Jesse Owens

Herrin High School
2014-2015

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Herrin High School
700 N. 10th Street
Herrin, IL. 62948

Phone: [phone]

Property of: Address: Phone #:
In case of emergency, please notify:

Name:

Phone #:

The information in this book was the best available at press time. Watch for additional information and changes.

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2880 U.S. Hwy. 231 S., Suite 200 • Lafayette, IN 47909 • [phone] http://www.schooldatebooks.com • [e-mail]
1
TABlE Of cONTENTS
School Calendar .............................................................. 3
Daily Schedule ................................................................. 4
Early Dismissal Schedule ............................................... 4
Administrative Office ...................................................... 5
Office Secretaries ............................................................ 5
Directory........................................................................... 5
Administration............................................................... 5
Office Staff.................................................................... 5
Guidance ...................................................................... 5
Teachers....................................................................... 6
Miscellaneous............................................................... 7
Section I............................................................................ 8
Recognition, Philosophy and Mission
Statement .................................................................... 8
Recognition .................................................................. 8
Philosophy.................................................................... 8
Mission Statement........................................................ 8
Section II Rights and Responsibilities .......................... 8
Agenda/Student Handbook .......................................... 8
Student Id Card ............................................................ 8
Late Arrival at School ................................................... 8
Closed Campus............................................................ 9
Anti-Loitering Regulation .............................................. 9
Bookbags/Backpacks/Purses....................................... 9
Student Dress............................................................... 9
Academic Integrity........................................................ 9
What is Plagiarism...................................................... 10
Cheating / Plagiarism Examples ................................ 10
Responsibilities .......................................................... 10
Punitive Actions for Cheating in a
Class Will Be as Follows ....................................... 11 utoring ...................................................................... 11
Social Probation ......................................................... 12
Cell Phones and Other Electronic
Devices ................................................................. 12
Gang Affiliation and Dress.......................................... 12
Students Rights of Expression ................................... 12
Procedures for Displaying or
Distributing Materials ............................................ 13
Use of Telephones...................................................... 13
Visitors........................................................................ 13
Guests ........................................................................ 13
Student Lockers ......................................................... 13
Search of Lockers ...................................................... 13
Search of Students..................................................... 13
Student Vehicles......................................................... 13
Behavior at Extra-Curricular Events ........................... 13
Anti-Harassment/Hazing/Bullying Policy .................... 14
Complaint Process ..................................................... 14
Section III
Student Conduct
Expectations
for Student Behavior................................................ 15
Dangerous Weapons.................................................. 15
Off-Campus Conduct for Computers.......................... 15
Student Behavior........................................................ 15
Section IV
Disciplinary Procedures and
Punitive Actions ....................................................... 18
Lunch Detention ......................................................... 18
After-School Classroom Detention ............................. 18
After-School Detention ............................................... 18
Alternative Classroom (ACR) ..................................... 19
Out-Of-School Suspension......................................... 19
Expulsion.................................................................... 20
Student Recourse on Discipline ................................. 20
Guidelines for Reporting Criminal
Activities to Law Enforcement Agencies ............... 20
Questioning by Police and Department of Children and Family Services ........................... 21
Reciprocal Information Sharing
Agreement ............................................................ 21
Safe School Zone....................................................... 21
Section V Attendance................................................................ 22
Attendance ................................................................. 22
Valid Causes for Absences......................................... 22
Medical Documentation.............................................. 22
Preplanned Absences ................................................ 22
Emergency Absence .................................................. 23
Attendance Procedures.............................................. 23
Attendance Violations and Punitive
Actions .................................................................. 24
Sectoin VI
Computer and Internet Policy ................................. 25
Netbook Policy ........................................................... 26
Section VII Transportation and Parking ...................... 27
School Bus ................................................................. 27
Student Parking.......................................................... 27
Section VIII
Guidance & Counseling.......................................... 28
Section IX
Grades, Graduation, and
Commencement Grades .......................................... 29
Clause A ..................................................................... 29
Student Classification................................................. 29
Graduation and Commencement ............................... 30
Courses Required for Graduation 2009-
2010 ...................................................................... 30
Section X Records ......................................................... 31
Student Records......................................................... 31
Reviewing Records .................................................... 31
Release of Information ............................................... 31
Emergency Release of Information ............................ 31
Falsifying Records...................................................... 31
Section XI
Withdrawl From District........................................... 32
Transferring to Another School
District or Withdrawl From School......................... 32
Withdrawal From School ............................................ 32
Section XII
Insurance and Fees................................................. 33
Accident Insurance..................................................... 33
Fees ........................................................................... 33
Lunch ......................................................................... 33
Fee Waiver ................................................................. 33
Section XIII Legal Notices............................................. 34
Preparedness for Toxic Hazard and
Asbestos Hazard................................................... 34
Immunization/Health Examination.............................. 34
Request for Exemption From Physical
Examination and Immunization ............................. 34
Request for Exemption From Medical
Teaching................................................................ 34
Public Access Defibrillation ........................................ 34
School Violence Tip-Line............................................ 34
Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA).......................................................... 34
Rights Under the Protection of Pupil
Rights Amendment (PPRA) .................................. 35
Teacher/Paraprofessional
Qualifications ........................................................ 35
Section XIV
Use of Medication..................................................... 36
Section XV...................................................................... 37
Athletics...................................................................... 37
Athletic Handbook ...................................................... 37
Eligibility ..................................................................... 37
Physical Exam Requirement ...................................... 37
Discipline of Athletes .................................................. 37
ScHOOl cAlENDAr
August 11.........................................................................Teacher Institute (No School) August 12.........................................................................................First Day of School September 1 ..............................................................................Labor Day (No School) September 12 ........................................................... School Improvement(No School) October10 ............................................................................................End First Quarter October13 .............................................................................Columbus Day(No School) October 24 .................................................... Half-Day School Improvement(Early Dis) October 31 ........................................................................Teacher Institute(No School) November 11 ........................................................................Veterans Day (No School) November26 ........................................................... Waived P/T Conf. Day (No School) November 27-28 .........................................................Thanskgiving Break (No School) December 19 .............................................................................. End of First Semester Dec. 22-Jan. 2 .................................................................Christmas Break (No School)
Early Out (2:00 PM)……..Aug.27,Sept.17,Oct.15,Nov.19,Dec.19

Jan.5 …………………………………………………………. Teacher Institute (No School)
Jan.6 ......................................................................................Second Semester Begins January 19 .......................................................... Martin Luther King B’day (No School) February 13 ............................................ Half-Day Teacher Inservice (Early Dismissal) February 16 ..................................................................... Presidents’ Day (No School) March 5 ............................................................................................. End of 3rd quarter March 6 ........................................................... Half-Day Teachers Inservice(Early Dis.) March 9-13 .............................................................................................. Spring Break April3, April 6..................................................................... Easter Break (No School) May21 ...............................................................................Teacher Institute(No School) May 25 ................................................................................. Memorial Day (No School) May 29 ............................................................................................. Last Day of School
Early Out (2:00 PM)……Jan.21,Feb.18,March25,April22,May13

Five emergency days are included in the calendar as required by the Illinois School Code. If unused, the Board of Education may amend the calendar to decrease the length of the school calendar

DAIlY ScHEDUlE 2013-2014
7:15 ........................................................................ 8:00EARLY BIRD
8:00 ........................................................................ FIRST BELL(GO TO LOCKERS)
8:10 ........................................................................ LAST BELL
8:10 – 8:58 ............................................................. 1st PERIOD
9:02 – 9:50 ............................................................. 2nd PERIOD
9:54 – 10:44 ........................................................... 3rd PERIOD
11:22 – 12:10 ......................................................... 4th PERIOD (A)
10:48 – 11:36 ......................................................... 4th PERIOD (B)
12:14 – 1:02 ........................................................... 5th PERIOD
1:06 – 1:54 ............................................................. 6th PERIOD
1:58 - 2:46 ............................................................. 7th PERIOD LUNCH (A) 10:48 – 11:18
LUNCH (B) 11:40 – 12:10
ADMINISTrATIVE OffIcE
Dr.Terry Ryker........................................................................................................................ Principal James Cargal ................................................................................................................ Vice Principal Mike Mooneyham .......................................................................................................Athletic Director

OffIcE SEcrETArIES
Amy Williams ..................................................................................................... Principal’s Secretary
Student Admission/Withdrawal, Transcripts, Medical Records, School Calendar, Announcements, Lunch Application
Kris Constable .................................................. Assistant Principal’s Secretary Attendance Records, Lockers, Progress Reports, Homework Requests
Laura Varacalli ...................... Bookkeeper, Activity Accounts, Lunch and Fee Payment, Fee Waivers
Marilyn Beltz .................................... Athletic Department Secretary, Athletic Physicals and Eligibility

DIrEcTOrY
ADMINISTRATION
EArlY DISMISSAl ScHEDUlE
7:15 - 8:00 ............................................................. EARLY BIRD
8:10 - 8:52 ............................................................. 1st PERIOD
8:56 - 9:38 ............................................................. 2nd PERIOD
9:42 – 10:27 ........................................................... 3rd PERIOD
11:05 – 11:47.......................................................... 4th PERIOD (A)
10:31 – 11:13 ......................................................... 4th PERIOD (B)
11:51 – 12:34 ......................................................... 5th PERIOD
12:38 – 1:21 ........................................................... 6th PERIOD
1:25 – 2:08 ............................................................. 7th PERIOD LUNCH (A) 10:31 – 11:01
LUNCH (B) 11:17-11:47
Room/Phone Ext. Dr.Terry Ryker, Principal....................................................... 1056
James Cargal, Assistant Principal ........................................ 1055
Mike Mooneyham, Athletic Director...................................... 1059

OFFICE STAFF
Amy Williams........................................................................ 3007
Kris Constable ...................................................................... 3004
Laura Varacalli ..................................................................... 3005
Marilyn Beltz......................................................................... 3006

GUIDANCE
Cathy Shelton (A-K) ............................................................. 1075
Rob Long (L-Z) ..................................................................... 1074
Tracy Cornelius, Social Worker………………………………. 1057

TEACHERS
Pam Adams, Special Ed....................................................... 1096
Wayne Albers, Vocational..................................................... 2032
Staff, Fine Arts……….. ..........................................................1004
Andrew Anderson, Spec. Ed………………………………….2006
Amanda Bethel, Science………………………………………2023
Rachel Bonifield, Math…………………………………………2046
Staff, Special Ed………….................................................... 1080
Christy Collins. Vocational.................................................... 2028
Kevin Dunaway, Vocational .....................................................1121
Vanessa Estes, Lang. Arts……………………………………1110
Eric Ewell, Language Arts ................................................... 1099
Jamie Ford, Vocational.................................................... 1092
Melissa Frankel, Vocational ................................................. 2030
Amber George, Vocational ................................................... 1089
Samantha Goetting, Lang. Arts……………………………….1097
Larry Grimm, Vocational....................................................... 1120
Kyle Harlow, Math ................................................................. 2040
Amanda Hickman, Language Arts........................................ 1107
Ken Hill Special Ed.............................................................. 1096
Eric Johns, Science.............................................................. 2012
Beth Johnson, Librarian……………………………………….1103
Daniel Johnson, Social Studies............................................ 2034
Jeff Johnson, Social Studies ................................................ 2037
Jason Karnes, Phys Ed ........................................................ 0100
Larry Kepple, Science .......................................................... 2016
J.T. Lewis, Band, Fine Arts ................................................... 1009
Kelsey Lewis, Social Studies ............................................... 2036
Stacy Linton, Phys Ed, He a l t h ................................................1042
Michelle Loyd, Math ............................................................. 2042
Dusty Mallow, Social Studies ............................................... 2035
Brian Matzenbacher, Phys. Ed ............................................. 1047
Jessica Miller, Spec. Ed……………………………………….1001
Jason Mings, Speech ........................................................... 1086
Lori Mohr, Spec. Ed.............................................................. 1079
Brad Moore, Art .................................................................... 2003
Jeanie Nagrodski, Math ....................................................... 2043
Tammy Pullum, Language Arts ............................................ 1109
Staff,Detention/ACR …………….............................................. 1070
Peter Rose, Science ............................................................ 2021
Jenny Scherschel, Spec. Ed…………………………………..1002
Jene Simmons, Fine Arts ..................................................... 1004
John Sims, Physical Education- Health ............................... 2026

Terry Smith, Spec. Ed…………………………………………1100
Janice Southard, Fine Arts……………………………………1021
Michaelann Stanley, Lang. Arts………………………………1112
Jennifer Taitt, Math ............................................................... 2041
Grace Taylor, Language Arts .................................................1113
Brittany Thompson, Vocational ............................................ 2008
Jim Wangler, Vocational ....................................................... 1125
Greg Wanstreet, Math .......................................................... 2038
Amanda Wheaton, Language Arts ....................................... 1102
Jamie Wilson ,Language Arts............................................... 1108

MISCELLANEOUS
Cafeteria..................................................................... 1025, 1027
Cafeteria Office .................................................................... 1029
English Computer Lab........................................................... 1111
Computer Lab (2nd floor) ..................................................... 2028
Network Room ..................................................................... 2027
Teachers Lounge (1st floor) ................................................. 1050
Teachers Workroom (2nd floor)............................................ 2027
Weight Room ....................................................................... 0100

SEcTION I

rEcOGNITION, PHIlOSOPHY AND MISSION STATEMENT
RECOGNITION
Herrin High School is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, is in compliance with the standards of the Illinois State Board of Education, and is recognized as an accredited high school
PHILOSOPHY
Herrin High School is dedicated to the fullest possible development in socially approved directions of each of its individual students. It is the purpose of the school to provide an environment designed to aid each student to mature intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally to the limit of his/her abilities and interests in a democratic society.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Herrin High School, in partnership with its parents and community members, seeks to instill in its students high standards for academic scholarship, integrity, leadership, and responsible citizenship.
SEcTION II rIGHTS AND rESPONSIBIlITIES
The Herrin Unit School District operates on the assumption that acquiring a good education should be the number one goal of every school age child and the desire of every parent. It is the reason for the existence of our schools and is the responsibility we acknowledge and accept. The Board of Education adopted the following statement about the role of the schools, parents, and students:
Shared Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the school district to provide appropriate instructional staff, curriculum, leadership, and materials. It is the responsibility of each student to pay attention and work diligently to acquire a good education. It is the responsibility of the parent to encourage, direct, and see that their children enroll in courses appropriate to their abilities and needs and to assure that they work at the job of learning.
AGENDA/STUDENT HANDBOOK
Students should carry this Agenda/Student Handbook to all classes. Students cannot remove or alter the Handbook section of the agenda. The “passbook” section is to be used for all teacher-written hall passes. If a student does not have their agenda, they will not receive a hall pass. Students without an agenda in the halls during class will be assigned a detention.
If a student loses his/her Agenda, a replacement must be purchased in the office for $6.00. If the passbook section is filled, a new Agenda must be purchased to obtain more passes. Also, a new Agenda must be purchased if the Handbook section is removed. Additional Agendas are available as long as supplies last.
STUDENT ID CARD
All students will be issued an ID card and a lanyard at the beginning of the school year. Students will carry these cards while they are at school. When requested by a teacher, the student should present their ID. Also, ID’s are required when purchasing or receiving free lunch. ID’s are also used when prepaying student lunch (see LUNCH, page 46). ID’s are also required to obtain student discounts at extracurricular events.
If a student loses their ID, a replacement can be purchased for $5.00
LATE ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
The school day begins at 8:10 am. Students are expected to be in their first period classroom by that time. Students who are tardy to first hour, or arrive later in the day, should report to the High School Office for an Admit to Class pass. Detentions will be assigned for each tardy. The penalty will increase with each tardy. Seven tardies will result in ACR.
After 8:20 a.m., all doors will be locked from outdoor entry, except the main entrance on the south side of the building. Students entering the building after that time should enter at that entrance, and sign in at the office. Only those students with classes at another attendance center are not required to sign in when arriving after 8:10 .am.

CLOSED CAMPUS
Herrin High School is a closed campus. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds at any time during the school day without signing out of the office. Once a student has arrived on campus the school day has started and therefore the student is not permitted to leave until the close of the school day. Students will not be permitted to sign-out without parental notification and approval.
ANTI-LOITERING REGULATION
Loitering by Students within a two-block area of the school is not permitted 45 minutes before the start of school or 30 minutes after school is dismissed for the day.
BOOKBAGS/BACKPACKS/PURSES
Bookbags, backpacks and purses are not permitted in the classroom. A bookbag/backpack/purse may be brought to school but it must be placed in the student’s locker whenever the student arrives at school and should remain there until the end of the school day.
STUDENT DRESS
A students general appearance and dress are expected to be neat, clean, and appropriate. In addition, health regulations require that shoes be worn at all times.
Other student dress restrictions:
Wearing hats in the school building during the school day is not permitted.
Students need to be clothed from shoulder to mid-thigh. As worn, no skin shall be visible between the blouse or shirt and the clothing covering the lower body. Pants must be worn at the natural waistline. Students are not allowed to wear pants with holes above the knees. No revealing necklines or backless tops will be accepted.
Clothing or jewelry which displays or implies the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or other illegal products, violence, or is obscene or suggestive is not allowed.
Tank tops whose shoulder straps are narrower than the individual’s palm and tank tops that are baggy under the arm are not acceptable at school.
Sheer or see thru clothing will not be considered a covering.
Wallet chains or other chains that are worn outside the clothing are not allowed.
No facial piercing with hoops, etc. that are judged by school personnel as unsafe for the classroom and halls is not allowed.
Necklaces, bracelets, or other types of jewelry that is appropriate for school may be worn except in classes where it would present a danger to the student. Any gang- related clothing will be strictly prohibited. (see section on next page dealing with gang-related clothing)
Inappropriately dressed students will be removed from the regular school setting (i.e. classroom, hallway, cafeteria, etc.) and directed to the administration office where they will be supervised and placed out of view of other students. If the student chooses to change into available, acceptable clothing, he/she will be permitted back into the regular school setting. If appropriate clothing is not available, the office will attempt to supply alternate clothing. If the student uses the office’s clothing, a sign-off sheet signed by the student’s teachers must be completed and returned to the office at the end of the school day. If the clothing is not returned, the students will be charged a fee for its replacement. If alternative attire is not available in the office, or if the student chooses not to change clothing, the student’s parent will be notified, and required to bring appropriate attire. Repeated clothing offenses may result in punitive actions (Section IV, pp 18-22). Students will not be permitted back into the regular school setting until appropriately attired. Classes missed will be considered as an unexcused absence.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Herrin High School has adopted an academic integrity policy to discourage cheating on any type of assignment or test. This policy will be enforced on tests, quizzes, homework, projects, reports, etc. At Herrin High School, it is our role as educators to monitor student learning, which is impossible if a student is misrepresenting himself or herself by handing in fraudulent work. The offenses will not be accumulated in different classes. For instance, if a student is caught cheating in one class and then caught cheating in another class, they would both be counted as first offenses. Violation of academic integrity will be considered when applying for National Honor Society.

It is expected that all student work is original; homework assignments, projects, lab reports, papers, tests, and other student work are all included in this expectation. Students should always [be mindful] to distinguish their own ideas and work from information found in outside sources. The term “sources” includes primary and secondary material published in print or on-line or any information / opinions gained directly from other people (President 1). Unless the teacher gives explicit instructions for an assignment to be written collaboratively, assume that—even if work is done with a friend—one must do the actual writing by oneself. Students who submit work that is either not their own or without giving credit to the work’s sources will be subject to disciplinary action defined in the student handbook (President 2).
WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?
Definition: In an instructional setting, plagiarism occurs when a student deliberately uses someone else’s language, ideas, or other original (not common knowledge) material without acknowledging its source (Council 1). This definition applies to texts published in print form or on-line, manuscripts, or the work of other students.
Council of Writing Program Administrators . Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on
Best . Council of Writing Program
Administrators, 2003. Web. 9 Apr. 2012.

President & Fellows of Harvard College . “ Harvard Plagiarism Policy.” Harvard Guide to Using Sources. Harvard University, 2012. Web. 23
Mar. 2012. .
CHEATING / PLAGIARISM EXAMPLES
Academic dishonesty (cheating) is not tolerated at all. It is punishable by the rules in the student handbook and as deemed by the individual classroom teacher. Academic dishonesty is defined as, but not limited to, the following:
- copying another person’s homework or allowing another student to copy your homework.
- discussing test questions with another student who has not yet taken the test/quiz or getting test questions from someone who has already taken the test/quiz.
- turning in someone else’s work from another class, including previous students’ papers, or from another teacher with the same assignment.
- copying text or ideas, rearranging, manipulating, paraphrasing another’s work from any source (internet, book, magazine, etc.) and turning it in as your own work. Citations must be included within the text of all researched work.
- copying answers from another’s paper while taking a test/quiz in class or outside of class.
- using an aid (cheat sheet, writing answers on desks or your person, pen or pencil, notebook, or any other written, verbal or non-verbal communication for oneself or another student’s use, talking to another student, using a cell phone or other electronic device to take a picture of or text information to another student, or any other method of receiving answers) while taking a test/quiz or other instructional materials.
- taking materials from a teacher’s desk, filing cabinet, or other places where classroom materials are stored.
- using Google Translate or any other online translator for a foreign language class; students will be allowed to translate individual words but not phrases or sentences.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Students Will:
1. Avoid situations which might contribute to cheating, plagiarizing, lying, and stealing.
2. Avoid unauthorized assistance on all schoolwork.
3. Document borrowed materials by citing sources.
4. Avoid plagiarizing by:
a. Using quotation marks for statements taken from others.
b. Acknowledging information, ideas, or patterns of thought borrowed from any source.
c. Consulting faculty about any questionable situations.
*In addition, students are encouraged to speak to any student they observe violating the Academic
Integrity Policy about the seriousness of the infraction.
Parents Will:
1. Have knowledge of the Herrin High School Academic Integrity Policy and its consequences.
2. Provide a positive example for adhering to the Academic Integrity Policy.
3. Support faculty and administration in enforcing the Academic Integrity Policy.
Teachers Will:
1. Take immediate action when violations related to school are determined. a. Counsel the student.
b. Record a zero for the assignment with no opportunity for make-up work.
c. Report the violation to the student’s counselor and administrator on a discipline referral form.
Confer with the assistant principal if possible.
d. Contact the student’s parent. One suggested method: The teacher might tell the student to notify his/her parents and request that the parent call the teacher within 24 hours. If the teacher is not called, then the teacher calls the parents. This procedure puts the responsibility on the student to confront the parent; such confrontation may serve as a deterrent to further violations.
2. Structure conditions during testing to alleviate the possibility of cheating.
3. Specify the types of collaboration that are discouraged and those that are encouraged.
4. Teach or review correct use of documentation when assigning work.
5. Review the Academic Integrity Policy during the first week of the school year. Teachers are encouraged to review periodically the Academic Integrity Policy as it relates to a specific discipline.
Counselors Will:
1. Maintain cumulative records of reported violations of the Academic Integrity Policy.
2. Facilitate Academic Integrity Policy violation conferences when follow-up counseling is deemed appropriate by the student, parent, teacher, counselor, or administrator.
Administrators Will:
1. Assure that all faculty, students, and parents have knowledge of the Herrin High School Academic
Integrity Policy.
2. Create a school-wide environment that encourages adherence to the policy.
3. Encourage teachers to enforce the Academic Integrity Policy.
4. Maintain cumulative records of reported violations of the policy.
5. Facilitate Academic Integrity Policy violation conferences among the student/parent/teacher/counselor when follow-up action is appropriate.
6. Enforce appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the Student Handbook.
PUNITIVE ACTIONS FOR CHEATING IN A CLASS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
· 1st Offense: Zero on assignment and student is placed in ACR.
· 2nd Offense: Zero on assignment and student is suspended from school for two days. Since the student is suspended for academic reasons, the student will receive zeros for days missed due to suspension.
· 3rd Offense: Same as second offense, except suspension will be for five days.
TUTORING
will be open to all students that are interested in academic improvement.
· Mandatory for freshmen-juniors who are failing two or more classes
· Will be managed by a certified teacher
· National Honor Society students will be hired to help tutor
· Tutoring will be from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
SOCIAL PROBATION will also be enforced for students that are failing two or more classes. Students that are placed on social probation will not be able to attend any sporting events, practices or any other extra curricular event sponsored by the school.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
1) If a student brings a cell phone to school, upon entering the building, the student must immediately turn the power off.
2) When the bell rings the student will put the phone (with the power off) in their locker. If a phone rings in a locker the phone will be confiscated, an after school detention given and the phone will only be given back to a parent/guardian.
3) When the school day is over, students will be allowed to use their phones once they are outside the school building. Phones will need to stay off until students exit the building.
4) After 3:30 p.m. students will be allowed to use their phones to call for rides, etc.
5) If a student is caught with a cell phone on his/her person during the day, the phone will be confiscated and only returned to a parent/guardian. In addition the following measures will be taken:
a) 1st offense: one day of ACR
b) 2nd offense: two days of ACR
c) 3rd offense: two day out of school suspension
d) Further offenses: out of school suspensions will lengthen for each added violation
GANG AFFILIATION AND DRESS
The visibility of gangs and gang-related activities in the school setting cause a substantial disruption of and/or material interference with school and school activities. Gangs and gang-related activities are prohibited on school property, or at any school affiliated activities. “Gang”, as used in this statement, shall mean two or more individuals who associate with each other primarily for criminal, disruptive and/ or other activities prohibited by law and/or by the district’s rules and regulations. Gangs include but are not limited to street gangs and supremist groups.
No student on or about school property or at any school activity:
1. shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display a tattoo, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other item which is evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang:
2. shall communicate, either verbally or non-verbally( gestures, handshakes, slogans, drawings, etc.) membership or affiliation in a gang.
3. shall commit any act which furthers gang activity, including, but not limited to..... a. soliciting others for membership in any gang
b. requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person c. committing any other illegal act or violation of school district policies
d. inciting other students to act with violence upon any other person
STUDENTS RIGHTS OF EXPRESSION
In accordance with Board policy students have the right, protected by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to exercise freedom of speech. This includes the right to distribute or display, at reasonable times and places, written material, petitions, buttons, badges, or other insignia, except expression which:
1. Is obscene
2. Is libelous
3. Is indecent or vulgar
4. Advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law
5. Constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people
(e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or a person’s race, religion, or ethnic origin)
6. Presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution or display, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of school or school activities, a violation of school regulations, or the commission of an unlawful act.
PROCEDURES FOR DISPLAYING OR DISTRIBUTING MATERIALS
Any student wishing to distribute or display material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the principal 24 hours in advance, with the following information.
1. Name of the student or organization
2. Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended display or distribution
3. Location where material will be displayed or distributed
The principal will either approve the material or indicate how it violates the guidelines listed above or the time, place, and manner restrictions listed. If permission to distribute or display the material is denied, the student shall have the opportunity to make necessary revisions and or deletions.
USE OF TELEPHONES
Students are not permitted to use the classroom telephones. Telephones are available in the office for emergencies or unexpected situations only. Students must receive permission from the office staff to use the office phones, and abide by the rules for using them.
VISITORS
In the interest of student safety, as required by state law, individuals (including parents and guardians) visiting the school should report to the administration office. All visitors will be required to sign in and receive a visible pass so that their presence may be identified and understood by school personnel.
GUESTS
Due to safety concerns for the students of Herrin High School guests will not be allowed at Herrin High School. If guests are brought to school, they will have to remain in the high school office until transportation can be arranged.
STUDENT LOCKERS
Each student is assigned a hall locker. Students should have locks on their lockers and should not reveal their locker combination to anyone. Students should not put their belongings into anyone else’s locker. No contact paper or permanent markers/sticker should be used on the outside or inside of the locker. Keep locker doors closed and locked. The school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Remember the school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen articles. DO NOT SWITCH LOCKERS WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE OFFICE.
SEARCH OF LOCKERS
Schools are authorized to take positive action through education, counseling, parental involvement, medical referral, and police in the handling of incidents in schools involving the possession, sale, distribution or use of behavior affecting substances. Furthermore, school authorities in the interest of maintenance, health and safety may inspect school properties. As such, lockers, though assigned to students, are school property and may reasonably be inspected.
SEARCH OF STUDENTS
Certified employees may search students, student’s purses, or other private belongings when there is a reasonable suspicion that the student or item to be searched contains illegal or improper items, and that a search will expose evidence that a student has violated or is violating either the law or school rules. The staff may also solicit the help of local law enforcement agents to conduct a more detailed search.
STUDENT VEHICLES
Vehicles of students may be searched when there is reasonable suspicion that the vehicle may contain illegal, improper or dangerous materials, and that a search will expose evidence that a student has violated or is violating either the law or school rules.
Specially trained dogs may be used at any time throughout the school year to conduct a sweep of the school and surrounding campus in order to maintain a safe and orderly school. The dogs will be used to check lockers, parking lots, automobiles, or any other place in which illegal substances may be hidden.
BEHAVIOR AT EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS
Students are reminded that extra-curricular activities are but an extension of the classroom and that all school rules still hold true. Rules at extra-curricular activities, whether at home or at Students breaking school another school, will be punished as if the violation occurred during the school day. In addition, any student who leaves a school sponsored event will be required to pay again if they wish to re-enter
12 the event. 13

ANTI-HARASSMENT/HAZING/BULLYING POLICY
Herrin High School believes that harassment,(physical, mental, sexual) activities of any type is inconsistent with the educational process and prohibits all such activities at any time in school facilities, on school property, or any district sponsored event. Prohibited areas will include, but not limited to: Race/ Color, Religious Creed, National Origin, Disabilities.
Bullying shall be defined as forcing or intimidating any student to do something against his/her wishes by the threat of mental, emotional, or physical harm to that student.
Hazing shall be defined as performing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to perform any act of initiation into any class, group, or organization that causes or creates a risk of causing mental, emotional, or physical harm. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the penalties.
COMPLAINT PROCESS
If a student feels he/she has been the victim of a form of harassment, they are to report it immediately to a teacher or an administrator. The student may then either explain the harassment in writing or verbally. The school district will attempt to maintain confidentiality of the parties involved, however it is not a guarantee. An investigation may go through informal or formal procedure depending on the severity of the situation. In the case of a harassment allegation, the following actions will be taken.
A. Teacher/employee will immediately inform the administration of a harassment complaint.
B. The student will be contacted by the administration to determine whether there will be an informal or formal complaint filed.
C. The complainant will then either write out a statement of infractions or will verbally give details and sign off on a statement written by an administrator. The statement must include the identity of the perpetrator(s), a detailed description of the facts upon which the complaint is based, a list of potential witnesses and what resolution the individual wants to occur.
D. The administrator will determine if a charge of placement needs to occur during the investiga- tive phase to protect the complainant from further harassment. The complainant may have input on this but the administrator will have the final say.
E. Within (5) five days, the administrator will notify the individual implicated in the harassment of all allegations and give the individual a chance to respond to the charges either in writing or verbally.
F. The investigation may include but is not limited to: (1) Interviews with the complainant
(2) Interviews with the accused
(3) Interviews with other witnesses who may have information relevant to the allegations
(4) Consideration of any documentation or other evidence presented by the complainant, accused or any other witness believed to be relevant to the allegations
G. The final findings will be disseminated to the complainant and accused and if the incident is serious enough the information will be forwarded to the superintendent
LOST AND FOUND
All students are furnished lockers and good locks, and must assume full responsibility for their property. Although the school assumes no responsibility for lost property, it makes every effort to recover property lost by students. To protect their property, students are encouraged to keep their lock combinations secret and their lockers locked at all times.
SEcTION III STUDENT cONDUcT
EXPEcTATIONS fOr STUDENT BEHAVIOr
The basic principles guiding student behavior shall be consideration of the rights and privileges of others, cooperation with all personnel in the school, and respect for oneself and others.
Standards. High standards of courtesy, decency, expressions, honesty, morality, and wholesome relationships with others shall be maintained. Herrin High School has rules and regulations designed to guide high standards for student conduct. It shall be the responsibility of students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations governing student conduct.
School Board Policy (JD) states that “reasonable standards of pupil conduct and pupil discipline are a necessary component of the educational process. To that end, the Board of Education extends the authority and responsibility of maintaining discipline to the district level administrators, building principals and their assistants, faculty and staff.”
NOTE: IN ALL MATTERS RELATING TO DISCIPLINE IN THE SCHOOLS AND TO THE CONDUCT OF STUDENTS WHILE TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND WHILE ATTENDING ALL SCHOOL RELATED EVENTS, TEACHERS AND OTHER CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES STAND IN THE RELATION OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO THE STUDENTS.
DANGEROUS WEAPONS
The Board of Education will not tolerate the possession of weapons by anyone while on school property or at a District-related event. In implementing this policy, a dangerous weapon is defined as any device that can be used to inflict bodily harm while in attendance at school or a school activity, or in route to or from school on a school bus.
This definition shall also encompass such actions as look-alike items, false fire alarms, bomb threats, or intentional call to falsely report a dangerous condition.
Consistent with ILCS 5/10-22.6, any student determined to have brought a gun to school or to any school-sponsored event will be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year.
The Board of Education may reduce the length of the expulsion to less than one year on a case-by-case basis.
OFF-CAMPUS CONDUCT FOR COMPUTERS
Students will be held responsible for off campus behavior if it materially or substantially disrupts or poses a true threat and interferes with the schools educational process. If using a home-based or other off- campus computer results in a disruption of the educational process, the school will implement appropriate consequences as defined in the acceptable use policy. Images that are on a web site showing students in violation of school policy can be used as evidence
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
In all circumstances in which an employee acts to help a student conduct himself/herself properly, emphasis shall be placed upon the growth of the student relative to his/her ability to control or discipline himself/herself.
Discipline at Herrin high School is progressive in nature in that continued repeated infractions will result in the punitive actions being increased until appropriate behavior is attained.
Student infractions are classified according to three (3) levels with disciplinary action determined by the seriousness of the violation. These levels are classified as follows:
Class I Infractions. Students committing infractions of this level shall be subject to immediate suspension and/or recommended for expulsion. This type of misconduct is considered the most flagrant and carries the severest penalty. This type of behavior shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
· Actions considered life threatening and/or possession of illegal or dangerous weapons will be cause for expulsion. The term weapon means use, control or transfer of any object, which may be used to cause bodily harm. These items include but are not limited to knives, guns, firearms, rifles, shotguns, brass knuckles, or “look-alikes”. Such items as baseball bats, pipes, bottles, locks, sticks, pencils, and pens may be considered weapons if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm. Guns must never be brought to school, on school grounds, or parking lots even if they are properly locked in the trunk of an automobile.
· Physical assault upon a district employee.
· Misuse of a prescription medication or possession, use, delivery, sale, transmittal, or being under the influence of any substance containing alcohol, cannabis, or any substance considered a controlled substance, or look alike drug. Sniffing or inhaling of any substance with the intent to affect a student’s physical or mental behavior will be treated the same as a controlled substance.
· Setting off a false fire or disaster alarm. Reporting a false bomb threat.
· Theft of over $300.00
NOTE: CONSISTENT WITH STATE LEGISLATION (PA 88-0376, HB 532), REFERRED TO AS THE SCHOOL AND LAW ALL ENFORCEMENT RECIPROCAL REPORTING SYSTEM, CLASS I VIOLATIONS SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE HERRIN POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Class II Infractions. Students committing infractions of this level shall be subject to immediate suspension and/or recommended for expulsion. Disciplinary action for this type of misconduct may be less severe than that imposed under Class I infractions. This type of behavior shall include, but is not limited to the following:
· Fighting, hitting or deliberately causing injury to another person. Fighting or hitting claiming self defense will also not be tolerated Student will also be arrested for Disorderly Conduct
· Intentional damage to school property or to the personal property of a district employee. (In addition, restitution will be required.)
· Gross insubordination.
· Theft and/or possession of stolen property.
· Unauthorized use of school computer facilities, equipment, software, and violations of copyright laws and license agreements. (See Section VI COMPUTER AND INTERNET POLICY)
· Possession of drug paraphernalia.
· Possession or use of beepers, cell phones, or any electronic message sending devices at school during regular school hours.
· Gang-related activities(see Section II Gang Policy p.12)
· Misuse of laboratory or classroom safety devices (showers, etc.)
NOTE: CONSISTENT WITH STATE LEGISLATION (PA 88-0376, HB532), SELECTED CLASS II VIOLATIONS SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE HERRIN POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Class III Infractions. Students committing infractions of this level shall be subject to disciplinary action ranging from verbal reprimand to recommendation for expulsion from school. Continued infractions of this class of violations will have a cumulative effect in terms of disciplinary action. This type of misbehavior shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
· Tardiness. (See SECTION V, Tardiness)
· Truancy, including any unauthorized or unexcused absence from all or part of the school day.
· Violation of closed campus: Once a student has arrived at school he or she is not to leave without signing out in the office.
· Use or possession of cigarettes or tobacco in any form, anywhere on school grounds or at school- sponsored activities whether in school, on buses, at home or away extracurricular activities, on a fieldtrip, or anywhere students are under school supervision or are representing Herrin High School.
· Hazing or initiating students
· Violation of student parking regulations, including unauthorized trespass on the parking lot during the school day. (See SECTION VII, Student Parking)
· Violation of school, classroom, or school bus rules.
· Littering school grounds.
· Failure to properly dispose of trash or return tray in cafeteria.
· Disruption of the school learning environment and the use of inappropriate, profane, obscene, inflammatory, or intimidating language or gestures which includes wearing/possessing a hat during the school day, or wearing suggestive or disruptive attire. (See SECTION I, Student Dress)

· Harassment, teen dating violence, intimidation, threats,or bullying of any form including, but not limited to, that of a sexual, racial, or ethnic nature. (See SECTION II, Bullying, Harassment, Hazing)
· Displaying excessive and/or inappropriate affection.
· Unauthorized use of school property, facilities or equipment.
· Posting of signs or other materials on campus without approval of an administrator.
· Disrespect to a district employee.
· Forgery.
· Gambling.
· Misconduct on campus, at school-sponsored activities, or as a school bus passenger.
· Unauthorized presence on the school campus or at school- sponsored activities while on suspension or expulsion. (See SECTION IV, Alternative Classroom/Out of School Suspension/Expulsion)
· Use of any radios, tape, or CD players at any school-sponsored activity in a disruptive or illegal manner.
· Use of headphones in the halls or classroom during school hours, unless part of the curriculum.
· Violating the ban on eating food or drinking any beverages in classrooms, hallways, corridors, or restrooms. Furthermore no students are to carry beverages of any kind in the hallways, corridors, classrooms, restrooms, or place such beverages in student’s lockers or backpacks. Only unopened beverages will be allowed outside of the cafeteria when in the building. Students who are ill may receive permission to carry water or other fluids if directed by a physician and inspected by the school administration.
· Failure to appear for assigned detentions or ACR. (See SECTION IV, Alternative Classroom)
· Violation of the anti-loitering provisions. (See SECTION II, Anti-Loitering Regulation)
· Being in restricted areas throughout the school day. This includes loitering in parking lots, hallways, or stairs before school and during lunch periods. When outdoors, students should remain in designated areas before school and during lunch. Students are not to sit on the street curbing.
· Possession of a Laser Pointer.
· Food and beverage taken to restricted areas (Students should not take food and beverage out of the Commons Area)
· Violation of those school rules and regulations contained in the Parent-Student Handbook, but not specifically listed under Class I, II and III Infractions.
SEcTION IV DIScIPlINArY PrOcEDUrES AND PUNITIVE AcTIONS
Disciplinary procedures and punitive actions are designed to be consistent and appropriate relative to the three classes of student conduct infractions. The punitive actions recommended for each class of infraction shall be considered minimum and in no way implies that more severe action cannot be taken. Progressively more severe punitive actions are applied when violations are cumulative or repeated.
In the course of carrying out their responsibilities, teachers have the authority to issue selected punitive actions and, consistent with state legislation (PA 85-375), teachers have the authority to remove disruptive students from their classrooms subject to administration action and due process.
Teachers are expected to effectively manage all routine disciplinary matters. Methods available to teachers for correcting student misbehavior include, but are not limited to, the following: verbal reprimand, modification of classroom seating arrangements, scheduling individual conferences with the student or with the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s), referring students for guidance counseling services, assigning selected types of detentions, and recommending more severe punitive actions upon the approval of the principal and/or assistant principal.
LUNCH DETENTION
Lunch detention is the least punitive type of disciplinary action. Teachers shall assign lunch detention to students for being tardy to class and may assign one or more lunch detentions for infractions such as those listed as Class III Infractions.
Students serving lunch detention shall report to the designated detention room on the assigned date by the time that the bell signals the start of their lunch period. Talking and other forms of social interaction between students in the detention room are not permitted. Students will be released from the lunch detention room when only 15 minutes remain during their lunch period.
Tardiness, failure to report to lunch detention on the assigned date, or violation of the lunch detention rules shall result in the doubling of the lunch detention. Repeated failure to serve assigned lunch detentions will cause after-school detentions to be assigned in addition to the lunch detentions.
AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSROOM DETENTION
When students exhibit routine behavior problems in the classroom, such as those listed under Class III Infractions, teachers may choose to assign one or more after-school classroom detentions. After-school classroom detention is served in the assigning teacher’s classroom and under the assigning teacher’s supervision after the close of the school day, during the teacher preparation period.
The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) are expected to arrange after-school transportation if the student normally rides the bus. An after school activities bus may be available to transport students after 4:00 p.m. each day.
Tardiness, failure to report to after-school classroom detention on the assigned date, or violation of the after-school classroom detention rules shall result in the after-school classroom detention being converted to an after-school detention.
AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION
After-school detentions are to be served on the date(s) assigned. Students assigned to serve after-school detentions will be responsible for finding out when their detention is scheduled. A reasonable effort will be made to give the students prior notifification.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that detentions are served. The first period teacher distributes detention assignments. A list of those assigned to detention will be posted each day outside the detention room. A student’s responsibility to serve after-school detention precludes things such as work, athletics, and other activities.
Students serving after-school detention are to report to the detention room immediately after school. Students will be given the usual four minute passing period to get need materials, and must report to the detention room by 2:50 pm on a normal schedule. Talking and other forms of social interaction between students are not permitted in the detention room. Students are expected to bring homework and to have other necessary study materials with them when they report to the detention room. On the regular class schedule, students will be released from after-school detention at 3:50 p.m.
An after-school activities bus is available to transport students after 4:00 p.m. each day. On some occasions it might be necessary to cancel the late bus, in this instance it will be the parent(s)/guardian(s) responsibility to provide transportation.
Note: Detention(s) not served by the end of the school year are to be served in the summer. Detentions not completed in the summer will be carried over into the next school year. Refusal or repeated failure to serve assigned detention(s) may result in out of school suspension. Seniors who have not served all their detentions by the end of the senior year will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies and not received their diploma until all detentions are served.
Tardiness, failure to report to after-school detention on the assigned date(s), or violation of after-school detention rules shall result in the doubling of the after-school detention. Refusal or repeated failure of a student to serve assigned detention(s) may result in the student being placed to the ACR or assigned an out-of-school suspension. Once a student has missed three assigned after school detentions during a school year the student will be placed in ACR for each detention missed. If the student still misses detentions after being placed in ACR school officials will have no recourse but to suspend the student from school.
ALTERNATIVE CLASSROOM (ACR)
Alternative classroom is designed to serve the needs of students, faculty, administrators, and parents by providing a meaningful alternative to out-of-school suspension for those students that exhibit behavior too disruptive to remain in the classroom setting and not severe enough to warrant out-of-school suspension.
ACR is not meant to be an alternative to regular school attendance. ACR is intended to encourage better student attendance, improve student behavior, and assist teachers in maintaining classroom environments conducive to learning. In addition to the student serving ACR, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of excessively truant, tardy, or misbehaving students are notified and are asked to assist in improving the student’s behavior. If the student’s behavior does not improve, the only remaining recourse of the school administration is to place the student on out-of-school suspension.
ACR is a very serious punitive action and can only be assigned by the principal or assistant principal. Assignment to ACR may not exceed six (6) days per semester. Assignment to ACR for more than six days per semester indicates its ineffectiveness in improving student performance. After the sixth ACR in a semester, further actions that would result in ACR assignment, may result in out of school suspension. Each additional ACR assignment will result in longer out of school suspensions.
Students assigned to ACR are to report to the designated detention room by the time the bell signals the beginning of the school day and shall not be released until after school detention is over at the end of the day. Talking and other forms of social interaction between students in the detention room are not permitted. Students will be permitted to eat lunch in the cafeteria, but only at a time when other students are in regular classes Students assigned to ACR are not permitted to attend or to participate in any extracurricular activities on the day of their assignment to ACR and any student involved in these events are subject to the rules stated in the Athletic Handbook.
Students assigned to ACR are required to complete and to turn-in all make-up work for the classes they miss. The detention room supervisor will assist ACR students by submitting a “Request for Assignment” form to each of the student’s teachers and will insist that the student complete all of the work. The detention room supervisor will insist that the students complete all assigned work. Students will receive a zero grade or grade penalty for work not completed during ACR.
If a student misbehaves in the ACR, an out-of-school suspension will result. If a student walks out of the ACR or skips his or her assigned ACR date the student will be suspended and placed back in the ACR upon his or her arrival back at school.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Short of expulsion, out-of-school suspension is the most punitive disciplinary action. Students shall be placed on out-of-school suspension only for very serious violations of school rules or when less punitive measures have failed to correct student behavior.
Students placed on out-of-school suspension are not allowed on school grounds and are not permitted to attend any school activity during the duration of their suspensions, and will not be permitted to do so until reinstated.
Reinstatement following out-of-school suspension requires that the parent(s) or guardian(s) and the suspended student attend a “reinstatement conference” with the principal or assistant principal on the first day following the termination of the suspension.
Procedures for placing a student on out-of-school suspension include the following:
· Students will be given written notice of the charges against them and, if they deny them, an explanation of the evidence against them and an opportunity for them to be present their side of the situation will be provided.
· Prior to suspension, all facts will be reviewed before any decision on punitive action is reached.
This will precede suspension from school unless a student appears to present a continuing danger to persons or property, or presents an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process.
· School personnel will make every reasonable effort to immediately notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) of their student’s suspension.
· In all cases, school personnel will send a certified letter to the parent(s) or guardian(s) which specifically states the reason(s) for the suspension, and the rights of the student and the parent(s) or guardian(s) to request a review of the suspension.
· Homework missed during a suspension may be made up by having someone pick up the student’s assignments in the high school office. In order to receive credit for work missed during a suspension the work must be handed in the day the student returns to school.
Students with repeated out-of-school suspensions will be considered for expulsion.
EXPULSION
Very serious or repeated violations of school rules may result in a recommendation for expulsion from Herrin High School. While every reasonable effort is made to work with students, their parents or guardians, and other resources to promote student success, very serious student conduct violations or failure of the student to correct excessive, ongoing behavior problems may lead to expulsion from school. Only the Board of Education can expel a student.
STUDENT RECOURSE ON DISCIPLINE
The Principal and Assistant Principal are authorized to handle all matters pertaining to student discipline. In the event that a student believes that he/she has been treated unfairly, or has been disciplined for an unjust cause, he/she may ask for a hearing with the Principal or Assistant Principal.
Disciplinary Appeals. Over the course of the school year, disagreements can be expected to arise. When a student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) have questions or objections concerning disciplinary actions taken by school personnel, they have the right, and are encouraged, to request a conference with the Principal or Assistant Principal. Requested conferences will be promptly arranged at the mutual convenience of parents, guardians, teachers, and school administrators. Herrin High School personnel are committed to working cooperatively with parents and guardians to promote the success of all students.
Due Process Appeals. Procedures are in place to assure that all due process provisions are observed in matters concerning the formal out-of-school suspension and expulsion of students, and concerning the denial of their civil rights. If there are any questions concerning these proceedings, please contact Ms. Helen Hamilton, Testing/Curriculum Coordinator, Herrin Community Unit School District #4, who serves as the District’s Hearing Officer.
GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Herrin High School cooperates with law enforcement agencies to protect the welfare of all individuals and to maintain an educational setting conducive to learning.
Consistent with federal, state, and local laws, suspected criminal activities affecting students or the learning process are promptly reported to appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible legal action.
Status as a student does not bring immunity from the law, or exemption from these reporting procedures. Existing law permits school administrators to act as complainants in bringing charges of disorderly conduct against individuals, including students, found/suspected of engaging in criminal activity that disrupts the educational setting or the learning process at Herrin High School.
In addition to other legal consequences, students found to be engaged in illegal activities at school, between home and school, and at school-sponsored events are also subject to punitive actions assessed by the school as provided in the Student Handbook.

QUESTIONING BY POLICE AND DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
Requests by police to question a student on any NON-SCHOOL related matter shall be promptly relayed to the student’s parent or guardian if the child is under 17 years of age. The parent may instruct the principal to:
1. Allow officers to proceed with the questioning in the presence of school personnel.
2. Wait until parents or a representative arrive at the school.
3. Not allow the questioning.
If a parent cannot be contacted, questioning will not be permitted unless an extreme emergency exists or the student agrees to proceed with the questioning. In this case, the principal or his/her designee shall be present to see that the student’s rights are protected and that the content of the questioning, including names of the officers, be written down for later presentation to the parents.
The school shall not give permission for any law enforcement agency to remove any student from school premises during school hours without parent consent unless the law enforcement officer arrests the student.
DCFS caseworkers who come to school for investigation purposes have a legal right to question and/ or physically inspect the child, receive information from school records, and remove a child from school premises for protective custody. The building principal and/or a designee will be present during the questioning if ordered by the DCFS agent. A custody receipt will be required if a student is removed from school.
RECIPROCAL INFORMATION SHARING AGREEMENT
In conformance with Public Act 88-376, effective January 1, 1994, the Herrin Community Unit School District #4 and local law enforcement agencies have agreed to establish and maintain a reciprocal reporting system regarding criminal offenses committed by students.
This agreement provides that information may be shared among Herrin Community Unit School District
#4 and local law enforcement agencies when any of the agencies reasonably believes that another of the agencies may have information regarding the commission of a criminal offense by a student attending Herrin Community Unit School District #4.
SAFE SCHOOL ZONE
The Board of Education, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, has adopted a Safe Zone policy, which applies to the area within 1000 feet of any school. This policy allows for more severe penalties than ordinary for offenses within the 1000 feet and helps in preventing violence, drugs, and gang or gang-like behavior on or near the school property.
SEcTION V ATTENDANcE
School attendance is an important factor influencing any student’s opportunity to work up to his/her ability. When absent, students miss classroom instruction. Even though written work may often be made up, the student who is absent misses social interaction, class discussion, and instruction.
ATTENDANCE
The policy of the Board of Education is to promote and require regular attendance in all assigned classes within the School District. The responsibility for regular attendance and notification of the cause for absence is placed upon the parent/guardian.
School attendance is viewed as a cooperative effort involving the student, parents or guardians, and school personnel. Parents and guardians are expected to make reasonable efforts to ensure the regular attendance of their children, as specified by SECTION 26-1 of the Illinois School Code, and to inform the school of any absences and their causes. Correspondingly, school personnel are responsible for monitoring student attendance and are committed to notifying parents and guardians when their students are truant during all or part of the school day.
Except in cases of illness or other valid cause, students are expected to attend every class, every school day.
VALID CAUSES FOR ABSENCES
In keeping with SECTION 26-2a of the Illinois School Code, the following circumstances are valid causes for a student’s absence: illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent or guardian for the safety or health of the student, and other situations approved by the school principal or assistant principal. The following is an incomplete list of absences that will be considered UNEXCUSED: working, shopping, hair appointments, concerts, oversleeping, and skipping.
Students with unexcused absences will be subjected to disciplinary measure such as detention, ACR, or suspension. Students with an unexcused absence in a class will be required to take the semester exam. (See SECTION IX: Grades, Graduation, and Commencement). Students may receive grade reductions or not be able to make up certain class activities due to unexcused absences.
Absences not excused within 5 school days of the absence cannot be excused at a later date.
MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
When a student has been deemed to have excessive absences, medical documentation will be needed in order for the student to be considered excused. If a student does not get medical documentation, the student will be considered unexcused and all punitive action for truancy will be enforced. The state considers a student to be excessively absent when the absences amount to 10% of the school days. This figures out to approximately nine absences per semester. Medical documentation is a way the school can assure that a student is being properly taken care of. Whenever a student’s attendance becomes excessive, a letter will be sent to the parents or guardian to inform them that medical documentation will be needed in order to consider their child excused.
PREPLANNED ABSENCES
The principal or assistant principal has the authority to grant excused absences for the following types of preplanned absence requests: college visitation (documentation required), career/education visita- tion, family trips when student is accompanied by a parent or guardian, participation in regional and/or national contests or special awards not endorsed by the Illinois High School Association, and special religious events/holidays.
The building administrators have the authority to deny a request for a preplanned absence when the requesting student has developed an irregular attendance pattern and/or has exhibited improper behavior as documented by his/her disciplinary record.
To request a preplanned excused absence the parent/guardian must notify the principal or assistant principal at least 5 days prior to the absence.

EMERGENCY ABSENCE
Students who need to leave school, because of illness or an emergency at school, are to report to the assistant principal’s office. In the interest of student safety, all students must receive the approval of a building administrator and are required to sign-out in the attendance office before leaving campus. Prior to approving a student release from school, every reasonable effort will be made to inform the parent or guardian of the circumstances of the release. Students failing to follow these procedures when leaving school during the school day will be considered truant.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that students attend school. To assist parents and guardians, school personnel monitor the attendance of each student during each class period of the school day and are committed to notifying parents and guardians in a timely manner in the event that their students are truant.
Any unauthorized absence and any absence from school without a valid cause during all or any portion of the school day is regarded as truancy.
Full Day Absence. When illness, emergency, or other valid cause necessitates absence, the parent or guardian should notify the attendance office by telephone [phone]) between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the day of the absence. Failure of a parent or guardian to excuse the student by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the absence may cause the absence to be considered unexcused.
When parents and guardians plan to be out of town, they are expected to designate a responsible adult to act in their place and are expected to inform the attendance office of this designed in advance. If the attendance office is not informed ahead of time, the alternate for the parent or guardian will not be allowed to excuse the student in the event of an absence.
Partial Day Absence. Every reasonable effort should be made to avoid partial day absences and to avoid scheduling appointments that cause students to miss class time. Within reason, students are expected to attend classes before, and to return to school as soon as possible after, partial day absences.
If a student needs to be excused from school during a particular period or part of the school day, such as for a medical or dental appointment, the student’s parent or guardian should notify the attendance office prior to the time of day that the student is to be absent.
NOTE: Students are required to sign-out in the office before leaving campus and to sign-in upon returning to campus. Failure of a student to sign-in or out may result in the absence being unexcused and for the student to be considered truant.
Prolonged Absence. Parents and guardians are expected to contact (telephone) the attendance office each day of a student’s prolonged absence. Following the second day of a prolonged absence due to illness, requests for classroom assignments may be made by contacting Mrs. Kris Constable, Secretary to the Assistant Principal, at 942-6606. Assignments may be picked up in the attendance office 24 hours after the request is made. If a student is to miss more than two weeks of school due to illness or injury please contact, Mrs. Amy Williams, secretary to the principal, so a homebound teacher can be arranged.
Make-up Work Following an Absence. It is the responsibility of the student to check with each teacher on the first day back from an absence regarding arrangements to make up missed assignments and tests. Arrangements and deadlines shall be established between the teacher and the student. Failure to make arrangements on the first day back or failure to meet the established deadlines, for making up assignments and tests, results in the loss of make-up privileges and zeros are given for the missed work.
Attendance of Athletes on Day of Contest. An athlete will be allowed to compete if his or her absence on the day of contest is considered “excused,” for reasons other than illness. If the absence is considered “unexcused,” the athlete will not be allowed to compete. If the athlete is not healthy enough to attend at least one-half of the school day, on the day of the contest, he/she will not be considered healthy enough to compete.

ATTENDANCE VIOLATIONS AND PUNITIVE ACTIONS
Tardiness. Students are expected to be in their scheduled classroom, locker room, or shop and are expected to be prepared to start class when the bell signals the beginning of the class period. Students failing to meet these guidelines are considered tardy. With repeated tardiness the penalty will increase, possibly leading to a suspension.
1. Upon first offense, the teacher shall assign the tardy student a lunch detention.
2. 2 lunch detentions
3. 3 lunch detentions
4. 1 after school detention
5. 2 after school detentions
6. 3 after school detentions
7. 1 ACR
Truancy (Unexcused Absence). Students are expected to arrive at school on time and to attend all scheduled classes. A student is truant when absent without valid cause for a school day or any portion thereof, as defined in Section 26-2a of the Illinois School Code.
Student attendance is monitored during all class periods throughout the school day. School personnel are committed to notifying the parent(s) or guardian(s) in a timely manner whenever a student is found to be truant all or any part of the school day.
Students failing to be in class on time are considered tardy; however, after missing the first five (5) minutes of a class period a student is no longer tardy, but rather, shall be considered truant. In addition any student who misses any five minutes or more of a class without a valid excuse is considered truant.
On any given day, a truant student is subject to a minimum of two (2) days of after school detention for one period of being truant, plus another after-school detention for each additional whole or partial class period for which he or she is truant.
Repeated truancy is cause for requesting a parent and student conference with a guidance counselor and/or building administrator for the purpose of determining a way to remedy the problem. Depending upon the severity of the problem, truancy may subject the student to ACR, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
Minor students and the parents or guardians of minor students who are at risk of becoming chronic truants (i.e., absent without valid cause for 18 of the previous 180 school days, 9 of the previous 90 school days, or 4.5 of the previous 45 school days), will be referred to the Regional Superintendent of Schools for intervention by the county Truant Officer.
Chronic Truancy. A student is considered to be a chronic truant when absent without a valid cause for 10% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days, as stated in Section 26-2a of the Illinois School Code.
A truant minor is considered to be a chronic truant when resources and supportive services have been provided and have failed to result in the remediation of the chronic truancy, or have been offered and refused by the parent(s), guardian(s), and/or student.
After a chronic truant has been identified as a truant minor, a chronic truancy report will be made to the Regional Superintendent of Schools and the student may be subject to any combination of punitive actions which include the following:
· Out-of-School Suspension.
· Expulsion from school by the Board of Education if gross disobedience and misconduct have also occurred during the school term.
· Ordered to obtain counseling or other supportive services.
· Subject to a fine in an amount in excess of $5.00, but not exceeding $100.00, for each day of absence without valid cause as defined in Section 26-2a of the Illinois School Code.
· Required to perform reasonable public service work such as, but not limited to, the picking up of litter in public parks or along public highways or the maintenance of public facilities.
· Having his/her driver’s license privileges suspended.
SEcTOIN VI cOMPUTEr AND INTErNET POlIcY
Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. Students are not allowed on any web pages, chat rooms, or any other form of internet communication device, this also includes cell phones. Students, who have posted or have been posted on the internet committing acts prohibited by the athletic handbook, will be punished for such acts.
The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Independent access to network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required for minors. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.
Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. We will not tolerate any form of internet bullying or intimidation.
Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private.
The following activities are not permitted
· Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
· Using obscene language
· Harassing, insulting or attacking others
· Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks (i.e. loading files that may introduce a virus)
· Violating copyright laws (All references in papers must be cited)
· Using others’ passwords
· Trespassing in others’ folders, work or files
· Intentionally wasting limited resources
· Employing network for commercial purposes
· Downloading any information onto hard drives
Penalties
· Violations may result in loss of access
· Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior
· When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved

SEcTION VII TrANSPOrTATION AND PArKING no unauthorized software has been installed. The netbook’s history may also be checked to make sure illegal sites have not been visited.
· Violations of the Netbook Policy could result in the termination of the use of a netbook.
· Students and their parents are responsible for netbooks, netbook cases, and chargers issued to the students and are liable for the cost of replacement or repair.
· Parents are given the opportunity to purchase insurance to cover accidental damage. It does not cover lost or stolen netbooks or improper use of the netbook. The cost is $35.00 a year with a $100.00 deductible .
· Netbooks will be handed in at the end of the year or when a student transfers from Herrin High
School. If a student is back the next year, he/she will be issued the same netbook.
· Students are allowed to take the netbooks home in the evening but are responsible for the netbooks at school and away from school.
· No modifications can be made to the netbooks. Defacing the netbooks, including the use of stickers or decorations is prohibited. Students will be charged for repair and replacement.
· Only software from the approved Herrin High School list can be installed on the netbooks. Additional software may be installed with approval from HHS administration.
· Students are expected to come to school with fully charged netbooks. Having a dead battery will not be an excuse for late or missing work.
· Any student with maintenance issues should report to the technology department as soon as possible.
· Students are to carry or transport their netbooks in the case provided at all times. The netbooks are not to be carried in backpacks or book bags.
· No food or drink is allowed around the netbooks
· At school, netbooks are only to be used in the classroom, library, or the approved area in the commons.
The netbooks are not to be used in the gymnasiums, hallways, floors or on busses.
· Students are expected to bring their issued netbook to all classes unless specifically advised otherwise by teachers.
· When using the internet, if a student accidentally accesses inappropriate material, he/she will immediately notify a teacher. If a teacher is not notified, the student may be found in violation of the Computer Use Policy and disciplined accordingly. Deleting or attempting to delete Internet History will be considered a violation and result in disciplinary action.
· Netbooks are not to be used to harass other students, faculty or administrators. Students are not to enter chat rooms, instant messaging, social networks, etc., while at school.
· Students are to follow all copyright laws.
· Any use involving materials that are obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit or suggestive is strictly prohibited.
· Students will not access or save any image and/or text that violate school policies including but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and inappropriate or obscene language.
· No student shall attempt to circumvent the internet/network filter measures enacted by the school district.
· Your name will be placed on the back of the netbook for easy identification.
· All outstanding fees associated with the netbook must be paid before they are reissued the following school year or before a student is able to participate in graduation.
· Students are to use the netbooks provided. You are not to use your own.
· The toolbar must be present at all times while the netbook is in use.
· Netbooks are not to be used when a substitute teacher is in the classroom.
The district provides transportation to all students who live 1 1/2 miles or more from their attendance center. The bus company will designate bus stops and routes to meet the needs of the maximum number of students. Each bus rider is under the direct supervision of the driver. All students must, strictly observe bus rules, and conduct on the bus. The driver/bus company to the building principal will report misconduct. Misconduct could result in punitive actions being assigned to the student. Records of offenses will be kept and continuing problems could result in a bus suspension.
All students may at some time during the year ride on a school bus, if not as a regular passenger, then on field trips. Please understand the importance of obeying these rules for the overall safety of the school bus operation. Bus rules are to be observed at all times. Students are expected to behave appropriately while riding and while waiting for school bus service.
Late Bus. In addition to regular bus transportation, a “late bus,” which leaves the High School shortly after 4:00 pm each day, is provided to meet the transportation needs of students involved with after-school activities. Use of the “late bus” is limited only to students participating in legitimate, school-sponsored after-school activities.
STUDENT PARKING
Parking at school is a privilege not a right. Parking privileges may be revoked at anytime if the student fails to obey by the rules of the school and or drives recklessly, around the school, or in the parking lots. Cars parked on school grounds may be searched when there is a reasonable suspicion that the vehicle may contain illegal, improper, or dangerous materials, and that a search of the vehicle will expose evidence that a student has violated or is violating either the law or school rules.
Parking Permits. Students driving to school will have to purchase a Herrin High School parking permit (orange or black on white), which entitles them to park only in the legal areas in the particular lot which each permit serves. Parking privileges are limited to students whose vehicles display a valid parking permit. This permit (hanging tag) should be displayed on the rear view mirror so it can be read from the front of the vehicle. These permits are non-transferable and should not be loaned to others. In the event this does occur, the permit holder will forfeit parking privileges. A fee of $20.00 will be charged for permits for the full year. A $10.00 fee will be charged for those applying after January 1 of the school year. The fee is non-refundable. The fees will be targeted for parking lot maintenance and student services.
Seniors who have met or exceeded all areas of the PSAE will have first choice of parking spaces and will have their parking fees reduced to $5.00. All other spots will be assigned on a first come first serve basis for Seniors and Juniors during registration. In order to obtain a parking space, a student must show a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, license plate number, and valid proof of insurance.
Students will be assigned parking spaces whenever they purchase their parking permits. Students parked in the wrong space may be towed at owner’s expense, and or subject to punitive actions.
!st offense- 1afterschool detention
2nd offense- 1ACR
3rd offense- 2ACR’s and parking priviledges revoked
If someone is parked in your space, notify the assistant principal as soon as possible.
Students who use their cars while they are in violation of closed campus will have their parking privileges revoked. Cars not exhibiting a valid parking permit may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Illegal parking on streets near the school will be monitored and fined/towed by the Herrin Police
Department.
SEcTION VIII GUIDANcE & cOUNSElING
The primary responsibility of the guidance counselors is the counseling of students concerning personal and social growth and educational and vocational progress. Counselors devote the major part of each day to interviews with students, parents and teachers. Students may see counselors before and after school and during the lunch period. Parents may phone the guidance office for appointment or may drop in.
Information Service. Various types of information concerning educational and vocational planning are available in the Guidance Office and are presented in group and individual sessions, including careers information, college information, financial aids and scholarship information, and test and course preparation study material.
Occupational Services. Guidance counselors assist students in recognizing their skills and aptitudes and the related vocational opportunities in the school system. A survey of plans of sophomores, juniors and seniors is taken to assist in planning informational services. Guidance counselors coordinate their efforts with those of the Vocational and Career Education program staff in order to acquaint students with vocational training opportunities at the high school and post-high school level.
Student Program Planning. A wide choice of subjects, allowing a student to choose studies in keeping with his/her interests and college and vocational plans, impose a great responsibility upon him/her and those who advise him/her: teachers, counselors and parents. The student should begin in ninth grade to study, plan and choose his/her courses carefully. Meeting requirements for graduation is the primary importance. His/her counselor will advise him/her in regard to meeting requirements for graduation. Also, requirements for college entrance and for vocational opportunities must be taken into consideration in the decision –making.
Program Advisement, Registration, and Scheduling. The Guidance Department personnel begin student advisement sessions, individual and group, as soon as the Administration and Board of Education approve and/or confirm the courses to be offered the following year. In order to have adequate time for student contact for parental review, the Guidance Department should have the information to begin advisement before March. Students should have time and should take time to discuss their plans and programs carefully with their parents before registration. The Guidance Department and other departmental personnel are available to discuss programs with students and parents. Thorough planning and careful decisions save the trouble and embarrassment of changing programs and/or schedules.
Student placement in mathematics and English at sophomore, junior and senior levels is based upon teacher recommendations, and/or student-parent-teacher conferences, during advisement and registration.
If programs (selection of courses) are carefully planned, very few changes will be necessary. However, if a program change (change of course) appears necessary, students and parents should discuss the reason for the change of curriculum with the Guidance Department to determine whether the change is recommended or feasible. Changes will not be made to accommodate lunch A or B. If a student wishes to have a schedule change only (rearrangement of times of classes while retaining the same courses), he should contact the high school administration office where schedule and enrollment data is maintained. Any requests for program or schedule change must be made before July 1.
All schedule changes must have the approval of either the Principal or the Assistant Principal. Schedule changes will be granted only for reasons of necessity.
Driver Education. Driver education is offered at Herrin High School to eligible students who have completed their freshman year in high school. The course consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. The classroom portion is required for graduation. Driver education class is often combined with P.E. as a one- semester class.
The State of Illinois requires that students who desire to take a driver education course must receive a passing grade in 6 out of 7 classes the semester prior to enrolling in driver education (PA 88-188).
Placement in driver education (first semester, second semester, summer school) is determined by birth date, with the oldest eligible students given priority. Generally a student can expect to take driver education the semester which they have their sixteenth birthday.
ANY STUDENT WITH UNSERVED DETENTIONS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN SUMMER DRIVER EDUCATION.
SEcTION IX GrADES, GrADUATION,
AND cOMMENcEMENT GrADES
Grade Reports. Report cards are mailed to the parents/guardians of all students at the end of each quarter. Please contact the administration office if one is not received within two weeks following the end of the quarter.
Grade Scale. Grades are recorded according to the following point scale: A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 D = 1.0 F=0
A-= 3.5 B-= 2.5 C-= 1.5 D-= 0.5
0 = 0 (Penalty grade for dropping a subject after official deadline) Designated accelerated classes will be given credit based on the following point scale:
A = 5.0 B = 4.0 C = 3.0 D= 2.0
A- = 4.5 B- = 3.5 C-=2.5 D- = 1.5
The following classes are currently designated as accelerated:
Adv. Algebra Intro. To Calculus Calculus A/B Calculus B/C Acc. Chemistry II Physics
AP Rhetoric Acc. English I C-G Acc. English IIC-G Acc. English IIIC-G Acc. English IL Acc. English IIL
Acc. English IIIL Acc. English IVL AP American History
Progress Reports. Every two weeks the office will send progress reports. These reports will be sent to all students who have a D or lower in any class. Also, mid-term grades will be sent to all students.
Final Examinations. Final examinations will be given at the end of each semester in all subjects. Two days will be reserved for these examinations.
FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION Students may be exempt from taking final exams if the following criteria are met.
a. The student has accumulated less than 4 excused absences, excluding school related absences and absences from clause A. College or University visits are included in the three days. For this policy three tardies will constitute an absence.
b. No unexcused absences
c. No suspensions from school
d. No failure to serve detentions on assigned dates e. No days in the ACR
Students who are not required to take final exams may do so to improve their grade. If this is done the final exam grade cannot hurt their grade, it can only help. Seniors who have met or exceeded in all areas of the PSAE will be allowed to miss two additional days before finals are required.
CLAUSE A
Students who miss school due to the following reason and guidelines will not have the day count against their allotted days missed for the final exam exemption.
· Death in their immediate family. Immediate family includes mother, father, sibling, guardian, or acting guardian.
STUDENT CLASSIFICATION
Student classification will be determined by the following credits:
Students will not only have to meet the above credits, but they must also have completed one year of high school to be considered a sophomore, two years completed to be considered a junior, and three years completed to be considered a senior. Students will not be eligible for activities such as prom, class meetings, class rings, PSAE, PLAN, and PSAT tests, etc., unless they meet both criteria

STUDENT RECORDS
SEcTION X rEcOrDS Students who have not met the requirements for the next grade level will continue at their current status the following year. Status may change at the end of the fall semester if the student passed all seven courses and has completed credit for any previously failed courses.
At the end of the third semester, status may be changed if repeat freshmen have earned 9.5 credits. At the end of the fifth semester, status may be changed if repeat sophomores have earned 16.5 credits. At the end of the seventh semester, status may be changed if repeat juniors have earned 22.5 credits. All status changes will be at the discretion of the administration
GRADUATION AND COMMENCEMENT
Graduation Requirements. Herrin High School is utilizing a 7hr day.
26 Credits are required for all students for graduation
No more than four (4) credits may be earned in physical education.
High school graduation requirements do not necessarily meet admission requirements of all colleges. If students have a specific college in mind, they should secure that college’s catalogue during their freshman or sophomore years to check the requirements of that college.
COURSES REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 2013- 2014
4 credits 4 years of English (incl. 2 writing-intensive classes that can met with 4 years of regular or accelerated English)*
3 credits 3 years of Mathematics (incl. Algebra I and a class with geometry principles)
2 credits 2 years of Science
1 credit 1 year of American History
½ credit One semester of Health Education
½ credit One semester of Speech or Functional Reading ( Freshman)
½ credit One semester of American Government
½ credit One semester of Consumer Economics
4 credits Physical Education
10 credits Electives
*Students enrolled in Basic English will also need to enroll in Technical Writing.
Commencement Requirements. Commencement is the ceremony at which diplomas are awarded to the year’s graduating seniors. IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR PARTICIPATION IN COMMENCE- MENT STUDENTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION AND BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA. Also, all fees owed to Herrin High School must be paid before commencement.
Class Rank. Class rank is determined according to cumulative grade point average (GPA). All students graduating with a GPA of 4.00 and above will be considered ranked number one in the graduating class.
Our school district maintains student records in accordance with the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act” and “The Illinois Administrative Code, A-375 Student Records,” and the “Illinois School Student Records Act.” The following description is offered as a guide to appropriate maintenance, access, and release of information contained in student records. Those who may need additional information may request complete copies of school district policies on student records from the principal or superintendent.
REVIEWING RECORDS
The parent/guardian, designed of a parent/guardian, or the student (adult or minor) has the right to inspect and copy information in the student’s school records. A request for access to the records shall be made in writing and directed to the superintendent. Parents/guardians, designees, and students are entitled to challenge the accuracy and/or relevancy of any information in the records except grades and to request a hearing pursuant thereto.
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
The school district may release information contained in student records in accordance with provisions of the Illinois School Student Records Act to parents/guardians or student. The school district may grant access to or release information from student records without parental consent, provided that a current, demonstrable need to know is shown, to officials of the school district, to employees of the Illinois State Board of Education, to persons conduction approved research (provided that no student or parent/guardian can be identified from the information released), in accordance with a valid court order, to those persons authorized to gain access by Federal or State statute, or to another school in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll.
EMERGENCY RELEASE OF INFORMATION
The school district may release selected information from student records without parental consent in connection with an emergency to appropriate persons if necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
FALSIFYING RECORDS
Any person who willfully and maliciously falsifies any school student record, permanent or temporary, shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
WITHDrAWl frOM DISTrIcT
TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL DISTRICT OR WITHDRAWL FROM SCHOOL Upon notification by the parent that a student is transferring out of the District, the school shall use a procedure that ensures that the following are completed:
1. A parent of minor student signs necessary release forms and a copy is placed in student’s file
2. The student’s name is taken off the class list, and a memo is sent to appropriate personnel notifying them of the transfer.
3. The student’s cumulative record is completed by teachers and sent to the Assistant Principal
4. An I.S.B.E. “Student Transfer Form” is filled out and sent to new school district.
5. The principal or designee arranges for the proper delivery of the student’s records to the receiving school within 10 working days. Parents/Guardians may request the right to inspect, challenge and or copy records to be released.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
In compliance with Board policy, whenever a student withdraws from school a report is submitted to the
Superintendent by the principal documenting
1. Date and school
2. Reasons for withdrawal
3. Alternatives recommended to the student
4. Verification of last address and anticipated address
5. Signature by student and parent of minor student on completed “Student Withdrawal Form”
INSUrANcE AND fEES
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Each year a student accident insurance program is offered to students in Herrin Unit #4. The Board of Education selects the plan and the company. Participation is at the option of the student and must be paid for by the student. Coverage and benefits are limited to those offered by the insurance plan.
FEES
All students are assessed a $60.00 annual fee. Herrin High School students that are eligible for reduced lunch rates will have an annual fee of $30.00. (SEE FEE WAIVER). Additional laboratory and materials fees may be assessed for selected CVE classes where the students have projects they create and take home.
LUNCH
Students can prepay lunch by check or cash. Payment can be made in advance in the kitchen, high school office, or First Tiger Trust bank. The purchase is recorded on the student ID card. Students need only present the ID card to the cashier at lunch. This payment can also be done for breakfast. If a student does not have their ID card, that student must pay with cash. A student will not be allowed to just give the cashier their ID number.
Free and reduced lunch students need only present their student ID at time of purchase to obtain a free or reduced lunch or breakfast.
All students must present their ID at lunch.
Any questions about lunch payments should be made to Mrs. Varacalli in the office.
NOTE: GRADUATES ARE NOT ISSUED A DIPLOMA UNTIL ALL OUTSTANDING FEES AND/OR OTHER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS TO THE DISTRICT ARE PAID IN FULL.
FEE WAIVER
It shall be the policy of the Board of Education, to waive all fees assessed by and payable directly to the District for instruction and extracurricular activities for students whose parents are unable to afford them. The term “school fees” means any fee assessed by the school district on the parents of a student enrolled therein as a prerequisite for the student’s participation in any curricular or extracurricular program of the school or school district. Materials for projects that the students keep and take home are an exception. A school or school district does not impose a “fee” when it requires that a student provide his/her own ordinary supplies or materials (e.g. pencil, paper, notebooks, etc.) which are necessary to participate in any curricular or extracurricular program.
Eligible students include, but are not limited to, students eligible for free lunches and breakfasts or reduced lunches and breakfasts under the Federal School Lunch Program who have also completed a “Request for Waiver of School Fees. A “Request for Waiver of School Fees” must be completed each school year and are available from the bookkeeper. Any student for whom textbook fees are waived shall use the texts on a loan basis and shall return the textbooks to the District at the end of the school term. In the event that a student damages or loses a textbook, the student will be charged for the replacement cost. lEGAl NOTIcES
PREPAREDNESS FOR TOXIC HAZARD AND ASBESTOS HAZARD
The following public notification is being released for compliance with the regulations of the Federal AHERA guidelines for the management of asbestos containing materials. The Inspection Report and Management Plan is on file for review at the Herrin Community Unit School District No. 4 Superintendent’s Office located at 500 North 10th Street, Herrin, IL 62948.
IMMUNIZATION/HEALTH EXAMINATION
Each student entering ninth grade or transferring from another state is required by Illinois Law to have a medical exam unless a statement of objection on religious grounds is filed by the parent/guardian. Students must have a physical and their immunization records on file the first day of school to be issued a class schedule. Any student that transfers in from out of state or another school district will have 60 days to provide their medical records. After 60 days these students will not be allowed to attend school.
REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND IMMUNIZATION Section 665.510 Objection of Parent or Legal Guardian. Parent or legal guardian of a student may object to health examinations, immunizations, vision and hearing screening tests, and dental health examinations for their children on religious grounds. If a religious objection is made, a written and signed statement from the parent or legal guardian detailing such objections must be presented to the local school authority. General philosophical or moral reluctance to allow physical examinations, immunizations, vision and hearing screening tests, and dental examinations will not provide a sufficient basis for an exception to statutory requirements. The parent or legal guardian must be informed by the local school authority of measles outbreak control exclusion procedures per IDPH rules, The Control of Communicable Diseases
(77 Ill. Adm. Code 690) at the time such objection is presented.
REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM MEDICAL TEACHING
Section 27-11. “No pupil shall be required to take or participate in instruction on disease if a parent or guardian files a written objection thereto on constitutional grounds, and refusal to take or participate in such instruction on such grounds shall not be reason for suspension or expulsion of such pupil. Nothing in this act shall prohibit instruction on sanitation and hygiene.”
Section 27-9.1. “No pupil shall be required to take or participate in any class or course in comprehensive sex education if his/her parent or guardian submits written objection thereto, and refusal to take or participate in such a course or program shall not be reason for suspension or expulsion of such pupil. Nothing in this section prohibits instruction in sanitation, hygiene or traditional courses in biology. An opportunity shall be afforded to such parents or guardians to examine the instructional materials to be used in such class or course.”
PUBLIC ACCESS DEFIBRILLATION
In response to the American Heart Association’s recommendation to have AEDs and trained lay rescuers in settings where large number of people congregate, Herrin High School has trained employees to deliver defibrillation using automated external defibrillators (AED’s).
SCHOOL VIOLENCE TIP-LINE
The Illinois State Police will administer a School Violence Tip-Line to provide a way for students to report threats of violence and weapons violations on school grounds. The statewide toll-free number,
1-800-477-0024, will be physically answered at the ISP Communications center in Springfield. Information will be forwarded to the local police department and the appropriate ISP district. Local law enforcement agencies will notify the school. The emphasis is to encourage students to “speak up” and tell a teacher or counselor if they see a weapon or believe a violent incident is to take place.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students over 18 years of age
(‘eligible students’) certain rights to the student’s educational records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place will records may be inspected. student believes are inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want to changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advised them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. The information regarding hearing procedures can be found on page 22-23 of this handbook.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support member; a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task) such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A School official has a legitimate interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and addrece of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605
RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents and students who are 18 or emancipated minors (‘eligible students’) certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. These include the right to opt a student out of participating in:
· Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution.
· Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the U.S.
Department of Education.
· Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening.
A complete list of protected areas may be obtained from the Superintendent’s or Principal’s office. Parents/ eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605
TEACHER/PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teachers, including the following:
· Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject areas taught.
· Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status
· The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the subject area of the certification or degree.
· Whether the child is provided service by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
· Parents may request information from the Superintendent’s office.
SEcTION XIV
USE Of MEDIcATION

ATHLETICS
SEcTION XV
Medication should be limited to that required during school hours and necessary to provide the student access to the educational program. Whenever possible, parents should make arrangements so that it is NOT necessary for medication to be administered at school. Temporary medicine, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough syrup etc, which case the symptoms of the illness are RARELY necessary at school.
To comply with the safe administration of medication in the school setting the following procedures are required:
· The school medication authorization form MUST accompany any medication AND must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and physician annually. This includes over the counter medications as well as prescription medications
· Only medication in its original container, labeled with the date, students name, and exact dosage will be administered. The pharmacy will provide a labeled container for prescription medication for school use. NO medication will be dispensed if brought to school in an envelope or sandwich baggie.
· The school must be notified of any change in medication (dosage, frequency, discontinuation).
Prescription medication discontinuation must be in writing from the physician.
· If the medication is discontinued, or at the end of the school year, it is the parent/guardians responsibility to pick up the remaining medication or it will be destroyed.
Illinois school children are allowed to carry and self administer emergency medication such as Asthma inhalers or epi-pens. A REQUEST FOR SELF ADMINISTRATION OF ASTHMA MEDICATION form is available in the Herrin High School office and must be completed by the parent/guardian, student, and student’s physician. This form lists the guidelines to be followed. The school district and its employees and agents will incur no liability, except willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the student.
· Students carrying inhalers or epi-pens need to bring them to the nurse in a box so that the prescription label can be copied before self carry
Interscholastic athletics is an integral part of the school program. Our athletic teams have a statewide reputation for their skill, sportsmanship, and will to win. It is the desire of the school administration, the athletic department, and the coaches to maintain this splendid reputation. We encourage all students to participate their freshman year, in order to master all the required skills by their senior year.
Herrin High School is a member of the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference Ohio Division and the Illinois High School Association.
ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
All athletes should obtain an Athletic Handbook when beginning their first sport of the school year. The Handbook covers issues of eligibility, procedures, insurance, rules of conduct, and disciplinary actions. Athletes are required to follow at the guidelines of the Athletic Handbook. Athletes are required to sign a document acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of Herrin High School athletic policies.
ELIGIBILITY
Regulations established by the Illinois High School Association govern age, semesters in attendance, assumed name, date of enrollment, absence from school (school policy), non-school participation, acceptance of awards, attendance at sport clinics, physical examinations, residence within the school district, and post-season participation.
The minimum requirement for athletic participation is maintaining a passing semester grade in 6 classes each week, with not more than one being P.E. or athletics. A student must also have passed 6 classes, with not more than one being P.E. or athletics, the previous semester to be eligible to participate in any athletic team the entire next semester.
PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIREMENT
The Illinois High School Association requires that each athlete have an annual physical examination before being allowed to participate or practice in an athletic program. Under no circumstances will the coach allow an athlete to engage in any form of the program until the physical exam has been documented, and the athlete is cleared for participation without any restrictions.
DISCIPLINE OF ATHLETES
All athletes must follow the guidelines and rules as specified in the Herrin High School Athletic Handbook, which can be obtained from the athletic office. The book will be distributed to all Herrin High School athletes. The handbook contains guidelines and penalties for the discipline of athletes in all sports.

PRIDE
Classroom/Library
Hallway
Cafeteria/Commons
Restroom
Community
Punctual:
Be where you are supposed to be on time; doing what you’re supposed to do every time
-Report to class on time
-Come to class prepared
-Keep moving towards your class
-Arrive to your class before the tardy bell rings
-Be in the cafeteria for your lunch hour
-Be prepared for your turn with money or your ID number
-Use restroom between classes when possible
-Use time in restroom wisely
-Be home by curfew
-If you are employed, arrive to work on time
Respect: Treat others the way you would like to be treated; be considerate
-Follow classroom rules
-Allow for differences in opinion
-Walk on the right side
-Apologize if you bump into others
-Use appropriate language
-Use appropriate voice and language.
-Use table manners
-Respect others’ privacy
-Wait your turn
-Use appropriate language
-Listen to and respect others
-Use appropriate language in all social settings
Integrity:
Be trustworthy, honest, loyal and responsible
-Do your own work
-Complete all assignments on time
-Use your own locker
-Assist people in need
-Keep your area clean
-Wash your hands
-Respect others’ privacy
-Respect property
-Be an upstanding citizen
Discipline: Own your behavior, take responsibility for your actions
-Be prepared for the consequences of your actions; both good and bad
-Use your passing time wisely
-Have your agenda signed if you are in the hallway during classtime
-Keep your hands to yourself
-Wait in line patiently
-Make healthy food choices
-Dispose of items properly
-Do not write on stalls
-Follow laws (speed limit, no texting and driving, curfew, wear your seatbelt, etc)
Excellence: Expect success for yourself and others
-Do your best work
-Ask questions for better understanding
-Limit the number of times you leave class
-Encourage others to clean their area
-Keep your restrooms clean
-Look for opportunities to learn new things
-Dream BIG!