Physical Education 
Westchester Primary School and Westchester Intermediate School 
Physical education classes are provided for every child.  Students must wear gym shoes.  If students bring a separate pair of gym shoes to school, the shoes should have their names written in them.  Student participation is required by state law unless excluded by a physician's statement.  Notes from parents are acceptable as a short-term excuse from student physical education activities. 

Westchester Middle School 
Student participation in physical education is required by state law unless excluded by a physician's statement.  Notes from parents are acceptable as a short-term excuse from student physical education activities.  Participation is daily throughout the school year. 

A gym uniform and gym shoes are required for participation in the program.  A combination lock is required for their physical education locker.  General activities include basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics.  All students are tested in the fall and the spring of the year for physical fitness.  Grades are determined by dress, participation, motor skill tests, and written rules test. 

Instrumental Music 
The district provides an instrumental music program.  Activities are planned to develop and promote the child's interest and ability.  Students in grades 4 through 8 may participate in this program. The program includes Concert, Symphonic, Cadet, Beginner, and Jazz Bands. 

Every year a beginning instrumental music class is organized in the Intermediate School.  Music aptitude tests are given to all 3rd grade students and to all new students in grades 4 through 8 who request it.  Students in grades 6-8 will receive a report card grade for instrumental music.  Instrumental music students are organized in small groups and receive class instructions once a week during the school year.  Class schedules are arranged so that the same academic subject is missed a minimal number of times during the year. 

In order to maintain interest and to encourage top performance, the school district sponsors several special activities and concerts. 

An annual fee is charged.  In addition, the Westchester Band Parents Association provides financial assistance in support of the instrumental music program. 

Vocal Music - Chorus 
The district provides a vocal music program.  Chorus activities are planned to develop and promote the student's interest in singing and performing.  Third, fourth, and fifth graders at Westchester Intermediate School practice once a week before school.  Students perform at various school events and within the community. 

Chorus is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Westchester Middle School.   Practices are held before and/or after school and one day a week during the school day.  The W.M.S. chorus performs at special concerts, community functions, and also has limited activities outside the community. 

Field Trips 
During the school year teachers may take their classes to various places of interest.  A field trip offers children the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and knowledge on topics which the class is studying.  The trips are planned carefully by the teacher and discussed with the students.  In addition to field trips which the teachers may choose as an expansion of their curriculum, there are optional educational tours which may be taken each year.  These are: 

	6th grade	Environmental Outdoor Education
	7th grade	Springfield - State Government
	8th grade	Washington, D.C. - Federal Government
	6th-8th grade	Band Tours

Parents are requested to sign a permission slip before the child is allowed to go on a field trip.  Most trips are made on our own school buses.  Charter buses may be contracted for special tours such as the 7th grade Springfield trip and the 8th grade Washington trip.  

While on field trips and optional educational tours, students are expected to exhibit good conduct and to act in a responsible, courteous manner.  When necessary, parents may be asked to help provide supervision. 

Extracurricular Activities 
Westchester Intermediate School and Westchester Middle School provide activities before and after school in addition to the regularly scheduled school program.  The extracurricular program offers additional opportunities for the development of desirable qualities and special abilities. Clubs may focus on various topics and special interests.  Extracurricular activities are engaged in voluntarily by the student providing the student's conduct and application to studies is acceptable. Intramural and interscholastic athletic programs are available for both boys and girls.  

Parents should be aware of their child's extracurricular schedule and make special note of meeting dates/practices and conclusion time of such programs.  A late bus will drop the students off at the public school sites in their neighborhood (Westchester Primary School, Westchester Intermediate School, Westchester Middle School and Britten School).

Athletics 
Westchester Intermediate School 
An intramural program is available for all 4th and 5th grade students.  Various activities take place throughout the year.  They include softball, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, floor hockey and volleyball.  Program time is from 3:15 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.  A physical examination and proof of insurance is required prior to participation in any activity. 

Westchester Middle School 
Intramural Sports 
Intramural sports are provided for boys and girls in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.  All students are eligible to participate in any of the activities offered.  Activities may include flag football, soccer, basketabll, floor hockey, volleyball, and softball.  Program time is from 2:50 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and a late bus is provided.  Students are dropped off at Britten School, Westchester Intermediate School, and Westchester Primary School sites.   A physical examination and proof of insurance is required prior to participation in any activity. 

Interscholastic Sports 
Interscholastic sports are available for both boys and girls at the 7th and 8th grade levels.  Students compete in softball, basketball and volleyball against area schools. Squads are limited to numbers which the coaches feel they can adequately handle.  Tryouts are held and the students are chosen on their abilities, talents and performance.  Students are charged a fee for each interscholastic sport in which they compete.  Uniforms are provided.  Team members must furnish their own shoes.  A physical examination is required prior to the start of tryouts. 

Practice sessions normally last from 2:50 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  District transportation is not provided following practices. 

Cheerleaders 
Two squads are chosen -- one for 7th grade and one for 8th grade.  Students are selected for each squad on the basis of their ability to do certain prescribed movements plus the performance of a routine each student chooses.  Cheerleaders are charged a fee for participation.  A uniform is provided.  Squad members must furnish their own shoes.  A physical examination is required prior to tryouts. 

Practice sessions normally last from 2:50 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  District transportation is not provided following practices. 

Awards 

Presidential Award for Educational Improvement:  Students who earn a B.U.G. award for two of three quarters and have teacher recommendations are eligible to receive this award for improvement from the President of the United States. 

Citizenship:  All students who consistently follow school rules for an entire grading period are named to the citizenship honor roll and receive a certificate following the conclusion of the grading period. Students who have achieved citizenship honor roll all four grading periods will be awarded a citizenship ribbon. 

Activity Awards:  Students participating in club activities are presented with ribbons for their participation.
 

Activity Awards:  Students participating in any activity are presented with certificates. 

Richard T. Crohn Award:  This award is presented to the student who has achieved the highest overall grade point average over three years, grades 6 - 8. 

Matthew P. Geraldi Award:  This is the highest band award that an eighth grade student can receive.  Requirements include superior ratings in solo and ensemble contests, sitting first chair in the instrument section, and the recommendation of the band director.  

Larry J. Meyers Award:  Presented to an 8th grade girl and boy.  These awards recognize outstanding effort and attitude in the field of athletics. 

Marlyn Shawky Award:  This award is presented to the eighth grade boy or girl who has achieved the highest science grades in the 7th and 8th grades. 

The P.T.O. Award:  To recognize academic achievement, this award is presented to those students who have received a 4.0 grade point average for the entire school year in all subjects. 

Student Safety 
There are many ways in which safety rules are emphasized.  The homeroom teachers stress the need for observance of safety rules in the school, on the school grounds, on the street, and at home. 

Children should walk on the sidewalks and cross at the corner crosswalks.  Parents can aid the efforts of the school by giving instructions to the children at home.  Parents can further assist by encouraging their children to cross only at the crosswalks even when being picked up or dropped off at school. 

Children should go directly home as soon as they are dismissed from school or get off the school bus.  Parents should be aware of their children's schedules and know the time they should arrive home and the route they take from school or the bus stop. 

Bus Transportation 
Bus transportation is provided for all students who must cross Roosevelt Road, Mannheim Road, or Cermak Road in order to get to school.  Due to the large number of riders per bus, special transportation requests (such as scout meetings, birthday parties, playtime at a friend's house) cannot be honored. 

Proper student behavior while riding the school bus is essential for the safety of all students.  Students are under the jurisdiction of the school bus driver while riding the bus unless the Superintendent designates another adult to supervise the riders.  Cameras are installed on all District buses that record video and audio to enhance student safety and promote appropriate behavior. 

Rules and Regulations for School Bus Riders 
Listed below are the rules and regulations to be followed by all students who, at some time or other, will be passengers on a school bus, whether it is going on a field trip, traveling between schools, or attending an extra-curricular activity on a before or after school basis. Please review the following rules with your child.  Students not complying with these rules and regulations may forfeit transportation privileges. 

Special Bus Runs 
Before School: 
Bus schedules are provided to those students who have special activities before school. 

After School: 
Westchester Intermediate School: 3:50 p.m. -  Late Bus 

Westchester Middle School:  3:45 p.m.  -   Late Bus (club activities, intramurals, detention hall, student help) 

Note:  All students are dropped off at the public school sites in their neighborhood (Westchester Primary School, Westchester Intermediate School, Westchester Middle School, and Britten School). 

Health Services 
There is a health service office and a registered nurse on duty at the Westchester Primary School, the Westchester Intermediate School, and the Westchester Middle School. 
 

School Health Program 
1.   First aid is administered. 
2.   Parents are called to pick up an ill or injured child. 
3.   Health records are maintained for all students. When a student transfers from our district, the entire health record is sent to the new school upon written request of that school. 
4.   Periodic vision and hearing tests are given.  Parents are notified when results indicate a need for a more complete examination.   
5.   Heights and weights are regularly recorded. 
6.   Schools furnish a dental card to be completed by the family dentist as part of the dental program. 
7.   A special physical examination by your own physician is required each year for students who plan to participate in intramural and/or extra-curricular activities of the physical education department. 
8.   A statement from the doctor is required for any student to be excused from physical education classes for more than five consecutive days.  
9.   Information regarding epidemics of contagious diseases is furnished to parents ONLY when the local health officer declares the contagion to be an emergency.  
10.   Students transferring into the district will not be allowed to participate in physical education until their health records are received from the previous school or evidence of a current examination is received from a physician. 

Parent Participation in Program 
1. See that the child receives the physical examination as required by law. 
2. Notify the registered nurse when the child has a contagious disease. 
3. Cooperate with the school when a doctor's certificate is required.   

Illness or Injury at School 
If a child becomes ill or is injured while at school, the parents, or other responsible adult designated by the parents, will be notified immediately.  Therefore, it is extremely important that we have up-to-date emergency information on each student. 
  
Whether one or both parents of children enrolled in the school are at work, it is important that all working parents register their business phone number with the health office.  If the phone number changes, register the change with the health office. 

Also, please furnish the school with the name and telephone number of a responsible adult to be contacted in the event that a parent cannot be reached.   

After Surgery 
Pupils returning to school after surgery or broken bones shall be restricted in activity until directed by the family physician.  A medical statement is required to reenter the physical education program.   

Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students 
Board of Education Policy 7:100
Parent(s)/guardian(s) 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 Department of Public Health rules: 
  1. within one year before entering kindergarten or the first grade; 
  2. upon entering the fifth and ninth grades; and  
  3. whenever a student first enrolls in school within the District, regardless of the student's grade.  

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to have their child undergo a vision examination whenever health examinations are required. 

Failure to comply with the above requirements by October 15 of the current school year will result in the student's exclusion from school until the required health and/or immunization forms are presented to the District. If for medical reasons, one or more of the required immunizations must be given after the first day of school, then the student must present, by the first day of school, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by the physician, registered nurse, or local health department responsible for administering the immunizations. All new students who are first-time registrants shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations.  

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years must provide a statement from a physician that their child was "risk-assessed" or screened for lead poisoning in accordance with State law.  

A student may be exempted from this policy's requirements on religious or medical grounds if the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) present to the Superintendent a signed statement explaining the objection. A student may be exempted from the health examination or immunizations on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification.  

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of students in kindergarten and second and sixth grades must have their child undergo a dental examination and provide proof of such examination before May 15th of the school year. Children who show an undue burden or lack of access to a dentist may have this requirement waived pursuant to rules of the Department of Public Health. The District will provide notice of this dental examination requirement to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of students at least 60 days before May 15th of each school year. 

If a child in the second or sixth grade fails to present proof of dental examination by May 15th, the District may hold that child's report card until the parent(s)/guardian(s): (1) present proof of a completed dental examination; or (2) present proof that a dental examination will occur within 60 days after May 15th. 

The District will provide information regarding immunization, health examinations, and dental examinations to the State Board of Education as required. 

State law requires that students who were in kindergarten, second or sixth grade last year and did not turn in proof of dental examination in the spring must present proof of a completed dental examination before they will be allowed to start school in August. 

Current Board policy is being reviewed and may be revised to reflect changes mandated by law. 

Communicable Disease 
The child will be excluded from school for the following communicable diseases and may be required to bring a health certificate from a doctor to be readmitted:  measles, regular and German; mumps; chicken pox; streptococcal sore throat; scarlet fever; pneumonia; influenza; poliomyelitis; infections; rashes; impetigo; scabies; infectious hepatitis; pediculosis (head lice); or salmonella.  In addition to the ones listed, there may be other illnesses that will require a health certificate.  This will be determined by the principal and/or registered nurse.  The certificate should state that the child is free from disease.  The child will not be admitted to class without a health certificate when one is required.   

Procedure for Handling Cases of Communicable and Chronic Infectious Diseases 
Students 
General Conditions 
1. Each case of known communicable and chronic infectious disease will be determined on an individual basis. 
2. Any report that a student of the District has a communicable and chronic infectious disease or has been diagnosed as having AIDS or ARC, or as having been infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or any other identified causative agent of AIDS, shall be made or forwarded in confidence to the Superintendent. 
3. The identity of a student who has or is believed to have a contagious disease (such as hepatitis B, tuberculosis, AIDS or ARC, or has been infected with HIV or other identified causative agent of AIDS, or has a similar contagious disease) shall not be revealed by any District employee or official to anyone including other District employees except as is authorized in writing by the Superintendent.  In cases where the Illinois Department of Public Health or a local health department gives notice to a Principal of the identity of a child diagnosed as having AIDS or ARC, or as having been infected with HIV or other identified causative agent of AIDS, the Principal shall disclose the identity of the child to the Superintendent of the school district in which the child resides.  The Principal may, as necessary, disclose the identity of the child to the registered nurse at that school, the classroom teachers in whose classes the child is enrolled, and those persons, who, pursuant to federal or state law, are required to decide the placement or educational program of the child (i.e., the multi-disciplinary team).  Further, in such cases, the Principal may inform such other persons as may be necessary that an infected child is enrolled at that school so long as the child's identity is not revealed. 
4. The Superintendent or his designee shall notify the Department of Public Health if any student of the District has a condition for which reporting is required by the Department. 
5. Decisions regarding the type of educational setting for infected children should be based on the behavior, neurologic development, and physical condition of the child and the expected type of interaction with others in that setting.  These decisions are best made using the team approach which may include the child's physician, public health personnel, the child's parents or legal guardians, and school personnel.  In each case, risks and benefits to both the child and others in the setting shall be weighed. 

Specific Procedures 
1. Once the Superintendent has been notified that a student in the District has a communicable and chronic infectious disease, the Superintendent shall immediately contact the parent or guardian of the student and require that a letter from the student's physician be submitted indicating whether or not the student is able to continue in his educational program without endangering himself or others.  The opinion of the student's physician will be considered but not controlling. 
2. The principal may invite the student's teacher(s) to participate or provide input. 
3. The Superintendent will notify the Department of Public Health when an infected student enrolls in another school. 
4. In the case of a student in the district who has AIDS or ARC:

Administering Medicines to Students 
Board of Education Policy 7:270
The Board of Education recognizes that it is necessary for the critical health and well-being of students in certain circumstances to take medication during school hours or school-related activities.   The Board authorizes school personnel to administer to students, or to allow the self-administration of, both prescription and over-the-counter medication during the school day when students require such medication in an emergency, in order to attend school, or in order to gain access to the educational programs of the District.

A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPenŽ) and/or medication prescribed for asthma for immediate use at the student's discretion, provided the student's parent/guardian has complied with District procedures.

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

The Superintendent is authorized to establish rules and regulations to implement this Policy, which rules and regulations shall include a designation of employees authorized to administer medication, the manner in which both prescription and over-the-counter medication will be administered to students, and procedures for self-administration by students.  This policy shall be included in the Student Handbook and shall be provided to the parents/guardians of students.

Adopted: September 3, 1998
Revised: April 17, 2008

The following are rules and regulations for administering medicines to students:

II.   Administration of Medication 
When the conditions contained in Section A of these Rules and Regulations are satisfied, medication shall be administered to the students in the following manner: 

III. Discretionary Administration of Medicine 
If a parent consents to the administration of medication on a discretionary basis, the registered nurse shall provide the necessary information and instructions for the administration of the medication including defining any side effects to the designated personnel.  The administration of medication on a discretionary basis shall be done only by a registered nurse or by a previously designated and instructed employee after consultation with and approval of the parents with written instruction from the physician, pharmacist, or health care specialist. 
 
IV. Emergency Medical Treatment 
School personnel shall render medical assistance to any student whose parents have authorized such assistance when paramedical or licensed physicians are not available or have not arrived and such assistance is necessary to protect the student's health, safety or welfare.  The school personnel providing emergency medical assistance shall attempt to contact the principal as soon as possible and contact a licensed physician or certified paramedical personnel to provide or assist in providing emergency medical assistance. 

The student's parent or guardian shall be contacted as soon as possible after the injury giving rise to the need for emergency medical assistance. 

V. Self Administration of Medication 
If a parent requests assistance from school personnel in the student's self-administration of medication, the procedures set forth in these Rules and Regulations concerning the administration of medication by school personnel shall be followed. 

VI. The parent or guardian of a student will be responsible at the end of the treatment period for removing from the school any unused medication which was prescribed for their child.  If the parent or guardian does not pick up and dispose of the medication, the registered nurse shall dispose of the medication and document that the medication was discarded.  Medications will be discarded in the presence of a witness.   

Special Education
Westchester Public Schools, District 92˝, ensures that a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) is available to each child with a disability who is between the ages of three and fifteen, who legally resides in the District and is enrolled in the District and requires special education and related services to address the adverse effects of a disability on his or her education.  These services are mandated by Article 14 of the School Code of Illinois, its implementing regulations and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504).

Westchester Public Schools, District 92˝, provides a variety of special education services with our own staff and, in some cases, through our special education cooperative, the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE). Upon request, we will provide you with writtten materials that indicate the specific policies, procedures, rules and regulations regarding the identification, evaluation, or educational program/placement of children with disabilities pursuant to the IDEA and Section 504.

In addition, the District may provide special education and related services to children between the ages of three and fifteen, who legally reside in the District but are enrolled in a non-public school. Any person interested in more information about our special education and related services should contact the Special Needs Office at 450-2700, extension 609.

Identifying Children with Disabilities
Non discriminatory screening and identification procedures are used to identify all children three to fifteen with disabilities who legally reside in the District. Appropriately credentialed personnel who participate in ongoing staff development perform such procedures. Any concerned person, including school district personnel, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the child, an employee of a community service agency, another professional having knowledge of a child's problems, a child, or an employee of the Illinois State Board of Education, may initiate referrals for an individual and full evaluation.

Referrals are considered when a child is suspected of having a disability which adversely affects their education and performance. Requests for a referral should be made by contacting the Special Needs Office at 450-2700, extension 609. When making a request for a referral, one must provide the following information to the District: the child's name, age and reason for the referral. We will provide assistance to enable persons making referrals to meet these requirements. All parents/legal guardians will be provided notice with respect to their procedural safeguards upon the child's initial referral for evaluations, along with each notification of an IEP meeting, along with each request for consent for the re-evaluation of the child and upon receipt for request for due process pursuant to th Illinois State Board of Education regulations.

If the District determines the referral for an individual and full evaluation of possible IDEA eligibility is warranted, the child's parent/guardian will be contacted to obtain their informed written consent before proceeding with the evaluation. If the parent/guardian refuses consent for an initial evaluation, the District may continue to pursue the evaluation via due process or mediation. If the District determines not to proceed with the evaluation, it will provide the parent(s)/guardian(s) with written notice of the date of the referral, the reasons for which the evaluation was requested, and the reasons for the decision to deny the request. The school shall also provide written notice of the decision to deny the request to the person making the referral, if not the parent(s)/guardian(s), and the reason(s) for the the denial of the request subject to Illinois Student Records Act and its implementing regulation. The team will also advise the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their right to seek an impartial due process hearing to review the decision of the team.

Eligibility/Placement/Services
Westchester Public Schools, District 92˝, provides a continuum of placement options to address the educational needs of students with disabilities. They include: consultative, resource, instructional, home/hospital and preschool special education. Related services are also provided if necessary to assist a child eligible for special education.

Eligibility for and the provision of special education for a child is based upon an individualized education program (IEP) developed at an IEP meeting, involving a child's parent(s)/guardian(s) and other members of the IEP team. The IEP is reviewed at least annually. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may also request a meeting to review the IEP.

Westchester Public Schools, District 92˝, provides a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment for students with the following disabilities:

• hearing impairments
• speech and language impairments
• visual impairments
• mental retardation
• emotional disturbances
• orthopedic impairments
• autism
• traumatic brain injury
• specific learning disability
• deaf-blindness
• other health impairments including, but not limited to, attention deficit disorder
• multiple disabilities
• deafness
• developmental delay

If parent(s)/guardian(s) object to identification evaluation or placement of their child they have the right to request a due process hearing. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the school principal and other staff working with their child. Further, parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a mediator from the Illinois State Board of Education before requesting a due process hearing.

Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities
The Board of Education has adopted a policy and procedures related to the use of behavior interventions for students with disabilities. All of the procedural safeguards available to students with disabilities and their parent(s)/guardian(s) under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), including notice and consent, opportunity for participation in meetings, and rights to appeal are observed when developing and/or implementing behavioral interventions.

The District furnishes a copy of its local policies and procedures to parent(s)/guardian(s) of all students with individualized education plans, within fifteen (15) days of amending such policies and procedures, or at the time an individualized education plan is first implemented for a student. In addition, at the annual individualized education plan review, the District explains the local policies and procedures, furnishes a copy of the local policies to parent(s)/guardian(s), and makes available upon request of any parent(s)/guardian(s), a copy of local procedures. Each school also annually informs its students of the existence of the policies and procedures through this handbook.

For more information about the District's Behavioral Interventions Policy / Procedures, contact the Special Needs Office at 450-2700, extension 609.

Student Discipline 
The Westchester Public Schools, District 92˝, operate under definite discipline procedures that reflect the discipline policy as established by the Board of Education and the School Code of Illinois, Chapter 122, Section 24-24 and 34-84a, and the State Board of Education Document No. 1, Section 2-1.2 and 2-8, and in conjunction with recommendations made by the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee in compliance with SB730. 

Discipline is a means of fostering the growth of students toward maturity and responsibility.  The educational environment of the district shall be such that the school personnel shall demonstrate fair, just and flexible attitudes and disciplinary efforts toward all students. 

One of the basic goals of the Westchester Public Schools is to teach self-control and self-reliance.  Good discipline results when the students and the teacher recognize their responsibilities and do their utmost to carry them out.  High standards of discipline are not only conducive to learning, but they are also essential to order and good citizenship. 

Since the influence of the home is very important, the parents can assist the schools in periodically reviewing and encouraging the essentials of good discipline and good citizenship with their children. 

Each school administrator, with the participation of staff, shall develop a disciplinary plan, under this policy guideline, that is appropriate to the student population of the school and to fully carry out this policy.  

The Westchester Public Schools and the Westchester Police Department have engaged in a reciprocal reporting agreement as mandated by Section 10-20.14 of The School Code. 

Board of Education Policy 7:190
General Disciplinary Authority 
Because the Board of Education is entrusted with protecting the safety, health, and welfare of the students, staff and property of the School District, it may be necessary at times to discipline students whose conduct affects the well-being of the schools. In accordance with constitutional due process and statutory requirements, the Board of Education may suspend or expel students from school and from the school bus for acts of gross disobedience or misconduct and otherwise maintain discipline in the schools. Only the Board of Education may determine to expel a student from school or from the school bus. The Superintendent and Principal may suspend students from school or the school bus for up to ten (10) school days. 

Suspensions or expulsions of students shall occur in compliance with procedural regulations to be promulgated and implemented by the administration of the District. Disciplinary measures other than suspension or expulsion shall be determined by the administration and established in general regulations governing student discipline.  

Mandatory Expulsion for Bringing Weapons to School 
Pursuant to the federal Gun-Free Schools Act and Section 10-22.6 of the School Code, it is the policy of this Board of Education to expel from school for at least one calendar year (but no longer than two calendar years) any student who has possession or control of or uses or transfers a "weapon" at school, any school sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school. The term "weapon" in this context is defined in the Rules and Regulations implementing this Policy. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion period, and the superintendent's determination may be modified by the Board of Education on a case by case basis. Students eligible for special education and related services shall be considered for expulsion or other discipline for bringing weapons to school pursuant to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and as set out in the procedures set forth in the Rules and Regulations accompanying this Policy. 

Reporting Firearm, Drug and Other Criminal Incidents 
If a school official observes any person to be in possession of a firearm on the property comprising the school, on any conveyance used by the school to transport students to or from school-related activities, or on any public way within 1000 feet of the property comprising the school, the school official will immediately notify the office of the principal. Such notification may be delayed if necessary to avoid endangering students or the school official, but must be completed as soon as there is no longer immediate danger. (This provision does not apply when the school official knows the person to be a law enforcement official conducting official duties.)  

Once the principal receives such a report from a school official or from any other person, the principal or his or her designee will immediately notify a local law enforcement agency. If the person found to be in possession of a firearm is a student, the principal or his or her designee also will immediately notify the student's parent or guardian. If the person found to be in possession of a firearm is a minor, the law enforcement agency will detain the person as required by law. 

In addition, upon receipt of a report from any school personnel regarding a verified incident involving a firearm in a school, on school grounds, or on conveyance used to transport students, the Superintendent or his or her designee will report the incident immediately to local law enforcement authorities and to the Department of State Police in a form, manner and frequency as prescribed by the State Police.  

For purposes of these reporting requirements, a "firearm" shall be as defined in the Rules and Regulations accompanying this Policy. 

Upon receipt of a written complaint from any school personnel, the superintendent must report all incidents of battery committed against teachers, teacher personnel, administrative personnel or educational support personnel to the local law enforcement authorities immediately after the occurrence of the attack and to the Department of State Police's Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting Program no later than three (3) days after the occurrence of the attack. 

Further, any incident of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver cannabis, a controlled substance or a look-alike occurring in a school, on school property, on a public way within 1000 feet of a school, or in a vehicle used to transport students must be reported to the police or the county sheriff by the Principal or designee within 48 hours of its occurrence. 

If the District reports to a law enforcement agency any crime committed by a special education student, the District shall ensure that copies of the special education and disciplinary records of the student are transmitted for consideration by the appropriate agency authorities, to the extent permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, with prior written notice to the parents and in accordance with the Board of Education's Policy on Student Records. 
 
Maintenance of Discipline by Teachers and Other Employees 
Teachers, other certificated employees, and any other person, whether or not a certificated employee, providing a related service for or with respect to a student may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel or persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or the defense of property. Teachers may remove students from the classroom for disruptive behavior. 

Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities 
Consistent with Section 14-8.05 of the School Code, it is the intent of the Board of Education that, when behavioral interventions are used with students eligible for special education and related services, they be used in consideration of the students' physical freedom and social interaction, and be administered in a manner that respects human dignity and personal privacy and ensures the students' right to placement in the least restrictive educational environment.  

Definition of Gross Disobedience and Misconduct 
The Board of Education defines gross disobedience or misconduct to include any behavior that is of such egregious nature as to constitute, on its face, gross disobedience or misconduct. Gross disobedience or misconduct also is any conduct, behavior or activity, as defined by the Board of Education in its policies, that causes, or may reasonably cause, school authorities to forecast substantial injury or disruption or material interference with school-related activities or the rights of other students or school personnel or the risk of same. 

Gross disobedience or misconduct may occur on school grounds, on a school bus or at a school activity or activity reasonably related to school. It also may occur in a situation other than on school grounds or at a school-related activity, provided, however, that a reasonable relationship exists between the conduct of the student and a potential impact on the school, its processes or student environment. 

Gross disobedience and misconduct also shall include, but is not limited to, the following types of conduct and such other conduct as may be designated from time to time by policy of the Board of Education or the administration: 

Discipline Based on Parent Refusal to Administer or Consent to Administration of Certain Medications 
No student shall be subject to any disciplinary action that is based either totally or in part on the refusal of a student's parent or guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student. Nothing in this section, however, prohibits discipline of a student for violation of school behavior guidelines or engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct as defined in this Policy and its accompanying Rules and Regulations.  

Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee 
The Board shall maintain a parent-teacher advisory committee to develop with the Board policy guidelines on student discipline, including school searches, and such committee may review these guidelines on an annual basis. In addition, the advisory committee, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, shall establish and maintain a reciprocal reporting system between the District and the local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal offenses committed by students. Consistent with Section 10-20.14 of the School Code, the Superintendent, in consultation with the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee and other community-based organizations, also shall develop Rules and Regulations containing parent notification and early intervention procedures aimed at students who have demonstrated behaviors that put them at risk for aggressive behavior, including but not limited to, bullying. 

Distribution of Policy 
Students shall be informed annually of the Board's discipline policy. Additionally, this policy shall be distributed to the parents or guardian of each student within fifteen (15) days of the beginning of the school year, or within fifteen (15) days after a transfer student begins classes in the School District. 

Rules and Regulations 
The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate this Policy in accordance with State and federal laws. 

Adopted: September 3, 1998
Revised: July 17, 2008  

Student Records 
Board of Education Policy 7:340
The Board of Education is required to properly collect, maintain, disseminate, destroy, and protect the confidentiality of student records and student information. The Board adopts this Policy on Student Records and intends that this Policy and the actions of the Board and its employees, agents, and attorneys conform with applicable state and federal statutes and their accompanying regulations. The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to develop procedures to implement this Policy consistent with the requirements of federal or state law.  

Adopted: September 3, 1998
Revised: January 17, 2002

Notice Concerning Student Records 
The Illinois School Student Records Act ("ISSRA") the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), and the regulations issued pursuant to these laws require that the Board of Education adopt a Student Records Policy ("Policy"). The Board of Education has adopted a Policy and Regulations which are available upon request from the Office of the Superintendent. 

The District maintains both a permanent and temporary record for each student. The Permanent Record consists of basic identifying information concerning the student, his or her parents' names and addresses, the student's academic transcript, attendance record, and a record of release of this information. The Temporary Record consists of all other records maintained by the District concerning the student and by which the student may be individually identified. 

A parent, or any person designated as a representative by a parent, has the right to inspect and copy the student's permanent and temporary records except as limited by the Policy or state or federal law. A student has the right to inspect or copy his or her permanent record. (All rights of the parent become the exclusive rights of the student upon the student's 18th birthday, graduation from secondary school, marriage, or entry into military service, whichever comes first.) In order to review the student's record, a parent must make a written request to the District. The request will be granted within fifteen (15) school days after the date of receipt of the request. The District may charge a fee of $.05 per page for copies of the record. This fee will be waived when the parent is unable to pay. 

The District prohibits disclosure by school employees to any person against whom the District has received a certified copy of an order of protection of the location or address of the petitioner for the order of protection or the identity of the schools in the District in which the petitioner's child or children are enrolled. The District shall maintain the copy of any order of protection in the record of the child or children enrolled in the District whose parent is the petitioner of an order of protection. In addition, no person who is prohibited by an order of protection from inspecting or obtaining school records of a student pursuant to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 shall have any right of access to, or inspection of, the school records of that student.  

The District will release information contained in student records without parental notice or consent to the following individuals or in the following circumstances:  

Student records may be released without parental consent, but, to the extent required by law, with notice to the parent of their right to inspect, copy or challenge the contents of the records to be released, unless otherwise allowed by law:  

Any other release of information requires the prior written consent of the parent. The parent has the right to request a copy of any released records.  

A parent also has the right to challenge or seek amendment to any entry in the student's school record, except for (1) grades; and (2) references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions, if the challenge to expulsions or suspensions is made at the time the records are forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring. Parents may challenge or seek amendment to a student's school record by claiming that the record is inaccurate, irrelevant, improper, misleading, or violative of the student's privacy rights. The School District's Student Records policy, and its accompanying Rules and Regulations, provide for hearing and appeal procedures and an opportunity to include a statement in the record discussing or explaining any entry. To challenge a record or entry, the parent must contact the Superintendent. Parents may obtain a copy of the School District's Student Records policy by contacting the District Office.  

The Policy also provides time lines for the destruction of records. Parents will be notified of the destruction schedule of the student's records at the time of graduation, transfer, or permanent withdrawal from the District. Permanent records are kept for sixty (60) years. Temporary records are kept for the period of their usefulness to the school, but in no case less than five (5) years after the student leaves the District. Student records are reviewed by the District every four (4) years or when a student changes attendance centers. A parent has the right to copy any student record, or information contained in it, proposed to be destroyed or deleted.  

The law and the Policy designate certain information as "Directory Information." Directory Information consists of identifying information, including the student's name, address, gender, grade level, birth date and birthplace and parent's names and addresses, academic awards, degrees and honors received, information relating to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics, major field of study and period of attendance in the school. This information will be released to the general public from time to time, including, but not limited to, by way of a school directory; a student yearbook; classroom, school and District newsletters unless a parent informs the District within ten (10) days of this Notice that information concerning his or her child should not be released, or that the parent desires that some or all of this information not be designated as directory information.  

Finally, no person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefit or make as a condition of employment, credit or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student's temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under the ISSRA or regulations.  

If you believe the District has violated or is violating this policy, you have the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning the District's alleged violation of your rights.  

Sex Offender Notification 
Parents and guardians may access information regarding registerd sex offenders that is available to the public.  Individuals may search the database by name, zip code or county.  Access is free.  The Illinois Sex Offender Registry is available through a link of the Illinois State Police website at: http://www.isp.state.il.us/. 

Lawn Care Products Application and Notification 
Our schools maintain a registry of parents/guardians of students who have requested to receive written notification prior to application of pesticides and herbicides to school grounds. We respect the concern that some children who suffer from allergies may be impacted by some weed control products. However, we also recognize that many children suffer when weeds are left to grow and multiply. The timing of applications will occur during weekends providing a sufficient dissipation period. If you would like to be notified before the application of pesticides /herbicides to school grounds, please contact your building principal.

Budget Document Notification 
The District's annual budget is available for viewing on line at www.sd925.org. 

Cleaning Products Notification 
Our schools are cleaned with environmentally sensitive cleaning products that meet Illinois requirements for schools. 

Pest Control Notification 
Westchester Public Schools participate in integrated pest management to keep our schools free of insects and pests.  The system uses non-toxic methods of eliminating pests and uses pesticides on an emergency basis only. 

If you wish to be contacted for any scheduled insecticide sprayings, should they be necessary, please contact your school office and ask to be placed on the notification list. 

Asbestos Management 
District District 92½ adheres to all State of Illinois and Federal regulations regarding the removal of asbestos containing materials. An asbestos management plan is available at each of the District's buildings for public inspection. Please contact your school office for further information. 

Illinois Textbook Loan Program 
The Illinois Textbook Loan Program was authorized in 1975 to provide textbooks to students enrolled in grades K-12. The state purchases the materials and then loans them to students. The program funding is only enough to provide supplemental dollars for materials and is not aimed at total funding for all instructional materials. Parents request the loan of textbooks and materials for their children at the time of enrollment. 

Federal Mandate - Title IX 
The Congress of the United States passed Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 which prohibits sex discrimination in Federally assisted programs.  President Ford signed on May 27, 1975, the final section of the regulation which governed that legislation.  Specifically, Title IX states, "no person....shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." 

In our efforts to comply with Title IX, the Westchester Public Schools, District 92½, affirms that no person shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity. In our efforts to further comply with Title IX, the Westchester Public Schools, District 92½, by Board appointment, has named Dr. Jean H. Sophie, Superintendent, to coordinate its Title IX effort.

In further conformity with Title IX, a grievance procedure will be used in reference to questions or complaints raised by parents, students, or employees of the District dealing specifically with Title IX.  A grievance is here defined as an alleged violation of non-compliance with Title IX regulations and may relate only to an actual or imminent application of a policy or rule. 

Procedures: 
The following grievance procedure establishes a step-by-step method that provides for prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints alleging any prohibited action under Title IX.