OVERVIEW

At Palos 118, we expect that honesty, respect and responsibility are character traits students exhibit on a daily basis.  As a school community, we are committed to meeting the social and emotional needs of our students.  We anticipate that from time to time, students may make poor decisions that result in school administered consequences. 

The intent of this plan is to provide a clear understanding of:

• Behavioral interventions and other appropriate supports available to students;
• Student behavior that is prohibited; and
• Consequences that may be applied in response to prohibited conduct.

Parents and students should review this plan together with Board of Education policies 7:70 Attendance and Truancy; 7:140 Search and Seizure; 7:180 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment; 7:200 Suspension Procedures; 7:210 Expulsion Procedures; 7:220 Bus Conduct; 7:160 Student Appearance; 7:240 Conduct Code for Participation in Extra-Curricular Activities; 7:190 Student Discipline; 7:310 Restrictions on Publications and Written or Electronic Material; 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:230 Misconduct by Students with Disabilities; 5:120 Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

This student behavior plan was developed keeping the following goals and objectives in mind.

• Ensuring the safety and dignity of students and staff.
• Maintaining a positive and safe learning environment.
• Keeping school property and the property of others secure.
• Addressing the root causes of a student’s behavior.
• Teaching students positive behavior skills.

WHEN AND WHERE PLAN APPLIES

This plan applies to student conduct reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:

• On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours at any time whether you are learning in-person or remotely;
• Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship with school;
• Traveling to or from school or a school related activity, function, or event; or
• Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including, but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempt to intimidate a staff member or endanger the health or safety of students, staff or school property.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

Students are required to demonstrate honesty, respect and responsibility at all times.  Engaging in student behavior, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempt to intimidate a staff member or endanger the health or safety of students, staff or school property is prohibited.

District Wide Expectations

These expectations apply to all students in every school setting.

• Students will keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.
• Students will show respect to staff and fellow classmates at all times.
• Students will use appropriate language for school.

• Students will use a voice level that is not disruptive to others.

Area-Specific Expectations

Bathrooms –

• Students are expected to:
• Respect the privacy of others.
• Keep the restroom clean and free of damage.
• Demonstrate proper hygiene.
• Return to class promptly after use.

Hallways –

In order to ensure the safety of our students and staff, students will:

• Stay to the right during passing periods. (unless otherwise directed)
• Walk directly to the next assigned location without running or stopping.

• Collect all necessary materials from their lockers or cubbies before moving directly onto the next location.
• Keep their lockers or cubbies organized.
• Keep the hallway free of clutter.

 

School Issued Device Expectations –

Students are expected to:

• Bring device to school charged each day in school issued case.
• Use only when directed by teacher.
• Use only for school related tasks.
• Create a positive digital footprint.

 

Classrooms

Each teacher shall establish classroom procedures that promote positive student behavior consistent with this plan.  Students are to arrive to class on time. 

School Buses & Bus Stops

Student behavior expectations on school buses are the same as they are within the school building. Exceptions specific to school buses are below.

• Students must ride the bus assigned to them, sit in their assigned area, and board and depart the bus at their assigned stop.
• Students must obey the instructions of the bus driver.
• Students are to remain seated quietly and face forward.
• Students must always keep the aisle clear.
• Students will not consume food items while riding the bus. 
• Students can consume water if needed. No other beverages are allowed.
• Glass containers, sharp objects, or dangerous items are prohibited on the bus.
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• School issued electronic devices and cell phones are allowed on the bus until they present a safety problem for the driver. Examples of safety problems include but are not limited to: students passing the phones back and forth, loud boisterous behavior from the students while using the cell phone, taking or sharing pictures or videos. Cameras and any other devices that may disturb or distract the driver or students are not to be used on the bus.
• All electronic devices must have headphones or be placed on mute when in use. External noise from any device is not allowed on the school bus. Students must be able to hear instructions from the driver. Misuse of electronic devices may result in confiscation of devices or loss of privilege to use device on school bus.
• Students are to stay to the side of the road and wait until the bus stops. Safe and proper boarding and departing procedures should be used.
• Students should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing to exit the bus while observing 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. 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

Disciplinary Measures

The superintendent, principal, and assistant principal shall have the authority to suspend pupils from riding the school bus for gross disobedience or misconduct while on the school bus or take any such 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.

First Referral

The rules relating to bus behavior will be reviewed during a conference between appropriate administrator and student. Parents may be notified of the violation by letter and/or phone call. A written record will be kept of the referral and succeeding referrals. Disciplinary action is at the appropriate school administrator's discretion.

Second Referral

A student may be suspended from riding the bus for a period to be determined by the nature of the referral. Parents will be notified accordingly. Such suspension from riding the bus generally shall be up to a maximum of five days.

Third & Subsequent Referrals

A student may be suspended from riding the bus for up to one month. Parents shall be notified accordingly.

Co-curricular/Extra-curricular/Athletic Activities

Student behavior expectations during co-curricular, extra-curricular and athletic activities, including field trips are the same as during the school day.

Each athletic coach and activity advisor shall establish procedures that promote positive student behavior consistent with this plan. 

• Students must be receiving a C or better in each class, in order to be eligible to participate in these activities. The club supervisor, coach, and administration will determine if/when the student will be ineligible to participate.
• 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.
• Students who receive an in-school suspension will become ineligible for extra-curricular sports and clubs for 5 school attendance days.  Any student who receives an out of school suspension will become ineligible for 10 school attendance days and may be removed from the team. 
• Students that continuously engage in prohibited behaviors may be ineligible to participate in these activities.  This determination will be made by the coach(es) along with administration.
• Students may modify their athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion, cultural values or modesty preferences.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Pursuant to Board Policy 7:160 Student dress and hygiene must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. 

Any student’s personal appearance which is disruptive to the educational environment will be handled on an individual basis by school administration. 

• Student must wear visible tops, visible bottoms, and shoes.
• Clothes must be worn in a way that private body parts and bare midriffs are fully covered with opaque (non-transparent) material.
• All undergarments must be covered by outer wear.
• Headwear (covering the majority of the head) or outerwear may not be worn inside the building. Exceptions will be made for religious, cultural, and medical purposes.  
• Attire or accessories that directly, by innuendo, or look-alike promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, pornography, profanity, violence, gangs, weapons, or hate speech may not be worn at school.  Hate speech includes any form of expression through which speakers vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, immigrant status, national origin or any other group or class of persons listed in Board Policy 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited.
• Any other attire administration deems disruptive to the educational environment.

LEVELS OF SUPPORT FOR BEHAVIOR

Palos 118 prides itself on its positive approach to promoting appropriate student behavior.  Our Schoools use a tiered system of behavioral supports, aligned with our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, to ensure that every student receives the level of guidance they need to be successful. PBIS establishes consistent school‑wide expectations and emphasizes teaching, modeling, and recognizing positive behaviors. Students are praised and rewarded for demonstrating honesty, respect, and responsibility, and celebrations are used to reinforce these expectations. While PBIS focuses on encouragement and positive reinforcement, consequences may still be used when expectations are not met.

Behavioral support is provided through a tiered system to ensure that every student receives the level of support they need to be successful.  These supports are in place to both encourage appropriate behavior or to correct inappropriate behavior on a case-by-case basis.  Supports may shift throughout the year based on student needs and ongoing review of data by teachers, social workers, and administrators. Families will be notified whenever a student begins receiving Level 2 or Level 3 support. All supports and interventions apply for both in-person and remote learners.

Tier 1 – All Students

Tier 1 supports are incorporated into the daily curriculum by teaching students about appropriate behavior and providing positive feedback and/or incentives for students demonstrating honesty, respect and responsibility.

Tierl 2 – Small Groups

Tier 2 interventions are targeted supports focusing more on small group interventions that address specific topics students are facing.

Tier 3 – Individual Students

Tier 3 interventions are the most intensive supports provided to students and focus on individual students and their specific needs.

LEVELS OF SUPPORT

Tier Level	Description	Interventions & Supports
Tier 1 – Core Instruction (All Students)	Universal supports provided to every student.	• Schoolwide/Class Expectations • Class/Grade-Level Meetings • Cool Tools • Common Sense Media Lessons • Playground Expectations • Cardinal Cards/Cash/Coins • Respect, Responsibility & Honesty PBIS Traits • Safety‑A‑Rama (Personal, Physical, Bus Safety) • 5th Grade Helpers • PBIS Celebrations (Activity Days) • Bullying Prevention • Team/Grade-Level Incentives • Classroom Behavior Systems • Virtual Social Worker Resources • Student/Teacher Conference • Parent‑Teacher Conference • District Anonymous Bullying Reporting • Safe2Help Illinois Reporting System • Alternative Learning Environment/Break • Social/Emotional Curriculum
Tier 2 – Small Group Intervention (Targeted Students)	Targeted supports for students needing additional help.	• Student Mentoring • Incentive Charts • Behavior Contracts • Attendance Check‑In • Social Work Group Curriculum • Check‑In Check‑Out (CICO) • Peer Mediation • Social/Emotional Counseling Groups • Social/Emotional Intervention Curriculum • Zones of Regulation (Small Group)
Tier 3 – Intensive Instruction (Individualized Supports)	Individualized, intensive supports for students with significant needs.	• Individual Behavior Plans • Attendance Behavior Plans • Daily Point Sheets • Pull‑Out Social Work • Check‑In Check‑Out (CICO) • Mentoring • Behavior Conference • Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) • Social Developmental Study • Community Resources (External Supports)

 

LEVELS OF CONSEQUENCES

We anticipate that from time to time, students will make poor decisions that require teachers and/or school administrators to assign consequences to inappropriate behavior that is prohibited under Board policy and/or the behavior expectations outlined in the Behavior Plan.  Palos 118 utilizes progressive discipline which is an approach that uses incremental interventions and consequences to address inappropriate student behavior and focuses on teaching appropriate social skills to prevent recurrence. Consequences increase based on the severity and frequency of behavior, age, and special education needs. The Levels of Consequences outlined below, guide teachers and administrators in assigning consequences.  This is only a guide.  Administrators retain the right to assign a lower or higher level of consequence based on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual event.

Certain acts of gross disobedience or misconduct may result in the most serious level of consequence, a student’s expulsion from school.

Weapons

Pursuant to Board Policy 7:190, a student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of at least one calendar year but not more than 2 calendar years:

1. A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, or weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921), firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILSC 65/), or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (720 ILCS 5/24-1).
2. A knife, pocket knife, brass knuckles, or other knuckle weapons regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including “look alikes” of any firearm as described above.

Harassment

Pursuant to Board Policy 7:20, every District employee, agent and student has the right to learn without encountering unwanted verbal and physical contact-to be treated respectfully without sexually harassing language and or conduct that impacts the ability to learn. 

Reporting Harassment and/or Bullying

Reports of harassment or bullying can be directed to the school district’s complaint managers or any adult the student is comfortable speaking with.  Additionally, anonymous bullying reporting is available to all parents of Palos School District 118 via our website at www.palos118.org/bullying.

Complaint Managers

Mr. Rob Szklanecki                                                        Mrs. Terri Dodds

Director of Teaching & Learning                             Assistant Director of Student Services
708-448-4800                                                                  708-448-4800

Notification to Juvenile Authorities or Other Law Enforcement

Certain acts of gross disobedience or misconduct as well as emotionally damaging situations may result in notification to juvenile authorities or other law enforcement agencies, including the possession of a weapon as described above, and other criminal activity, including but not limited to, illegal drugs (controlled substances) and alcohol. Pursuant to Board Policy 7:190, the Building Principal or designee shall immediately notify the local law enforcement if he or she: (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on school grounds, becomes aware of any person in possession of a firearm on school grounds, or becomes aware of any threat of gun violence on school grounds; however, such action may be delayed if immediate notice would endanger students under his or her supervision, (2) observes or has reason to suspect that any person on school grounds is or was involved in a drug-related incident, or (3) observes a battery committed against any staff member. 

LEVEL I – Classroom Intervention (Teacher Initiated)

• Warning
• Letter of Apology
• Loss of Class Privileges
• Seat Change
• Teacher Conference with Student
• Teacher Contact with Parent
• Mentoring
• Reinforcement of Appropriate Behavior
• Detention
• Behavior Contract
• Confiscation of Items
• Conflict Resolution
• Peer Mediation
• Written Reflection

 

LEVEL 2 – Office Referral Required

• All Level 1 Consequences
• Parent/Guardian Contact by Administrator
• Parent/Guardian Conference with Administrator
• Office Detention
• Bus Suspension
• In-School Suspension (1-3 Days)
• Out of School Suspension (1-3 Days)
• Loss of Privileges including Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
• Confiscation of Property
• Community Service
• Payment of Restitution (Vandalism)

 

LEVEL 3- Office Referral Required (Building and District Consultation)

• In-School Suspension (More Than 3 Days)
• Out of School Suspension (Up to 4 Days)
• Suspension of Computer Privileges
• Referral to Community Service Program

 

LEVEL 4 - Office Referral Required (Building and District Consultation)

• Out of School Suspension (More than 4 days)
• Alternative School Placement
• Expulsion

Consequences for Grades K-8
Offense/Violation	Description	1	2	3	4
Absence/Truancy *Referred to County Truancy Officer after 10 days	Section 26-2a of the School Code defines "chronic or habitual truant” as a student who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days (9 days within the previous school days). Section 26-2a of the School Code lists the following as “valid cause:” 1. Illness 2. Observance of religious holiday 3. Death in the immediate family 4. Family emergency 5. Other circumstances outside of the student’s control as identified by the board of education in each district 6. Other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for the safety or health of the student.	X	X
Academic Dishonesty	Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards, inappropriate use of AI or prohibited personal devices and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.	X	X
Aggressive Behavior	Behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student.  Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using an electronic device, or other comparable conduct.		X	X	X
Ammunition	A projectile that can be fired from a firearm or otherwise propelled such as a bullet, arrow, pellet, etc.  Any other object which by virtue of its shape or design give the appearance of any of the objects listed above.			X	X
Arson/Fire	Attempting to, aiding in, or setting any fire on school property.  This includes unauthorized possession of a flammable liquid or materials with the intent to set fire.			X	X
Bomb Threat	Making threats or providing false information concerning the presence of explosive material or devices on school property without cause, whether in writing, electronically, in person, or by phone.			X	X
Bullying	Bullying includes cyber-bullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct including, communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property; Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health; Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the school.		X	X	X

 

Consequences for Grades K-8
Offense/Violation	Description	1	2	3	4
Destruction of Property/ Vandalism	Acts that cause damage to school, student, or staff property.		X	X	X
Dishonesty	Being untruthful; deceitful	X	X
Disobeying Directives from Staff Members or School Officials	Disobeying directives from staff members or school officials.  Examples of disobeying staff directives include but are not limited to refusing a staff member’s request to stop, present school identification, or submit to a reasonable search as outlined in Board Policy 7:140.	X	X
Disobeying Rules of Student Conduct	Disobeying rules of student conduct as outlined in Board Policy 7:190.	X	X
Disrespect Towards Others	Doing or saying something that shows a lack of respect toward a person including inappropriate comments or physical gestures to others.	X	X
Disruption of Classroom/School	Engaging in any activity, on or off campus that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function.	X	X	X
Dress Code	Appropriate attire as defined in this behavior plan.  Student dress that distracts from or interferes with the educational process is prohibited.	X	X
Eating Food or Gum Chewing Without Permission	Eating snacks, meals, or chewing gum at a time or place where it is not allowed.	X
Electronic Device Misuse – School Issued Device	Violating the policies and procedures for use of a school issued electronic device as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook and engaging in activity that is expressly prohibited under the Acceptable Use Policy 6:235.	X	X	X
Electronic Device Misuse – Personal Electronic Device	The use of personal electronic devices including but not limited to cell phone, smart watch, or non-school issued device, is prohibited during the school day unless otherwise authorized by a school official.  When authorized, personal electronic devices are to be used solely in the manner outlined by a school official.  The misuse of a personal electronic device will result in confiscation of the device.  Parents may be required to visit the school to pick up the device.	X	X	X
Extortion/Strong Arming/Blackmail	The process of obtaining property from another with or without that person’s consent by wrongful use of force, fears, and threats.		X	X	X
False Alarms	In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (such as 911); signaling or setting off alarms or signals indicating the presence of an emergency; or indicating the presence of a bomb or explosive device on school grounds, school bus, or at any school activity.		X	X
False Information/ Accusations	Saying something untrue about a person or situation.	X	X
Failure to Serve Detention	Not showing up for scheduled detention assigned by teacher or administrator.		X

 

Consequences for Grades K-8
Offense/Violation	Description	1	2	3	4
Fighting	An incident involving two or more students with inappropriate and unsolicited physical contact, such as hitting, kicking or punching.		X	X	X
Fireworks/ Explosives	The possession and/or use of fireworks and explosives on school property is prohibited.			X	X
Gambling	Wagering money or property.		X	X
Harassment	A behavior continuing over a period of time that makes a person feel uncomfortable or unsafe.  Continuous name calling, use of derogatory slurs, sexual violence, psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice and other prohibited acts as outlined in Board Policy 7:20.		X	X	X
Hazing	Any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a group regardless of their willingness to participate.		X	X	X
Inappropriate Behavior	Acting in a way that is not respectful, safe, or suitable for school. This can include actions, words, or choices that disrupt learning, make others uncomfortable, or break school expectations.	X	X	X
Inappropriate Language	Using vulgar or abusive spoken or written language.	X	X	X
Inappropriate Physical Contact	Physical action against another including but not limited to deliberate hitting, pushing, poking, shoving, kicking, pinching, tripping, biting, spitting, punching, scratching another person or any other inappropriate touching.	X	X	X
Inciting or Participating in a School Disturbance	Causing or participating in the mass disruption of the educational environment.		X	X	X
Intimidation	A behavior continuing over a period of time that makes a person feel uncomfortable or unsafe.  See Harassment.		X	X
Involvement in a Gang or Gang Activity	Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia is prohibited.		X	X	X
Littering	Leaving trash on the ground or in places where it does not belong.	X	X
Possession of Matches/Lighters	Having items like matches or lighters at school, even if they are not being used.		X	X
Public Display of Affection	An act of physical intimacy in view of others, i.e., holding hands, kissing, etc.	X	X
Running in Hallways	Moving quickly through school hallways instead of walking safely.	X	X
Stealing/Theft	Taking or obtaining the property of another person or institution without permission or knowledge of the owner.		X	X	X
Tardiness	Arriving to school or class late.		X
Threats	A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone.		X	X	X

 

Consequences for Grades K-8
Offense/Violation	Description		1	2	3	4
Unprepared for Class	Arriving for class unprepared to take part in educational activities including but not limited to intentionally refusing to complete homework assignments, refusing to bring appropriate supplies, or failing to ensure a school issued electronic device is charged and in good working order.		X
Weapons	Bringing weapon on school property as defined by Board Policy 7:190.					X
Alcohol	Alcoholic beverages as defined in Board Policy 7:190.	Possession			X	X
		Consumption			X	X
		Distribution			X	X
		Intent to Distribute			X	X
Tobacco/Nicotine/E Cigarettes	Tobacco, nicotine materials, E Cigarettes and any other products as defined in Board Policy 7:190.	Possession			X	X
		Consumption			X	X
		Distribution			X	X
		Intent to Distribute			X	X
Illegal Drugs or Controlled Substances	Any illegal drug or controlled substances including “look alike” or counterfeit drugs and drug paraphernalia as defined in Board Policy 7:190.	Possession			X	X
		Consumption			X	X
		Distribution			X	X
		Intent to Distribute			X	X
Other Prohibited Substances	Other Prohibited Substances Outlined in Board Policy 7:190	Possession			X	X
		Consumption			X	X
		Distribution			X	X
		Intent to Distribute			X	X
Leaving without Permission	Leaving a classroom, other assigned area or school grounds without permission of a school official during regular school hours or during school related activities is prohibited.	Area	X	X
		Class	X	X
		School Grounds		X	X
Laser Pointer	The possession and use of a laser pointer on school property is prohibited.	Possession	X	X
		Use	X	X
Making a Threat on an Internet Website	Making an explicit threat against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if: 1.   The threat that was made was on a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made. 2.   The threat was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made. 3.   The threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school. 4.   The threat causes a disruption to the school day.	Against an Employee		X	X	X
		Against a Student		X	X	X
		Against School Related Personnel		X	X	X

 

 

Re-Engagement Plans for Returning Students

A re-engagement plan will be developed for all students returning from a multi-day out-of-school suspension, expulsion or alternative school placement to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusionary discipline.

Re-engagement plan provisions will include but are not limited to:

• Student meeting with social worker and/or administrator upon return;
• Mandatory parent conference
   

Re-engagement plan provisions may include:

• Completion of a threat assessment; and/or
• Development of a behavioral plan
• Safety Plan

 Make Up Work

Pursuant to Board Policy 7:190, students who have been suspended will be given the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit within the same number of days the student was excluded from school if assignments were not provided prior to the student’s exclusion.  If assignments were provided prior to the student’s exclusion, they are due the day the student returns unless otherwise specified by an administrator or teacher. 

Appropriate and Available Support Services

Students excluded from school for 5 or more days will be provided appropriate and available support services if such services exist, including but not limited to, referrals to non-district sponsored community support services.

Notification Regarding Student Accounts or Profiles on Social Networking Websites

School officials may not request or require a student or his or her parent/guardian to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website.  School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy.  In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.

Electronic Recordings in Schools and on School Buses

Electronic cameras and audio recordings are used on school buses.  Security cameras are used in all school buildings and district facilities.  These devices are used to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.  Notice of electronic recordings and cameras are posted on buses and school buildings.  Students are prohibited from tampering with electronic recording devices.  Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with the board’s discipline policy and may be required to reimburse the school district for any necessary repairs or replacement.

Electronic recordings made on school buses or within school buildings with school district recording devices are confidential and may be reviewed, listened to, or used only by school officials, their designees, and law enforcement professionals for investigations, school disciplinary actions or hearings, proceedings under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and criminal prosecutions related to incidents occurring in and around the school bus or school building.

The content of an electronic recording made on a school bus or within a school building with school district recording devices may become part of a student’s school record to the extent school officials use and maintain the content for a particular reason regarding that specific student.  Electronic recordings that become part of a student’s school record shall not be a public record.

School Property

Pursuant to Board Policy 7:140, school authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as lockers, desks, school-issued devices, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student.  Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there.