Parent Handbook - Homewood School District 153

BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shelly F. Marks, President 798-7927
Thomas E. Brabec, Vice President 957-1295
Gregory Lawrence, Secretary 798-6239
Steve Anderson 957-3354
Deborah Havighorst 957-9714
Alex Bosch 798-0973
Jim Schmidt 647-0872
The Board of Education will continue to meet in the Media Center in James Hart School at 7:00
pm on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Please refer to the District website
(www.hsd153.org) for up-to-date information, meeting agendas, and meeting minutes.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dale Mitchell
John Gibson
John Carney
Kathy Schaeflein
Melanie Mandisodza
Beth White
Mary Ann Savage
Melissa Lawson
Cecelia Coffey
Joanne Obszanski
Shirley Watkins
MaryKay Gardiner
David McAtee
Scott McAlister
Laura Ugo
John Ugo
Superintendent
Business Manager
Residency/Discipline Hearing Officer
Coordinator for Teaching, Learning and Accountability
Director of Student Support Services
Director of Technology
Principal, Willow School
Assistant Principal, Willow School
Principal, Churchill School
Assistant Principal, Churchill School
Principal, Millennium School
Assistant Principal, Millennium School
Dean, Millennium School
Principal, James Hart School
Assistant Principal, James Hart School
Dean, James Hart School
Non-discrimination Coordinator:
Melanie Mandisodza, Director of Student Support Services
18205 Aberdeen Street
Tel: 708. 798.3766
Complaint Managers:
Melanie Mandisodza
Scott McAlister
18205 Aberdeen Street 18220 Morgan Street
Homewood, IL 60430 Homewood, IL 60430
798-3766 799-5544
Title IX Director:
Melanie Mandisodza
18205 Aberdeen Street
Tel: 708. 798.3766
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If a student consistently disregards the rules while riding, or while waiting at bus stops,
the student may be excluded from riding the bus for an amount of time stated in the Bus
Discipline Policy. Questions concerning bussing should be directed to the Business
Office, 799-8721.
DAILY TIME SCHEDULES
Willow School 8:15 a.m.—10:45 a.m. Morning Session
(EC, PreK) 11:45 a.m.—2:15 p.m. Afternoon Session
(Grades K-2) 8:00 a.m. Day begins
8:05 a.m. Tardy bell
1:30 p.m. Dismissal time for kindergarten
2:50 p.m. Afternoon dismissal for Gr. 1 & 2
Churchill School 8:10 a.m. Day begins
(Grades 3-4) 8:15 a.m. Tardy bell
3:00 p.m. Afternoon dismissal for all classes
Millennium School 8:20 a.m.
Day begins
(Grades 5-6) 8:30 a.m. Tardy bell
3:15 p.m. Afternoon dismissal for all classes
James Hart School 7:35 a.m.
Day begins
(Grades 7-8) 7:45 a.m. Tardy bell
2:30 p.m. Afternoon dismissal for all classes
Students’ lunch periods will be reflected in their daily schedule.
DISEASES DANGEROUS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH-
EDUCATION OF STUDENTS
District 153’s Board of Education has established a formal policy regarding education of
students infected with AIDS or other specified viruses. The policy is designed to balance the
interests of a student with the specified virus against those of students and employees without
the specified virus.
Under the policy, each case of the specified virus will be handled on an individual basis,
and confidentiality will be protected.
Copies of the complete policy are available from the Superintendent’s Office.
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EMERGENCY CLOSING
In extremely severe weather, schools may be closed. The announcement of closing will
be on Stations WGN-AM 720; WBBM-AM 780; WCGO-FM 102.3; and AM 1600. If the schools
are closed, Homewood will be announced. If the schools are not closed, no comment will be
made. Emergency closing information will also appear on the District’s website
(www.hsd153.org). Occasionally, it is necessary to close a single building because of heating
or other problems. The same procedure will be followed. The District also uses an emergency
call system to notify parents that schools will be closed.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Although very unlikely, an emergency may require a school building to be evacuated
during the day. District 153 has planned and practiced for such an event and have various safe
sites to move children depending on the scenario. In the case of such an emergency:
Parents should not go their child’s school. This could interfere with crucial police or fire
operations and endanger lives.
Parents will be notified via the school district’s emergency call system about where to
pick up children.
FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL
Children enrolled in grades 1-8 will report to their school on Thursday, August 22 at the
time designated on the daily time schedule.
Preschool and Kindergarten pupils and their parents will attend an orientation on August
22. Teachers will contact families. The orientation will give parents and the student a chance to
meet the teacher.
On August 23, the preschool and kindergarten students will enter the classroom alone.
GROOMING
The student’s manner of dress and grooming is the responsibility of the student and
his/her parents. The school does not prescribe standards to which students are expected to
adhere. Rather, it is suggested that students, with the advice of their parents, develop dress
and grooming habits that are appropriate for school. Dress or grooming that are disruptive to
the educational process will not be allowed.
KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE ENROLLMENT POLICY
Children are eligible for enrollment in the kindergarten program when they attain the age
of five (5) years on or before September 1. Children are eligible for the enrollment in the first
grade when they attain the age of six (6) years on or before September 1. Parents must show
an official birth certificate prior to the children’s admission.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found centers are located in each school. Students and parents should
occasionally look through these centers for missing clothing. Eye glasses, watches, and
expensive items are retained in the school offices and should be claimed there. Personal
belongings should be labeled in some way to facilitate their return if lost.
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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The Homewood Parent Teacher Association brings parents into contact with the
schools, with other parents and with the teachers of their children. This organization provides
services and resources to the schools. Through its meetings, PTA acquaints parents with the
schools’ programs. Through its program of service, every parent may contribute to the
education and welfare of the boys and girls in Homewood.
PTA OFFICERS
President Ashanti Bethea 822-0841
President Elect
Open
Vice President [Buildings]
Open
Vice President [Membership] Elizabeth Berner 912-2087
Vice President [Programs] Open
Recording Secretary Rochelle Agrigento 206-0584
Treasurer John Anderson 798-0185
PARENTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION
The Parents Music Association (PMA) is an active group of parents of music students
and others interested in the promotion of the school music programs. The PMA provides funds
for student scholarships to the Illinois Summer Youth Music camp and a trip for all fifth-grade
students to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert. Concerts and demonstrations of the
bands, orchestras, and choirs are jointly sponsored by PMA and the District. Uniforms for
various music groups, instruments (including pianos), risers for the choirs, and stage curtains
have been funded by the PMA.
Parents are encouraged to join PMA as part of mail-in registration or throughout the year
online at homewoodpma.org
For information about the PMA, contact the membership chairperson or the president at
homewoodpma@gmail.com.
PMA OFFICERS
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Uniform Chair
Fundraising Chair
Terese Thrall
Megan Millen
Jennie Bohlman
Caryn Anderson
Sherri Crowder
Vicky Rappatta
PHONE MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
We ask that phone calls to students be confined to urgent messages. The school
secretary will record the message and send it to the classroom. We rarely bring a child to the
office to talk on the telephone.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION GUIDELINES
Uniform:
Tennis shoes which are left at school and worn only in PE class
Athletic socks
Shorts for girls when dresses or skirts are worn
Loose fitting clothing
Jewelry or long dresses are a safety hazard
Money, pencils, and watches should be left in the classroom or in the gym locker
At Millennium and James Hart, uniforms are required. All students must change for
physical education class.
Your child will be expected to participate in class unless excused by you or your doctor.
Students who have been excused by a parent will need to have a doctor’s statement after two
days.
PHYSICAL, DENTAL, AND EYE EXAM REQUIREMENTS
It is mandatory under Illinois law that all school children be immunized against chicken
pox, measles/mumps/rubella, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, and polio before they enter
kindergarten. It is also required that pupils have complete physical examinations and mandated
immunizations when they enter kindergarten and fifth grade. Students entering 5 th -grade must
have completed the Hepatitis B series of vaccines. New students to the District must provide
evidence of a physical exam and an immunization record regardless of their grade level prior to
enrollment. Physical examination and immunization record forms are available when children
are registered or from the District registrar. These forms are distributed to pupils in 4 th -grade
each year and are to be completed and returned before they enter the 5 th -grade. Parents are
required to have the physical exam completed and returned before the first day of school.
No child may be enrolled the first day of school until he/she has presented
evidence of a physical examination and all required immunizations.
As of July 1, 2005, dental examinations are also required for all children entering
kindergarten, 2 nd -grade and 6 th -grade. Proof of examination by a dentist must be presented
before the first day of the school year. Appropriate dental forms are available at the schools.
As of January 1, 2008, all Illinois children in kindergarten or upon first entry into an
Illinois school beyond kindergarten are required to have an eye examination. Examinations
must be performed by a licensed optometrist or medical doctor. Proof of an eye exam must be
presented prior to October 15 of the school year. Forms are available at the schools.
Parents/guardians have the right to appeal to the Superintendent for exemption from
these requirements on religious or medical grounds. Those parents who have further questions
should talk to the school nurse.
PRESCHOOL SCREENING
Students, ages three and four, may qualify for learning assistance through the District
Preschool Program if they have particular needs. Determination of eligibility will be made after
screenings, done by appointment only. Dates for such screenings will be posted on the District
website [hsd153.org]. For more information, please contact the Preschool Office at Willow
School at 708-647-2118.
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PROGRESS REPORTING AND
PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT CONFERENCES
Written progress reports are given to parents after each trimester. The approach varies
among grade levels. Parents are asked to meet with teachers at the end of the first trimester to
discuss the report and the progress of their child. At all grades, teachers welcome parent
conferences at times when they do not have classroom responsibilities. Teachers are available
fifteen minutes before and after school as well as other times to meet with parents and students.
RECESS PARTICIPATION
It is beneficial for a child to be outside in good weather. However, the parent may
request that a child who has been absent because of illness remain in the building for a day or
two during recess. If a child is to remain inside for a longer period of time a doctor’s statement
may be requested.
All pupils remain indoors during inclement weather and/or when the
temperature/wind chill is below 20 degrees.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Legislation requires that schools establish a non-comprehensive list of religious days
which are not observed with a vacation but do involve children either in the evening or during
the school day. In those cases, parents should notify the teacher in advance indicating the days
which are observed by the family. Staff will neither expect homework nor give tests to the
students observing the listed religious days or other religious days requested by the parents,
and will assist these students in making up any work missed. Some religious observances for
2012-2013 include:
Rosh Hashanah* September 5-6, 2013
Succoth* September 19-20, 2013
Simhat Torah* September 27, 2013
Purim* February 24, 2014
Ash Wednesday March 5, 2014
Passover* April 15-22, 2014
* The religious observance begins at sundown on the previous day and continues
through sundown of the day listed.
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SAFETY HABITS
For the protection of your child please stress the following rules:
All children should be warned to never accept, under any circumstances, a ride from
strangers. If they are approached, children should scream, shout “NO!”, and run to the
nearest house with a Block Home sign in the window.
Students should:
• Remain on sidewalks, cross only at corners, look both ways before
crossing and never step into the street from between parked cars
• Follow the instructions of the school safety patrol and police department
crossing guards.
• Return home immediately after classes are dismissed.
• Use the shortest and safest route to and from school.
• Use safe bicycle riding habits.
Parents picking up children should park and wait only in “Attended Parking” zones. “No
Parking” or “Handicapped Parking” zones have been established by the Police Department to
ease the movement of traffic, to provide space for school buses and to create safe conditions
for children.
Please pay attention to all signs in and around school grounds, unless directed by a
police officer or their designee. Below is a list of paraphrased statutes of interest.
625 ILCS 5/12-201 Headlight usage: Headlights are to be used during the period from
sunset to sunrise, at times when rain, snow, fog, or other atmospheric conditions require the use
of windshield wipers.
625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 Electronic communication devices: An electronic device except
for GPS or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the
motor vehicle. “Electronic message” includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text
message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site. A person
may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device
to compose, send, or read an electronic message. Exceptions are hands free or voice activated
mode, emergency vehicles, off to the side of the road on the shoulder or reporting an
emergency.
625 ILCS 5/11-1414 Approaching, overtaking, and passing a school bus: The driver
of a vehicle shall stop such vehicle before meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any
school bus stopped at any location for the purpose of receiving or discharging pupils. The driver
of a vehicle upon a highway having 4 or more lanes which permits at least 2 lanes of traffic to
travel in opposite directions need not stop such vehicle upon meeting a school bus which is
stopped in the opposing roadway.
625 ILCS 5/11-1002.5 Pedestrians’ right-of–way at crosswalks; school zones: On a
school day when school children are present and so close thereto that a potential hazard exists
because of the close proximity of the motorized traffic and when traffic control signals are not in
place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of–way to
pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the
roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or so close as to be in danger.
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625 ILCS 5/11-802 Limitations on U-turns: The driver of any vehicle shall not turn
such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in
safety and without interfering with other traffic.
625 ILCS 5/11-203 Obedience to police officers: No person shall willfully fail or refuse
to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer, fireman, or school crossing
guard invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.
CHILD SAFETY SEAT REMINDER
Children under the age of 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system,
more commonly called a safety seat. Child safety seats include infant seats, convertible seats
[rear-facing for infants and forward-facing for toddlers] and booster seats that are used with the
vehicle lap shoulder belt system. The parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 8
years is responsible for providing a child safety seat to anyone who transports his or her child.
13

SCHOOL FEES
Textbook, materials, supplies, and all other fees are to be paid before the first
day of school via mail-in registration or in person at the District Office. Payments for
recess milk or juice, which is served to EC, Pre-K, kindergarten, 1 st- and 2 nd - grade
children, and optional accident insurance are to be paid in full at that same time.
If the bank returns any check for insufficient funds or closed accounts, the
parents will be charged the current returned check fee ($25.00) in addition to the
amount of the check.
Grade Level
Materials, Supplies,
Textbook Rental, Etc.
Assignment
Book Fee
P.E.
Activity Fee
Art
Fee
Activity
Fee
Technology
Fee
Total
Fees
Pre-
Kindergarten
No Fees
Grant Funded
Early
Childhood
No Fees
Grant Funded
Grades K-2 $105.00 $5.00 $20.00 $20.00 $150.00*
Grades 3-4 $105.00 $5.00 $5.00 $25.00 $20.00 $160.00
Grades 5-6 $105.00 $5.00 $5.00 $10.00 $30.00 $20.00 $175.00
Grades 7-8 $105.00 $5.00 $10.00 $20.00** $35.00 $20.00 $195.00
* Parents may also choose to purchase recess time milk ($40.00) or fruit juice ($40.00) for
kindergarten, 1 st or 2 nd -grade students. There is no charge for Pre-Kindergarten and Early
Childhood students.
** Includes $10.00 Industrial Arts Fee.
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2013-2014 Student Accident Insurance Options
Homewood School District 153 provides all students with school time accident insurance
coverage, including both health and dental insurance.
A 24-hour accident insurance option is available to parents on a voluntary basis.
The fees for the voluntary student insurance plan are:
24-Hour Accident Only Insurance Coverage
Standard plan: $65.00, Deluxe plan: $120.00
Optional 24-Hour Dental Accident Coverage: $15.00
(Benefits paid for dental related accidents only, not routine dental care.)
For more information, contact the District Office at 708-799-8721.
Transportation Fees for the School Year
Within certain limitations, parents/guardians of any student not eligible for free
transportation may purchase bus transportation at the rate of $380.00 per pupil for the school
year. Seating availability and proximity of residence to the school are factors that will be
considered.
SEX EQUITY
The Homewood Schools have policies and procedures which insure that District 153
does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the provision of programs, activities, services, or
benefits; and it guarantees both sexes equal access to educational and extracurricular
programs and activities. A grievance procedure has been developed for the purpose of
expressing and resolving concerns. The contact person for sex equity issues is Ms. Melanie
Mandisodza, who can be reached at Student Support Services (798-3766).
SPECIAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Technology Programs
Each classroom in the district has computers which are available for student and
classroom use as part of the regular curriculum. Computer labs and portable laptop labs are
also available in each school. Students are able to advance their computer skills through the
individual programs which are developed by computer specialists.
It is the intent of Homewood School District 153 to enhance education by providing
access to the District’s electronic network, including access to the Internet to all students as an
integral part of the District’s curriculum. A copy of the Students Acceptable Use Procedure is
included in the Parent Handbook and can also be found in the James Hart and Millennium
Student Handbook.
Learning/Media Centers
Willow and Churchill Schools have a learning center and library for all students.
Millennium and James Hart Schools have a media center for all students. These centers are
extensions of the classroom and learning/media center staff work closely with the classroom
teachers. All students have the opportunity to come to the centers to work on individual goals,
to receive computer instruction and to check out books. Learning/media centers supplement
and support the program of the district.
15

Enrichment/EXCEL Overview
Willow School Enrichment
The District philosophy is that it is not developmentally appropriate to identify students at this
age, so no formal gifted program exists at Willow School. However, students that are exceeding
grade level expectations are provided enrichment activities that relate to math and reading. The
students work with staff on a fluid basis.
Churchill School EXCEL Program
Students meet weekly with the Enrichment Resource Teacher. EXCEL classes meet during
Churchill’s Activity Hour: a designated time during the school day when students have the
opportunity to receive additional learning experiences. The curriculum’s focus includes
advanced studies in literature and language arts. Students are required to be meeting gradelevel
academic performance expectations in their general education classroom.
Millennium EXCEL Program
Students meet weekly with the Enrichment Resource Teacher. The curriculum’s focus includes
advanced studies in literature and language arts. EXCEL performance reports will be sent
home each trimester. Students are required to be meeting grade-level academic performance
expectations in their general education classroom.
James Hart Honors Classes
Students are placed into honors classes based on NWEA scores, placement tests and class
grades.
Special Education Program
The special education program in District 153 serves students who have been found to
have specific special education needs. Eligibility for special education is determined by a team
of individuals who are bound by regulations as specified in the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act [IDEA].
There are several steps involved in determining eligibility for special education. These
steps include the following:
If a student is demonstrating academic or behavioral/emotional difficulties or delays, that
student’s name can be brought to the Student Success Team in each building. This team is
designed to consider the needs of any student within the building and to develop strategies and
interventions for that student. These will be implemented according to the district’s Response to
Intervention Plan. Interventions are provided for a prescribed length of time and are monitored
and reviewed for effectiveness. If student performance continues to be a concern after
appropriate strategies and techniques have been executed, more intensive supports will be
developed and applied. After continued implementations, progress will be reviewed and
analyzed. Lack of adequate progress may suggest the need for a case study evaluation [CSE].
The recommendation for a case study evaluation is made to the Director of Student Support
Services. Upon approval by the Director of Student Support Services, the parent/guardian is
contacted to secure written consent for the CSE. After receiving written consent, a multi-step
process is completed as part of the CSE. This may include, but is not limited to individual
evaluations, interviews, screenings, file reviews, and observations. An eligibility conference is
held to determine if the student is eligible for special education services, and if so, to develop an
individualized education plan (IEP).
Among those programs available if a student is determined to be eligible for special
education services:
Instructional special education [special education support for more than 50% of the
school day], resource [special education less than 50% of the school day], speech
therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision or hearing itinerant services, and
counseling.
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SPEED is an outside cooperative district which is designed to provide services for those
students who have more severe special education needs. This cooperative effort with
surrounding school districts allows Homewood to offer instruction to students of all
levels.
Free transportation as a related service and vehicle adaptation is provided for a special
education student if included in the student’s individualized educational program. No
student will receive transportation for summer school or for extended school year.
Students who do not qualify for special education may qualify for various general education
supports and services, including Reading Center, math support, and other school-based
interventions.
Access to Medicaid or Other Public Benefits or Insurance Programs to Provide or Pay
for IEP Services
1. With a parent’s consent, the School District may access Medicaid or other public
benefits or insurance programs in which the parent’s child participates, and provide the child’s
personally identifiable information to Medicaid or other public benefits or insurance programs in
order to provide or pay for IEP services, to the extent permitted under the other public benefits
or insurance programs;
2. The School District may not require a parent to sign up for or enroll in public benefits or
insurance programs in order for the parent’s child to receive IEP services;
3. The School District may not require the parent to incur out-of-pocket expenses such as
the payment of a deductible or co-pay amount incurred in filing a claim for services, other than
any cost that the parent would otherwise be required to pay;
4. The School District may not use a child’s benefits under a public benefits or insurance
program if that use would decrease available lifetime coverage or any other insured benefit; or
result in the family paying for services that would otherwise be covered by the public benefits or
insurance program and that are required for the child outside of the time he/she is in school; or
increase premiums or lead to the discontinuation of benefits or insurance; or risk loss of
eligibility for home and community-based waivers, based on aggregate health-related
expenditures;
5. A parent’s refusal to allow the School District to access Medicaid or other public benefits
or insurance programs does not relieve the District of its responsibility to ensure that all
required IEP services are provided to the child at no cost to the parent. Likewise, the
withdrawal of consent or refusal to provide consent under 34 C.F.R. Part 99 and Part 300 to
disclose personally identifiable information to Medicaid or other public benefits or insurance
programs does not relieve the School District of its responsibility to ensure that all required
services are provided at no cost to the child.
6. A parent has the right under 34 C.F.R. Part 99 and Part 300 to withdraw his/her consent
to access Medicaid or other public benefits or insurance programs and/or to disclose his/her
child’s personally identifiable information to Medicaid or other public benefits or insurance
programs at any time.
17

STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Each year, parents are asked to update emergency information for each student. All
student information must be returned at the time of registration.
If your child has an accident, becomes ill at school, or is absent without a parent
notification call to the attendance line, this data provides the names and telephone numbers
needed for family contact. If there is a before and/or after school caregiver other than the
parent, the school office needs their name, address and telephone information.
If this information changes during the school year for any reason, the parent is
responsible for notifying the school office as soon as possible. This is for the safety and
welfare of the children.
STUDENT PICTURE TAKING DAY
Individual color portraits will be taken on the dates below. All students will be
photographed for school purposes, but only those who pre-pay for a photo package will receive
one.
Willow—Sept. 12, 2013 Retakes: Oct. 24, 2013
Churchill—Sept. 11, 2013 Retakes: Oct. 23, 2013
Millennium—Sept. 10, 2013 Retakes: Oct. 22, 2013
James Hart—Sept. 10, 2013 Retakes: Oct. 22, 2013
About student photo packages: The PTA has elected to use a PRE-PAY PLAN. This
program helps to eliminate bookkeeping and money collection for the school. Payment for
pictures will be required at the time the pictures are taken. If this payment is not made, no
picture package will be available. All pictures are in natural color on silk finish paper. 100%
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. If you are not satisfied with your finished pictures, your
money will be refunded. Pictures cannot be purchased except on picture day.
STUDENT RIGHT OF DUE PROCESS
Students and their parents/guardians have a right of due process in discipline,
suspension or other school matters. This process begins with prompt expression of concern to
the school person who has initiated the action. Information regarding the formal procedure
which should be followed is available by phoning the school or District Office.
STUDENT RECORDS and FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students
over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education
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 School principal [or appropriate
school official] 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 where the records may be inspected.
18

2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the
parent or eligible students believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in
violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record should
write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of
the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the School
decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the
School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of
their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information
regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student
when notified of the right to a hearing.
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 staff member
(including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person
serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has
contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using its own employees or
officials (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or
student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance
committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A
school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an
education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of
another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE: FERPA
requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or
students of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends
to forward records on request.]
4) The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged
failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name
and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
Parents should be aware that there are two types of records—temporary and
permanent. The permanent record files are the only files that the district officials are authorized
to forward to another school district and are restricted to basic identifying personal information
(such as students’ and parents’ names and addresses, birth date and gender), academic
transcript, attendance record, accident, reports, health record and a record of release of
permanent record information.
When the permanent file is forwarded to another school, the information in a temporary
file could include family background information, standardized achievement test scores,
psychological and IQ test results, and teacher anecdotal records. Information in a student’s
temporary record file may only be forwarded to another school district with the written consent of
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the parent/guardian. District officials are required by Board policy to keep temporary record
information for a five-year period after the student has transferred, graduated, or otherwise
permanently withdrawn from the school district. At that time these temporary records are
destroyed. Student records information can be obtained from each school’s office. The copying
charge is $0.35 per page.
Unless otherwise noted above, no information will be disclosed without your expressed
written consent.
Directory Information
In the event that your child’s school distributes a Student Directory, the information
contained will include the student’s name, parents’ names, address, and phone number. You
do have the right to opt out of disclosure of directory information.
PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use
of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of
the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in
whole or in part by a program of the US Department of Education (ED)—
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family
relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or
ministers
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of—
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition
of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to
protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision,
or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required
under State law; and,
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained
from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to
others.
Inspect, upon request and before administration or use—
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the
above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an
emancipated minor under State law.
School District 153 has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents,
regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration
of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information
for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The District will directly notify parents of
these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive
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changes. The District will also directly notify, such as through US Mail or email, parents of
students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and
will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific
activity or survey. The District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the
school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or
surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents
will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be
provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be
provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following a list of the specific activities
and surveys covered under this requirement:
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 ED.
Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
STUDENT USE OF MEDICINE IN SCHOOL
Dispensing medications at school is discouraged in all but the most serious of
conditions. Physicians will be encouraged by the school district and by the parents/guardians to
prescribe medications to be taken outside the school day.
Students may carry their own non-prescription cough drops and throat lozenges.
No prescription medication will be supplied by the school district.
Medication will be kept in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office.
Prescription medications must be in the original container and labeled with the name of
the drug, the student’s name, the physician’s name and the amount and frequency of
dosage.
A written authorization form must be completed and signed by both physician and
parent/guardian. This form must be renewed annually.
No over-the-counter drugs will be dispensed unless the authorization form is signed by
the parent/guardian.
Any medication prescribed by a physician for two weeks or less (such as antibiotics)
must be kept in its original container and need only be accompanied by a
parent/guardian note stating the amount and time for dispensing.
James Hart students may carry and self-administer only the following:
• inhalers
• over-the-counter analgesics (such as aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen for
relief of headaches, menstrual cramps or other minor health problems)
For self-administration of an inhaler, the regular authorization form and Student
Agreement form must be signed by a parent/guardian and physician. For over-thecounter
analgesics, the regular authorization form must be signed by a parent/guardian.
The guidelines and forms are included in this packet.
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STUDENTS WHO MOVE
For those students who move during the school year to another school district, the
parents may transfer the student to the new district (which is encouraged) or the parents may
provide transportation for the student to complete the current school term at his/her original
school. Regardless, the parent is responsible for notifying the school office of all new
addresses and emergency contact information, immediately. Acquire a “Transfer of
Records” request form from your new district.
SUMMARY OF DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
District 153 believes that discipline is a learning experience which develops self-control,
character and proper consideration for other people. The goal of this policy is the attainment of
self-discipline. Students have the right to be informed of the rules. The basic discipline
philosophy of the schools is to emphasize positive behavior and to create an environment
whereby that behavior is stressed. Cooperation between students, teachers, parents and
administrators is vital in creating this learning atmosphere.
PBIS—Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Because good grades and good behavior go hand-in-hand, District 153 continues to develop its
PBIS Initiative as a companion to our academic programs and interventions. PBIS is a
coordinated effort to teach, model and acknowledge expected behaviors. Each school has
defined an age-appropriate set of expectations that is explained to students during the first days
of each new school year. Staff model for students what good behavior looks like in different
areas of the school such as the lunchroom, bus, playground, hallways and restrooms. And just
like academics, each school has it own system of rewards to celebrate displays of expected
behaviors by both individual students and entire classrooms. Data collection is a key
component to PBIS. Throughout the school year, we collect data on the numbers and types of
behavior issues that arise. Staff meet regularly to review these data and plan lessons to reteach
behaviors where indicated.
Specific Discipline Expectations
In the Classrooms
• Follow the rules of behavior determined by the teacher and the students
for each classroom or learning area.
In the Hallways
• Speak in quiet tones
• Walk to the right in an orderly manner
• In the Lunchroom
• Eat all food in the lunchroom before going to the playground or other
places in the school.
• Put your garbage in the garbage containers and return trays to the
kitchen.
• Speak in quiet tones and behave in an orderly manner.
• Throwing food and other objects is not permitted.
• Recycling containers for milk and juice cartons and soda cans are
provided.
• Go directly to the playground from the lunchroom, so have jackets, hats,
etc., with you.
• Treat lunchroom supervisors with respect.
• On the Playground
• Play in assigned areas.
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• Follow the rules and safety practices of the game.
• Practice self-control.
• Stay on school grounds.
• If a ball goes into the street, ask the teacher or supervisor to get it.
• Report all accidents to supervisors.
• Leave the playground only with the supervisor’s permission.
• Throwing objects is dangerous. This includes snow, stones, sticks, etc.
• Report hazardous conditions to the supervisor or principal. This includes
damaged equipment, rocks and glass on the playground, etc.
• Obey the playground supervisor.
• To and From School
• Stay on sidewalks.
• Cross streets only at corners, after looking both ways.
• Obey the rules of the school safety patrol and police department crossing
guards.
• Use the door assigned when entering and leaving the building.
• Park bicycles in bike racks.
• Do not ride bicycles on the playground.
• Go home immediately when school is over.
• Take the shortest and safest route to and from school.
• Practice safe bicycle riding habits.
• Bicycles are not allowed for children under grade three.
• Never, under any circumstances, accept rides with strangers.
The Following Are Not Allowed
Any of the following violations will require that the teacher follow the Disciplinary Action Levels
with an automatic referral are:
• Playing with fire-fighting equipment or setting off a false alarm.
• Possession or use of cigarettes, alcohol or drugs in the school or on the
playground.
• Vandalism or stealing.
Other Behavior Violations Which Will Result in Disciplinary Action
• Bringing articles to school that are dangerous to the safety of others. This
includes matches, knives, fireworks, etc.
• Leaving school while in session without permission.
• Profanity and swearing.
• Fighting, bullying, assaulting, and threatening others.
It is the responsibility of students, parents, teachers and administrators to follow and
enforce the above rules. A copy of the Discipline Policy is included in this Parent
Handbook. Additional copies are available in the school offices.
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VISITING OUR SCHOOLS
All visitors must check in at school or district office. Front office staff will ask for
your name and the reason for your visit via the intercom system before letting you into the
building.
Photo identification is required of all visitors. If a visitor will be going beyond the
office rather than just dropping something off, he or she must provide a photo ID (driver’s
license or state identification card). That ID will be scanned and checked electronically against
the national sex offender registry, and a visitor’s pass sticker will be generated. The photo ID
will remain at the front desk and be returned to the visitor upon departure from the building.
Parents are responsible for informing any grandparent, neighbor or friend who will be
visiting their child’s school that photo identification is required.
WAIVER OF STUDENT FEES
Fees for textbooks and other instructional materials are waived for students who meet
the eligibility criteria for a fee waiver as described in Policy 4.140. In order that no student is
denied educational services or academic credit due to the inability of parents/guardians to pay
student fees, the Superintendent will recommend to the Board which additional fees, if any, the
District will waive for students who meet the eligibility criteria for fee waiver. Students receiving
a fee waiver are not exempt from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials,
supplies, and equipment
To apply for a fee waiver the parent/guardian must fill out an application form in the
District Office. A student shall be eligible for a fee waiver when the student currently lives in a
household that meets the same income guidelines, with the same limits based on household
size, that are used for the federal free meals program.
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Acceptable Use Procedures for Students
Homewood School District 153 provides a wide range of technology resources to its students and
staff for the purpose of advancing the educational mission of the District. All users of District
technology equipment are expected to review and understand the Acceptable Use Policy and
Procedures.
Internet access is being made available to students for the purposes of research and education. It
is the District’s intention to provide an Internet environment that is safe and appropriate for all
students. The District is using an internet filtering system for all users of the electronic network.
The system filters and limits access to most internet sites that contain objectionable material.
However, access to the internet also brings the availability of material that may be of no
educational value, abusive, racially biased or otherwise offensive. Once students become
knowledgeable in the use of the internet, they may discover this controversial information. We
cannot guarantee the appropriateness of the information students may encounter as they explore
the internet’s resources. Use of the internet is an educational opportunity that requires users to
act responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with the Acceptable Use Procedures for Students,
and the student is ultimately responsible for his/her conduct on the internet.
Each student will be granted access to the District’s electronic network, including the internet,
after registration for the school year unless denial of access is requested by his or her
parent(s)/guardian(s). The Acceptable Use Procedures for Students will be published and
distributed in the Student Handbook and will be reviewed with students by teachers each year.
For denial of access, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must send a signed and dated letter to the
school requesting denial of access to the computers. The letter requesting denial of access
should include the following information:
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name
Student’s Name
Student’s Grade
Address and Phone number
Reason for requesting denial of access
The School District is not responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged, or
unavailable when using the network, or for any information that is retrieved via the internet.
Furthermore, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting
from access to the internet.
The District reserves the right to monitor and review any information stored or accessed by
District computers in order to analyze the use of systems and compliance with policies and
procedures.
Students may use personal e-readers as allowed by the teacher. Students may not access the
internet on these devices either through the districts wi-fi network or through a personal cellular
data plan. Because the district cannot filter internet content on devices with personal cellular
data plans, the district assumes no liability for students who ignore this rule and view
inappropriate content on their personal devices. The district is not liable for damage or loss of
equipment brought in by students.
Homewood School District 153 7/2/2013
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Appropriate Use Guidelines for Students
Appropriate use includes but is not limited to the following guidelines or examples.
The District reserves the right to create, modify and interpret the guidelines.
1. Protect your logon information from others. Do not use other users’
passwords or share your password with others.
2. Exercise good judgment.
3. Respect District property and be responsible in the use of the equipment.
4. Do not destroy, modify or abuse the hardware or software in any way.
5. Do not delete or add software to District equipment or engage in practices
that may threaten the network such as accessing files that may contain
viruses.
6. Do not use District technology for illegal or inappropriate purposes.
7. Do not use the internet to access inappropriate material.
8. Be ethical and courteous.
9. District technology may not be used to interfere or disrupt other users,
services or equipment.
10. Do not assume that because something is on the internet, it is accurate and
that you can copy it. Respect copyright law.
11. Do not use District technology for commercial or non-curricular activity.
12. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated.
The failure of any student to follow the terms of the Acceptable Use Procedures/Guidelines for
Students will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.
Homewood School District 153 7/2/2013
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Designated
Entrances for
Visitors
Willow School
The front door going into the
school office
Churchill School
The south door going into
the school office
Millennium School*
The southwest door at
Aberdeen and 183 rd Street
going into the school office
James Hart School*
The northeast door on
Morgan Street going into the
school office
The District Office
The north door off the main
parking lot
*Visitors to James Hart and
Millennium Schools must
enter through the
appropriate school entrance.
You will no longer be
permitted to enter the
campus through the District
Office entrance.
What Parents Need to Know about Security in
District 153 Schools for 2013-14
To provide greater safety for our students and staff, District 153 has installed new security
equipment and instituted new procedures that will help us better monitor who is entering our
buildings and—just as importantly—when they leave. Please read the following carefully as it
will help prepare you for future visits to our schools.
Also included is information about what parents should do in the unlikely event that we need
to evacuate a school building.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
All visitors must check in at school or district office.
Front office staff will ask for your name and the reason for your visit via the intercom system
before letting you into the building.
Photo identification now required of all visitors.
If a visitor will be going beyond the office rather than just dropping something off, he or she
must provide a photo ID (driver’s license or state identification card). That ID will be scanned
and checked electronically against the national sex offender registry, and a visitor’s pass
sticker will be generated. The photo ID will remain at the front desk and be returned to you
upon your departure from the building.
If you currently do not have either a valid driver’s license or state identification care, please
obtain one as soon as possible.
Parents are responsible for informing any grandparent, neighbor or friend who will be visiting
their child’s school that photo identification is required.
Emergency evacuations
Although very unlikely, an emergency may require us to evacuate a school building during the
day. District 153 has planned and practiced for such an event and have various safe sites
where we will move children depending on the scenario. In the case of such an emergency:
Please do not go to your child’s school! You could interfere with crucial police or fire
operations and endanger lives. Moreover, there is a good chance that your child will have
been relocated to a different site.
You will be notified via the school district’s emergency call system where you may
pick up your child.
Please make sure District 153 always has your
current home and/or cell phone number on file!
In the case of an emergency, this number will be our main way to communicate
with you.
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