Westchester School District 92 1/2 Parent Parent Handbook
Westchester Public Schools
District 92½
9981 Canterbury Street,  Westchester,  IL  60154
(708) 450-2700

 

Introduction
Thank you for taking time to review this handbook with your child. This handbook is provided as a reference for programs, notices, procedures, and the school calendar. It will provide you with a framework for a positive working relationship with our District throughout this school year. Please also be aware that this handbook is only a summary of Board of Education policies governing the District. Board policies are available to the public at the District Office. This handbook may be amended during the year without notice.

Entrance Requirements 
Westchester Public School students must legally reside within the school district boundaries.  A notarized affidavit of residency is required upon enrollment.  Renters must provide an updated lease annually. The school district conducts residency checks when residency is uncertain.  Any family that fails to cooperate with the authorized district investigators shall be deemed a non-resident until a decision is made.   

An official birth certificate is required for initial registration.  Students starting kindergarten in the Westchester Public Schools must be five years of age on or before September 1st.  Students entering first grade must be six years of age on or before September 1st of this school year.  

Students Transferring Into Our District 
Parents transferring their children into the Westchester Public Schools must provide an Illinios State Board of Education Transfer Form and arrange for academic and health records to be sent from their previous school.  Complete health records must be received within 30 calendar days of enrollment or exclusion from school will result.  An original birth certificate, proof of residency and a notarized affidavit of residency are required for enrollment.  Further information can be obtained at the school offices.  

Students Transferring Out of Our District 
Parents should notify the principal at least one week in advance when a student is transferring from the Westchester Public Schools.  When leaving, a student will receive an ISBE Transfer Form.  Student records will be forwarded only if the parent has signed a release and a request from the receiving school has been received. 

Attendance and Punctuality 
Students absent or not arriving at school on time without notice from the parent or guardian are considered truant.  The parent is advised of the truancy.  Truancy cases will be referred to the Superintendent for correction of the problem. 

One of the best ways to insure success in school is through regular attendance.  The child who is frequently absent misses valuable class instruction and discussion, even though written work is made up. Punctuality is also an important part of school training.  Students who are frequently late, or who come in unprepared, may be expected to make up the time after school or have privileges taken away.  Parents are urged to help their children develop punctual habits; not only to arrive at school on time, but to complete and hand in their work on time. 

Students must be in school for 150 minutes for 1/2 day attendance and 300 minutes for full day attendance, excluding the student's 40 minute lunch.

Tardiness 
Students are expected to arrive at school on time.  If the student is not in the room when the tardy bell rings, he/she will be marked tardy and should report to the office prior to going to class.  

Reporting an Absence 
When a student will be absent, the parent or guardian must call the School Health Service Office before the start of the school day.  For your  convenience, you may call the office earlier, including the previous evening, and leave a message on the Health Office voice mail. The telephone numbers are: 

WESTCHESTER PRIMARY SCHOOL   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 562-1509, ext.20 

WESTCHESTER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL .   .   .   .   .   .   . 562-1011, ext. 115 

WESTCHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL  .    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .450-2735, ext.638 

You will be asked to spell your child's name, identify his/her teacher, leave your name and a number where you may be reached, and share the reason for the illness.  In cases of extended absences, you need not call each day.  Rather you can advise us of the approximate length of the absence along with the nature of the illness (such as chicken pox, etc.).  

Arrival at School 
The cooperation of everyone, parents and students, regarding the arrival time at school is important for the safety of all children.  Students should not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to the beginning of their school day.   The school cannot accept any responsibility for the safety and welfare of children who arrive on the school grounds prior to the designated time. 

After School 
At the close of the school day, all students are to go home promptly unless they have a supervised activity or they are staying to see a teacher after school.  The school is not responsible for the supervision of children who return to the school grounds after the school day. 

Evenings and Other Times 
When it is necessary for students and/or parents to attend evening activities, the main entrance should be used.  In general, the building is open 30 minutes before an activity begins. School rules are in effect for all school programs. These include compliance with the school dress code.

Visitors 
Parents and other visitors are welcome in our schools.  Immediately upon arrival, parents and visitors must report to the school office.  Classroom visits may be made with prior arrangement with the teacher and approval of the principal.  Same day appointments may not be able to be accommodated.  All parents and visitors must sign in and out through the school office and wear a visitor's badge while they are in the building.  Parents must leave items, which the student may have forgotten, in the school office with the child's name on them.  The school office staff will see that items are delivered to the classroom.

Student Fee 
A fee is charged to each student to partially cover the cost of textbooks and consumable supplies.  The fee is due at the time of registration.  Credit card payments are accepted.

2008-2009 Fees

  Early Childhood-Kindergarten $75.00
  Grades 1-5 $85.00
  Grades 6-8 $95.00
  Technology (Early Childhood-Grade 8) $30.00
  Activity Fee Per Club (Grades 3-8) $25.00
  Band (Grades 4-8) $70.00
  WMS Lock Fee (Grade 6 and Transfer Students) $15.00
  WMS Athletic Fee Per Activity (Grades 7-8) $40.00
  WMS Recreation Night Fee Per Event $  5.00
  Grade 8 Graduation Fee $55.00
 

Students whose parents are unable to afford student fees may receive a waiver of fees.  However, these students are not exempt from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials, supplies and equipment.  Applications for fee waivers may be submitted by a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) on an application form available from the building principal.  Questions regarding the fee waiver request process should be addressed to the building principal.

A late fee of $25.00 per student will be assessed to families of currently enrolled students who do not register and pay fees during Registration Days.  This fee does not apply to new students who are enrolling in District 92½.

Textbooks 
Textbooks are provided by the District.  Students are asked to take the best possible care of their books.  Books must be covered for protection during the school year.  No covers with adhesives are permitted and paper covers are recommended. Parents will be charged the replacement cost for lost books and severely damaged books that cannot be reissued. Fines are charged for damaged books.   The fee is determined by the age, condition, and replacement cost of the book.   

Supplies 

Westchester Primary and Intermediate School

Students are responsible for their classroom supplies such as notebooks, notebook paper, pencils, pens, folders, crayons, etc.  Students are provided with a list of supplies at the close of the school year and lists are also available at student registration so they may come prepared on the first day of school. Parents are aksed to replace supplies during the year as the need arises.

 Westchester Middle School

Supplies needed for the Westchester Middle School are pencils, pens, ruler, math calculator, folders, notebook paper, and a notebook.  Students will be notified when specific materials are needed for special classes (such as engaged technology and home economics). Parents are asked to replace supplies during the year as the need arises. 

Hall/Gym Lockers 
At the beginning of the school year, each student at the Westchester Middle School is assigned to a hall locker for his/her coats and books.  LOCK COMBINATIONS SHOULD NOT BE SHARED WITH OTHER STUDENTS.   All items of value should be kept in a locked locker. Students should report damaged, broken, or lost locks to the office.  Students who lose locks will be charged for the replacement cost.  Students are required to have a combination lock for their gym locker. Locks may be purchased at registration.

To maintain order and security in the school, school authorities may inspect and search lockers owned or controlled by the school, as well as personal effect left in lockers, without notice to or the consent of the student. School authorities may request the assistance of law enforcement officials for the purpose of locker searches. Evidence produced as the result of such a search may be seized by school authorities and disciplinary action may be taken. Evidence may also be turned over to law enforcement authorities.

Student Insurance 
A student accident insurance program will be available to students of all grade levels.  Even though participation in this program is voluntary on the part of the parents, it is strongly urged that each child be covered.  Inexpensive basic coverage is available for all students.  Twenty-four hour coverage is also available for an additional charge. 

We encourage all parents to carefully read the insurance brochure which you will receive at the beginning of school as to the coverage provided under this student package.  This is not an all-inclusive policy. 

Proper Dress 

Board of Education Policy 7:160
Student Appearance 
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.  Procedures for handling students who dress or groom inappropriately will be developed by the Superintendent and included in the Student Handbook.

Adopted: September 3, 1998
Revised: December 6, 2001

Dress and Grooming Guidelines 
Appropriate dress and grooming for school should demonstrate self-respect, discourage negative peer pressure, reflect the dignity and seriousness of the learning atmosphere, and not present a health or safety concern. Cleanliness is expected of students and their clothing.

The following guidelines for acceptable school attire and grooming are given:

· Students may wear solid colored or print pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, and jumpers that fit appropriately. Solid tights/nylons may be worn under skirts or dresses. Slacks and shorts must fit properly at the waist and be of appropriate length. Items are considered appropriate which are mid-thigh or longer in length. Pants may not drag the ground.

· Students may wear solid colored or print dress shirts; polo-style shirts/sweaters; v-neck, crew-neck or Henley-style shirts/sweaters; or turtleneck shirts/sweaters. Shirts/sweaters may not be low-cut, sheer or revealing and must cover the chest and midriff at all times.

· Students may wear gym shoes, dress shoes, boots, and sandal-styles with back-straps. Shoes must be worn at all times, should be low heeled and must not present a safety hazard.

· Students may wear watches, medical bracelets, and post (stud) earrings. Jewelry must not be worn in gym class.

· Hair must be clean, neatly groomed, and worn in a style not intended to create a distraction or disruption.

The following guidelines indicate unacceptable school attire and grooming:

· Clothing, accessories or grooming related to gang activity* or cult symbols; obscene, suggestive, offensive, lewd, vulgar or provocative language; negative, aggressive or violent illustrations or gestures; or references to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs are not permitted.

*Gang Activity includes activities which involve or relate to criminal practices. A youth gang is an organized group of two or more persons, some of whom may be students, whose purpose, in part, is to exhibit or display intimidation or threatening behavior toward others; to inflict physical injury or violence on any person (assault); to commit vandalism, extortion, or theft; to promote gang presence through display of gang symbols, graffiti or colors; to commit illegal acts; or to violate school rules regarding gangs or solicitation of other students to further gang goals or activities.

· Clothing that is torn, frayed, cut, fringed, shaded, bleached, studded, with chains or with writing across the seat is not allowed.

· Any clothing showing bare shoulders, back, or midriff is not permitted. Halter tops, tank tops and spaghetti straps are not allowed.

· All undergarments, waistbands and boxer shorts must be completely covered at all times.

· Under-shirts, short shorts, spandex or bike shorts, pajama-style pants, loungewear, and tight or baggy clothing are not permitted.

· Platform, backless, or high-heeled shoes and shoes with lights or rollers are not acceptable.

· Artificial nails, glitter and excessive fragrance or make-up may not be worn.

· Skin must be free from personalized ink drawings, writing, or other decoration, including tattoos and body piercing. Body piercing jewelry may not be worn.

· Rings, bracelets, necklaces, dangle (and hoop) earrings, pins, buttons, and any other jewelry may not be worn except as previously stated.

· Hair grooming tools such as combs, picks, brushes, rollers, etc. may not be worn in the hair.

· Hats, sweatbands, hoods and headscarves may not be worn.

These Dress and Grooming Guidelines will be in effect every school day and for all school activities, except if determined otherwise by the administration.

Parents may be contacted if student dress or grooming does not comply with the District's Guidelines and Policy. The student may be kept from class until arrangements for appropriate clothing or grooming are made. Alternate clothing for the day may be provided. Continued non-compliance with the Dress and Grooming Guidelines and Policy will be treated as any other insubordinate behavior subject to the District's Discipline Policy. See page 41 of the Parent Handbook.  

Marking Clothing 
Articles of clothing, boots, shoes, and lunch boxes should be marked with the child's name so they may be returned if lost.  Each school has a "lost and found" box.  Articles which are found should be brought in immediately and children should check this box as soon as they lose an item.  Parents are also encouraged to "go through" the lost and found box to reclaim lost items. 

Personal Property 
It is strongly urged that any items of value NOT be brought to school even for a short period of time.  The school cannot be responsible for their loss, nor does the school carry insurance for lost, damaged, or stolen property at school. 

Articles Not to be Brought to School 
Objects which create a safety hazard or which interfere with school procedure should not be brought to school.  Parents are urged to help children understand which items are undesirable and why.  If inappropriate objects are brought to school, they will be placed in the main office and parents will be notified. 

To promote safety in our schools, we also ask parents to be aware of the items their children are bringing to school.  Parents are urged to check backpack contents daily. Students should not bring toys, stuffed animals, electronic games, clip-on toys, pocketknives, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, or any other unnecessary or potentially dangerous items to school.

Telephone Calls 
Students will not be called to the telephone during school hours except in case of an emergency.  However, messages will be taken and delivered to the students.   

Teachers are not called from their classes to answer the telephone.  If you would like to talk with a teacher, it is suggested that you call after school is dismissed or leave your name and phone number on the teacher's voice mail and have the teacher call you when time permits. 

Student Pictures 
Individual student pictures are taken near the beginning of each school year.  A packet of pictures may be purchased by the student if he/she so desires. 

Occasionally we include photos of students in the District newsletter or in local newspapers. Please notify your child's school if you do not wish your child photographed for local publications.   

Video Taping
During the year, the school may videotape or arrange to have various activities/programs videotaped.  Videotaped activities/programs may include, but are not limited to, music performances, 5th Grade D.A.R.E. Graduation and 8th Grade Commencement.  Videotaped programs may be shared with the local cable channel and/or sold to parents as is the case with the professionally recorded 8th Grade Commencement video.   

If you do not wish your child videotaped, please contact the building principal and provide a written request that your child be excluded from videotaping.

Distribution of Fliers 
Throughout the year the school may distribute fliers from local organizations.  However, the administration tries to keep the number of fliers sent home to a minimum.  All materials sent home will have the prior approval of the Superintendent.  Some fliers not approved for general distribution, i.e. those announcing special activities and programs in the surrounding communities, are available for pick up in the school offices. 

Use of Building Facilities 
The Westchester Public Schools are primarily used in educating the children of the district, from early childhood through eighth grade.  Community organizations wishing to use the facilities may request and file an application at the District Office, 9981 Canterbury Street. 

Vandalism 
We encourage all residents to immediately notify the Police Department upon witnessing any damage to school buildings and/or grounds.  Your assistance will help us in keeping the schools free from vandalism.  With the cooperation of the Westchester Police Department and other agencies, full restitution will be sought from those parties responsible for any vandalism involving school property. 

Channels of Communication 
Constructive comments regarding the schools are welcome whenever they are motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality of the educational program or to help the schools do their job more effectively.  Comments and suggestions are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible.  The Board of Education should only be involved when a problem cannot be resolved through consultation with staff members. 

Comments or suggestions should be channeled according to the subject involved: 

Subject:  Instruction, Discipline, or Learning Materials 
1.  Teacher 
2.  Principal 
3.  Director of Curriculum
4.  Superintendent 
5.  Board of Education 

Subject:  School Personnel 
1.  School Employee 
2.  Employee's Immediate Supervisor 
3.  Principal, where applicable 
4.  Director of Curriculum, where applicable 
5.  Superintendent 
6.  Board of Education 

Subject:  Transportation 
1.  Transportation Office 
2.  Principal 
3.  Director of Finance and Operations 
4.  Superintendent 
5.  Board of Education 

Subject:  Board Operations or Policies 
1.  Superintendent 
2.  Board of Education 

Every effort will be made to reply promptly to questions and comments.  Matters referred to the Superintendent and Board of Education should be in writing. 

School Lunch Program 
Our school lunch program will be provided on a daily basis.  Menus will be available monthly for students who wish to purchase a school lunch.  Students can choose to order lunches on a daily basis. 

Students may purchase a complete lunch or at the Westchester Intermediate and Middle Schools, students may choose from several ala carte items with variable prices.  Students may also bring a lunch from home, and they have the option to purchase white or chocolate milk.  

The prices for lunch, ala carte items, and cartons of milk are determined annually.  Information is available at registration.  Families qualifying for free lunches may pick up the application form at the school office.  Free price lunches are provided under this program. 

A lunch ticket must be purchased at all schools.  These tickets may be used on any day the student chooses.  Lunch tickets will be sold at registration and throughout the year.  Checks are accepted for the purchase of lunch tickets and should be made payable to Board of Education, District 92½.  Students at the Westchester Middle School may also purchase lunch a cash basis.

Dismissal for Vacation 
Illinois law mandates student attendance in school on all calendar attendance days. Absences due to vacation are unexcused. Parents should not plan vacations while school is in session.  The nature of our curriculum necessitates teacher assistance in making up work following a child's return to school.  Students should plan to spend extra time when they return to make up their work.  The students will be given one day for each day absent to make up the work which was missed. 

Early Dismissal 
A student who has been excused by the principal to leave school early will be dismissed only to his/her parent or an adult assigned by the parent.  If it is known in advance that an early dismissal is absolutely necessary, parents must send a written notice to the office.  Children who leave school early must be picked up at the school office.  For safety reasons, they are not permitted to wait outside or walk home alone.

Severe Weather Conditions 
Each principal has a basic plan for the protection and overall security of the students and faculty during a tornado warning or watch.  Students are instructed in safety drills in the event it becomes necessary to evacuate a building. 

In addition, each school has a weather alert receiver to inform the administration of severe weather conditions in the immediate vicinity.  If a tornado or a severe storm is in progress just prior to, or at dismissal time, children will be kept in school until the building principal or superintendent has determined that it is safe for them to leave.   

Emergency Closing 
Every effort will be made to keep the schools open.  However, in cases of extreme emergency, such as severe weather conditions or mechanical failure in the school plant, the superintendent will take the action necessary to protect the health and safety of all personnel.  

In the event it is necessary to close the schools, the superintendent will notify the following of the closing: 

TV Stations 
CBS - Channel 2      WGN - Channel 9 
NBC - Channel 5      Fox - Channel 32 
ABC - Channel 7     CLTV News 

Radio Stations 
WGN-AM 720  
WBBM-AM 780 

Emergency Closing Center 
Web Site Address: www.EmergencyClosings.com  
   Search by: Facility Info (Westchester Public Schools)
Hotline Phone Number: 1-847-238-1234  
  Enter the District's main phone number: 708-450-2700 

Additionally, each building principal will implement a plan of action utilizing room mothers to contact each parent through a telephone tree. 


          Academic Programs   
Westchester Primary School
  Reading Physical Education
  Language Arts Art
  Math Music
  Science/Health* Technology
  Social Science Library Skills

Westchester Intermediate School
  Reading Physical Education
  Language Arts Art
  Math Music
  Science/Health * Technology
  Social Science Library Skills
    Grade 4,5 Elective:
      Instrumental Music

Westchester Middle School
Grade 6
 ReadingTrimester Classes:
  Language Arts Art
  Math Computer Science/Library Skills
  Science General Music
  Social Science Home Economics
  Physical Education/Health * Engaged Technology
  Instrumental Music (Elective) Spanish
  
Grade 7 
  Reading Trimester Classes:
  Language Arts  Art 
  Math or Pre-Algebra Computer Science/Library Skills
  Science General Music 
  Social Science Home Economics
  Physical Education Engaged Technology
  Instrumental Music (Elective) Health *
  Spanish (Elective)

Grade 8 
  Reading Trimester Classes:
  Language Arts Art
  Math or Algebra Computer Science/Library Skills
  Science General Music
  Social Science Home Economics
  Physical Education Engaged Technology
  Instrumental Music (Elective) Health *
  Spanish (Second Year Only)
 
*As per Illinois School Code, 5/27-13.2, no pupil shall be required to take or participate in any class or course providing instruction on recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse, AIDS or family life instruction if the parent or guardian submits written objection, and refusal to take or participate in such course or program shall not be reason for suspension or expulsion of such student. 

Reporting to the Parent 
The student's total education is dependent upon a cooperative working relationship between the home and the school.  The aim of the Westchester Public Schools is to provide such a working relationship in its method of reporting pupil progress.  The reporting program attempts to give an understanding of the student and set up a process of parent-teacher planning.  The school is primarily interested in the academic progress of the student but fully realizes academic growth is difficult or impossible if the physical, social, and emotional aspects are not taken into consideration. 

Parent-Teacher Conferences  
Parent-teacher conferences will be held in October.  Scheduled conference appointments will be conducted this year at Westchester Primary School and Westchester Intermediate School.  Westchester Middle School will have open conference times, as well as scheduled appointments.  Extended conference hours will be planned for kindergarten based on enrollment.  Specific plans for all conference times will be provided from each school. 

We encourage all families to take advantage of the opportunity that conferences provide for direct, focused communication between parents and teacher.  We also invite you to visit classes to become familiar with our total educational program. 

If at any time you have a question or a concern about your child's program or school progress, please initiate a conference with our staff at your earliest convenience.  Just call the school to set up or schedule a conference or appointment. 
  
Report Cards 
Students in grades 1-5 are given report cards quarterly.  A written report is given for kindergarten students three times a year.  Westchester Middle School report cards are sent home three times a year. 

Schools in the district utilize a consistent grading scale to provide a uniform standard for grading student performance at all grade levels where letter grades are used.  The district's grading scale is as follows: 
 
  + 92 to 100 A 92 to 100
  S+ 83 to 91 B 83 to 91
  S 74 to 82 C 74 to 82
  S- 65 to 73 D 65 to 73
  N 0 to 64 U/F 0 to 64

A special comment sheet may be sent home when more information is necessary.  The student's report card will indicate the number of comment sheets which are included in the envelope. The report card envelope has a provision for parent signature and may also be used for sending parent replies or comments back to school.   

Promotion and Retention Procedures and Criteria
 District 92½ is committed to ensuring that each student is placed at the instructional level that will most benefit the individual’s academic, social and emotional growth. The administration and professional staff shall determine if a student shall be promoted to the next grade level based on: A) successful completion of the curriculum; B) attendance, and C) performance on district assessment program tests.

Please note that this criterion is based on the minimal standard for promotion and is not the acceptable student performance standard for a student at any grade level.

In compliance with State law and to implement District Policy 6:280, criterion has been established for all students requiring:

A.  Successful Completion of the Curriculum: A student in grades K-3 must receive a 2nd semester/3rd trimester grade of S-/D or higher in reading, language arts and mathematics to be promoted to the next grade. A student in grades 4-8 must receive a cumulative grade average for the year of D or higher in reading, language arts, and mathematics through the 4th quarter/3rd trimester to be promoted to the next grade.

B.  Attendance: All students must be in attendance in school for a minimum of 155 of the 175 student attendance days to meet this criterion. Administrative exceptions may be made after giving consideration to individual circumstances such as traumatic injury or extended illness.

C.  Assessment Program Performance: To meet this criterion, kindergarten students must score above the watch scores on six of the eight subtests of the Illinois Snapshot of Early Literacy.  Students in grades 1-8 must score at or above the 25th national percentile on standardized tests in the content areas defined in "A".  In specified cases, the LAS assessment may be substituted for or considered in conjunction with the standardized/criterion referenced test.  When an imbalance exists between test scores and the successful completion of the curriculum, an administrative exception may be made.

D.  Bilingual/ESL Student Exception: Students requiring second language services will receive accommodations based on individual need.

E.  Special Education Exception: Any student with a current I.E.P. will be assessed for promotion based on the criteria defined in that plan that specifies an alteration in these three areas. Any accommodation required and defined in an I.E.P. will supersede the aforementioned criterion.

F.  Social Promotion: There is no provision/criteria for social promotion.

The following notification schedule will be used annually. Additional details will be provided with the early warning notification.

1.  Significant Concern: Prior to December 15.

2.  Serious Warning: At the end of the 3rd quarter/2nd trimester.

3.  Retention Decision Deadline: Between April 20 and May 25, as determined by the completion of all criteria analysis.

Any student failing to meet the criterion for promotion will be assigned an Individualized Remedial Plan (I.R.P.) to determine progress benchmarks for the next school year.

State Report Card 
Under Public Act 84-126, all schools within the State of Illinois are required to distribute a Report Card to the public by October 31 of each year.  District 92½ is pleased to provide this Report Card that contains information regarding student characteristics, instructional resources, district financial information, student academic performance, and planned improvements. 

Honor Roll 
The The Westchester Intermediate School and the Westchester Middle School operate under two academic honor rolls - honors and high honors.

Students in grades 4 and 5 are recognized at the conclusion of the grading period.  Students who have achieved honor roll all four grading periods will be awarded special recognition.  Additionally, the B.U.G. (Bringing Up Grades) program recognizes significant student improvement from the previous grading period. 

At the Westchester Middle School, a student is presented with a certificate after each trimester that he/she has made either honor roll. 

Staying After School 
There are many reasons why a student might remain after school.  Students may stay to see their teacher concerning classwork or participate in extracurricular activities. When the student is kept after school by the teacher, late buses provide transportation to the school building in each quadrant of the community - Westchester Primary School, Westchester Intermediate School, Westchester Middle School or Britten School. 

Student's Responsibility for Assigned Work 
Absence 
Upon returning from an absence, a student has one school day for each day of absence to make up and turn in missed assignments and/or examinations.  Tests and/or work not completed during this time will be recorded as a failing (F) or unsatisfactory (U) grade.  In cases of extraordinary student absences, requirements for turning in late assignments or taking missed tests may be adjusted at the discretion of the teacher or building principal. 

If a child is absent from school more than two days, a parent may request assignments when calling in the absence.  The work will be assembled by the teacher and may be picked up in the office after school. 
  
Homework 
Homework that is well planned and understood by the child will add to his/her total education.  The purpose of homework is to reinforce classroom learning through practice and application, to enrich the learning through related home activities and/or to stimulate the child's independence and responsibility.  The teacher will make every attempt to have the child understand the assignment so that he/she may work independently. 

Late Assignments 
It is the responsibility of the student to see that all homework assignments are accurately completed and turned in on the assigned date.  Students not complying with this requirement can expect to receive a failing or unsatisfactory grade on each assignment not completed.  Depending upon the assignment and the discretion of the teacher, the student may be given an additional day to complete the assignment.  If this option is exercised, the assignments will be accepted, graded, and averaged with the original (F) or (U) for a final grade.  If extraordinary circumstances prohibit a student from turning in an assignment on time, the final decision as to whether or not the assignment can be made up will be left to the discretion of the teacher or building principal. 

Testing and Evaluation 
Testing in District 92½ is designed to aid in the evaluation and improvement of both teaching and learning.  Test scores are not the sole source of information about student learning and program effectiveness.  They are beneficial when they are considered in relation to other aspects of learning in and out of school. The Terra Nova Achievement Tests and the accompanying cognitive skills assessments are taken at selected grades.  In addition, students at identified grades are required to take State of Illinois tests. Students and parents are informed of participation in these tests in advance.  This testing together with locally developed tests provides a balanced approach to assessment in our schools.  After tests are scored, parents will receive their children's results.  The teacher, principal, or Director of Curriculum are available to discuss test results with parents.

Response to Intervention 
Response to Intervention (RtI) is the practice of providing instructional and behavioral interventions that match specific student needs. RtI provides early intervention to students not making expected rates of progress. Teachers target instruction and monitor the progress of achievement in specific skill areas. District 92½ uses assessment data and the problem-solving method to determine the academic, social, emotional and behavior needs of students (or groups of students). Classroom performance provides additional information to aid teachers in identifying students who are not making expected rates of progress. Diagnostic data is used to determine appropriate intervention programs which are implemented and monitored to determine progress. If students do not demonstrate improvement, they are given more intensive or alternative instruction.

Academic Excellence / Gifted Education 
Westchester Public Schools provide accelerated instructional programs which modify, extend, and enrich the standard educational program in the fundamental learning areas of reading, language arts, and mathematics at grades 5-8.  Programs are provided in science and social science at grades 6-8 for students who excel or show potential to be consistently superior in those areas. Students are identified annually.  Ability and achievement tests, school performance, and teacher recommendation serve as identification criteria.

English Language Learners 
Students whose native language is not English are offered assisntance in either a Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) or a Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) program.  The Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) is for non-native English speaking students who have difficulty with written or spoken English. The program provides support to help students succeed in academic subjects and learn English.

The Transitional Bilingual Education Program (TBE) provides instruction in the student's native language with transition into English. The program helps students to succeed in academic subjects and learn English. District 92½ offers a Transitional Bilingual Education Program (TBE) for Spanish speakers.  The TBE program can be full time or part time.   The full time program offers instruction in the student's home language and in English, as well as English as a Second Language.   Instruction in the history and culture of the student's native land and the history of the United States is also offered. The part time TBE program focuses on English as a Second Language and English literacy.

Special Education 
District 92½ is a member of the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE).  The district provides for the assessment and identification of special education needs and offers early childhood screenings.  A range of services is provided to meet the special needs of students who reside within District 92½ boundaries.  Services are available for students enrolled in our schools as well as for those enrolled in private schools.  When needed, the district plans for and provides behavioral intervention assessment and planning. Questions regarding special education services should be directed to our Special Needs Coordinator at the District Office.

Please refer to Special Education section for detailed information.  

Counselor/Social Worker Services 
Westchester Public Schools provide the services of a guidance counselor and/or a social worker to help students resolve such personal, emotional and social problems as may interfere with their adjustment to school and their capacity to enjoy the fullest benefits of the education offered them.

Library/Media Center 
The Library/Media Center in each building is designed to provide students and teachers with a way to expand the regular education program through the use of printed and non-printed materials.  Students in early childhood and kindergarten through fifth grade classes are introduced to skills in using the library and computer lab, presented with a variety of children's literature, and encouraged to check out books and read extensively.  Sixth grade students use the Library/Media Center for formal research classes.  Computers are available for students and staff to practice and expand their computer skills.   

Spanish 
Spanish is taught to sixth grade students for one trimester as an introduction to foreign language.  Spanish taught in seventh and eighth grades is for the entire year.  Standards for placement in seventh and eighth grade Spanish are good academic grades, excellent study habits and high self-motivation. 

After successfully completing seventh and eighth grade Spanish, a student may be placed in the second year of Spanish in high school.  However, this placement is at the option of the high school and depends upon scores received on a proficiency test administered by the local high school.  

Technology Education 
All the Westchester elementary schools are committed to the use of computer technology in our curriculum, as a research tool, and to the development of life-long technology skills.  Each school is equipped with a computer lab and computers in each classroom, networked to the computer lab.  

Students will be actively engaged in the use of computers in their learning throughout each quarter or trimester in the Westchester schools.  Additionally, computer technology will be used in our media centers for both research and selection of reading materials. 

The district has an overall technology curriculum outlining the skills deemed appropriate for each grade level throughout our district.  Each family will be asked to sign the district's "acceptable use policy" prior to student access to the Internet.  Our district utilizes Internet filters for student Internet protection. We are committed to the appropriate use of this technology throughout our curriculum and as a life-long skill for students to develop for their future education and life-long needs.  

As a "capstone" technology program, the Westchester Middle School offers an Industrial Technology program in grades 6-8.  This program includes experiments with video production, areodynamics, automation and robotics, flight simulation, computer graphic design and animation.  All students have the opportunity to participate in this program. 

 
Handbook Continued 


To contact us:

Phone: (708) 450-2700
Fax: (708) 450-2718

Westchester Public School District 92 1/2
9981 Canterbury Street
Westchester,  IL
60154
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