welcome school c 6 general i 6 facilites school d w s … · 6 school calendar 2020-2021 august...
TRANSCRIPT
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WELCOME ....................................................................................................................... 5
SCHOOL CALENDAR ........................................................................................................ 6
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 6
FACILITES ....................................................................................................................... 7
SCHOOL DISTRICT WEB SITE........................................................................................... 8
MATTOON SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ............................................................................ 8
BOARD OF EDUCATION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................... 8
STUDENT ENROLLMENT & ATTENDANCE ...................................................................... 11
AGE .............................................................................................................................. 11
RESIDENCE .................................................................................................................... 11
Resident Students ......................................................................................................... 11
Non-Resident Students ................................................................................................. 12
Challenging a Student's Residence Status .................................................................... 13
ADMISSION PROCEDURE ............................................................................................... 13
Birth Certificate ............................................................................................................ 13
Proof of Residency ....................................................................................................... 13
Homeless Children ....................................................................................................... 14
Immunizations and Physical Examination ................................................................... 14
REGISTRATION .............................................................................................................. 14
TUITION ........................................................................................................................ 14
ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE AREAS ............................................................................. 15
Boundary Between Elementary Schools....................................................................... 15
STUDENTS TRANSFERRING BETWEEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ..................................... 16
ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................ 16
Philosophy .................................................................................................................... 16
Procedure for Absence ................................................................................................. 17
Leaving Campus During the School Day ..................................................................... 17
Excused Absences ........................................................................................................ 17
Unexcused Absences .................................................................................................... 18
Appeal of Decisions Regarding Absences .................................................................... 19
ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................ 19
IINSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ........................................................................................ 21
USE OF NON-SEXIST LANGUAGE IN DISTRICT PUBLICATIONS ....................................... 21
PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS ACT .............................................................................. 22
Survey ........................................................................................................................... 22
Surveys Created by a Third Party ................................................................................. 22
Survey Requesting Personal Information ..................................................................... 22
Inspection of Instructional Material ............................................................................. 23
Invasive Physical Exams or Screenings ....................................................................... 24
Collection of Personal Information from Students for Marketing Prohibited .............. 24
Notification of Rights and Procedures ......................................................................... 25
SCHOOL FEES ................................................................................................................ 25
Waiver Procedures........................................................................................................ 26
FREE TEXTBOOK LOAN PROGRAM ................................................................................ 26
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CARE OF BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT ................................................................................. 26
MATTOON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST ............................................................ 27
CURRICULUM ................................................................................................................ 27
KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS .......................................................................................... 31
ACCELERATED PLACEMENT PROGRAM (CBE)............................................................... 312
PRE-KINDERGARTEN READINESS SKILLS & ACTIVITIES ................................................ 33
PRE-SCHOOL SCREENING .............................................................................................. 34
ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCREDITATION PROCESS .................................................... 35
ACCEPTABLE USE AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY ........................................................ 35
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ....................... 36
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) ................................................................. 38
HOMEBOUND/HOSPITAL INSTRUCTION .......................................................................... 38
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
(NCLB/ESSA) REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................. 38
STUDENT PROGRESS ...................................................................................................... 39
REPORT CARDS ............................................................................................................. 39
PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES ............................................................................... 39
PROMOTION, REMEDIATION, AND RETENTION ............................................................... 39
Remediation .................................................................................................................. 40
Criteria for Retention .................................................................................................... 40
HOMEWORK .................................................................................................................. 40
ATTENDANCE LINE ........................................................................................................ 42
STUDENT RECORDS ....................................................................................................... 43
Maintenance of Student Records .................................................................................. 43
Access to Student Record Information ......................................................................... 44
Order of Protection ....................................................................................................... 47
Right to Inspect and Copy Student Records ................................................................. 47
Right to Request the Amendment of Student Records ................................................. 48
Right to Prohibit the Release of Directory Information ............................................... 48
Right to Copy any Student Record Proposed to be Destroyed ..................................... 49
Right to File a Complaint ............................................................................................. 49
FIELD TRIPS .................................................................................................................. 50
STUDENT MEDICAL INFORMATION ................................................................................ 51
ADMINISTRATION OF EMERGENCY CARE ....................................................................... 51
CHRONIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES &CHRONIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE ............................... 52
VISION AND HEARING .................................................................................................... 53
MEDICATION ................................................................................................................. 53
HEAD LICE .................................................................................................................... 56
PHYSICAL & IMMMUNIZATIONS, DENTAL & EYE EXAMS, EXCLUSION OF STUDENTS .... 56
Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease ........................................................... 60
ACCIDENTS-EMERGENCY INFORMATION ....................................................................... 60
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE ................................................................................... 60
PESTICIDE APPLICATION ............................................................................................... 61
STUDENT DISCIPLINE ..................................................................................................... 62
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REVIEW OF DISCIPLINE POLICIES, PRACTICES, AND RULES ........................................... 62
DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................................... 62
DRESS CODE ................................................................................................................. 62
STUDENT BEHAVIOR (FORMALLY KNOWN AS STUDENT DISCIPLINE) ............................. 62
BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES ....................................... 67
SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION ........................................................................................ 69
Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities ............................................... 73
Discipline of Special Education Students .................................................................... 73
SEARCH AND SEIZURE ................................................................................................... 74
POLICY PROHIBITING SECRET SOCIETIES AND GANG ACTIVITY .................................... 75
PROHIBITION AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT ............................................................. 76
FIREARMS AND DANGEROUS OBJECTS .......................................................................... 76
INTERVIEW OF PUPILS AT SCHOOL BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR AGENCY PERSONNEL…76
INFORMING PARENTS ABOUT OFFENDER COMMUNITY NOFICATION LAWS……………77
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................... 77
BUS RULES AND SAFETY PROCEDURES ......................................................................... 79
PROCEDURES FOR CONSEQUENCES RELATED TO BUS DISCIPLINE: ................................ 80
STOPPING THE BUS TO ADDRESS DISCIPLINE ISSUES: .................................................... 81
Contacting Law Enforcement Agencies: ...................................................................... 81
LOADING AND UNLOADING STUDENTS AT STOPS: ......................................................... 82
PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) ............................................................................................. 82
VIDEOTAPE SURVEILLANCE POLICY .............................................................................. 82
SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM ................................................................................ 83
LUNCH INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 83
Lunch Permission Slips ................................................................................................ 83
Sack Lunches ................................................................................................................ 83
Lunch and Milk Prices .................................................................................................. 83
FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM ........................................................................... 83
Waiver Procedures........................................................................................................ 83
Income Eligibility Guidelines for FY 2019 .................................................................. 84
INCLEMENT WEATHER & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES………………………………….86
WINTER INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 86
EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL .................................................................................... 86
FIRE & TORNADO DRILLS ............................................................................................. 87
PLAYING OUTSIDE DURING COLD WEATHER ................................................................ 87
STUDENT SAFETY PROCEDURES ……………………………………………………….88
NONDISCRIMINATION .................................................................................................... 89
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES ............................................................................. 89
Sex Equity .................................................................................................................... 89
Sexual Harassment ....................................................................................................... 89
NONDISCRIMINATION COORDINATOR ............................................................................ 90
UNIFORM GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ............................................................................... 90
Filing a Complaint ........................................................................................................ 91
Investigation ................................................................................................................. 91
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Decision and Appeal..................................................................................................... 91
Appointing Complaint managers .................................................................................. 92
ACCOMMODATING PARENTS WITH DISABILITIES ........................................................... 92
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ............................................................................ 92
MISCELLANEOUS ........................................................................................................... 93
SCHOOL VISITORS ......................................................................................................... 93
PARENT - TEACHER ASSOCIATION ................................................................................ 93
BIRTHDAY TREATS AND PARTIES .................................................................................. 93
PARENT HELPER............................................................................................................ 93
RELEASING CHILDREN TO PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS ............................................. 93
INFORMATION PROVIDED TO DIVORCED PARENTS ........................................................ 94
MANDATED REPORTER STATUS .................................................................................... 94
TELEPHONE USE ........................................................................................................... 94
LOST AND FOUND ......................................................................................................... 95
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 95
PRESENCE AND CONTROL OF ASBESTOS ....................................................................... 95
RETRUN TO PLAY & RETURN TO LERAN PROTOCOLS .................................................... 95
DISTRICT-WIDE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT POLICY ........................................................ 96
VISITORS TO AND CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY …………………………………101
PREVENTION OF AND RESPONSE TO BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, AND HARASSMENT….102
APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................ 103
AUTHORIZATION FOR INTERNET ACCESS ..................................................................... 103
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTABLE USE........................................................... 103
APPENDIX B ................................................................................................................ 109
FIELD TRIP NOTIFICATION/APPROVAL ........................................................................ 109
APPENDIX C ................................................................................................................ 110
TRAVEL RELEASE ....................................................................................................... 110
APPENDIX D ................................................................................................................ 111
PARENTAL CONSENT TO LEAVE CAMPUS .................................................................... 111
APPENDIX E ................................................................................................................. 112
ADMINISTRATORS ....................................................................................................... 112
APPENDIX F ................................................................................................................. 113
PARENT GENERAL CONSENT FORM ............................................................................. 113
APPENDIX G .............................................................................................................. 1155
NUMBERS FREQUENTLY CALLED .............................................................................. 1155
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WELCOME Dear Parents: The staff, faculty, and administration of the Mattoon Public Elementary Schools welcome you. We are proud of our school system and are devoted to continuous improvement. A single group working alone cannot take major steps forward -- it requires teamwork. Students and parents are an important part of this team and are encouraged to become actively involved in school activities. We invite you to come and meet our teachers personally. Sit in on several classes. We believe you will see why we are proud of the difference our teachers are making for our students. This handbook has been designed and organized to help promote student progress as well as to facilitate school governance. This handbook not only provides for the psychological and physical safety of all students through appropriate rules, regulations, and procedures and by providing other relevant information, but also ensures that parents and students receive timely and adequate notice of their rights and responsibilities as members of the school
community. The statements in this handbook derive from Board policies
governing the district and may be revised without notice. The complete text of Board policies is available at the district offices and on the district’s web site: <www.mattoon.k12.il.us>. Students and parents are asked to read and apply the information contained in this handbook. Periodically, you may need to refer to the handbook to answer questions. If clarification is needed or other questions arise, please contact a teacher or administrator. We are eager to help you. Together, we can ensure that your child has an exciting, positive, and rewarding experience. Let us all direct our energy toward seizing this opportunity to help your child learn and grow. We are committed to making a difference--one student at a time!
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SCHOOL CALENDAR 2020-2021
August 11-12 Full Day Teacher Institute Days August 13 First day student attendance – Student dismissal 2½ hrs early –
Teacher Institute in the afternoon September 7 Labor Day - No School September 18 Student dismissal 2½ hrs early – Teacher Institute September 18 End of 1
st 5-Week Progress Period
September 25 1st 5-Week Progress Reports Posted to Skyward
October 9 Student dismissal 2½ hrs early – Teacher Institute October 12 Columbus Day – No School October 16 End of 1st quarter
October 22 Student dismissal 2½ hrs early; Parent-Teacher Conferences (Report Cards Distributed)
October 23 No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences (Report Cards dist.) November 11 Veterans’ Day - No School November 20 End of 2
nd 5-Week Progress Period
November 24 2nd
5-Week Progress Reports Posted to Skyward November 25 No School November 26 Thanksgiving Day - No School November 27 No School December 17-18 MHS 1
st Semester Finals
December 18 End of 1st Semester
Dec. 21 – Jan1 Winter Break January 4 Full Day Teacher Institute January 5 School resumes for students after winter break January 15 Report cards home January 18 Martin Luther King’s Birthday - No School February 5 End of 3
rd 5-Week Progress Period
February 12 Student dismissal 2 ½ hours early - Teacher Institute February 12 3
rd 5-Week Progress Reports Posted to Skyward
February 15 Presidents’ Day – No School March 12 Student dismissal 2 ½ hrs early – Teacher Institute - End of 3rd quarter March 15 Full Day Teacher Institute Day March 19 Report cards home April 2 - 9 Spring Break April 12 Students return from spring break April 23 End of 4
th 5-Week Progress Period
April 30 4th 5-Week Progress Reports Posted to Skyward
May 21 End of 4th Quarter
Student dismissal 2½ hrs early - Teacher Institute (Subject to change due to snow days)
May 28 High School Graduation May 31 Memorial Day
NOTES: This calendar contains 187 total days.
There are 4 teacher institute days, 176 student attendance days, and 7 emergency days to be used, if needed, from May 24-June 2.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Facilites Riddle Elementary School and Arland D. Williams Jr. Elementary School, opened in 2003 with approximately 1,500 Kindergarten through fifth grade students. These new schools replaced Bennett, Franklin, Hawthorne, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Schools, buildings that were overcrowded and unable to meet students’ current and future needs. Parents, teachers, architects, and community leaders worked together to design an educational environment that would meet the educational needs of students now and well into the foreseeable future. At approximately 108,000 square feet each, these schools have adequate classroom and additional space necessary to support services such as speech/language therapy, special education, reading tutoring, counseling, art, music, and physical education. The project was planned with an eye to future growth of the student population, with buildings ultimately able to accommodate up to 900 students each. A modern media center is the focal point of each school. Students have full access to the instructional support available through a wide range of computer software programs and educational videos, as well as specific instruction in the use of technology. Many features of these new buildings serve to create a safe, accessible and comfortable learning environment for students, including carpeted halls and classrooms, brightly colored wall coverings, and indirect lighting in the halls. The buildings are fully compliant with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Franklin Preschool opened in August of 2018. At approximately 24,000 square feet, the preschool houses approximately 220 preschool students and staff. Originally constructed in 1957, Franklin Preschool was recently renovated and provides educational programs for preschool students and their families.
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School District Web Site Visit the Mattoon School District web site at <www.mattoon.k12.il.us> to learn more about:
School board members and their duties and responsibilities
District goals
School board policy
Budget information
Job opportunities
Mattoon School Board Members
Michelle Skinlo, Board President Mattoon Township
Gary Kepley, Board Member Paradise Township
Colleen Garner, Board Vice-President Lafayette Township
John Hedges, Board Member Mattoon Township
Susan Braun, Board Secretary Mattoon Township
Erika Weaver, Board Member Lafayette Township
Ashli Overton, Board Member Lafayette Township
Board of Education Duties and Responsibilities School boards have the responsibility to represent the wishes of the people and to exercise lay control of educational goals and directions. Individual board members have no legal powers. A board member’s power can only be exercised through the collective board action at a publicly convened meeting. In Mattoon, board meetings are regularly scheduled on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. These meetings are held in the boardroom at the Administrative
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Service Center, 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL. Any person who wishes to address the board should contact the superintendent’s office to be placed on the agenda at least one week prior to the meeting. In Illinois, school boards are comprised of seven elected members who serve four-year terms of office. In Mattoon board members are elected at-large; however, no more than three members may reside in any one township. Basically, the responsibilities of all school boards fall into the following categories:
Policymaking. A board’s major function is to develop and adopt district policy governing the many facets of school operation, including the employment of personnel, administration of pupil services, educational programs, instructional materials, school facilities, equipment, finance, and support services. A board can adopt policy on the recommendation of the superintendent, but the final decision on policy cannot be delegated. A board delegates the implementation of policies to the administration. The board evaluates the execution and effect of its policies through observation, special oversight studies, and periodic reports by administrative officers.
Planning, goal setting, and appraisal. The vital leadership role of the board cannot be delegated. The board must establish the current and long-range educational plans and programs for the district. Board members are responsible for obtaining, from the administration and other sources reliable information on which to make the best possible decision about the scope and nature of all school programs. The board is ultimately responsible for evaluating the results of these programs, a task that is frequently delegated to the administration.
Designating the chief executive. A board is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and evaluating the performance of the superintendent who will carry out its policies. This task cannot be delegated. The board exercises daily supervision and control primarily through its chief administrator and does not deal directly with individual staff members employed to assist the superintendent in implementing board directives.
Staffing and appraisal. The board delegates the task of recruiting, interviewing, evaluating, promoting, and disciplining staff (in accordance with board policy) to the superintendent. The board is responsible for establishing policy governing salaries and salary schedules, terms and conditions of employment, fringe benefits, leaves of absence, and in-service training. The board must ratify all collective bargaining agreements. It is the policy of the Mattoon Board of Education to hire the best-qualified personnel consistent with budget requirements, staffing patterns, and
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organizational practices of the district. Notwithstanding, the board desires to recruit and hire minority personnel. The board hires personnel upon the recommendation of the superintendent
Instruction. Working closely with the school administration, the Mattoon Board has set general goals and has adopted policy upon which instructional programs are based. The board has the power to accept, modify, or reject the superintendent’s recommendations on the scope and nature of its educational offerings, as well as on which textbooks will be used.
School facilities. The board is responsible for determining school housing needs; communicating those needs to the community, purchasing, disposing of, or leasing school sites; and for approving building plans that will support and enhance educational programs.
Students. Although the board does not deal directly with students and solve student-related problems, it does set policies that guide the actions of administration and other school staff. A board can accept, modify, or reject policies recommended by the superintendent regarding school admissions, placement, promotions, attendance, expulsion, suspension, graduation, conduct, discipline, safety, health services, food services, and transportation services. All such polices must be viewed in light of their effect on all students’ equal access to educational opportunities in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
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STUDENT ENROLLMENT & ATTENDANCE
Age Children, who reside in the Mattoon School District and who are five (5) years old on or before September 1 or under twenty-one (21), are eligible to enroll in the Mattoon public schools. Children who enter first grade must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of that school year. A child with exceptional needs who qualifies for special educational services is eligible for Preschool admission at 3 years of age, or at preschool screening meet other eligibility requirements.
Residence
Resident Students A student's residence is the same as the person who has legal custody of the student. A student is presumed to be a resident in the school district wherein his or her parents reside. After a divorce, a child is presumed to reside with the
custodial parent. When a student does not live with his parents, he or she may establish a residency if he or she is legally emancipated and self-supporting, is placed with a legally appointed guardian for reasons other than to attend school, or is in the long-term custody of someone other than family members for reasons other than to attend school. 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. Per Board Policy 7:60, a person asserting legal custody over a student, who is not the child's natural or adoptive parent, must complete a signed Power of Attorney stating:
1. That he or she has assumed and exercises legal responsibility for the child,
2. The reason the child lives with him or her, other than to receive an
education in the District, and 3. That he or she exercises full control over the child regarding daily
educational and medical decisions in case of emergency. In addition, the child's natural or adoptive parent, if available, shall complete a signed statement or Power of Attorney stating:
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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. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardians(s).
Non-Resident Students Non-resident students may attend District schools upon the Superintendent's recommendation, approval of the Board of Education, and subject to the following:
1. The student will attend on a year-to-year basis. Approval for any one year is not authorization to attend a following year.
2. The student will attend the school designated by the School Board. 3. The student will be accepted only if there is sufficient room. 4. The student's parents or guardians will be charged the maximum amount
of tuition as allowed by State law. 5. Transportation to and from school shall be the responsibility of the parents
or guardians.
The Superintendent or designee is authorized to enter into a written agreement with adjacent school districts to provide for tuition-free attendance by a student of the adjacent district, provided that both the Superintendent or designee and the adjacent district determine that the student's health and safety will be served by such attendance. When making a request for tuition-free attendance, the student or parents or guardians should state in writing how the student's health and safety needs will be served by such attendance. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to enter into written agreements with cultural exchange organizations and institutions supported by charity to provide for tuition-free attendance by foreign exchange students and non-resident pupils of charitable institutions.
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Challenging a Student's Residence Status If the Superintendent or designee determines that a student attending a school on a tuition-free basis is a non-resident of the District for whom tuition is required to be charged, the superintendent will notify the person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due. The notice 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.
Admission Procedure
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate must be presented to school
officials at the time of registration. Upon the failure to produce a birth certificate, the person enrolling the student will be notified in writing that unless he or she complies within 10 days, the case shall be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation.
Proof of Residency When a student is registered for school, parents are required to complete a residency questionnaire and to show proof of residency. Purposely lying to school officials about residency is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and up to one year in jail. A school district has a duty to charge tuition to nonresident parents. Questions concerning residency should be directed to the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL, Phone: 238-8882. Pupils moving from the school district during the school year may continue attending a Mattoon school without paying tuition only for the remainder of the school year. Transportation of such non-resident students is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
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Homeless Children Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or the child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment. Inquiries regarding homeless children should be made to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. David Skocy, at 238-8882, 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938.
Immunizations and Physical Examination Proof of disease immunization and the required physical examination is required by state law and Board policy before a student will be allowed to enroll or attend school. Parents or guardians are encouraged to have their child undergo a dental examination as well.
Registration Registration for all kindergarten through fifth grade students is held annually in August at the elementary school the student will attend and is announced in late spring. Parents who are unable to register their child(ren) during this time will need to contact their school office.
Tuition
Students who are residents of the Mattoon School District may attend the Mattoon Public Schools tuition free. Out-of-district students, however, may attend Mattoon Community Unit No. 2 schools only with School Board approval and must pay tuition. Tuition is based on the education costs for the previous school year and, therefore, changes each year. Tuition charges for the 2020-2021 school year can be obtained by calling the Mattoon Board of Education Office at 217.238.8884.
The exact cost of tuition will not be known until late September or early October. Payments are to be made in two equal installments and are due at the beginning of each semester--in August and January. Inquiries about tuition should be made to the Assistant Superintendent for Business (238-8884), 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938.
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Elementary Attendance Areas
Boundary Between Elementary Schools Starting at the east school district boundary at a point 100 yards north of 900 North; west to a point 100 yards west of Route 45; south to city limits; east to CN/IC Railroad; south along CN/IC Railroad to a point 100 yards north of 450N; east to a point 100 yards west of Route 45; south to the school district boundary.
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Students Transferring Between Elementary Schools Students are expected to attend the school that serves the neighborhood in which they live. However, parents may request to enroll their child in the elementary school on the opposite side of town. Such requests will be reviewed by the administration. Administrators will use factors including, but not limited to, enrollment and class size in making the decision. A request to transfer enrollment of a student from one school to another must be made in writing on forms available at registration. When families move during the school year, children may continue to attend the same elementary school so long as parents are willing and able to provide transportation to and from school.
Attendance All children between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) must attend a public school unless: 1) He/she attends private or parochial school; 2) He/she is physically or mentally unable (letters from doctor must verify the incapacity); or 3) He/she is attending confirmation classes or otherwise excused by school authorities in accordance with Board of Education policies. For the purpose of determining average daily attendance on the district’s General State Aid claim, students may be counted for a full day of attendance only when they are in attendance for five or more clock hours of academic instruction provided. However, students in attendance for more than two and one-half clock hours of instruction but less than five clock hours may be counted for only a half day of attendance. Students in attendance for less than two and one-half clock hours of school work will be counted as absent.
Philosophy
The following policy is based on the belief that student school attendance and participation and interaction in classroom activities are fundamentally important and integral to scholastic achievement and advancement in life and that school attendance and academic performance are closely linked. When students are absent from the classroom learning process, their academic achievement suffers. It is the responsibility of parents to assure that their children regularly attend school and to promptly notify the administration when a student will be absent from class and the reason for the absence. State law requires that a reasonable effort must be made to contact parents each day that a student is absent from school. The purpose of this contact is to assure students' safety. To aid in this
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procedure, parents are requested to phone the attendance hotline or the school by 9:00 a.m. each day their child is absent. If the school office does not receive a call from a parent by 9:00 a.m., the school will contact parents by telephone at home or their place of employment. When a parent does not have a phone or has an unlisted telephone number, the emergency contact person will be called. Parents should ensure that their child’s Emergency Data form identifies someone to contact in an emergency.
Procedure for Absence
1. If a student is going to be absent from school, a parent or guardian may
call the Attendance Line before 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence or call the school office before 9:00 a.m. If the school is not notified each day of a student's absence, the school will attempt to contact the parent or legal guardian (at work if necessary) to confirm the absence.
2. After each absence, if the office has not been contacted, a student must bring a written note from a parent or guardian to the office to indicate the dates the student was absent and the reason for the absence.
Leaving Campus During the School Day
1. If it is necessary for a student to leave school, a parent or guardian must
check the student out by reporting to the office to identify themselves, give a reason for the absence, and sign the student out. If the person checking out the student is not recognized, school officials may ask for identification. School officials will not release students to anyone but the parent or legal guardian without authorization and confirmation by the parent or legal guardian.
2. If a student becomes ill during the school day, he or she must get
permission from the office to leave campus and must follow the procedures for checking out of school. The school nurse may be contacted to confirm the illness.
Excused Absences
Students will be allowed to make up work assignments or tests that were missed due to an excused absence within a reasonable period of time after returning to school. Classroom learning opportunities lost due to the absence of the student cannot be made up. The child's teacher(s) will determine the length of the make up period, but in no case will it be less than the number of days missed. An excused absence is an absence from class for a legitimate purpose including:
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1. Personal illness or serious illness of a family member that requires the presence of the student. The school may require a physician's verification.
2. Medical and dental appointments.
3. Death of a relative.
4. Participation in a school-sponsored activity. 5. Observance of a religious holiday. 6. OTHER REASON. After acquiring an excused absence from the principal
for a family vacation, parents or guardians must contact their child's teacher(s) at least one week prior to the date of the absence. Students are to acquire an assignment sheet from his/her teachers. Every effort should be made to complete schoolwork in advance of the leave.
Unexcused Absences
An unexcused absence is an absence from class that in the discretion of the principal or designee is not for a legitimate reason. Students who miss homework assignments, quizzes or tests due to an unexcused absence may be required to make up such work missed to ensure that the student completes background work for future assignments, but will receive no credit for missed work. Examples of unexcused absences are as follows:
1. Truancy 2. Missing the bus 3. Oversleeping
4. Out-of-school suspensions
5. Shopping trips 6. Any other reason determined by the principal as not being equivalent to or
greater than the educational experience at school
A student who has an unexcused absence may not attend a school activity (e.g., a field trip or ball game) on that day. If the absence is on the day prior to a weekend, the student may not attend any school activities on the weekend.
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Appeal of Decisions Regarding Absences If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with a principal's decision regarding an "unexcused" absence and wants to appeal the decision, the parent or guardian must meet face-to-face with the principal to discuss the absence. A student, parent or guardian may appeal the principal's decision to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, (phone: 238-8882) who will review the situation, and whose decision shall be final.
Attendance It is within the sole discretion of the administration to determine the legitimacy of a student's absence and to determine whether it is excused or unexcused. According to Article 26-2a of the Illinois School Code regarding compulsory attendance, the principal or designee is the only person who has the authority to excuse absences. Parents or guardians must provide reasons for absences to school officials, but do not excuse student absences. If a student is absent from school without valid cause, then such truancy will result in disciplinary action. Repeated truancy will result in other intervention. If a student is chronically truant, i.e., absent from school without valid cause 10% or more of the previous 180 days, such student will be offered supportive services including preventative, diagnostic, intervention, and remedial services before punitive actions including suspension, expulsion, or court action is taken. The diagnostic procedures to be used for identifying the causes of unexcused student absenteeism include, but are not limited to, interviews with the student, his or her parents/guardians, and any school officials or other people who can provide relevant information. The following supportive services may be offered to truant or chronically truant students:
Parent-teacher conferences;
Student and/or family counseling; and
Information about community agency services. Teachers are required to report a student's tardiness or absence from class to the administration. The administration is required to record such tardiness or absence and may report students who are truant or chronically truant to the Regional Office of Education located in Charleston, Illinois, or to the juvenile authorities, which could result in legal action being taken to help solve the attendance problem.
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The Regional Office of Education provides an attendance intervention program for Mattoon elementary schools. This program serves 47 school districts, 169 school buildings in 11 counties and is designed to help the students, parents and guardians, and schools solve specific student attendance problems. For more information about attendance intervention services, contact the Regional Office of Education at (217) 348-0151.
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INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS All district classrooms and learning centers are equipped with an evenly balanced, wide assortment of teaching tools, textbooks, workbooks, audio-visual materials, and equipment selected to meet students’ needs. Textbooks and instructional materials should provide quality learning experiences for students and:
1. Enrich and support the curriculum; 2. Stimulate growth in knowledge, literacy appreciation, aesthetic values,
and ethical standards;
3. Provide background information to enable students to make intelligent judgments;
4. Present opposing sides of controversial issues;
5. Be representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and
their contributions to our American heritage;
6. Depict in an accurate and unbiased way the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society.
A list of textbooks and instructional materials used in the district is revised annually and is available to the school board and professional staff as a reference. Anyone may inspect any textbook or instructional material. Teachers are encouraged to limit the use of supplemental media material to only that which will enhance, or otherwise illustrate, the subjects being taught. All supplemental media material must be age-appropriate. Additionally, no movie may be shown to students that is rated “PG13”, “R”, or “X”.
Use of Non-Sexist Language in District Publications Sexist language is language that expresses bias in favor of one sex. In general, sexist language relegates women to a dependent, subordinate position, which prevents the portrayal of women and men as different but equal human beings. The use of sexist language is inappropriate in a society that condemns sex discrimination and promotes the equality of men and women in all spheres of life. Such language not only is a barrier to the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, but also fails to reflect adequately the many changes that have affected the status and roles of women and men in society.
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Non-sexist language sometimes called gender-neutral, non-gender specific or inclusive language, refers to language that includes women and treats women and men equally. The district is committed to the use of non-sexist language in all of its publications, including instructional materials.
Protection of Pupil Rights Act Parents have the right to inspect all instructional materials, including teachers’ manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation of their child. Specifically, parents have a right to:
Survey All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other instrument used to collect personal information from students, must advance or relate to the District's educational objectives as identified in Board policy 6.10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, or assist students' career choices. This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified and regardless of who created the survey. School officials will notify parents before a survey is administered
Surveys Created by a Third Party Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation created by a third party to a student, the student's parent(s)/ guardian(s) may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request. This section applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a District official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the question can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions.
Survey Requesting Personal Information School officials and staff members shall not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the District) containing one or more of the following items:
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1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent/guardian.
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.
3. Behavior or attitudes about sex. 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close
family relationships.
6. Legally, recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student's
parent/guardian.
8. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
The student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may:
1. Inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/ or
2. Refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in the activity described
above. The school shall not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercised this option.
Inspection of Instructional Material A student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child/ward's educational curriculum within a reasonable time of their request. The term "instructional material" means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.
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Invasive Physical Exams or Screenings No school official or staff member shall subject a student to a non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as a condition of school attendance. The term "invasive physical examination" means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening. The above paragraph does not apply to any physical examination or screening that:
1. Is permitted or required by an applicable state law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification.
2. Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.). 3. Is otherwise authorized by Board policy.
Collection of Personal Information from Students for Marketing Prohibited The term "personal information" means individually identifiable information including: (1) a student or parent's first and last name, (2) a home or other physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town), (3) a telephone number, or (5) a Social Security identification number. No school official or staff member shall administer or distribute to students a
survey or other instrument for the purpose of collecting personal information for marketing or for selling that information (or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose). The above paragraph does not apply to the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:
1. College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment.
2. Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost
literary products.
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3. Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.
4. Tests and assessments to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic,
clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments.
5. The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-
related or education-related activities.
6. Student recognition programs.
Notification of Rights and Procedures
The superintendent or designee shall notify students' parent(s)/guardian(s) of: 1. How to opt their child or ward out of participation in activities as provided
in this policy. 2. When a survey requesting personal information, as described
above, is scheduled or expected to be scheduled. 3. How to request access to any survey or other material described in
this policy The rights provided to parent(s)/guardian(s) in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor.
School Fees
Elementary students are charged only for the instructional materials they use or consume, such as junior news magazines (Weekly Readers, Scholastic Magazine), supplies, workbooks, etc. No fees are charged for the rental of textbooks.
Consumable instructional material (CIM) fees are established each year by the
Board of Education. The 2020-2021 C.I.M. fee for a student in grades K-5 is $55
and is due in full at the time of registration.
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Waiver Procedures Application forms for CIM fee waivers are available at registration prior to the opening day of school and, later, in each school office. Applications for fee waivers must be returned to the building principal for review. The building principal will determine the student’s eligibility for a fee waiver based on the school district’s prerequisites for a waiver. Students are not exempt from charges of lost and damaged books, materials, supplies and equipment. The parent(s) or guardian(s) may appeal the denial of a fee waiver application by submitting the appeal in writing within fourteen (14) days of the denial to Dr. David Skocy, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938, phone: 238-8882.
Free Textbook Loan Program (Not in Place for 2020-21SY) The Illinois Legislature has created a textbook loan program that allows school districts to apply for state funds to purchase textbooks. These textbooks are owned by the state and loaned to the District. The textbook loan application procedures require the authorization of parents. This authorization is sought each year during school registration. Inquiries about the state textbook loan program should be made to the Curriculum Department, phone: 238-8883.
Care of Books and Equipment It is expected that each student will give schoolbooks and equipment the same careful handling as personal possessions. School materials and equipment used by students should be kept free of marks, scratches, and other signs of misuse. Parents will be required to pay the replacement costs of books, instructional materials, and equipment lost or damaged by their children.
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2020-2021 Mattoon Elementary Schools Supply List *Provided by the District for the 2020-2021 School Year*
Kindergarten
Crayons: 4 boxes of 24 – regular size, Crayola
Markers: 1 box of 10, Crayola Classic colors
Glue: 1 – 8oz regular sized bottle, Elmer’s
Glue sticks: 16 regular size sticks
Scissors: Fiskar’s metal blade
Pencil’s: 24, yellow #2, Ticonderoga
School box for school supplies, 5” x 8”
Tissues: 3 boxes of 200 count
1 set of watercolor paints
1 package of Expo dry erase markers
1 package of highlighters
Zip top bags: 1 box sandwich size &1 box gallon size
*Gym shoes are required for P.E. class (no additional shoes are required if gym shoes are
worn to school) - gym shoes are not provided by the district.
Grade 1
Crayons: 4 boxes of 24—regular size (washable), Crayola preferred
Markers: 1 box of 10, Crayola, Washable, Classic Colors preferred
Glue sticks: 18, Elmer’s preferred
Scissors: Fiskar’s pointed metal blade preferred
Pencils: Package of 24, #2-sized, yellow Ticonderoga preferred, sharpened
Erasers: 4, Pink Pearl preferred
Hard plastic school box for school supplies, 5” x 8” (no keys, please)
Pocket Folders: Two, 2-pocket folders.
Tissue: 2 boxes
1 box gallon size zip-lock baggies and 1 box sandwich size zip-lock baggies
Package of Dry Erase markers (black Expo preferred)
Package of Highlighters
Package of Index cards (3x5)
Package of Post-it notes
Earbuds/headphones for personal use with technology
Gym shoes are required for P.E. class (no additional shoes are required if gym shoes are
worn to
school) - gym shoes are not provided by the district.
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Grade 2
Crayons: 2 boxes of 24, (washable)
Colored Pencils: package of 12 Crayola sharpened preferred
Markers: 1 box of 10, Washable, Classic Colors preferred
Highlighters: 2 chisel-tipped highlighters
Dry Erase Markers: 3 dry erase markers
Glue: 1 bottle, 8 oz. white squeeze type
Glue Sticks: 3
Scissors: Fiskar’s metal blade preferred
Pencils: 2 Packages of 24, #2-sized, Eraser: 2, Pink Pearl preferred
Pocket Folders: 3, 2-pocket folders with Tabs
70 Page Notebook: 3 spiral-bound, 1-subject. 8 1/2” x 11,” wide lines (not college-
ruled)
Post-it notes (3x3): 2
1 clear plastic tub for art box (approx. 13.5 x 8 in size) (shoe size box)
Tissue: 2 box of 200 count
Ziploc bags: 1 box quart size 1 box gallon size
Gym shoes are required for P.E. class (no additional shoes are required if gym shoes are
worn to school) - gym shoes are not provided by the district.
Grade 3 Crayons: Box of 24, (washable)
Markers: 1 box of 10, Crayola, Washable, Classic Colors preferred
Highlighters: 2 chisel-tipped highlighters
Dry Erase Markers: 2 black dry erase markers
Colored Pencils: Package of 12, Crayola preferred
Pencils: 48, regular size #2, yellow, sharpened
Eraser: 1, Pink Pearl preferred
Eraser: 2 package pencil-top erasers
Earbuds
Glue: 1, 8 oz. bottle of white squeeze type
Glue Sticks: 6
Scissors: Fiskar’s metal blade preferred
1 - Clear plastic tub for art box (Approx. 13.5 x 8 in size) (shoe size box)
Pocket Folders: 1 Plastic 2-sided folder (used as “take home folder” for the year) and 3,
2-pocket folders
Post-it notes: 1 package
One Composition Notebook (wide-lined, not college-ruled)
Loose Leaf Paper: 1 package
Tissue: 2 Boxes Zip top bags: 1 box quart size zip top bags
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Grade 4
Crayons: Box of 24
Colored Pencils: Package of 12, Crayola preferred
Markers: 1 box of 10, Crayola Classic Colors markers
Glue Sticks: 4
Scissors: Fiskar’s metal blade preferred
Pencils: 48 - regular size #2, sharpened
Erasers: 2 Pink Pearl erasers
Small package of Post-it Notes
Notebook Paper: 8 1/2” x 11,” wide-lined, not college ruled, loose leaf, 150 sheets
4 Composition notebook or spiral notebooks
Pocket Folders: 4 pocket folders
Ear buds (for computer use)
Tissue: 2 boxes
Plastic art box –
Ziploc bags: 1 box sandwich size 1 box gallon size
Gym shoes are required for P.E. class (no additional shoes are required if gym shoes are
worn to school) - gym shoes are not provided by the district.
Grade 5
Markers: Box of 10 basic colors, washable
Crayons: Box of 24
Glue: 2 glue sticks
1 Elmer’s liquid glue
Scissors: Fiskar’s metal blade preferred
Pencils: 60-regular size #2, sharpened, and please, no mechanical pencils
Eraser: 2 Pink Pearl preferred
Colored Pencils: Package of 12
2 Highlighters
Notebook paper: 8 1/2’ x 11’’, wide-lined, not college ruled, loose leaf, 250 sheets
Tissue: 2 boxes
Earbuds
Post-Its, 1 large package
Ziploc bags: Girls = 1 box gallon size and Boys = 1 box quart size
Gym shoes are required for P.E. class (no additional shoes are required if gym shore are
worn to school) - gym shoes are not provided by the district.
Williams only: 5 pocket folders, preferably plastic with prongs
Riddle only: (1) 2 inch - 3 ring Binder
1 set of binder tabs
1 folder
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CURRICULUM The curriculum of the Mattoon Public School, in accordance with state law and regulations, contains instruction for elementary students on the following subjects. The time allotment, unless specified by the School Code or other regulations, is the option of the Mattoon Board of Education. More information regarding the Mattoon curriculum, including State Goals and the Common Core State Standards, may be found by accessing the district website at www.mattoon.k12.il.us or contacting the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Dr. Christy Hild, at 238-8861
1. Language arts, reading and other communication skills 2. Science 3. Mathematics 4. Social Studies 5. Citizenship values stressing; (a) patriotism, (b) democratic principles of
freedom, justice and equality; (c) proper use and display of the American flag; (d) the Pledge of Allegiance (daily); and (e) the voting process
6. Character values stressing (a) honesty, (b) kindness, (c) justice, and (d)
moral courage 7. Music 8. Art
9. Health education 10. Physical education (daily) 11. Career/vocational education – Awareness and exploration 12. Consumer education 13. Safety Education
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14. Conservation of natural resources 15. Instruction, study, and discussion of effective methods for the prevention
and avoidance of drug and substance abuse
16. Instruction, study, and discussion of effective methods by which students may recognize the danger and avoid abduction
17. Instruction, study, and discussion of effective methods of preventing
violence and resolving conflicts 18. Instruction and appropriate exercises relative to and in commemoration
of the life and history of Leif Erickson and the principles and ideals he fostered (one-half hour on or near Leif Erickson Day)
19. A study of the Holocaust, including Nazi atrocities 20. Black history study 21. Study of the history of women 22. Irish famine study
More information on the Mattoon Schools’ curriculum may be found on the district website at www.mattoon.k12.il.us or by contacting the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Dr. Christy Hild, at 217-238-8861, 1701 Charleston Avenue.
Kindergarten Programs
Both full-day and half-day kindergarten programs are provided to Mattoon parents and students. Students who enroll in the half-day program must attend school during the morning session. Parents can elect to move their children between the half-day and full-day program only once during the academic year. What is now taught and expected to be learned in kindergarten is profoundly different from what it was two decades ago. Then, kindergartens emphasized play, socialization, and activities derived from a child development orientation. Today, kindergarten classrooms are characterized by direct teaching of discrete skills and specific expectations for achievement, particularly in reading and math, which children are expected to master before going to first grade. The daily schedule is usually broken into many small segments, often because it is believed that children do not have a sufficient attention span to enable them to work longer at a task. The majority of the instructional materials used in these
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classes are the kindergarten level of major series in reading and math. Often teachers use additional workbooks for phonics. Most children entering kindergarten today have much wider experience outside the home than children of the past. As a result, many teachers, administrators, and parents believe than more advanced content is necessary.
Accelerated Placement Program
The District provides an Accelerated Placement Program (APP) through Competency Based-Education (CBE). The CBE advances the District’s goal of providing educational programs with opportunities for each student to develop to his or her maximum potential. The (CBE) provides an educational setting with curriculum options usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the student participating in the CBE. CBE 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, and early high school graduation. Participation in the CBE is open to all students 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 CBE shall not be conditioned upon the protected classifications identified in School Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities, or any factor other than the student’s identification as an accelerated learner.
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Pre-Kindergarten Readiness Skills & Activities
Parents often ask for activities they can do with their children over the summer to prepare them for kindergarten. The following list of activities will help pre-kindergarten students develop the readiness skills that are necessary for a successful kindergarten experience.
Math Children should have experience with the following, but mastery is not expected.
Identify and draw these shapes: circle, square, rectangle, oval, and triangle.
Identify these colors: red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, & brown
Count out loud to 10
Count objects to 10
Recognize numbers to 10
Social Skills
Ability to work alone and with others
Ability to follow simple directions
Ability to understand the importance of obeying school & classroom rules
Take responsibility for supplies and personal belongings
Use simple manners such as please, thank you, and wait your turn to speak
Understand the need to share and take turns
Be aware of good and bad behavior
Reacts to disappointment and failure in an accepted manner
Reading Children should have experience with the following, but mastery is not expected.
Recognize letters in first name
Write first name in correct letter form (only first letter capital and the rest lowercase)
Begin to recognize and write letters of the alphabet
Ability to sit and listen to short stories
Answer simple who, what, where, and why questions
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Self-Help
Tie own shoes
Zip and snap own jacket, coat, pants, and book bag
Have independent toileting skills
Use a fork and spoon correctly
Speak in an audible tone to an adult
Recite personal information, including: o Full name (first and last) o Parents’ names o City and state o Phone number o Birth date
Experience with coloring, cutting, and gluing
Ability to focus and complete a task in a reasonable amount of time
Things to do with your child
Read to your child daily
Practice counting together in the car
Look for letters and numbers on signs and at the store
Give them experience with coloring, cutting, and gluing
Identify and talk about the colors around them
Give them simple one and two step directions to do at home
Engage your child in daily conversation
Demonstrate left to right progression by pointing to the word with your finger as your read to your child
Encourage quiet times to read, color, or listen to music
Preschool Screening Each year parents are provided with an opportunity to learn more about their child(ren)'s readiness to be successful in pre-school or kindergarten. Screening is offered to children between the ages of two and one-half and five years. The areas to be screened include vision and hearing, basic learning concepts, communication skills, and the development of small and large muscle activities. Screening is scheduled once a month and extensively in the early spring. Parents are encouraged to watch the newspaper and school bulletins for the exact dates of the screening. Once the dates are known, parents may call 238-8802 to make an appointment.
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Illinois Public School Accreditation Process The Illinois Public School Accreditation Process requires schools to provide evidence that all students are learning and all students are being served in relation to the State Goals for Learning. One method of determining the success of Illinois schools in addressing these central concerns is the annual state assessment in reading and mathematics. The Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR) produces results for the evaluation of Illinois schools for some of the State Goals for Learning. IAR Test results on Mattoon schools will be available on-line at www.mattoon.k12.il.us/schoolreportcards.htm. Additional information IAR can be found at https://www.isbe.net/assessment . The IAR does not provide sufficient evidence of the extent to which goals, actions and evaluation of learning outcomes are systematically linked to quality instruction for all students. This evidence is produced through a school improvement process and is documented in a plan that authentically reflects the instructional efforts of the school. School Improvement Plans are developed each year in August and September and are then submitted to the Board of Education for approval. School Improvement Plans are available for inspection in each attendance center. IAR provides a snap shot of student performances and a school’s progress in serving its students; the School Improvement Plan is a motion picture, capturing in a limited sense the instructional program, school improvement efforts, and assessment of student performance as they annually occur.
Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy We now have the ability to enhance students’ education through the use of the Internet. The Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources. The District’s goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Parental authorization is required before a student may use this resource. The Internet electronically connects thousands of computers throughout the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers may have access to:
Limited electronic mail communications with people all over the world
Information from government sources, research institutions, and other sources
Discussion groups
Many libraries, including the catalog to the Library of Congress, and the Educational Resources Information Clearinghouses (ERIC).
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With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. Parents and students should read the Authorization for Internet Access in Appendix A and discuss it together. The use of inappropriate material or language, or a violation of copyright laws, may result in the loss of the privilege to use this resource and discipline. Parents should remember that they are legally responsible for their children’s actions.
Special Programs and Services for Students with Disabilities
The education of children with disabilities is an integral part of our total school program, and several special education programs are available. The Mattoon School District offers the following special education programs and services to exceptional children:
Psychological services
Social work services
Speech-language therapy
Learning disability (self-contained classroom)
Learning disability (resource)
Educable mentally impaired
Trainable mentally impaired
Behavioral/emotional disordered (collaborative and self-contained)
Preschool
Because of the uniqueness of children’s needs, it is sometimes necessary for us to have help from outside our district. This help is available through the Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (EIASE). Therefore, some of our students attend special education classes in our district, and others attend classes at EIASE programs, some of which are located in neighboring communities. As a member of EIASE, additional services are available to our students. These are audio logical (brail) services, physical therapy, occupational therapy; teachers for visually impaired (including brail tests), hard of hearing, and vocational education; early childhood programs; programs for the severely/multiple disabled and the behaviorally/emotionally disordered; and program administration. A few children with disabilities require placement in special residential schools operated by private facilities. The district arranges these placements in conjunction with special education specialists and parents, and pays tuition prescribed by the state.
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The district provides a screening program in the spring for all children ages 3-5 as a way of identifying children who may have difficulty in school. We test for possible hearing, vision, speech, motor, and learning problems. This is an excellent program, and one of which we encourage parents to take advantage. Before any child can become eligible for a special education program, a case study evaluation must be completed. Parents, teachers, administrators, persons having primary care and custody of the child, the Illinois State Board of Education, and community service agencies may refer any child for such an evaluation. Prior to the case study evaluation, the parent or guardian must be notified in writing of the procedures that will be conducted and that they will be asked for their written consent to begin the evaluation. Referrals may be made through the office of the building principal. For more information about the case study evaluation process, contact the building principal. All information obtained for a case study evaluation is confidential. The district has a policy that describes the method for obtaining student information, the confidential nature of the information, the use of the information, how the information is recorded and maintained, how long it is maintained, and to whom it is made available. You may read this policy in the office of the superintendent, and it is also published each year in the Journal Gazette Newspaper. Parents or guardians of a child with disabilities who disagree with the school regarding their child’s special education program, lack of a program, his or her individual education prescription, possible suspension from school, dismissal from a program, or even the recommendation of graduation from a program should contact the school principal or district superintendent to express their concerns and try to work out a solution. However, if these concerns cannot be resolved in this manner, a parent or guardian may seek relief by requesting an impartial due process hearing or special mediation. The Illinois State Board of Education will schedule an impartial due process hearing and appoint an impartial hearing officer to hear both sides of the dispute and render a recommendation to the local school district. Requests for due process hearings should be made in writing to the district superintendent. Upon such a request, parents or guardians will be informed about due process procedures and their rights to representation. Additional information regarding rights of children with disabilities may be found in A Parent’s Guide: the Educational Rights of Students with Disabilities and in Rules and Regulations to Govern the Administration and Operation of Special Education (21 Illinois Administrative Code 226 – Special Education.) These documents are available through the district superintendent, the Regional Office of Education, most building principals, the Special Education Coordinator, or the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services.
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Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) All exceptional children in Illinois, ages 3-21, have a right to a free appropriate public education. Student with disabilities who reside in the district and who attend nonpublic schools may attend the Mattoon Public Schools on a part-time basis for the purpose of receiving special education services. We are striving to provide the appropriate services. If at any time you wish to take advantage of a special program or have questions concerning the program, you are encouraged to contact the Special Education Coordinator, Mrs. Jayme Holt, at Franklin Preschool, 1201 S 6th St., Mattoon, IL; phone 238-8800, or Dr. Christy Hild, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, 1701 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL; 238-8850.
Homebound/Hospital Instruction Homebound or in-hospital instruction is available for children who, because of illness or disability, will be absent from school for more than two consecutive weeks. Parents should contact their school’s principal as soon as the doctor anticipates a two-week or more absence for the child. A medical certificate and homebound form signed by the child’s doctor is required to verify the need for instruction. The instruction will begin upon receipt of verified eligibility. An adult must be present when instruction takes place.
Statement of Compliance of Highly Qualified No Child Left
Behind (NCLB/ESSA) Requirements Mattoon Community Unit School District Number Two is in compliance with the Highly Qualified Requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB)/ESSA Federal Act. All parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of any teacher that is instructing your child. You may request information regarding the following:
Whether or not the teacher has met state licensure requirements;
Whether or not the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status;
The bachelor’s degree major of the teacher, any other licensure or degrees held by the teacher and the subject areas of the licensure or degrees; and
Whether your child is provided services by teacher aides/paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
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STUDENT PROGRESS
Report Cards Report cards are issued four times per year at nine-week intervals. The fourth quarter report cards are mailed to parents. Report cards indicate a child’s academic progress, record of attendance, and personal growth such as work habits and social skill. Unsatisfactory marks should be followed by a parent-teacher conference for better understanding. Non-custodial parents may receive copies of grade cards or other information that is normally distributed to parents.
Parent - Teacher Conferences
Conferences with teachers may be arranged through the school office at any time during the school year. Parents are encouraged to meet with the teacher at an agreed upon time, especially if the child is experiencing some difficulty.
During the fall of each year, Mattoon schools dismiss early to conduct annual parent-teacher conferences. At this time, parents and teachers have the opportunity to jointly discuss student progress in an effort to improve his/her educational growth.
Promotion, Remediation, and Retention The professional staff has established a system of grading, has developed procedures of reporting academic achievement to parents and students, and determines when the requirements for promotion have been met. Social promotions are not authorized by the Board of Education. The decision to promote a student to the next grade level is based on the following criteria:
1. Building team recommendation; 2. Local district curriculum assessments
3. Performance on the IAR assessments;
4. Other district assessments and relevant information
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Remediation
Students who fail to perform as expected and who are at risk of failure are provided with a variety of remedial activities and strategies that are designed to avoid retention such as tutoring, Title 1 programs and services, modified instruction, computer integrated learning system, etc. Parents are notified no later than the third grading period that their child is at risk of being retained. The professional staff will make a retention decision by the end of the school year.
Criteria for Retention
Grade Level Evidence for Retention
1 Student has earned a “Does Not Meet" for 2 quarters in Reading
2 Student has earned an end-of-year grade of 'F" in Reading 3 Student has earned an end-of-year grade of 'F" in Reading OR
Math 4 Student has earned an end-of-year grade of 'F" in Reading OR
Math OR an end-of-year grade of 'F" in both Science and Social Science
5 Student has earned an end-of-year grade of 'F" in two of the
five core subjects (Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science or Social Studies)
Homework
Simply increasing the time a student spends on homework will not by itself improve the quality of work. The proper conditions for maximum concentration and an earnest effort on the part of the pupil are essential if homework is to be of any value. The child will benefit if parents will follow through with such a schedule throughout the child’s school years.
A. Grades 1-3: 15 to 20 minutes, two to four nights a week.
B. Grades 4-5: 30 minutes, three to four nights a week.
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If the child is getting behind in schoolwork, it may be necessary to spend more time than what is suggested above. Parents should:
1. Supervise their child’s homework, but guard against the tendency to do the work for the child.
2. Give occasional help with homework. The teacher has taught children the
lessons and, if they pay close attention in class, they should be able to do their homework by themselves.
3. Set a definite time to study early in the evening before the child is tired
and sleepy. 4. Provide a place to read and study away from the noise of the television,
radio, or other children playing. 5. Check to be sure that the child starts and finishes the assignment, does it
neatly, and returns it to school the next day. 6. Provide a desk or table with good lighting and the proper materials (paper,
pencil, pen, ruler, eraser, etc.). 7. Encourage children to begin using the library in the primary grades and
continue in the higher grades reading every day in easy, interesting library books. Reading is the tool by which all other subjects are mastered.
8. Encourage the child to do their best possible work. Do not compare one
child with another. 9. Talk with the teacher if the child is not making satisfactory grades or is
spending too much time on homework.
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Attendance Line Parents and students are encouraged to call in order to receive information regarding homework assignments, school closing, and other school activities. The Attendance Line phone numbers for Mattoon's elementary schools are listed below.
School Principal Attendance Line
Franklin Preschool Jayme Holt 238-8810 Riddle Elementary (K-5) Chad Arnold 238-3810 Arland D. Williams Elementary (K-5) McLain Schaefer 238-2810 In addition, when a student is absent from school for any reason, the parent must notify the school by call the Attendance Line. Simply follow the instructions and leave a recorded message if needed.
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STUDENT RECORDS The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Illinois Student Records Act afford parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These Acts establish a degree of privacy and confidentiality with regard to student records. They give parents and students limited access to student records, the right to inspect and copy the contents of the records, and the right to challenge material contained in them. Furthermore, they restrict who may have access to student records and what may be disclosed from them.
Maintenance of Student Records
The District maintains two types of student records for each student: permanent records and a temporary records. Permanent student records consist of:
1. Basic identifying information including student's and parents' names and addresses, and student's birth date and place, and gender;
2. Academic transcripts including grades, class rank, graduation date, grade
level achieved, and scores on college entrance examinations; 3. Attendance records; 4. Health records and accident reports; 5. Scores received on state testing; 6. Information pertaining to the release of student records
Additionally, the permanent record may include:
1. Honors and awards; 2. Information concerning participation in school-sponsored activities or
athletics, or offices held in school-sponsored organizations.
No other information may be included in the permanent record. The permanent record is maintained for at least 60 years after the student has graduated, withdrawn, or transferred from the District.
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The temporary record may include:
1. Family background information; 2. Intelligence and aptitude scores; 3. Achievement test results, including scores on the Illinois Standards
Achievement Test; 4. Psychological reports; 5. Honors and awards; 6. Participation in extracurricular activities including any offices held in
school sponsored clubs or organizations; 7. Teacher anecdotal records; 8. Disciplinary information; 9. Special education files;
10. Other relevant information not required to be in the permanent record.
Access to Student Record Information The District will grant access to student records as follows: 1. To a student or the parent or guardian of a student under 18 years of age
(or the parent’s designee). Such requests must be in writing and directed to the records custodian. Access to records shall be granted within 15 days of the district’s receipt of such a request.
2. Where the parents or guardians are divorced
or separated, both shall be permitted to inspect and copy the student’s records unless the district has actual notice of a court order indicating otherwise. The district shall send copies of the following to both parents/ guardians at either’s request, unless the district has actual notice of a court order indicating otherwise.
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a. Academic progress reports or records; b. Health reports; c. Notice of parent-teacher conferences; d. School calendars distributed to parents or
guardians; and, e. Notices about open houses, graduations, and other major school
events including pupil-parent/guardian interaction.
When the student reaches 18 years of age, graduates from high school, marries, or enters military service all rights and privileges accorded to parents or guardians become exclusively those of the student.
3. To school officials with legitimate educational or administrative interests.
A school official is any person employed by the Illinois State Board of Education or the District, a member of the School Board; or a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist). A school official has a legitimate interest if the official needs to review an educational record to fulfill his or her professional duty.
4. In connection with an emergency without parental consent if the
knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons. The records custodian shall make this decision taking into consideration the nature of the emergency, the seriousness of the threat to the health or safety of the student or other persons, the need for such records to meet an emergency when sufficient time is not available for the requesting party to obtain a court order, and whether the persons to whom such records are released are in a position to deal with the emergency. The district shall notify the parents or guardians or eligible student as soon as possible of the information released, the date of release, the person, agency, or organization to whom the release was made, and the purpose of the release.
5. To any person for the purpose of research, statistical reporting, or
planning, provided that no student, parent, or guardian can be identified from the information released, and the person to whom the information is released signs an affidavit agreeing to comply with all applicable statutes and rules pertaining to school student records.
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6. To any person possessing a written, dated consent, signed by the parent or guardian or eligible student stating to whom the records may be released, the information or record to be released, and the reason for the release.
7. Pursuant to a court order. The District shall grant access to or release
information from student records to juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties upon their request prior to adjudication of the student, provided they certify in writing that the information will not be disclosed to any other party except as provided under law or order of court.
"Juvenile authorities" means:
a. A judge of the circuit court and members of the staff of the court
designated by the judge; b. Parties to the proceedings under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and
their attorneys; c. Probation officers and court appointed advocates for the juvenile
authorized by the judge hearing the case; d. Any individual, public or private agency having custody of the child
pursuant to court order; e. Any individual, public or private agency providing education, medical or
mental health service to the child when the requested information is needed to determine the appropriate service or treatment for the minor;
f. Any potential placement provider when such release is authorized by
the court for the limited purpose of determining the appropriateness of the potential placement;
g. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors; h. Adult and juvenile prisoner review boards; i. Authorized military personnel; and j. Individuals authorized by court.
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8. The District shall grant access to, or release information from student records to a SHOCAP (Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program) committee member, provided that: a. The committee member is a state or local official or authority; b. The disclosure concerns the juvenile justice system's ability to
effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are to be released and the official or authority certifies in writing that the records will not be disclosed to any other party except as provided under state law without the prior written consent of the student's parent(s)/guardian(s);
c. The disclosure's purpose is limited to identifying serious habitual
juvenile offenders and matching those offenders with community resources pursuant to Section 5-145 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987; and,
d. The release, transfer, disclosure, or dissemination consistent with the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Order of Protection Upon receipt of a court order of protection, the building principal shall file it in the records of a child who is the “protected person” under the order of protection. No information or records shall be released to the respondent named in the order of protection. When a child is a “protected, person” under the order of protection transfers to a public or private school, the building principal shall, at the request of the petitioner, provide within 24 hours of the transfer or as soon as possible, written notice of the order of protection, along with a certified copy of the order, to the school to which the child is transferring.
Right to Inspect and Copy Student Records The degree of access a student has to his or her records depends on the student's age. Students less than 18 years of age have the right to inspect and copy only their permanent record. Students 18 years of age or older have access and copy rights to both permanent and temporary records. Parents/guardians or students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parents or guardians or student of the time and place where records may be inspected. The rights contained in this section are denied to any person against whom an order of protection has been entered concerning a student.
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Right to Request the Amendment of Student Records Parents or guardians or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, misleading, irrelevant, or improper. They should write the school principal or records custodian, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify the reason. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents(s) or guardian(s) or eligible student, the District will notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent(s) or guardian(s) or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
Right to Prohibit the Release of Directory Information Districts may release directory information as permitted by law, but parent(s)/ guardians(s) have the right to object to the release of information regarding their child. However, the District will comply with an ex parte court order requiring it to permit the U.S. Attorney General or designee to have access to a student’s school records without notice to, or the consent of, the student’s parents or guardians. In the absence of a written notice from parents or guardians denying the release of directory information regarding their child, the District may release directory information, limited to:
1. Name 2. Address 3. Gender 4. Grade level 5. Birth date and place 6. Parents'/guardians' names and addresses 7. Academic awards, degrees, and honors 8. Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations and
athletics 9. Major field of study
10. Period of attendance in school
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Any parents or guardians or eligible student who wishes to prohibit the release of directory information must deliver a written objection to the District Student Records Custodian (Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources), 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938.
Right to Copy any Student Record Proposed to be Destroyed Temporary records and the information contained in them are not maintained beyond its period of usefulness to the student and the school and in no case longer than 5 years after the student has transferred, graduated, or otherwise withdrawn from school. School officials review student temporary records every 4 years or upon the student's change in attendance center (whichever occurs first), verifies entries, and eliminates or corrects all inaccurate, misleading, unnecessary or irrelevant information. Parents who wish to copy unessential temporary student records before they are purged from their child's temporary student record file must make a request in writing to their child's principal within 30 days following the last student attendance day of their child's 3
rd, 5
th, 8
th, or
12th
grade year. In the case where a student transfers out-of district during the school year, requests to copy student records should be made in writing in a timely manner to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (Records Custodian), 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938.
Right to File a Complaint No person or agency may require the release of information from a student’s temporary record as a condition of employment, credit or insurance or for the granting of privileges or benefits. Furthermore, parents and eligible students have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of the Illinois Student Records Act (ISSRA), 105 ILCS 10/1 et seq., and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 123g et seq. To file a complaint, contact: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920
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Field Trips Field trips are an integral part of children's education. From time to time throughout the school year, students will have the opportunity of taking a field trip. Notification of these trips is made by special notes, the school newsletter, or hotline call. In general, parents may assume that their child will not be taken or sent from school without prior written notification and permission. A Field Trip Notification/ Approval form (Appendix B) is sent home with students prior to each field trip. This notification consists of a summary description of the field trip activity, the date, and the estimated time of departure and return. A student will not be allowed to participate without explicit, written approval. In almost all cases parental blanket approval was obtained during school registration. Parents should sign and return this form only if they want to grant or deny permission for their child to participate in this particular field trip activity as an exception to an earlier decision. Students are transported to most field trips sites on school busses. Parents or guardians who wish to personally transport their child to and from field trips sites must complete and return a Travel Release form (see appendix C) at least 24 hours prior to departure. In the absence of a Travel Release, the Mattoon School District requires all students to ride district vehicles. In order to ensure that no student is left without transportation, a teacher may release a student for transportation as authorized by this form ONLY at a face-to-face meeting between the parent or guardian, the teacher, and the student. Utilization of the Travel Release form and procedure is the exclusive method to arrange for non-school transportation to and from field trip sites. The Mattoon School District, its employees and officials deny all liability associated with transportation provided by parents or guardians.
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STUDENT MEDICAL INFORMATION
Health and Welfare
School personnel are concerned for the health, safety, and welfare of all students and employees. The District Nurse’s office is located at the High School. There are also two assistant nurses in the district whose services are shared between the other buildings. A nurse is available for emergencies. If a nurse is not in the building when needed, the principal or school secretary will contact the nurse via cell phone for assistance. Students who become ill or injured should report to the office or send someone to notify office personnel or the nurse as soon as possible. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) went into effect April 14, 2003. The purpose of this law is to create uniform national standards for the protection of an individual’s medical records and health information. The School Nurse will share information from doctor’s offices and Public Health regarding student’s immunization and health conditions. With the implementation of HIPAA, providers are not able to release this information without a signed consent of the patient or the patient’s guardian in the case of a minor. At registration, parents/guardians will be asked to sign consent to release medical information to the school nurse which will facilitate exchange of immunization and health information with providers. This will assist the school nurse in providing quality care to your child and prevent unnecessary exclusion from school for lack of immunization history. For further information on HIPAA, feel free to talk with the school nurse or visit the US Department of Health and Human Services Web site at www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.
Administration of Emergency Care The school health offices will provide medical assistance to a student in an emergency situation. Medical assistance will include first aid and, if necessary, referral for immediate medical care at a hospital, clinic, or physician’s office. School personnel will make every effort to contact parent/guardian or designated emergency contact person in the event of a serious accident. If it is the opinion of school personnel that the student’s condition is life threatening, or requires immediate emergency care, approved first aid procedures will be done and the student will be escorted by an administrator and/or transported by ambulance for further medical care. The school district does not assume responsibility for medical bills incurred as a result of the administration of emergency care.
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The success of these procedures depends upon accurate information regarding student’s medical history, their current physician, and how to contact parent/guardian at home and work. Parents are asked to complete an emergency information form during registration and to notify the school regarding
any change in emergency information during the school year. If your child has
a chronic illness or disease such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, or severe
allergies, please contact the nurse to complete an emergency action plan
to assist school personnel in caring for your child in the event of an
emergency situation at school.
Infectious Illnesses/Communicable and
Chronic Infectious Diseases
A student with or carrying a communicable and/or chronic infectious disease has all rights, privileges and services provided by law and the district’s policies. Children will be excluded from school for communicable diseases as recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health in the current publication of the Communicable Disease Guide.
Guidelines (When your child is ill): We all need to do our best to stay healthy and keep our children healthy. When children come to school sick, they are not able to participate in the learning process and they expose others to their illnesses.
A fever in the range of 100 to 104 degrees, especially accompanied by lethargy. Children should stay home from school until the fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication.
Repeated diarrhea and/or vomiting within the past 24 hours.
If vomiting occurs, keep at home until they can eat and keep food down.
Not eating for more than a day.
Head lice – please treat before sending to school.
Keep your child at home if they have any symptoms that prevent him or her from participating in school, such as excessive tiredness or lack of appetite, coughing up mucous, sneezing, headache, body aches, earache or sore throat.
If your child has strep throat, pink eye, or impetigo, the child needs to be on the medication prescribed by your physician for 24 hours before returning to school.
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Rashes, if they are all over the body, blistery, oozing or sore could be a sign of a contagious infection.
If your child complains of a sore throat and has no other symptoms, he may be well enough to go to school. If white spots are seen in the back of the throat or if fever is present, keep him home and call your doctor.
After your child is feeling better, clean all surfaces and wash the bedding and air out the room.
Vision and Hearing Vision and hearing tests are administered each year according to Illinois State Public Health mandates. The mandate requires hearing screenings for students in preschool, kindergarten, 1
st grade, 2
nd grade, 3
rd grade, and all students in
special education classes. Vision screenings are required for preschool, kindergarten , 2
nd grade, 8
th grade and all students in special education classes.
In addition to these students, any student entering the Mattoon School District who has not previously been tested and any student referred for a special education case study will be tested for both vision and hearing. Any student suspected by a parent or a teacher of having a vision or hearing problem may also be referred for testing. In accordance with Public Act 093-0504, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given written notification, before the vision screening is conducted, that states, “Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the
previous 12 months.” A parent or guardian may exempt a child from the
mandatory testing by providing a written request to the Health Office prior
to testing date. Notice of testing dates will be available from the Health Office and will be posted in individual school newsletters. The district nurse’s office is located at the High School, 2521 Walnut Ave. telephone 238-7815.
Medication When a student requires daily or regular medication, parents must make every effort to give prescribed doses of the medication at home. It is recommended that parents consult with their doctor to see if midday medication can be adjusted and given at another time. Therefore, only medications (prescription, non-prescription and herbal) which are prescribed by a physician and which are essential for the student to remain in school shall be given, providing that the conditions outlined below are followed. Standing orders (written protocol for general use of a medication) may not be used as a basis for administration of medication.
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1. All medications given at school, including over the counter medications
must be prescribed by a physician. A School Medication Authorization
Form must be completed each school year for each medication at
school. These forms are available from the school nurse and most area physicians have been supplied with copies. The doctor and a parent or legal guardian must sign the form and are kept on file in the health office. It is the parent or guardian responsibility to ensure that the licensed prescriber’s order, written request and medication are brought to the school. 2. The school nurse shall review the written order, require any additional information from the parent or guardian or the student’s licensed prescriber appropriate to complete the review, and accept the written order or seek further clarification of the order if necessary. Administration of the medication will be started when the medication and permission are reviewed by the school nurse. 3. Prescription medications must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the physician or pharmacy showing: student’s name, name of medication, dosage and schedule of administration, date, and the prescriber’s name. All medications will be stored in the health office in a locked cabinet. Exceptions will be allowed only with the approval of the principal and the school nurse. The school nurse or other designated school personnel shall administer all medications in the office where an administrative log will be kept. 4. The school nurse, school administrator, or other designated school personnel may administer medications under these guidelines. Teachers and other non-administrative employees cannot be required to administer medication, although they may volunteer to do so. A student’s parent or guardian may come to the school to administer medication(s) to his/her own child. 5. The medication supply will be accepted from the parent on the first school day when the doctor and parent permission are received. The container will be sent home with the student when re-supply is necessary. Parents will bring new supplies of medication to school. Parents will be asked to pick up unused medication at the end of the school year or when medication is discontinued. High school students may have the medication guidelines modified to reflect their increasing responsibility for health care. 6. Medications and special items necessary to administer medications such as syringes and hypodermic needles must be stored in a separate locked drawer or cabinet. Medications requiring refrigeration must be
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refrigerated in a secure area. Medications which must be available while a student is engaged in school activity conducted away from the customary site of storage must be kept with the certified employee supervising the activity. 7. Students are not allowed to carry any medication on their person. Medications taken on a short term basis (i.e. antibiotics) are not considered long term medications, and must be administered by a parent. Do NOT send cough drops, Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, or antacids with your student. 8. Any change in medication dosage or administration shall have written authorization from the prescribing physician. 9. No medications will be given at school that the child has not already received at home or under the supervision of the physician. 10. All medication is to be taken to the school office at the beginning of the school day where it will be locked in the cabinet. 11. No medication will be given at school if the above guidelines are not met. In addition, the school may deny the request according to, but not limited to the following criteria: Student’s age, maturity level (both educationally and emotionally), type of medication and its side effects. 12. At the end of the school year or the end of the treatment regime, the student’s parent or guardian will be responsible for removing from the school any unused medication. If the parent or guardian does not pick up the medication by the end of the year, the nurse will dispose of the medication and document that it was discarded.
The exception to student’s carrying their own medication as stated in Public Act 094-0792, 5/19/2006, of the School Code, Self Administration of Medication. “A school, whether public or nonpublic, must permit the self-administration of medication by a pupil with asthma (an inhaler) or the use of an epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) by a pupil.
1. A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) and/ or medication prescribed for asthma for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent or guardian has completed
and signed a “School Medication Permission for Students with
Asthma and/or School Medication Permission for Life Threatening
Conditions.” The School 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 or epinephrine auto injector
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or the storage of any medication by school personnel. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the School 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 auto injector and/or medication or the storage of any medication by school personnel.
2. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing
emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.
3. Administration of medication for treatment in an emergency situation may be used by the student with assistance as necessary from school personnel. If provided for on an approved permission form, student’s requiring such medication are:
to use an auto-injector which contains the proper dosage for their body weight.
To carry the medication on their person at times of high risk for contact with the allergen.
To be encouraged to leave an additional auto-injector in the Health Office to use in the event of emergency.
To submit the authorization and indemnity agreement relative to the administration of such medication to the school prior to the institution of the above procedures.
Head Lice
Per Board Policy 7.250-AP1, any student who has been identified and verified by the school nurse as having active lice will be sent home, After checking a student, If the school nurse and/or a building administrator deem it difficult to determine between active lice and nits (shells of eggs that have hatched live lice), school personnel shall error on the side of caution and the student will be sent home. The school nurse must clear the student before returning to school. Head lice are a nuisance not a disease or illness; therefore the goals of “treating”
active head lice are:
Keep the child in school
Educate parent/guardian on how to rid the child of active head lice
Inform and educate parents/guardians on how to alleviate the an active
head lice issue in the home
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Procedures
1. Parents/Guardians will be called and informed their child has live head
lice by the Nurse.
2. The child may be sent home before the end of the day if in the opinion of
the school nurse and /or school administrator the child has multiple active
lice and/or, poor condition of the child’s scalp, and excessive scratching
as to disrupt their learning.
3. The parent/guardian will accompany their child back to school to the
nurse’s office for the recheck. The student will be readmitted to school
after treatment and examination by the School Nurse.
4. If upon examination the School Nurse finds no live lice on the child, the
child may stay at school.
5. Any student with nits (farther than ¼ inch from scalp) should be allowed to
stay in school and ride the bus home.
6. Parents/Guardians should remove nits daily and provide treatment if live
lice are observed.
7. The student will be re-checked in the nurse office weekly for 3 weeks for
live lice.
8. A letter will be sent home notifying parents of classmates that a case of
head lice suspected and asking them to check all of their children for lice.
No more than 1 letter per week per classroom will be sent home.
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Physical and Immunizations, Dental Exams , Eye Examination &
Exclusion of Students
1. Physical Examinations: According to Mattoon CUSD #2 policy and the School Code of the State of Illinois, parents of students shall present proof of a health examination by a licensed physician and of having received the immunizations against and screenings for preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The examination shall be conducted within one year: Prior to the date of entering kindergarten or 1
st grade;
Prior to the date of entering 6th
grade; prior to the date of entering 9th
grade. Unless the student is homeless, failure to comply with the above requirements before the first day of student attendance of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school nurse.
No student, regardless of grade level will be allowed to enter school unless
there is a physical form on file and the record of immunizations is
completed and in compliance with Illinois law. Students not in compliance will continue to be excluded from school until medical requirements have been met. A student may be exempt from this policy’s requirements on religious grounds if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) present to the superintendent a signed
Certificate of Religious Exemption detailing the grounds for objection and the specific immunizations and/or examinations to which they object. The certificate will be signed by the parent or legal guardian to confirm their awareness of the school’s exclusion policies in the case of a vaccine preventable disease outbreak or exposure. The certificate must also be signed by the child’s health care provider responsible for performing the child’s examination for entry into kindergarten, sixth or ninth grade. The Certificate of Religious Exemption can be found via the link below: http://www.isbe.net/research/pdfs/immun-exam-gdlns-religious-exempt.pdf For students attending school programs where grade levels are not assigned, (special education or alternative schools) examinations shall be completed prior to the date of entering and within one year prior to the school year in which the child reaches the ages of 5, 11, and 15. Students who transfer in from out of state in any grade level must have had a physical examination within one year prior to the start of school, and must also show proof of compliance with state immunization statutes. Students from out of state will have 30 days to comply with this requirement. Athletes are required to have a physical annually as described in IHSA/IESA rules.
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Parent(s)/guardian(s) of children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years are required to provide a statement from a physician that their child was screened for lead poisoning before the child will be admitted into any District-operated kindergarten or preschool program. A student may be exempt from this policy’s requirements on religious grounds if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) present to the Superintendent a signed statement explaining the objection. A student may be exempt from the health examination or immunizations on medical grounds if a physician provides appropriate written verification of a medical contraindication.
2. Dental Examinations: Effective July 1, 2005, Illinois children in kindergarten, second, and sixth grades are required to have an oral health examination. Examinations must be performed by a licensed dentist. The child shall present Proof of School Dental Examination signed by a dentist to the school nurse prior to May 15
th of the school year. School dental examinations must have been
completed within 18 months of the May 15th
deadline. If a child in second or sixth grade fails to present proof by May 15
th, the school may hold child’s report card.
until:
Child presents proof of dental examination form or
Child presents a dental examination waiver form or
Child is enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program and is not covered by private or public dental insurance (Medicaid/All Kids)
Child is enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program and is ineligible for public insurance (Medicaid/All Kids),
Child is enrolled in Medicaid/All Kids, but is unable to find a dentist or dental clinic in the community that is able to see the child and will accept Medicaid/All Kids
Child does not have any type of dental insurance, and there are no low-cost dental clinics in the community that will see the child.
Child presents an exemption based on religious grounds or
Child presents proof that dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15
th
4. Eye Examinations: An eye examination law became effective January 1, 2008. This law is part of the Child Health Code which outlines the state laws requiring school physicals, immunizations, and dental examinations. The eye examination law requires an eye examination
for children upon first entry into Illinois schools. For most children,
this will be kindergarten, for some it will be first grade. This law requires children coming in from out of state, who have never attended
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school in Illinois, to have an eye examination. The law provides that physicians practice in all its branches and licensed optometrists shall perform the eye examinations. Proof of completed eye examination must be presented by the child’s parent or guardians to the school before October 15
th of school year. If proof of eye examination is not
presented, the school may hold the child’s report card until one of the following occurs:
The child presents completed eye examination
The child presents proof that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15
Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease A student with or carrying a communicable disease and/or chronic infectious disease has all rights, privileges, and services provided by law and the District's policies.
Accidents-Emergency Information In spite of all efforts to be cautious and vigilant, accidents sometimes happen at school. If a serious accident occurs, parents are telephoned and asked to come for the child. If it is not possible to contact parents, the person designated as the emergency contact person will be called, and parents will be notified as soon as possible. If neither parent nor the emergency contact person can be called, the student will be taken by ambulance to the local hospital. It is important, therefore, that all medical information and the emergency contact person be updated annually. This is the school’s main source of information in an emergency situation.
Student Accident Insurance The Board of Education has authorized student accident insurance to be paid for by the student. Student accident insurance is entirely optional. Parents have three choices available: a “school-time plan”, a “24-hour plan”, and a “24-hour dental plan” from which to select. Parents may select the plan best suited for the family needs. All students wishing to participate on athletic teams must either provide proof of insurance or purchase one of the district plans. The school assumes no responsibility for any accident or for the filing of claims. Claims must be filed immediately after an accident by the insured, with the signature of the staff member in charge. This claim shall be filed in the school office. All medical bills will be charged to the parents. If parents do not
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purchase a plan, they must sign a waiver stating that their family policy is adequate and that they do not wish to have the insurance. All students must have the insurance or the waiver. If the proper information is not filed, the student will be unable to practice, play in games, or hold team membership.
Pesticide Application From time to time, pesticides are used on school property to control undesirable insects such as cockroaches, spiders, termites, bees, and mosquitoes. Parents who want to be notified about pesticides and their scheduled application should contact their child’s school principal. Before any pesticide is used on school property, the district will make every effort to provide at least 2 days notice to all parents.
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STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Review of Discipline Policies, Practices, and Rules Each year the superintendent or designee, with input from the parent-teacher advisory committee, reviews district discipline policies, practices, and rules. The recommendations of the committee, if any, are presented to the School Board for its review and approval. This handbook, which includes the district’s disciplinary policies and rules, is distributed to parents or guardians at the within 15 days of the beginning of the school year or upon a student’s enrollment.
Discipline Philosophy
Mattoon schools teach students to discipline themselves. As a result of this belief, children often are involved in the development of classroom rules and are allowed to experience the natural or logical consequences of their misbehavior. Encouragement and counseling play an important role in teaching children to discipline themselves. Students are expected to comply with all school and classroom rules and guidelines. Classroom rules are posted in each classroom and communicated to students and parents. When a student misbehaves, the student will be dealt with firmly, immediately, and consistently through the cooperative efforts of the student, parent, teachers and the principal. When determining the response for a specific breach of discipline, school personnel will consider the nature of the act, the student's previous school history, his or her age and maturation, any mitigating circumstances, and the effect of his or her actions on the welfare of the school community.
Dress Code Mattoon School Board policy states “students’ dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency.”
The following procedures are designed to assist parents and students in purchasing clothes and making appropriate decisions regarding clothing worn to school. Parents can best help their son or daughter make good decisions by observing the following guidelines with respect to dress and grooming:
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Clothing should not be suggestive, revealing, offensive, or otherwise disruptive to the educational process. Therefore, clothing should cover the body from shoulder to mid-thigh. Shirts should cover the torso, including the shoulders and midriff.
Clothing that displays inappropriate words, pictures, symbols, or promotes alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs is prohibited.
Clothing should not be dangerous or pose a safety hazard.
Shoes must be worn at all times and be free of cleats.
Hats and other headgear, including scarves and sunglasses, must not be worn in the building, except when required for vocational classes or approved by the administration.
Clothing should be clean. Since it is impossible to list all infractions of this policy, the administration is responsible to determine the appropriateness of dress and grooming.
Student Behavior (Formally known as Student Discipline)
The goals and objectives of this Board Policy 7.190 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 Conduct Rules Apply
A student is subject to disciplinary action for engaging in prohibited student conduct, as described in the section with that 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.
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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:
a. Any illegal drug or controlled substance, or cannabis (including medical cannabis, marijuana, and hashish).
b. Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. 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.
g. “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
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that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy.
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.
4. 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.
5. Using or possessing an electronic paging device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device 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.
6. Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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,
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public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using a school computer or a school computer network, or other comparable conduct.
10. 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.
11. Teen dating violence, as described in Board policy 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited.
12. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
13. Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.
14. 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.
15. Being absent without a recognized excuse; State law and School Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants.
16. 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.
17. Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
18. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, and hazing.
19. 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.
20. Operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by
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the Superintended or designee.
21. 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.
NOTE: Remarks that threaten the well-being of the school, whether made seriously or in jest, will result in disciplinary action. State law requires a school district to notify the parent or guardian of a child who uses aggressive behavior, including bullying, at school. (105 ILCS 5/10-20.14)
Behavioral Intervention Guidelines and Procedures Students have a right to know the reasons for disciplinary measures applied to them and to have an adult available to help them when their views and those of the school do not agree. When minor student misbehavior necessitates the involvement of school personnel, the following procedures are followed. 1. The teacher or other adult in charge will immediately handle the problem.
2. Parents may be called, and if necessary, a conference arranged to discuss
the problem. 3. A record is kept of incidents of serious misbehavior and the discipline that
was imposed.
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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 or Saturday 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 Procedures. 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
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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.
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.
Suspension and Expulsion
SUSPENSION PROCEDURES (As per Board Policy 7.200):
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:
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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:
a. Provide notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their child’s right to a review of the suspension;
b. Include information about an opportunity to make up work missed during the suspension for equivalent academic credit;
c. Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend;
d. 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
e. Depending upon the length of the out-of-school suspension, include the following applicable information:
i. For a suspension of 3 school days or less, an explanation that the student’s continuing presence in school would either pose:
a) A threat to school safety, or
b) A disruption to other students’ learning opportunities.
ii. For a suspension of 4 or more school days, an explanation:
a) That other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted,
b) As to whether school officials attempted other interventions or determined that no other interventions were available for the student, and
c) That the student’s continuing presence in school would either:
i) Pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or
ii) Substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school.
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iii. 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 the Department of Human Services to consult with the Board. 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 (As per Board Policy 7.210):
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:
a. Include the time, date, and place for the hearing.
b. Briefly describe what will happen during the hearing.
c. Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to recommend expulsion.
d. List the student’s prior suspension(s).
e. State that the School Code allows the School Board to expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis.
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f. 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. It 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 the Dept. of Human Services 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:
a. Detail the specific reason why removing the student from his or her learning environment is in the best interest of the school.
b. Provide a rationale for the specific duration of the recommended expulsion.
c. 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.
d. 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.
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Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities
Behavioral interventions will be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. The District has established and maintains a committee to develop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities. The committee reviews the State Board of Education's guidelines on the use of behavioral interventions and uses them as a non-binding reference. This policy and the behavioral intervention procedures are furnished to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of all students 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 students are informed annually of the existence of this policy and the procedures. At the annual individualized education plan review, a copy of this policy is given to the parent(s)/ guardian(s). The policy and procedures are explained. A copy of the procedures are available, upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Discipline of Special Education Students The District complies with the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when disciplining students. No special education student will be expelled if the student's particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability. Any special education student whose gross disobedience or misconduct is not a manifestation of his or her disability may be expelled pursuant to the expulsion procedures, except that such disabled student shall continue to receive educational services as provided in the IDEA during such period of expulsion. A special education student may be suspended for periods of no more than 10 consecutive school days in response to separate incidents of misconduct, regardless of whether the student's gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disabling condition, as long as the repeated removals do not constitute a pattern that amounts to a change in placement (considering factors such as the length of each removal, the total amount of time the student is removed, and the proximity of the removals to one another) and provided that such student receives educational services to the extent required by the IDEA during such removals. Any special education student may be temporarily excluded from school by court order or by order of a duly appointed State of Illinois hearing officer changing the student's placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for up to 45 days, if the District demonstrates that maintaining the student in his or her current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or others. A special education student who has carried a weapon to school or to a school function or who knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school or a school function may be removed from his or her current placement. Such a student shall be placed in an
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appropriate interim alternative educational setting for no more than 45 days in accordance with the IDEA. The length of time a student with a disability is placed in an alternative educational setting must be the same amount of time that a student without a disability would be subject to discipline.
Search and Seizure
SEARCH AND SEIZURE (As per 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 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.
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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.
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..
Policy Prohibiting Secret Societies and Gang Activity Public school fraternities, sororities, secret societies and gangs are prohibited. For purposes of this policy, a public school fraternity, sorority, secret society or gang means any organization composed wholly or in part of public school pupils which seeks to perpetuate itself by taking in additional members from the pupils enrolled on the basis of the decision of its membership, rather than the free choice of any pupil in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization. Any public school fraternity, sorority, secret society or gang is inimical to the best interests of Mattoon Community Unit School District. It shall be deemed an act of gross disobedience or misconduct for any student to join, become pledged to join or to solicit any student to join, promise to join or become a member of a public school fraternity, sorority, secret society or gang. Gross disobedience or misconduct shall include wearing or displaying at school, or any school-related activity, clothing, badges, adornment or other insignia
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intended to display membership or solicitation of membership in any public school fraternity, sorority, secret society or gang.
Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment Students who engage in sexual harassment on school premises or off school premises at a school-sponsored activity will be subject to appropriate discipline, including suspension or expulsion. Sexual harassment is any activity of a sexual nature that is unwanted or unwelcome, including but not limited to unwanted touching, pinching, patting, verbal comments of a sexual nature, sexual name-calling, pressure to engage in sexual activity, repeated propositions, and unwanted body contact. The school's normal disciplinary procedures will be followed in determining the appropriate consequence for the sexual harassment. In the event that the administration recommends suspension or expulsion as a result of the conduct, due process will be afforded to the student in accordance with the District's suspension/expulsion procedures.
Firearms and Dangerous Objects Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a weapon or dangerous object is prohibited. Dangerous objects include explosives including firecrackers, firearms, knives, chains, or any other object that can reasonably be considered or looks like a weapon. Also prohibited are repellents including pepper sprays, matches, lighters, and the throwing of snow or ice. Prohibition of these objects extends to school grounds, off-ground activity sites, and bus stops.
Interview of Pupils at School by Law Enforcement or Agency
Personnel
Police officers or agency personnel, such as employees of the Department of Children and Family Services enter school buildings from time to time to fulfill their duties. If law enforcement or agency personnel request to interview students, such interviews may be allowed by the building principal or other administrator without parental or guardian notification if:
1. There is risk to property or to the health or safety of the student or other person.
2. There is need for information in case of emergency, or when police
have been summoned by school employees to help maintain order, security or safety.
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3. Any other time school administrators believe it is in the best interest of the school or a student that parents or guardians not be notified in advance of an interview.
Whenever possible, a school administrator or teacher will remain present during interviews of students by police or agency officials. School employees do not have legal authority to interfere with police officers making arrests. Except in extraordinary circumstances where the principal or other administrator deems it prudent in order to protect health or safety, the principal shall notify the parent or guardian if a student is arrested at school or a school sponsored activity.
Informing Parents About Offender Community
Notification Laws State law requires a building principal or teacher to notify parents/guardians during school registration or parent-teacher conferences that information about sex offenders and violent offenders against youth is available to the public. You may find the Illinois Sex Offender Registry on the Illinois State Police’s website at:
http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ You may find the Illinois Statewide Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry on the Illinois State Police’s website at:
http://www.isp.state.il.us/cmvo/
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STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
Bus Transportation Guidelines
1. Mattoon CUSD #2 transports only eligible riders. An eligible rider is a
student who:
a. Resides with a custodial parent or legal guardian one and one-half miles or more from their school;
b. Has an active IEP that mandates
transportation; c. Would otherwise be exposed to a
serious safety hazard as determined by the Illinois Department of Transportation;
d. Is temporarily or permanently physically disabled and is unable to walk
to school. A physician's signed statement verifying physical incapacitation may be required;
e. Is homeless. Homeless students will be transported in accordance
with the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; or
f. Attends a non-public school and is eligible in accordance with the above criteria,
2. Eligible bus students will only be transported:
a. To and from the bus stop nearest their residence; or b. To and/or from a bus stop nearest a child-care provider:
1.) If the child care provider resides one and one-half miles or more
from the school of attendance. 2.) If the childcare provider lives on an established bus route. The
district will not incur additional expense, reroute buses, adjust schedules, or lengthen bus routes to accommodate childcare. If an established bus route changes (they often do) and the bus no longer passes by the residence of a child care provider, parents will be given a two-week notice that bus transportation to or from the child care provider will be discontinued.
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3.) If the pick-up and drop-off points remain constant--one pick-up point and one drop-off point every day, five days a week, all year long.
3. School bus riders, while in transit, are under the jurisdiction of the school
bus driver. Students who are unruly are subject to disciplinary action by school officials including being suspended from the bus. When students are suspended from riding the bus, parents are responsible for transporting their child(ren) to and from school.
4. Buses run on a schedule. Students must be on time at the designated
school bus stop. Students who miss their bus must rely on their parents for transportation.
5. Drivers are not permitted to allow student's friends or other unauthorized
students to ride the bus to or from school. When a student wants to ride home after school with a friend, a parent or guardian must first provide the school with a signed note granting such permission. Upon receipt of the parental note, the principal or designee will issue the student a complimentary bus pass that must be handed to the bus driver.
6. All inquiries about bus services should be made to the Transportation
Office, 4814 Paradise Road., Mattoon, IL, phone 238-3270.
Bus Rules and Safety Procedures
1. The bus driver is in charge and is responsible for the child’s safety. Students must respect, obey and cooperate with the driver. Bus Safety Education, including two evacuation drills, is conducted annually for all students in the district.
2. It is the duty of the bus driver to enforce bus regulations. The driver is
instructed to report repeated offenders to the principal for disciplinary measures, which may be the loss of bus privileges. The principal will take all disciplinary action.
3. Drivers are not authorized to stop at places other than the regular bus
stop or to let the child off at a stop other than the regular stop. The transportation director must authorize exceptions to this policy.
4. Drivers are not permitted to allow friends or unauthorized students to ride
the bus to or from school without a bus pass authorized by a school principal.
5. Students must:
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a. Be on time at the designated school bus stop. (Help keep the bus on schedule.)
b. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus. (Students must not move toward the bus until the bus has been brought to a complete stop.)
c. Follow the instruction of the bus driver.
d. Not leave their seat while the bus is moving.
e. Remain in the bus in the event of a road emergency or until the driver gives instructions.
f. Keep hands and head inside of the bus at all times. (Do not throw anything out the bus windows.)
g. Be silent when approaching a railroad-crossing stop.
h. Not bring animals onto the bus.
i. Not eat or drink on the bus.
j. Keep the aisle of the bus free of obstructions such as books, packages, and coats.
Procedures for Consequences Related to Bus Discipline: Step 1: Bus driver works with student(s), to resolve problem – if no response,
obtain the name of the student(s). Step 2: After step 1, pass information directly to school administration, fill out
disciplinary report, and meet with school officials concerning the student’s conduct on the bus.
Step 3: Removal from bus by administrator if steps 1 and 2 have been followed and no improvement of behavior has occurred.
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 for up to 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 School Board 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.
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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’s regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student’s privilege to ride a school bus.
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.
Stopping the Bus to Address Discipline Issues:
In order to maintain a safe and orderly bus, bus drivers, at times, may need to stop the school bus in order to address issues related to discipline. As a result of having to stop the bus to maintain a safe environment, route times may run later than usual. The District administration understands this issue, and supports its bus drivers when they have to make this adjustment. Having a safe bus environment is crucial in order to provide a safe and orderly transportation service for students.
Contacting Law Enforcement Agencies: If a situation occurs on the school bus that causes major safety concerns (i.e. uncontrolled fighting, physical contact with injury to student or school employees,
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etc.), bus drivers will stop the bus and contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and have the student or students removed from the bus by law enforcement officials. The student or students will be transported to the law enforcement agency department and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted to pick the student(s) up at the said location. As a result, the school district will not only impose school discipline, but also pursue charges against such individuals responsible for such actions.
Loading and Unloading Students at Stops: Pre-school age students are not to be dropped off without a parent or known guardian to receive the student at their designated stop. A kindergarten age student may be dropped off at their designated stop only if other students aboard
the bus and on the route are dropped off at the same stop. If a Kindergarten
parent/guardian contacts the Transportation Office (238-3270) and request
that the Kindergarten student not be dropped off without a parent or known
guardian to receive the student at their designated stop, the request will be
honored. If no other students are dropped off at the stop, a parent or known guardian must be at the stop to meet the kindergarten age student. If there is nobody at the stop to meet the student, the bus driver will contact the transportation building, which will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) to receive the student at the student’s school. The bus driver would then complete their route, and at the end of the route, drop off the student at their school of attendance to be received by their parent(s)/guardian(s).
PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) It is the parent(s)/guardian(s) responsibility to contact their child’s school or transportation center and inform them if they are not going to be home when a pre-school or kindergarten age student is to be dropped off after school during the student’s P.M. route.
Video Surveillance Policy
The Mattoon School Board and its schools strive to maintain safe and secure learning environments for students, staff and community members involved in school programs. In keeping with the District’s policy governing Safe Schools, it is the Board's policy to employ security surveillance systems at those schools, facilities, and busses, owned or leased by the Board, deemed necessary by the superintendent. School officials are authorized to operate these systems. Video cameras are positioned on school busses as a means to foster safety, good order, and discipline. Videos are maintained in the Transportation Office for a few weeks and then recycled. Videos are considered confidential and are not available for viewing by the general public, per Board Policy 7.220.
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SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Lunch Information
Lunch Permission Slips School campuses are closed. If you wish to have your child walk home for lunch, please provide the school office with written consent such as the one shown in Appendix D of this handbook. Street crossing guards and student safety patrols are not on duty during lunch periods.
Sack Lunches Students may bring a sack lunch to school. Sack lunches are not refrigerated while at school; therefore, parents should exercise caution with respect to food selection and preparation. Lunch sacks or boxes should be labeled with the student's name. Students may purchase milk and juice in the school cafeteria.
Lunch and Milk Prices Weekly or breakfast tickets may be purchased. The lunch menu will be posted in the cafeteria. Printed menus will be sent home in newsletters and posted to Mattoon's Homepage (www.mattoon.k12.il.us) and announced on each school's Hotline. Prices for breakfast, lunch, and extra milk will be available at registration. An electronic identification card may be used for advanced payment. The swipe card works like a debit card in that parents may pay in advance for breakfast and lunch, thus setting up an account balance for their child’s meals. Each time the card is used, the amount of the breakfast or lunch is deducted from the balance. The school will let parents know when the balance is running low.
Free or Reduced Lunch Program
Waiver Procedures A letter of explanation is available to families at the beginning of each school year that explains the procedures for applying for a waiver of or reduction in the cost of school meals. To apply for free/reduced price meals, the parent in each
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household must fill out a Free/Reduced Lunch application and return it to the school office. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. School officials verify that the information furnished in the application is correct. If a family member becomes unemployed or if family size changes, the parent should contact the school to file a new application. If a child is approved for meal benefits, the school must be notified when the household income increases by more than $50 per month ($600 per year) or when the size of the household decreases. The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used only for purposes of determining eligibility and verifying data.
Income Eligibility Guidelines for FY 2021 The United States Department of Agriculture has issued the following income guidelines for the period July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.
Family
Size
Annual Income Monthly Income Weekly Income
Free Reduced Free Reduced Free Reduced
1 $16,588 $23,606 $1,383 $1,968 $319 $454
2 $22,412 $31,894 $1,868 $2,658 $431 $614
3 $28,236 $40,182 $2,353 $3,349 $543 $773
4 $34,060 $48,470 $2,839 $4,040 $655 $933
5 $39,884 $56,758 $3,324 $4,730 $767 $1,092
6 $45,708 $65,046 $3,809 $5,421 $879 $1,251
7 $51,532 $73,334 $4,295 $6,112 $991 $1,411
8 $57,356 $81,622 $4,780 $6,802 $1,103 $1,570
For each add'l family member add
$5,824 $8,288 $486 $691 $112 $160
The following is the definition of income: Income is defined as any monies earned before any deductions such as income taxes, Social Security taxes, insurance premiums, charitable contributions, and bonds. It includes the following: (1) monetary compensation for services including wages, salary commissions or fees; (2) net income from non-farm self-employment; (3) net income from self-employment; (4) Social Security; (5) dividends or interest on savings or bonds or income from estates or trusts; (6) net rental income; (7) public assistance or welfare payments; (8) unemployment
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compensation; (9) government civilian employee or military retirement or pensions or veteran payments; (10) private pensions or annuities; (11) alimony or child support payments; (12) regular contributions from persons not living in the household; (13) net royalties; and (14) other cash income. Other cash income would include cash amounts received or withdrawn from any source including savings, investments, trust accounts, and other resources which would be available to pay the price of a child's meal.
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INCLEMENT WEATHER & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Winter Information The winter months bring the prospect for school closings, early dismissals, and general concerns about the welfare of students during extreme weather conditions. The following information about inclement weather conditions, hopefully, will be of assistance to parents:
1. On very cold days, parents should take care to ensure that their child is appropriately dressed. Sometimes youngsters don’t use good judgment about dressing warmly.
2. Conscientious parents believe that students belong in school--school officials agree with this attitude. It should be remembered, however, that the welfare of the students always comes first. When the wind-chill index is extremely low, parents should take steps to ensure that their child will not be exposed to these conditions for an extended period of time.
Emergency Early Dismissal
1. Each school in the district has an emergency early dismissal plan to be implemented when needed.
2. In the event of early school dismissal, parents must ensure that their children have an alternate place to go--a neighbor’s or a friend’s house. In most cases students will not be allowed to call parents. Therefore, it is essential that parents or guardians provide the school with emergency information.
3. Any special plan for school closings or any modification of school times or
transportation routes will be communicated on key radio and television stations. WLBH, WMCI, and 107.9 The X are the primary radio stations that announce the closing of school. This decision and announcement most often occurs by 6:30 a.m. Parents are urged to listen to the radio for school closings.
4. During severe weather conditions the decision to cancel school for the
day will be made by 6:30 a.m. based on the information available. Announcements of the decision will be reported to local radio stations. However, due to the safety of the students, we respect the rights of
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parents to make the final determination of student attendance at school. If the child is kept home, call the school for an excused absence. Children who are kept home by parental request during severe weather conditions will be allowed to make-up any work missed.
5. Call your school’s Hotline for emergency dismissal announcements and/or check the District’s website at www.mattoon.k12.il.us and sign up for texting notifications.
The following factors are considered in making a determination to close
school:
1. The severity of the weather. 2. Potential for drastic change in weather. 3. The degree of exposure of students to severe weather. 4. Time of inclement weather. 5. Personal inspection of road conditions by transportation department staff.
Fire & Tornado Drills In compliance with state guidelines for disaster preparation fire/tornado drills will be held no less than three times per year. The following rules apply during these drills:
1. The teacher will provide students with instructions for exiting the building in case of fire or disaster and safety precautions in case of other emergencies.
2. Students are to walk quickly and silently to designated areas.
Playing Outside During Cold Weather
Local medical authorities have advised the schools that cold air associated with Illinois winters does not of itself present a health hazard to normal healthy children who are properly dressed, and that we should encourage children to play outside during winter months. Parents should be sure children are appropriately dressed for the season. Properly labeled hats, gloves or mittens,
scarves, warm winter coats, and boots are recommended. All students may go outside for play periods when the outside temperature is not extreme. The
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standard for playing outside will be 32 degrees Fahrenheit as determined by the “Real Feel” temperature on the acuweather.com web site. Other weather conditions such as wind, rain, sleet, and/or snow are factors that are considered with respect to deciding to play outside during cold weather. A parent may request that their child remain inside for a few days if a child is recovering from a serious respiratory illness (bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, etc.). Requests for children to remain indoors for extended periods of time require a doctor’s verification.
Student Safety Procedures Per Board Policy 4.170, the following outlines the District’s emergency and disaster response plans. The District has plans for all four phases of emergency and disaster management:
1. Preparedness-planning for an emergency or disaster event; 2. Response-planned response to an emergency or disaster
event; 3. Recovery-the process of returning to normal operations; and 4. Mitigation-steps taken to minimize the effects of an
emergency or disaster. These phases are covered in each school’s site-based safety plan. In addition, the District has a Safety Program Coordinator and each school has a Crisis Management Team. The District will disseminate emergency information via its website, information hotline, through the media, and by telephone contact. Emergency responses will depend on the circumstances and may include lockdown or evacuation. During a lockdown, no one may enter or leave the building until it is safe to do so. In the unlikely event an emergency response is needed at your child’s school, staff members will be totally engaged in supervising students. We will attempt to
provide information through the District’s information hotline, 238.8891, and/or website http://www.mattoon.k12.il.us or Facebook page. If students are evacuated, students at Williams Elementary School will go to Mattoon Middle School at 1200 S. 9
th Street, and Riddle Elementary School will go to Mattoon
High School located at 2521 Walnut Avenue. You may pick-up your child at these locations after notifying the school official in charge. Additional instructions will be given in the event of an evacuation, including alternative methods to return your child home. During any emergency or potential disaster and for the safety of all students and staff, please follow the instructions of the District’s safety program coordinator as well as the building principal.
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NONDISCRIMINATION
Equal Education Opportunities Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, actual or potential marital or parental status including pregnancy, arrest record, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, status as homeless, or any other category prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Further, the District will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of sex or any other protected status. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Sex Equity No student shall, on the basis of sex, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits; be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, or advantage; or be denied access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities. Any student may file a sex equity complaint by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the Board's resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8).
Sexual Harassment No student shall be subject to sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome personal attention, requests for favors, and other verbal or physical conduct occurring at school or at a school related activity that when imposed on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, marital status, arrest record, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other category prohibited by local, state, or federal law, has the purpose or effect of (a) substantially interfering with the student's educational performance; (b) creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment that is reasonably believed to cause actual, material disruption; (c) depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or (d) making submission to or rejection of such unwelcome conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting the student.
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Nondiscrimination Coordinator The superintendent has appointed the following nondiscrimination coordinator. The superintendent and building principal shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy and grievance procedure.
Dr. Christy Hild Assistant Superintendent for Student Services 1071 Charleston Avenue Mattoon, IL 61938 (217) 238-8861
Uniform Grievance Procedure Students, parents, guardians, employees, or community members should notify a district complaint manager if they believe that the School Board, its employees, or agents have violated their rights guaranteed by the state or federal constitution, state or federal statute, or Board policy, or have a complaint regarding:
1. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; 2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; 3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 4. Sexual harassment (Illinois Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972); 5. The misuse of funds received for services to improve educational
opportunities for educationally disadvantaged or deprived children; or 6. Curriculum, instructional material, programs
The complaint manager will attempt to resolve complaints without resorting to this grievance procedure and, if a complaint is filed, to address the complaint promptly and equitably. The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies. 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.
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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 a 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 sex. The complaint manager may request the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint or require a meeting with the parents or guardians of a student. The complaint manager will assist the Complainant as needed.
Investigation
The complaint manager will investigate the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation on his or her behalf. If the Complainant is a student, the complaint manager will notify his or her parents or 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:
a. As required by law or this policy, or
b. As necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or
c. As authorized by the Complainant. Within 30 school days of 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. If a complaint of sexual harassment contains allegations involving the superintendent, the written report shall be filed with the School Board, which will make a decision in accordance with Section 3 of this Policy. The superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints.
Decision and Appeal
a. Within 5 school days after receiving the complaint manager's report, the superintendent shall mail his or her written decision to the Complainant by U.S. mail, first class, as well as the complaint manager. Within 10 school days after receiving the superintendent's decision, the Complainant may appeal the decision to the School 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 School Board. Within 30 school days, the School Board shall affirm, reverse, or amend the superintendent's decision or direct the Superintendent to gather additional
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information for the Board. Within 5 school days of the Board's decision, the superintendent shall inform the Complainant of the Board's action.
b. This grievance procedure shall not be construed to create an independent
right to a School Board hearing. The failure to strictly follow the timelines in this grievance procedure shall not prejudice any party.
Appointing Complaint managers The superintendent has appointed the following two complaint managers, one of each gender.
Dr. Christy Hild Dr. David Skocy Asst. Supt. for Student Services Asst. Supt. for Human Resources 1701 Charleston Ave. 1701 Charleston Ave. Mattoon, IL 61938 Mattoon, IL 61938 (217) 238-8861 (217) 238-8882
Accommodating Parents with Disabilities In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, parents needing accommodations or auxiliary aids in order to participate in parent conferences, school programs, and board meeting should contact the school administration at least 24 hours in advance. You may contact the non-discrimination coordinator, Dr. Christy Hild, at 238-8861.
Equal Employment Opportunity Mattoon Community Unit School District No. Two is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, color, national origin, religion, marital or veteran status, or presence of non-job related medical condition or disability. Applicants may contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance or accommodations in completing applications. The Title IX Coordinator for Mattoon Community Unit School District No. Two is Dr. David Skocy, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938, phone: 238-8882.
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MISCELLANEOUS
School Visitors Parents are encouraged to visit schools whenever possible. As a courtesy to the teacher, an appointment should be made for each visitation and/or conference.
All visitors, including parents, must first report to the office, identify
themselves, and register. Students are not permitted to bring visiting relatives (students) or friends to school with them.
Parent - Teacher Association The Parent-Teacher Association is an active group that works toward promoting the best interests of the students, faculty and the school in general. All parents are urged to attend and be a part of the PTA.
Birthday Treats and Parties Each building has specific procedures regarding treats and parties. Please contact the building administration for more information. School holiday parties are arranged with the PTA, PTO and room mothers two to three times a year. These parties are usually planned near the end of the school day. Dates will be provided through bulletins or the school newsletter.
Parent Helper Responsibilities of a parent helper:
1. Will assist the teacher in any room activity needing adult help or supervision including chaperoning field trips.
2. Will assist the teacher in planning parties.
Releasing Children to Parents and Other Adults Students will be released to the parent or person authorized by the parent and must be picked up in the office. Parents must notify the school in advance if a student is to leave school before the regular dismissal time. In cases where parents are separated or divorced, the school will not take sides in family disputes over custody. The child will be released to either parent, unless a copy of a court order prohibiting such a release has been filed with the principal.
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Information Provided to Divorced Parents In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a non-custodial parent may have access to their child’s educational records and receive all the information the District normally provides the custodial parent. Requests for such information must be in writing and must include a mailing address and telephone number. A non-custodial parent may also meet with their child's teacher, visit their child's classroom, and be involved in their child's education. In the absence of a divorce decree or other court order that defines the role and authority of a non-custodial parent to make educational decisions that affect his or her child, the District will defer to the authority of the custodial parents when both parents cannot reach an agreement as to what is best educationally for their child.
Mandated Reporter Status Anyone employed by a school district in the state of Illinois is a mandated reporter under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985 ch. 23, pars. 2051 seq.). This means that all school employees are required to report or cause a report to be made to the child abuse Hotline number (1-800-25A-BUSE) whenever they have reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected. Any employee who willfully fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect may be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, may have their license suspended or revoked, and is subject to employee discipline up to and including dismissal.
Telephone Use To avoid interruptions to the instructional program, no student may be called from the classroom to answer a telephone call. The only exception is in the case of a serious illness or an emergency. Callers will be asked to describe the emergency before a student is called to the office to answer a telephone call. It is impractical to provide a messenger service to hundreds of students. The office phones are not available for general student use. Only calls of an emergency nature will be permitted. Students may use the school phone only with permission from office personnel.
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Lost and Found Articles are kept for a period of time after being found. These may be reclaimed at any time during the year. Articles left at the end of the year will be gathered and given to a local charity. Parents should label children’s possessions and clothing for easy identification. Students should not bring large sums of money or other valuables to school.
Freedom of Information In compliance with the “Illinois Freedom of Information Act” the District makes all records open to the public for inspection and copying, except those specifically excluded by the statute. For further information, contact the Superintendent’s Office, 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL, 61938, phone: 238-8881.
Presence and Control of Asbestos School districts are required to perform certain tasks in regard to the presence and control of asbestos containing materials in its buildings, including:
Developing an asbestos management plan that is designed to outline procedures and guidelines for the inspection, re-inspection, and periodic surveillance of asbestos containing materials that are present in buildings.
Providing awareness training and additional training to selected school employees.
Periodically notifying all workers and occupants, or their legal guardian, parent-teacher organizations, and collective bargaining organizations of the availability of asbestos management plans, their location, and the time that plans may be reviewed.
At this time, information in the management plans can provide information regarding inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic re-inspection and surveillance activities that are planned or in progress. Any inquiries regarding any facet of the regulation or the management plans should be directed to Tim Condron of Mattoon Community Unit School District No. 2 at (217) 238-8884 during regular business hours.
MCUSD#2 Return to Play & Return to Learn Protocols If a student/student athlete sustains a concussion, the student will be require to adhere to the established MCUSD#2 Return to Play & Return to Learn
Protocols as required by Mattoon Community Unit School District Board
Policy 7.305
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DISTRICT-WIDE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT POLICY Statement of Purpose: The involvement of parents and community members is an essential component of nurturing students. Every effort to invite and consider parent and community input must be made to ensure the success of our students. Mattoon Community Unit District #2 agrees to implement the following statutory requirements:
The school district will put into operation programs, activities and procedures for the involvement of parents in all of its schools with Title programs.
The school district will work with its schools to ensure that the required school-level parental involvement policies meet requirements specified by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and each include, as a component, a school-parent compact.
The school district will incorporate this District-Wide Parental Involvement Policy into its regular operating procedures.
The school district and its schools will provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports in an understandable and uniform format and including alternative formats upon request and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand.
The school district will involve the parents of children in decisions about how the funds reserved for parental involvement are spent, and will ensure that not less than 95 percent of the 1 percent reserved goes directly to the schools.
Parental involvement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring:
(A) That parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning; (B) That parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s
education at school; (C) That parents are full partners in their child’s education and are
included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.
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Mattoon Community Unit District #2 will take the following actions to involve parents in the joint development of its District-Wide Parental Involvement Policy:
Provide access to Families First, which is the name of our parent literacy program.
Survey parents of students attending both Riddle and Williams Elementary Schools securing input regarding literacy needs.
Hold parental advisory meetings twice yearly to evaluate the effectiveness of Families First and seek methods for improvement.
Lend literacy materials on a rotating basis to families of students in grades K-3.
Maintain a resource library of books, videos, and games for parent check out.
Mattoon Community Unit District #2 will take the following actions to involve parents in the process of school review and improvement:
Parent Involvement Committees: Incorporate parental input into the school improvement process at both Riddle and Williams Elementary Schools by providing a venue for parents to discuss school issues and problems.
PTO and PTA: Work in partnership with these organizations to enhance literacy and parental involvement opportunities within the school community.
Curriculum Coordinating Committee: Each year a parent serves on the Curriculum Coordinating Committee, which serves in an advisory capacity to the superintendent in matters relating to curriculum.
Mattoon Community Unit District #2 will provide the following necessary coordination, technical assistance, and other support assisting schools in planning and implementing effective parental involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance:
The coordinator of Families First will network with staffs of all preschool programs in the community sharing information regarding parent workshops and material resources. These programs include Mattoon Area Preschool Programs and Hawthorne School.
During February preschool screening, distribute information about the District’s kindergarten program, a list of kindergarten readiness skills, and suggestions for assisting the academic readiness of preschoolers.
Provide tours for all incoming kindergarten students attending preschool programs throughout the city.
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Mattoon Community Unit District #2 will take the following actions to conduct, with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this parental involvement policy:
Survey parents of students attending both Riddle and Williams Elementary Schools securing input regarding activities provided throughout the school year.
Hold a wrap-up parental advisory meeting each spring for evaluations and suggestions for improvement.
Mattoon Community Unit District #2 will build capacity for strong parental involvement through activities specifically described below: A. The school district will, with the assistance of schools, provide assistance
to parents of children served by the school district or school, in understanding the following topics during parent-teacher conferences, and sessions provided by support staff:
the state’s academic content standards,
the state’s student academic achievement standards,
the state and local academic assessments including alternate assessments,
how to monitor their child’s progress, and
how to work with educators.
B. The school district will, with the assistance of its schools, provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement, such as literacy training, and using technology, as appropriate, to foster parental involvement, by:
Lending literacy materials on a rotating basis to families of students in grades K-3.
Maintaining a resource library of books, videos, and games for parent check out.
Providing up-to-date school and district-related information in the form of newsletters several times throughout the year.
Hosting regular parent-child literacy activities after school.
C. The school district will, with the assistance of its schools and parents, educate its staff in matters relevant to healthy school/parent relationships by:
Holding faculty meetings emphasizing the nuances of healthy school/parent partnerships.
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Providing professional development opportunities to staff on an as-needed basis.
D. The school district will ensure that, where possible, information pertaining
to school and parent-programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to the parents of participating children in an understandable and uniform format. This includes translations into multiple languages when feasible.
This policy was adopted by the Mattoon Community Unit District #2 on November 12, 2019, and will be in effect for the period of one year.
SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT
Riddle and Williams Elementary Schools, the students, and the parents of the students participating in activities, services, and programs funded by Title I , Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)/Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) agree that this compact outlines how the parents, the entire school staff, and the students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership what will help children achieve the state’s high standards. This school-parent compact is in effect during the 2020-2021 school year.
School Responsibilities
Riddle and Williams Elementary Schools will:
1. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective
learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards as follows:
Traditional Pullout
Tutorial
In-Class Instruction
Title I Services
Supplemental Reading Services
2. Hold parent-teacher conferences during which this compact will be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement. Those conferences will be held:
Annually in the fall
As needed
At parent request
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3. Provide parents with frequent reports on their children’s progress. Specifically, the school will provide the following:
Quarterly report cards
Yearly assessment information as secured by the Illinois Standards Achievement Test as they become available
District objective assessment scores 4. Provide parents reasonable access to staff. Specifically, staff will be available
for consultation before and after school.
5. Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class and to observe classroom activities. Parents wishing to regularly volunteer must first register with the Assistant Superintendent and be approved by the Board of Education. Those wishing to observe classroom activities should register in each school’s office. We ask this in order to maintain the interest of safety for all students and staff.
Parent Responsibilities
We, as parents, will support our children’s learning in the following ways:
Monitoring Attendance
Ensuring that homework is completed
Monitoring the amount of television watched
Participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to my child’s education
Promoting positive use of my child’s extracurricular time
Staying informed about my child’s education and communicating with the school by promptly reading all notices from the school or the school district either received by my child or by mail and responding, as appropriate.
Serving, to the extent possible, on policy advisory groups.
Student Responsibilities
We, as students, will share the responsibility to improve our academic achievement and achieve the state’s high standards. Specifically, we will:
Complete homework every day and ask for help when needed
Read outside of school time
Give parents or adults responsible for our welfare all notices and information received from my school every day.
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Visitors to and Conduct on School Property In accordance to Board Policy 8.30, the following definitions apply to the policy: School property – School buildings, and grounds, all District buildings and grounds, vehicles used for school purposes, and any location used for a School Board meeting, school athletic event, or other school-sponsored event. Visitor – Any person other than an enrolled student or District employee All visitors to school property are required to report to the building principal’s office and receive permission to remain on school property. All visitors must sign a visitor’s log, show identification, and wear a visitor’s badge. When leaving the school, visitors must return their badge. Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member by telephone or email to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period. The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on school property or at a school event. No person on school property or at a school event (including visitors, students, and employees) shall perform any of the following acts:
1. Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, a Board member, sports official or coach, or any other person;
2. Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner, or use vulgar or obscene language;
3. Possess a weapon, any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or looks like a weapon, or any dangerous device;
4. Damage or threaten to damage another’s property; 5. Damage or deface school property; 6. Violate any Illinois law, or tone or county ordinance; 7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products; 8. Consume, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of
alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs; 9. Use or possess medical cannabis; 10. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school
activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner);
11. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the Board;
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12. Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized District employee’s directive;
13. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller skating, or skateboarding;
14. Violate other District policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or District employee; or
15. Engage in any conduct that interferes with disrupts, or adversely affects the District or a School function.
Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and
Harassment In accordance to Board Policy 7.180, bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Each building shall develop and maintain a program that: 1. Fully implements and enforces each of the following Board policies:
a. 7.190, Student Discipline. This policy prohibits students form engaging in hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to another or any urging of other students to engage in such conduct; prohibited conduct includes any use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, harassment, bullying, hazing, or other comparable conduct.
b. 7.310, Restrictions on Publications and Written or Electronic Material. This policy prohibits students from: (i) accessing and/or distributing at school any written 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 (ii) creating and/or distributing writing or electronic material, including Internet material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.
c. 7.20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing or intimidating a student based upon a student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status.
Full implementation of the above policies includes: (a) conducting a prompt and thorough investigation of alleged incidents of bullying, intimidation, or harassing behavior, (b) providing each student who violates one or more of these polices with the appropriate consequences and remedial action, and (c) protecting students against retaliation for reporting such conduct.
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Appendix A
Authorization for Internet Access Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Authorization for Internet Access before being granted unsupervised access to the District’s computer Network and to the Internet . All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This Authorization does not attempt to state all required or proscribed behavior by users. However, some
specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow the terms of
the Authorization for Internet Access will result in the loss of privileges,
disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The signature(s) at the end of this document is legally binding and indicates the party who signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.
Terms and Conditions of Acceptable Use Because technology changes so quickly, the terms and conditions of Acceptable Use do not attempt to state all possible ways in which an individual could abuse the system. However, many specific examples are provided. Generally, any use which abuses others, or prevents others from having reasonable access to the network, its resources or the network will be deemed by the System Administrator as Unacceptable Use. The System Administrator will assist you if you have questions about unacceptable use. The failure of any user to follow the Terms of Acceptable Use may result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, or appropriate legal action. The signature(s) at the end of this document indicates the user who signed has read this document and the Terms and Conditions of Acceptable Use carefully and understands their significance. 1 Acceptable Use – Access to the District’s network and/or Internet must be for
the purpose of education, research, or communication and be consistent with the educational objectives of the district.
2. Privileges – The use of the District’s network and or Internet is a privilege, not
a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges. The administration (Principals, Assistant Principals, Dean of Students, Assistant Superintendent and/or Superintendent) will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated this Authorization and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time as is necessary for the safety of the network and data.
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3. Unacceptable Use – You are responsible for your actions and activities involving the network /Internet. Some examples of unacceptable uses are:
a. Using the network and/or Internet for any illegal activity, including violation
of copyright, contracts (most typically, software licensing agreements), or transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation. If you have questions, contact the System Administrator.
b. Improper use of copyrighted material, or use of non-copyrighted material
or plagiarizing works. (The law of copyright and “fair use” can be complex. A source of useful and practical copyright information is the University of Texas University Systems “Crash Course in Copyright.” See:
<http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/cprtindx.htm>.)
c. Using the network and/or Internet for private financial or commercial gain. d. Wastefully using resources, such as file space, or printers. A user can
often tell if use is excessive, as the users computer may begin to respond slowly, or not at all. Contact the System Administrator for advice.
e. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities. A common
example is “hacking.” f. Purposely invading the privacy of individuals; deletion, examination,
copying or modification of files and/or data belonging to others users without their prior, consent.
g. Using another user’s account or password. For your protection, do not
allow others to use your account or password. A malicious user could then use your account to engage in malicious activity, both masking the real perpetrator, and making it falsely appear that you were the perpetrator. If someone else has learned your password, change your password promptly.
h. Posting anonymous messages or posting material falsely attributed to
another.
i. Using the network for commercial or private advertising. j. Submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, intentionally
inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material.
k. Using the network and/or Internet while access privileges are suspended
or revoked.
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l. Evading or disabling, or attempting to evade or disable, content-filtering technologies installed by the district.
m. Use of any unauthorized, deliberate, or negligent means, which damages
or disrupts technology resources, alters normal performance, or causes malfunction, regardless or the location or the time duration of the disruption. “Negligent” means using computers, networks or the Internet contrary to training instruction, or these Terms and Conditions of Acceptable use.
o. Only users designated by district will install legally licensed software. All
users will adhere to the limitations of the districts technology licenses. Installing personally owned software licensed for home use is strictly prohibited. Copying district-owned software for home use is also strictly prohibited.
p. At no time will District computer equipment or software be removed from
the district premises, unless authorized by the administration. q. All users will use the district’s property as it was intended. Except for
laptops, pda’s and digital cameras computer hardware (e.g., cpu’s, monitors, external burners, printers, etc.) will not be lifted, moved or relocated without permission from an administrator. Any liability for intentional damage to computers will be limited to the cost of replacing or repairing damaged hardware.
r. Any user who feels he or she has a legitimate reason for using the
districts’ technology in a way which may violate any of the district’s published policies and procedures (legitimate research, etc) may request a wavier of the policies and procedures from the administrator.
4. Network Etiquette – You are expected to abide by the generally accepted
rules of network etiquette. These include any behavior, which is abusive or intentionally offensive to others. Common examples are the following:
a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in your message to others.
b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other
inappropriate language, c. Do not reveal private or confidential information such as personal
addresses, personal e-mail address, or unlisted telephone numbers. Do not reveal student record information in violation of the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act or the Illinois School Student Records Act
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d. Recognize that electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
e. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other
users. 5. Network and information technology is a rapidly developing and changing
field. As a result, network and Internet communications are not as reliable as other more mature systems, such as the electrical power system or the telephone. While generally reliable, network and Internet communications are subject to unpredictable delays and failures, or even corruption of data. You must be aware of these risks. BACK UP ALL IMPORTANT DATA AND
WORK PRODUCTS. Because the Internet is completely unregulated, use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The quality of Information available over the Internet ranges from very high and reliable quality to completely unreliable and intentionally false and misleading. It is up the user to evaluate the quality of information.
6. Indemnification – The user agrees to indemnify the School District for any
losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of the employee’s intentional violation of these Terms of Acceptable Use.
7. Security – Network security is a high priority.
a. If you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify the
system administrator or Building Principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.
b. Keep your account and password confidential. If someone else has
learned your password, change it. c. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from
that individual. d. Attempts to log-on to a computer or the network as a network system
administrator is prohibited. e. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the
network. f. Use of district technology resources in attempting to gain or gaining
unauthorized access to any computer system or files is prohibited
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g. Any attempt, whether successful or unsuccessful, to interfere with the ability of others to utilize any district technology is prohibited.
h. The intentional introduction of computer “viruses,” “hacking” tools, or other
disruptive/destructive programs into a school computer, the school network, or any external network is prohibited.
8. Vandalism – Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other
disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network or computer. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
9. Unauthorized Charges – The District assumes no responsibility for any
unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.
The System Administrator may update the Terms of Acceptable Use at any time, as a result of changes in technology, or if necessary for safe and fair network use of this shared resource. Users are required to sign an acknowledgement they have read updated Terms of Acceptable Use.
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AUTHORIZATION FOR INTERNET ACCESS I understand and will abide by the terms of the Authorization for Internet Access. I further understand that if I violate any of these terms, my access privileges may be revoked, and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. In consideration for using the District’s Internet connection and having access to public networks, I hereby release the School District and its Board members, employees, and agents from any claims and damages arising from my use, or inability to use the Internet. _______________________________________ Print or Type Student's Name _______________________________________ _____________________ Student's Signature Date +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I have read the Authorization for Internet Access. I understand that access is designed for educational purposes and that the District has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial and inappropriate materials. I will hold harmless the District, its employees, agents, or Board members, for any harm caused by materials or software obtained via the network. I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I have discussed the terms of this Authorization with my child. I hereby request that my child be allowed access to the District’s Internet. _______________________________________ Print or Type Parent/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________ ____________________ Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date Elementary students should return this form to their homeroom teacher. Middle school students should return this form to their 1
st period teacher. High school
students should return this form to their 2nd
period teacher.
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Appendix B
Field Trip Notification/Approval When considering the possibility of a field trip, the classroom teacher or supervisor must initially ask relevant questions concerning appropriateness, educational relevancy, time and distance limitations, budget considerations, administrative procedures, transportation, needs of special students, safety concerns, and any other special interests. Administrative approval is required for all field trips. To obtain approval, this form, properly completed, must be filed with the building principal. Field trips that are not within a 15-mile radius of Mattoon require the superintendent’s approval. When transportation is required, the Bus Request must be filed in advance of the planned trip. Parental notification is required for all field trips. Evidence of parental permission for their child to participate in field trips must be kept on file by the sponsoring school for up to one year following the field trip.
SCHOOL: ____________________________________________ DATE: ________________ GRADE: _________ TEACHER: _________________________ NO. OF PUPILS: ________ Field Trip Site: ________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Site Contact Person: ____________________________________________ Telephone: _________________ Date/Time: Departure: _____________________________ Return: ________________________ Point of Departure ____________________________________________________________________ Funding Source: ____________________________________________________________________ Learning Outcome(s) addressed by this field trip: _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Field Trip is: Approved Not approved ________________________________ ____
Principal Date
Extended Field Trip is: Approved Not approved ______ _______ __
Superintendent Date
The purpose of this form is to advise parents of the above planned field trip. A student will not be allowed to participate without explicit, written parental approval. Blanket fieldtrip approval/disapproval was obtained during school registration. Sign and return this form only if you want to change your earlier decision concerning this particular field trip
Permission is: Granted Not Granted
____________________________________ ____________________________________ ___________________ Student’s Name Parent’s Signature Date
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Appendix C
Travel Release This is to certify and affirm that I, _____________________________________, have Parent/Guardian
personally notified _____________________________________ that I am assuming full Teacher
responsibility for transporting my child, _______________________________________, Student's Name
to from to and from a field trip held at _____________________________ Check One Location
on _______________________. Date
This form must be completed and returned to your child's teacher. In the absence of a travel release, the Mattoon School District requires all students to ride district vehicles to and from field trip sites. No teacher or sponsor may approve the transportation of a student by the student's parent or guardian unless and until the parent or guardian properly completes this form and delivers it to the teacher or sponsor. In order to ensure that there is no student left without transportation, a teacher or sponsor may release a student as authorized by this
form ONLY at a face-to-face meeting between the parent or guardian, the teacher or sponsor, and the student. Utilization of this form is the exclusive method to arrange for non-school transportation of students to and from field-trip sites. I declare that I am personally transporting the above named student. My action and signature releases the Mattoon School District and its employees and officials from all liability connected with the transportation that I am providing for my child.
________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian
________________________________ Signature of Teacher or Sponsor
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Appendix D
Parental Consent to Leave Campus
I, ______________________________, give consent for my son or Parent's/guardian's name (Please print)
daughter to leave the school campus during his or her lunch period in
order to return home for lunch. I understand and agree that the
school district is not responsibe for providing for my child's safety
after my child leaves school grounds. I further understand that
returning late to school from lunch will not be excused.
__________________________ __________________________ (Student's Name) (Parent/Guardian's Signature)
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Appendix E
Administrators School
Principal Grade School Hours
Franklin Preschool
1201 S 6th St Phone: 238-8800 FAX: 217-238-8805
Jayme Holt Preschool
8:30 am- - 3:00 pm
Website: www.mattoon.k12.il.us
Riddle 4201 Western Ave. Phone: 238-3800 FAX: 238-8805
Chad Arnold Principal Jordan Rahar Assistant Principal
K-5 8:35 am – 3:10 pm
Website: www.mattoon.k12.il.us/riddle
Arland D. Williams Jr. 1709 S. 9
th St.
Phone: 238-2800 FAX: 238-2805
McLain Schaefer Principal Rebecca Kraft Assistant Principal
K-5 8:35 am – 3:10 pm
Website: www.mattoon.k12.il.us/williams
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Appendix F Parent General Consent Form
Child’s Name ____________________________________________ Grade __________________
We will not attempt to call parents when it is necessary to dismiss school early because of weather conditions or other unusual
circumstances. Announcements of school closings will be made over local radio stations and on social media. In most cases
your child will not be permitted to call home; therefore, it is extremely important that you make arrangements in advance so
that your child knows where he/she is to go. My child should first go to (if home, write HOME on the blank below):
______________________________________________________________________________________________Name
Address Phone
Other—please explain:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE INITIAL THE APPROPRIATE SPACE BELOW FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. I understand that if I cannot be reached when my child becomes ill or injured at school and needs emergency care, emergency medical
services will be called (911). I authorize responsible school authorities to send my child, properly accompanied, to a hospital. I
understand that the school district assumes no responsibility for medical expenses including transportation incurred by emergency
care.
______Yes ______No
2. I have received the Mattoon Preschool - 5 Parent-Student Handbook that explains school policies and includes
information about the Illinois Public School Accreditation Process and State Goals for Learning, the School-Parent
Compact, and the District-Wide Parental Involvement Policy.
______Yes ______No
3 From time to time throughout the school year, classes will have the opportunity of taking field trips. Notification of
these trips will be made by using the Field Trip Approval Form. I give my permission for my child to go on field
trips with his/her class.
______Yes ______No
4. The Illinois Legislature may authorize school districts to apply for state funds to purchase textbooks.
These textbooks would be owned by the state and loaned to the school district. I hereby request the loan
of these secular textbooks in accordance with Public Act 79-961 of 1975 to Community Unit Two,
Mattoon, Illinois, Coles County.
______Yes ______No
5. I have read the Authorization for Internet Access. I understand that access is designed for educational purposes and that the District
has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access
to all controversial and inappropriate materials. I will hold harmless the District, its employees, agents, or Board members, from any
harm caused by materials or software obtained via the network. I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use
is not in a school setting. I have discussed the terms of this Authorization with my child. I hereby request that my child be allowed
access to the District’s Internet.
______Yes ______No
6. I give my permission for my child to be photographed and have his/her name accompany photographs for newsletters and newspaper
articles that are published and/or posted on the newspaper’s website in recognition of individual or class/team awards and
accomplishments at the school.
______Yes ______No
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7. I give my permission for my child to be photographed and have his/her name accompany photographs for articles published on the
District’s website, Facebook, and Twitter page in recognition of individual, class, or team awards and accomplishments at school.
______Yes ______No
8. If my child has a medical condition or a disability that may require he/she receive special or emergency treatment, I give
my permission for the appropriate staff member (for example teachers, aides, and bus drivers) to be properly informed of
the needs of my child. I understand that all employees are trained that this information is confidential and cannot be
disclosed to others, except for educational or administrative reasons that are in the best interest of the child.
______Yes ______No
9. At MCUSD2, we use G Suite for Education, and we are seeking your permission to provide and manage a G Suite for Education
account for your child. G Suite for Education is a set of education productivity tools from Google including Gmail, Calendar, Docs,
and more used by tens of millions of students and teachers around the world. Students will use their G Suite accounts to complete
assignments, communicate with their teachers, sign into their district manage Chromebook, and learn 21st century digital citizenship
skills. The following are Google services your child may use: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, Google+, Calendar, Chrome
Sync, Cloud Search, Contacts, Groups, Hangouts/Meet/Chat, Jamboard, Keep, Sites, Vault, Blogger, Chrome Web Store, Earth,
Maps, Photos, and Tour Creator.
I give permission for MCUSD#2 to provide and manage a G Suite (Google Suite) account for my child.
______Yes ______No
_______________________________________________________ __________________
Parent Signature Date
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Appendix G
Numbers Frequently Called
SCHOOL OFFICE _______________ HOTLINE _______________ NAME TELEPHONE
NUMBER NAME TELEPHONE
NUMBER