requirements for a student’s high school graduation.

McCall/Academy Alternative School

Students attending the McCall/Spoon River Academy School in Canton will only be allowed to attend Graduation and no other activities once they agree to attend there. This is not a special education placement. Students attending these schools are in jeopardy of not graduating high school and need to focus on academics and finishing high school. Their participation at these schools does not allow them to play sports because they do not meet the IHSA minimum requirements for eligibility.

DUAL CREDIT COURSES

Students may enroll in both academic and vocational Dual Credit Courses to attain credit towards high school graduation and for college credit through Spoon River College or Western Area Career Systems (WACS). Students are required to take the COMPASS test through Spoon River College and score at the specified level required for college admittance to be eligible to enroll in any Dual Credit Course. This specified score is determined by Spoon River College.

Once students have qualified to enroll in Dual Credit courses, they are encouraged to so under the following restrictions: students may take any and all academic courses available through instructors on the Lewistown High School campus. The number of these said courses may vary from year to year. In addition to on campus courses, students may enroll in a maximum of two Internet Courses through Spoon River College per semester. Students who receive an “F” for an internet class or are withdrawn from a class will not be permitted to take Internet Dual Credit classes in the future unless a medical emergency or other trauma has occurred which led to the withdrawal or “F”. The HS Principal will decide on exemptions in these matters. Per Spoon River College’s policy, students may not enroll in more than 13 semester college hours each semester. Vocational Dual Credit Courses are limited to one course per school year (each course is a year-long program) through

COLLEGE DUAL CREDIT AND WESTERN AREA CAREER SYSTEMS CLASSES

A student who successfully completes these courses may receive high school credit, provided:

1. The class is taken as part of the regular school day (8 classes).

2. The course is approved in advance by the high school counselor and the high school principal.

3. The student assumes responsibility for all fees.

4. The course is completed according to the local school calendar.

These courses will count toward GPA/class rank and extracurricular eligibility.

INTERNET/ONLINE CLASSES

A student who successfully completes a course may receive high school credit, provided

1. The class is taken as part of the regular school day (8 classes).

2. The course is approved in advance by the high school counselor and the high school principal.

3. The student assumes responsibility for all fees.

4. The course will count toward GPA/class rank.

5. The course will not count towards extracurricular eligibility until a final grade is given.

6. The course is completed according to the local school calendar.

7. If a student is dropped from a class by the college, an F will be assigned for the semester and no credit will be received.

WEIGHTED COURSES

All academic courses (English, Speech) taken as Dual Credit offerings with an instructor on campus at Lewistown High School will receive “weighted” status. In addition to academic courses taught on campus, students will receive “weighted” status for the first two Internet Courses taken in their high school career. With “weighted” status, each letter grade bears one point higher value, with the exception of an F – which receives no credit or point value towards GPA. Please see below:

Non-weighted

Weighted

A = 4.0 points

B = 3.0 points

C = 2.0 points

D = 1.0 point

F = 0.0 points

A = 5.0 points

B = 4.0 points

C = 3.0 points

D = 2.0 points

F = 0.0 points

*Please note that Calculus, Physics, Honors English III and Chemistry II classes will also be considered weighted courses when offered.

GUIDANCE & COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

If you need to see the school counselor, please stop in during a passing period and ask the counselor for permission. The counselor will give you a pass to take to your teacher. NOTE: A pass is a request. The teacher will decide if you can afford to miss a part of the class that day. For this reason, it is recommended to make arrangements to see the counselor during homeroom.

Guidance Services:

Some of the various services provided by our Guidance & Counseling Department are listed below; students should take advantage of the services offered.

1. Academic counseling. Advising students of classes that will help them the most in achieving their future goals.

2. Vocational guidance.

3. College selections.

4. Financial aid for further study.

5. Scholarship information and applications.

6. Post-secondary aptitude and entrance testing.

Counseling Services:

1. Developmental counseling for mental health concerns.

2. Behavioral intervention for students and families with behavioral concerns at school or home.

3. Personal counseling. Helping students cope will personal and relational situations at home and at school.

4. Referrals to supportive agencies.

Whether a parent or student, we urge you to contact the counselor’s office if you have questions regarding any of the areas listed above. Although the counselor may not be able to answer all questions, she has the resources to help you find the answers elsewhere.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Schedule changes will be done by the school counselor. Any student who chooses to drop a class after one week will earn an “F” for the class. The only exemption will be staff requests and only with the Principal’s permission and only in extreme cases. After that, schedule changes will be made only at the initiation of a teacher, counselor, or the principal. NOTE: Requests for schedule changes, class retakes, and class audits must be processed through the counselor’s office and authorized by the principal. Elective schedule changes will only be considered if the course request sheets are returned the school counselor on time during the previous school year.

Schedule changes will be made if

1. It is possible in terms of the existing schedule and the change will not overload a class.

2. The change results in a reasonable program of study in terms of the established curriculum.

3. The changes are approved by parents, counselor, teacher, and the principal. There will be no schedule changes without parent/guardian’s signature.

MEDIA CENTER/LEARNING RESORCE CENTER

The Media Center is located at the north side of the lobby. Our Media Center is an outstanding one, and we encourage you to visit it. Besides books, there are a number of computers and audio-visual devices that are useful and easy to operate.

MC/LRC Regulations:

1. Students are not to study together or to visit unless they have special permission from the Media Specialist.

2. Students must sign for all circulated materials.

3. Students must pay for lost or damaged materials.

4. Most materials may be checked out for a two/three week period. Most items may be renewed to avoid the payment of fines.

5. Reference books are available for use in the library only.

6. Periodicals and vertical file materials circulate for overnight use only and are due by 8:30 a.m. the following day.

7. Fines for overdue materials will be assessed at the rate of five cents per day until the materials are returned. These fines will not exceed the replacement cost of the materials.

8. No more than two students may work at the same table at any given time unless special permission is granted by the Media Specialist or unless an entire class is using the MC.

9. Talking is to be kept to a minimum.

10. Courtesy in returning materials on time is a must so that all students and teachers have the opportunity to use them.

STUDENT CONDUCT: Code of Discipline

The rules governing student conduct are nothing more than rules of courtesy and common sense. The following list represents behavior that shows a lack of concern for the welfare of others and, as such, violates their rights to safety or education. Student misconduct will be defined in terms of four levels of discipline with Level Four being considered the most severe. Please note that graduated discipline refers to a behavior that starts with a minimum punishment and then continues toward a more severe punishment such as a suspension.

Level-One Misconduct

Definition: Minor disciplinary issues that interrupt normal operation of the classroom, lunchroom, and/or bus operation. The individual staff member involved can usually handle these misbehaviors (warning/detention) at the time of the incident. When Level-One misconduct occurs, consequences should be administered consistent with the posted discipline plan in each teacher’s classroom. Chronic or repeated behaviors should be referred to the high school principal as Level-Two misconduct. Examples of Level-One misconduct that should be handled by teachers in the classroom or the principal on the rest of the grounds include, but are not limited to

Chewing Gum/Bringing candy, pop, or food into the classroom

Initial violations of the school dress code

Cheating or lying

Throwing objects

Tardies to class (2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, & 8^thperiods) are handled by the classroom teacher

Tardies to school or returning from lunch are handled by the office. (1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, 7^thperiods)

Horseplay, “goofing around,” or wrestling

Running in the halls

Misuse of materials or equipment

Failure to work in class

*Violation of cell phone/pager use policy-(not turned on, used, or seen during school hours)

Forgery or misuse of hallway passes

Public displays of affection-Holding hands is the only acceptable examples of PDA

Use of profanity or street language (depends on the severity of the offense; may be referred to office if repeated or deemed severe by the staff member)

Possession of laser pointers or other hazardous objects

Gambling

Level-Two Misconduct

Definition: Misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school. These infractions which sometimes result from continuation of Level-One misbehaviors that have not been remediated with classroom management plans require the intervention of the principal. Also included on this level are misbehaviors which represent a severe disruption to instruction and learning and require temporary removal of the student from the classroom. Office referrals for class interruption will result in multiple detentions for 1^st time offense, then Saturday Suspension (SS)/In-School Suspension (ISS) for a 2^nd offense. Further referrals are then considered Level-Three misconduct which carries more severe consequences. Included on this level are behaviors that do not represent a serious threat to the health and safety of others but whose educational consequences may be serious enough to require corrective action on the part of the principal. Mandatory parent notification will accompany all Level-Two misbehaviors. Examples of referring staff members to the office are principal, teacher, staff member, secretaries, teachers’ aides, custodian, bus personnel, etc. Examples of Level-Two misconduct are but are not limited too:

1. Any repeated Level-One misconduct misbehaviors-Consequences begin with SS/ISS and increase in severity for repeated offenses.

2. Office Referral-Repeated failure to obey classroom rules-SS for 1^st offense, out-of-school for repeated offenses.

3. Skipping Class- SS or ISS for equal amount of time skipped. Example-not checking out in the office and just leaving school. Any repeated offenses will result in Out of School Suspension.

4. Cheating-Automatic zero on test or assignment-All cheating is referred to the office. Graduated discipline starting with a classroom detention.

5. Gambling-Suspension.

6. Bus Referral-Graduated discipline beginning with a warning or detention for less severe behavior. Repeated referrals will result in loss of bus privileges and suspension.

7. Cafeteria Misconduct-Graduated discipline beginning with a warning or detention for less severe behavior.

8. Excessive Tardies (office) to school/returning from lunch-4 tardies=Detention. 6 tardies=2 detentions. 8 tardies=Saturday school. 10 tardies or more=2 SS or ISS

9. Missing Detentions-Results in office referral and 2 detentions for 1^st offense. SS or ISS for repeated offenses.

10. Excessive Detentions-A student who receives more than 3 detentions per semester will be referred to the office for administrative action. The result will be a SS.

11. Improper computer usage-Suspension. Loss of computer privileges for a time period.

12. 4^thLevel-Two Offense or more is treated as chronic misbehavior and referred for Level-Three misconduct.

Level Three Misconduct

Definition: Misbehavior directed against persons or property but where consequences may seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school. These acts might be considered criminal, but most frequently can be handled by disciplinary actions in the school. Corrective measures depend on the extent of the school’s resources for remediating the situation in the best interest of ALL students. Parents will be notified of all Level-Three misbehaviors. Consequences will be at the discretion of the high school principal based on a case by case basis. Ten days of accumulated out-of-school suspensions may result in parents and student appearing before the school board for possible expulsion. Excessive accumulation of school detentions (more than 5 total in a semester) will result in loss of extra-curricular privileges.

*OSS = Out of School Suspension, ISS In School Suspension, SS Saturday School

1. Stealing or attempting to steal school or personal property-The consequences are OSS, ISS or SS, restitution, possible police contact.

2. Damaging/Defacing School Property or personal property of school staff-The consequences are OSS, restitution, possible police contact.

3. Threats, intimidation, oral or written, non-physical in nature to students or staff (including by use of cell phone)-The consequences are OSS, ISS or SS possible police notification.

4. Insubordination to the staff of LHS-Insubordination is defined as not following the directions of a school staff member which include but are not limited to: administrators, teachers, secretaries, counselors, teacher aides, bus drivers, chaperones, supervisors, etc. Consequences are Suspension.

5. Public Lewdness or distribution of obscene materials-OSS/possible police involvement.

6. Possession/use of matches and/or lighters-OSS/possible police involvement

7. Possession/Furnishing/Use of tobacco, including look-alike tobacco (on school property including buses or extracurricular events whether 18 years old or not.)

1^st offense: 1-5 day suspension, confiscation, possible police involvement. 2^nd offense: 3-5 day OSS, confiscation, possible police involvement. 3^rd Offense: 10 days OSS, Call police 4^th Offense: Confiscation, call police, recommend expulsion.

8. False Alarms (911 calls, fire alarm, etc.)-Call Police, 3-10 days OSS, recommend expulsion after 4^th offense.

9. Sexual Harassment, Bullying, Hazing, Intimidation, or Extortion- Consequence are 1-10 days OSS, possible police notification

10. Actions that threaten the health and safety of others: Consequences are 1-10 days OSS, possible police involvement, possible recommendation of expulsion.

11. Fighting-Any aggressive behavior that includes but is not limited to punching, kicking, slapping, pulling hair, tripping, etc. Consequences are 1-10 days OSS, possible police involvement. Please note that repeated instances of fighting will result in the elevation of the offense to a level four offense. Repeated occurrences of fighting can result in expulsion or change of placement.

*When possession of any hazardous material is suspected, unannounced locker searches may occur and students may be searched. Parents will be notified if such suspicions exist.

Level Four Misconduct:

Definition: Misbehavior directed against persons or property that may endanger the health and safety of others in the school and which is in violation of the law. Corrective measures depend on the extent of the school’s resources for remediating the situation in the best interest of ALL students. Police will be immediately notified of ALL Level Four misbehaviors, and the parents will be called. Consequences for each of the misbehaviors listed below will result in up to 10 day OSS, recommended expulsion, and legal charges.

1. Arson

2. Bomb threats

3. Possession/use of weapons-guns, knives, clubs, firecrackers, laser pointers or any object not normally considered a weapon but is used in that capacity such as pens, pencils, tacks or scissors.

4. Possessing/Using/Furnishing/selling alcohol, inhalants, controlled substances, including look-alike drugs or misused/distributed prescription drugs

5. Assault and battery/injurious fighting

6. Violent threats, oral or written

7. Vandalism which results in property loss or threatens the safety or well-being of others

8. Theft/possession/sale of stolen property

9. Hazing/gang activity

10. Other actions that threaten the immediate health and safety of others

11. Continued non-remediated Level Three offenses

Public Display of Affection

Holding of hands is acceptable public behavior, but any further display of affection that is more intense will not be permitted. Faculty members observing this behavior will discourage it. If the students involved refuse to cooperate by repeating the behavior or by showing disrespect to the teacher(s), they will be sent to the principal for discipline.

First referred offense of PDA=Detention, parent notification

Second referred offense of PDA= SS or ISS, parent notification

Third referred offense of PDA=Suspension, parent notification

Tobacco Use or Possession

Disciplinary action will be taken against any student guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct including the use, possession, distribution, and buying or selling tobacco materials on school grounds. It is against State Law for any person to have any tobacco product on school grounds at any time. The person’s age has no bearing on this law or the consequences that will result from breaking this rule.

Alcohol

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is hazardous to the health of students. The consumption, possession of, or distribution of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on school buses, in school buildings, or on any other school property at any time. This policy extends to all school sponsored and related activities, such as athletics or any other extracurricular activities whether held before or after school, in the evenings or on weekends. Students shall not be permitted to attend school when they are under the influence of alcohol. For the purpose of this policy, students who are under the influence of alcohol shall be treated in the same manner as though they had it in their possession.

If a staff member finds a student to be under the influence of, using, possessing, or distributing alcoholic beverages in violation of this policy, that student will be suspended and/or expelled from school according to the school district’s discipline policy.

Drugs

Non-medical use of drugs is hazardous to the health of students. The illicit use, possession, or distribution of, look-alike drugs (including the misuse of prescription medication) 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, such as athletics or any other extra-curricular activities whether held before or after school, in the evenings, or on 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 this influence shall be treated in the same manner as though they had drugs in their possession.

If a staff member finds a student to be illicitly using, possessing, or distributing drugs or look-alike drugs (or prescription drugs) in violation of this policy, the student shall be suspended and/or expelled from school. In addition, parents and juvenile authorities shall be notified promptly. In all cases, parental 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.

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/guardians. If a student acts as if he/she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the school day or at school functions, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted and appropriate measures will be taken to ascertain if consumption and/or use of alcohol or drugs has occurred.

Dangerous Weapons

Possession or use of explosives, firearms, laser pointers, or other dangerous weapons or instruments shall be prohibited on school buses, in school buildings, or on school grounds at all times. Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be disciplined by the administration on an individual basis. Additionally, students bringing a dangerous weapon to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year. The Board may modify the expulsion on case-by-case basis. The district shall notify the parents of the action taken and will notify juvenile authorities and appropriate law enforcement officials. In cases of suspension or expulsion, the district shall follow procedures required by state law and board policy.

Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics endanger the health, safety, and well being of everyone present in the school building. Anyone caught shooting or carrying any pyrotechnic device (firecrackers, smoke bombs, etc.) will automatically be suspended for 10 school days with no make-up privileges, and will be turned over to the States Attorney for prosecution.

Hazing

Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in hazing is prohibited. Illinois criminal statute defines hazing as any pastime or amusement taken by a person “for the purpose of holding up any student, scholar, or individual to ridicule for the pastime of others.” Hazing can also mean any intentional, knowing or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in or maintaining membership in any organization, club, or athletic team.

Students engaged in any hazing activity will be subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions.

1. Conference with parent/guardian.

2. Removal from extracurricular activities.

3. Suspension or expulsion from school.

4. Referral to appropriate law enforcement agency.

Gang Activity

Students are prohibited from engaging in gang activity. A “gang” is a group of 2 or more persons whose purpose includes the commission of illegal acts. No student shall engage in any gang activity, including but not limited to the following:

Wearing, using, distributing, displaying or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other items that are evidence of a membership or affiliation in any gang.
Committing any act or omission or using any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (such as gestures or handshakes) that shows membership or affiliation in a gang.
Using any speech or committing any act or omission in furtherance of the interests of any gang or gang activity, including but not limited to

1. Soliciting others for membership in any gangs.

2. Requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person.

3. Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies.

4. Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.

Students engaging in any gang-related activity will be subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

1. Removal from extracurricular activities.

2. Conference with parent/guardian.

3. Suspension/expulsion from school.

4. Referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Student Dance Rules

School dances are an extension of the school day and all school policies concerning student conduct will be in effect. Students are to dress appropriately for the occasion. No students currently enrolled in junior high will be allowed to attend. Students aged 21 and over are not allowed to attend LHS dances with the exception of LHS Alumni attending the Homecoming Dance. Shoes must be worn at all times. Proper attire is required at all dances. Formal attire is required at Prom. Hats that are part of a formal suit purchased or rented for the occasion are considered appropriate. Students are not allowed to re-enter a dance once they leave without administrator approval.

DISCIPLINE

Students committing infractions of school rules and regulations will be subject to discipline for their actions.

Disciplinary action will be taken by teachers in their individual classrooms in support of their posted classroom rules. Teachers will assign classroom detentions of not more than thirty minutes in length. Disciplinary action will also be given by the principal in support of teachers and other staff members and for misbehavior of students as listed in the Student Handbook. The principal will assign discipline in the form of detentions, suspensions, restitution, or other discipline as deemed necessary to fairly address the level of misbehavior as listed in the Code of Conduct.

HONESTY POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to give students credit for being %100 honest when they are accused of a school infraction. If students tell the ENTIRE truth upon 1^st being questioned (or if they turn themselves in) they may receive consideration for up to half of a penalty reduction. Please note that an OSS will not be downgraded to a Saturday Suspension, etc.. This will only apply to the # of days of suspension or a reduced amount of time for a Saturday Suspension. Students will not be able to continuously use this policy to get out of trouble just for telling the truth. The Principal will decide whether and how the honesty policy is applied in each situation.

Detentions

There are two types of detentions: classroom and office detentions. Detentions will be issued by classroom teachers for minor misbehaviors that violate posted classroom rules. Office detentions will be issued by the Principal for violation of handbook policy anywhere on school grounds, the school bus, or at any event associated with the school such as a game or dance. Detentions will be served before or after school. Before school detentions will be served from 7:45-8:10am and after school detentions will be served from 3pm-3:25pm in the office. Lunch detentions will be given only for students who have violated the tardy policy listed later in the Student Handbook. Students have three days to serve a detention at which time the student will receive discipline based on the discipline code. The principal/teachers will assign detentions at their convenience with input from the student. The following procedure will be followed for detentions;

The party issuing the detention will complete a summary report describing the student’s behavior warranting the detention. One copy of the detention notice will be given to the student, one to the principal, and one retained by the teacher.
Detentions and other disciplinary actions take precedence over extracurricular activities and work.
Students will arrive on time for detentions. Missing a detention without valid cause as determined by the principal will result in a Saturday Suspension or In School Suspension.
Talking or sleeping will not be allowed during detentions. Students will sit and read, do homework assignments, etc.
Unsuitable behavior while serving a detention will result in the assessment of one additional detention plus the original one.
Students are responsible for their own transportation following a detention.

SUSPENSIONS

Saturday School (SS) or In-School Suspension (ISS)

SS/ISS will be used as a discipline for misbehavior whose severity is between that of a detention and Out of School Suspension. Amount of time shall be determined by the Principal. The following rules will apply to students assigned a Saturday School:

1. Students are to arrive in the high school office by 8:00a.m. on the day of their Saturday School.

2. Students are to come prepared with books and materials to work on assignments during their Saturday School time.

3. Students are not allowed to sleep.

4. Students are not allowed to have snacks or musical devices such as radios or tape players.

5. Students who fail to arrive, arrive late, or misbehave will earn an out of school suspension on the next school day as listed in the Saturday School notification letter.

Rules for ISS: Students will work the entire time without disturbance. Failure to do so will result in an OSS.

Out-of-School Suspension

Out-of-school suspensions may vary from 1-10 days. Grades for long-term projects due during an out-of-school suspension will be ruled on the by the principal with advisement from the teacher(s) involved.

Out-of-school suspensions may occur only after the following procedures are followed:

1. The student is given an informal hearing by the principal or his designee. The student may give his side of the story, but does not have the right at this point to call witnesses or cross examine witnesses against him.

2. The student is informed of the charges against him/her.

3. A letter is sent to the parent/guardian within 3 days of the infraction stating the following:

1. Specific charges against the student.

2. Length of the suspension.

3. Date suspension will be served and the date the student may return to school.

4. Information regarding their right to a formal hearing if they so desire.

Formal Hearing

Unlike expulsion hearings, formal suspension hearings are held by a representative of the Board of Education. The student has a right to present favorable evidence and ask questions of those giving unfavorable evidence. The hearing officer may not change the decision of the principal. The officer must report his/her findings to the School Board. If the School Board feels the suspension was unwarranted, the Board may reverse the decision of the principal at that time.

Expulsion

Expulsion of a student from school may occur only after the following procedures have been followed:

The parent/guardian is notified by certified letter that such action is being considered by the Board of Education. This letter must

State all charges levied against the student.
State time, date, and place the expulsion hearing will take place.
Inform student/parent/guardian of their right to be represented.

A hearing must be held at which time

1. The accused has the right to have an attorney present.

2. Evidence against the accused will be introduced.

3. The accused has the right to present evidence supporting his/her innocence.

4. Witnesses may be called.

5. The accused has the right to ask questions of all witnesses.

The Board of Education will return to consider all evidence. The Board may

Decide not to expel the accused.
Decide to expel the accused for a period no longer than the remainder of the school term.
Allow the student to petition the School Board for an early re-entry if specified conditions are met.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance policies are designed to develop a student’s punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility. Punctual, regular attendance is essential if students are to benefit fully from the academic program. Research studies have shown a direct correlation between good attendance and academic achievement. Lewistown High School District #97 is committed to promoting regular school attendance for maximum student benefit. The School Code of Illinois does not provide any legal way for a student to be absent from school except as prescribed by a local board of education.

In an effort to keep parents/guardians informed, as well as to enlist their support in resolving attendance problems, Lewistown High School will make every effort to disseminate timely information concerning your student’s attendance. Parents will be notified by letter when a student has accumulated absences totaling five, ten, and then subsequently twelve days of school. Parents/guardians are encouraged to call the school at any time to check on the attendance of their student. Every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian in situations that may require a student to leave the school grounds. The person listed on a student’s enrollment form as an emergency contact person will be called only in extreme emergency cases when the parent/guardian is not available.

Absence Notification

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the school when their student will be missing school for a day or a portion of a day. The school should be notified in advance of a student’s absence if at all possible. If advance notice is not possible, the parent/guardian must call the school on the day of their student’s absence, stating the reason for the absence and when the student is expected to return to school. Students that are absent without parent/guardian permission are considered unexcused for the day or any portion of the day they may miss. Students having an unexcused absence will receive a 2.5% grade reduction for each period that is considered unexcused during the quarter that the absence occurred in.

Pre-Arranged Absences

At times, it is possible to give the high school advance notice of a forthcoming extended absence. In situations such as these, written or verbal communication with the principal or his designee should be given. Students anticipating absences of a lengthy duration should inform their teachers in order to obtain the assignments they will miss during their absence. All assignments should be ready to turn in to the teachers upon the student’s return to school. Tests will not be administered in advance but shall be scheduled as soon as possible after the return of the student. Please note that the total amount to be excused per semester cannot exceed the 8 parent excused absences as listed in the Excused Absences section. Pre-arranged absences may include the following:

Vacations or attendance at special events during school hours are discouraged but may be excused if approved in advance. Vacation days may only be taken for the reason of going on a family vacation with immediate family member(s).
College days or military induction days may be granted to seniors and second semester juniors for college visits. To use a college day, a student must obtain a permission form from the guidance counselor to be completed at least two days prior to the college visit. One week advance notice is preferred. Failure to obtain prior approval for a college day may result in the absence being considered unexcused. NOTE: College days are to be taken on Wednesdays unless the college or technical school has a formal college day schedule.
Prolonged absences due to medical treatment. Parent/guardians should inform the high school office of any impending absences due to extended medical care. Teachers should be informed so that they may assemble class assignments for the period of convalescence. In emergency situations, the staff of LHS will gather class assignments and textbooks upon the request of the parent/guardian.

Excused Absences

Student absences will be considered “excused” in the following circumstances:

* Illness/Parent Excused Absence (A call from the parent/guardian needed). A maximum of 8 absences will be excused per semester by parent permission alone. After 8 for an absence to be excused it will have to be accompanied by an excuse from a funeral or for medical or legal reasons with a note from a doctor/court. Please note that the Principal has the right to deny a parent excuse for an absence.

Observance of a religious holiday (A call from the parent/guardian needed).
Funeral (A call from parent/guardian needed plus proof of attendance).
Doctor/dental appointments (A call from parent/guardian needed and/or medical excuse).
Court appearance. (Proof of having been in court, such as notice to appear.
Participation in a school sponsored activities (class work to be completed ahead of time).
In-school suspension time.
Absences approved on a case-by-case basis by the principal.

The reasons listed above are considered valid cause for being absent from school. Any student who is absent without an excused absence is considered to be truant. The administration reserves the right to decide the validity of any absence. Parents are encouraged to contact the principal in advance to discuss situations not identified above. A student will have two school days for each excused day’s absence to complete make-up work. Exceptions to this two-day make-up rule may include missing a scheduled or pre-assigned test or a due date for a long-term paper/project as the result of a single day’s absence. Class work of this type will generally be completed or submitted to the teacher on the first day of the student’s return to school. Special arrangements will be made with those students who have an extended illness. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain any missed assignments from their teachers for absences of any kind. Students must attend classes the entire school day or have an excused absence to be present or participate in any school activity.

Unexcused Absences

An unexcused absence is any absence not meeting the criteria explained above to be designated as an excused absence. Beginning with the 2008/09 school year, all assignments made during the unexcused absence will be provided to the student and the student will be expected to make up all work. The academic penalty will now be assessed as a 2.5% grade reduction of the students overall quarter grade when the unexcused absence occurred. This will be in effect for all types of unexcused absences including those associated with an out of school suspension. The 2.5% grade reduction is slightly less than the daily percentage that is equal to a students’ attendance on a given day. The penalties associated with obtaining an unexcused absence are designed to deter truancy and emphasize daily school attendance for all students.

Truancy

The State of Illinois defines a “truant” as a child who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof. Truancy includes being absent from school without parental knowledge, leaving the school without proper authorization, or being in the building or on school grounds but absent from a scheduled class without proper authorization. Absences may be declared truant even when the parent/guardian has knowledge of the absence. The administration reserves the right to decide the validity of any absence. Please note that students who leave the school without proper authorization and even if a parent calls in later to attempt to excuse the absence (sign out) will receive a Saturday School equal to the amount of time they skip school. The State of Illinois defines a “truant minor” as a student to whom supportive services, including prevention, diagnostic, intervention and remedial services, alternative programs, and other school and community resources have been provided and have failed to result in cessation of chronic truancy or have been offered and refused.

Students 17 years of age and older who accumulate more than ten (10) days of unexcused absences during the school year may be recommended for expulsion after a staffing has been held. Students 17 years of age and older who accumulate more than ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absences during a semester may be dropped from the school’s attendance roster. If a student is dropped from the attendance roster, the student may not re-enroll at the high school during the same semester. The student will be welcome to register at the beginning of the next semester. Students who are not showing progress toward graduation especially if they cannot earn enough credits to graduate by age 21 can be denied entrance and registration to LHS.

Tardiness/Tardy Policy

Any student that is more than (30) minutes tardy to school without a valid excuse will be considered unexcused for the first class of the day. Tardiness is a form of absenteeism. In addition to missing class time and negatively affecting your grades, entering late is a distraction to other students and to the learning process. This policy is enacted to limit the number of tardies that students earn when arriving to school late or when returning late from lunch. The discipline for excessive tardies is as follows:

All Tardies will be kept in the office for every class. Students will receive a warning after a 2^nd accumulated tardy and an office detention for tardies 3-5. Students will receive a Saturday Suspension or In-School Suspension for tardies 6 and up.

Signing In and Out

Students arriving at school any time during the day after school has begun and classes are in session must report to the office and sign in. Students will be given a pass to class. Students must have their parent/guardians contact the high school office by phone or note explaining the reason for the absence. Likewise, if it is necessary for a student to leave school before the end of the regular school day, students must report to the office to sign out. The student must present a note from their parent/guardian or phone them for permission to sign out. Administrative permission is required before a student will be allowed to sign out.

Students failing to sign in or out will face disciplinary action.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION “NO DRESS” POLICY

A personal cut is referred to as anytime that a student does not dress, is improperly dressed, or is removed from class for disciplinary reasons. A personal cut results in a 0 for the day for their participation grade when they take a cut or no dress. The department clarified that if a student chooses to wear sweats, they must have required school dress on under sweats. It is also clarified that shorts must be red in color and worn correctly. The shorts must cover all underwear at all times or a personal cut will be issued and no spandex are allowed. Add that students will only be allowed 2 passes (given by another teacher) out of PE per 9 weeks. Each additional pass will be considered a no-dress.

1. Each student is allowed 2 personal cuts in each nine weeks with NO PENALTY to the student’s grade.

2. The 3^rd personal cut in a quarter will result in the student failing that grading period.

3. A total of 6 personal cuts in a semester will cause the student to fail P.E. for that semester of P.E.

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES

As an incentive to promote regular school attendance, Lewistown High School provides the following options to those students maintaining good attendance.

1. Students who have zero absences (this includes all absences, medical, emergency, etc.) during a school semester will be allowed to upgrade two (2) semester exam grades of their choice by ½ grade (such as a B+ to an A- or an D- to an D). Please note that a student who earns an “F” cannot upgrade their score to a D-. A D- is the lowest grade that can be upgraded.

2. Students that accumulate one-half (1/2) to one (1) absence (this includes all absences, medical, emergency, etc.) during a school semester will be allowed to upgrade one (1) semester exam grade of their choice by ½ grade (such as a B+ to an A- or an F to a D-).

PRAIRIE STATE ACHIEVMENT EXAM (PSAE) STUDENT INCENTIVE

Students who meet all three of the following criteria will be rewarded by not having to attend Homeroom class after it moves to the end of the day during the 4^th Quarter.

Criteria I: Students are expected to read each question and answer given. They should then put down the best answer as determined by knowledge and/or test taking strategies. Test observers will watch each student and note those who seem to finish each test too quickly. Finishing in a time considered too quickly will result in failing this requirement.

Criteria II: At the end of the testing day, the testing coordinator will look at each students answer sheet and check for patterns that would indicate a lack of effort such as: stair-step effects, rows of the same answer (10 b’s selected in a row) etc., or other sequence that may indicate a lack of effort. Indication of any of these will result in failure for this requirement.

Criteria III: The counselor and principal will review the results of the PSAE’s and determine whether each student’s scores are a true indication of their abilities. Making AYP is not necessary to meet this requirement, but doing the best for your ability is.

*The PSAE is now one very important way that students and schools are graded on our success in educating our students. This test score is very important to students, and it will follow them for the rest of their lives. The scores our students receive tell the school a great deal about what LCHS is doing right and what needs to be changed in the curriculum.

DRIVEWAYS AND PARKING LOT REGULATIONS

1. Moving Traffic: The maximum speed of motorized vehicles while driving on school property is 15 mph. Excessive speeding and reckless driving is prohibited. The school district and the police department now have an agreement whereby speeding and other moving violations will be ticketed for anyone violating proper traffic rules. The first and second instance of inappropriate conduct in the parking lot will result in loss of parking privileges on school grounds for a time. The third instance will result in loss of parking privilege for the rest of the school year.

2. Parking: a. Student parking is restricted to the southwest parking lot only.

1. School employees, parents, or persons on school business may park in the parking area immediately south or west of the school building.

2. Parking is not allowed in driveways, next to the fire hydrant or next to the west wall of the band room.

3. Students’ vehicles parked on school property are subject to search.

4. Students must properly display the parking decal provided by the school in any vehicle that they drive to school. Decals are good for one school year only

3. Use of Automobile: Cars are not to be used during the regular scheduled school day unless the student is leaving for a school activity or lunch or has signed out of school. Violation of this rule will result in disciplinary action that will include the loss of parking privileges at school. Student drivers and/or passengers are not permitted to leave school grounds in the morning after their initial arrival on school property.

4. Loitering: Loitering in the parking lot is not permitted. This includes in and around parked vehicles. Students must exit their vehicle immediately upon arrival.

*In addition to detention/suspension and receiving a ticket from the police, a student will lose his/her parking privileges on the campus for a time as determined by the principal for each driving/parking lot violation.

Instructions to School Bus Riders

All school bus riders, while in transit, are under the jurisdiction of the school bus driver. The Board of Education and/or administration may designate an adult(s) to supervise the riders under the direction of the school bus driver.

It is very important to understand and remember that the school bus driver must devote 100% of his/her time to driving the bus and therefore should not be distracted by the conduct of the passengers. It is recommended that all riders, parents of riders, and teachers become familiar with the following regulations governing school bus riders.

1. Be on time at the designated school bus stop; help keep the bus on schedule. The driver has a schedule to keep, so he/she cannot wait for you.

2. Stay well off the roadway at all times while waiting for the arrival of the bus.

3. Be careful in approaching the bus stop. Do not move toward the bus until it has come to a complete stop. This is particularly important during icy weather.

4. Use the handrail when entering the bus and be seated quickly. Do not leave your seat or stand or kneel in the seat while the bus is moving.

5. Be alert to any danger signal from the bus driver and obey his/her instructions immediately. Students are to be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.

6. Remain in the bus in the event of a road emergency unless permission to exit is given by the driver.

7. Students are not allowed to raise or lower the bus windows. Students are not to extend their hand and arms out of windows.

8. Misbehavior on the bus is prohibited. This includes loud talking, profanity, or any type of harassment of others.

9. Tampering with the bus or any equipment on the bus is prohibited.

10. Eating and drinking on the bus is prohibited. Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco is prohibited.

11. Possessions such as books, band instruments, athletic equipment, etc. are to be kept out of the bus aisles at all times.

12. Animals are not permitted on buses.

13. Buses are not permitted to pick up or drop students at undesignated bus stops without permission of a school official.

14. Safety at bus stops is of major importance. Students that must cross the highway to enter or exit a bus are to wait for a signal from the bus driver before entering the roadway.

15. Bus discipline will be determined by the high school principal on a case by case basis once a bus referral is turned in by the bus driver. Students must keep in mind that the student code of conduct applies on the bus as well. In addition to detentions/suspensions, loss of bus riding privileges will accompany any repeat referrals or infractions equal to a level 2 tier in the code of conduct.

STUDENT RECORD POLICY

In compliance with the Illinois School Student Records Act, students and parents are advised that Lewistown High School does keep and maintain two types of student records. The first type is the students’ permanent record. This file consists of basic identifying information, an academic transcript, attendance record and other basic information. The permanent record is kept in the high school office for at least six years after graduation or withdrawal.

The second record is a temporary file and is kept by the guidance department. The students’ temporary record consists of all information not required to be in the students’ permanent record. This includes family background information, test scores, psychological evaluations and teachers’ anecdotal records. The temporary record will be destroyed within six years after graduation or withdrawal. Lewistown High School complies with the public law commonly referred to as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Ill. Rev., Stat., 1985.

Challenge Procedure

1. Parent/guardians shall have the right to challenge any entry exclusive of grades in the school’s student records on the basis of

1. Accuracy

2. Relevance

3. Propriety

2. The request for a hearing shall be submitted in writing to the school and shall contain notice of the specific entry or entries to be challenged and the basis of the challenge.

Emergency Release of Information

1. Information may be released to appropriate persons without parental consent in connection with an emergency, providing this information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons and also providing that the parents/guardians are notified as soon as possible of the information released and the purpose of the release.

2. Factors to be considered in determining whether records should be released pursuant to this paragraph include

The seriousness of the threat to the health or safety of the student or other persons.
The need for such records to meet the emergency.
Whether the persons to whom such records are released are in a position to deal with the emergency.
The extent to which time is of the essence in dealing with the emergency.

3. The requirements and criteria for release of information pursuant to this section are to be strictly construed.

Cost of Reproduction

1. The cost of providing copies of student records to parent or students upon their request will be assessed at $.35 a page.

2. No parent or student shall be denied a requested copy of school records due to the inability to pay.

Directory Information

Information that may be designated as directory information shall be limited to

Identifying information—name, address, gender, grade level, birth-date, birthplace, and parent/guardian name(s) and address.
Academic awards, degrees, and honors.
Information in relation to school sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

All student clubs and organizations must be approved by the Board of Education of Lewistown High School. This is accomplished by the submission of an application for approval stating the name, purpose, bylaws, financial data, and faculty sponsor to the Board. Students are urged to participate in one or more extracurricular activities, such as a club or organization or an athletic team. Students that participate in extracurricular activities become more involved with events at the school, widen their scope of friends, and create a more rewarding high school experience. LHS does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the provision of programs, activities, services, or benefits. Both sexes have equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Clubs and Organizations

Students may choose to become involved in one or more of the following clubs and organizations:

*Cheerleading/Dance Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Spanish Club *Science Olympiad

Legend Industrial Arts Club

Student Senate *Scholastic Bowl

*Speech Team SWAT

Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD)

Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

*IHSA sponsored activities that must fall under the eligibility policy.

ATHLETICS

Lewistown High School offers sports activities for boys and girls. All students participating in athletics must pass a physical each year. Physicals must be presented to the athletic coach prior to participation in beginning practices of the team. Students must also maintain academic eligibility to participate in athletics. Students must be present at school an entire school day or, if not present, have an excused absence prior to participation in any athletic event. This is in accordance with the LHS attendance policy.

LHS has teams participating in the following sports:

Fall Girls Volleyball Boys Football

Cross Country (Boys & Girls)

Winter Girls Basketball Boys Basketball

Spring Girls Softball Boys Baseball

Girls Track Boys Track

Participating in Two or More Sports Concurrently

It is of vital concern of the Board of Education to maintain a balanced emphasis on athletic activity and the students’ academic responsibilities. Students can experience emotional and physical stress due to participation in more than one athletic activity at a time. Accordingly, students are allowed to participate in only one athletic activity (individual sport/cheerleading) during a given fall, winter, or spring sports season. A student who joins a spring sport and then wants to join a different spring sport must make a formal request to the Athletic Review Committee for approval. The Athletic Review Committee will consist of the building principal, athletic director, and a non-coaching member of the faculty.

DISTRICT #97 ELIGIBILITY POLICY

District #97 enforces the following policy regarding eligibility to participate in athletic competition: A student must be passing (7) of the (8) academic classes in which they are enrolled in a given semester to be eligible to participate in a sport. Once a student has two F’s during a semester they immediately become ineligible to participate in athletic competition Dual-credit internet classes are not figured into week to week eligibility but only once the class has been completed and credit for the semester has been determined. Physical Education is an academic class and is included when determining eligibility. If a student fails two classes at the end of a semester, that student is ineligible for the entire semester afterward.

IHSA ELIGIBILITY RULES

When a student becomes a member of an interscholastic athletic team at your high school, you will find that both your school and the IHSA will have rules you must follow in order to be eligible for interscholastic sports participation. The IHSA’s rules have been adopted by the high schools that are members of IHSA as part of the Association’s constitution and by-laws. IHSA eligibility rules must be followed as minimum standards for all interscholastic athletic competition in any member high school. Your high school may have additional requirements, but they may not be less stringent than these statewide minimums.

The principal of your school is responsible to see that only eligible students represent the school interscholastic athletics. Any question concerning your athletic eligibility should be referred to your principal, who has a complete copy of all IHSA eligibility rules, including the Association’s due process procedure. Only the IHSA Executive Director is authorized to make formal rulings on eligibility, so if your principal has questions or wishes assistance in answering your questions, the principal should contact the IHSA office. Information contained here highlights only the most important features of the IHSA by-laws regarding interscholastic athletic eligibility. The information here is only a general description of major by-law provisions and does not contain the statement of the by-laws in their entirety. You will lose eligibility for interscholastic athletics if you violate IHSA by-laws. Therefore, it is extremely important that you review this material with your parents, your coaches, your athletic director and your principal to thoroughly understand the IHSA eligibility by-laws and how they relate to you. All IHSA rules and by-laws can be viewed in their entirety at IHSA.org on the internet.

Spectator Conduct and Sportsmanship

A great deal of time and effort is required to coordinate and prepare special activities for public enjoyment. Appropriate conduct and language at school functions is required. Be respectful to those individuals performing and be courteous to those seated next to you by avoiding unnecessary conversation and/or noise. Parents, please provide proper supervision of your children in the stands. Do not expect school officials to baby-sit for you while you enjoy the game or any other school activity. Permit all in attendance to enjoy the activity by requiring appropriate behavior of your child.

The Board of Education, administration, coaches, and sponsors encourage your attendance at all special activities. Our school and students need your support and enthusiasm. However, we have some concerns that have been echoed by many parents regarding spectator conduct during games. We do expect certain standards of conduct at all games.

1. Be a good sport.

2. Remain seated as long as your enthusiasm will allow you. This will enable those individuals seated behind you to enjoy the game.

3. No objects are to be thrown onto the playing floor or at other spectators.

4. Stay off the playing floor. Walk in the marked pathways; street shoes damage the playing surfaces.

5. Do not permit children to sit or play on the railing. Do not put your feet on the railing.

6. All in attendance are expected to show proper respect for school property and for the authority of school officials.

7. Fans are urged not to heckle, jeer, or distract members of the opposing team.

8. Proper respect should be shown toward officials who are in charge of the athletic contest.

9. Profane language and obnoxious behavior will not be tolerated. (Re: All cheering must be done in good taste. Questionable group cheers will not be permitted).

Spectators who are guilty of minor misbehavior and/or misconduct will be given one warning. If the problem continues, the individual will be removed from the gym and may be denied admission at all future events. Individuals creating major problems or disturbances will be automatically expelled from the event.

Attendance:

1. You may represent only the school that you attend. Participation on a cooperative team of which your school is a member is acceptable.

2. You must be enrolled and be attending classes in your high school no later than the beginning of the 11^th school day of the semester.

3. If you attend school for ten (10) or more days during any one semester, it will count as one of the eight (8) semesters of high school attendance during which you may possibly have athletic eligibility.

4. If you have a lapse in school connection for ten (10) or more consecutive days during a semester, you are subject to ineligibility for the rest of the semester. The specific terms of your extended absence must be reviewed by the Executive Director to determine if it is a “lapse in school connection” or not.

Scholastic Standing

1. You must pass twenty (20) credit hours of high school work per week. Generally, twenty (20) credit hours is the equivalent of four (4) “full credit” courses.

2. You must have passed and received credit toward graduation for twenty (20) credit hours of high school work for the entire previous semester to be eligible at all during the ensuing semester.

*Please note that these are the minimum requirements for participation by the IHSA and that Lewistown’s eligibility policy is slightly more stringent than that.

Residence

Your eligibility is dependent on the location of the residence where you live full time with your parents, the parent who has been assigned custody by the court, or court appointed legal guardian. (If you do not reside with both of your biological parents, your eligibility may be subject to special provisions. Check with your principal to be sure you are eligible before you participate).

You may be eligible if you are entering high school as a freshman and

1. You attend the public high school in the district in which you live full time with both of your parents; or

2. You have paid tuition to attend a public school for a minimum of 7^th and 8^th grades in a district other than the one where you live with your parents, and you continue to pay tuition as a high school student in that same district; or

3. You attend a private/parochial school located with the boundaries of the public school district where you live with your parents or court appointed legal guardian; or

4. You attend a private/parochial high school and have attended a private/parochial school for 7^th and 8^th grades, or for any four (4) grades from kindergarten through eighth grade; or

5. You attend the private/parochial high school which one or both of your birth parents attended or where one of your parents’ current spouse attended; or

6. You attend a private/parochial high school located within a thirty (30) mile radius of the residence where you live with your parents.

Transfer

1. In all transfer cases, both the principal of the school from which you transfer and the principal of the school into which you transfer must concur with the transfer in writing on a form provided by the IHSA office. You cannot be eligible when you transfer until this form is fully executed and on file in the school office. There are many rules and regulations concerning transfer eligibility for student-athletes. Please speak with the principal concerning a particular situation.

2. If you transfer after classes begin for the current school term, you will definitely be ineligible for thirty days from the date your start attending classes at the new high school. In addition, you will be ineligible for that entire school term in any sport in which your engaged in any team activity, including but not limited to tryouts, drills, physical practice sessions, team meetings, playing in a contest, etc. at the school from which you transferred. For example, if you were out for cross country at the school from which you transfer and transfer after classes have started for the school term, you will be ineligible for cross country that entire school term at the new school.

3. If you transfer attendance from one high school to another high school, you will be ineligible unless:

1. Your transfer is in conjunction with a change in residence by both you and your parents, custodial parent or court appointed guardian from one public school district to a different public school district;

2. Your transfer is between high schools within a public school district and both you and your parents, custodial parent or court appointed guardian change residence to the district attendance area for the school to which your transfer;

3. Your transfer is from a private/parochial school to your home public high school, you are entering a public high school for the first time, and the principals of both your former and the new school approve your transfer;

4. Your transfer is from one private/parochial school to another private/parochial school located within a thirty (30) mile radius of the residence where you live with your parents, custodial parent or court appointed guardian, you are changing high schools for the first time, and the principals of both your former and the new school approve your transfer;

5. Your parents are divorced or legally separated; you transfer to a new school in conjunction with a modification or other change in legal custody between your parents by action of a judge; and required court documents are on file at the school into which your transfer.

4. If you transfer attendance from one school to another while you are ineligible for any reason, the period of ineligibility imposed prior to your transfer will be enforced at the school to which you transfer, even if you are otherwise in compliance with the by-laws.

5. Any questions about your eligibility in any of these instances must be resolved by a formal ruling from the IHSA Executive Director.

6. In all other transfer situations, a ruling by the IHSA Executive Director is necessary to determine your eligibility. This ruling must be obtained in writing by the principal of the school into which you transfer before you participate in an interscholastic athletic contest.

Participation Limitations

1. After you enroll in ninth (9^th) grade, you may be eligible for no more than the first eight (8) semesters you attend school. If you attend school for ten (10) or more days in a semester that counts as a semester of attendance during which you may possibly have eligibility.

2. Your 7^th and 8^th semesters of high school attendance must be consecutive.

3. After you enroll in the ninth (9^th) grade, you will not be eligible for more than four (4) years of competition in any sport. You are not guaranteed four (4) years of competition, but that is the maximum amount of competition you may have.

Age

You will become ineligible on the date you become twenty (20) years of age unless your twentieth (20^th) birthday occurs during a sport season. In that case, you will become ineligible in regard to age at the beginning of the sport season during which your twentieth (20^th) birthday occurs.

Use of Players

You may never appear at a contest in the uniform of your school while you are ineligible. This means that you may not dress or sit on the bench in uniform if you are not eligible to play. Also you may not compete as an “exhibition” contestant if you are not eligible.

Participation Under a False Name

If you compete under a name other than your own, your principal will immediately suspend you from further competition and you and any other person(s) who contributed to the violation of this by-law will be subject to penalties.

Physical Examination

You must annually have placed on file with your principal a certificate of physical fitness, signed by a licensed physician, in order to practice or participate. Your physical examination each year is good for only one (1) year from the date of the exam. The physician’s report must be on file with your high school principal.

Amateur Status

1. If you win or place in actual competition, you may accept a medal or trophy for that accomplishment without limit to its cost.

2. For participation in competition in an interscholastic sport or for athletic honors or recognition in a sport, you may receive any type of award (except cash, check, or legal tender) that does not exceed $20 fair market value. There is no limitation on the value of your school letter.

3. The amateur rule does not prohibit you from being paid to referee, receiving pay for teaching lessons, or coaching in a little league, etc. It only applies to your own competition in an athletic contest.

4. If you violate the amateur rule, you become ineligible in the sport in which you are competing in. You must be reinstated by the Executive Director before you may compete again.

Recruiting Athletes

Recruiting athletes is illegal in any form. The IHSA is very strict when it comes to restricting the recruiting of athletes. Any potential questions about this or any violations will automatically be referred to the IHSA office. Please go the website IHSA.org to see a complete list of examples of recruiting.

School Teams Sport Seasons

Each sport conducted by IHSA member schools has a starting and ending date. Your school may not organize a team, begin practice, or participate in contests in a given sport until the authorized starting date. This means that

1. You may not participate on a non-school team coached by any member of your school’s coaching staff unless it meets specific criteria established by the IHSA board of directors.

2. No school coach may require you to participate in an out-of-season sports program as a requirement for being a member of a school team.

Violation of the sport season by-laws will result in penalty to you and/or your school’s coaching personnel.

Playing in Non-School Competition

1. During the time you are participating on a school team in a sport at your high school you may neither play on a non-school team nor compete in non-school competition as an individual in that same sport.

2. If you participate in non-school competition during a sport season and subsequently wish to join the school team in the same sport, you will not be eligible.

3. If you are trying out for or competing as a representative of the United States in recognized national or international competition during your high school’s sport season in the same sport, you must obtain approval from the IHSA office. Your principal must initiate the request for approval in writing prior to any such participation.

4. You may try out for a non-school team while you are on your school’s team in that same sport, but you may not practice, receive instruction, participate in workouts, or participate in competition with a non-school team in that same sport until you cease being a member of your school’s team. You cease being a member of your school’s team when the team(s) of which you are a member terminates for the school term.

5. You will become ineligible if you play on any junior college, college, or university team during your high school career.

All-Star Participation

Athletic Code-Students currently in an IHSA activity can be involved in a limit of 3 All Star games. There is no limit for a student not currently in a sport.

Coaching Schools

1. A coaching school is defined as “any program sponsored by an organization or individual that provides instruction in sports theory and skills to groups of persons.”

2. During the school term, you may not attend a coaching school or clinic for any interscholastic sport.

3. You may attend a coaching school, camp, or clinic during the summer (that period between the close of school in the spring and the opening of school in the fall) within the following criteria:

You may not attend a coaching school, camp, or clinic for any fall sport(s) after July 31^st.
You may not attend a coaching school, camp, or clinic for any winter or spring sport(s) after the day your school begins.

Misbehavior During Contests

1. If you violate the ethics of competition or the principles of good sportsmanship, you may be barred from interscholastic athletic contests, either as a participant or spectator or both.

2. If you are ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct, you will be ineligible for your team’s next contest. You are also subject to other penalties.

3. Any other person(s) found to be in violation of the ethics of competition or principles of good sportsmanship may also be barred from interscholastic athletic contests.

LEWISTOWN HIGH SCHOOL

EXTRACURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT

(Revised 2001-2002)

This extracurricular Code of Conduct is adopted by the Board of Education of Lewistown District #97 to apply to students participating in competitive and performing extracurricular activities in grades 9-12. This policy applies in addition to other policies concerning student conduct and imposes additional requirements on students. It is intended to promote the health and safety of students and to encourage the development of self-discipline and self-control in students, which are attributes the Board finds to be necessary to make participating in extracurricular activities successful and rewarding for students as well as for the organizations for which the students participate.

The Board finds that students who participate in high school extracurricular activities are perceived by students and the public as representatives of the school and other students. They are provided certain privileges and services not available to other students. The Board determines that it is necessary for the maintenance of discipline and to promote exemplary conduct that additional rules apply to extracurricular activities, unique to those activities.

The Board determines that participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege. There is no right of a student to participate in athletic competition or to participate in particular sports or cheerleading activities or any school governed extracurricular activity. If a student fails to comply with the rules and requirements set forth in this policy, the privilege to participate in extracurricular activities may be lost in accordance with this policy.

The rules set forth in this policy apply to the student commencing with entrance into the 9^th grade and continue to apply to the student until the completion of his/her high school career. The conduct code applies both in and out of season of the sports or activities in which each student participates; during summer, holidays, and vacations; on and off campus; and whether or not misconduct occurs at a school sponsored activity. The extracurricular organizations governed by this code include all athletic programs, cheerleading, pompon squad, scholastic bowl, speech team and science olympiad. Other school-sponsored clubs and organizations may, in the discretion of the activity sponsor, elect to follow this code.

Students desiring to participate in any such extracurricular activity are required to have on file in the school office an Extracurricular Activity Form. Such forms shall be provided to students and parents or guardians and shall include the Extracurricular Conduct Code. Students participating in extracurricular activities and a parent or guardian shall sign the form indicating that they have read and understood this policy regarding participation in extracurricular activities.

General Rules

1. The student shall be responsible for the protection of his/her personal effects. The student’s personal property should be properly secured and locked up at all times when the student is not present.

2. Horseplay by extracurricular participants at a school or school-sponsored activity is prohibited.

3. Student participants shall conform to rules specified by the activity sponsor and/or coach of the extracurricular program in which the student participates. Those activity sponsors or coaching rules may include rules regarding grooming. Activity sponsors and coaches are authorized to impose discipline with regard to extracurricular programs, at their discretion, for violation of school rules or those additional rules imposed by the activity sponsor or coach.

4. Stealing of athletic, extracurricular activity or other school equipment or the property of others is prohibited. Extracurricular participants who steal property or equipment may be dismissed from such extracurricular activity.

5. The building principal, athletic director, and/or activity sponsor may impose penalties for violations of rules in this section, except coaches and activity sponsors may impose penalties for violations of rules established by them. Oral notification of penalty is sufficient, but students shall be permitted to meet with the coach or activity sponsor to discuss the situation prior to the time the penalty is imposed.

6. If a student commits a criminal offense at any time during the school calendar year in which the extracurricular activity occurs, the student will be disciplined under this policy. Conviction for a criminal offense is conclusive evidence that the student committed the offense. Other evidence may demonstrate that an offense occurred, but mere arrest or charge is insufficient in and of themselves to show that the student participant committed the offense.

7. A student must be in attendance by 10am on a school day with an excused absence in order to participate in an extracurricular activity. The only exception to this will be a medical, legal, or funeral excuse with accompanying note. Without administrative approval the student will be ineligible to participate in ANY event-practice or game that day.

Use of Alcohol and/or Illegal Drugs

Use, possession, distribution, purchase, sale or being under the influence of tobacco (smokeless or smoking), alcohol or illegal drugs, look-alike drugs, or the use, possession, distribution, purchase, or sale of drug-related paraphernalia at any time during the calendar or academic year is prohibited.

1. First Violation: If any student commits a first infraction involving tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, look-alike drugs, or drug-related paraphernalia, a meeting shall be held with the student, a parent or guardian, the building principal, and the athletic director and/or activity sponsor. The student may not attend any practice or event until after the conference has been held. This meeting shall be held as soon as is reasonably possible. If it is determined that the student is guilty of an infraction involving tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, look-alike drugs, or drug-related paraphernalia, the student will be suspended from participation for a minimum of twenty (20) percent of the number of meeting dates or contests in such activity, and be required to complete three (3) hours of counseling from an approved substance abuse program. For computation, any fraction shall be rounded upward; and, in the case of tournaments, one (1) tournament day equals one (1) contest. If there are not enough contests remaining in the current sport season to fulfill the suspension, the remaining percentage of suspension will be assessed in the next activity the student is participating in. The student or parent or guardian shall be notified in writing of the penalty imposed. Any cost incurred for the counseling will be the sole responsibility of the student.

2. Second Violation: If a student commits a second infraction involving tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, look-alike drugs or drug-related paraphernalia at any time during his/her high school career, the following procedure shall apply. A meeting shall be held with the student, the parent/guardian, the building principal, the athletic director and/ or activity sponsor. The student may not attend any practice or event until after the conference has been held. This meeting shall be held as soon as reasonably possible. If it is determined at the meeting that the student committed a second infraction involving alcohol and or illegal drugs, the student will be offered the following options:

a. The student will be prohibited from participation in all extracurricular activities for one (1) calendar year from the date of such determination; or

b. Upon providing written proof of admittance to and successful completion of six (6) hours of a prescribed treatment by a drug counselor, psychiatrist, social worker, or other professional person or agency regarding use and/or abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs will be suspended from participation in an additional twenty (20) percent of the number of meeting dates or contests in such activity. If there are not enough contests remaining to fulfill the suspension, the remaining percentage of the suspension will be carried over into the next activity the student is participating in. Any cost incurred as a result of such counseling or treatment shall be the sole responsibility of the student. The student or parent shall be notified in writing of the penalty imposed.

3. Third Violation involving tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, look-alike drugs, or drug-related paraphernalia: A meeting will be held with the student, a parent/guardian, the building principal, the athletic director and/or activity sponsor and the superintendent or his designee. The student may not attend any practice or event until after the conference has been held. If it is determined that the student has committed a third infraction, the student shall be prohibited from participation in any extracurricular activity for the remainder of his/her high school career. The superintendent shall cause the parents of the student involved to be notified in writing.

Further Procedures

1. The procedures and rules of conduct for students participating in extracurricular activities set forth above shall apply irrespective of whether at the time of the infraction the student was participating in an extracurricular activity. For example, if a student commits an act which would be an infraction under this extracurricular code in the fall semester but participates for the first time in the extracurricular activity in the spring semester, the procedures and penalties for the first violation shall apply immediately as of the time the student first begins to participate in activities under this extracurricular code of conduct.

1. Appeals: Any student participant and/or parent or guardian shall have the right to appeal any action taken pursuant to this policy by contacting the athletic director within seven (7) days of receiving notice of the imposition of any sanctions or penalty. The student’s case will be reviewed by a three (3) member Right of Review Committee consisting of the principal, athletic director and a faculty member appointed by the Board of Education. The decision shall be final unless the Board of Education elects to review the case, in which event the decision of the Board of Education shall be final.

2. The permanent dismissal of a student will be reviewed annually for purposes of considering the student’s reinstatement by the Right of Review Committee describe herein above upon written request by the student. Any student wishing to have his/her case reviewed for reinstatement must have completed another six (6) hours of approved counseling to be considered for reinstatement.