CENTRAL SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2009-10

The Central School staff welcomes you. It is our hope that this school year will be successful and educationally profitable for the students, parents, and teachers.

There is always a welcome sign out for parents to visit our school. We are proud of our school and would like to have you see what your child is learning. If your child has any problems at school or you have questions, please feel free to contact your child's teacher to arrange for a conference.

We hope you will find this handbook useful.

SCHOOL ADDRESS & PHONE

444 North 8^th Street

562-8251 / Fax: 562-5993

SCHOOL NAME & COLORS

Central School Cougars - blue and gold

FACULTY

Principal Mrs. Kisner

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The purpose of the PTO is to promote better understanding between home and school and to improve and aid learning for students. Every parent with students attending the Central School is a member of the PTO. There are no dues. Programs or activities are announced in advance. The meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the teacher's lounge.

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Breakfast will be served from 8-8:20 each morning. Students need to sign up the previous day in their classroom. Costs for the breakfast are as follows:

approved reduced breakfast 30 cents

fully paid student breakfast 85 cents

milk only 25 cents

LUNCH PROGRAM

Pupils are served a Type A lunch for $1.35. Milk may be purchased daily for children bringing a sack lunch for 25 cents per carton. Lunch tickets, good for five lunches, may be purchased in the office for $6.75. The district offers a free or reduced price lunch for those students who qualify. Students are expected to eat at home or school.

SCHOOL CROSSINGS

School staff members are on duty to provide safety for our children. There are four crossings:

8^th Street & 5^th Avenue

8^th Street & 4^th Avenue

9^th Street & 5^th Avenue

9^th Street & 4^th Avenue

Staff members will be on duty at the following times: 8:00 - 8:20 AM and 2:55 - 3:10

PM. Please instruct students to take the safest route to school and to obey the safety rules.

ALL visitors must sign in with the secretary in the Central Office.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RULES & REGULATIONS

This handbook is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student: rather it is intended to describe the school, its current practices, procedures, rules, and code of conduct. Membership or participation in a school-sanctioned activity is a privilege and not a property right.

The discipline committee, composed of parents and administrators, has developed specific rules students must follow to have an atmosphere where students can learn. It is important that everyone is aware of these rules so all concerned know exactly what behavior is expected.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL - School begins at 8:25 AM and dismissed at 2:55 PM. Students ARE NOT to arrive before 8:00 AM unless brought by bus or requested by a teacher. Students are not to leave the school grounds without permission.

ABSENCES - Parents must call the school office when their child is going to be absent from school. Please call the office between 8 - 8:30 AM. A student returning to school after an absence need not present a note if the parent has contacted the school by phone. A pupil who requests permission to leave school because of illness must check with the office or the school nurse. Students will be allowed to go home only if parents or designated contact are notified, agree, and arrange transportation. Whenever you find it necessary to come to school to pick up one or more of your children, please communicate with the personnel in the school office. It is necessary for our personnel to maintain a record of such dismissals including the signature of the adult who takes the child. Parents should expect that work missed during a planned or unplanned absence is to be made up upon return to school.

ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

In order for a student's absence to be considered "excused", a parent or other adult must contact and notify the school of the absence, either in advance or by calling in the morning of the absence before 9:00 a.m. The absence can still be considered "excused" if the school calls on the day of an unreported absence, and is then able to verify the reason for the absence, otherwise the absence will be considered "unexcused". It is possible that an absence could also be "unexcused" if the reason given is not considered valid by the principal. All tardies are automatically considered "unexcused" unless the parent notifies the school of a valid reason for the student being late. Letters will be sent home periodically for those students who are chronically tardy.

The Illinois State Board of Education utilizes the following guidelines in determining the student attendance portion of the General State Aid Claim for schools.

A kindergarten or first grade student must be in attendance for 240+ instructional minutes to qualify for a full day attendance, 120-239 instructional minutes equal ½ day attendance and anything 119 instructional minutes or less, is a full day absence.

Grades 2-5 require 300+ instructional minutes for a full day attendance, 150-299 instructional minutes equal ½ day attendance and anything 149 or less instructional minutes is a full day absence. Instructional minutes do not include lunch, recess or passing time between classes.

Student absences cause your child to miss valuable educational instruction and experiences and cost your school district dollars through a loss of state aid. Please support your child and your school through your child's attendance at school.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Tardy Policy-Three unexcused tardies equal one (1) unexcused absence. Students with excessive tardies or absences may be referred to the Lee/Ogle Regional Office of Education LODIS Truancy Intervention/Prevention Program for assistance.

Medical Excuse - After ten (10) absences per school year, to excuse each absence thereafter, a physician's note stating specific medical reasons for the student's absence will be required within 24 hours of the student's return to school. While seeking a medical excuse, the student's parent or guardian must still comply with absence notification procedures. Should a parent or guardian choose not to secure a medical excuse, the absence will be considered unexcused. Medical notes must state specific days that a student is excused from school and be signed by a physician.

Vacation Policy - Family trips/vacations will be excused for a maximum of five (5) days per school year. More than five (5) days will be considered unexcused. Notification of family trips must be made at least ten (10) days in advance. If possible, all family trips should be planned so students will not miss school. If not possible, this policy goes into effect.

Referral - A referral may be made to the Lee/Ogle Regional Office of Education LODIS Truancy Intervention/Prevention Program after five (5) unexcused absences during the previous 180 days of school attendance.

Excused absences according to the Illinois School Code

Section 26-2a of the Illinois School Code, considers the following circumstances to be valid causes for a student's absence:

- Significant illness

- Family emergency

- Observance of a religious holiday

- Death in the immediate family

- Circumstances which cause the parent concern for the safety or health of their child

The school principal has the right to determine what constitutes an excused absence.

Unexcused absences for failure to call

Any full-day or partial day absence which is not called in by a parent within two (2) hours of

the beginning of the school day shall for the reasons identified as "excused absences" will be termed

"unexcused". A parent's call does not make the absence excused if the reason for the absence is not excusable (e.g., shopping, sleep, hunting, babysitting, car problems, etc.)

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES:

1. Students will walk quietly and be courteous at all times.

2. Students will obey all building personnel.

3. Students will respect school and personal property.

4. Students will use lavatory facilities properly.

5. Students will carry playground equipment in the halls.

6. No gum or candy is allowed - except for parties.

7. No skateboards, skates, wheelies, electronic devices or objects deemed dangerous by school officials will be allowed.

8. No clothing advertising alcoholic or tobacco products, with inappropriate language, or promoting gangs will be allowed.

9 Students may not use or possess electronic paging devices or two-way radios on school property at any time, unless the Building Principal specifically grants permission.

LUNCHROOM RULES:

1. Students will sit and eat at assigned tables in the lunchroom.

2. Students will eat their own lunch.

3. Students will use proper manners and be courteous at all times.

4. Students will clean up their area and put waste and plasticware in the proper places.

5. Students will remain in the lunchroom until dismissed by the lunchroom supervisor.

6. Students, when dismissed, will walk directly to assigned area.

PLAYGROUND & GYM RULES:

1. Students will use equipment properly.

2. Students will not play rough games (such as wrestling, tackling).

3. Students will not stand on the slide or swings, nor will there be more people on a swing than it is designed for.

4. Students will not ride on the shoulders or backs of other people.

5. Students will not fight.

6. Students will not throw balls against the building except in specified areas.

7. Students will not throw snowballs on school property at any time.

8. Students will wear boots during times when mud or snow are evident.

9. Students will not enter the building with snow or mud-packed boots or shoes.

10. Students will not use hard balls or bats, unless directly supervised by a teacher or

supervisor.

CONSEQUENCES

1. Supervisor, patrol, teacher, or other authority should report student and violation, in writing, to the principal.

2. First violation - principal will record violation, talk to student to make certain he/she is informed of the rules and inform the classroom teacher.

3. Second violation - principal will record violation, inform classroom teacher, contact parent by phone or letter and student will be removed from problem area for a time determined by the principal and teacher.

4. Third violation - parents will be called for conference and disciplinary action will be decided by parents, teacher, and principal. Student may be present for all or part of conference.

5. Chronic violation could result in consequences for serious infractions, including in-school or out-of-school suspensions.

SCHOOL SUSPENSION & EXPULSION

A student my be suspended by the administration or expelled by the Board of Education if his/her conduct is unbecoming a student. Examples, but not all inclusive, are as follows:

• Destroying school property

• Disobeying general rules as outlined in handbook

• Being discourteous and disobedient to school personnel

• Using profanity, derogatory language, gestures or threats toward a District #231 staff member

• Using obscene language in classrooms, halls or at any school function

• Pulling a false fire alarm

• Fighting

• Possession of or being under the influence of drug paraphernalia, look-a-like drugs/alcohol, alcohol or illegal drugs

• Possession of weapons or "look-a-like" weapons

• Possession of or use of tobacco products on school grounds

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. IF EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THE RULES AND FOLLOWS THEM, IT WILL MAKE YOUR SCHOOL A BETTER PLACE TO LEARN. THE SCHOOLS WILL ALWAYS TAKE SERIOUSLY ANY THREATS OF VIOLENCE TOWARD THE SCHOOL, STUDENTS OR EMPLOYEES.

PLEASE REPORT SUCH THREATS TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. IN ADDITION, THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE HAS A HOTLINE FOR ANONYMOUSLY REPORTING THE POSSIBILITY OF VIOLENCE AGAINST STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS. THE TOLL FREE NUMBER IS 1-800-477-0024.

RIDING BICYCLES TO SCHOOL

Children in grades 3 through 5 may ride bicycles to school. All bicycles will be WALKED by riders when entering and leaving school grounds and bicycles will not be ridden on sidewalks. Bicycles should be locked in the bike rack while on the school grounds and will be parked until school is dismissed at noon or afternoon, when the owner needs it to ride home. The school cannot be responsible for loss or damage to bicycles ridden to school.

BOOK FEES & FINES

Fees for book rentals, workbooks and supplies are due the day of pupil registration. Damaged or lost books will result in a fine to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the book. This amount is determined by the school principal and is to be paid by the student before report cards are issued.

Students shall not be denied educational services or academic credit due to the inability of parent(s)/guardian(s) to pay fees and charges. Students whose parents are unable to afford student fees may receive a waiver of fees, including lock rental and physical education towel rental charges. However, these students are not exempt from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials, supplies, and equipment. Applications for fee waivers may be submitted by a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) who have been assessed a fee on an application form available from the building principal.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Telephone calls should be made by pupils only in case of an emergency. Pupils must have a phone pass from their home room teacher to use the phone. Phone calls by pupils may not be made during the hours of 8:00 - 8:30 AM or 2:45 - 3:15 PM. The telephone lines need to be kept open during these times for incoming calls.

EDUCATIONAL SCREENINGS

"Response to Intervention" is the problem-solving process through which school personnel examine and provide for the individual learning needs of students. As part of this process, all students receive a universal screening of reading & math skills.

After this screening, a classroom teacher may realize there is an area of concern affecting a student's progress. The teacher creates an intervention plan intended to improve the student's performance. There are a variety of methods a teacher may choose to accomplish this result.

If the student continues to have difficulty, the classroom teacher meets with other staff to discuss the child's needs, consider other interventions, and outline a method to carefully monitor the student's progress. This team - often referred to as the "Intervention Team" - uses the insight and expertise of several different school staff members.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The District shall provide a free appropriate public education and necessary related services to all children with disabilities residing within the District as required under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA") and implementing provisions of The School Code, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of l973, and the Americans With Disabilities Act.

It is the intent of the District to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of l973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA.

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION EVALUATION

As part of the district responsibility for Special Education Child Find, the district requires all requests for special education evaluations be put in writing and addressed to the building principal where your child attends.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION POLICY

It is the purpose of this policy to comply with P.A. 89-191 of The School Code on the use of

behavioral interventions for students with disabilities.

The Rochelle Elementary School District recognizes that appropriate interventions are necessary for all students, disabled or non-disabled, whose behavior is not acceptable, and that administrators, teachers and other school personnel who work with students with disabilities require training and guidance in the sue of behavioral interventions. A goal of this policy and procedures (hereafter collectively, "Policy") is to make available training and guidance to administrators and teachers of students with disabilities who require behavioral intervention, that provides ways for working successfully with said students, in order to provide an environment in which said students can learn. The policy recognizes that the use of positive or non-aversive interventions is generally most consistent with the educational goals fo promoting students' academic, social and personal growth. Therefore, non-aversive or positive desirable interventions designed to develop and strengthen desirable behaviors should be used to the extent possible and are generally preferable to the use of aversive or more restrictive procedures. While positive approaches alone may not always succeed in controlling inappropriate behavior, the use of more restrictive procedures may be necessary and should be utilized as provided in the Policy.

ACCOMMODATING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Individuals with disabilities shall be provided an opportunity to participate in all school sponsored services, programs, or activities on an equal basis to those without disabilities and will not be subject to illegal discrimination. Where necessary, the District may provide to persons with disabilities separate or different aids, benefits, or services from, but as effective as, those provided to others.

Individuals with disabilities should notify the building principal if they have a disability which will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far as possible before the school sponsored function, program, or meeting.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Equal educational opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, ethnicity, language barrier, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, economic and social conditions, or actual or potential marital or parental status. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure.

SEX EQUITY

No student shall, on the basis of sex, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities. Any student may file a sex equity complaint by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the School Board's resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent of Schools (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10 of The School Code) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8 of The School Code.

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE SERVICES

A school counselor is available to help students in many ways including providing academic, social, or emotional support. Whole class guidance activities, small groups as well as individual counseling sessions, are provided. The school office is happy to make appointments for students or parents with the counselor.

2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Monday, Aug. 18 Workshop day #1- No School

Tuesday, Aug. 19 AM Session Day

Wed.- Fri. Aug. 20,21,22 Early dismissals - 2 PM grades K-5

2:13 PM RMS

Monday, Sept. 1 No School - Labor Day

Friday, Oct. 10 Workshop day #2 - No School

Monday, Oct. 13 No School - Columbus Day

Friday, Oct. 17 No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences

Thursday & Friday, Nov. 27 & 28 No School - Thanksgiving Recess

Monday, Dec. 22 - Friday, Jan. 2 No School - Winter Recess

Monday, Feb. 16 No School - President's Day

Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27 No School - Spring Recess

Friday, April 10 & Monday, April 13 No School - Special Holiday (Good Friday & Easter)

Monday, May 25 No School - Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27 Workshop day #3-No school

May 28, 29, and June 1,2, 3 School emergency days

HEALTH SERVICE INFORMATION

SCHOOL NURSE/HEALTH AIDE - The school nurse or health aide is at our school daily. In the event of an emergency, if the school nurse is not in the building, she can be called to the school to help the health aide.

PHYSICAL & DENTAL EXAMS - According to Illinois State Law, all students entering kindergarten and sixth grade or any student transferring into our school district must present evidence of a physical, including a complete immunization record. Students who do not fulfill this requirement will not be allowed to remain in school. A dental examination is required at kindergarten and second grade.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES - All new students enrolling in District #231 for the first time are required to provide a certified copy of their birth certificate. Hospital certificates are not acceptable. An acceptable birth certificate is one with a seal and number issued by the county seat office from the county in which the child was born. The schools are required to notify the state police of non-compliance.

ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS -Teachers and other non-administrative school employees, except certified school nurses, shall not be required to administer medication to students. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for administering medication to their children. 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. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

The school board recognizes, however, that occasionally a medication must be administered during the school day. When a medication must be administered during the school day, a certified school nurse, if available, shall administer the medication, upon receiving a written note from the doctor and written permission from the parent. If a certified school nurse is unavailable, a staff member designated by the building principal shall either (1) supervise the child self-administering the medication, or (2) administer the medication.

The school cannot give students medications (over-the-counter or doctor prescription) WITHOUT having a signed note from the doctor and from the parent. Please do not send in medications without these two notes. We have a form that you may get at the school that gives us the permission and information that we need.

EXCUSES FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Students may be excused from physical education classes. Parents may write a note requesting that the student not participate in physical education for short periods of time. Excuses for extended periods of time out of physical education require a doctor's note. These notes may be brought to the school or faxed to the attention of the school health office. Health office personnel will notify the student's teacher(s) and the PE teacher. Students excused from physical education classes are also excused from recess activity.

HEALTH SCREENINGS - During the school year your child may be seen by the school nurse for routine health screenings, such as hearing and vision screening, or by the speech therapist for speech and language testing. You will be notified of any significant results of these screenings. The school vision screening is mandated by state law unless an eye doctor report dated within the past 12 months is on file in the health office. It should be noted that school vision screening is NOT a substitute for an evaluation by an eye doctor. The school nurse maintains a record of students' height and weight and hearing and vision screening results. This information is available to parents upon request.

STUDENT INSURANCE - Student insurance applications are available to all parents at registration or at any time during the school year. The student insurance company offers various plans to suit individual needs. If the parent does not wish to take student insurance, it is understood that the student will be covered by the parent's own policy.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT CLASSES - Each year the school nurses, in conjunction with a teacher or principal, offer a class on growth and development to 4th grade girls, and 5^th grade girls and boys. Parents are invited to attend these classes with their child. School nurses are available to answer questions about the classes or to provide the parent opportunity to peruse the materials used in the class presentation. In the event a parent does not wish his student to attend such classes, it is the responsibility of the parent to advise the school principal in writing. The school district will give two days advance notice of these classes.

HEAD LICE POLICY - When school personnel determine that a student has a case of head lice, the following procedures are to be followed:

Day One: The student is to be sent home immediately, and the parent is to be provided with a copy of a letter explaining the problem. The parent is also to be directed to and instructed in the treatment regimen as established by medical professionals. School personnel are not responsible for the removal of nits but will help parents with the best procedure for removal.

Day Two: When the student returns to school, the student needs to be checked by school personnel and found to be free of lice and nits before he/she may return to class. Students may be checked for re-admittance no more than twice in one day. If the student has not returned to school or still not free of lice/nits, the school shall consider the student subject to the unexcused absence policies.

HEALTH TIPS

DRESSING FOR WEATHER - Students will be outside daily for short periods of time. The fresh air is good for student health. Please dress your child for the extremes of weather expected each day so that he/she will be comfortable and safe. Students will be staying inside on days when the temperature is 10 degrees or less with wind chill.

MEDICAID

Medicaid reimbursement is a source of federal funds approved by Congress to help school

districts maintain and improve special education services. Therapy and diagnostic services provided to students are partially reimbursable.

If you child receives any of these services, the District will claim Medicaid/KidCare reimbursement for any services provided unless you object in writing. Your objection should be addressed to the superintendent of the District. Any claims the District makes will have no impact on your ability to receive Medicaid funding either now or any time in the future. If you do not object to this release of information related to Medicaid claims for your child, you do nothing.

PEST MANAGEMENT/PESTICIDE APPLICATION

State law requires that school districts maintain a registry of and provide written notice to parents and guardians of students who have registered to receive notification before pesticides are applied to school grounds and/or school structures.

Please contact the District Office if you would like to be placed on the registry.

SCHOOL CANCELLATION

On days when severe winter weather conditions are such that school buses cannot operate safely, our elementary school will be closed. Information on school closings will be given on Rochelle Radio Station WRHL (1060 on your dial). If cancellation occurs after school has begun, children will be sent home. Please discuss proper procedure with them in case you are not home.

Information regarding the closing of school will be on the air by 7 AM and will be repeated several times. Parents should assume there will be school unless word is received otherwise over the radio. Do not call the school or school personnel. Listen to your radio.

STORM DRILLS

If an emergency weather announcement is received from the Illinois State Police Headquarters, each school will follow practiced storm drills. Pupils will be dismissed after the threat has passed if it is the school closing time.

When dismissal is delayed students will be released to parents. Anyone other than a parent calling for and taking a child from school will be requested to sign a statement accepting responsibility for the child. After a delayed dismissal, buses will make the usual runs.

SCHOOL DRESS

Students are expected to dress appropriately. Items of dress that interfere with the educational process should not be worn. Students who wear unacceptable clothing, in the judgment of the school principal or his designee, will be required to call home and get a change of clothes. These guidelines will apply to all school activities.

We recommend:

1. that each child take pride in his/her appearance,

2. that he/she be considerate of others by being neat and clean, and

3. that parents and students consider safety, health and weather factors when deciding what students are to wear. No clothing advertising alcoholic or tobacco products or imprinted with inappropriate language is allowed.

4. hats are not to be worn by students inside the building.

Dry tennis shoes are required for use in the gym. Each pupil is to keep a pair of tennis shoes in the classroom especially for gym class. Gym shoes are necessary for a pupil to safely participate in gym class. Pupil's gym grade is determined by participation in class.

FIELD TRIPS

Your child may be taking one or more field trips during the school year. Permission is required and signed during registration. For trips during the winter or during wet weather, proper clothing should be worn. This may include boots, hats, gloves or mittens. If you are not sure whether or not your child will be going on such days, send him fully prepared. In that case, he can take off extra clothing and eat his sack lunch at school. SAFETY PATROL MEMBERS

* (does not pertain to Central School)

1. Be at your post ON TIME. Your classmates depend on you.

2. While on duty, stand well back from the curb. Getting into the street is a dangerous practice. It should be done ONLY when your vision is blocked by some obstacle, such as a parked car, and then step out only far enough to see around that obstacle.

3. Never stop traffic. Wait until there is a break in the traffic for classmates to cross.

4. Check traffic in all directions before allowing classmates to cross.

SAFETY RULES FOR STUDENTS

1. Obey and respect the crossing guards. Do not visit with guards.

2. Look all ways before crossing.

3. Look left, then right, before crossing.

4. Be alert for turning cars.

5. Keep your head and eyes up, even on rainy days.

6. Cross only at corners.

SAFETY RULES VIOLATIONS

1. Failing to obey the patrol.

2. Crossing the street between intersections.

3. Crossing diagonally at the intersections.

4. Running across the street.

5. Crossing the street against the red light.

6. Failing to watch for approaching traffic before crossing.

7. Playing in the street.

8. Riding a bicycle other than at the right hand edge of the pavement.

9. Riding more than one on a bicycle.

10. Riding bicycle through "Stop" sign or signal.

11. Riding on the fender, running board, or outside of a motor vehicle.

12. Hitching rides on automobiles or trucks.

13. Riding bicycles or skating in improper places.

Students not obeying safety rules will be reported to the principal.

PARTY POLICY

There are three designated party days during the school year -- Halloween/Harvest Fest, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. Treats for birthdays should be cleared ahead of time with the child's teacher. Invitations for private parties should not be distributed at school. Individual recognition activities such as balloons, flowers, singing message, etc., are not allowed during the school day. These activities can be disruptive and are not affordable for all students' parents.

R.S.V.P.

The Rochelle Schools Volunteer Program makes use of volunteers in the community for giving programs of interest or tutoring. If you have a hobby or have traveled and would be willing to talk to children about your experiences, please contact the RSVP office at 562-4423. The same is true if you would like to tutor a child on a part-time basis.

BUS RULES & CONSEQUENCES

A bus driver's job is one of great responsibility. The safety and very lives of all passengers depend on good bus discipline!

1. Students will respect and obey the bus driver.

2. Students will sit in seats assigned by the bus driver.

3. Students will respect the rights of others.

4. Students will not fight on the bus.

5. Students will not make loud noises.

6. Students will be seated while the bus is in motion.

7. Students will not put head, arms, books, etc., out of the window.

8. Students will not bring animals or eat food on the bus.

9. Students will respect bus equipment and other people's property.

10. Students will not use inappropriate language.

11. Students will not throw anything on the bus or out of bus windows.

CONSEQUENCES :

First Offense - Student will meet with the principal. The principal will record the problem, inform student's parents by phone or letter.

Second Offense - Principal will contact parent by phone or letter and student may be refused bus transportation for 3 days.

Third Offense - The student will be suspended from riding the bus for a period of 5 days.

Fourth Offense -The student is suspended from riding the bus for 10 days. During this suspension period, you may request a formal hearing with a committee consisting of the district superintendent, the building principal, the transportation supervisor, the bus driver, the child and his/her parents/guardians, and any legal counsel the parent(s)/guardian(s) may choose to have represent their child. As a result of this hearing, the student's bus riding privileges may be suspended for up to 90 school days. If you do not request the hearing by contacting the building principal, the student's bus riding privileges may be suspended for up to 90 school days.

Fifth Offense - At the conclusion of any suspension from bus riding privileges for up to 90 student days, the student's bus ridership will resume. In the event the student's behavior merits a fifth bus violation report, that student's bus riding privileges will be suspended until a hearing can be held to discuss the violation. The hearing committee will consist of the district superintendent, the building principal, the transportation supervisor, the bus driver, the child and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s), and any other legal counsel the parent(s)/guardian(s) may choose to have represent their child. If the violation report is found to be essentially accurate, the student's bus riding privileges will be suspended for the remainder of the current school year.

Severe Clause - In the case of a serious violation of the above rules, a student may be refused bus transportation until parents and principal can arrange a conference concerning the problem, at which time suspension may be an option.

BUS PERMITS

If a student needs to ride a bus other than his own, he needs a written excuse from his parents. This is to be brought to the office for approval by the principal. The student will then receive a permit to ride the bus. This also applies to students who ordinarily do not ride the bus.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES & COMMUNICATIONS

Each year in the fall, ALL parents are contacted by teachers for individual student conferences. These conferences are of vital importance for parents and teachers, but especially for students. PLEASE make every effort to keep your scheduled appointment or reschedule for a time more convenient for you. If you are unable to keep a conference time, please contact the school office.

REPORT CARDS

For the first grading period, grades K-3 will have parent conferences rather than report cards. Grades 4-5 will receive report cards at the end of all four grading periods. Kindergarten students will receive report cards at the end of each semester.

In the primary grades, students receive the following academic grades:

SI = Showing improvement

MC = Meets criteria

NI = Needs improvement

In grades 3-8, students receive the following academic grades:

A - Excellent D - Below average for grade (63-72%)

B - Above average for grade F - Failing (62% or less)

(83-92%)

C - Average for grade

(73-82%)

GRADING AND PROMOTION

The administration and professional staff shall establish a system of grading and reporting academic achievement to parents/guardians and students, as well as determine when promotion and graduation requirements are met. The decision to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance based on ISAT (Illinois State Achievement Test) tests, the Stanford test or other testing. A student shall not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance. Every teacher shall maintain an evaluation record for each student in the teacher's classroom.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATIONS

1. Fund raising activities - see Board Policy #1324 in the Board Manual located in your school office.

2. Items to be purchased with PTO monies must be approved by the building principal.

3. The building PTO will receive approval of the items to be purchased before any PTO monies are designated for this purpose.

4. The building principal is responsible for all activities within the building and will work with the PTO in determining the appropriateness and feasibility of activities.

The Board of Education reserves the right to approve or disapprove the purchase of any item for school use. Also, the Board of Education, upon request, reserves the right to approve or disapprove the use of school monies to supplement a PTO purchase for school use.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL AFFAIRS

The public is invited and encouraged to take an active role in school affairs and to meet and talk with any and all school personnel on school matters. In matters of specific concern, however, parents and citizens should consult first with the person closest to the source of that concern. For example, in a matter involving a student's classroom situation, consult first with that student's teacher and then if necessary with the building principal or next with the superintendent. The concerned person may also present a matter to the Board of Education when the procedure above has been followed and the problem still has not been resolved.

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Regular meetings of the Board of Education are held at the RMS on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Special meetings may be called whenever necessary. Notice of these meetings is given to local news media no less than 24 hours prior to the meetings. Most meetings of the Board are open to the public, though the Board may meet in closed session on certain matters outlined by the School Code. All official actions are conducted in open sessions.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education of District #231 consists of seven members elected by non-partisan ballot for staggered four year terms at the general fall election in odd years. By law, no more than five of the members may reside within the corporate limits of Rochelle.

The current members are:

Jean Tess, President

Shirley Reif, Vice President

Don Kessen, Secretary

Robert Burke

Rhonda Crandall

Steve Pfeiffer

Tom Winebaugh

PARTICIPATION IN BOARD MEETINGS

A person wishing to present a matter to the Board may do so in one of two ways: (1) by addressing the Board at any regular meeting during "recognition of visitors," or (2) by asking to have a matter placed on the agenda for a regular meeting. Those wishing to be placed on the agenda for a meeting should submit a request in writing to the Board President or Superintendent for approval no later than Wednesday afternoon preceding the regular Board meeting on the second Tuesday of the month.

At each regular meeting, agenda time is allotted to recognition of visitors with the time to be divided among those who wish to be recognized to a maximum of five minutes. Persons wishing to be recognized should file a notice of their intent with the Superintendent or Board Secretary prior to the opening of the meeting. Recognition will be in order of filing. Persons addressing the Board at this time are asked to direct their comments and questions to the entire Board, not to any individual member or members, and not to discuss matters of individual personnel at open meetings. After the Board moves into regular agenda items there will be no public participation except on the invitation of the Board itself.

HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS PROHIBITED

No person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass or intimidate another student based upon a student's sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status. The District will not tolerate harassing or intimidating conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that affects tangible benefits of education, that unreasonable interferes with a student's educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include

name-calling, using derogatory slurs, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.

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

Sexual Harassment Prohibited

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

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

2 has the purpose or effect of:

• substantially interfering with a student's educational environment;

• creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment;

• depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or

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

The terms "intimidating," "hostile," and "offensive" include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person's alleged sexual activities.

Students who believe they are victims of sexual harassment or have witnessed sexual harassment, are encouraged to discuss the matter with the student Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager. Students may choose to report to a person of the student's same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.

An allegation that one student was sexually harassed by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal or Dean of Students.

SEARCH & SEIZURE

To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. "School authorities" includes school liaison police officers. School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as lockers, desks, 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.

The principal may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.

School authorities may search a student and/or the student's personal effects in the student's possession (such as purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the district's student conduct rules. The search itself must be conducted in a manner which is reasonable related to its objectives and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.

When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows:

• outside the view of others, including students;

• in the presence of a school administrator or adult witness; and

• by a certificated employee or liaison police officer of the same sex as the student.

Immediately following a search, a written report shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search, and given to the superintendent. The student's parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified of the search as soon as possible. If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the District's policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.

STUDENTS' RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES - DRUG ABUSE

The following is policy #5131.7 taken from the Board Policy Manual, a copy of which is in every school office.

Non-medical use of drugs is hazardous to the health of students. The illicit use, possession or distribution of drugs or look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia is not permitted on school buses, in school buildings or on school grounds at any time. This policy extends to all school sponsored and related activities as well as field trips and athletic and music trips, whether held before or after school, evenings, or weekends. Students shall not be permitted to attend school when they are under the influence of illicit drugs. For the purpose of this policy, students who are under such influence shall be treated in the same manner as though they had drugs in their possession.

Students shall be advised of this policy in a manner deemed appropriate by the building principal. In addition, information concerning the effects and potential dangers involved in the illicit use of drugs shall be included in the curriculum in compliance with the law.

If a staff member finds a student to be illicitly using, possessing, or distributing drugs or look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia in violation of this policy, the student shall be suspended and/or expelled. In addition, parents and juvenile authorities shall be notified promptly. In all cases, parents' cooperation shall be sought. When a substance is determined to be an illicit drug, the identity of the student shall be given to the proper authorities for prosecution.

Electronic signaling devices found on district facilities shall be confiscated by the superintendent or his designee. The presence of such a device may be cause for further search for possession of drugs and appropriate discipline as established by the school board.

Repeat offenders may be recommended to the school board for expulsion.

If there is reason to believe that a student is using drugs illicitly at any time on or off school premises, the health and counseling services of the school shall be made available to the student and his parents.

Given reasonable grounds for suspicion, school officials may search for and seize illicit drugs brought onto school buses or school property and submit such drugs to the proper authorities for analysis.

Organizations sponsoring activities on the school's facilities outside of regular school hours shall be made aware of this policy and shall be expected to take appropriate disciplinary measures. Failure to do so could result in cancellation of that organization's privilege to use district facilities.

STUDENT GANG POLICY

The Board of Education feels that the presence of gangs and gang activities can cause a substantial disruption of or material interferences with school and school activities. A "gang" as defined in this policy is any group of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. By this policy, the Board of Education acts to prohibit existence of gangs and gang activities as follows:

No student on or about school property or at any school activity:

a. Shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other things which are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.

b. Shall commit any act or omissions, or use any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, hand-shakes, etc.) Showing membership or affiliation in a gang.

c. Shall use any speech or commit 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.

The Board authorizes school administration to employ appropriate disciplinary procedures to carry out and enforce this policy.

STUDENT RECORDS

The Rochelle Elementary School District wishes to inform parents/students of the following information regarding student records.

A student permanent record contains the following information:

1. Basic identifying information, including student and parent names and addresses, birth date and place, and gender.

2. The academic transcript, including grades, class rank, graduation date, and grade level achieved.

3. The attendance record.

4. Any accident reports and the health record.

5. A record of release of permanent record information.

*6. Any honors and awards received.

*7. Information concerning participation in school sponsored activities or athletics, or offices held in school sponsored organizations.

*Optional information items which may or may not be included by the district.

The student permanent record will be maintained for a minimum period of 60 years after the student has transferred, graduated or otherwise permanently withdrawn from Rochelle Elementary District #231.

A student temporary record consists of all information not required in the permanent record. It may include:

1. Family background information.

2. Intelligence test scores, group and individual.

3. Aptitude test scores.

4. Reports of psychological evaluations including information on intelligence, personality and academic information obtained through test administration, observation, or interviews.

5. Elementary and secondary achievement level test results.

6. Participation in extra-curricular activities including any offices held in school sponsored clubs or organizations.

7. Honors and awards received.

8. Teacher anecdotal records.

9. Disciplinary information.

10. Special education files including the report of the multi-disciplinary staffing on which placement or non-placement was based, and all records and tape recordings relating to special education placement hearings and appeals.

11. Any verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies or organizations.

12. Other verified information of clear relevance to the education of the student.

13. Record or release of temporary record information.

The temporary record will be reviewed every one to four years or upon change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first for destruction of out-of-date information and will be entirely destroyed within five years after the student has transferred, graduated or otherwise permanently withdrawn from this school district.

Directory information consists of the following:

1. Identifying information -- name, address, gender, grade level, birth date and place, and parents' names, addresses, and phone.

2. Academic awards, degrees and honors.

3. Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations and athletics.

4. Specific class assignment.

5. Period of attendance in the school.

Directory information may be released to the general public, unless a parent requests that any or all such information not be released concerning his/her child or children.

Parents/students have the right to inspect and copy:

1. The student permanent record.

2. The student temporary record.

3. Any student record proposed to be destroyed or deleted from the student records.

The cost of copying student records is five cents per page. This fee will be waived for those persons unable to afford such costs.

Parents shall have the right to challenge any entry exclusive of grades in the school student records on the basis of accuracy, relevance, and/or propriety.

This right includes the right to challenge the information contained in the student record(s) prior to the transfer of the record(s) to another district in the event of the child/children's transfer to another school system. The procedures for challenging the contents of student records include the following steps:

1. A 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.

2. An initial informal conference with the parents, within 15 school days of receipt of the request for a hearing.

If the challenge is not resolved by the informal conference, formal procedures shall be initiated:

1. A hearing officer, who shall not be employed in the attendance center in which the student is enrolled, shall be appointed by the school.

2. The hearing officer shall conduct a hearing within a reasonable time, but no later than 15 days after the informal conference, unless an extension of time is agreed upon by the parents and school officials. The hearing officer shall notify parents and school officials of the time and place of the hearing.

At the hearing each party shall have the following rights:

1. The right to present evidence and to call witnesses.

2. The right to cross-examine witnesses.

3. The right to counsel.

4. The right to a written statement of any decision and the reasons therefore.

A verbatim record of the hearing shall be made by a tape recorder or a court reporter. A typewritten transcript may be prepared by either party in the event of an appeal of the hearing officer's decision. However, a typewritten transcript is not required in an appeal.

The decision of the hearing officer shall be rendered no later than 10 school days after the conclusion of the hearing and shall be transmitted immediately to the parents and school district. It shall be based solely on the information presented at the hearing and shall be one of the following:

1. To retain the challenged contents of the student record,

2. To remove the challenged contents of the student record, or

3. To change, clarify or add to the challenged contents of the student record.

Any party shall have the right to appeal the decision of the local hearing officer to the Superintendent of the Educational Service Region within 20 school days after such decision is transmitted. If the parent appeals, the parent shall so inform the school and within 10 school days the school shall forward a transcript of the hearing, a copy of the record entry in question and any other pertinent materials to the Superintendent of the Educational Service Region. The school may initiate an appeal on its own behalf by the same procedures. Upon receipt of such documents. the Superintendent of the Educational Service Region shall examine the documents and record, make findings and issue a decision to the parents and the school within 20 days of the receipt of the appeal documents.

The school shall be responsible for implementing the decision of the Superintendent of the Educational Service Region. The final decision may be appealed to the judicial system.

Parents also have the right to insert into their child's student record a statement of reasonable length stating their position concerning any disputed information in the record. This statement will be included whenever the disputed information is released.

Parents have the right to control the release of student records. The release of the records requires the prior, specific, dated written consent of the parent. It also must designate the person to whom the records are released, the reason for the release and the specific records to be released. Parents may limit their consent to specific records or parts of records and request a copy of the released information.

There are persons, agencies, and organizations which have access to student records without parental consent. They include:

1. The records custodian of another school system into which the child/children transfer(s) if parents make no objection within 10 school days, to the contents of the school records listed in the notice to transfer records.

2. Persons authorized, as required by state or federal law. In such cases parents will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information to be released and an opportunity to inspect, copy and/or challenge such information. If this release of information relates to more than 25 students, such prior notice may be given in a local newspaper of general circulation or other publication directed generally to parents.

The school shall grant access to, or release information from, school student records without parental consent or notification:

1. An employee or official of the school or school district or the State Board of Education, provided such employee or official or State Board of Education has a current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student and the records are in furtherance of such interest;

2. To any person for the purpose of research statistical reporting, or planning, provided that such person has the permission of the State Superintendent of Education, and no student or parent can be identified from the information released.

3. Pursuant to a court order, provided that the procedures outlined in IL Rev. Stats. 1975, Ch. 122, Article 50 - 6(a), (5) are observed.

A parent or student may not be forced by any person or agency to release information from the temporary record in order to accrue any right, privilege or benefit, including employment, credit or insurance.

Psychological evaluations, special education files and other information contained in student temporary records (or copies thereof) which may be of continued assistance to the student may be transferred to the custody of the parent or student upon the graduation or permanent withdrawal of a handicapped student. These records may be of some future usefulness to you or your child in some circumstances. They may possibly be helpful in obtaining some types of social security benefits or other benefits for the handicapped from other agencies.

Parents and students are hereby notified that the district will maintain permanent student records for a minimum of 60 years and temporary records for a maximum of five years from the time a student graduates, transfers or permanently withdraws from the school district. Parents/students have the right to request copies of such records at any time prior to their destruction.

Request forms are available at our school offices. Upon graduation from eighth grade, all permanent records, psychological records and Iowa Basic Test scores are sent to the Rochelle High School to be maintained there.

SAFETY PLAN FOR DISASTERS

The Rochelle Elementary Schools have developed a safety plan to deal with potential disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, explosions, intruders, etc. The purpose of this notice is to advise you that in case of a disaster, school personnel will restrict the person(s) with whom your child will be allowed to leave the school site to the parent/guardian or the emergency contacts listed on the enrollment card. All students will be required to sign out through the office personnel. NO EXCEPTIONS can be made.

All exterior doors to the building will be locked except for the doors leading to the main office. These procedures are necessary to protect the emotional well-being of the students as well as to maintain order.

We will need your full cooperation during these potentially stressful situations. It is vital that all adults behave in a calm, controlled manner in front of the children in order to avoid panic and to prevent children from becoming extremely upset.

INSTRUCTION

Exhibit - Authorization for Internet Access

Each teacher must sign this Authorization as a condition for using the District's Internet connection. Each student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Authorization before being granted unsupervised access. School Board members and administrators are treated like teachers for purpose of this Authorization. Please read this document carefully before signing.

All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District's goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This Authorization does not attempt to state all required or proscribed behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow the terms of the Authorization for Internet Access will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The signature(s) at the end of this document is legally binding and indicates the party who signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.

Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptable Use - Access to the District's Internet must be for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the educational objectives of the District.

2. Privileges - The use of the District's Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrator will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated this Authorization and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time; his or her decision is final.

• Unacceptable Use - You are responsible for your actions and activities involving the network. Some examples of unacceptable uses are:

• Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any U. S. or State regulation;

• Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or devirused;

c. Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use;

• Using the network for private financial or commercial gain;

e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space;

• Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;

g. Invading the privacy of individuals;

• Using another user's account or password;

• Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent;

• Posting anonymous messages;

k. Using the network for commercial or private advertising;

• Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material; and

• Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

• Network Etiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others.

• Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

• Do not reveal the personal address or telephone numbers of students or colleagues.

• Recognize that electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

• Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by others.

• Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property.

• No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

• Indemnification - The user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any breach of this Authorization.

• Security - Network security is a high priority. If you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify the system administrator or building principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep your account and password confidential. Do not use another individual's account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the network.

• Vandalism - Will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

• Telephone Charges - The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.

Students, parent(s)/guardian(s), and teachers need only sign this Authorization for Internet Access once while enrolled in or employed by the School District.

WE HAVE A PROBLEM

A Parent's Guide for Solving Problems at School

Rochelle Elementary School District #231 Board of Education

Unfairness, misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and conflict are experiences common to us all. When children experience these problems at school it causes difficulty for everyone; the children, parents, and school staff. How to successfully solve problems at school is what this guide is all about.

• Take your concern to the person closest to the problem

No matter where the problem is, take your concern there first. Whether in the classroom, on the bus, or on the practice field the quickest and easiest solution is usually found with the staff member most directly involved.

It's best if you make time to talk with school personnel regularly, before problems are encountered. Know who your children's teachers, bus drivers, and coaches are and how they may be contacted. Tell them when things are going well, and communicate any concerns you have quickly and openly.

If you call for an appointment to see your child's teacher, why not let them know in advance what the general nature of your concern is. This gives them an opportunity to ask staff members for information that might relate to your problem or concern. If a personal visit isn't possible, why not call once to state the problem, and during the conversation, offer to call back at a time when you both can discuss the situation in more detail.

The problem you or your child faces may be the result of an oversight or misunderstanding that can be easily corrected once it is brought to the attention of the staff member most directly involved. Give them the chance to tackle the problem first.

• Present your concern to the next level

The Principal is responsible for supervision of staff within buildings. The Director of Transportation supervises all school bus drivers. Each one is an example of the next level of school personnel you should contact if the staff member closest to the problem hasn't been able to satisfactorily resolve the difficulty.

Their ability to help will be improved if you share the steps you've already taken with the staff member closest to the problem, or if you will take time to openly share with them the reasons why you fell uncomfortable dealing directly with the person who is closest to the situation.

Supervisory personnel will rarely have ready access to the information they need to be of immediate assistance and working through them will often require additional time.

• Talk with the superintendent of schools

Sometimes all the best intentions can't solve a problem. When you believe you've worked hard

with those closest to the problem, and you've taken the problem to the next level but still haven't achieved a satisfactory outcome, the superintendent of schools is the next place to go.

Keep in mind that the superintendent's day starts early and often ends late in the evening. Part of the superintendent's job requires attendance at area-wide meetings outside the district. As a consequence, a meeting with the superintendent will probably require some advance planning.

• Contact your school board members

School board members are elected to represent the interest of all parents and district residents, and you should always feel free to tell them your point of view. School board members do not, however, have direct authority in day-to-day school operations. All authority is the result of official actions by a majority of the board at meetings open to the public.

The board's primary responsibility is to make policies that guide the school district. Any change in policy requires two readings at separate public meetings, a procedure that often takes two or more months. Some policy changes may require substantial public input and consultation with the school district's attorney. These requirements often increase the time required for the board to make a response.

So when should a board member be contacted and what can they do?

• after other means to solve a problem have been tried

• when a policy is being enforced but you believe it results in bad consequences

• when you believe a policy isn't being enforced

• when policies or procedures are not enforced fairly for all

A board member may take one or all of the following actions.

• informally discuss the issue with the superintendent or other administrators to consider whether policies or rules should be changed.

• request that the board review the specific policies that relate to the situation

• propose new policies for the board's consideration

PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW

In accordance with ESEA Section 1111(h)(6) PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW, the Rochelle Community Consolidated District #231 is notifying every parent of a student in a Title 1 School that you have the right and may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teacher. This information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teachers including, at a minimum, the following:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.

• The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.

• Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If at any time your child has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher not highly qualified, the school will notify you.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact your district superintendent, Todd Prusator, at the following phone number (815)562-6363.