DW Student Handbook
General School and Student Information
- Attendance
- Communication
- Health Services
- Student Conduct: The Wright Way Expectations and Discipline
- Student Behavior
- Description of Consequences
- Specific Discipline Policies
- Transportation
- Sports and Activities
- Truancy/Absenteeism Policy
- Title IX Anti-Discriminatory Policy
- Changes or Discrepancies
- Code of Conduct
Attendance
School Hours
School starts at 8:30 a.m. Students may not arrive earlier than 8:00 a.m. Please note: the front doors will be locked until 8:00 a.m. Upon arrival students will remain in the cafeteria until 8:20 a.m. when they are dismissed to go to classrooms. There will not be before school study hall or extracurricular activities. Student dismissal is at 3:35 p.m. Students involved in special activities after school must remain in their assigned areas.
Student Morning Drop-Off
The front entrance should be used when dropping off students in the morning. Please proceed as far as you can along the sidewalk before stopping to drop off your student.
Student Pick-Up Procedure
After school, buses will load students in the front of the building. To pick up your student, please drive around the back building COUNTER CLOCKWISE. Students can be picked up at Door H, I or P, R. Park and wait for student pick-up in the left- hand lane against the curb. Students should enter their vehicle on the driver’s side. Pull out to exit in the right hand lane.
Expectations
We expect parents/guardians to make reasonable efforts to ensure the regular attendance of their children, consistent with Section 26-1 of the Illinois School Code, and to inform the school of any absences and their causes. Student attendance is monitored and parents/guardians will be informed of any attendance problems.
Please call attendance voicemail at (847)604-5280 to report an absence or late arrival. Attendance is taken during Advisory in the morning and at the beginning of every period. If a student is absent and the office is not contacted by 9:00 a.m., parent(s) will be called. Receipt of a phone call or voice message and /or email to dw_attendance@d103.org is necessary.
- All children must be symptom/fever free for 24 hours before returning to school after an absence due to illness. District 103 does not encourage absences for reasons other than illness. Your cooperation is sought in scheduling family vacation periods and other non-school connected activities during regular school holidays whenever possible.
- Students may not excuse themselves from school.
- Parents/Guardians must come into the school and sign students out for dental appointments, emergencies, etc - if they are being picked up by an individual who is not a parent/guardian or in their emergency contact, written authorization will need to be provided to the front office ahead of time and the individual picking up the student must show a valid photo ID before the student can be released to them..
- Students can sign themselves back in at the office.
- Please note, if a child goes home during the course of the day due to illness, he or she may not participate in school-sponsored evening activities, such as concerts or sports events or after-school programs.
Tardiness
It is extremely important for students to arrive at school on time. Students are expected to be in class prior to the 8:30 a.m. bell. The front doors automatically lock at 8:28 a.m. If a student arrives after that time, he/she will be considered tardy. Late arrivals can be disruptive to instruction that begins at 8:30 a.m. If a student is arriving after 8:30 a.m., a parent/guardian is required to call the attendance office or walk the student into school and sign them into school. The student then will be marked into PowerSchool with an excused absence. If a student arrives without a phone call ahead of time or a parent/guardian, then the tardy will be recorded as unexcused.
A student will be issued a detention for three (3) or more tardies to class during any trimester. Each additional tardy in the same trimester will result in another detention. Persistent tardiness will result in additional disciplinary action and an administrative conference.
Vacation/Elective Absences
Effort should be made to avoid absences for vacation purposes and other elective/non illness related absences. Please notify the classroom teachers and front office as soon as possible. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the teacher and peers upon return to access and review any missed learning, assignments, or assessments. The time, process, and setting by which work must be completed is at the discretion of the teacher.
Extended Absences
Any students leaving for 10 or more consecutive days must un-enroll in the District. Your child’s information will remain intact in the system until they return. During this time they will not have access to Google Classroom and schoolwork assignments will not be provided in advance. Make-Up work will be provided upon the students return and a time table will be discussed at the discretion of the teacher. Upon return, parents/guardians are required to re-enroll their student in person. All necessary paperwork must be completed to ensure that all services, including buses, are reinstated.
End of School Year Absences
If your child will be missing several days at the end of the school year, please contact the front office with ample time before the absence. This will allow time to assure that library books are returned, technology is checked in, and there are no outstanding issues.
Communication
Voice Mail System
The voice mail system can be accessed directly 24 hours per day by calling: 847-604-5280
Voice mail includes: •Staff mailboxes •Absence hotline
Student Messages
Messages will be delivered during the lunch period whenever possible. Parents/Guardians calling to leave messages for students are asked to call prior to lunch. Students will be notified by their school email about any items dropped off for them. Students will only be called to the office to pick up iPads, eyeglasses or for medication purposes.
School Communications
There are several avenues of communication for school information. The school homepage is www.d103.org/dw. Activities and Events will be listed on the calendar on the main webpage. Under the Parents tab, there are several sources of communication pieces including our daily announcements, weekly newsletters (DW Wright-ings) and E-Notices. Parents can also sign up to receive text messages about upcoming events and deadlines.
Parent Volunteers
Parent volunteers are always welcome at Daniel Wright. All visitors are required to stop in the main office to register electronically in the office. You must present a Driver’s License or other valid picture I.D. to enter the building beyond the office. All visitors must wear a visitor’s badge or P.T.O. lanyard while in the school building.
Lost and Found
Lost and found containers are located in the front hallway. Students may check for lost items before or after school. High value items like Ipads will be held in the school office. At the end of each quarter, any remaining items will be donated to charity. Students losing a textbook, library book, or athletic uniform will be billed. If the item is found later, in acceptable condition, a refund will be issued. Please label clothing lunch boxes and notebooks to assist us in returning these items to your student.
Safety Drills
Fire, disaster, intruder and bus evacuation drills are required by law at regular intervals throughout the school year and are an important safety precaution. Staff will instruct the students in all safety drills. It is essential that directions be followed promptly.
Health Services
Daniel Wright has a full-time nurse to provide nursing services for illness, injuries, and emergencies. Students who become ill during the school day should secure a pass from their teacher to go to the nurse’s office. Our nurse will work with the student and guide decisions on what action to take. Students may not leave the building without proper authorization. We ask that students do not text or call their parents/guardians in regard to illness, but instead report immediately to the nurse’s office for assessment if they are not feeling well. This is to prevent the spread of illness.
If a student becomes ill while at school or has a serious accident, parents/guardians will be notified. Please ensure that we have your correct phone number, emergency contacts, and the phone number of a neighbor to be contacted if you cannot be reached in an emergency. Parents/Guardians must make arrangements to pick up student in a timely manner. Students with a fever of 100 degrees or over must be “fever free” for 24 hours, without the use of medications before returning to school. Students must also be free of vomiting and diarrhea symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school. In addition to these guidelines, Daniel Wright will continue to work closely with the Lake County Health Department regarding school exclusion guidance due to COVID-19 related illnesses and close contact status.
All contagious diseases must be reported to the nurse as soon as diagnosed.
There is a protocol for the management of concussions. The procedure addresses the immediate safety of students with concussions and a recovery plan for the student with a concussion, including a “return to learn” and “return to play” guideline to assist in the student’s optimal readiness to return to school and sports. Please contact the nurse if your child is diagnosed with a concussion.
Student Medication:
Administering medication during school hours is discouraged unless it is necessary for the critical health and well being of the student in order to attend school. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing an Authorization to Administer Prescription and/or Over the Counter Medication Form.
No school or district employee is allowed to administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed Authorization to Administer Prescription and/or Over the Counter Medication Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian.
Students are not allowed to possess any prescription or over the counter medication in school or at a school-related function other than as described below. Medication to be administered at school must be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the original packaging accurately labeled for each student. All medication administered in school including prescription and nonprescription, including over-the-counter medication, will be administered only after the Authorization to Administer Medication form is completed and signed by both a licensed prescriber (such as a physician, dentist, physician assistant, etc.) and parent/guardian. A parent may come to school at any time and administer medication to their child after coming to the nurse’s office.
Students may self administer (defined as a student’s discretionary use of and ability to carry) their emergency medication, such as asthma rescue inhalers and epinephrine auto injectors as follows:
Asthma Rescue Inhalers:
For a student to self administer, the parent/guardian must provide written authorization and a copy of the prescription label containing the name of the medication, the prescribed dosage and the time at which or circumstances under which the medication is to be administered. This label will be affixed to the Authorization to Administer Prescription and/or Over the Counter Medication form or parent agreement for a child to carry an inhaler. The student will sign an agreement indicating his/her understanding of the administration of the medicine, proper time, that medication will not be shared, where medication will be kept, and that he/she will come directly to the nurse’s office if the medication is ineffective. The school nurse will sign off on the self-carry form once the student has demonstrated the ability to properly use their inhaler. The prescribing provider should also provide an Asthma Action Plan to be kept on file in the Health Office.
Epinephrine Auto Injectors:
For a student to self-administer, the parent/guardian must provide written authorization by both the parent and the licensed prescriber on the Illinois Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan and Treatment Authorization form. This must include the name and purpose of the auto injector, dosage prescribed, circumstances and time/times at which the auto injector will be administered.
For more details, please refer to the District 103 Parent – Student Handbook.
Student Conduct: The Wright Way Expectations and Discipline
Rules at Daniel Wright are intended to establish an environment conducive to learning. Your conduct should reflect your commitment to the following expectations.
School-Wide Expectations
In alignment with our Social Emotional Learning at Daniel Wright Junior High, we expect all students at Daniel Wright Junior High School to:
| Be Respectful | Communication and Respect Uses effective communication, practices empathy, and demonstrates respect for self and others by actively listening and engaging in a genuine way. |
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| Be Responsible | Productivity & Preparedness Arrives promptly and prepared for class with all required materials and assignments, and uses provided time in class to produce quality work. |
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| Be Positive |
Participation & Perseverance |
In Classrooms, Hallways, and School Spaces
| Be Respectful Communication and Respect |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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| Be Responsible Productivity and Preparedness |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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Be |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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Teachers will report on students’ progress of the Wright Way Skills throughout the year. Teachers will report as needed throughout the trimester (for core classes) or quarters (for PE and arts classes) as necessary with a final mark assigned for each Wright Way Skill on report cards.
Dress Guidelines
Students are expected to wear clothing in a neat, clean, and well fitting manner while on school property and/or in attendance at school sponsored activities. Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes a substantial disruption in the school environment.
- Student attire (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, lewd, vulgar, obscene, or offensive language or symbols, including gang symbols or other inappropriate images.
- Student attire (including accessories) may not include: hats, hoods, bandanas, sweatbands, and sunglasses. These may not be worn in the building during the school day, except during special school functions as determined by the school principal.
- Hairstyles, dress, and accessories that pose a safety hazard are not permitted in laboratories or during physical education.
- Clothing that is poorly fitting and/or revealing may not be worn at school. Examples include, but not limited to: half shirts, cropped tops, tube tops, and underwear worn as outerwear.
- The length of shorts or skirts must be appropriate for the school environment. “Short shorts” are not permitted.
- Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
- Students whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to discipline.
- If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the school principal will make the final decision.
Lockers
A student locker is provided solely for the storage of outer garments and school materials. The locker is school property and may be opened by school authorities at any time. Any inappropriate items found in the locker may be removed. Combinations should be kept confidential. The school will not be held responsible for items stolen or missing from a locker. Students are responsible for any damage sustained to their lockers. Backpacks must be kept in lockers (unless permitted by staff due to extenuating circumstances).
Electronic Device Guidelines
D103 supports our 1:1 Teaching and Learning program for use of electronic devices in the classroom. Using a cell phone, video recording device, and/or other telecommunication device is not allowed without authorization by the Building Principal. Cell phones are allowed at school, but must be turned off and stored in the student's locker during school hours. Phone use is permitted before and after school.
The use of non-district supported devices such as activity trackers are permitted, but should be focused on supporting the student’s academic and/or health goals.
- No electronic devices (including iPads and/or headphones) are to be used during passing periods or lunch.
- During school hours non-instructional devices like cell phones that are brought to school must be turned off and stored in lockers (School Board Policy 7:190).
- Parents/Guardians should NOT try to contact students during the school day via their personal devices. If a child needs to be contacted for an emergency, parents/guardians should contact the school’s front office.
- Any picture or video recording of other District 103 students, faculty or staff is strictly prohibited, unless explicit permission is given from a faculty or staff member.
- Before and after school hours, students may use personal devices to communicate with parents/guardians or caregivers.
- Devices may be used on the bus. If usage becomes disruptive, appropriate recourse will be taken.
- Wearable devices such as smart watches, must be silenced and not connected to a network during school hours.
Any student-owned electronic devices brought to school are the sole responsibility of the student. Students are required to surrender any personal devices that faculty or staff believe is being used inappropriately or in violation of the above parameters. Consequences for violation of these guidelines will be handled in accordance with the student discipline section outlined in the D103 Student-Handbook.
During school hours, students are expected to use email for school-related purposes only. Emails should be focused on academic matters such as assignments, class questions, direct communication with staff, or school announcements. Students must use email responsibly and respectfully. Any misuse may result in suspension of email privileges and/or disciplinary action at administrator discretion.
Lunch
Hot lunches are available for purchase from Quest Food Service at DW. Lunch brought from home can be supplemented with food and beverage items sold by Quest. Students will have access to microwaves - including, for students with a gluten allergy, a gluten-free foods only microwave.
Expectations
| Be Respectful Communication and Respect |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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| Be Responsible Productivity and Preparedness |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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| Be Positive Participation and Perseverance |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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Students are expected to follow School Wide Expectations and rules while in the lunchroom. In addition, the following expectations apply:
- Proceed to and be dismissed from the lunchroom in an orderly manner.
- Remain in your seats.
- Student ID cards are required to purchase lunch. Lost or missing cards can be replaced for $5 dollars.
- Students repeatedly without student ID, will be asked to report to the end of line to make their lunch payment..
- Demonstrate socially appropriate behavior toward others.
- Completely clear tables, chairs, and the floor areas by the tables of all food, garbage, and recycling. Wipe tables as instructed by lunchroom supervisors.
- Food or any other objects are not to be thrown at any time.
- Recycle and deposit garbage in the trash containers.
- Only properly sealed items may be taken back to lockers (No food in the hallways).
- Due to allergies and potential lunchroom disruption, it is prohibited to bring treats for birthdays, celebrations, or special occasions.
Lunch or Birthday Treats
Due to allergies and potential lunchroom disruption, it is prohibited to bring in treats or group lunches for birthdays or special occasions. Treats to be shared for birthdays in the classrooms must follow the safe food guidelines. For more information and guidelines, please refer to the Daniel Wright website, click on the “Families” tab, and select “Health & Wellness”.
Student Behavior
Misbehavior by students presents a teaching moment. Consequences are not intended to punish, but to teach responsibility for actions. The staff at Daniel Wright values parents/guardians as partners in this educational process. As such, a parent or guardian will be contacted when a student receives a consequence (e.g., detention, etc.). The District reserves the right to involve law enforcement or juvenile justice authorities whenever the conduct involves or may involve illegal activity.
When and Where Conduct Rules Apply
The grounds for disciplinary action also apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including but not limited to:
• On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours, at any time
• Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
• Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event or anywhere the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or endanger the health, safety, or students, staff, or school property.
Level 1 Behaviors
Minor behavior and academic concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Teasing
- Chewing gum
- Passing notes
- Tardiness
- Inappropriate physical contact: examples include tapping, poking, knocking books out of others hands, nudging, or bumping others
- Chronically arriving unprepared for class (this refers to not having the necessary supplies, not having homework done, etc.)
- Inappropriate behaviors: examples include excessive noise, running, and class disruption
- Failure to comply with teachers’ reasonable verbal requests and/or directives
- Talking back and/or rudeness
- Misbehavior directed at a substitute teacher, bus driver, or other supervising adult
- Being unsupervised in or outside the building before or after school hours
- Displaying any other behavior which is disruptive to the school environment
Level II Behaviors
Major behavior and academic concerns include but are not limited to:
- Excessive tardiness (to class and to school)
- Intentionally skipping class or another assigned activity
- Fighting
- Insubordination to any supervising adult
- Flagrant, obscene or repeated offenses of note writing
- Cheating, plagiarizing, and other acts of academic dishonesty
- Refusal to identify oneself to school authorities
- Bringing to class prohibited items such as Apple watches & cell phones.
- Bringing to school such prohibited items as laser pens, electronics, and any toys that are unsafe for the school environment.
- Expression, written or oral, which is slanderous, libelous, obscene, profane, or which advocates a violation of the law or of school rule
- Gambling
- Interference with or obstruction of the educational process or legitimate purposes of the school by use of violence, force, noise, coercion, intimidation, passive resistance or a similar act
- Inappropriate physical contact: examples include inappropriate touching, displays of affection, and pushing and shoving
- Forgery
- Actions which might lead to injury of self or others
- Vandalism
- Improper dress
- Failure to report to designated area when directed to do so
- Hazing, harassment and bullying
Level III Behaviors
Severe behavior and academic concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Making a bomb threat
- Possession, transfer, sale or use of fireworks and/or explosives or flammable substances not authorized by proper school officials
- Possession or use of matches or cigarette lighters, electronic cigarettes.
- Theft
- Involvement in gangs or gang related activities including the display of gang symbols or paraphernalia
- Major vandalism
- Using, intent to use, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco materials, alcoholic beverages, nicotine, drugs or look alike drugs, and drug paraphernalia
- Using, intent to use, possessing, controlling, or transferring a weapon or any object that could be reasonably considered a weapon including ‘look alikes’
- Pulling a fire alarm when no fire or emergency exists
- Violation at school of any law (municipal, state, or federal)
- Gross disobedience or misconduct
- Sexual Harassment
- Exiting the building without permission
Consequences or Interventions
Consequences/Interventions may include, but are not limited to:
- A student-teacher conference
- Removal from the situation
- Assigned seating in class or on bus
- Notifying parent(s), or guardian(s)
- A minor detention served before, during or after school
- A parent teacher conference
- Confiscation of prohibited devices
- Restitution for damages
- A major multi-day detention
- Disciplinary conference
- Withholding privileges
- An Alternate Day Assignment
- May result in dismissal or probation of academic and/or co-curricular after school programs
- Bus Suspension
- An in-school suspension
- An out-of-school suspension
- Recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion
- Community service work or restitution of defaced material
- Expulsion
- Interventions as defined per the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
Description of Consequences
Restorative Conversations
Students who are not following behavioral expectations will engage in restorative conversations with teachers and/or administrators. Depending on the severity and frequency, teachers or school administration may call the parents/guardians of the student to explain the situation and the procedure that will follow if similar behavior continues. The school administration may offer the opportunity for the student to meet with the school social worker and/or possible in-school learning opportunity. The goal is to help all students understand and demonstrate expected behaviors.
Loss of Privilege
In an effort to encourage positive behavior, students who violate expectations during the year may lose the privilege to participate in certain activities.(Springfield, Outdoor Ed, field trips, End of Year Activities, athletics, clubs etc.).
Detention
Detentions take place during lunch or on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons after school. Students are expected to arrive on time and be prepared with homework to do or a book to read the entire time. Alternative assignments may be given upon arrival to the detention period.
Alternative Day Assignment
During an Alternative Day Assignment, students do not attend their regular schedule of classes, but work independently under the supervision of an administrator or other certified staff member. Students are allowed to complete missed assignments and may seek support when needed. If the student has an IEP, services are delivered.
Suspension
The severity of the consequences for the following will be determined at the discretion of the school administration and may include out of school suspension, expulsion pending Board of Education approval.
- Bus Suspension
- An in-school suspension: Parents/guardians shall be notified in the event of an in-school suspension. Regular assignments will be required. Students must report to the office with all books and supplies necessary to complete all assignments.
- An out-of-school suspension: Parents/guardians shall be notified in the event of an out-of-school suspension. A student who has been issued an O.S.S. may make up classroom assignments and receive full credit.
Due Process for Suspensions
Suspensions shall be reported immediately to the parents/guardians along with a statement of the reasons(s) for the suspension. The building principal will make every effort to contact the parents/guardians by phone prior to the suspension. Each suspension will have a written notice as to the nature of the offense and duration of the suspension. Upon request of the parents/guardians, a review of the incident will be held with the principal. In addition, the superintendent or School Board may review the case and appoint a hearing officer to represent the School Board. After the hearing or upon receipt of the written report from the hearing officer, the Board may take such action as it finds appropriate.
Students will be allowed an opportunity to complete assignments given during a suspension for full credit. The student must take the initiative to obtain these assignments during the suspension period. Assignments are due upon returning to school.
Specific Discipline Policies
The following specific discipline policies apply to all students.
Academic Dishonesty
- Academic Dishonesty is any action intended to obtain or assist in obtaining credit for work that is not one’s own. Such actions may include the following:
- Submitting another student’s work as one’s own.
- Obtaining or accepting a copy of tests or scoring devices
- Giving test questions or answers to a member of a later class, or receiving test questions or answers from a member of an earlier class.
- Copying from another student’s test, or allowing another student to copy during a test.
- Using materials that are not permitted during a test.
- Plagiarizing (presenting as one’s own material copies without adequate documentation from a published source).
- Copying, or having someone other than the student prepare the student’s homework, paper, project laboratory report, or take-home, except in those cases designated as group work by the teacher.
- Permitting another student to copy, or writing another student’s homework, project, report, paper, or take-home test.
- Using social media, technology or other digital platforms to obtain or assist in obtaining work that is not one’s own.
Consequences for Academic Dishonesty:
Cheating is detrimental to the educational progress of all students. Cheating will not be tolerated. Depending upon the seriousness of the offense and the student’s prior history relative to academic dishonesty, the following options may be exercised by the teacher and/or administration: no credit for the assignment, resubmission of the assignment or other consequences listed above.
Bullying
Bullying includes cyberbullying, pervasive physical or verbal acts or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically against another student(s). Bullying is not acceptable in any form and will not be tolerated at school or any school-related activity. The School District will protect students who report incidents of bullying, intimidation, or harassment from retaliation and will carry out a thorough investigation which may lead to taking disciplinary action against any student who participates in bullying.
The District 103 plan is based on a tiered response. The suggested process for intervening with a student involved in bullying requires that school personnel determine the appropriate level of intervention based on the nature, frequency, and duration of the behavior.
The plan provides opportunities for a student to change his/her behavior based on understanding its impact on others. The district’s plan uses specific strategies including reflective activities, social learning activities, and restorative activities to help students who have been involved in bullying incidents. Appropriate consequences are also assigned.
The school district has a statutory requirement to develop a response to bullying behavior, and parental objection or disagreement with an intervention plan, either in whole or in part, does not relieve the school district of its responsibility to respond and intervene or prevent school personnel from exercising their authority.
Description of Interventions & Consequences:
Reflective activities encourage a student to think about what happened and the role he or she played in the incident. Social and emotional learning activities engage a student in positive social interactions with his/her peers and provide opportunities to make a positive contribution to the climate of a school, reconcile with the student who has been mistreated, and learn and practice positive social behaviors. Restorative activities allow the student to make reparation for any harm done to another.
Disciplinary action may result from conduct occurring beyond the school day and/or school grounds causing substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. Illinois schools are required to notify parents and students that schools are now permitted to request or require a student to provide social networking passwords and account information to access the student’s account or profile if the school has reasonable cause to believe that the account contains evidence that the student has violated a school disciplinary rule or policy, such as cyber-bullying.
Possession/Consumption of Alcohol or Drugs
Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling, or offering to sell: tobacco materials, including vaping material/cartridges, alcoholic beverages, drugs or look alike drugs, and drug paraphernalia is not permitted whenever the conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities. This policy extends to all school sponsored and school related activities, whether held before or after school or on weekends. Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had the prohibited substance in their possession. Given reasonable grounds for suspicion, school officials may search for and seize prohibited substances and submit such drugs to the proper authorities for analysis. Using prescription drugs when not prescribed for the student by a physician, or used in a manner inconsistent with the prescriber’s instructions, the use or possession of medical cannabis (even if prescribed), and performance-enhancing substances, unless administered in accordance with a physician’s prescription is also prohibited.
Level III disciplinary consequences apply; which may include suspension, notification of law enforcement or juvenile justice authorities, and/or, depending on the nature of the incident, recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion. Parent cooperation will be sought. Recommendations may also be made for student participation in a counseling or treatment program.
Gang and Gang Activity
“Gang” is defined as any group, club or organization of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. No student on or about school property or at any school activity or whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to a school activity, shall:
- Wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia or other items which reasonably could be regarded as gang symbols; commit any act or omission, or use either verbal or non-verbal gestures, or handshakes showing membership or affiliation in a gang;
- Use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interest of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to, soliciting others for membership in any gangs;
- Request any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidate, harass or threaten any person;
- Commit any other illegal act or other violation of district policies; or incite other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.
Possession of Weapons
A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year but not more than 2 calendar years:
- A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code,or firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961. The expulsion period may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
- A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including “look-alikes” of any firearm as defined above. The expulsion requirement may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by- case basis.
Sexual Harassment Policy - Board Policy 7:20 and 7:185
No student may sexually harass another student by making unwelcome advances, or engaging in verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. This includes conduct at the bus stop, while riding the bus, on school grounds, and at school functions. Failure to comply with this policy will result in administrative actions.
Each school has discipline procedures that are developmentally age appropriate. All procedures for student discipline and bullying are aligned with the District 103 Board Policy including 7:190, 7:20, 7:230. These policies provide detailed information and can be found in their entirety in the District 103 Policy Manual.
Transportation
Walkers, Bikers, Skaters, and Skateboarders
Students should realize the importance of walking or riding on the sidewalk and bike path, staying out of the streets and parking lots, keeping off lawn areas, and crossing streets only at designated crossings. Crossing guards are available during the warmer months. Due to space limitations, skateboards are not allowed on the bus.
Bus Routes
In order to assure the safety of our students they will be required to only ride their assigned bus to and from school. We do not allow daily guest riders. The bus will only stop at addresses listed on the bus route sheet. Buses are authorized only to transport those students whose names appear on the route sheet. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting their children to any other locations. Please refer to the District Transportation procedures for more specific information.
Bus Behavioral Expectations
| Be Respectful Communication and Respect |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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| Be Responsible Productivity and Preparedness |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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| Be Positive Participation and Perseverance |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
|
School District 103 provides its own bus transportation at no additional charge to all students residing in the District. For safety reasons, we urge parents/guardians to have their children ride the buses to and from school.
While students are on the bus, they are under the supervision of the bus driver. In most cases, bus discipline problems can be handled by the bus driver. In the case of a written disciplinary referral, student bus problems will be investigated and handled by the school principal. We encourage you to review bus safety with your child. A tip sheet is available on the Transportation website.
Video and audio cameras may be active on buses, in order to monitor student conduct and maintain a safe environment; and they may be used for the purposes of investigation into misconduct or accidents on the bus.
Cell phone and tablet devices may be used on the bus. If usage becomes disruptive, the student will be expected to follow driver directions in putting the device away. Taking photos and videos of peers or staff and/or posting them on social media during school hours or on the bus is prohibited.
Students may be suspended from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct. Examples of gross disobedience and/or misconduct include but are not limited to:
- Physical/verbal altercations,
- Engaging in conduct that puts the student and/or others in potential physical danger
- Possession of illegal and/or potentially dangerous weapons (including “look-alike” items),
- Possession and/or consumption of illegal drugs (including cannabis, alcoholic beverages, non-prescribed pharmaceutical
- Medication, “look-alike” drugs, etc).
In the event a student’s gross disobedience and/or misconduct endangers the safety of themselves or other student riders, the Board may suspend said student from riding the school bus for a period exceeding 10 days. The district’s regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student’s privilege to ride a school bus.
You can find additional information about transportation on the transportation website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Transportation Director, Anthony Mendoza, at (847) 295-8258 or amendoza@ d103.org.
Sports and Activities
P.A.S.S. Program
Daniel Wright students may participate in the P.A.S.S. program, “Providing Academic Success for Students.” P.A.S.S. is offered after school from 3:40-4:55 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Students are expected to remain in P.A.S.S. until 4:55 p.m., unless a parent/guardian comes in to sign him/her out. This is a great time to complete work and receive help with classroom assignments. However, in order to maintain a good teacher-student ratio, students should not attend P.A.S.S. every day; it is not to be used as after school care. Students should only stay for P.A.S.S. when they have work to do the whole session. Bus transportation is available to those students who sign up at the beginning of class.
Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities are an integral part of the ongoing educational process at Daniel Wright Junior High School. Co-curriculars include any organized activity for students that occurs outside of the regular school day, such as clubs, athletic teams, and academic teams. Through participation in these various activities, students gain a sense of responsibility, sportsmanship, and team play. It is our goal to encourage all students to participate in co-curricular activities.
Athletics
Cross-Country (Co-Ed), Boys Basketball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Soccer (Co-Ed), Cheerleading, Pom Pons, Track and Field and Wrestling.
The Patriot Middle School Conference format for team sports follows a competitive structure of "A" and "B" team as opposed to two teams of equal ability. This will affect basketball and volleyball. Teams will travel by grade instead of "Green" and "White." The “A” team is built as a competitive “varsity” team whereas the “B” team structure follows more of a “junior varsity” developmental oriented focus. This format will be the same in all PMSC affiliated schools.
Extracurricular Activities
Daniel Wright offers a variety of clubs and activities. The following activities may be seasonal or year long commitments. Battle of the Books, Chess Club, Debate Club, eSports, Free to Be (GSA), Geography Bee, History Bee/Bowl, Jazz Band,Math Team, Musical, Newspaper (The Voice), Robotics (Grade 6), Scholastic Bowl, Science Bowl, Science Fair, Science Olympiad, Show Choir, Spelling Bee, Wright Way Club and Yearbook. Additional information is available on the Daniel Wright Extracurricular web page.
Leaders in Learning
Leaders in Learning is an organization for sixth- eighth-grade students to develop leaders who have a desire to serve and improve their community. Two students from each advisory will be elected. A third student will act as an alternate. Students will be Leaders for one school year. At the beginning of the next school year, they may apply to again be their advisory’s Leaders in Learning representative. Leaders must remain in good standing with their Wright Way skills.
After School Activities
In addition, Daniel Wright offers After School Activities, which provides a variety of programs (Sewing, Cooking, Fiber Arts, Art Club, History Club, Computer Science, STEM, Digital Audio Production, and Special Olympics).
These clubs run in three 6-week seasonal classes (FALL, Winter, Spring) and these classes may not be available each season.
Expectations
| Be Respectful Communication and Respect |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
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| Be Responsible Productivity and Preparedness |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
|
| Be Positive Participation and Perseverance |
Success Criteria - What does it look like?
|
Eligibility for Sports and Activities
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to participate in any athletic, interscholastic, or co-curricular activity. If students fail to meet these requirements, they will be deemed ineligible.
A STUDENT IS INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IF THEY VIOLATE ANY OF THE ACADEMIC, PARTICIPATION or BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS.
Academic Requirements
Students must be in good academic and behavioral (Wright Way Skills) standing in all academic, Creative Arts, PE, Band, Chorus, and Orchestra classes to be considered academically eligible in order to participate in any level of competition.
Students would be considered ineligible if:
1. They are not meeting expected educational progress.
AND/OR
2. They are not meeting Wright Way Skills of communication and respect, productivity and preparedness (including assignment completion), and participation and perseverance.
Weekly eligibility checks are made during the athletic or activity season. Coaches will be provided with academic and Wright Way Skills performance reports. Teachers, administrators and coaches will ultimately determine players eligibility based on current classroom performance. After the period of ineligibility, a student retains his/her privilege of participation.
Behavioral Requirements
A student may be ineligible if:
1. A student has received 1 or more office referrals in a week.
2. A student has an in-school or out-of-school suspension.
3. A student maintains, contributes, or is identified on social media depicting illegal or inappropriate behavior.
After the period of ineligibility, a student retains his/her privilege of participation. Participation is also a reflection of the students’ demonstration of sportsmanship, attitude and behavior in practices and game settings.
Consequences
Academic and behavioral consequences are cumulative in nature and are assigned in collaboration with the teacher, coach, and/or administrator.
Warning / Restorative conversation: Parent / guardian contact - meeting with an Administrator / Athletic director / Daniel Wright Administration.
2nd violation: 1 game suspension
3rd violation: 2 game suspension
4th violation: Dismissal from the team
Participation at practices, until game suspension is served, is at the coach’s / administrator’s discretion.
Athletic Participation
1. Each team member will need to maintain the eligibility standards.
2. Students in the sixth grade shall participate only in sixth grade activities, seventh grade only in seventh grade activities, and eighth grade only in eighth grade activities. Participation is limited to Daniel Wright students for all interscholastic activities. The only exception would involve the inability for a specific sport to fill a roster based on low participation. Participants can only play up a grade in these specific situations.
3. Students excused from their physical education class by a doctor note may not participate in their co-curricular sport for that day.
4. A student who is absent from school for 50% of the day or more is ineligible for any sport or activity on that day. Exceptions may be made by the designated teacher, sponsor or coach: 1) for a pre-arranged medical absence; or 2) for a death in the student's family. A student who has one or more truancies or who has been suspended from school may be suspended from participating in athletic activities by school officials. A student who is absent from school on Friday before a Saturday event may be withheld from Saturday sports and activities at the sole discretion of the designated teacher, sponsor or coach.
Exceptions
In an extraordinary case, a student below the designated grade level who has demonstrated outstanding talents in a sports activity and has the physical and social development compatible with the students at the designated grade level may request, by a petition from the parent or guardian, the opportunity to try out for an interscholastic sports team. However, no students below the designated grade level shall be allowed participation in a sports activity if the roster for such activity is or could be filled by grade level students who have tried out and have met all standards prescribed for that activity. This exception is intended for use in situations where the number or participants is insufficient to roster a team with students at the designated grade level.
Team Selection
Selection will be determined by evaluating two categories: ability and attitude.
Ability (80% of selection criteria)
1. Each coach will develop assessment procedures for measuring skills involved in each activity.
2. Skills measured will be defined to students at the beginning of the first tryout.
3. The percentage/weighting of each skill will also be defined and given to students at the first tryout.
Attitude (20% of selection criteria)
1. Attitude and sportsmanship displayed during tryouts will be evaluated by the coach.
2. The administration will have input into this category if a student has displayed behavioral problems during the year.
The selection for participation in the interscholastic sports programs is at the discretion of the coaches and the administrative staff.
Administration of Program
The administration and coaches shall have the responsibility for implementing these procedures within the rules and regulations of Policy 800 of the Behavioral Guidelines.
Truancy/Absenteeism Policy
Illinois law requires that whoever has custody or control of any child between six (by September 1st) and seventeen years of age shall assure that the child attends school in the district in which he or she resides, during the entire time school is in session (unless the child has already graduated from high school). Illinois law also requires that whoever has custody or control of a child who is enrolled in the school, regardless of the child’s age, shall assure that the child attends school during the entire time school is in session.
Leaving (eloping) school without permission is a violation of school policy as it can create safety concerns and disrupt the learning environment. Students are expected to remain on school grounds during school hours unless they have been given prior approval from a teacher or administrator. Unauthorized departures can also interfere with attendance records and hinder the ability to provide proper support for students' well-being.
“All students in Lake County Area Schools are expected to attend school every day. The Compulsory School Attendance Law states that whoever has custody or control of any child between the ages of 7 and 17 years must send the child to a public or private day school on a regular basis.” [Lake County Regional Office of Education]
Valid causes for absence are illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, attending a military honors funeral to sound TAPS, and other situations which are beyond the control of the student as determined by the district board of education, or other circumstances which give reasonable concern to the parent for the safety or the health of the student. [Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 122, 26-2a 1989)]
There are certain exceptions to the attendance requirement for children who: attend private school, are physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), are lawfully and necessarily employed, are between the ages of 12 and 14 while in conformation classes, have a religious reason requiring absence, or are 16 or older and employed and enrolled in a graduation incentive program.
A student will be released from school, as an excused absence, to observe a religious holiday or for religious instruction. The student’s parent/guardian must give written notice to the school principal at least 5 calendar days before the student’s anticipated absence(s). Additionally, a student's parent/guardian must call the attendance line to report absences.
Students excused for religious reasons will be given an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement.
Students may also be excused from physical education courses based on medical or religious prohibitions. Excusal requests based on medical prohibitions must be in writing and must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practices Act corroborating the medical basis for the request. Excusal requests based on religious prohibitions must be in writing and must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy corroborating the religious basis for the request.
Excusal requests based on medical or religious prohibitions will be reviewed on an individual basis in accordance with State and Federal law.
Student attendance is critical to the learning process. Truancy is therefore a serious issue and will be dealt with in a serious manner by the school and district. Students who miss 5% or more of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause (a recognized excuse) are considered chronic truants. Students who are chronic truants will be offered support services and resources aimed at correcting the truancy issue.
If chronic truancy persists after support services and other resources are made available, the school and district will take further action, including:
- Referral to the truancy officer
- Appropriate school discipline
A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law.
The principal is to report chronic truants to the superintendent. The principal shall meet with the parents/guardians, teacher, and the school social worker to determine the most effective course of action. At this meeting the group should address the potential effect of the resources which are available to the child:
- In-house behavior modification program
- Social work services
- Behavior management system
- Special education placement
- Alternative education placement
- Community services
At this meeting, the most appropriate resource should be chosen by the group. The principal and social worker will then work together to monitor the student’s absence. A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant may be convicted of a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of thirty days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1500.00.
Title IX Anti-Discriminatory Policy
In accordance with federal regulations set forth in Title IX Education Act of 1972, Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District will not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, or religion in the educational programs and activities which it operates, with respect to students or employees, nor to any person seeking admission or employment. Protection against discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment, is ensured by this policy. Grievances concerning discrimination involving either pupils or employees, as treated by law in Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, shall be taken up first with the Building Principal and the Superintendent, who shall assist the complainant in clarifying the scope of the alleged discriminatory act. If such an act is deemed discriminatory, the grievance shall be referred to an appointed District Hearing Officer, and after that the Board of Education. Complainants have the right to further appeal local grievance decisions to the Educational Services Region Superintendent and to the State Superintendent of Education.
Changes or Discrepancies
Policies and procedures are subject to change throughout the year due to updates or additions in state law and school board policy. Policies and procedures in the District 103 Student Handbook, school board policy, and updates or changes in state law supersede this student assignment notebook.
Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all school-sponsored activities that are neither part of an academic class nor otherwise carry credit or a grade.
This Code does not contain a complete list of inappropriate behaviors for students in extracurricular athletic activities. Violations will be treated cumulatively, with disciplinary penalties increasing with subsequent violations and a student may be excluded from sports or activities while the school is conducting an investigation regarding that student's conduct.
Students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to seek assistance from the student assistance program regarding alcohol or other drug problems. Family-referrals or self-referrals will be taken into consideration in determining consequences for Code of Conduct violations.
The student shall not:
- Violate the school rules and district policies on student discipline;
- Use a beverage containing alcohol (except for religious purposes);
- Use tobacco in any form;
- Use, possess, buy, sell, barter, or distribute any illegal substance (including mood-altering and
- performance enhancing drugs or chemicals) or paraphernalia;
- Use, possess, buy, sell, barter, or distribute any object that is or could be considered a weapon or any item that is a look-alike weapon.
- Attend a party or other gathering and/or ride in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors;
- Act in an unsportsmanlike manner;
- Vandalize or steal;
- Haze or bully other students;
- Violate the written rules for the activity or sport;
- Behave in a manner that is detrimental to the good of the group or school;
- Be insubordinate or disrespectful toward the activity's sponsors or team's coaching staff;
- Falsify any information contained on any permit or permission form required by the activity or sport.
Hazing is any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a team or group, regardless of his or her willingness to participate. Bullying is any physical or verbal act or conduct that has or can be reasonably predicted to place a student in reasonable fear of harm; cause a detrimental effect on a student's physical or mental health; interfere with a student's academic performance; or interfere with a student's ability to participate in or benefit from school activities.
Due Process Procedures
Students who are accused of violating the Code of Conduct are entitled to the following due process:
The student should be advised of the disciplinary infraction with which he or she is being charged. The student shall be entitled to a hearing before an appropriate administrator. The student will be able to respond to any charges leveled against him or her. The student may provide any additional information he or she wishes for the administrator to consider. The administrator, with the help of other staff members if needed, may interview material witnesses or others with evidence concerning the case.
If the administrator finds, after reviewing the evidence, that the violation occurred, he or she will impose sanctions on the student, as follows:
- Sanctions for violations will be based on the nature of the offense and the number of offenses, and may include suspension from all sports or activities for one of the time periods described below:
- A specified period of time or percentage of events, competitions, or practices; The remainder of the season or for the next season; or The remainder of the year.
All students remain subject to the district’s student discipline policy and/or the school’s student handbook and the disciplinary measures listed in them.