Administration

Kevin Meyer......SUPERINTENDENT

B. Kent Jones............PRINCIPAL

Board of Education

Mary Lou Voss, PRESIDENT

Mike Netemeier, VICE PRESIDENT

Mike Strieker, SECRETARY

David Wellen

Rick Taphorn

Tina Winkeler

Tim Richter

REVISED: June - 2009

This agenda book belongs to:

Name __________________________________________

Address ________________________________________

City/Town _____________________ Zip Code _________

Phone __________________________________________

Student No. _____________________________________

Table of Contents

Section 1: General Statements Page

Preface

Welcome............................................................................................ 1

CCHS Code of Ethics..................................................................... 2

Mission Statement/Educational Philosophy............................... 3

Section 2: Extracurricular Activity Guidelines

School Spirit...................................................................................... 6

Extracurricular Participation.......................................................... 6

Sportsmanship.................................................................................. 6

School Song / School Colors.......................................................... 7

Section 3: College

College Requirements..................................................................... 7

College Preparation......................................................................... 8

"Why Go To College?".................................................................... 8

College Visitation Days................................................................... 9

Section 4: Entering / Leaving CCHS

Admission to CCHS........................................................................ 9

Proficiency Testing.......................................................................... 9

Withdrawal from High School....................................................... 9

Withdrawal from Courses............................................................ 10

Requirements for Graduation..................................................... 10

Early Graduation Program........................................................... 11

Graduation Ceremony Participation.......................................... 12

Section 5: Guidance

Guidance and Counseling............................................................ 12

Student Responsibility in Guidance Program........................... 13

Daily Announcements.................................................................. 13

Section 6: Classes and Grades

Class Standing / Classification.................................................... 13

Home School Policy...................................................................... 14

Homebound Instruction Policy................................................... 14

Time Release Guidelines.............................................................. 14

Graduation Credit Limitations.................................................... 15

Report Cards.................................................................................. 15

Failure / Deficiency Notices......................................................... 16

Semester Exam Policy.................................................................. 16

Grade Scale..................................................................................... 17

How Weighted GPA’s are Calculated........................................ 18

Student (Academic) Load............................................................ 18

Dual Credit...................................................................................... 19

Honor Roll / Class Rank.............................................................. 19

Graduation Honors....................................................................... 20

P.S.A.E. Incentives........................................................................ 20

Make-Up Work.............................................................................. 20

Field Trips........................................................................................ 21

Student Records............................................................................. 21

Section 7: General Rules and Regulations

Suspension / Expulsion Rules...................................................... 22

In-School Suspension Guidelines................................................ 23

Detentions....................................................................................... 23

Smoking /Possession/Use of Tobacco....................................... 24

Fighting............................................................................................ 24

Weapons......................................................................................... 24

Vandalism....................................................................................... 25

Surveillance.................................................................................... 25

Bus Transportation Behavior...................................................... 25

Study Hall Policy & Procedures.................................................. 26

Media Center Privileges................................................................ 27

Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities.......................... 27

Contact Between Students.......................................................... 28

Sexual Harassment....................................................................... 28

Mental/Physical Harassment...................................................... 28

Vending Machines......................................................................... 28

School Lockers & Locker Area................................................... 29

Motor Vehicle Regulations.......................................................... 29

Cordless Communication Policy................................................ 30

Advertising in the School.............................................................. 30

Hazardous Materials / Pesticide Notification........................... 30

Section 8: Attendance Regulations

Attendance..................................................................................... 31

Absences......................................................................................... 31

Absence Reporting........................................................................ 31

Excused Absences......................................................................... 32

Unexcused Absences.................................................................... 32

Tardy Policy................................................................................... 33

Early Dismissal Policy................................................................... 33

Truancy........................................................................................... 34

Student Dress.................................................................................. 34

Visitors............................................................................................. 36

Physical Examinations................................................................. 36

Student Fees................................................................................... 36

Student Financial Obligations..................................................... 37

Student Insurance......................................................................... 37

Inclement Weather Information................................................ 37

Section 9: Due Process

Grievance Guidelines.................................................................... 38

Section 504 policy......................................................................... 38

Title IX............................................................................................. 39

Sex Discrimination........................................................................ 39

Title IX, Section 86.8 / Grievance Procedures.......................... 40

Suspension...................................................................................... 40

Expulsion........................................................................................ 42

Section 10: Special Programs

Vocational Education................................................................... 43

Driver Education............................................................................ 43

Physical Education........................................................................ 43

Tech Prep........................................................................................ 44

Section 11: Student Substance Abuse

Statement of Administrative

Policies/Procedures........................................................................ 44

Definition of Terms....................................................................... 45

School Disciplinary Action for

Alcohol/Drug Offenses................................................................. 48

Athletic Policy Regarding

Alcohol/Drug Offenses................................................................. 48

Athletic Training Rules & Procedures........................................ 49

On-Site Searches............................................................................ 51

Custody of Evidence.................................................................... 52

Make-Up Work.............................................................................. 52

Distribution of Policy Statement................................................. 52

Section 12: Personnel and Classroom Information

List of Faculty and Staff.............................................................. 56

Locker # _____________ Book # _____________

Student’s Name (Print)___________________________________________

Class (circle one) 9 10 11 12

Student’s Signature______________________________________

Classroom / Discipline Location................................................. 55

Map of Classrooms / Student Parking....................................... 57

Preface

The information contained within this handbook should be useful to you as a student attending Central Community High School. Misunderstandings related to school regulations can be avoided if you will take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with this handbook.

The staff at Central High School, is eager to help you achieve your educational and personal goals. The faculty will assist you in any manner possible to insure that your high school years are enjoyable and productive. Your high school days should be memorable to you.

We encourage you to take full advantage of the educational programs being offered. Contrary to the logic you may attempt to employ, it is later than you think. Don't wait until tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year to begin to apply yourself. Give yourself a break: Do it now!

We look forward to helping you along your "educational journey." You must be HONEST with YOURSELF in order to be successful. Let us assist you, but please remember: It is up to you to want to learn.

Parents can access their child’s teacher through e-mail. E-mail addresses can be found on Central’s webpage (school profile link):

www.centralcougars.org

Kevin Meyer, SUPERINTENDENT

B. Kent Jones, PRINCIPAL

Welcome

The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are the results of a concentrated effort on the part of the faculty and administration. This information has been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value in helping you adjust to our school and to become an integral part of it.

The ultimate purpose of education is to help each student to become an effective citizen in a democracy. To develop and accept the responsibilities and obligations of good citizenship will help you participate in our varied activities and thus find those things within our school which will prepare you to live a better life and finally take your place in this complex society. Remember that your success will be directly proportional to your efforts. Our main purpose of education is to turn out intellectual, healthy, responsible, law-abiding citizens.

Our school welcomes you to its rank, and we hope that you will always be conscious of your new traditions and requirements. This school will be whatever you make it! Your record, good or bad, will be here your entire lifetime and you will have many occasions to call for it. Your record will help or hinder you for the rest of your life.

One of the primary purposes of any public school is for the growth and development of each student while he is gaining knowledge. The school hopes to maintain high standards of instruction from the teachers and a high quality of workmanship from its students, who are limited only by their individual abilities.

Central Community High School Code of Ethics

I. Good Character

CCHS Students....

A. Do what is right at all times.

B. Complete assumed responsibilities.

C. Are punctual and meet obligations on time.

D. Show respect for their parents, teachers, and others who guide them.

E. Are honest and trustworthy

II. Self-Discipline

CCHS Students....

A. Do not smoke in school buildings and on grounds.

B. Respect school property (school facilities, buildings, and grounds) as well as all public property.

C. Obey the rules of driving

D. Know that any display of affection in public is in poor taste.

III. Appearance

CCHS Students....

A. Are clean, neat, and dress appropriately.

B. Keep lockers in order and doors closed.

C. Put all trash in waste containers.

IV. Courtesy

CCHS Students…

A. Wait to be recognized before speaking.

B. Respect classroom rules of each individual teacher.

V. Assemblies and other CHS events

CCHS Students....

A. Pay attention to performers or speakers.

B. Express appreciation for program with appropriate applause.

C. Practice good sportsmanship when representing Central.

VI. Media Center

CCHS Students....

A. Help create a quiet atmosphere.

B. Return books on time.

C. Do not damage library property.

D. Leave the library in neat condition.

E. Know the library is their treasure chest of knowledge.

VII. Cafeteria

CCHS Students …

A. Do not cut in the cafeteria line

B. Observe good table manners.

C. Are courteous to cafeteria staff.

VIII. Sportsmanship

CCHS Students....

A. Always support their team with true SCHOOL SPIRIT and show respect for their school's reputation.

B. Maintain favorable relationship with opposing teams and schools.

C. Cooperate with cheerleaders in pep sessions and games.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Central Community High School to challenge all students academically and vocationally. Our objective is to instill a positive work ethic in a safe atmosphere of mutual respect with the intent to reach and enhance individual talents. Our further purpose is to encourage a willingness among the entire Central family to adapt to an ever-changing technological society.

Statement of Philosophy and Objectives

Educational Philosophy

Any philosophy should be based on a clear understanding of the interests, characteristics, abilities, and needs of the individual and of the society in which he lives. It is the shared responsibility of the home, school, church, and youth organizations to provide educational experiences and opportunities for the student to develop into a responsible and contributing member of society.

The teacher, the administrator, and the Board of Education should strive continuously to maintain a harmonious working relationship among themselves and to establish confidence in, and respect for, the viewpoints of others. Together, they should provide a sequence of experiences which will assist the student in discovering his/her interests and abilities and thereby furnish him/her with a firm basis for making wise professional and/or vocational choices.

The teacher should assist the student in acquiring good work habits and in learning to appreciate and take pride in good

workmanship. The teacher should make the student feel accepted for his/her personal worth and expect the student to make individual contributions to the class. This will give the student a feeling of adequacy and security while at the same time help the student develop his/her skills.

The administrators and the Board of Education should serve as liaison personnel to keep parents and taxpayers informed as to the progress, needs, and effectiveness of the school system.

The home and school have a special obligation to help the student develop a feeling of responsibility as a member of our democratic society as well as to cultivate attitudes which will serve as a basis for loyal, good citizenship and worthy home membership. He must learn to make himself a part of the group while developing initiative, sharing responsibility, learning to respect the rights and privileges of others, and recognizing the importance of obeying the laws of the land.

Education is both a right and a privilege. Any student who avails himself/herself of these should receive maximum assistance from all concerned. Courses cannot be taught in isolation--each course contributes to learning in all other areas. Thus concepts learned in history classes should help the student of economics understand how democracy fosters the free enterprise system. Insistence upon correct usage of our native tongue should be a goal of all concerned. Standards of quality should be maintained and high school diplomas should indicate a degree of competency.

No objective is more important than personal development. We seek to discover and develop human resources--whether of the gifted, the average, or the handicapped individual. We realize that the extracurricular activities as well as outside interests and hobbies enrich lives.

Finally, we should help the student to grow to his willingness to accept the responsibility of making his rightful contribution to such groups as the family, the community, and the world. The school must teach world brotherhood and the urgency of creating and maintaining a lasting peace.

Educational Objective

We feel that the students are the most important people to enter our school. The students are not outsiders to our organization; they are a vital part of it.

Each student brings us his/her wants and needs. It is our job to satisfy those wants and needs in a way that is most beneficial to the student. In addition, we believe that we can achieve our educational objectives using the following criterion:

Recognizing and respecting individual differences.

Emphasizing the importance of Respect, Responsibility, Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic.

· Challenge the student to achieve to the best of his or her ability.

· Encouraging respect for authority, fellow students, and the physical facilities.

· Instilling knowledge of and pride in our country on all governmental levels--local, state, and federal.

· Stressing the importance of learning basic skills.

· Developing the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, accurately, and articulately.

· Encouraging cooperation by working together in curricular and extracurricular activities.

· Participating, with the students, in wholesome extracurricular activities and community projects.

· Setting realistic goals for our students.

· Explaining and discussing school rules and regulations so students will understand the reason for these requirements.

· Eliminating the credibility gap which frequently arises between young people and adults.

· Striving to establish rapport between school and community.

· Stressing values important to the individual and to our American society.

· Encouraging freedom of expression, open exchange of opinions and ideas, tolerance, and independent critical thinking.

· Adapting the curriculum to the changes in our society in order to better meet the needs of individual students.

Supporting the premise that education is not only an inherent right, but also a privilege and responsibility in a democracy.

We realize that some of these aims and objectives are more easily attained than others. However, we believe that we must try to accomplish as many of these goals as possible within the limitations imposed by our own capabilities and current budgetary allowances.

School Spirit

School spirit is the animating principle, the soul exhibited by all members of Central’s community. In its totality, it is how we feel about our school.

School spirit is your love for your school and your support of it. It is your interest in everything about your school: activities, sports, the yearbook, Honor rolls, trips, classes, etc.

School spirit is courage--courage to uphold your idea of excellence in your school. School spirit is energy--healthy, at times noisy--but controlled and directed for your own good and the progress of the school.

School spirit is critical--we want the best for our school, and anything less than the best is not good enough.

School spirit is smiles, laughter, shouts, cheers, and sometimes, even tears. It is a glow of pride and warmth inside of us; one of our best wishes for CCHS is that each may have this fine thing--SCHOOL SPIRIT! Sign up for Pep Club membership and support your participating classmates.

Extracurricular Participation

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities at CCHS. They provide avenues for growth and maturity while at the same time, having fun and working with other students.

Each of these activities listed below are under the direction of a coach or sponsor hired by CCHS. The rules and regulations for these activities are in separate handbooks and are to be explained by the coach or sponsor to those participating students.

FFA, FBLA, HOSA, NEWS HOUNDS, STUDENT COUNCIL, YEARBOOK STAFF, BAND, CHORUS, FLAG CORPS, SCHOLAR BOWL, CHEERLEADING, POM PONS, SPRING MUSICAL, FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, CROSS COUNTRY, GOLF, (B) SOCCER (FALL), BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL, TRACK, (G) SOCCER (SPRING)

Sportsmanship

All students should set an example of good sportsmanship at all times. For example, the highest respect must be extended to game officials, visiting players, and fans. Remember that our visiting teams and spectators have been invited as our guests. When visiting other schools, students should act as they would expect guests to act in their own homes. Student's actions reflect credit or disrespect on the student and his/her school.

SCHOOL SONG

HAIL TO THE COUGARS VALIANT

HAIL TO THE CONQUERING HEROES

HAIL, HAIL TO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

CHAMPIONS AND BEST!

HAIL TO THE COUGARS VALIANT

HAIL TO THE CONQUERING HEROES

HAIL, HAIL TO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

LEADERS OF THE REST!

School colors:

Purple and White (Black trim may be used to highlight dominant colors)

Section 3: College

College Requirements

The Board of Higher Education hereby announces that it has established statewide minimum recommendations for public colleges

and universities in Illinois. The following high school subjects will be required of freshmen entering community college transfer programs and public universities.

Minimum recommendations

Units Subjects

4 ENGLISH (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature)

3 SOCIAL STUDIES (emphasizing history and government)

3 MATHEMATICS (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or calculus)

3 SCIENCE (laboratory sciences)

2 FOREIGN LANGUAGE, MUSIC, or ART

Individual public universities and community colleges may have other subject requirements involving test scores and grade point averages. Applicants must contact each college or university individually for details about all of its requirements. Admission requirements for private colleges and universities vary. Each must be contacted separately for information about its requirements.

College Preparation

Students who plan to attend college should meet the minimum recommendations listed above. See your counselor to find out what high school courses will better prepare you for your career.

Why go to college?

Although many students show that a college education is a sound investment in terms of financial return, this is only a partial reason for desiring a college education. Your thoughts should go deeper than the dollar value of a diploma.

There are many reasons why young people want to go to college. The following is a list of some of the RIGHT reasons for going to college:

Go to college because it is appropriate for you.

Go to college to develop your mind, to think about some of the deeper values in life.
Go to college to experience the joy of learning that will be with you for the rest of your life.
Go to college to become an interesting person: develop the skills of reading, discussing, and thinking.
Go to college to complete your education. A complete person is usually one who is successful in a career, who leads a happy, satisfying private life, and who is an active, responsible American citizen
Go to college to prepare yourself for a successful future. While preparing for a career is a good reason, you will be short-changed if this is all you get from college life. You may be trained, but you won't really be educated.

College is a place for young adults to learn to make wise decisions about such things as money, study schedules, social life involvement, athletics, dating and human values.

College will teach you to understand and to live with all kinds of people, and to develop a feeling for all mankind as well as for all human relationships.

College is an "eye-opener" as well as a head and door opener. The books you read, the new ideas and people you meet will lead you to a fuller understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Go to college to complete your education. A complete person is usually one who is successful in a career, who leads a happy, satisfying private life, and who is an active, responsible American Citizen.

Go to college to prepare yourself for a successful future. While preparing for a career is a good reason, you will be short changed if this is all you get from college life. You may be trained, but you won’t really be educated.

College Visitation Days

Seniors can elect to use 2 college visitation days throughout the year. Each day must be prearranged through the counselor, Mrs. Greenberg. Students must receive a form from the counselor prior to visiting any college. The form must be signed by a representative of the college and returned to Mrs. Greenberg the day following the visit. Additional criterion may be required with a college visitation day request. Failure to provide the requested information will result in counting a day of absence. The student is still considered excused if the parent contacted the school prior to the college visit.

Section 4: Entering and Leaving CCHS

Admission to Central Community High School

Students 21 years of age or under, who reside in the high school district, and have graduated from grade school may be admitted.

Students who have attended another high school can be admitted upon receipt of a transcript of credits, provided they live in the CCHS school district. Students who have been expelled or suspended from another high school and reside in the CCHS district, will not be permitted to enroll until the length of their expulsion or suspension has expired.

Proficiency Testing

Other than the determination of credits for home-schooled students, proficiency examinations are only utilized for advanced placement in courses and not for the determination of grades or credits. Students are permitted to take examinations (prepared and graded by the respective instructors of courses at Central Community High School) for a course to determine whether they can be placed into a higher sequence level course of that subject area. Successfully passing a proficiency examination (70%) will not earn a grade or a credit.

Withdrawal from High School

Students who withdraw from CCHS for any reason, other than graduation, must report to the principal's office for necessary forms to insure that there are no school obligations, and to give addresses where records and grades may be forwarded.

Students under 18 years of age must have parent's signature on these forms. For students withdrawing from school, counselors will give alternate programs for completing high school upon request. A student cannot drop out of school legally until the age of 17. Students and their parents must have a conference with the principal or counselor in order to do so.

Withdrawal from Courses

We strongly urge students and their parents to participate in the decision, which leads to selection of classes. Once these decisions are made and the class begins, class changes will be few and the penalties great.

The specific items below relate to class changes

1. A grace period of not less than one week at the beginning of the school year will allow students to change classes with no penalty.

2. Classes that begin the first day of the second semester will have the same grace period as explained above.

3. Class changes made after the grace period will result in an F for the duration of that semester, regardless of the date of the drop.

4. Freshman in core classes will have 9 weeks to change classes.

5. Exceptions to this drop penalty will be considered only for extraordinary reasons by the school administration.

6. Parents will be notified of the class drop procedure and the grade penalty when a student is considering a change in his/her class schedule.

This policy regarding withdrawals is being put into effect not to punish those who withdraw from a course but to reward those who stay with a

course until it is finished. If we do not use such a policy, the student who drops a course whenever he begins to have difficulty will have a higher grade point average than a student who "sticks it out" and makes a C or D. This would not be fair to the latter students.

Requirements for Graduation

Each student must, in addition to other course requirements, successfully complete the following courses in order to graduate from high school.

The total number of credits required to graduate and receive a diploma from C.C.H.S. is twenty (20) credits plus one (1) physical education credit. Included in the twenty credits are the following units:

English (3 credits) Mathematics (2 credits)

Management of Res. (½ credit) Social Sciences (1 credit)

Economics (1/2 credit) Health (½ credit)

Science (1 credit)* Keyboarding 1 (½ credit)

American History (1 credit) Fine Arts (1 credit)

American Government (½ credit)

®Two (2) Science credits

®Three (3) Mathematics credits

®Four (4) English credits

All students must pass a test on the Illinois and US (federal) Constitutions.

·The Illinois Office of Education mandates that every student must have instruction in Management of Resources and Health. All students must pass both of these courses.

·The State of Illinois has mandated that all students participate in physical education on a daily basis. [Section 10, page 42-43]

·Students must successfully pass a one year Fine Arts course including the following:

A. Art Appreciation (9 weeks)

B. Introduction to Literature (9 weeks)

C. Music Appreciation (9 weeks)

D. Principals of Movement (9 weeks)

·Students must earn a one year credit in ONE of the following areas:

A. Music

B. Art

C. Foreign Language

D. Vocational Education

·Students are reminded that the requirements to enter College are greater than the requirements to graduate from CCHS.

Early Graduation Program

Early graduation is not usually suggested for students at CCHS. It is our feeling that students can benefit socially, vocationally, and educationally by spending a full four years at CENTRAL.

For those desiring to graduate in the middle of the senior year, a letter requesting such should be submitted to the principal no later than December 1 of the fall semester. Students must show successful completion of meeting all requirements for graduation which will be reviewed by the counselor.

Only full time job opportunities, college plans, or strong personal reasons will be accepted as reason for early graduation. Students must

show proof of employment or college acceptance.

Letters from students requesting early graduation will be submitted to the Board of Education at their December meeting. Decisions on these requests will be handled on an individual basis.

Graduation Ceremony Participation

Seniors who have earned the sufficient number of credits and who have successfully completed all required courses as stipulated by the State of Illinois or the Central High School Board of Education may participate in the graduation ceremony. Seniors who have not met the requirements stated above may not participate in the graduation ceremony. Central’s Board of Education and administration has the empowerment to deny graduation ceremony participation for disciplinary reasons or failing to have a zero balance on their textbook & activity fees.

Section 5: Guidance

Freshmen –Trisha Lohman

Sophomores – Vickie Voytas

Juniors & Seniors – Chris Greenberg

Guidance and Counseling

The counselors will try to see each student at least once during the year, if for no other reason than to get acquainted. Do not wait until you are called; if you have a problem, see the counselor IMMEDIATELY.

The counselor is the first line of defense when a student has a problem. In the counseling process, the counselor works with the student on a "one-to-one" basis. Work is done in such areas as helping

the student adjust to school or to the adult world. The counselor talks with students who are having problems in the classroom as well as with teachers, parents, family, and/or friends. The counselor will work with

the student in helping him/her choose a vocation or college. Guidance is the information-giving phase, and may be done individually or in groups. Central’s counselors include Mrs. Greenberg, Ms. Voytas, & Ms. Lohman. Please check the bulletin board outside each counselor’s office for a list of services provided.

The Student's Responsibility

Although the counselor is available to assist the student, the student has certain responsibilities. He/she must bring his/her problems and concerns to the counselor; it is impossible for the counselor to anticipate and be aware of every situation involving every student. It is

the responsibility of the student to schedule an appointment with the counselor.

It is the student's responsibility to investigate information about colleges, vocations, financial aid, etc. However, the counselor will provide assistance and direction in this process.

Students are urged to talk to the counselor whenever they have questions regarding school or related problems. It is also recommended that the student discuss personal problems or other areas of concern with the counselor.

Valuable information is often given during the announcements and can be found on the bulletin boards (both in the counselor's office and the Commons). The student should listen to the announcements and check the bulletin boards frequently and regularly.

Daily Announcements

Teachers will read the daily announcements during Channel One each morning. Students should listen carefully as the announcements contain important information regarding student activities. If you are in a class where announcements are not being read, inform your principal. Daily announcements can also be found on our web site at http://www.centralcougars.org

Section 6: Classes and Grades

Class Standing & Classification of Students

Students enrolled at Central Community High School are classified as Freshmen, Sophmores, Juniors or Seniors as follows:

Freshmen..…………………………less than five credits

Sophomores..…………………….. five or more credits but less than ten and one-half credits and at least the second year of attendance.

Juniors..………………………….. ten and one-half or more credits but less than fifteen credits and at least the third year of attendance.

Seniors..………………………….. fifteen or more credits and at least the fourth year of attendance.

*Classification is determined at the beginning of the school year and remains the same for the entire school year.

Students must be enrolled in CCHS to be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities including athletics, senior breakfast, prom (except as a guest), or commencement exercises.

Exception to the above will be made only when a student has competed all requirements to be graduated in three and one-half

(3 ½) years. The three and one-half year students will be eligible for senior breakfast, prom, and commencement exercise in the semester following completion of all academic requirements, provided the requirements were met while enrolled as a student at Central Community High School.

Home School Policy

To have credit applied to a C.C.H.S. transcript, one must in advance have the class outline of the work to be done along with a projected time line approved by a committee at Central. In addition, the student must pass each semester’s final exam with a 70% proficiency. The committee will consist of the principal, counselor, and one teacher from the subject area. For a student to graduate from Central, he/she must be enrolled as a full-time student which is equal to six class periods or 300 minutes per day. A home school student may take less than a full load of classes only if he/she is not going to graduate from Central High School.

Home Bound Instruction Policy

Parents may request homebound instruction for their child. A doctor note stating specific medical reasons why the student cannot physically attend school must accompany the request. Homebound instruction will be considered for approval regarding extended absences only. Homebound students will receive five hours of instruction per week. Arrangements for homebound instruction must be made through the principal’s office.

Time Release Guidelines

Time release is available to Seniors only. Seniors participating in Central’s Time Release program must agree to abide by the following guidelines:

√ Attend school on a regular basis

√ Have a parent or guardian sign a permission/contract

√ Obtain a statement from your employer stating your continued employment throughout the quarter.

√ Agree to notify the counseling office of any changes in your employment status immediately.

√ Understand that if I become unemployed, I will have two weeks to secure employment. If I cannot secure employment, I will be placed in study hall and will be ineligible to participate in time release until the next semester.

√ Agree to arrive five minutes early for my second period class if I have first period release.

√ Check the daily schedule to coordinate my on-time arrival for abbreviated and/or special attendance days

√ Agree to leave campus and school grounds upon the start of seventh hour time release.

√ Agree to maintain passing grades in all core or required classes. Failure to do so will result in removal from time release.

√ Agree to maintain passing grades in other subject areas. If I must contact the guidance office to secure a tutor, I will do so to accomplish this.

√ Understand that I may not have time release and a study hall.

√ Agree that if I participate in a sport, time release will become a study hall for the entire season.

Graduation Credit Limitations

During the four years of high school, students earn credits from passing classes. The accumulated number of credits will hopefully lead to graduation

As a student in high school, one may earn no more than four (4) credits from an approved high school summer school program. The respective school where these credits have been earned will certify the number of credits successfully passed.

After a student's class graduates, he/she may earn no more than two (2) credits from an approved extension class program

All credits earned away from Central High School's regular school year program must be approved by the Principal in advance.

Report Cards

The school year will be divided into four grading periods of nine weeks each: two grading periods each semester. Parents will receive report cards at the end of each nine-week grading period. Central has an Open House date in October and March where parents may pick up the grade sheets and talk to your child’s teacher. See your school calendar for exact dates and times. Semester grades will be sent by mail. If you cannot pick up your student’s grades at open house, the grades will be sent through the mail.

Deficiency Notices

Deficiency notices shall be sent by the teachers during the grading period when the student is doing failing work or when the teacher feels that the parent should be informed that the student is not working up to his/her potential.

Semester Exam Policy

Central Community High School requires that all students take semester exams. There are 2 exceptions where a student is exempt from exams.

1. A student has earned an “A” average for the semester.

2. A student has one excused absence for that particular class for the semester. Field trips or other school sponsored events that cause a student to miss a class count as attendance days.

Parents can require their child to take an exam regardless of the “A” average or 1 excused absence per semester.

There will be open-campus during finals. This means that if a student has a study hall, he/she will be allowed to leave. The student may not leave and return for a later exam. Students will be required to leave at the beginning of the period. If a student stays for study hall, he/she must stay the entire period.

The basic exam schedule runs two (2) days as follows:

DAY 1 DAY 2

8:03-9:35-PERIOD 1 8:03-9:35-PERIOD 5

9:35-9:38-PASS 9:35-9:38-PASS

9:38-11:10-PERIOD 2 9:38-11:10-PERIOD 6

11:10-11:13-PASS 11:10-11:40-LUNCH

11:13-12:45-PERIOD 3 11:40-11:43-PASS

12:45-1:15-LUNCH 11:43-1:15-PERIOD 7

1:15-1:18-PASS 1:15-DISMISSAL

1:18-2:50-PERIOD 4

2:50-DISMISSAL

The time from 1:15 until 2:50 on DAY 2 of the schedule will be used for make-up exams. There will be study halls for each period located in the commons area. Students exempt from an exam must report to study hall if they have an exam in a future period. Under no circumstances shall a student be allowed to leave a classroom early after completing an exam.

Grade Scale

The following scale will be used to determine students' grades:

PERCENTAGE	LETTER GRADE	POINT SCALE
99 - 100	A+	5.00
95 - 98	A	5.00
93 - 94	A-	4.67
91 - 92	B+	4.33
88 - 90	B	4.00
86 - 87	B-	3.67
84 - 85	C+	3.33
81 - 83	C	3.00
78 - 80	C-	2.67
76 - 77	D+	2.33
73 - 75	D	2.00
70 - 72	D-	1.67
69 & BELOW	F	1.00

Weighted Course List:

Language Arts Mathematics

British Literature I (1/2) Calculus

British Literature II (1/2) Trigonometry (1/2)

Themes in Literature (1/2) Statistics (1/2)

Advanced Composition (1/2) Algebra II

Honors English III

Science Social Studies

Physics AP American History

Chemistry Economics

Genetics

Anatomy & Physiology

How Weighted Grades are Calculated

If you’re taking an honors class or classes, a pre-determined constant is used to multiply times the number of honors courses you take. This added weight is then added to your GPA at the semester only. This becomes your cumulative GPA. After each semester, as you continue your high school career, the cumulative number of honors classes is multiplied times a different pre-determined constant.

As an example, if you took 3 honors classes each semester your sophomore and junior year, the calculations would look like this:

End of Sophomore year: 3 x 0.043478 = .130434

End of Junior year: 6 x 0.0344830 = .206898

If your GPA was 5.0 before the weight was added, your cumulative GPA would be 5.26 at the end of your sophomore year and 5.41 at the end of your junior year.

You have a new calculation each semester for your cumulative GPA. As a rule, Central rounds to the nearest hundredth. Central reserves the right to extend the rounding as far as the one-hundred thousandths place to determine class rankings.

Student Load

According to Central Community High School District #71 policy, the "minimum" student load for a full-time student is five (5)

academic subjects. The reason for this policy is that the more courses taken, the broader your educational background will be. All CCHS students have the opportunity to take college required courses plus fine arts, business education courses, and/or other vocational courses.

All CCHS students must carry a normal load (five academic subjects) and must be in attendance six hours during the school day. There is potential for a Zero Hour Period option which would begin at 7:00 a.m. in addition to our regular schedule.

Dual Credit & Courses Offered

Students at Central High School have the capability of earning dual credit from both Central and Kaskaskia College in a few selected courses. Personnel from Kaskaskia College will visit those classes at the beginning of both semesters and enroll our students in the dual credit class. There is no cost to the student or parent. At the end of high school this credit can be used at Kaskaskia College or could be transferred to another institution. Other colleges or universities have varying policies regarding acceptance of dual credit. The dual credits offered at Central are: Accounting II, Agribusiness Management, Drafting I, Health Occupations I & II, Calculus (ACT score requirement), Keyboarding and Intro to Computer Applications, Business and Technology Concepts B, Information Processing IIB, Physics.

Honor Roll

HIGH HONORS QUALIFICATIONS: A student must have a 4.67 or above average in the academic courses, and must receive grades for at least four courses.

HONORS QUALIFICATIONS: A student must have a 4.0 average in the academic courses, and must receive grades for at least four courses.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: Junior or senior with a 4.8 Cumulative GPA.

Class Rank

The student's rank in his/her class is determined after the completion of each semester of work. It is reported on their transcript at the end of the 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, and 8^th semesters. Your sequence of honors courses taken may affect your ultimate class rank. Beginning with the sixth semester, student rank is used in the evaluation of the pupil's transcript of grades by college admission offices and employers. To qualify for rank status, a student must have been in attendance in a recognized high school. He/She must have attended their seventh semester at Central Community High School.

Graduation Honors

Central Community High School has implemented a Cum Laude system of academic recognition at the graduation ceremony beginning with the class of 2009. The Cum Laude system will recognize students with outstanding academic achievement by the following criteria of excellence:

Summa Cum Laude (“with the highest praise”)………..5.0 G.P.A and above

Magna Cum Laude (“with great praise”) ………………4.8 G.P.A minimum

Cum Laude (“with praise”)……………………………..4.6 G.P.A. minimum

The determination of Cum Laude recognition will be based upon the cumulative Grade Point Average of students after seven semesters of

academic completion. Graduates who qualify will be recognized with special designations and presentations during the ceremony.

P.S.A.E. Incentives

Central has initiated an incentive program for juniors taking the Prairie State Achievement Exams. Central believes the juniors needed some motivation to score well on the state tests. Standards were set by

the School Improvement Planning Team for individuals and for the group as a whole. If you meet the criterion set as an individual, you will receive one free day during your senior year that will not count against your attendance for semester exams. If the entire junior class meets the group criterion, They will receive a field trip. Score results from the spring exams are sent to Central in the summer. Students will be notified the fall of their senior year if they qualified for the incentive.

Make Up Work

Being absent from school is something students should try to keep to a minimum. It's very difficult to make up all missed work, therefore, having a negative effect on one's grades.

To try to keep the effect to a minimum, students should make up the missed school work as soon after returning to school as possible. It's important to remember that it's the student's responsibility to do this. He/She should receive from each teacher a list of homework that has been missed and agree on a date to have the work turned in to the teacher. Forms are available to have this submitted in writing.

It should also be noted, that school work missed due to an unexcused absence, suspension, or expulsion may NOT be made up.

Field Trips

Students will be responsible for all homework, quizzes, and tests the day following their field trip. Teachers may request pre-arranged work to be completed.

Student Records

In compliance with the provisions of the Illinois School Student Record Act of 1975, we take this opportunity to inform students and parents of their rights concerning educational records.

Permanent Records

This permanent record information shall include such things as student's and parents' names and addresses, date and place of birth, gender, and an academic transcript (including grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, scores on college entrance exams, health record, attendance record, accident reports, and a record of release of permanent record information). It may also consist of honors and awards received and information concerning participation in school-sponsored activities, athletics, or offices held in such school-sponsored organizations.

Temporary Records

This record may include family background information, intelligence test scores, reports of psychological evaluations, elementary and secondary achievement level test results, teacher anecdotal records and disciplinary information. Also included shall be special education files concerning multi-disciplinary staffing on which placement or non-placement was based and all records or tape recordings related to special education placement hearings and appeals. Also, there may be any verified reports of information from non-educational persons, agencies, or organizations along with other verified information of clear relevance to the education of the student and a record of release of temporary record information.

Section 7: General Rules and Regulations

Suspension & Expulsion Rules

STUDENTS! You may be suspended from school OR you may be detained (in-school suspension) from your regular school program if you do not behave properly. While in school, on school grounds, on school transportation vehicles, or attending or participating in school-sponsored activities, students are required to respect the authority, rights and privileges of others, and to behave in an orderly and proper manner. Students will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures for improper conduct. Students determined guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct are subject to in-school suspension,

suspension from school or expulsion. For purposes of this student handbook, the terms "Expulsion", "Suspension" (out of school), and "In-School Suspension" shall be defined as follows:

Expulsion:

The exclusion of the student from school by a final decision of the Board of Education for a period in excess of ten days.

Suspension:

(out of school): The temporary exclusion of the student from school for a period of from one (1)to ten (10) school days. In those cases where a student has been referred to the Board of Education for possible expulsion, the Board may, pending final action, continue a student's suspension out of school for a period in excess of ten (10) days.

Suspension:

(in-school): The temporary exclusion of the student from his regular classes during which the student is assigned to independent study of work in an appropriate area of the school under appropriate supervision.

In-School Suspension Procedures & Guidelines:

1. Students who are given and in-school suspension are to report to room 18E before the 8:03 a.m. tardy bell. Students who arrive late will serve all time missed.

2. Students are expected to bring homework with them. If students do not bring homework, the suspension supervisor will assign a writing assignment.

3. There is absolutely no talking while in suspension. If you have a question, raise your hand and you will be promptly addressed.

4. There is absolutely no sleeping while in suspension. You cannot put your head on a desk or lean on a partition. You will receive one warning. After the warning, any student who continues to sleep will be given additional suspension days.

5. Students will be allowed to use the restroom during lunch.

6. Students who are suspended and have time-release will leave school grounds or stay in suspension 7^th period.

7. Students will receive no credit for assignments, quizzes, or tests which are due on suspension dates. Semester exam test(s) will be allowed while in suspension and grades recorded.

8. Lunch will be eaten in-between regular lunch periods. There is no talking allowed during lunch.

9. Any violation of these rules will result in additional suspensions. Use the time wisely for future assignments. Remember, this may be your last stop before expulsion.

Missed Assignments

During the time a student is suspended or expelled, he/she can't make up missed assignments, tests, or class projects.

Detentions

Detention period is the time when the student is assigned to stay after school for any infractions of acceptable student behavior. Students should fully understand that any teacher in the building has the authority to correct misconduct at any time. Students will be assigned detention dates through the detention supervisor. If a student accumulates 5 detentions yet to be served, he/she will be suspended 2 days to eliminate 3 detentions.

This is for those students with undesirable patterns of attendance, tardiness, or conduct as well as other disciplinary problems. Students assigned detention are to report to the detention supervisor in Room 14W on a Tuesday or Thursday depending on when the detention was received. A student may have one day of grace to allow him/her to inform his/her parents that he/she must remain after school and to arrange for transportation. Detentions run from 2:55 – 4:55

after school. The detention room door is locked at 2:55. Do not be late. Any student who does not abide by the regulations of the detention period will be assigned to in-school suspension. Detention hall rules will be posted in each classroom and in the commons area. Lack of reading these rules will not be an excuse.

Smoking/Possession/Use of Tobacco

The Board of Education of Central Community High School District # 71 hereby prohibits the possession & use of any tobacco products on school district property when such property is being used for any school purposes.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply: "school purpose" include, but are not limited to, all interscholastic or extracurricular athletic, academic, or other events sponsored by the school Board, or in which pupils of the district participate. Students will receive 2 in-school suspension days if found to be in violation of this policy. Multiple smoking violations may result in extended suspension days. Lighters are not allowed on campus. Possession will result in a one-day in-school suspension.

Fighting

Disagreements between students hopefully can be settled in a peaceful manner. If the disagreement leads to a fight, the students involved will be suspended from school for a period of time to be determined by the principal.

Weapons

Any student who has a weapon in his/her possession will be suspended from school pending the scheduling of an expulsion hearing. The expulsion hearing may result in the student’s expulsion from school for the remainder of the school year. Gun violations carry a

maximum of two full years of expulsion. Remember to never transport a gun onto school grounds in your vehicle.

A weapon will be defined as any instrument used to or intended to be used to inflict bodily harm. Knives, guns, or explosives are examples of objects which will be considered weapons. This list is not meant to be all inclusive. This policy has been approved by the Board of Education.

Vandalism

Vandalism is defined as ANY INTENTIONAL DAMAGING OR DISFIGURING OF SCHOOL PROPERTY. Acts of vandalism may lead to severe disciplinary action by school or civil authorities. This policy applies to other student’s property as well.

Surveillance Cameras

Central Community High School has installed several surveillance cameras throughout the school and its exterior. All exterior doors will automatically lock after the 8:00 A.M. bell and a buzz in system will be used for anyone entering the building throughout the school day.

Bus Transportation

Bus routes are determined by the Board of Education and bus contractors. Every effort is being made to provide the best and most convenient transportation to all in an economical manner.

Bus Transportation Behavior

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner while waiting to board the bus, while riding the bus, and while exiting the bus. Some violations that may lead to the suspension of bus privileges, in-school or out-of-school suspensions are as follows:

1. Smoking

2. Fighting

3. Running

4. Leaving your seat while the bus is in motion

5. Extend part of yourself outside of the bus.

6. Throwing objects

7. Distracting the driver in any fashion

8. Jeopardizing the safety or welfare of yourself or others.

Study Hall Policy & Procedures

1. You are to be in your assigned seat when the bell rings.

2. You are to remain quiet and in your seat until after roll is taken.

3. You must have written authorization (pass in agenda book) from another faculty member to leave study hall. Wait until roll is taken to show supervisor the pass.

4. Supervisors will determine who has library privileges. After the first week of school, a library rotation schedule will be compiled. If you need to use the library for a classroom assignment, (day your not scheduled), you must have a pass from the teacher of that class.

5. Your conduct in study hall should be reflective of a positive attitude toward school and your studies. You should strive to develop effective study habits and show courtesy towards others who want and need this time to work on assignments. The guidelines for good conduct & positive behavior are described below:

A. Do not talk or do anything else that might distract or disturb others who are trying to study. If you have a problem or question, see your supervisor.

B. You will be allowed one restroom and one locker pass each quarter (except for 5^th period study hall). You may not use the phone during study hall. You

may go to the office or guidance counselor during this period.

C. Always bring material to keep busy for the entire period. You may read magazines and newspapers, but you must bring them along to study hall.

D. You will not be allowed to sleep or put your head down on the table.

E. You are responsible for your work area; do not write on tables; put feet on chairs; throw trash on the floor. Push your chair under the table as you leave.

Media Center Privileges

There is limited space in the library and only a specified number of students will be able to use the library each day. Everyone in study hall will be placed on a rotation schedule. However, you may lose your library privileges if (a) you fail to observe/follow the rules set forth above; (b) you are chronically/habitually tardy; (c) you fail to bring study materials each day; and/or (d) you disturb others and do not utilize your study time effectively.

Midway through each grading period, there will be a list of

students receiving deficiencies. Students with deficiencies will not be able to use the library unless he/she brings a written statement from the teacher verifying that the grade for that class has been raised to an acceptable level. At the end of each grading period, any student with a D or F on his/her report card falls into the deficiency category as stated above.

There will be a .10 cent assessment per day of each item for overdue books up to $3.00. Students will not be allowed to check out another book until the fine is paid in full. Students must pay the replacement cost for lost or damaged books.

Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities

It is the policy of the school to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the interest of the larger welfare of all citizens. At the same time, schools have the responsibility to parents for the welfare of the students while they are in the care of the school. To fulfill this obligation, school officials will observe the following:

A. A student in school will not be interrogated by any authority without the knowledge of school officials.

B. Any interrogation will be done in private with an official school representative present or with a law officer present with the prior consent of the parent/guardian.

C. A student will not be released into the custody of persons other than parent or legal guardian, unless placed under arrest by legal authority.

D. If a student is removed from the school by a legal authority, parents/guardians will be notified of this action by school officials as soon as possible.

Contact Between Students

The rule of conduct having to do with displays of affection between students is clearly defined as follows:

One student should not touch the other; kissing, holding hands, and an arm or arms around the other are not allowed.

While this may be appropriate conduct elsewhere, it is NOT acceptable in school.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at Central Community High School. Sexual harassment will be defined as any type of unwelcome conduct directed toward a student, staff member, or other

individuals in the school because of his/her gender. This conduct may include verbal comments about parts of a person's anatomy, spreading sexual rumors about a person, and/or pressure for sexual activity or other unwelcome advances. Sexual harassment should be reported to the counselor, or any teacher, administrator, or school personnel. There will be no retribution for making this claim. Complaints will remain confidential and will be investigated within 5 school days.

Mental/Physical Harassment

Mental harassment defined as verbal intimidation and/or agitation designed to cause undue mental stress or anxiety will not be tolerated at Central Community High School.

Physical harassment defined as physical intimidation and/or physical agitation designed to cause undue physical stress will not be tolerated.

Violators of this policy are subject to swift disciplinary action from the staff and/or administration. It is Central Community High School's belief that all students should be able to attend school free from any type of harassment.

Vending Machines

The school soda and vending machines are off limits to the students during the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 2:50 p.m. Drinks and food purchased from the machines should be kept in the commons area only. Food and drink are not allowed in the locker area or classrooms at any time. Glass bottled drinks are not allowed at school. Any violation of the above will result in detention(s) or in-school suspension.

School Lockers & Locker Area

Students are not allowed in either school locker area prior to 7:45 A.M. without a teacher’s or administrator’s permission. The student's locker is the property of the school and must be used for the purposes intended: a storage area for books, school supplies, and outdoor garments. If the school officials believe that the student has placed illegal or dangerous materials or substances in the locker, the school officials may search the locker with or without the student's knowledge or consent. Lockers may be searched by school officials at any time. Students must keep coats and book bags in their locker. They are not allowed in the classroom or commons area.

Motor Vehicle Regulations

The school has provided a parking lot for the students on the west side of the building. Students must enter and exit in the west entrance/exit only. Students should not park in the front of the school or the south parking lot. Students are not allowed to drive their cars in a reckless manner. Students driving off the school grounds at any time during the school day, including lunch period, must have permission of the office.

Students who remain in their cars after arriving at school or during lunch hours or anytime throughout the day may lose their driving privileges. Students are not allowed to enter their car during the school day to retrieve something without the permission of a school official. Students who choose to leave school grounds (or give another student a ride off school grounds who is leaving without office permission) during the school day whether they drive, ride, walk, or violate any of the above will be subject to the following consequences:

1^st Offense: Detention & loss of driving privileges on school grounds for a period of two weeks.

2^nd Offense: Detention & loss of driving privileges on school grounds for two months.

3^rd Offense: Detention & loss of driving privileges on school grounds for the remainder of the school year.

If a student currently under driving suspension is found to be driving any car on campus, whether it is theirs or not, the car he/she is driving will be towed off campus at the owners expense. A minimum of two (2) in-school suspension days will be assessed to those who violate this policy.

Cordless Communication Devices

Cordless communication devices are allowed on school grounds, however, must be kept inside the student’s locker and turned off. Cellular phones, beepers, etc. , will be confiscated by school officials and a parent/guardian will need to pick the device up in the office after 3:00 if found outside of school locker. Additional Consequences:

q 1^st Offense – Detention.

q 2^nd Offense – Detention

q 3^rd Offense – 1 Day In-School Suspension.

q 4^th Offense & Thereafter – 2 Days In-School Suspension.

There is an exception to every rule whereas a parent, during only emergency situations, can request their student to carry the device by contacting proper school authorities. An emergency situation is very serious and school officials will determine such.

Advertising in the School

Persons or organizations wishing to place advertisements in the school for any purpose must have the permission of the administration in advance.

Hazardous Materials/Pesticide Notification

Central Community High School has been inspected for asbestos. There is a current management plan and inspection report available in the office for public access.

Central High School has adopted an Integrated Pest Management Plan. Pesticides will be used occasionally but on a limited basis at the school or on school property.

Parents or guardians who wish to be notified must complete a notification form which is available in the school office. This will allow the parent or guardian to be notified 48 hours in advance of the use of pesticides at the school.

Section 8: Attendance Regulations

Attendance

Attendance may be considered to be a student’s punctuality and presence at school or class and his/her participation in school work and

activities. Students who wish to attend Central Community High School are expected to report to all classes on time. No student can receive maximum benefit from the educational opportunity school represents if the student does not assume the responsibility of regular

attendance. Careless attendance causes a student to lose interest in school. A student who has lost interest in school is likely to become a dropout. A dropout experiences more difficulty in finding jobs than those who complete their high school education. Excessive absences will result in a conference with the parent(s), student, and school personnel to discuss reasons and solutions to past and future absences.

Absences

Central will have excused absences that enable a student to make-up his/her work. Unexcused absences will result in a grade of zero assessed to any assignment, quiz, test, or project grade recorded the day of the unexcused absence. Students will have two personal days throughout the year, which will not count as unexcused absences. These personal days cannot be used in conjunction with semester exam days. Requesting a personal day means the student does not have perfect attendance and must take semester exams unless he/she has an “A” average in that class or classes missed.

Absence Reporting

In order for an absence to be considered excused, a parent or guardian of a student who is going to be absent from school must notify the school by telephone or send a note, only if there is no access to a phone. Calls to the main office can be made beginning at 7:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. The main office can be reached at 526-4578. One may leave a voice mail message prior to 7:00 A.M. or after 3:00 P.M. Failure to give proper notification to the school by 3:00 P.M. following the day of absence will result in an absence being considered unexcused.

The determination as to whether an absence is classified as excused or unexcused is the sole responsibility of the school. The responsibility of the parent is to report the reason for absence.

Excused Absences

The following shall be the only acceptable reason for excused absences with full make-up privileges:

1. Personal illnesses

2. Death in family (funeral absence)

3. Serious family illness

4. Doctor or dentist office visits. Try to schedule before or after school.

5. Subpoenaed court appearances

6. School Sponsored activities

7. Family vacations (pre-approved with at least 1 parent/guardian accompanying)

8. Two personal days (one day per semester only) (Not allowed on semester exam days)

9. Principals approval

The student shall have the responsibility to contact his teacher the day he/she returns to school to complete a plan for doing the work. The work is to be done only as agreed upon with the teacher. The student will receive one day for each day of excused absence to complete his/her work.

Unexcused Absences

The following types of absences are considered unexcused absences, with no make up privileges:

Truancy – Any type of absence from school without school authorization.
Skipping – Any absence from a class without school authorization.
Unauthorized – Any unauthorized absence from school other than truancy or skipping. Included in this classification are absences for reasons other than those previously mentioned acceptable reasons and absences in which the school is not given proper notification.
Suspension from school or class.

Tardies

All students are required to get to class on time. If for some reason, your tardiness is caused by the preceding class, that teacher should write a pass for you. If a student is late in arriving at school, he/she is to report to the main office and sign in on the Late Arrival sheet. The determination of excused and unexcused will be made on the same basis as absences. Central provides transportation to and from school. Students who elect to use private transportation may do so;

however any late arrival resulting from the use of private transportation will not be excused. Any student arriving late to school on a bus, will

not be counted as tardy. A student is considered absent/truant if he/she arrives to class more than ten minutes from the start of class. The student is to remain in class the rest of the period upon arrival beyond the 10 minute mark. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late to school (Unexcused) will also be counted as tardy in each of the classes they miss. Therefore, the tardy policy below will apply to those students as well.

Discipline for Tardies

3rd Tardy: One Detention

6th Tardy: One Detention

9th Tardy: One Day of In-School Suspension

12th Tardy: Two Days of In-School Suspension

Every third tardy following 12 will result in a two- day In-School Suspension

Early Dismissals

Early dismissals will be allowed only in necessary and reasonable situations where no other arrangements can be made.

1. A parent or guardian requesting an early dismissal must include a telephone number in which they can be contacted. If necessary, this is to confirm the requested early dismissal.

2. The student must present a written request to the office before school. No early dismissal will be permitted unless confirmation can be made with the parent or guardian by phone or in person.

3. At the time of the dismissal, the student must sign out in the office. Students who fail to sign out before leaving campus will have the dismissal changed to unexcused. If he/she returns the same day, he/she must sign in at the office.

Truancy

The State Superintendent of Schools has defined habitual or chronic truancy as "fifteen (15) absences during ninety (90) consecutive days: the absences need not be consecutive." Truancy is defined as AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM ANY PERIOD OF THE SCHOOL DAY.

If a student is chronically or habitually truant, action may be taken against the parents of the student. If the parents do

not cause the student to attend school after they have been notified of the truancy, the parents may be found guilty of a CLASS C MISDEMEANOR. The names of truant students may be turned in to the appropriate county officials.

Student Dress

We take pride in the appearance of our school. Your dress reflects the quality of the school, of your conduct and of your school work. Students have the right to dress and groom themselves according to their (or their parents') personal tastes, as long as such dress and grooming does not present health or safety hazards or substantially disrupt this right for any other reasons, even if the code is drafted by a student or community group. Individual differences in dress and grooming preferences must be respected as a personal freedom. Clothing that displays or advertises lewd pictures, drugs, alcohol, sex,

Tobacco, inappropriate language, cleavage, midriffs, exposed undergarments below the waist (see pictures on following page) will not be allowed in school. There is an allowance for students to wear fashionable inside-wear vests, pullovers, and hooded sweatshirts. Teachers and administrators reserve the right to have students hang the above in their lockers if necessary.

Coats and jackets must be kept in the students locker during school hours. Any student found to carry any contraband(drugs, cigarettes, lighters, food, drink, or any other item not allowed) will be subject to disciplinary measures and lose the privilege of wearing the above as well.

Visitors

Only in cases deemed advisable by the administration will visiting be allowed. Students should not invite guests without checking with the office and teachers in advance for permission. The office reserves the right to refuse any and all visitors at any time.

Central Community High school has installed several surveillance cameras throughout the school and its exterior. All exterior doors will automatically lock after the 8:00 A.M. bell and a buzz in system will be used for anyone entering the building throughout the school day.

Physical Examinations

All Freshmen who enter CCHS must have physical and dental examinations before entering school in the fall. Also, students entering CCHS must have a completed record of immunizations. Freshmen are requested to have the forms completed by their family physician. These forms are to be returned by the first day of school. Any student transferring from out-of-town schools must also have a physical examination.

Student Fees

A fee will be charged for book rental, workbooks, and paperbacks used in all courses of study. Rental fees will not include the costs of padlocks used in physical education classes, physical education uniforms, notebooks, paper, pencils, laboratory fees, musical instrument rental fees or fees for materials used in projects such as art class, industrial arts, homemaking classes, etc. Fees can be paid in the principal’s office when schedules are picked up in August or parents can use the e-pay system found on Central’s web site under breakfast/lunch options, text and activity fee payment.

Pupils on the rental plan agree to take good care of all books and to pay the amount charged if books are lost, marked on or subject to unusual wear. Each book will be carefully checked at the end of the year and at other times. Each book will be numbered and assigned to a student. Each teacher will be responsible for keeping a record of all assigned books.

Students who have had assigned textbooks lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair will be assessed a fee. The depreciation schedule for the fees are as follows:

A. One-year old textbook 80% of replacement cost

B. Two-year old textbook 60% of replacement cost

C. Three-year old textbook 40% of replacement cost

D. Four-year old textbook 20% of replacement cost

Students who have textbooks that have been partially damaged will be charged a fee based on the extent of the damage. The student has the responsibility to repair the book himself before a fee is assessed.

When a student drops or changes a class during the school year, books for the subject must be turned in to the teacher.

Student Financial Obligations:

Students with financial obligations to the school must pay these obligations before they are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Examples of obligations are book rental, textbooks not returned, shop or art fees, library fines, athletic equipment not returned, or possible charges for materials used in the classroom.

Student Insurance:

Central Community High School does provide student insurance for all school related activities including extra-curricular activities. Further information can be found on Central’s web site.

Inclement Weather Information:

In case of inclement weather, parents will be notified through our new phone contact system. In addition, tune in to the following radio and T.V. stations:

Radio	Television	Web Site
WRXX 95.3 FM	CHANNEL 4 ST. LOUIS	http://www.centralcougars.org
WILY 1210 AM	CHANNEL 5 ST. LOUIS
KMOX 1120 AM
WCXO 96.7 FM
WDLJ 97.5 FM

In most situations, closings will be announced starting at 6:00 A.M. Please do not call the school. Central will need the phone lines free to make other calls.

Section 9: Due Process

Grievance Guidelines:

Students or their parents, employees, or community members may file a complaint in accordance with this grievance procedure if they believe that the Board of Education, its employees, or agents have

violated their rights guaranteed by the state or federal constitution, state or federal statutes, or Board Policy; including, but not limited to, the following:

A. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act

B. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

C. Section 504 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973

D. Claims of Sexual Harassment under the Illinois Human Rights Act

E. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Board of Education will endeavor to respond to and resolve complaints without the need to resort to this grievance procedure and if complaint is filed, to address the complaint promptly and equitably. The right of an individual to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the individual’s pursuit of other remedies. However, use of this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the pursuit of other remedies.

Section 504 Policy:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended 29 U.S.C., Section 794, protects disabled persons from discrimination based on their disabled status. The Central Community High School District #71 Board of Education recognizes the requirement to provide a free appropriate public education to each disabled student within its jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.

It is the intent of the Central Community High School District #71 to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be

disabled under this policy even though they do not require special education services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Procedural safeguards are guaranteed for

disabled students and their parents in the Central Community High School District #71.

Title IX:

Central Community High School, District #71, of Clinton County, Illinois is required by TITLE IX of the EDUCATIONAL AMENDMENTS and the RULES AND REGULATIONS issued there under, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities in employment therein.

In order to comply fully with the mandates of this law, the Guidance Director has been appointed by the Board of Education of District #71 of Clinton County, Illinois, to serve as the Coordinator and Grievance Officer for TITLE IX requirements. The guidance office is located at Central Community High School, 7740 Old US 50, Breese, IL 62230-9702. The Guidance Director can be reached by telephone at (618) 526-4578.

Any student, parent, or school employee who has a question pursuant to TITLE IX should contact the Guidance Director during the hours of 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m. The Superintendent has been appointed as the HEARING OFFICER.

Sex Discrimination:

TITLE IX forbids the school to treat students of one sex differently from another. The rules that the government uses to enforce this law are a little more complicated than those forbidding racial discrimination. Under these rules, your school cannot...

1. Provide separate classes or activities for male and female students

2. Deny a student the right to take a course because of his/her sex. Example: Failure to allow females to enroll in shop classes.

3. Apply different rules about physical appearance to male and female students. Example: Requiring males to cut their hair shorter than females.

4. Make different disciplinary rules or enforce them differently on the basis of sex.

5. Refuse to allow a female student to take part in a class or activity because she is pregnant, unless other students with temporary disabilities are also excluded.

For #1 (above), the Following Exceptions Apply:

A. Separate classes for sex education are allowed.

B. The school may separate students by sex within physical education classes for participation in contact sports such as football , basketball, and wrestling.

C. The school may separate students with different levels of ability within physical education classes. If so, the ability requirements must be the same for both sexes.

D. The school may have separate teams for the sexes for contact sports or for any team sport in which students are selected to play on the basis of skill.

TITLE IX, Section 86.8: Grievance Procedures

A. A student or an employee shall present his/her complaint in writing to the Grievance Officer.

B. The Grievance Officer shall investigate the complaint within five (5) working days and arrange for a hearing.

C. Within five (5) working days, a hearing shall be held before a Hearing Officer [disinterested third party].

D. The Hearing Officer shall render his/her opinion to the Grievance Officer and the student or employee within five (5) working days from the time of the hearing.

E. Failing a resolution at State D, the student or employee may present a statement of his/her grievance to the Board of Education who shall determine the matter.

F. Failing a resolution at State E, the Grievant may file a complaint with the Circuit Court.

There shall be no reprisal against any student or employee for filing a grievance or for utilizing the grievance procedure. For the

purpose of maintaining confidentiality, grievances will not be filed in a student's permanent record or an employee's personnel file. The grievance file will be kept in the office of the Grievance Officer; the Grievant has the same access to this file as he does his own permanent record/personnel file.

Suspension

The superintendent, the principal, the assistant principal, or the dean of students are authorized to suspend students guilty of gross

disobedience or misconduct from school and all school functions for a period not to exceed ten days procedural protections:

1. Prior to suspension, the student shall be provided oral or written notice of the charges.

2. Prior notice may not be required and the student immediately suspended, when the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process. In such cases, the

3. In such cases, necessary notice and hearing shall follow as soon as practicable.

4. Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the parents or guardian of the student. Such report shall contain a full statement of the reasons for the suspension and a notice to the parents or guardian of their right to review. Also, a copy of the notice shall be given to the Board of Education.

5. Upon request of the parents or guardian, a hearing shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it to review the suspension. At the hearing, the parents or guardian of the student may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he/she shall report to the Board a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting. After its hearing or upon receipt of the report of the hearing officer, the Board may take such action as it finds appropriate.

Gross disobedience or misconduct of students shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. Disobedience of directives from staff members or school officials and/or rules and regulations governing student conduct.

2. Possession, use, distribution, purchase, sale, or found to be under the influence of illicit drugs and/or alcoholic beverages.

3. Injury or threat of injury to any school district employees, official, or student.

4. Destruction and/or defacement of any school property.

5. Possession, use, or distribution of a dangerous weapon.

6. Other such conduct that poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process.

The Superintendent or the principal shall be responsible for notifying the student body of the contents of this policy.

Expulsion

The Board of Education is authorized to expel students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct for the remainder of the school term or for a shorter period as determined by the Board. The student and/or parents or guardian shall be due the following procedural protection:

1. Prior to expulsion, the student shall be provided written notice of the charges and the time and place of the hearing. If the charges are denied, the student shall have an opportunity for a

hearing at the time and place designated in the notice, conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he/she shall report the to Board the evidence presented at the hearing and the Board shall take such final action as it finds appropriate.

2. The Board shall provide written notice to the parents or guardian of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing by registered or certified mail and request the appearance of the parents or guardian at the expulsion hearing.

3. During the expulsion hearing, the students and his/her parents or guardian may be represented by counsel, present witnesses, and other evidence on his/her behalf, and cross examine adverse witnesses. The expulsion hearing is a two part proceeding. First, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence on the issue of whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience or misconduct charged. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue of guilt. If the Board finds the student guilty of the gross disobedience or misconduct as charged, it shall then hear evidence on the appropriate level of discipline to be meted out. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide whether expulsion or some reduced form of discipline shall be imposed upon the student.

Gross disobedience or misconduct of students shall include, but not be limited to extreme or repeated instances of the following:

1. Disobedience or directives from staff members or school officials and/or rules and regulations governing student conduct.

2. Possession, use, distribution, purchase, sale, or found to be under the influence of illicit drugs and/or alcoholic beverages.

3. Injury or threat of injury to any school district employee, official, or student.

4. Destruction and/or defacement of any school property.

5. Possession, use, or distribution of dangerous weapon.

6. Other such conduct that poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process.

The superintendent or the principal shall be responsible for notifying the student body of the contents of this policy.

Section 10: Special Programs

Vocational Education

Vocational programs are available at CCHS in the following areas:

Accounting and Bookkeeping Services

Administration Support and Information

Ag Business and Management

Business Computer Processing

Cabinet Making and Millwork

Child Care Day Service

Drafting

Family and Consumer Science

Food Service and Management

Health Occupations I & II

Nursing

Driver Education

The classroom phase of driver education is offered during the first and third quarters of the school year. Preference is given to the older student for placement.

Physical Education

Students may be excused from PE classes under the following circumstances:

·Parents who want their son/daughter excused temporarily because of illness should call the school. For longer periods

of absence parents must secure a note from a physician explaining the reason why the student is to be excused and stating the length of time the student is to be excused.

·A school board may excuse pupils enrolled in grades 11 and 12 from engaging in PE courses for one of the following reasons:

1. Ongoing participation in an interscholastic athletic program in all three seasons.

2. To enroll in academic classes which are required for admission to an institution of higher learning provided that failure to take such classes will result in the pupil being denied admission to that institution.

3. To enroll in academic classes which are required for graduation from high school provided that failure to

take such classes will result in the pupil being unable to graduate. School boards shall establish a policy to excuse pupils on an individual basis.

·Students participating in the marching band program are exempt from physical education courses.

·Any other exceptions will have to receive the approval of the administration.

Partnerships for College & Career Success - PCCS

Central Community High School's PCCS initiative with an emphasis on combining additional math, science, and Language Arts course work to improve the vocational curriculum has made steady progress.

With leadership from a group of teachers, the PCCS team has worked on curriculum development, tried to forge a closer relationship with business and industry, and worked on the writing of grants that would be beneficial to Central Community High School.

Section 11: Student Substance Abuse

The purpose of the following is to provide uniform district-wide procedures for implementing a student assistance policy.

Prevention

Prevention is a pro-active process, which creates conditions that give people the best chance of success in their community. Successful prevention efforts incorporate multiple strategies in order to preclude or

forestall the development of alcohol or other drug problems. Central Community High School is committed to providing a comprehensive prevention effort inclusive of the following five strategies:

1. Central Community High School supports the implementation of a district substance abuse policy.

2. Central Community High School supports the implementation of an educational program, which provides a consistent NO USE message.

3. Central Community High School will promote healthful personal functioning through the enhancement of social competency skills.

4. Central Community High School supports the promotion of alternatives to unhealthful practices including alcohol- and drug-free activities.

5. Central Community High School is supportive of prevention training for staff, students, and others who can have an impact upon the problem.

Intervention

For the purpose of these policies and procedures, student problems shall be referred to as any physical or emotional circumstance that may, or is likely to, significantly impair or impede the educational opportunities offered to any student at Central Community High School. This would clearly include, but is not limited to, the following biopsychosocial problems that are sometimes experienced by high school youth:

Child Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Drug/Alcohol Use/Abuse

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Eating Disorder

Suicidal Tendencies

Low Self-Concept

Teenage Pregnancy

Central Community High School will establish and maintain an intervention program through a team approach.

Definitions

For the purpose of applying and enforcing the provisions of the Central Community High School student substance abuse policy, the following definitions will be used:

Alcohol/drug(s)

Any and all mood-altering substances including, but not limited to, alcoholic liquor [as defined in the ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL ACT, Chapter 43, Section 93.9 et seq. Illinois Revised Statutes] cannabis [as defined in the ILLINOIS CANNABIS CONTROL ACT, Chapter 56 ½, Section 701 et seq. Illinois Revised Statutes], controlled substances [as defined in the ILLINOIS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT, Chapter 56 ½, Section 1100 et seq. Illinois Revised Statutes], look-alike substances [as defined in said ILLINOIS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT], and any compound, liquid or chemical prohibited by the INTOXICATING COMPOUNDS ACT

[Chapter 38, Section 81-1, et seq. Illinois Revised Statutes], and specifically excluding any substance which has been legally prescribed by a licensed physician.

Alcohol/Drug Use &/or Activity

The act of availing oneself or employing, possessing, or utilizing any alcohol/drug in a way prohibited by law, including, but not limited to, personal consumption by means of breathing, inhaling, drinking, ingesting, injecting, or eating any alcohol/drug in a way prohibited by law, and the possession, sale or delivery of any alcohol/drug in a way prohibited by law.

If you sell, use, possess, or aid in the procurement of intoxicating beverages, narcotics, or restricted drugs on school grounds or at a school activity of any kind, at any time, you will be subject to disciplinary action taken by school authorities. Violators of this policy will be suspended for a period of ten school days.

Unauthorized drugs are those drugs for which a student does not have a valid doctor's prescription or a current note from the student's parent authorizing the taking of the drug for medical purposes. No student may have possession of a greater amount of the medicine than is required for the day.

The U.S. Supreme Court in 1983 let stand an appeals court ruling, HORTON vs. GOOSE CREEK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, that a school district has the right to use trained dogs to sniff students' lockers and cars for drugs and alcohol. The Court held that such a procedure does not violate the search and seizure protections of the 14th Amendment, and if there is reasonable suspicion, dogs may be used to search individual students.

Board

The Board of Education of Central Community High School.

Reasonable Suspicion

The person concerned, acting as a prudent and cautious man, has a sufficient quantum of knowledge to believe that the described facts exist.

School Administrator

The superintendent of the school or the administrative assistant/dean of students.

Student Substance Abuse

Rules and Regulations

In order to ensure the highest possible standards of learning as well as the safety, health, and well being of students, Central Community High School District #71 endorses a substance abuse policy which will (a) aid students to abstain from the use of alcohol/drugs, (b) intervene early when student use is detected, (c)take disciplinary action when necessary, and (d) provide aftercare support for students. The District recognizes these issues as legitimate concerns of the school and wishes to address these needs as a part of a comprehensive assistance and discipline program.

Prevention

Central Community High School will provide students with information and activities focused on common sociological concerns that teenage youth often experience. This curricular program shall include preventive education and treatment information for students.

Intervention

Any student who suspects or believes he/she has an alcohol/drug problem or who has used alcohol/drugs in a manner prohibited by law, and who voluntarily reports said suspicion or belief to a school staff member, shall have no disciplinary action taken against him/her by a school official except as defined in the extracurricular conduct code.

Discipline

Students have the right to attend school in an environment free of alcohol and drugs. Students are not to possess, purchase, sell, be under

the influence of, or use illegal drugs, alcohol, unauthorized medication,

look-alike drugs, or drug-related paraphernalia on school premises, on school buses, or at any school-sanctioned activity.

The consequences for alcohol/drug related activity will result in disciplinary action. Where violations of the law are involved, law enforcement agencies will be notified. Special additional requirements are in effect for students involved in extracurricular activities.

Exceptions to disciplinary procedures must be reviewed and approved by the District superintendent.

Aftercare

Central Community High School District #71 will work cooperatively with the student, parents/guardians, and community

treatment personnel to support an aftercare plan for students returning to the school community after receiving specialized treatment.

Disciplinary Action for Alcohol/Drug Offenses

Use, Possession, & Influence

Students who are in possession of drug-related paraphernalia or who use, possess, or are under the influence of alcohol/drugs on District property, on school buses, or at any school-sanctioned activity will be immediately suspended or subject to expulsion. This policy extends to all school-sponsored activities and functions whether held before, during, or after school, evenings, or on weekends.

1^st Offense

·The school administrator shall notify the parents/guardians to request an immediate conference.

·The school administrator shall notify the appropriate law enforcement/juvenile agency.

·The school administrator shall suspend the student for ten (10) days in accordance with CCHS rules for out-of-school suspension and Board review.

·A five (5) day reduced suspension may be assessed if the student agrees to drug and alcohol counseling with Central's drug and alcohol counselor.

·The school administrator may require that, in order for the suspension to be reduced and the student to be readmitted into the District educational programs, an alcohol and drug evaluation be performed by an approved third party at the

expense of the parents/guardians. The student and parents/guardians must agree to fulfill the recommendation of the evaluator and submit necessary reports to the school administrator.

2^nd Offense

·The District will follow the same procedure as set forth for a first offense except that (for the second offense) EXPULSION up to the full extent of the law will be recommended.

·Any second or subsequent offense which occurs at least 36 months after a first or second offense shall not be recognized by the District as a second or subsequent offense.

Distribution

Students who share and or sell alcohol/drugs to other students or persons on District property, on school buses, or at any school-sanctioned activity will be immediately suspended and recommended for expulsion. These students are also subject to additional programs and obligations established by the District as a condition of readmission.

1^st Offense

·The school administrator shall notify the parents or guardians and request an immediate conference.

·The school administrator shall notify the appropriate law enforcement/juvenile agency.

·The school administrator shall suspend the student for ten (10) days in accordance with the CCHS rules for out-of-school suspension and Board review.

Athletic Training Rule and Procedures

Central High School believes that education extends beyond the classroom such that participation in interscholastic competition is an integral part of the learning process. The following training rules and disciplinary procedures are subscribed to by the Central High School Athletic Department to establish and support the high standards of self-discipline expected of all Central High School student athletes.

All received alleged violations wil