District 30 Handbook

Please Note: All board policies are subject to revision. For the most current version of the board policies contained within this document, reference the Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 board policies.

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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE  

School District 30 exists to create a community that craves learning, fosters resiliency, and cares deeply for every child. We honor childhood and foster intellectual, physical and social-emotional growth. 

We value:

  • Lifelong learning
  • Relationships and collegiality
  • Child-centric practices

We will succeed by:

  • Creating rich learning experiences and dynamic environments that promote student growth, cultivate inclusivity and equity, build a culture of innovation, and prepare students to be productive global citizens.
  • Maintaining a healthy, financially stable position.
  • Ensuring facilities and systems contribute to an optimal educational experience.
  • Recruiting, hiring and retaining the highest quality staff and providing coordinated professional development.
  • Establishing and maintaining an open exchange of ideas and information with all stakeholders, both internal and external, to foster relationships, collaboration, and understanding among our entire learning community.

CHARACTER COUNTS!

District 30 is an active member of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition and participates in all of the scheduled activities including CHARACTER COUNTS! Week--the third week in October, as well as the CHARACTER COUNTS! poster, video, and writing contests.  The pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS! are included in the district and school mission statements.  Every year, our Board of Education adopts the CHARACTER COUNTS! Proclamation which includes the Six Pillars of Character--trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  This is followed up by a wide variety of activities that stress good character throughout the year.  The national CHARACTER COUNTS! website is http://www.charactercounts.com. The website of our local organization, CHARACTER COUNTS! in Glenview is http://www.ccglenview.org/.

TITLE IX

School District 30 does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities which it operates.  District 30's Title IX Policy extends to employment therein and admission thereto.  This statement is published pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972.  Inquiries concerning application of Title IX to District 30 may be referred to the District Coordinator of Title IX or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services.  A  procedure for handling complaints based upon believed discrimination is on file in the district office.

BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS

STUDENT BEHAVIOR (Board Policy 7:190)

The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective discipline practices that: (1) ensure the safety and dignity of students and staff; (2) maintain a positive, weapons-free, and drug-free learning environment; (3) keep school property and the property of others secure; (4) address the causes of a student’s misbehavior and provide opportunities for all individuals involved in an incident to participate in its resolution; and (5) teach students positive behavioral skills to become independent, self-disciplined citizens in the school community and society.

When and Where Student Conduct Rules Apply
A student is subject to disciplinary action for engaging in prohibited student conduct, as described in the section with the name below, whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:

  1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;
     
  2. Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
     
  3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
     
  4. 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: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

Prohibited Student Conduct
The school administration is authorized to discipline students for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to:

  1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco or nicotine materials, including without limitation, electronic cigarettes.
     
  2. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. Students who are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession.
     
  3. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling, or offering for sale:
    1. Any iillegal drug or controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana, hashish, and medical cannabis unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis-infused product under Ashley’s Law).
       
    2. Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
       
    3. Any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois High School Association’s most current banned substance list unless administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
       
    4. Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a physician or licensed practitioner, or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician’s or licensed practitioner’s instructions. The use or possession of medical cannabis, even by a student for whom medical cannabis has been prescribed, is prohibited unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law.
       
    5. Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system. The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications.
       
    6. Any substance inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, or otherwise ingested or absorbed with the intention of causing a physiological or psychological change in the body, including without limitation, pure caffeine in tablet or powdered form.
       
    7. Look-alike or counterfeit drugs, including a substance that is not prohibited by this policy, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy.
       
    8. Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances.

Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.

  1. Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a weapon as that term is defined in the Weapons section of this policy, or violating the Weapons section of this policy.
     
  2. Using or possessing an electronic paging device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic devices in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the Building Principal, all electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); (c) it is used during the student’s lunch period, or (d) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.
     
  3. Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
     
  4. Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a District staff member’s request to stop, present school identification, or submit to a search.
     
  5. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
     
  6. Engaging in hazing or any kind of bullying or aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. 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 a school computer or a school computer network, or other comparable conduct.
     
  7. Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning), and sexual assault. This does not include the non-disruptive: (a) expression of gender or sexual orientation or preference, or (b) display of affection during non-instructional time.
     
  8. Teen dating violence, as described in Board policy 7:185,Teen Dating Violence Prohibited.
     
  9. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
     
  10. Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.
     
  11. In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (such as calling 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.
     
  12. Being absent without a recognized excuse; State law and School Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants.
     
  13. Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society, by: (a) being a member; (b) promising to join; (c) pledging to become a member; or (d) soliciting any other person to join, promise to join, or be pledged to become a member.
     
  14. Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
     
  15. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, and hazing.
     
  16. Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and 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.
     
  17. Operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the Superintendent or designee.
     
  18. Engaging in any activity, 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: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

For purposes of this policy, the term possession includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; or (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event.

Efforts, including the use of positive interventions and supports, shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school-related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the parent/guardian of a student who engages in aggressive behavior is notified of the incident. The failure to provide such notification does not limit the Board’s authority to impose discipline, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior.

No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student.

Disciplinary Measures
School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and out-of-school suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and, where practicable and reasonable, shall consider forms of non-exclusionary discipline before using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions. School personnel shall not advise or encourage students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties. Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following:

  1. Notifying parent(s)/guardian(s).
     
  2. Disciplinary conference.
     
  3. Withholding of privileges.
     
  4. Temporary removal from the classroom.
     
  5. Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
     
  6. In-school suspension. The Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised.
     
  7. After-school study provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative disciplinary measure must be used. The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or designee.
     
  8. Community service with local public and nonprofit agencies that enhances community efforts to meet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. The District will not provide transportation. School administration shall use this option only as an alternative to another disciplinary measure, giving the student and/or parent/guardian the choice.
     
  9. Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of personal property that was used to violate this policy or school disciplinary rules.
     
  10. Suspension of bus riding privileges in accordance with Board policy 7:220, Bus Conduct.
     
  11. Out-of-school suspension from school and all school activities in accordance with Board policy 7:200, Suspension Proceduresn. A student who has been suspended may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities.
     
  12. Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years in accordance with Board policy 7:210, Expulsion Procedures. A student who has been expelled may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities.
     
  13. Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for the
    transfer under State law. The transfer shall be in the manner provided in Article 13A or 13B
    of the School Code.
     
  14. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, including but not limited to, illegal drugs (controlled substances), look-alikes, alcohol, or weapons or in other circumstances as authorized by the reciprocal reporting agreement between the District and local law enforcement agencies.

The above list of disciplinary measures is a range of options that will not always be applicable in every case. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to avoid suspending or expelling a student because behavioral interventions, other than a suspension and expulsion, will not be appropriate and available, and the only reasonable and practical way to resolve the threat and/or address the disruption is a suspension or expulsion. Students enrolled in the District’s State-funded preschool program(s) may be temporarily removed or transitioned to a new program in accordance with federal and State law. State law prohibits the expulsion of students from the program(s).

Corporal punishment is prohibited. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint
Neither isolated time out, time out, nor physical restraint shall be used to discipline or punish a student. These methods are only authorized for use as permitted in 105 ILCS 5/10-20.33, State Board of Education rules (23 Ill.Admin.Code §§ 1.280, 1.285), and the District’s procedure(s).

Weapons
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 two calendar years:

  1. 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 ILCS 65/), or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (720 ILCS 5/24‑1).
     
  2. A knife, brass knuckles, or other knuckle weapon 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 defined above.

The expulsion requirement under either paragraph one or two above may be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the Board on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon the prior request of an adult supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts, and similar programs, whether or not school-sponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm.

This policy’s prohibitions concerning weapons apply regardless of whether: (1) a student is licensed to carry a concealed firearm, or (2) the Board permits visitors, who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm, to store a firearm in a locked vehicle in a school parking area.

Re-Engagement of Returning Students
The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a process to facilitate the re-engagement of students who are returning from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or an alternative school setting. The goal of re-engagement shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusionary discipline and shall include the opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit.

Required Notices
A school staff member shall immediately notify the office of the Building Principal in the event that he or she: (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on or around 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. Upon receiving such a report, the Building Principal or designee shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, Ill. Dept. of State Police (ISP), and any involved student’s parent/guardian. School grounds include modes of transportation to school activities and any public way within 1000 feet of the school, as well as school property itself.

Delegation of Authority
Each teacher, and any other school personnel when students are under his or her charge, is authorized to impose any disciplinary measure, other than suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment, or in-school suspension, that is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student discipline. Teachers, other certificated [licensed] educational employees, and other persons providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property. Teachers may temporarily remove students from a classroom for disruptive behavior.

The Superintendent, Building Principal, or Assistant Building Principal is authorized to impose the same disciplinary measures as teachers and may suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct from school (including all school functions) and from riding the school bus, up to ten (10) consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of ten (10) school days for safety reasons.

BUS CONDUCT (Board Policy 7:220)

All students must follow the District’s School Bus Safety Rules.

School Bus Suspensions
The Superintendent, or any designee as permitted in the School Code, is authorized to suspend a student from riding the school bus (including the district shuttle) for up to ten (10) consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following:

  1. Prohibited student conduct as defined in Board of Education policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
     
  2. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
     
  3. Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
     
  4. Repeated use of profanity.
     
  5. Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.
     
  6. Such other behavior as the Superintendent or designee deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the School Board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons. The District shall provide the student with notice of the gross disobedience or misconduct and an opportunity to respond.

Academic Credit for Missed Classes During School Bus Suspension
A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school shall have the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternate transportation.

Electronic Recordings on School Buses
Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school related activity. Notice of electronic recordings shall be displayed on the exterior of the vehicle’s entrance door and front interior bulkhead in compliance with State law and the rules of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

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 shall reimburse the School District for any necessary repairs or replacement.

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES (Board Policies 7:200 and 7:210)

Suspension Procedures
In-School Suspension
The Superintendent or designee is authorized to maintain an in-school suspension program. The program shall include, at a minimum, each of the following:

  1. Before assigning a student to in-school suspension, the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges.
     
  2. Students are supervised by licensed school personnel.
     
  3. Students are given the opportunity to complete classroom work during the in-school suspension for equivalent academic credit.

Out-of-School Suspension
The Superintendent or designee shall implement suspension procedures that provide, at a minimum,
for each of the following:

  1. A conference during which the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges before he or she may be suspended.
     
  2. A pre-suspension conference is not required, and the student can be immediately suspended when the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process. In such cases, the notice and conference shall follow as soon as practicable.
     
  3. An attempted phone call to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).
     
  4. A written notice of the suspension to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student, which shall:
    1. Provide notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their child’s right to a review of the suspension;
       
    2. Include information about an opportunity to make up work missed during the suspension for equivalent academic credit;
       
    3. Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend;
       
    4. Provide rationale or an explanation of how the chosen number of suspension days will address the threat or disruption posed by the student or his or her act of gross disobedience or misconduct; and
       
    5. Depending upon the length of the out-of-school suspension, include the following applicable information:
      1. For a suspension of 3 school days or less, an explanation that the student’s continuing presence in school would either pose:
        1. A threat to school safety, or
           
        2. A disruption to other students’ learning opportunities.
           
      2. For a suspension of 4 or more school days, an explanation:
         
        1. That other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted,
           
        2. As to whether school officials attempted other interventions or determined that no other interventions were available for the student, and
           
        3. That the student’s continuing presence in school would either:
          1. Pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or
             
          2. Substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school.
             
      3. For a suspension of 5 or more school days, the information listed in section 4.e.ii., above, along with documentation by the Superintendent or designee determining what, if any, appropriate and available support services will be provided to the student during the length of his or her suspension.
         
  5. A summary of the notice, including the reason for the suspension and the suspension length, must be given to the Board by the Superintendent or designee.
     
  6. Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. At the review, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer and may be represented by counsel. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the suspension, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from a local mental health agency to consult with the Board. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he or she shall report to the Board a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall take such action as it finds appropriate. If the suspension is upheld, the Board’s written suspension decision shall specifically detail items (a) and (e) in number 4, above.

Expulsion Procedures
The Superintendent or designee shall implement expulsion procedures that provide, at a minimum, for
the following:

  1. Before a student may be expelled, the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided a written request to appear at a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. The request shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
    The request shall:
     
    1. Include the time, date, and place for the hearing.
       
    2. Briefly describe what will happen during the hearing.
       
    3. Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to recommend expulsion.
       
    4. List the student’s prior suspension(s).
       
    5. State that the School Code allows the Board of Education to expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed two (2) calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis.
       
    6. Ask that the student or parent(s)/guardian(s) or attorney inform the Superintendent or Board Attorney if the student will be represented by an attorney and, if so, the attorney’s name and contact information.
       
  2. Unless the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) indicate that they do not want a hearing or fail to appear at the designated time and place, the hearing will proceed. The hearing shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it. If a hearing officer is appointed, he or she shall report to the Board the evidence presented at the hearing and the Board shall take such final action as it finds appropriate. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the recommended expulsion, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from a local mental health agency to consult with the Board.
     
  3. During the expulsion hearing, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence concerning whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience or misconduct as charged. School officials must provide: (1) testimony of any other interventions attempted and exhausted or of their determination that no other appropriate and available interventions were available for the student, and (2) evidence of the threat or disruption posed by the student. The student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) may be represented by counsel, offer evidence, present witnesses, cross-examine witnesses who testified, and otherwise present reasons why the student should not be expelled. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue of guilt and take such action as it finds appropriate.
     
  4. If the Board acts to expel the student, its written expulsion decision shall:
     
    1. Detail the specific reason why removing the student from his or her learning environment is in the best interest of the school.
       
    2. Provide a rationale for the specific duration of the recommended expulsion.
       
    3. Document how school officials determined that all behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted by specifying which interventions were attempted or whether school officials determined that no other appropriate and available interventions existed for the student.
       
    4. Document how the student’s continuing presence in school would (1) pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or (2) substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school.
       
  5. Upon expulsion, the District may refer the student to appropriate and available support services.

HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS PROHIBITED (Board Policy 7:20)

Harassment of Students Prohibited.                                                                                                                          Students are entitled to be educated in an environment that is respectful of their backgrounds, characteristics, and differences. The District prohibits any conduct that harasses or intimidates students, whether that conduct is student-to-student or employee/agent-to-student, on the basis of actual or perceived protected classifications as identified under policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities. The District will not tolerate harassing or intimidating conduct whether verbal, physical, sexual, visual, or cyber that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to, name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics in policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities.

Sexual Harassment Prohibited
The District shall provide an educational environment free of verbal, physical, or other conduct or communications constituting harassment on the basis of sex as defined and otherwise prohibited by State and federal law. See policies 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure, and 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Making a Complaint, Investigation, and Enforcement
Students are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidences of bullying, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, a Complaint Manager, or any staff member. A student may choose to report to an employee of the student’s same gender.

Reports under this policy will be considered a report under policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, and/or policy 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure. Allegations shall be referred to any of the following: a supervisor, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator and/or Complaint Manager shall process and review the report according to the appropriate grievance procedure. The Superintendent shall insert into this policy the names, office addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of the District’s current Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator also serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Ms. Lauren Schulman
Director of Student Services
2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8958

Complaint Managers:
Mr. Sam Kurtz
Maple School Principal
2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8905

Dr. Chris Brown
Wescott School Principal
1820 Western Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8703

Dr. Scott Carlson
Willowbrook School Principal
2500 Happy Hollow Road, Glenview, IL 60026
847-400-8803

The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy by including:

  1. For students, age-appropriate information about the contents of this policy in the District’s student handbook(s), on the District’s website, and, if applicable, in any other areas where policies, rules, and standards of conduct are otherwise posted in each school.
     
  2. For staff members, this policy in the appropriate employee handbook(s), if applicable, and/or in any other areas where policies, rules, and standards of conduct are otherwise made available to staff.

Investigation Process
Any District employee who receives a report or complaint of harassment must promptly forward the report or complaint to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager. Any employee who fails to promptly comply may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

Reports and complaints of harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

For any report or complaint alleging sexual harassment that, if true, would implicate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or designee shall consider whether action under policy 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure, should be initiated.

For any other alleged student harassment that does not require action under policy 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or a Complaint Manager or designee shall consider whether an investigation under policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, and/or 7:190, Student Behavior, should be initiated, regardless of whether a written report or complaint is filed.

Reports That Involve Alleged Incidents of Sexual Abuse of a Child by School Personnel
An alleged incident of sexual abuse is an incident of sexual abuse of a child, as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1A(b), that is alleged to have been perpetrated by school personnel, including a school vendor or volunteer, that occurred: on school grounds during a school activity; or outside of school grounds or not during a school activity.

Any complaint alleging an incident of sexual abuse shall be processed and reviewed according to policy 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting. In addition to reporting the suspected abuse, the complaint shall also be processed under policy 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure, or policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Enforcement
Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with policy 7:190, Student Behavior. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints or providing information about harassment is prohibited (see policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, and 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure). Students should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

PREVENTION OF AND RESPONSE TO BULLYING (Board Policy 7:180)

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important District goals.

Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, status of being homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:

  1. During any school-sponsored education program or activity.
     
  2. While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
     
  3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.
     
  4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a non school-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives knowledge of bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.

Definitions from 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7
Bullying includes cyberbullying 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:

  1. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;
     
  2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
     
  3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or
     
  4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.

Cyberbullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo-electronic system, or photo-optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such
as suspensions and expulsions, that: (i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and
community, (ii) contribute to maintaining school safety, (iii) protect the integrity of a positive and
productive learning climate, (iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to
be successful in school and society, (v) serve to build and restore relationships among students,
families, schools, and communities, (vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing
accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in
school, and (vii) increase student accountability if the incident of bullying is based on religion, race,
ethnicity, or any other category that is identified in the Ill. Human Rights Act.

School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district,
including without limitation school and school district administrators, teachers, school social workers,
school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, and school resource
officers.

Bullying Prevention and Response Plan
The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the District’s goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying. This plan must be consistent with the requirements listed below; each numbered requirement, 1-12, corresponds with the same number in the list of required policy components in 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(b) 1-12.

  1. The District uses the definition of bullying as provided in this policy.
     
  2. Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of this District. However, nothing in the District’s bullying prevention and response plan is intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution.
     
  3. Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the District Nondiscrimination Manager or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the District named officials or any staff member. The District named officials and all staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anonymous reports are also accepted.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Ms. Lauren Schulman
Director of Student Services
2374 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8958

Complaint Managers:
Mr. Sam Kurtz
Maple School Principal
2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8905

Dr. Chris Brown
Wescott School Principal
1820 Western Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8703

Dr. Scott Carlson
Willowbrook School Principal
2500 Happy Hollow Road, Glenview, IL 60026
847-400-8803

  1. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the Superintendent or designee shall promptly inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of every student involved in an alleged incident of bullying and discuss, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures.
     
  2. The Superintendent or designee shall promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, by, among other things:
     
    1. Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of a bullying incident was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported bullying incident.
       
    2. Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as deemed appropriate, in the investigation process.
       
    3. Notifying the Building Principal or school administrator or designee of the reported incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received.
       
    4. Consistent with federal and state laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the Building Principal or school administrator or his or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying.
       

The Superintendent or designee shall investigate whether a reported incident of bullying is within the permissible scope of the District’s jurisdiction and shall require that the District provide the victim with information regarding services that are available within the District and community, such as counseling, support services, and other programs.

  1. The Superintendent or designee shall use interventions to address bullying, that may include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community-based services.
     
  2. A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. Any
    person’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
    discharge with regard to employees, or suspension and/or expulsion with regard to students.
     
  3. A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, a person who is found to have falsely accused another of bullying, as a means of retaliation, as a means of bullying, or provided false information will be treated as either: (a) bullying, (b) student discipline up to and including suspension and/or expulsion, and/or (c) both (a) and (b) for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.
     
  4. The District’s bullying prevention and response plan must be based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including students and parents/guardians.
     
  5. The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the District’s website, if any, and include it in the student handbook, and, where applicable, post it where other policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted. The policy must also be distributed annually to parents/guardians, students, and school personnel, including new employees when hired, and provided periodically throughout the school year to students and faculty.
     
  6. Pursuant to State law and policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, the Board monitors this policy every two years by conducting a review and re-evaluation of this policy to make any necessary and appropriate revisions. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its re-evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. Updates to this policy will reflect any necessary and appropriate revisions. This process shall include, without limitation:
    1. The frequency of victimization;
       
    2. Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school;
       
    3. Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs;
       
    4. The types of bullying utilized; and
       
    5. Bystander intervention or participation.

The The evaluation process may use relevant data and information that the District already collects for other purposes. Acceptable documentation to satisfy the re-evaluated policy submission include one of the following:

  1. An updated version of the policy with the amendment/modification date included in the reference portion of the policy;
     
  2. If no revisions are deemed necessary, a copy of board minutes indicating that the policy was re-evaluated and no changes were deemed to be necessary, or a signed statement from the board; or
     
  3. A signed statement from the Board President indicating that the Board re-evaluated the policy and no changes to it were necessary.

The Superintendent or designee must post the information developed as a result of the policy
re-evaluation on the District’s website, or if a website is not available, the information must
be provided to school administrators, Board members, school personnel, parents/guardians,
and students. Reviews and re-evaluations in years they are due must be submitted to ISBE by
September 30.

  1. The Superintendent or designee shall fully implement the Board of Education policies, including without limitation, the following:
     
    1. 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may use this policy to complain about bullying.
       
    2. 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure. Any person may use this policy to complain about sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972.
       
    3. 6:60, Curriculum Content, and Instructional Materials. Bullying prevention and character instruction is provided in all grades in accordance with State Law.
       
    4. 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development. Student social and emotional development is incorporated into the District's educational program as required by State Law.
       
    5. 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks. This policy states that the use of the District’s electronic networks is limited to: (1) support of education and/or research, or (2) a legitimate business use.
       
    6. 7:20, Harassment of Student Behavior. This policy prohibits any person from harassing, intimidating, or bullying a student based on an identified actual or perceived characteristic (the list of characteristics in 7:20 is the same as the list in this policy).
       
    7. 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. This policy prohibits teen dating violence on school property, at school-sponsored activities, and in vehicles used for school-provided transportation.
       
    8. 7:190, Student Behavior. This policy prohibits, and provides consequences for, hazing, bullying, or other aggressive behaviors, or urging other students to engage in such conduct.
       
    9. 7:310, Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools. This policy prohibits students from and provides consequences for: (1) accessing and/or distributing at school any written, printed, or electronic material, including material from the Internet, that will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, and (2) creating and/or distributing written, printed, or electronic material, including photographic material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.

UNIFORM GRIEVANCE PROCESS (Board Policy 2:260)

A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member should notify any District Complaint Manager if he or she believes that the School Board, its employees, or agents have violated his or her rights guaranteed by the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board policy, or have a complaint regarding any one of the following:

  1. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.
     
  2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., excluding Title IX sexual harassment complaints governed by policy 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
     
  3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §791 et seq.
     
  4. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq.
     
  5. Equal Employment Opportunities Act (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act), 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq.
     
  6. Sexual harassment prohibited by the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, 5 ILCS 430/70-5(a); Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/; and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq. (Title IX sexual harassment complaints are addressed under policy 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure)
     
  7. Bullying, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 
     
  8. Misuse of funds received for services to improve educational opportunities for educationally disadvantaged or deprived children 
     
  9. Curriculum, instructional materials, and/or programs
     
  10. Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, 820 ILCS 180/
     
  11. Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, 820 ILCS 112/
     
  12. Provision of services to homeless students
     
  13. Illinois Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174/
     
  14. Misuse of genetic information (Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), 410 ILCS 513/ and Titles I and II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq
     
  15. Employee Credit Privacy Act, 820 ILCS 70/

The Complaint Manager will first attempt to resolve complaints without resorting to this grievance procedure. If a formal complaint is filed under this procedure, the Complaint Manager will address the complaint promptly and equitably. A student and/or parent/guardian filing a complaint under this procedure may forego any informal suggestions and/or attempts to resolve it and may proceed directly to this grievance procedure. The Complaint Manager will not require a student or parent/guardian complaining of any form of harassment to attempt to resolve allegations directly with the accused (or the accused’s parents/guardians); this includes mediation.

Right to Pursue Other Remedies Not Impaired

The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed under this policy shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies, e.g., criminal complaints, civil actions, etc. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies and use of this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the pursuit of other remedies. If a person is pursuing another remedy subject to a complaint under this policy, the District will continue with a simultaneous investigation under this policy. Employees retain the right to report allegations of sexual harassment to the Illinois Department of Human Rights through means established by that Department, including, but not limited to, a hotline.

Deadlines
All deadlines under this procedure may be extended by the Complaint Manager as he or she deems appropriate. As used in this policy, school business days means days on which the District’s main office is open.

Filing a Complaint
A person (hereinafter Complainant) who wishes to avail him or herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with any District Complaint Manager. The Complainant shall not be required to file a complaint with a particular Complaint Manager and may request a Complaint Manager of the same gender. The Complaint Manager may request the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint or require a meeting with a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The Complaint Manager shall assist the Complainant as needed.

For any complaint alleging bullying and/or cyber-bullying of students, the Complaint Manager shall process and review the complaint according to Board Policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, in addition to any response required by this policy. For any complaint alleging sexual harassment or other violation of Board Policy 5:20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited, the Complaint Manager shall process and review the complaint according to that policy, in addition to any response required by this policy.

Investigation Process
The Complaint Manager will investigate the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation on his or her behalf. The Complaint Manager shall ensure both parties have an equal opportunity to present evidence during an investigation. If the Complainant is a student under 18 years of age, the Complaint Manager will notify his or her parents/guardians that they may attend any investigatory meetings in which their child is involved. The complaint and identity of the Complainant will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or any collective bargaining agreement, (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the Complainant.

The identity of any student witnesses will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or any collective bargaining agreement, (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the parent/guardian of the student witness, or by the student if the student is 18 years of age or older.

The Complaint Manager will inform, at regular intervals, the person(s) filing a complaint under this policy about the status of the investigation. Within 30 school business days after the date the complaint was filed, the Complaint Manager shall file a written report of his or her findings with the Superintendent. The Complaint Manager may request an extension of time.

The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints.

If a complaint contains allegations involving a Complaint Manager, the Superintendent shall appoint another Complaint Manager or another qualified person to undertake the investigation as the designated Complaint Manager.

If a complaint contains allegations involving the Superintendent or Board member(s), the written report shall be filed directly with the Board, which will make a decision in accordance with paragraph four of the following section of this policy.

Decision and Appeal
Within five school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s report, the Superintendent shall mail his or her written decision to the Complainant and the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, and/or personal delivery as well as to the Complaint Manager. All decisions shall be based upon the preponderance of evidence standard.

Within 10 school business days after receiving the Superintendent’s decision, the Complainant or the accused may appeal the decision to the Board by making a written request to the Complaint Manager. The Complaint Manager shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the Board.

Within 30 school business days after an appeal of the Superintendent’s decision, the Board shall affirm, reverse, or amend the Superintendent’s decision or direct the Superintendent to gather additional information. Within five school business days after the Board’s decision, the Superintendent shall inform the Complainant and the accused of the Board’s action.

For complaints containing allegations involving the Superintendent or Board member(s), within 30 school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s or outside investigator’s report, the Board shall mail its written decision to the Complainant and the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, and/or personal delivery as well as to the Complaint Manager.

This policy shall not be construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the Superintendent or Board. The failure to strictly follow the timelines in this grievance procedure shall not prejudice any party.

Appointing a Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers
The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator to manage the District’s efforts to provide equal opportunity employment and educational opportunities and prohibit the harassment of employees, students, and others. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator also serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator.

The Superintendent shall appoint at least one Complaint Manager to administer this policy. If possible, the Superintendent will appoint two Complaint Managers, one of each gender. The District’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator may be appointed as one of the Complaint Managers.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy and keep current the names, office addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of the Nondiscrimination Coordinator and the Complaint Managers.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Ms. Lauren Schulman
Director of Student Services
2374 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8958

Complaint Managers:
Mr. Sam Kurtz
Maple School Principal
2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8905

Dr. Chris Brown
Wescott School Principal
1820 Western Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8703

Dr. Scott Carlson
Willowbrook School Principal
2500 Happy Hollow Road, Glenview, IL 60026
847-400-8803

TITLE IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE (Board Policy 2:265)

Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
Sexual harassment affects a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from sexual harassment is an important District goal. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, and it complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106) concerning everyone in the District’s educational programs and activities, including applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and third parties.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Prohibited
Sexual harassment as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sexual Harassment) is prohibited. Any person, including a District employee or agent, or student, engages in Title IX Sexual Harassment whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of an individual’s sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 

  1. A District employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or
     
  2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s educational program or activity; or
     
  3. Sexual assault as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1092(f)(6)(A)(v), dating violence as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(10), domestic violence as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(8), or stalking as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(30). 

Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities, rape, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion.

Definitions from 34 C.F.R. §106.30

Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment. 

Education program or activity includes locations, events, or circumstances where the District has substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which alleged sexual harassment occurs.

Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint means a document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a Respondent and requesting that the District investigate the allegation. 

Respondent means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of the conduct that could constitute sexual harassment. 

Supportive measures mean non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the Complainant or the Respondent before or after the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint or where no Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint has been filed. 

Title IX Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response

The Superintendent or designee will ensure that the District prevents and responds to allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment as follows:

  1. Ensures that the District’s comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, incorporates (a) age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention programs in grades pre-K through 12, and (b) age-appropriate education about the warning signs, recognition, dangers, and prevention of teen dating violence in grades 7-12. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District’s educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development.
     
  2. Incorporates education and training for school staff pursuant to policy 5:100, Staff Development Program, and as recommended by the Superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or a Complaint Manager.
     
  3. Notifies applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and collective bargaining units of this policy and contact information for the Title IX Coordinator by, at a minimum, prominently displaying them on the District’s website, if any, and in each handbook made available to such persons.

Making a Report
A person who wishes to make a report under this Title IX Sexual Harassment grievance procedure may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. A person who wishes to make a report may choose to report to a person of the same gender.

School employees shall respond to incidents of sexual harassment by promptly making or forwarding the report to the Title IX Coordinator. An employee who fails to promptly make or forward a report may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

The Superintendent shall insert into this policy and keep current the name, office address, email address, and telephone number of the Title IX Coordinator. The District’s Title IX Coordinator also serves as the Nondiscrimination Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinator:
Ms. Lauren Schulman
Director of Student Services
2374 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
847-400-8958

Processing and Reviewing a Report or Complaint
Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator and/or designee will promptly contact the Complainant to: (1) discuss the availability of supportive measures, (2) consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures, (3) inform the Complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint, and (4) explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint.

Further, the Title IX Coordinator will analyze the report to identify and determine whether there is another or an additional appropriate method(s) for processing and reviewing it. For any report received, the Title IX Coordinator shall review Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 5:20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5:120, Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest; 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited; and 7:190, Student Behavior, to determine if the allegations in the report require further action.

Reports of alleged sexual harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational program or activity that is productive, respectful, and free of sexual harassment.

Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Grievance Process
When a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint is filed, the Title IX Coordinator will investigate it or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation. 

The Superintendent or designee shall implement procedures to ensure that all Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaints are processed and reviewed according to a Title IX grievance process that fully complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45. The District’s grievance process shall, at a minimum:

  1. Treat Complainants and Respondents equitably by providing remedies to a Complainant where the Respondent is determined to be responsible for sexual harassment, and by following a grievance process that complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45 before the imposition of any disciplinary sanctions or other actions against a Respondent.
     
  2. Require an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence – including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence – and provide that credibility determinations may not be based on a person’s status as a ComplainantRespondent, or witness.
     
  3. Require that any individual designated by the District as a Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decision-maker, or any person designated by the District to facilitate an informal resolution process:
     
    1. Not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent.
       
    2. Receive training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the District’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process (including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes, as applicable), and how to serve impartially. 
       
  4. Require that any individual designated by the District as an investigator receiving training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
     
  5. Require that any individual designated by the District as a decision-maker receive training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant.
     
  6. Include a presumption that the Respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process.
     
  7. Include reasonably prompt timeframes for the conclusion of the grievance process.
     
  8. Describe the range of possible disciplinary sanctions and remedies the District may implement following any determination of responsibility.
     
  9. Base all decisions upon the preponderance of evidence standard.
     
  10. Include the procedures and permissible bases for the Complainant and Respondent to appeal.
     
  11. Describe the range of supportive measures available to Complainants and Respondents.
     
  12. Not require, allow, rely upon, or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege, unless the person holding such privilege has waived the privilege. 

Enforcement
Any District employee who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any third party who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any District student who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with student behavior policies. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding sexual harassment will likewise be subject to disciplinary action.

This policy does not increase or diminish the ability of the District or the parties to exercise any other rights under existing law. 

Retaliation Prohibited 
The District prohibits any form of retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, has made a report or complaint, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in a proceeding under this policy. Any person should report claims of retaliation using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure

Any person who retaliates against others for reporting or complaining of violations of this policy or for participating in any manner under this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension, and expulsion, with regard to students.

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE PROHIBITED (Board Policy 7:185)

Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program to respond to incidents of teen
dating violence that:

  1. Fully implements and enforces each of the following Board policies:
    1. 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. This policy provides a method for any student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member to file a complaint if he or she believes that the Board of Education, its employees, or its agents have violated his or her rights under the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, Board policy, or various enumerated bases.
       
    2. 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure. This policy prohibits any person from engaging in sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
       
    3. c. 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing intimidating, or bullying a student based on the student’s actual or perceived characteristics of sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; and gender-related identity or expression (this policy includes more protected statuses).
       
    4. 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment. This policy prohibits students from engaging in bullying, intimidation, and harassment at school, school-related events and electronically. Prohibited conduct includes threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.
       
  2. Encourages anyone with information about incidents of teen dating violence to report them to
    any of the following individuals:
     
    1. Any school staff member. School staff shall respond to incidents of teen dating violence by following the District’s established procedures for the prevention, identification, investigation, and response to bullying and school violence.
       
    2. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or a Complaint Manager identified in policy 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited.
       
  3. Incorporates age-appropriate instruction in grades 7 and 8, in accordance with the District’s comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District’s educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development.
     
  4. Incorporates education for school staff, as recommended by the Nondiscrimination
    Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or a Complaint Manager.
     
  5. Notifies students and parents/guardians of this policy.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE (Board Policy 7:160)

A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. The District does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance. Questions about student dress will be referred to the principal's office of each school. The school principal or designee will work with parent(s)/gurdian(s) to correct the situation.

ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY (Board Policy 7:70)

Compulsory School Attendance
This policy applies to individuals who have custody or control of a child: (a) between the ages of six (on or before September 1) and 17 years (unless the child has graduated from high school), or (b) who is enrolled in any of grades, kindergarten through 8, in the public school regardless of age.

The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled must authorize all absences from school and notify the school in advance or at the time of the student’s absence. A valid cause for absence includes illness (including mental or behavioral health of the student), observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, other situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the Board, other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or safety, or other reason as approved by the Superintendent or designee. Students absent for a valid cause may make up missed homework and classwork assignments in a reasonable timeframe.

Absenteeism and Truancy Program
The Superintendent or designee shall manage an absenteeism and truancy program in accordance with the School Code and Board of Education policy. The program shall include but not be limited to:

  1. A protocol for excusing a student from attendance who is necessarily and lawfully employed. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to determine when the student’s absence is justified.
     
  2. A protocol for excusing a student in grades 6 through 8 from attendance to sound Taps at a military honors funeral held in Illinois for a deceased veteran.
     
  3. A protocol for excusing a student from attendance on a particular day(s) or at a particular time of day when his/her parent/guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat-support postings.
     
  4. A process to telephone, within two hours after the first class, the parents/guardians of students in grade 8 or below who are absent without prior parent/guardian notification.
     
  5. A process to identify and track students who are truants, chronic or habitual truants, or truant minors as defined in 105 ILCS 5/26-2a.
     
  6. A description of diagnostic procedures for identifying the cause(s) of a student’s unexcused absenteeism, including interviews with the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and staff members or other people who may have information about the reasons for the student’s attendance problem.
     
  7. The identification of supportive services that may be offered to truant, chronically truant, or chronically absent students, including parent-teacher conferences, student and/or family counseling, or information about community agency services.
     
  8. A process for the collection and review of chronic absence data and to:
    1. Determine what systems of support and resources are needed to engage chronically absent students and their families, and
       
    2. Encourage the habit of daily attendance and promote success.
       
  9. Reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to teachers, administrators, Board members, school resource officers, and staff on the appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement.
     
  10. A process to request the assistance and resources of outside agencies, such as, the juvenile officer of the local police department or the truant office of the appropriate Intermediate Service Center, if truancy continues after supportive services have been offered.
     
  11. A protocol for cooperating with non-District agencies including County or municipal authorities, the appropriate Intermediate Service Center, truant officers, the Community Truancy Review Board, and a comprehensive community based youth service agency. Any disclosure of school student records must be consistent with Board policy 7:340, Student Records, as well as State and federal law concerning school student records.
     
  12. An acknowledgement that no punitive action, including out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, or court action, shall be taken against a truant minor for his or her truancy unless available supportive services and other school resources have been provided to the student.
     
  13. The criteria to determine whether a student’s non-attendance is due to extraordinary circumstances shall include economic or medical necessity or family hardship and such other criteria that the Superintendent believes qualifies.

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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

ASSESSMENT

Students in District 30 take various standardized tests. These tests include the curriculum-based measurement (CBM) at grades K-2, NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) at grades 1-8, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) at grades 3 and 5, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) at grades 3-8, the IL Science Assessment (ISA) at grades 5 and 8, and the ACCESS for students identified as English language learners. In addition, the Terra Nova is given as a high school placement test for students in grade 8.

Classroom instructional time is precious and should be protected. Assessments should provide valuable information for (1) teachers as they plan curriculum and instruction for the students; (2) consideration of educational interventions based upon the District’s RtI (Response to Intervention) plan; (3) parents as they monitor their child’s academic and cognitive growth; and (4) the District as programs are evaluated for overall student performance. The District chooses assessments that add value to the instructional process in a timely fashion.

Appropriate preparation for any standardized norm-referenced or criterion-referenced test comes in instructing students using a research-based, standards-aligned local curriculum. The administration believes that each of the District 30 curricula follows these guidelines. Therefore, District 30 students are appropriately and adequately prepared for standardized assessments and will perform well.

All assessments are administered during a multi-week “testing window.” The window simply identifies the common time frame across the District during which the assessment will be given. No assessment takes the entire window of time to administer.  For example, the MAP window is three weeks in length; however, test administration takes approximately two hours for each student to complete. It is important to note that time dedicated to formalized assessment is less than two percent of instructional time during the school year.

Students in first through eighth grade take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test. The MAP test, which is an individualized computer-adaptive test, is administered to students in early fall to establish baseline data and to assist teachers as they plan for instruction. The test is re-administered in the spring to students in first through eighth grade. First grade students only participate in the mathematics portion of the MAP assessment as a part of the District’s universal screenings. The MAP test measures student achievement and growth in mathematics and reading.  

Eighth-grade students take high school placement tests, which are coordinated by the high school. Placement tests are administered in early December.

MAP, CogAT, ISA, and PARCC results are mailed home to parents. Results for placement tests are sent home from the high school. Parents should feel free to contact the building principal if they need clarification of the results.

Students in the District’s English Learners (EL) program take the ACCESS Test (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State): This is an English language proficiency test given annually to measure language proficiency levels and a student's progress in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. Students in the EL program also take the PARCC, with accommodations as needed.

GIFTED EDUCATION/NAVIGATE

School District 30 offers the Navigate program which provides services for gifted students, grades 1-8, in the areas of English language arts and mathematics. Students in all grades are identified separately for each subject.  In grades 1-5, groups meet multiple times per week in a pull-out setting with a teacher specifically trained in gifted education. Navigate in grades 6-8 are replacement classes in both English language arts and math, and meet daily.  All Navigate curriculum focuses on rigorous curricular content at a level appropriate for gifted learners with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving. For a brochure that further describes the program or any other information, please contact Dr. Melissa Hirsch, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, at mhirsch@district30.org or 847-400-8987.

ACCELERATED PLACEMENT PROGRAM (Board Policy 6:135)

The District provides an Accelerated Placement Program (APP). The APP advances the District’s goal of providing educational programs with opportunities for each student to develop to his or her maximum potential. The APP provides an educational setting with curriculum options usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the student participating in the APP. APP options include, but may not be limited to: (a) accelerating a student in a single subject; (b) other grade-level acceleration; and (c) early entrance to kindergarten or first grade. Participation in the APP is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit from accelerated placement. It is not limited to students who have been identified as gifted and talented. Eligibility to participate in the District’s APP shall not be conditioned upon the protected classifications identified in Board of Education policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, or any factor other than the student’s identification as an accelerated learner.

The Superintendent or designee shall implement an APP that includes:

  1. Decision-making processes that are fair, equitable, and involve multiple individuals, e.g. District administrators, teachers, and school support personnel, and a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s);
     
  2. Notification processes that notify a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of a decision affecting a student’s participation in the APP;
     
  3. Assessment processes that include multiple valid, reliable indicators; and
     
  4. By the fall of 2023, the automatic enrollment, in the following school term, of a student into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework offered by the high school if the student meets or exceeds State standards in English language arts, mathematics, or science on a State assessment administered under 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5, as follows:
    1. A student who meets or exceeds State standards in English language arts shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in English, social studies, humanities, or related subjects.
       
    2. A student who meets or exceeds State standards in mathematics shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in mathematics.
       
    3. A student who meets or exceeds State standards in science shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in science.

The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify the community, parent(s)/guardian(s), students, and school personnel about the APP, the process for referring a student for possible evaluation for accelerated placement, and the methods used to determine whether a student is eligible for accelerated placement, including strategies to reach groups of students and families who have been historically underrepresented in accelerated placement programs and advanced coursework. Notification may: (a) include varied communication methods, such as student handbooks and District or school websites; and (b) be provided in multiple languages, as appropriate.

EXEMPTION FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Board Policy 7:260)

In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request. Upon written notice from a student’s parent/guardian, a student will be excused from engaging in the physical activity components of physical education during a period of religious fasting.

Special activities in physical education will be provided for a student whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act, prevents his or her participation in the physical education course.

State law prohibits the Board from honoring parental excuses based upon a student’s participation in athletic training, activities, or competitions conducted outside the auspices of the School District.

A student who is eligible for special education may be excused from physical education courses in
either of the following situations:

  1. He or she (a) is in grades 3-8, (b) his or her IEP requires that special education support and services be provided during physical education time, and (c) the parent/guardian agrees or the IEP team makes the determination; or
     
  2. He or she (a) has an IEP, (b) is participating in an adaptive athletic program outside of the school setting, and (c) the parent/guardian documents the student’s participation as required by the Superintendent or designee.

A student requiring adapted physical education must receive that service in accordance with his or her Individualized Educational Program/Plan (IEP).

Students in grades 6 through 8 may submit a written request to the Building Principal to be excused from physical education courses because of his or her ongoing participation in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program. The Building Principal will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.

The Superintendent or designee shall maintain records showing that the criteria set forth in this policy were applied to the student’s individual circumstances, as appropriate.

Students who have been excused from physical education shall return to the course as soon as practical. The following considerations will be used to determine when a student shall return to a physical education course:

  1. The time of year when the student’s participation ceases; and
     
  2. The student’s class schedule.

HEALTH/WELLNESS CURRICULUM

The District provides instruction to K-8 grade students on personal safety at school, in their travel to and from school, and in and around the house. Short, age-appropriate units of study on a number of related topics will be provided as part of the health curriculum at grade levels K-5. Health is a course that meets within the Physical Education/Wellness block for grades 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Parents will be given the opportunity to request in writing that their child not participate in:

  1. The 5th-grade human growth and development unit 
     
  2. The age-appropriate prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program (Erin’s Law)
     
  3. The following instructional units within Health at Maple School:
    1. AIDS
       
    2. Family Life (psychological, physiological, hygienic and social responsibilities, including sexual abstinence until mariage)
       
    3. Comprehensive Personal Health and Safety and Sexual Health Education
       
    4. Depression and eating disorder(s)
       
    5. Donations and transplants of organs/tissue and blood organ/tissue transplant
       
    6. CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, and
       
    7. How to use an AED within Health at Maple School    

HOMEWORK (Board Policy 6:290)

Homework is part of the District’s instructional program and has the overarching goal of increasing student achievement. Homework is assigned to further a student’s educational development and is an application or adaptation of a classroom experience. The Superintendent shall provide guidance to ensure that homework:

  1. Is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principles, and skills;
     
  2. Is not assigned for disciplinary purposes;
     
  3. Serves as a communication link between the school and parents/guardians;
     
  4. Encourages independent thought, self-direction, and self-discipline; and
     
  5. Is of appropriate frequency and length, and does not become excessive, according to the teacher’s best professional judgment.

Missed Homework
Students absent for a valid cause may make up missed homework in a reasonable timeframe per policy 7:70, Attendance and Truancy.

ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC NETWORKS (Board Policy 6:235)

Electronic networks, including the Internet, are a part of the District’s instructional program and serve to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. The Superintendent shall develop an implementation plan for this policy and appoint system administrator(s).

The District is not responsible for any information that may be lost or damaged, or become unavailable when using the network, or for any information that is retrieved or transmitted via the Internet. Furthermore, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the Internet.

Curriculum and Appropriate Online Behavior
The use of the District’s electronic networks shall: (1) be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the District as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the students, and (2) comply with the selection criteria for instructional materials and library resource center materials. As required by federal law and Board policy, students will be educated about appropriate online behavior, including but not limited to: (1) interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and (2) cyberbullying awareness and response. Staff members may, consistent with the Superintendent’s implementation plan, use the Internet throughout the curriculum.

The District’s electronic network is part of the curriculum and is not a public forum for general use.

Acceptable Use
All use of the District’s electronic networks must be: (1) in support of education and/or research, and be in furtherance of the goals stated herein, or (2) for a legitimate school business purpose. Use is a privilege, not a right. Students and staff members have no expectation of privacy in any material that is stored, transmitted, or received via the District’s electronic networks or District computers. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using electronic networks. The District’s administrative procedure, Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks, contains the appropriate uses, ethics, and protocol. Electronic communications and downloaded material, including files deleted from a user’s account but not erased, may be monitored or read by school officials.

Internet Safety
Technology protection measures shall be used on each District computer with Internet access. They shall include a filtering device that protects against Internet access by both adults and minors to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by federal law and as determined by the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. An administrator, supervisor, or another authorized person may disable the filtering device for bona fide research or another lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the Superintendent or system administrator. The Superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy’s implementation plan to address the following:

  1. Ensure staff supervision of student access to online electronic networks,
     
  2. Restrict student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials,
     
  3. Ensure student and staff privacy, safety, and security when using electronic communications,
     
  4. Restrict unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities, and
     
  5. Restrict unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information, such as, names and addresses.

Authorization for Electronic Network Access
Each staff member must sign the Authorization for Access to the District’s Electronic Networks as a condition for using the District’s electronic network. Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Authorization before being granted unsupervised use.

All users of the District’s computers to access the Internet shall maintain the confidentiality of student records. Reasonable measures to protect against unreasonable access shall be taken before confidential student information is loaded onto the network.

The failure of any student or staff member to follow the terms of the District’s administrative procedure, Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks, or this policy, will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

REMOTE LEARNING (eLearning)

District 30's Board of Education approved our eLeaning Plan on July 16. 2020, for the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 school years. The approved eLearning Plan has been submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education.

In instances where students participate in school from a remote location (eLearning), District 30 will continue to provide learning opportunities, using online tools and resources, including Usage of video conferencing and other tools for instruction. Examples include ZOOM, Google Hangouts Meet, Schoology Conferences, and others. The District’s online curriculum and remote collaboration tools for the classroom will also be available. During remote school days, the guidelines for student behavior and acceptable use (Board Policy 6:235) continue to be in force, as will our expectations for student online behavior.

During any District 30 eLearning experience, District 30 prohibits screenshots, photos, audio/video recordings and distribution of any virtual educational experiences by unauthorized individuals. This is in order to protect privacy, prevent cyberbullying and reduce distribution of content from virtual educational experiences.

Parents/guardians and other household members who normally are not privy to day-to-day classroom activities, agree to respect and keep confidential any personal or private information (e.g., disability status) inadvertently discovered about other students due to proximity to virtual education.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

The library media center in each school is available to all students and their parents. Books may be borrowed for a specified period of time with a possible renewal. Books are due on or before the due date posted in the book. The student will be notified twice of overdue materials, and a third notice will be sent to the parents if overdue books or materials are not returned. Parents will be held responsible for lost or damaged materials. There are no overdue fines. Maple, Wescott and Willowbrook School library websites can be accessed at http://www.district30.org, and click on the individual school’s library link. There are links to search engines, local libraries, and general reference material.

ONE TO ONE LEARNING

District 30 provides each student in grades Kindergarten through eight with a personal technology device for use in the classroom. Students in grades three through eight can access class resources through the provided device when not in school. Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardians(s) must agree with the iPad Handbook / Pledge, before being given their device. The failure of any student to follow the terms of the pledge will result in suspension from the one-to-one program, or other appropriate disciplinary action. A full copy of the One-to-One Handbook and Pledge is available on the District 30 website, and also during the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Andy Kohl, Director of Educational Technology, at akohl@district30.org or 847-400-8971.

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RtI)

Response to Intervention (RtI) came from the federal law IDEIA 2004 and was incorporated into state law in 2008.  District 30 submitted its plan in January of 2009. The program involves a multi-tiered system of support to instruction so that students are able to receive additional educational assistance based upon identified areas of need. Students who do not progress or “respond” appropriately to the scientifically based educational interventions provided for them may be at risk of a learning disability, and can be provided increasingly intensive instructional service to address those identified needs in a proactive manner prior to the consideration of special education eligibility. RtI services are continual in reading, mathematics, and social/emotional development.

District 30 has incorporated universal screenings and progress monitoring tools to identify students who may benefit from additional educational supports. For those students who score below the 50th percentile nationally, educational interventions will be provided using scientifically-based teaching techniques. Student response to these interventions will be monitored.  

Response to Intervention (RtI), with its increased instructional precision, will support student performance in a more proactive manner to prevent academic failure and enhance student performance in the key curricular areas, which signify academic success.   

REVIEW OF THE DISTRICT’S INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Parents or guardians of any student may review any instructional materials utilized in the schools. These materials include textbooks, teacher’s manuals, or media/technology components. Please contact the principal’s office for an appointment to view any of these items.

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MEDICAL

AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Since authorization for treatment of your child must come from the parent or the child’s physician, we would suggest that you arrange with your physician the procedure to follow when the parent is unavailable. Instructions to the physician can greatly facilitate rapid emergency care when the parent cannot be reached. In cases when the parents are away from the children for an extended period of time, it is appropriate for the parent to assign the power of attorney to the person(s) responsible for the care of the child.

ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS (Board Policy 7:270)

Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and/or otherwise follow the District’s procedures on dispensing medication.

No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form (SMA FORM) is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student shall possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this policy and its implementing procedures. 

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

The Building Principal shall include this policy in the Student Handbook and shall provide a copy to the parents/guardians of students.

Self-Administration of Medication
A student may possess and self-administer an epinephrine injector, e.g., EpiPen®, and/or asthma medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed an SMA Form. The Superintendent or designee will ensure an Emergency Action Plan is developed for each self-administering student.

A student may self-administer medication required under a qualifying plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed an SMA Form. A qualifying plan means: (1) an asthma action plan, (2) an Individual Health Care Action Plan, (3) an Ill. Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan and Treatment Authorization Form, (4) a plan pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or (5) a plan pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The District shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication, including asthma medication or epinephrine injectors, or medication required under a qualifying plan. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the District and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine injector, asthma medication, and/or a medication required under a qualifying plan.

School District Supply of Undesignated Asthma Medication
The Superintendent or designee shall implement 105 ILCS 5/22-30(f) and maintain a supply of undesignated asthma medication in the name of the District and provide or administer them as necessary according to State law. Undesignated asthma medication means an asthma medication prescribed in the name of the District or one of its schools. A school nurse or trained personnel, as defined in State law, may administer an undesignated asthma medication to a person when they, in good faith, believe a person is having respiratory distress. Respiratory distress may be characterized as mild-to-moderate or severe. Each building administrator and/or his or her corresponding school nurse shall maintain the names of trained personnel who have received a statement of certification pursuant to State law.

School District Supply of Undesignated Epinephrine Injectors
The Superintendent or designee shall implement 105 ILCS 5/22-30(f) and maintain a supply of undesignated epinephrine injectors in the name of the District and provide or administer them as necessary according to State law. Undesignated epinephrine injector means an epinephrine injector prescribed in the name of the District or one of its schools. A school nurse or trained personnel, as defined in State law, may administer an undesignated epinephrine injector to a person when they, in good faith, believe a person is having an anaphylactic reaction. Each building administrator and/or his or her corresponding school nurse shall maintain the names of trained personnel who have received a statement of certification pursuant to State law.

Administration of Medical Cannabis
The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act allows a medical cannabis infused product to be administered to a student by one or more of the following individuals:

  1. A parent/guardian of a student who is a minor who registers with the Ill. Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) as a designated caregiver to administer medical cannabis to their child. A designated caregiver may also be another individual other than the student’s parent/guardian. Any designated caregiver must be at least 21 years old and is allowed to administer a medical cannabis infused product to a child who is a student on the premises of his or her school or on his or her school bus if:
    1. Both the student and the designated caregiver possess valid registry identification cards issued by IDPH;
       
    2. Copies of the registry identification cards are provided to the District;
       
    3. That student’s parent/guardian completed, signed, and submitted a School Medication Authorization Form - Medical Cannabis; and
       
    4. After administering the product to the student, the designated caregiver immediately removes it from school premises or the school bus.
       
  2. A properly trained school nurse or administrator, who shall be allowed to administer the medical cannabis infused product to the student on the premises of the child’s school, at a school-sponsored activity, or before/after normal school activities, including while the student is in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property or while being transported on a school bus.
     
  3. The student him or herself when the self-administration takes place under the direct supervision of a school nurse or administrator.

Medical cannabis infused product (product) includes oils, ointments, foods, and other products that contain usable cannabis but are not smoked or vaped. Smoking and/or vaping medical cannabis is prohibited.

The product may not be administered in a manner that, in the opinion of the District or school, would create a disruption to the educational environment or cause exposure of the product to other students. A school employee shall not be required to administer the product.

Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver, or by a school nurse or administrator, or who self-administers a product under the direct supervision of a school nurse or administrator pursuant to this policy is prohibited. The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because he or she requires administration of the product during school hours.

Void Policy
The School District Supply of Undesignated Asthma Medication section of the policy is void whenever the Superintendent or designee is, for whatever reason, unable to: (1) obtain for the District a prescription for undesignated asthma medication from a physician or advanced practice nurse licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, or (2) fill the District’s prescription for undesignated school asthma medication.'

The School District Supply of Undesignated Epinephrine Injectors section of the policy is void whenever the Superintendent or designee is, for whatever reason, unable to: (1) obtain for the District a prescription for undesignated epinephrine injectors from a physician or advanced practice nurse licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, or (2) fill the District’s prescription for undesignated school epinephrine injectors.

The Administration of Medical Cannabis section of the policy is void and the District reserves the right not to implement it if the District or school is in danger of losing federal funding.

Administration of Undesignated Medication
Upon any administration of an undesignated medication permitted by State law, the Superintendent or designee(s) must ensure all notifications required by State law and administrative procedures occur.

Undesignated Medication Disclaimers
Upon implementation of this policy, the protections from liability and hold harmless provisions applicable under State law apply.

No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the District for the availability of undesignated medication. This policy does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).

HEALTH, EYE, AND DENTAL EXAMINATIONS; IMMUNIZATIONS; AND EXCLUSION OF STUDENTS (Board Policy 7:100)

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations
A student's parent(s)/guardian(s) shall present proof that the student received a health examination, with proof of the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), within one year prior to:

  1. Entering kindergarten or first grade;
     
  2. Entering sixth grade; and
     
  3. Enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student's grade (including nursery school, special education, Head Start programs operated by elementary schools, and students transferring into Illinois from out-of-country).

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grade 6.

As required by State law:

  1. Health examinations must be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant who has been delegated the performance of health examinations by a supervising physician.
     
  2. A diabetes screening is a required part of each health examination; diabetes testing is not required.
     
  3. An age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening.
     
  4. Before admission and in conjunction with required physical examinations, parents/guardians of children between the ages of one and seven years must provide a statement from a physician that their child was risk-assessed or screened for lead poisoning.
     
  5. The IDPH will provide all students entering sixth grade and their parents/guardians information about the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-related cancers and the availability of the HPV vaccine.
     
  6. The District will provide informational materials regarding influenza, influenza vaccinations, meningococcal disease, and meningococcal vaccinations developed, provided, or approved by the IDPH when it provides information on immunizations, infectious diseases, medications, or other school health issues to students’ parents/guardians.

Unless an exemption or extension applies, the failure to comply with the above requirements by
October 15 of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the
required health forms are presented to the District.
New students who register after October 15 of the
current school year shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination
and immunization regulations. If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required
immunization by October 15, the student must present, by October 15, an immunization schedule and
a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, or local
health department responsible for administering the immunizations.

A student transferring from out-of-state who does not have the required proof of immunizations by October 15 may attend classes only if he or she has proof that an appointment for the required vaccinations is scheduled with a party authorized to submit proof of the required vaccinations. If the required proof of vaccination is not submitted within 30 days after the student is permitted to attend classes, the student may no longer attend classes until proof of the vaccinations is properly submitted.

Eye Examination
Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their child undergo an eye examination whenever health examinations are required. 

Parents/guardians of students entering kindergarten or an Illinois school for the first time shall present proof before October 15 of the current school year that the student received an eye examination within one year prior to entry of kindergarten or the school. A Board Licensed Physician or a licensed optometrist must perform the required eye examination.

If a student fails to present proof by October 15, the school may hold the student's report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are notified of this eye examination requirement in compliance with the rules of the IDPH. Schools shall not exclude a student from attending school due to failure to obtain an eye examination. 

Dental Examination
All children in kindergarten and the second and sixth grades must present proof of having been examined by a licensed dentist before May 15 of the current school year in accordance with the rules adopted by the IDPH.

If a child in the second or sixth grade fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child's report card until the child presents proof: (1) of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are notified of this dental examination requirement at least 60 days before May 15 of each school year.

Exemptions
In accordance with rules adopted by the IDPH, a student will be exempted from this policy's requirements for:

  1. Religious grounds, if the student’s parents/guardians present the IDPH’s Certificate of Religious Exemption form to the Superintendent or designee. When a Certificate of Religious Exemption form is presented, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately inform the parents/guardians of exclusion procedures pursuant to Board policy 7:280, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease, and State rules if there is an outbreak of one or more diseases from which the student is not protected.
     
  2. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds, if the examining physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant provides written verification.
     
  3. Eye examination requirement, if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist.
     
  4. Dental examination requirement, if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or
    a lack of access to a dentist.

Homeless Child
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce immunization and health records normally required for enrollment. Board of Education policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, governs the enrollment of homeless children.

Back to the Handbook Top.

  SAFETY & SECURITY

Safety remains our highest priority, and we have comprehensive safety plans in place that remain coordinated with local authorities. Including but not limited to: 

  • Conducting regular lockdown and safety drills
  • Working closely with the Glenview and Northbrook Police Departments & School Resource Officers
  • Continuous training with our staff
  • Evaluating and hardening our buildings and classrooms
  • Requiring all visitors to check with proper identification at the front office through secure entrances
  • Promoting a See Something Say Something culture

Remaining connected as a community and communicating any concerns about safety of an individual or that an individual generates for our community. There are many avenues available for help, including:

  • Contacting your school principal
  • Contacting the Northbrook or Glenview Police Departments
  • Anyone in distress – or anyone trying to help someone who is – can now call a simple three-digit number, 988, to speak with a trained counselor. Studies have shown that even a brief 10- to 15-minute conversation can result in a caller feeling less suicidal, less depressed, and less overwhelmed. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s existing 1-800-273-8255 number still works, but the service has received an update and will now be able to address more mental health concerns, as well as suicide crises. 
  • Students seeking emotional support can also text HOME to 741741, the Crisis Text Line, to reach a trained volunteer counselor.
  • Safe2Help Illinois also has 24/7 help available via a hotline (844-4-SAFEIL), a text line (72332), and email (HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com) -- plus a website full of resources for young people seeking help for themselves or a friend. Safe2Help Illinois provides a confidential way for students to share safety concerns. Its Ways To Get Help page is a directory of specialized hotlines, and other sections of its website provide practical steps for dealing with depression or helping a distraught friend. The checklist called 20 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Feel Like Giving Up can help a teenager overcome a bout of anxiety or depression.  
  • Test-A-Tip is a resource that allows you to find anonymous, immediate help if you or a friend are struggling with depression, bullying, difficult family situations, drug or alcohol abuse 24/7 by connecting you with local counselors by testing "MAPLE" to the number 1-844-823-5323. This is completely anonymous; the counselor can't see your name or phone number, so you can feel absolutely safe reaching out for help you may need.

Parents should encourage their children to abide by basic safety rules. Children should come to school by the safest route -- crossing only at crosswalks and not in the middle of the block. Cooperation with the crossing guards must be stressed.

Please note that the law now prohibits the use of cellphones when driving in school zones.

ASBESTOS

The Asbestos Inspection Reports and Management Plans for Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 have been approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Copies of these documents may be examined at the administrative office and at the individual school offices.  If you have questions, please call the Director of Buildings and Grounds.

EMERGENCY CLOSING PROCEDURES

During the school year, there may be times when one or all of the schools may be closed. In most cases, school closures are the result of weather related conditions. The Northfield Township Superintendents have developed the following guidelines pertaining to these closures. Whenever a decision is made to close school or alter the school day, it is based on the general safety conditions for all students and staff. The District recognizes that conditions may vary for each individual family. If school is open and you feel that it is unsafe to send your student to school, please contact the school attendance office, and the student will be given an excused absence.

Parents and students should assume that classes are in session at the normal time unless otherwise notified.

Priority on Safety
During periods of inclement weather or in emergency situations, our first priority is the safety and welfare of our students and staff. At the same time, the closing of school can be burdensome to families due to childcare and work schedules. We consider cancelling school to be an exception, and we place a strong emphasis on keeping our schools open. Some of the primary factors that are considered when making a decision include:

  • The safety and well-being of students and staff
  • Severity of the weather (extreme cold, flooding, etc.)
  • Timing of the weather
  • The ability of buses and cars to travel safely
  • The operable condition of our buildings

Making the Decision
The Superintendent of Schools determines when and if conditions at one or more schools warrant the cancellation of school. This decision is normally made in collaboration with the District Administration, other area superintendents, local Village departments, the bus service provider, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 works collaboratively with Northfield Township Districts 27, 28, 31, 34, 225, and NSSED on school closings. Because we have many families whose students are enrolled within District 225 and District 30, we seek to be consistent to create the least amount of disruption to our families. This may not always occur, but please be assured it is a priority in our deliberations. If a weather related school building closure occurs, it will be our intent to run an eProfessional Development Day on the first with eLearning Days on any subsequent weather related school building closures instead of canceling school. We don't anticipate using our Emergency Days to make up missed school days as we have in the past.

Data Source
The National Weather Service (NWS at http://www.weather.gov/) will be the primary meteorological source to determine and declare weather conditions, such as snow forecasts, wind-chill advisory, or wind-chill warnings.

Notification to Our Parents
In the event of a school closing or other emergency, parents can expect to receive an automated phone call and e-mail. This system will be tested annually in the beginning of November. We ask that all parents help to make sure that their contact information is accurate and complete.

School closure decisions will normally be made before 6:00 a.m. the day of closure. This allows weather conditions to be monitored overnight to avoid unnecessary closures. Closure decisions will only be made the night before if conditions are known with a high degree of certainty and warrant closure. Parents should establish contingency plans for possible closures throughout the school year regardless of the season.

Emergency and closing information is also available through the following sources:

  • School and district websites
  • The district’s social media channels
  • The following media sources

Family Discretion
As always, if parents decide that conditions their family face require their student(s) to remain at home, simply inform the school about the absence. Whenever a decision is made to cancel school or alter the school day, it is based on the general safety conditions for all students and staff. The district recognizes that conditions may vary for each individual student or family. If you feel that it is unsafe to send your student to school, please contact the school attendance office, and the student will be given an excused absence.

General Information Regarding School Cancellation
School may be cancelled due to weather conditions or other emergency conditions that create unsafe conditions. School may be cancelled for all District 30 school facilities, or for an individual facility, as necessary. General guidelines for a closed school include:

  • All after school activities and field trips will be cancelled unless specifically announced by the school principal.
  • All student events will be cancelled unless specifically announced by the school principal.
  • Athletic events and practices will be cancelled unless specifically announced by the school principal.
  • PTO events that have event contracts to use district facilities will be cancelled unless announced by the school principal.

eProfessional Development Day: An eProfessional Development Day has been planned for all staff that will be utilized for the first weather-related school building closure, should one occur

eLearning Day: After our eProfessional Development Day is utilized, this option will likely be employed if advanced notice of a school building closure occurs. 

Early Dismissal: This option may also be utilized by our schools if weather conditions worsen during the day. If waiting until the end of the day to dismiss students makes it significantly less safe for our students and families, then early dismissal will be implemented.

Severe Cold - Two Possible Outcomes

Wind-Chill Warning - Schools Will Be Closed
Definition: A wind-chill warning indicates that life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exist.  Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately. A wind-chill warning is typically issued when the wind-chill will be -30°F or colder AND the wind speed is is 10 mph or greater, OR the actual temperature is -15° F or colder.

District Action:

  • Classes will be cancelled, and school closure protocols will be instituted.
  • All notification systems will be leveraged to send school cancellation communications to families.
  • After school activities will be cancelled.

eProfessional Development Day: An eProfessional Development Day has been planned for all staff that will be utilized for the first weather-related school building closure, should one occur

eLearning Day: After our eProfessional Development Day is utilized, this option will likely be employed if advanced notice of a school building closure occurs. 

Wind-Chill Advisory - Schools Will Be Open
Definition: A wind-chill advisory is issued when conditions do not meet the wind-chill warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience. The weather during a wind-chill advisory is not life threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconvenience or pose moderate risk to safety. A wind-chill advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20 to -29°F AND wind speed is 10 mph or greater, OR the actual temperature is -5°F to -14°F.

District Action:

  • Schools will be open and student attendance is expected.
  • Fire and Police will be notified prior to the start of the school day of the Severe Cold Action Day designation.
  • In the case of a fire alarm, school administrators will be given authority to institute protocols to quickly return students to a safe interior location.
  • After school activities will be evaluated and may be suspended, if conditions persist.
  • All field trips during the school day will be suspended.
  • All outside student activities will be suspended.

In preparation for another winter in Chicago, I appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate weather and other challenges that may develop. Again, I emphasize that student and staff safety remains our highest priority, and we will hold school when the learning environment is safe and productive.

As a reminder, whenever a decision is made to close school or alter the school day, it is based on the general safety conditions for all students and staff. The District recognizes that conditions may vary for each individual family. If school is open and you feel that it is unsafe to send your student to school, please contact the school attendance office, and the student will be given an excused absence.

Refer to District 30’s website at www.district30.org for the most current information regarding emergency procedures.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION/PARENT CONTACT

It is imperative that the school health offices have information for use in case of an emergency.  Please update the emergency cards when necessary.  When your child becomes ill or an accident occurs at school, it is the district procedure to notify a parent immediately.  Since it is in the best interest of your child to reach you as soon as possible, when we receive no answer at home, we will call a parent at work or the emergency numbers listed on your card.  In an emergency, we reserve the right to contact the paramedics.  Please notify the school office immediately if one of your children contracts a communicable disease.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND DRILLS

Every classroom has emergency procedures and maps that are readily available and reviewed with staff members. Our schools conduct a minimum of three fire drills, one tornado drill, one bus evacuation, and one lock down drill each school year.  Moreover, our schools have been audited and assessed by village public safety officials who have participated in the planning of procedures which ensure the safety and security of our schools in the event of a disaster.  While these specific plans are not available to the public for security reasons, please know that there continues to be direct communication with police, fire and other public safety agencies responsible for ensuring our safety.  We feel confident that the direct links which have been established will provide a safe environment for our children. Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) are available in each building.                   

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

The Illinois Structural Pest Control Act, amended on August 1, 2000, requires school districts to maintain pest management procedures and to notify parents, faculty, and staff prior to performing pest management services.  Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 has contracted with a pest management company to ensure that our facilities remain pest free.  Pest management inspections and control services will be performed on the second Thursday of every month after regular school hours.  Anyone who would like additional information should contact the Director of Buildings and Grounds at the District Office of Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 at 847-498-4190.

SEARCH & SEIZURE (Board Policy 7:140)

Search and Seizure
In order to maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. “School authorities” includes school liaison police officers.

School Property and Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students
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 Superintendent or designee 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.

Students
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 that is reasonably related to its objective and not excessively intrusive in light of the student’s age and sex, and the nature of the infraction.

When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows:

  1. Outside the view of others, including students,
     
  2. In the presence of a school administrator or adult witness, and
     
  3. 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.

Seizure of Property
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.

Notification Regarding Student Accounts or Profiles on Social Networking Websites
The Superintendent or designee shall notify students and their parents/guardians of each of the following in accordance with the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, 105 ILCS 75/:

  1. 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.
     
  2. 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.

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY INFORMATION & WARNING SIGNS FOR CHILD ABUSE

Public Act 94-004:  Sex Offender Registration requires that all public schools notify parents of information concerning sex offenders.  This information is available at www.isp.state.il.us.

Remain informed about warning signs of a child being abused along with other important information at DCFS's Safe Kids website.

STUDENT ATHLETE CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES (Board Policy 7:305)

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement a program to manage concussions and head injuries suffered by students. The program shall:

  1. Fully implement Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act, that provides, without limitation, each of the following:
    1. The Board must appoint or approve authorization for the Superintendent or designee to define members of a Concussion Oversight Team for the District.
       
    2. The Concussion Oversight Team shall establish each of the following based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
      1. A return-to-play protocol governing a student’s return to interscholastic athletics practice or competition following a force of impact believed to have caused a concussion. The Superintendent or designee shall supervise an athletic trainer or other person responsible for compliance with the return-to-play protocol.
         
      2. A return-to-learn protocol governing a student’s return to the classroom following a force of impact believed to have caused a concussion. The Superintendent or designee shall supervise the person responsible for compliance with the return-to-learn protocol.
         
    3. Each student and the student’s parent/guardian shall be required to sign a concussion
      information receipt form each school year before participating in an interscholastic
      athletic activity.
       
    4. A student shall be removed from an interscholastic athletic practice or competition immediately if any of the following individuals believes that the student sustained a concussion during the practice or competition: a coach, a physician, a game official,  an athletic trainer, the student’s parent/guardian, the student, or any other person deemed appropriate under the return-to-play protocol.
       
    5. A student who was removed from interscholastic athletic practice or competition shall be allowed to return only after all statutory prerequisites are completed, including without limitation, the return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols developed by the Concussion Oversight Team. An interscholastic athletic team’s coach or assistant coach may not authorize a student’s return-to-play or return-to-learn.
       
    6. The following individuals must complete concussion training as specified in the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act: all coaches or assistant coaches (whether volunteer or district employee) of interscholastic athletic activities; nurses who serve on the Concussion Oversight Team; athletic trainers; game officials of interscholastic athletic activities; and physicians who serve on the Concussion Oversight Team.
       
    7. The Board shall approve school-specific emergency action plans as specified in the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act for interscholastic athletic activities to address the serious injuries and acute medical conditions in which a student’s condition may deteriorate rapidly.
       
  2. Require all student-athletes to view the Illinois High School Association’s video about concussions.
     
  3. Inform student-athletes and their parents/guardians about this policy in conjunction with the Permission for Athletic Tryouts/Participation. The student-athlete and his or her parent/guardian must sign the document before the student is allowed to participate in clinics, tryouts, practice, or interscholastic competition.
     
  4. Provide coaches and student athletes and their parent(s)/guardian(s) with educational materials from the Illinois High School Association regarding the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries, including the risks inherent in continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.
     
  5. Include a requirement for staff members to notify the parent/guardian of a student who exhibits symptoms consistent with that of a concussion.
     
  6. Include a requirement for staff members to distribute the Ill. Dept. of Public Health concussion brochure to any student or the parent/guardian of a student who may have sustained a concussion, regardless of whether or not the concussion occurred while the student was participating in an interscholastic athletic activity, if available.

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION AWARENESS AND PREVENTION (Board Policy 7:290)

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important Board goals.

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program
The Superintendent or designee shall develop, implement, and maintain a suicide and depression awareness and prevention program (Program) that advances the Board’s goals of increasing awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. This program must be consistent with the requirements of Ann Marie’s Law listed below; each listed requirement, 1-6, corresponds with the list of required policy components in the School Code Section 5/2-3.166(c)(2)-(7). The Program shall include:

  1. Protocols for administering youth suicide awareness and prevention education to students and staff.
    1. For students, implementation will incorporate Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content, which implements 105 ILCS 5/2-3.139 and 105 ILCS 5/27-7 (requiring education for students to develop a sound mind and a healthy body).
       
    2. For staff, implementation will incorporate Board policy 5:100, Staff Development Program, and teacher’s institutes under 105 ILCS 5/3-14.8 (requiring coverage of the warning signs of suicidal behavior).
       
  2. Procedures for methods of suicide prevention with the goal of early identification and referral of students possibly at risk of suicide. Implementation will incorporate:
     
    1. The training required by 105 ILCS 5/10-22.39 for licensed school personnel andadministrators who work with students to identify the warning signs of suicidal behavior in youth along with appropriate intervention and referral techniques, including methods of prevention, procedures for early identification, and referral of students at risk of suicide; and
       
    2. Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE)-recommended guidelines and educational materials for staff training and professional development, along with ISBE-recommended resources for students containing age-appropriate educational materials on youth suicide and awareness, if available pursuant to Ann Marie’s Law on ISBE’s website.
       
  3. Methods of intervention, including procedures that address an emotional or mental health safety plan for use during the school day and at school-sponsored events for a student identified as being at increased risk of suicide including those students who: (A) suffer from a mental health disorder; (B) suffer from a substance abuse disorder; (C) engage in self-harm or have previously attempted suicide; (D) reside in an out-of-home placement; (E) are experiencing homelessness; (F) are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ); (G) are bereaved by suicide; or (H) have a medical condition or certain types of disabilities. Implementation will incorporate paragraph number 2, above, along with Board policies:
     
    1. 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development, implementing the goals and benchmarks of the Ill. Learning Standards and 405 ILCS 49/15(b) (requiring student social and emotional development in the District’s educational program);
       
    2. 6:120, Education of Children with Disabilities, implementing special education requirements for the District;
       
    3. 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, implementing provision of District services to students who are homeless;
       
    4. 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, and its implementing administrative procedure and exhibit, implementing supports for equal educational opportunities for students who are LGBTQ;
       
    5. 7:50, School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools, implementing State law requirements related to students who are in foster care;
       
    6. 7:250, Student Support Services, implementing the Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003, 405 ILCS 49/ (requiring protocols for responding to students with social, emotional, or mental health issues that impact learning ability); and
       
    7. State and/or federal resources that address emotional or mental health safety plans for students who are possibly at an increased risk for suicide, if available on the ISBE’s website pursuant to Ann Marie’s Law.
       
  4. Methods of responding to a student or staff suicide or suicide attempt. Implementation of this requirement shall incorporate building-level Student Support Committee(s) established through Board policy 7:250, Student Support Services.
     
  5. Reporting procedures. Implementation of this requirement shall incorporate Board policy 7:250, Student Support Services, in addition to other State and/or federal resources that address reporting procedures.
     
  6. A process to incorporate ISBE-recommended resources on youth suicide awareness and prevention programs, including current contact information for such programs in the District’s Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program.

Monitoring
The Board will review and update this policy pursuant to Ann Marie’s Law and Board policy 2:240, Board Policy Development.

Information to Staff, Parents/Guardians, and Students
The Superintendent or designee shall inform each school district employee about this policy and ensure its posting on the District’s website. The Superintendent or designee shall provide a copy of this policy to the parent or legal guardian of each student enrolled in the District. Student identification (ID) cards, the District’s website, and student handbooks and planners will contain the support information as required by State law.

Implementation
This policy shall be implemented in a manner consistent with State and federal laws, including the Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003, 405 ILCS 49/, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, 740 ILCS 110/, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.The District, Board, and its staff are protected from liability by the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Services provided pursuant to this policy: (1) do not replace the care of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed medical practitioner or professional trained in suicide prevention, assessments and counseling services, (2) are strictly limited to the available resources within the District, (3) do not extend beyond the school day and/or school-sponsored events, and (4) cannot guarantee or ensure the safety of a student or the student body.

VISITORS                                                      
During school hours, all entrances to classroom areas will remain locked.  Upon entering the school, visitors are required to sign in and obtain a visitor’s pass from the school office.  Parents entering a school building are visitors for the purposes of our building security procedures.  If you are delivering an item for your child, please deliver it to the office. We will see that your child receives it.

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STUDENT RECORDS

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The actual means of notification (special letter inclusion in a PTO bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school. Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory information” such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors, awards, and dates of attendance.  However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them.

Rules concerning student records at the District are based on requirements of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), the Illinois School Student Records Act (“ISSRA”), and on the School Board’s Student Records Policy.  Under ISSRA, a “School Student Record” for any student consists of two parts:  the permanent and temporary records.

The “Student Permanent Record” consists of basic identifying information, (including the student’s and parent’s names and addresses, student birth date and place, and gender), academic transcript (including grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, and scores on college entrance exams), attendance record, records, and record of release of permanent record information.  It may also consist of records of honors and awards received and participation in school-sponsored activities.  No other information is contained in the student permanent record.  The permanent record will be kept for 60 years after graduation or permanent withdrawal.  [ISSRA, Par. 10-2(e); 10-4(e) ]

The “Student Temporary Record” consists of all information that is of clear relevance to the education of the student, but is not contained  in the student permanent record, including a record of release of temporary record information, scores received on state assessment tests, the completed home language survey form, information concerning serious disciplinary infractions resulting in suspension, expulsion, or the imposition of punishment or sanction and information provided under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.  It may also include family background information, teacher evaluations, intelligence test scores, achievement test scores, aptitude test scores, psychological and personality test results, discipline information, teacher anecdotal records, special education files, any verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies or organizations, and records of honors and awards received and participation in school-sponsored activities.  [ISSRA, Par. 10-2 (f)]  Student temporary records will be destroyed five years after a student graduates or permanently withdraws from school.

Transfer of Student Records
The Student Permanent Record and selected temporary records shall be transferred as required by law to the records custodian of another school in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll.  Parents are requested to notify the District on Form A (11/95) “Transfer of Student Records” of intent to enroll a student in another school district.  District 30 will provide the parent with a copy of ISAE Form 33-78 (9/96) “Student Transfer Form.”  A child can be excluded from entry into an Illinois school if this form is not presented.

Inspection of Records
A parent or any person specifically designated as a representative by a parent, shall have the right to inspect and copy all permanent and temporary records of that parent’s child. A student shall have the right to inspect and copy his or her permanent record.  The request for inspection of records shall be submitted in writing to the school.  (Form C; 9/94) Within fifteen (15) school days of receipt of the request, the principal or designated representative shall have an informal conference with the parents to interpret the information contained in the student temporary record.  The parents shall be notified at this time of their right to challenge any part of the record and the challenge procedure.

When requested, copies of school records shall be provided to the parents at a cost of $.35 per page.  No parent shall be denied a requested copy of records due to inability to bear the cost of such copying. Records sent to other schools or other persons or agencies requested by the parent will be sent without cost to the parent.

Challenge Procedures
Parents shall have the right to challenge any entry exclusive of grades in the school student records on the basis of:  accuracy, relevance, or propriety.  The request for a hearing shall be submitted in writing to the principal or designee of the school and shall contain notice of the specific entry or entries to be challenged and the basis of the challenge.  An informal conference with the parents shall be held within fifteen (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 as outlined in Section 10/7 of the Regulations.

Access to Records without Parental Consent
Records may be released without parental consent in connection with an emergency to appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons, provided the parents are notified as soon as possible of the information released, the date of release, the person, agency or organization receiving the information and the purpose of the release.

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

  1. to an employee or official of the school or school district or State Board of Education, provided such employee or official or State Board of Education has a demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student, and the records are in furtherance of such interest;
     
  2. for the purpose of research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that:
    1. such person has permission of the State Superintendent of Education; and
       
    2. no student or parent can be identified;
       
  3. pursuant to a court order, observing the procedures outlined in ISSRA, Par 10-6.

Review of Records
All school student records of currently enrolled students shall be reviewed to verify entries and eliminate or correct all out-of-date, misleading, inaccurate, unnecessary or irrelevant information every four years, or when the student changes his/her attendance center, whichever comes first.

Destruction Schedule for Student School Records
Student Permanent Records shall be kept for sixty years.  Student Temporary Records including the records of special education students shall be maintained for five years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws from school.  Information maintained by staff members for their exclusive use shall be destroyed by the staff member maintaining the information not later than the student’s transfer, graduation, or permanent withdrawal from the school.

Directory Information
“Directory Information” may be released to the general public (e.g., yearbook, newspapers) unless a parent requests that any or all such information not be released on his/her child.  Information that may be designated as directory information shall be limited to:

  1. Identifying information:  name, address, gender, grade level, birth date, and parent names;
     
  2. Academic awards, degrees, and honors;
     
  3. Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics; and
     
  4. Period of attendance in the school and picture.

Rights Conditioned on Securing Information from Temporary Records
According to the Act, no person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefit or make as a condition of employment, credit or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student’s temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under the Act of the Regulations.

Custodian of Records
The principal of the school and the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction shall serve as Custodian of Records for the District.

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS
On occasion, our students may be photographed for newspapers, other publications, the Internet, or video-taped. If you do not want your child’s picture published in these media, please contact the building principal.

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STUDENT RESIDENCY (Board Policy 7:60)

Resident Students
Only students who are residents of the District may attend a District school without a tuition charge, except as otherwise provided below or in State law. A student’s residence is the same as the person who has legal custody of the student.

A person asserting legal custody over a student, who is not the child’s natural or adoptive parent, shall complete a signed statement, stating: (a) that he or she has assumed and exercises legal responsibility for the child, (b) the reason the child lives with him or her, other than to receive an education in the District, and (c) that he or she exercises full control over the child regarding daily educational and medical decisions in case of emergency. If the District knows the current address of the child's natural or adoptive parent, the District shall request in writing that the person complete a signed statement or affidavit stating: (a) the role and responsibility of the person with whom their child is living, and (b) that the person with whom the child is living has full control over the child regarding daily
educational and medical decisions in case of emergency.

A student whose family moves out of the District during the school year will be permitted to attend school for the remainder of the year without payment of tuition.

When a student’s change of residence is due to the military service obligation of the student’s legal custodian, the student’s residence is deemed to be unchanged for the duration of the custodian’s military service obligation if the student’s custodian made a written request. The District, however, is not responsible for the student’s transportation to or from school.

If, at the time of enrollment, a dependent child of military personnel is housed in temporary housing located outside of the District, but will be living within the District within six months after the time of initial enrollment, the child is allowed to enroll, subject to the requirements of State law, and must not be charged tuition.

Requests for Nonresident Student Admission
Non-resident students may attend District schools upon recommendation of the Superintendent, approval of the School Board and subject to the following guidelines:

  1. The student will attend on a year-to-year basis. Approval for any one (1) year shall not be construed as authorization to attend a following year.
     
  2. The student will attend the school designated by the School Board.
     
  3. The student will not be accepted for enrollment if the enrollment will result in a class size larger than that considered appropriate for the respective grade level.
     
  4. Parents of non-resident students who attend the schools of the District shall be charged tuition which does not exceed 110% of the per capita cost of maintaining the schools of the district for the previous year.
     
  5. Transportation to and from school shall be the responsibility of the parents.
     
  6. Parents of students enrolled under this policy shall be required to abide by all rules and regulations set forth by the School Board, the administration and the respective school which the student attends.

Admission of Nonresident Students Pursuant to an Agreement or Order
Nonresident students may attend District schools tuition-free pursuant to:

  1. A written agreement with an adjacent school district to provide for tuition-free attendance by a student of that district, provided both the Superintendent or designee and the adjacent district determine that the student’s health and safety will be served by such attendance.
     
  2. A written agreement with cultural exchange organizations and institutions supported by charity to provide for tuition-free attendance by foreign exchange students and nonresident pupils of charitable institutions.
     
  3. According to an intergovernmental agreement.
     
  4. Whenever any State or federal law or a court order mandates the acceptance of a nonresident student.

Homeless Children
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required to establish residency. Board of Education policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, and its implementing administrative procedure, govern the enrollment of homeless children.

Challenging a Student’s Residence Status
If the Superintendent or designee determines that a student attending school on a tuition-free basis is a nonresident of the District for whom tuition is required to be charged, he or she on behalf of the Board of Education shall notify the person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due. The notice shall detail the specific reasons why the Board believes that the student is a nonresident of the District and shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested. The person who enrolled the student may challenge this determination and request a hearing as provided by the School Code, 105
ILCS 5/10-20.12b.

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STUDENT SERVICES

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT  

School District 30 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in access to, use of, or employment in its programs, services, and activities. Under Section 504 of this act, District 30 identifies, evaluates, and if a student is determined eligible, affords access to appropriate educational services.       

BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

It is the intent of the District to comply with the requirements and provisions of Behavioral Interventions in Schools and to adhere to the following principles when implementing behavioral interventions for students with disabilities receiving special education services in accordance with their IEP’s:

  • When behavioral interventions are used, they will be used in consideration of the student’s physical freedom and social interaction, and administered in a manner that respects human dignity and personal privacy and ensures a student’s right to placement in the least restrictive educational environment.
  • Principals, teachers, and other school personnel who work with students with disabilities will receive training and guidance in the use of behavioral interventions from the school district, the Northern Suburban Special Education District, or outside behavioral consultants when appropriate.
  • The use of more restrictive interventions will only be considered to maintain the safety of the student involved and will be in compliance of the guidelines established within the school district’s policies.

The District will ensure that parents of students with disabilities are fully informed and offered the opportunity to participate in the development of behavioral interventions.  Procedural protections consistent with the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEIA, 2004), will be applicable to the resolution of disputes regarding behavioral interventions.

  • Behavioral interventions shall be used with children with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors.
     
  • A committee shall be established to develop and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities in accordance with the requirements of Section 5/14-8.05 of the Illinois School Code.  The committee shall review the State Board of Education’s guidelines on the use of behavioral interventions and use them as a non-binding reference.  The behavioral intervention procedures shall be furnished to the parents of all children with individual education plans within 15 days after their adoption or amendment by, or presentation to the Board or at the time an individual education plan is first implemented for a student; all children shall be informed annually of the existence of the procedures.  At the annual individualized education plan review, a copy of the School District’s behavioral intervention policy and procedures shall be given and explained to parents.  A copy of the procedures shall be available at any time and provided upon request of the parents.
     
  • A behavioral intervention plan shall be based on a functional behavior assessment and shall include positive behavioral intervention strategies, and supports to address the inappropriate behavior.  A functional behavioral assessment shall be completed, if appropriate, in relationship to the development or modification of a student’s behavioral intervention plan.  A functional behavioral assessment is an assessment process for gathering information regarding a student’s target behavior, antecedents and consequences, controlling variables, the student’s strengths, and the communicative and functional intent of the behavior, for use in developing a behavioral intervention plan.  A functional behavioral assessment does not require parental informed written consent unless the IEP team decides to conduct individualized assessments that go beyond the review of existing data and the administration of tests or other evaluations that are administered to all children.

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES AS A COMPONENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 employs a Response to Intervention (RtI) model to ensure that all students are provided with early intervention services as educational needs arise during the school year.  All three schools will utilize educational interventions to address performance concerns of parents and teachers.  A collaborative approach of merging general and special education is used as a basis for providing services to students who are experiencing difficulty at school.  Integral components of the district’s student services include parent involvement, functional assessment, outcome-oriented interventions and ongoing progress monitoring.

In accordance with Article XIV of the Illinois School Code, Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (I.D.E.I.A.), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, School District 30 seeks to provide a comprehensive program of special education for those exceptional children who are between the age of three and their graduation from middle school.  Children are deemed to be exceptional according to the following categories as referenced in the 23 Illinois Administrative Code: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech/Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, Visual Impairment, and Developmentally Delayed.  In order to receive specialized educational services, the student must be diagnosed as eligible.  In District 30, the following procedures are implemented to determine eligibility:

Screening/Referral
Throughout the school year, the school district actively seeks out and attempts to identify all exceptional children in the District through its preschool screening, vision and hearing screening, and teacher or other professional referral of those children who exhibit problems which interfere with their educational progress or adjustment to the educational setting.  Any parent may also request that a student be considered for specialized educational services.  Requests should be made in writing to the school principal or the Director of Student Services.    

Evaluation
The evaluation questions and methods for data collection will be developed in a collaborative fashion between parent and staff.  A case study evaluation may include an assessment of the child’s learning environment, a review of his/her academic history, an interview with the child, a social developmental and health history, a vision and hearing screening, and an assessment of current educational functioning and achievement.  Depending on the nature of the child’s difficulties, additional components may be recommended.  These may include psychological, speech and language and other specialized evaluations.  This evaluation is conducted to assure that it is linguistically, culturally, racially and sexually nondiscriminatory and is appropriate to the nature of the problems which caused the referral.

Evaluation Conference
A conference is held following the evaluation at which the parents, evaluators, classroom teacher, administrator, and other relevant personnel are present.  The testing data is reviewed, correlated with the other obtained information and the child’s classroom behaviors, and recommendations are made in order to develop an appropriate educational program for the child.  If the student is deemed eligible for special education services, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed at this meeting with annual goals specified for the child.  Whenever possible, an attempt to meet the child’s needs is made in the local school, consistent with the federal mandate of least restrictive environment.  Additional programs and services may be recommended through Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED).

Annual Review
The educational status and continued supportive services of each child are reviewed by parents and staff at least annually.

Impartial Due Process Hearing
Every effort is made by the District, parents and other resource personnel to make recommendations that will meet the educational needs of the child.  If differences cannot be resolved, the parents or District may request an impartial due process hearing in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/14-8.02(H-L).  A copy of the school code is available from the State Board of Education or available for review with the Director of Student Services.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER PROGRAM (ELL)

District 30 provides ELL service to students who do not demonstrate English language proficiency, or are learning to speak English, as determined by the state approved screening assessment.  The District 30 ELL program is a Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) which is designed to assist students as they make the transition from another language to English in the school setting. Students in the program are taught English skills and also receive assistance with schoolwork. A child is legally eligible to receive instructional services for up to three years or until exit criteria are met.  District ELL teachers meet with eligible students individually, in small groups or within the classroom setting. Various assessment measures are used to determine student eligibility.  ACCESS, the state’s  English proficiency test, is administered to all students who are eligible for ELL services.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

The North Suburban Special Education District’s Early Childhood Program, which is held at Willowbrook School, will follow the District 30 calendar, observing holidays and teacher institute days.  The hours for the 3-year-old class are 8:45-11:15 AM; the 4-year-old class are 12:15-2:45 PM.  For more information about this integrated preschool program, contact the Willowbrook School office at (847) 498-1090.

FREE LUNCH PROGRAM

District 30 and Quest Food Management Services, Inc. partner to offer a daily lunch program at all schools.  Monthly menus are posted online and shared via the school newsletter.  In addition to the lunch program, the PTO’s sponsor a monthly special lunch.  Parents participate via the PTO registration process in August.

School District 30 participates in the Illinois Free Lunch/Special Milk Program. A student’s eligibility for free lunch shall be determined by the income eligibility guidelines and family-size income standards set annually by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education.  Details may be obtained from the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations at the District Office.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures the educational rights and protections of homeless children and youth so that they may enroll in school, attend regularly, and be successful. The legislation requires a local homeless education liaison in every school district to assist children and unaccompanied youth in their efforts to attend school.

This Act guarantees homeless children and youth the following:

  • The right to immediate enrollment in school, even if lacking paperwork normally required for enrollment
  • The right to attend school in his/her school of origin or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing
  • The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin
  • The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services
  • The right to an “equal playing field” and the removal of all barriers to receiving educational services
  • The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness. Segregation based on a student's status as homeless is strictly prohibited.
  • The posting of homeless students’ rights in all schools and other places around the community.


Who qualifies for this help?
The law states any student that does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to sleep at night qualifies for educational assistance. This includes students and families that stay at a shelter, on the street, in a car or abandoned building. Families that have lost their housing and need to double-up with friends or relatives because they cannot afford their own place also qualify.

Choice of Schools
Changing schools frequently can negatively impact students' education, causing them to fall behind. Students that qualify for educational assistance through the McKinney-Vento Act can stay at the school they have been attending or transfer to the district in which they are temporarily staying. The caregiver of the student will make the choice. This does not mean you can go to any school. It has to be one of the schools noted above. Once you and your family become permanently housed, your student may finish the school year at his/her current school or transfer to the new district. Your school’s liaison can assist you in whichever decision you make for your student.

Immediate Enrollment
School districts are required to enroll McKinney-Vento eligible students without delay even if you do not have your student’s school or medical records. If you need assistance getting educational or medical records, ask to speak with the district’s liaison. They will assist you.

Transportation
If you, as the caregiver, choose for your student to remain at the home school, the school district will work with you on transportation options. If the ride to school is estimated to be more than one hour, the district or liaison can request a meeting with you to determine how this may affect your student’s education.

Free Lunch & School Fees
Because of your unstable housing situation, your student is eligible to receive a free lunch each day, and if the district provides a breakfast program, that will also be provided at no cost. In addition, your student should not be charged to attend school. This includes books, locks, gym uniforms, class fees, sports programs, and graduation fees.

Early Childhood
Children under the age of five (5) may qualify for educational services. Speak with your liaison or district’s early childhood staff for available programs in your area. Studies show PreK programs can help children get off to a good start in school.

Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 Homeless Liaison
Each district is required by law to designate a local liaison for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The liaison serves as one of the primary contacts between homeless families and school staff along with other service providers. The liaison also ensures that students' rights are protected and that the district fulfills its responsibilities under the McKinney-­Vento Act. Please contact the District 30 Homeless Liaison for more information on services provided by District 30: 

Lauren J. Schulman
Director of Student Services
847-498-4190
lschulman@district30.org

 

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TRANSPORTATION

Parents receive registration information for busing from First Student Transportation at 2800 Old Willow Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062, Telephone: 847-724-7200. Those who are interested in transportation should mail the necessary fees along with the signed contract directly to First Student Transportation. Upon receipt of the contract, the rider will be issued a bus pass which must be presented daily in order to ride the bus.

Parents are requested to support the schools and bus company by speaking to their children about safety.

  1. Arrive at the bus stop on time.
     
  2. Keep off the street and wait on the sidewalk.
     
  3. Board the bus in single file without crowding and pushing.
     
  4. Always hold onto the handrail.
     
  5. Keep the aisle clear of feet, books, book bags, and musical instruments.
     
  6. Move to a seat and remain seated.  Seats are not to be reserved for anyone.
     
  7. Maintain order and quiet at all times in order that the driver is not distracted and is able to hear horns and sirens of cars, emergency vehicles or trains.
     
  8. Lower windows only to the line, and never put head or arms out of the window.  Never throw things out of the window.
     
  9. Step away from the bus at discharge point.  Do not chase dropped objects near the bus.  Wait until the bus pulls away to pick up anything that was dropped.
     
  10. In general, be courteous and respectful to fellow pupils and your driver.  Riders who do not conform to the rules and regulations which are necessary for a safe and comfortable trip will not be allowed to ride the bus.
     
  11. Students who are paid riders may ride other than assigned routes only with written parental permission submitted to the school office and if space is available.
  12. Students may get off at a different stop than their assigned stop only with written parental permission.


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SCHOOL HANDBOOKS

MAPLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

The Maple Student Handbook is shared with students as part of the ePacket.  An electronic version can be found at: Maple Handbook.

WESCOTT SCHOOL INFORMATION

The Wescott Student Handbook is shared with parents and students in the ePacket. An electronic version can be found at: Wescott Handbook.

WILLOWBROOK SCHOOL INFORMATION

The Wescott Student Handbook is shared with parents and students in the ePacket. An electronic version can be found at: Willowbrook Handbook.

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