PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

  

Dear Students, Staff, and Parents:

 

Welcome to Palos South Middle School!  We hope you had a wonderful, relaxing summer break with your family.

 

The front portion of the assignment notebook contains a wealth of information that answers general questions regarding Palos South Middle School policies and procedures. The staff at Palos South Middle School is committed to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Please become familiar with the important resources that are available to ensure our students’ success at Palos South this school year.

 

To help us maintain a safe and engaging learning environment, it is particularly important for students, parents, and staff to understand and follow the Student Discipline Policies, the Palos South Discipline, and the Palos South Code of Conduct.

 

We strongly encourage that every student has an assignment notebook because we believe it provides an organizational vehicle to help all students grow and achieve their goals. Students are expected to have their assignment notebook and make use of it daily. We encourage parents to routinely review this guide to support your children in developing their study skills.

 

We are looking forward to a successful and rewarding 2007-2008 school year!

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Mr. Christopher Bingen

Principal

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of Palos School District 118 is to provide a safe, supportive and caring learning environment which challenges and supports its students to become confident, adaptive and productive life-long learners.

 

Therefore, we believe that

 

HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY

 

are character traits all Palos South Middle School students should exhibit on a daily basis.

 

For that reason, the purpose of this student handbook is to give our students, parents and staff information about the rules, procedures, organization, and activities of Palos South Middle School.

 

 

 

 
GENERAL SCHOOL

POLICES

 

ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL

Due to supervisory schedules, students who do not ride the bus shall arrive at school no earlier than 7:30 A.M.  Upon arrival, students shall report to designated supervisory areas.  For purposes of a zero hour class, for a detention, or with special faculty permission, students may enter the building early and report to the commons. Student dismissal will be at 2:47 P.M.

 

ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS

All students are required to maintain an assignment notebook. They are also required to bring their assignment notebooks to class every day.

 

ATTENDANCE

 

There is a 24-hour answering service to report absences:

                        708-448-5533

 

REPORTING AN ABSENCE

In an effort to further improve safety for your children, District 118 utilizes an absence reporting system. The intent of the system is to cross check our daily attendance record with a list of phone calls from parents notifying us of a child’s absence from school.  In the event a child is absent for whom we have not received a phone call, the school will initiate a call to your home or place of business informing you of your child’s absence.  We hope this will reduce the possibility of having a child absent for any extended period of time without the parents and the school being aware.

 

In order for this system to work effectively, it is essential that you call the Health Office and report the reason for the absence.

 

School attendance is mandated by the State.  Excessive absences without a legitimate medical excuse may be referred to the State authorities.

 

TARDINESS TO SCHOOL

A late arrival to school requires an explanation. If a student arrives late to school, the student must report immediately to the nurse’s office with a note or phone call from a parent, doctor, or dentist. Reasons such as sleeping late or missing the bus will be counted as an unexcused tardy.

 

TRUANCY

 

A truant is defined as a child who is absent without valid cause. Similarly, a chronic truant is defined as one who is absent without valid cause for 10% or more of the 180 school attendance days.

 

Appropriate disciplinary consequences may be given should an administrator deem a student as a chronic truant.  Also, the authorities, such as the county truancy officer, will be notified.

 

VACATION/MAKE-UP WORK

 

If a student is unable to attend school for two or fewer days, he/she will receive make-up work upon return to school and be given an appropriate due date.  For extended emergencies/illness, a parent may call the Health Office on the morning of the third day of absence to request make-up work.  A parent may then come in at the end of the day to pick up the homework.

 

If a child is absent from school, he/she will be given the same number of days (minimum) to make up daily assignments.  This policy applies to core classes.

 

Vacations should be planned according to the school calendar. However, if your family chooses to take a vacation in which your child will miss school, please notify the office and team in writing. It is the responsibility of the student to make up the missing work. District practice states that the teachers will provide make-up work upon the student’s return to class.

 

 PHONE USAGE

 

Cell phones are not to be seen or heard between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Students violating this may have their cell phones confiscated by the school staff. On the first offense, a student will be warned. If a second offense occurs, a parent or guardian must come to school to retrieve the cell phone.

 

Students who need to use the phone should come to the front office and ask permission to use the office phone. Please note that when a student dials out from one of dozens of extensions, the number that appears on a caller identification system may not be operable by the receiver hitting a re-dial function. Incoming calls to the school should go through our regular number of 708-448-5971.

 

 

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 

BUILDING EVACUATION

 

In the event that students need to be evacuated from the building, they will be immediately evacuated from the building into the parking lot.  If it is necessary to remove them from the premises, the students will be escorted to St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church at 8410 W. 131^st Street.

 

EMERGENCY CLOSING

 

Due to possibility of severe weather, it may be necessary to close school. Palos School District 118 will post any emergency school closing on the following services: WGN Radio 720,

Channels 2, 5, 7, and 9.You may also find links to these sites on our district website as well.

 

In the event of severe weather, there may not be anyone physically at the school’s main office to answer the phones. Therefore, you must rely on one of these services to find out emergency information.

 

FIRE/LOCKDOWN/TORNADO

 

In the event of an emergency, either a fire alarm or an announcement will be made. Staff members will refer to the School District 118 Crisis Management Plan for specifics regarding the type of emergency.

 

During this time, absolute silence is necessary so that everyone can hear the crucial instructions. Throughout the school year, drills will be conducted so that everyone is familiar with these procedures.

 

    EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

Palos South offers a large variety of extra-curricular activities.  Our intramural program consists of a 6^th grade boys and girls after school sports program run on Mondays from 3 to 4 P.M. all year long.  For the 7^th and 8^th grades, the program includes a fall boys and girls intramural basketball program.

 

Our interscholastic sports programs provide a chance for our student athletes to develop and enhance specific skills while competing against top athletes from other schools.  Our current schedule includes boys’ cross country, softball, basketball, volleyball, and track; and girls’ cross country, softball, basketball, volleyball, and track.

 

 

The music program has an excellent choral group and an outstanding band program.  Both of these groups have received much recognition at the local level and the state level.  Both the band and choral programs meet before school and during the school day.

 

The students are encouraged to participate in our exceptionally fine cheerleading squads.

 

The drama club gives many students the opportunity to develop their acting skills as well as to learn lighting, prop building, and other ancillary techniques.

 

We also have several academic teams/clubs.  We have a Palos South Chess Club.  We also have faculty-sponsored teams for Declamation, Math Olympiad, Mathletes, and Social Studies Bowl.  There are several contest opportunities available in these areas as well as a conference sponsored season finale. Also, Palos South has a chapter in the National Junior Honor Society for seventh and eighth grade students that qualify.

 

The Student Council is a yearlong activity involving many students, and it provides student government simulations, leadership roles, and varied service experiences for the participants.

 

The Red and White Report is assembled by a newspaper staff that publishes four editions per year.

 

Our yearbook is assembled by a yearbook committee composed of faculty sponsors, students, and parents.  This is a yearlong activity.

 

 Pacesetters is an opportunity for eighth grade students to mentor sixth graders through their Connections classes.

 

GRADING GUIDELINES

 

Grading scale:  A 90-100

                        B 80-89

                        C 70-79

                        D 60-69

                        F 59 or below

                        I  incomplete

 

Occasionally a student may receive an “I” or “incomplete” as a grade.  This incomplete grade may be changed at a later date, when work is completed.  All “incompletes” will be replaced with the appropriate grade by the following quarter.

HEALTH INFORMATION

 

ACCIDENTS

 

All accidents are to be reported to the office. Prompt attention will be given to any student injured during the school day. Every attempt will be made to notify parents or guardians. However, if the emergency requires medical response, the student will be taken to Palos Community Hospital. Parents are responsible for the cost of medical attention.

 

DENTAL REQUIREMENT

 

The Illinois School Code requires a dental examination for all children in sixth grade. The dental form is to be completed by May 15^th of the sixth grade.

 

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

 

The office will keep on file emergency information for each student, which should contain information regarding the person(s) that the school should contact in case of an emergency. While the emergency cards are collected at the beginning of the year, information should be updated through the school office if any changes occur.

 

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

 

If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student must obtain a pass from the teacher before reporting to the health office. Parents will be contacted by the school nurse if she deems it necessary.

 

MEDICATION POLICY

 

AUTHORIZATION FORM

 

The pink medication form, signed by a physician and a parent, must be on file before any medication can be given in the health office. This includes all over-the-counter medication, like Tylenol, cough syrup, etc. Also, it includes inhalers, even though the student may self-administer the medication.

 

The complete medication policy can be found on the back of the medication form.

 

APPROPRIATE CONTAINERS

 

All medication must be in its originally labeled container. The health office must have a bottle that can remain in the health office.

 

PHYSICALS

 

Any student wanting to participate in an extra-curricular athletic activity must have an active physical on file with the nurse PRIOR to try-outs. A sports physical is valid for one calendar year from the date given.

 

RESPONSIBILITY

 

It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to assure that all physician orders and authorization forms are brought to school. Also, refills need to be brought to school by the parent or guardian as well.

 

With the exception of inhalers and EpiPens, no student may carry any medication to and from school.

 

At the end of the school year, a parent or guardian must pick up any remaining medicine or it will be discarded.

 

THROAT LOZENGES

 

Cough drops and throat lozenges can only be brought from home and used by students if they have a parental permission note on file in the health office. Throat lozenges will NOT be provided by the school.

 

VISION SCREENING

 

 The Illinois School Code requires that all eighth graders participate in vision screening. All special education and transfer students participate in vision and hearing screenings annually.

 

Those students who wear glasses, contacts, or, hearing aids will not be screened but need to provide yearly  written verification that vision and/or hearing exams have been completed.

  

HOMEWORK

Homework is an integral part of the learning process and an extension of the classroom learning experience.  The goals of homework are the following:

 

            …to provide for the practice of skills

taught in the classroom.

…to promote independent research

which requires the student to go beyond

practice into self-initiated work.

 

…to encourage the development of the

student’s own interests by enabling the

student to expand worthwhile school

activities into permanent leisure interests.

 

…to acquaint parents with what their

children are learning in school and to

invite their help when desirable.

 

HOMEWORK POLICY

We believe that it is necessary for students to practice as well as process material introduced in class through the assignment of homework.  The type, frequency, and quantity of homework are based on the type of practice needed and the individual student.  Generally speaking, students can expect the following:

 

·         Daily homework in mathematics

·         Daily homework in reading

o   (i.e. independent reading)

·         Additional time for review of notes, completion of long term and short term projects

 

As much as possible, long term projects and deadlines will be coordinated within the team.

 

LOCKERS- HALL AND GYM

All students will receive locker assignments during the first day of school.  Since lockers are for the safety and convenience of students, it is important to keep lockers locked. After the door is locked, the dial should be spun.

 

KEEP THE LOCK COMBINATION PRIVATE AND USE ONLY THE ASSIGNED LOCKER.  STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO MAKE UNAUTHORIZED MOVES INTO ANOTHER STUDENT’S LOCKER.

 

 

All students should inspect their lockers at the beginning of the school year for any damage or cleaning that might be needed.  Any locker trouble should be reported to the office.  Defacing of lockers is not permitted.  This includes altering the locker mechanism.  It will be the student’s responsibility to rectify the problem.  Actions may include being assessed a monetary fine or cleaning lockers in the school.  Routine locker inspections may be conducted.  Each student has the responsibility to clean out and remove locker contents at the end of the school year.

 

 ALL STUDENTS’ LOCKERS ARE THE PROPERTY OF PALOS SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 118 AND ARE ACCESSIBLE TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AT ANYTIME.

 

 The locker and its contents are subject to search by school officials, especially if there is reason to suspect that unauthorized materials (example: drugs, alcohol, stolen property, etc.) are being housed in the locker.

 

Since the school cannot assume liability for any lost or stolen property, students are cautioned to keep their possessions under lock at all times.  Students are discouraged from bringing valuables and large sums of money to school.

 

ACCEPTABLE PRACTICES

 

Decorating - Students must receive prior permission from the office to decorate lockers for special occasions with a minimum of one-day notice. Students that decorate the locker are responsible for any clean-up that is necessary. All decorations should be taken down within one week of being put up. Only two students will be allowed to decorate a locker. Neither confetti nor food is allowed.

 

Interior – Magnetized mirrors, note pads, and pictures must be affixed by scotch tape.

 

 

 

 

PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY

Promotion from one grade to the next grade is

NOT automatic.  Regular attendance and consistent effort by students will usually result in promotion to the next grade.  However, students who fail to make adequate progress may be retained.  Failing to make adequate progress shall consist of either:

 

§  Receiving unsatisfactory grades in two full-term subjects, which are those subjects that meet five days a week

§  Receiving unsatisfactory grades in one full-term and two part-term subjects, which are those subjects that meet less than five days a week

 

CRITERIA FOR UNSATISFACTORY GRADES MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

 

§  Failing to demonstrate mastery of basic academic skills

§  Excessive absenteeism which results in student’s inability to satisfactorily complete required assignments

§  Refusal to complete required assignments which will result in a lack of mastery of appropriate skills

 

PREVIOUS RETENTIONS

§  Students who have been retained once may not be retained for a second time without the approval of the superintendent of schools.

§  If a student has been retained once and is still not successful, a multidisciplinary team will be convened in order to examine available options.

 

Previously retained students at the eighth grade level who do not meet the criteria for promotion shall be issued a “certificate of attendance” vs. a “diploma.”

 

VISITORS

To ensure safety, all visitors must enter the school through the front of the building and sign in at the office. Visitors will also be asked to wear a visitor’s badge if they leave the office to travel within the building.

 

A parent or guardian must sign out any student in the nurse’s office who is to be dismissed early.

 

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

 

The majority of our middle school students are able to act appropriately and display respect for themselves and for others. However, rules must be developed so that all know what is expected of them and the consequences that will occur if they do not follow the rules.

 

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR:

EARLY IDENTIFICATION

 

Students may be identified by a designated group of school staff members as having demonstrated a pattern of behavior or behaviors that put them at risk for aggressive behavior, including but not limited to “bullying.” This behavior is hereby defined as conduct and behavior toward other students that, to a marked degree, appear intended to terrorize, intimidate, or start fights with other students, shall be referred to the school principal or designee.  The principal shall promptly notify the student’s parents or guardian of the referral and shall attempt to schedule a parent-teacher conference to discuss the referral and to recommend such available early intervention procedures as deemed reasonably appropriate.

 

The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures by which teachers may refer such a student to the designated teacher committee and by which the committee shall consider the referral.  Upon review by the committee, the committee shall determine whether the conducts and behaviors of the student are of such a nature and degree that the student be referred to the school principal as a student at risk for aggressive behavior.

 

ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR

 

Assemblies are provided to enrich the curricula. The normal guidelines for appropriate conduct are expected to be followed. When an assembly is scheduled, students will report to their scheduled class and wait for their class to be called to the assembly. Students will proceed with their class to the assembly and sit with their class. After the assembly, students should remain in their seats until they are dismissed.

 

ATTENTION BEHAVIOR

 

Students are expected to respond to a non-verbal cue when staff is seeking student attention.  The signal will consist of a raised hand with the index finger extended.

 

§  Student will stop whatever they are doing when a staff member gives the appropriate signal.

§  Students will remain silent and look at the signaler.

§  Students will return the signal.

 

Students will remain silent until the staff member has completed their announcement.

 

BUS BEHAVIOR

For riding the bus daily and for field trips

 

BEFORE BOARDING THE BUS-

Students are to stay to the side of the road and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop. Safe and proper boarding and departing procedures should be used at all times.

 

RIDING THE BUS-

Students must obey the instructions of the bus driver, who has the authority to assign seats.

 

 They are to remain seated and face forward. They are not to make loud or distracting noises. Rude, discourteous, or annoying conduct will not be tolerated at any time. Students must keep the aisles clear of objects or people.

 

Neither food nor drink is allowed on the bus. Nor is anything that could be dangerous, such as glass containers or sharp objects.

 

Students must ride the bus assigned to them and board and depart the bus at their assigned stop. They are NOT allowed to ride someone else’s bus.

 

EXITING THE BUS-

Students should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing to exit the bus.

 

Observe safety precautions at all exiting points. Where it is necessary to cross a two-lane highway, students should proceed to a point about ten feet in front of the bus. If the bus has a crossing arm, walk completely around the arm on the right shoulder of the road where traffic may be observed in both directions. Then wait for a signal from the bus driver permitting you to cross safely.

 Bus Referrals

 

The Superintendent, Principal/Assistant Principal shall have the power to suspend pupils from riding the school bus for gross disobedience or misconduct while on the school bus, or to take such other lesser disciplinary action as deemed appropriate.  Such suspension shall continue for a period of up to ten school days unless the Board suspends the student for a longer period for safety reasons.  The following is a listing of suggested disciplinary guidelines to be followed; however, administrators will take whatever action is deemed appropriate in each individual case.

 

1^st referral – The rules relating to bus behavior will

be reviewed during a conference between the appropriate administrator and the child.

Parents may be notified of the violation by a letter and/or phone call.  A written record will be kept of the referral and any succeeding referrals.  Disciplinary action to be taken is at the discretion of the appropriate administrator.

 

2^nd referral – A child may be suspended from riding

the bus for a period to be determined by the nature of the referral.  Parents shall be notified accordingly.  Such suspension from

riding the bus generally shall be up to a maximum of five days.

 

3^rd and subsequent referrals – A child may be suspended from riding the bus for a period of up to one month.  Parents shall be notified accordingly.

 

Bus Suspension

 

Any suspension for the violation of bus rules and regulations will be done in compliance with the School Board’s policies and the law (and specifically in compliance with section 10-22.6 © of the Illinois School Code).

 

During the period of a bus suspension, it is the legal responsibility of the parents to insure the child continues to attend school daily.

 

 

CHEATING

Students are expected to do their own work at all times.  Copying is not allowed.  Anyone who assists other students by providing assignments etc. for copying purposes shall also be considered guilty of cheating.

Consequences:

A.     Zero on Assignments

B.     Parent Contact

C.     Possible Referral for disciplinary action

 

CLASSROOM MISBEHAVIOR

Misbehavior is a matter of choice.  Choosing to disrupt class infringes upon the right of the teacher and the right of other students in the class to learn.  Even those disruptions that appear minor in nature seriously interfere with the educational process.

                         

COMPUTER USAGE

Computers and other digital tools are provided to support student learning.  Use of these tools is a privilege, and all students are expected to use them responsibly.  District policy and building rules state that students are not permitted to do any of the following:

• Access, upload, download, transmit, or distribute vulgar, obscene or threatening language or materials, which may also violate state or federal laws.
• Copy the work of others without giving them credit (This includes copying from websites or reference materials.)
• E-mail files or give out information on-line that was not directed by a teacher as part of a class project
• Harass or bully others through the misuse of computers or other digital tools
• Introduce a virus to the school’s computer system
• Misuse computers and/or other digital tools outside of school that substantially disrupt school operations or interfere with the rights of others
• Vandalize, damage, or disable the property of other students or property of Palos South School , which includes erasing or altering someone else’s files

Consequences may include the following:

1. Notification of parents and loss of computer use privileges
2. Other consequences according to Palos South’s discipline procedures and Board of Education policy – Section 7- Students
3. If appropriate, law enforcement agencies will be involved.

 

DETENTION POLICY

Detentions are assigned as a consequence of inappropriate behavior.  In order to assure that students take detentions seriously, any student receiving a 4^th detention in one quarter may have a parent conference.  Any student receiving a 5^th detention in one quarter will receive a school suspension.  Each succeeding detention may result in a school suspension.

 

DRESS CODE

There is a close relationship between dress and a student’s attitude toward academic achievement and personal behavior.  Students are expected to come to school clean and appropriately dressed for school work.  The primary purpose of school is teaching and learning.  Anything that disrupts the learning process will not be tolerated.

§  All clothing should be clean and appropriate for school.

§  Articles of clothing or jewelry that have pictures, labels, or symbols that the faculty deem inappropriate to the educational environment are not to be worn.

§  Bare midriffs should not be shown. The top and bottoms must meet, even while seated.

§  Headwear or outerwear may not be worn inside the building. Exceptions will be made for religious purposes.

§  Oversized clothing that may endanger student safety is not permitted.

§  Scantily clad clothing, such as backless or strapless tops, is not allowed.

§  Shorts/skirts must be mid-thigh length or longer.

§  Undergarments must be worn and covered.

 

Any child’s personal appearance which is disruptive to the educational environment will be handled on an individual basis. These guidelines are not intended to cover all of the constantly changing styles and fads.  The staff and parents will work together to encourage students to take responsibility for their appearance and to work within the guidelines set by the school.

 

If a student wears clothing deemed disruptive/distracting to the learning process, he/she may be referred to the office.  If a student is referred to the office, the student may be given the choice of calling home for additional clothing, changing into a gym uniform, or wearing a shirt provided by the office.

 

Students receiving three valid dress code referrals in one quarter may receive a detention and a detention for each succeeding dress code referral within that quarter.

 

ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

Every Palos South Middle School student will be expected to conform to behavior and academic standards in order to participate in special activities.

 

A.     ACADEMIC

A teacher may notify a parent of a student’s academic failure at any time during the course of the school year.  A teacher/student conference will be held to discuss the class grade.  Students may become ineligible for a failing grade when progress reports and/or report cards are issued.  Parents will be made aware or their student’s ineligibility prior to the ineligibility period.

 

After a one week ineligibility period, a student can regain eligibility by raising the class grade above an “F” average.  It is the student’s responsibility to submit the Re-eligibility form to the office.  Students with failing grades on quarter report cards will automatically become ineligible for the following week, after which time the student regains eligibility.  Parents will have been notified prior to this time that their student was at risk for failure.

 

B.     DISCIPLINE

Any student who is suspended from school will become ineligible for 10 school attendance days.  Any student who receives an in-school suspension will become ineligible for 5 days.  Parents will be notified by receiving copies of all referrals/ detentions and suspensions.  It will be the responsibility of the student to improve attitude and behavior in school.  Any student who does not receive any additional referrals or detentions will regain eligibility after the stated period of time.

 

WHAT DOES BEING INELIGIBLE MEAN?

 

1. SPORTS

(Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Cheerleading, Intramurals, etc.)

Students may try out for sports while they are ineligible; however, they may not practice or participate in games until they have regained eligibility.  If any student remains ineligible for longer than a four-week period, they may be dropped from the sport.

 

 

2. ACTIVITIES

(All student extracurricular activities:

Student Council, Drama Club, Choir, etc.)

Students who are ineligible will not participate in the activity until they have regained eligibility.

 

3. EVENTS

All special events are viewed as student privileges.  In order to participate, students are expected to be currently eligible and display appropriate conduct.  Students who are ineligible may not attend extracurricular events, parties, or extracurricular field trips.

 

GUM CHEWING

 

Palos South is a gum-free environment.  Any student found chewing gum will be issued a referral to the office.  The referral will result in a detention.

 

HALLWAY BEHAVIOR

 

Students are expected to move through the building in a quiet, consistent, and organized fashion.

§  Students should try to remain on the right side while moving through the halls and passing through doorways.

§  Students will stop when directed to by any staff member and must remain silent until directed to proceed.

§  Students will use the “Two Foot Rule” when walking in the hall.

§  Students may use their lockers at the discretion of the team.

 

LUNCHROOM

 

A hot lunch program is operated on a daily basis.  Students may also bring their own lunch.  Milk and drinks may be purchased on a daily basis.  Students eat lunch in the Commons.  Students are expected to use courtesy and common sense while eating lunch.  It is expected that every student will conduct himself/herself in the same manner as he/she would while dining at home or in a  restaurant.  No food or drink may leave the Commons following lunch dismissal.

 

Lunch tokens are available for purchase either in the morning or after lunch has been served. If a student comes to lunch with the intent of purchasing a token, he or she must wait until the others have been served. Lunches cannot be purchased on “credit.”

     

LUNCHROOM PROCEDURES

 

Students are expected to come to lunch and eat in a quiet and orderly manner.

§  All students are to use the “Two Foot Rule” when talking in the lunchroom. This means that a student’s voice would not project beyond two feet.

§  Students are to remain at their table unless they are throwing out their food or have permission to go somewhere.

§  All students must get a pass in order to go to the washroom or go anywhere else with teacher permission.

§  The attention signal will be given approximately five minutes before students are dismissed.  Students must then make sure that their tables are cleared off and the floor underneath the table is clean.

§  Students will then be dismissed table by table or row by row.

 

OUTSIDE ACTIVITY POLICY

 

The Palos South discipline code shall apply to any School sponsored or endorsed activity, including those held off school grounds/after school hours.

 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

 

The following items are not allowed in school nor are they allowed on the school bus:

 

§  All audio/visual devices (This includes, but is not limited to Ipods, MP3 players, etc.)

§  Chain wallets

§  Items which offend (gross or inappropriate books/items, prank items, etc.)  Items which pose a risk to safety or objects which may be harmful.

§  Laser pens

§  Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, heelies

§  Unessential items of great expense (such as     electronic games, trading cards, and toys)

 

Because of the dynamic nature of new fads and new “toys” which spring up from time to time in our society, certain specific items may be cited throughout the year.  Some items may require parent retrieval only.  Items not retrieved will be disposed of after July 1 of each year.

 

 

SEXUAL AND OTHER FORMS OF HARASSMENT

 

The Board of Education recognizes that a student has the right to learn in an environment untainted by sexual or other forms of harassment or discrimination. Offensive conduct, which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with learning performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, discriminatory, or offensive, learning environment disrupts the educational process and impedes the legitimate pedagogical concerns of the District.

 

Sexual harassment includes all unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical contacts of a sexual nature. Other prohibited conduct includes that which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, discriminatory, or offensive learning environment on the basis of gender, religion, race, color, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status.

 

The harassment by a student of a fellow student or a staff member of this District is strictly forbidden. Any student who is found to have harassed a staff member or student will be subject to disciplinary intervention up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.

 

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT PROHIBITED

 

Any conduct of a sexual nature by any person directed towards another person, including a district employee or student when 1) such conduct has the obvious result of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment for the student, or 2) such conduct is continued by the person after a request to stop has been made because it is intimidating, hostile, or offensive. The allegation that one student was sexually harassed by another student shall be referred to Administration for appropriate action.

 

Sexual harassment prohibited by this policy includes verbal or physical conduct. The terms intimidating, hostile, or offensive as used above include conduct, which has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples include