Handbook |
PART I: GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL HOURS
School starts at 8:30 A.M., and students are dismissed at 3:30 P.M. Students should not report to the building before 8:00 A.M. Unless students are staying to meet with a teacher or an extra-curricular activity, students should leave the building by 3:40. School is rarely dismissed early, but in the event of extreme weather conditions, it may occur. You should make arrangements for your children in the event no one is home and school is closed early due to emergencies.
ATTENDANCE
It is important that students attend school regularly. Assignments may be made up, however, the discussion, lectures, and general verbal interchange occurring during class can never be recovered. State law mandates compulsory school attendance for those students under sixteen (16) years of age. School attendance is primarily the responsibility of the parent and the student. It is recognized that at times parents and students may consider school attendance impossible due to illness of some other personal or family reason. The faculty and staff wish to strongly encourage student attendance and to be made aware of problems, either medical or personal, which may interfere with school attendance. At no time is this policy intended to encourage students to come to school when they are ill. Teachers are always willing to assist students who must miss school for some legitimate reason. In an attempt to encourage attendance at school and to become more involved with the parents and students concerning attendance problems, the following absentee procedures have been established.
ATTENDANCE REPORTING
It is preferred that the student be in attendance for the full day. Students who are ill must be in attendance for at least one half day (3 ½ clock hours) in order to participate in any school activity that evening. Exceptions to this rule are emergencies or pre-approved absences through the office. State law dictates that schools are responsible for making reasonable effort to verify a child’s absence from school on any given day. Parents are required to provide the school with at least one, but not more than two numbers for notification purposes. To facilitate this process, parents are asked to call the “Schooltime 24 Hotline” (243-5329) NO LATER THAN 9:00 AM for the day their child is absent and explain the reason for the absence. Parents may also email absences through the school’s website (www.dunlapcusd.net/dms). If parents do not call by 9:00 AM, school personnel must call the parent either at home or work to verify the absence.
PLANNED ABSENCE
If a student knows he or she will be absent we request that he/she obtain a planned absence form from the office. This form must be taken to each of the student’s teachers at least two school days in advance of the absence in order to obtain advance assignments. If one full day notice is not given, teachers may refuse to give advance assignments and require students to make up any missed work upon return to school. Students are expected to remain current in their course work when they return. Teachers will assign a reasonable date of completion for missed work.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
Generally speaking, a student’s parent or guardian may excuse him/her from school (for all or part of a day) and their phone call or note will be honored by the administration. If a student’s absenteeism becomes excessive (more than 10 days in the school year) the Administration may request a doctor’s verification before any further absences are excused. Upon the accumulation of 10 absences in a school year the student will be counted as unexcused (unless doctor verification is given) for all subsequent absences and the student will be subject to disciplinary action. Illness or family emergencies are the only absences that will be excused on a daily basis unless the absence has been pre-planned.
TRUANCY
An absence without a call or note from a parent or guardian or skipping class will be considered truancy. Students returning to school after being absent without a call or note from a parent or guardian will be considered unexcused. The consequence for an unexcused absence is typically in-school suspension. Further truancy problems may result in further consequences and/or notification of the juvenile officer in appropriate cases.
TELEPHONE MESSAGES
If you need to communicate with your child during the school day, call the office. Indicate if the need is an emergency, and if so, we will call the student to the phone or do whatever is necessary to help. If it is not an emergency, we will give the student the message at a convenient time during the day.
TELEPHONE USE -- STUDENTS
Use of the phone by students during the day is discouraged. Students will not be allowed to use the phone during the day for trivial reasons. Parents should not get into the habit of running over to school with items that students have forgotten, and phones generally will not be available for such purposes. In order to use the phone by the gym, a student must have a phone pass from the office or a teacher.
CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY
School policy requires each student to remain on school property during the school day unless permission to leave has been requested in writing by the parent and submitted to the principal or secretary. The school day includes the time a student is participating in activities after 3:30 P.M. If students are participating in an activity, they may not leave the school building without the permission of the sponsor or coach until the activity/practice is completed.
MEDICATION
Medication required by a student will generally not be administered at school by a District employee. This policy includes even common and widely used medications such as aspirin.
There are some situations, however, where the school will work with parents in an effort to expedite the administration of the medication so that a hardship on parents is avoided. For these special cases the following guidelines will apply:
1. Appropriately signed District permission form: Physician and Parent Permission to Administer Medication
2. Medication must be brought to school in containers appropriately labeled by the pharmacy. The name of the student must be on the container.
3. All medications must be brought to the office to keep until the time of administration.
4. Under no circumstances are students to have ANY medication in their possession at any time.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students are expected to participate in PE each day. PE uniforms are required and may be purchased at the school for a cost of $15. Showers are available for student use, however, students must provide their own towel if they wish to shower. If you feel your child should not participate in PE due to a medical condition or injury on a given day, state your request and send it to the teacher. For anything longer than a day, we need to have a doctor's excuse in order for the student to remain out of PE.
LOCKER USE
Each student is assigned a locker in both the hallway and the gym locker room. It is very important that you use only the locker assigned to you and you do not give out your combination to anyone. The lockers remain school property and may be searched by school officials at anytime. It is important that you properly secure your personal belongings; the school is not responsible for stolen items. Any drinks brought to school for lunch must be in a factory sealed container. Unsealed drinks will not be permitted in lockers at any time.
PARENTS' CLUB
The Dunlap Middle School Parents’ Organization is a service group to students and parents. All parents are automatically members of the Parents' Club and are encouraged and invited to attend the monthly meetings.
RECORDS
Student records at DMS will be administered by a policy of the Board of Education in accordance with the Statutes of the State of Illinois. Parents and students may have access to the permanent records of a student.
PERMANENT RECORDS include: name, address, birthdate and place, gender, academic transcript, grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, attendance record, accident reports, health records, honors and awards, participation in athletics or school sponsored activities, or offices held in an organization. Permanent records will be kept forever.
TEMPORARY RECORDS include: family background information, intelligence test scores, psychological evaluations, personality ratings, observation interviews, achievement test results, and anecdotal records.
Parents have the right to:
1. Inspect and copy any and all information contained in the student’s records.
2. Challenge the contents of the records by notifying the principal in writing of an objection to any information contained in that record.
The release of any information is restricted by the law and District policy. Local, state, and federal educational officials have access to student records for education and administrative purposes without parental consent. Student records shall also be released without parental consent pursuant to a court order or subpoena, or in connection with an emergency where the records are needed by law enforcement or medical officials to meet a threat to the health or safety of the student or other persons. Your permission to release information other than noted above will be requested if it is necessary.
The following is designated as public information and shall be released to the general public unless the parents request in writing that it not be released: student’s name and address, grade level, birthdate and place, parents’ names and address, information on participation in school activities and athletics, the student’s major field of study, and period of attendance in school.
If you desire to review the temporary or permanent records of your child, please contact the administration for an appointment.
TITLE IX - EDUCATION AMENDMENT, NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Federal law prohibits sex discrimination in schools or its activities. It is the policy of the Dunlap School District to provide and maintain an atmosphere in which all persons can develop attitudes and skills for effective, cooperative living, including:
- Respect for the individual regardless of economic status, intellectual ability, race, creed, color, religion, sex, or age
- Respect for the special needs of persons with physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental disability
- Respect for cultural differences
- Respect for economic, political, and social rights of others
- Respect for the right of others to seek and maintain their own identities
Complete copies of the policies and grievance procedures regarding any of these areas are available in the building office as well as the District Administrative Office. Inquiries regarding compliance should be made to the Title IX/ADA Coordinator in the District Administrative Office (309) 243-7716.
LUNCH AND CAFETERIA PROGRAM
Hot lunches may be purchased at school each day. In addition to the regular hot lunch plate, several á la carte items are available as extras for both students purchasing a hot lunch and those bringing their own.
Students need to be aware of the following guidelines regarding the hot lunch and cafeteria programs:
- Lunches are sold through a debit card system only. Students may put money on their account at registration and then at other intervals that they wish (i.e., parents can continue to purchase a week's worth of lunches if they wish). Students not wishing to put a large quantity of money on their account, can put money onto their account daily.
- All students may purchase the á la carte items. A student buying a hot lunch may NOT purchase separate items for another student.
- Students are responsible for clearing their trays, paper products, and other items before leaving the table.
- No food or drinks may be taken from the commons.
- The teacher on duty will dismiss students.
APPROPRIATE STUDENT DRESS
We solicit your cooperation and ask that EXTREMES in grooming and dress be restricted. Parents are often confronted with “everyone is doing it,” when that is rarely true. Parents have the ultimate authority to determine the appearance of their children, and they should be careful not to give up that responsibility.
The following dress code will be strictly enforced. Do not embarrass yourself by coming to school in something that will cause you to have to change and be subject to possible further discipline.
- No tank tops, unless a T-shirt is worn underneath. A tank top is defined as a shirt that does not cover the entire shoulder area from the neck to the arm (at least 4 inches). Arm openings on shirts should not be larger than the arm itself.
- Students should be covered from neck to mid-thigh.
- No hats or bandanas.
- No chains are permitted, including wallet chains.
- No clothing is permitted that displays alcohol, tobacco, or any other illegal substance.
- Shorts and skirts are permitted, but only if they are mid-thigh length.
- All clothing must be worn as intended (i.e. belts must be buckled, pants worn over hips, etc.)
- Outerwear (coats, etc.) may not be worn in the building unless a teacher gives permission to do so in a specific instance.
- Sleepwear (pajamas) many not be worn in the building unless a teacher gives permission to do so.
- Any other clothing that could be disruptive to the educational process.
- Hair dyed in any unnatural color will not be permitted.
TRANSPORTATION
Busses provide transportation for most students to and from school each day we are in session. Transportation to and from extracurricular activities is provided for participants (and occasionally for spectators) from the school to the site of the activity. Transportation to any function occurring after the busses return from their regular schedule will be assumed by the parents.
BUS CONDUCT
Student transportation is an extension of the school program. Misbehavior by students on the bus falls under the same guidelines as outlined above. The following rules and regulations apply specifically to bus transportation:
- Students must not throw anything in or out of the bus while riding.
- Students must not extend hands, arms, or heads out of the windows.
- Students must board and exit the bus in an orderly fashion. There must not be any pushing or shoving.
- Students must ride the bus to which they have been assigned unless a pass has been given through the office. A pass to ride another bus requires a written note from a parent.
- Students are to remain in the bus and follow the instructions of the driver in case of emergencies.
The bus driver has the same responsibility and authority to enforce rules on the bus as the teacher in the classroom. Students will be expected to abide by and respect the direction of the driver in any given situation.
Students not abiding by the bus rules will be referred to the administration. Consequences range from after-school or Saturday detentions to full suspension or expulsion from riding the bus. Parents then must transport their child to school during the time of the suspension.
The safety of the students on our buses is uppermost in our concern, and we will take disciplinary measures if behavior of anyone detracts from bus safety. Parents of students who are involved in bus misbehavior will be contacted. Severe problems may cause the students to lose riding privileges.
BOOK BAGS
Book bags, backpacks, and purses may be brought to school, but must be left in the locker during the school day.
VALUABLES
Students are not to keep valuable articles at school or bring money in excess of what they will need for lunch or another specific purpose. Students must be responsible for their own personal belongings and that includes being responsible by not bringing valuables to school.
VISITORS
As per District #323 policy, during the regular school day, all visitors (including parents) to Dunlap Middle School must check into the office when entering the building. Visitors will then be given an ID card which they must carry when they are admitted to the building. This is being done to help insure the safety of our students -- everyone's cooperation is necessary and appreciated.
All classroom visits must be approved by the teacher in advance of the visit. Parents wishing to visit other school activities (lunch, school dances, etc.) during the day must have prior approval from the administration.
Aside from parents of students, other persons are not permitted to visit classes. Friends or relatives visiting our students simply add to the responsibility of the teacher and district. These visits serve no educational value.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
This is to notify you that Dunlap School District #323 has submitted its Management Plan prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA, 40 CFR 763) for Dunlap Middle School. Copies of the Management Plan are available in the Administrative Office of the school district and in the Principal’s Office of the building. These plans are available for your inspection during normal business hours of the office (Monday through Friday, 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.) and during other times by special arrangement. We request that appointments be made with us to review such plans. To make arrangements, please contact the District Designated Person, Mr. John Mangers at 243-7716.
HEALTH
Keep the school completely informed about the present and past physical condition of your child. It is very important that we have a complete and current health history. You have knowledge that could be very beneficial to us in helping your child. Each parent is requested to complete a health history and an emergency card to keep on file in the office. Please refer to the section on “MEDICATION” for guidelines governing distribution and use while at school.
INSURANCE
Accident insurance for students is available for those desiring it. It is offered as a service to students and is an option for your family to consider. If you do take the policy, it is very important to file claims with the school office as soon after the accident as possible.
PART II: ACADEMIC
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are purchased by the school and rented to the students for convenience and a financial savings for the family. If you were to purchase the current books, they would cost in excess of $200. In the event you cannot afford to pay the textbook rental, you should contact the principal. Students are responsible for the proper care of the books and will be charged for damage beyond normal use or loss of the book.
STUDENT ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS
A student assignment book is given to every student. This book should be an integral part of your child’s study materials. Teachers will be encouraging the use of the book. You should make a point of checking it periodically, as it will give you some insight into your child’s organization strategies and study skills. In addition to the weekly calendar for assignments, the book contains the DMS Student Handbook. Parents should be sure to read through this entire book and pay particular attention to the handbook section for our students.
GRADING SCALE
The grading scale used for all students follows:
A = 92 - 100
B = 84 - 91
C = 74 - 83
D = 66 - 73
F - 65 or lower
Honor rolls are published at the end of the first three quarters and are based on grade point average. The following subjects count in figuring the honor rolls: English, science, math, literature, geography, history, civics, and health (7th and 8th graders only). There are three different honor rolls:
4.0 High Honor Roll
3.5 - 3.9 Honor Roll
3.0 - 3.4 Honorable Mention
MAKE-UP WORK
Students who are absent should access the Dunlap Middle School website: http://www.dunlapcusd.net/dms. Students can call friends in their classes to obtain assignments or answer questions about what was missed. As a general policy, students will be given one day per day absent to make up work. If a student is absent the day of a test, he/she will be expected to take the test the day the student returns. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain any make up work they have missed due to an absence.
The Homework Hotline should be used when you are absent from school due to illness or when you need to verify or clarify an assignment you forget to write down in your assignment book. It should NOT be used in place of your assignment notebook.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports are sent halfway through each grading period. Those dates are noted on the District calendar. You are free to contact an individual teacher at any time you have any questions regarding the progress of your child. If parents would like to initiate a conference with all of their child’s teachers they should contact the counselor to arrange such a meeting.
REMEDIATION
Students earning a numerical grade of 64 or lower on tests shall be given an opportunity for remediation. Students at the 7-12 grade levels may participate in some type of remedial instruction opportunity as determined by the teacher. Students who do not participate in a remedial instructional activity may not improve their grades. The remediation activity and the remediation evaluation instrument may be different in design from the original test instrument. Please refer to the classroom management plans for more specific details from the various teachers.
ACCELERATED MATH
An accelerated math course is offered at both the 7th and 8th grade levels. In order to be placed in the accelerated math course, a student must meet at least 3 out of the following 4 standards:
1. Math teacher recommendation
2. Previous year math grades of B+ or better
3. STS math scores in the local 80th percentile or higher.
4. District Assessment Test
8th grade Algebra I is a Dunlap High School credit course. The students will receive high school credit for taking the course as well as the grade. The grade received will count towards high school GPA. All accelerated math students are required to maintain a B- average in order to remain in the course.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Foreign Language is offered at the DMS for certain 8th grade students in lieu of our exploratory offerings. Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and higher during their sixth and seventh grade years may apply to enroll in a Spanish section. Preference will be given to those students with a higher grade point average. Those students who complete the course successfully will also be granted high school credit and the grade received will count towards high school GPA. The number of students who apply to enroll in a foreign language course determines the number and types of sections. Students who are enrolled in a foreign language class will do so in lieu of the 8th grade exploratory classes.
SCIENCE
Evolution is a scientific theory that seeks to explain the origins of life as well as other related issues. The Dunlap District #323 Board of Education expects that teachers teach the theory of evolution as they would teach any other well-recognized scientific theory. This means providing evidence in support of the theory, as well as recognizing reasonable arguments and support against such theory.
TRANSITION FROM GRADE LEVELS
In accordance with Illinois state law, Dunlap Middle School does not socially promote students to the next grade. In order to be promoted a student must have a yearly passing average in at least 3 of the 5 academic subjects. Students must also pass a Constitution test in order to be promoted to the 9th grade.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Dunlap District #323 has available special education services for eligible enrolled youngsters between the ages of 3 and 21. In order to provide these services, our district is a member of the Special Education Association of Peoria County.
The following services are available: speech and language therapy, psychological services, social work services, motor services, learning consultant services, resource and instructional classroom services, and preschool screening. Classroom programs are offered to eligible children who are considered to be speech/language impaired, learning disabled, mentally impaired, hearing impaired, visually impaired, physically handicapped, behavior disordered, emotionally disturbed, and health impaired. A parent handbook is available for additional details regarding the services.
Teachers may refer students whom they feel fall into one of the above categories. Parents also may request that a referral be made. In either case, written parent permission to proceed with a referral is necessary. Parents should contact the principal if they feel that any diagnostic work for their child is needed.
Most children are provided services in local school buildings or in the schools of nearby districts. A few severely handicapped students require services which cannot be provided by public schools and are, therefore, placed in private day or residential programs.
As the parent of an exceptional child you have certain rights which are safeguarded by state and federal statute. Your rights pertain to records, independent evaluation, notice, consent, hearing, evaluation procedures, the least restrictive environment, confidentiality, and legal costs.
If you have further questions about these rights, you may contact your local school or the special education director at 697-0880. You are entitled to a copy of the rules regarding special education upon request to the Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
- All students are to enter the building in the morning through the gym entrance and remain in the designated bleacher area until the first bell rings, unless given permission to leave by the teacher on duty to do otherwise.
- Students are expected to use courteous behavior toward teachers, other school personnel, and other students.
- Students are expected to be on time to classes throughout the day.
- Students are expected to attend each class with the necessary materials, supplies, and homework needed for that day’s activities.
- Students are expected to make up all work missed during an absence. It is your responsibility to see the teacher upon your return and make arrangements for the make-up work.
- MISBEHAVIOR is a choice. Students will be held accountable and responsible for their choices. The teachers and principal will do their best to help students make good choices.
- It is unacceptable for students to show displays of affection (ie. to embrace, kiss, or hold hands) at any time during regular school hours or while riding the bus to/from school or activities.
- Snack machines are available after school only. They are not to be used before school or during school.
- The following items are NOT to be brought to school unless authorized by a teacher for a specific classroom project or assignment:
• Matches or lighters
• Skateboards
• CD/tape players, cameras, or laser pointers
• Toys or other objects will are not related to the educational process.VIOLATIONS by a student of any one or more of these rules of conduct may result in disciplinary action, which may include detention(s), parental contact, referral to legal authorities, suspension and/or expulsion from school. The items in this code apply to all students when under the authority of school personnel, on school buses, and during a school activity on any Dunlap School District property or that of another school district.
Philosophy of Discipline:
In order for the school to educate the youth in our society, it must operate effectively. Every member of the school society has a responsibility to help in this educational goal.
The parent is the child’s first teacher and remains the most important teacher throughout the formative years. While society can assume that schools should accept their share of accountability for citizenship training, it must be recognized from the outset that school cannot do the job alone. The family, community, and school experience of children play a vital role in citizenship training.
Self-discipline is a very important skill for all children to learn when growing up. Everyone makes mistakes and a big part of growing up is learning from those mistakes. It is key to remember that every student is here for one purpose -- to participate in the best education possible. Anything that a student may do, or not do, that does not contribute to that goal is a problem. Quite simply, education should be an engaging and often time fun activity. But, it is serious business and no student has the right to infringe on the right of another student to learn.
DMS’ primary goal is to educate, not punish; however, when the behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with school rules, corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole.
Our behavior expectations are very high. They are also very clear. It is key to remember that misbehavior is a choice that a student makes. Consequently when misbehavior occurs it serves no purpose to blame others. It serves as an educational experience to accept responsibility for the action, and learn from the action so that the misbehavior does not occur again.
EXPECTATIONS of Students, Parents and Teachers
Students are expected to |
Parents are expected to |
Teachers are expected to |
| Treat others, both students and school staff, in the same way | Take an active interest in school progress and attend conferences and special school activities whenever possible | Treat students, parents and staff in a respectful manner |
| Follow the school discipline code, and to be responsible for your own actions | Cooperate with the school in fulfilling recommendations made and in carrying our disciplinary actions taken in the best interest of your child | Provide the best possible education through a positive classroom environment |
| Attain the best level of academic achievement | Be responsible for your child’s regular school attendance and teach the child respect for the law and the rights of others | Be available to talk with staff, parents, and students |
| Respect the rights of other students and all adults | Plan a time and place for homework and encourage good study habits. Recognize that the teacher stands in place of the parents in matters relating to the discipline and conduct of the schools. |
Enforce the rules of the school in and out of the classroom |
| Know the reasons for and methods of discipline | Post, distribute, and discuss rules and consequences for classroom behavior |
LEVELS OF CONDUCT
LEVEL 1
Acts that are minor, but interfere with normal classroom operation, school operation, and/or bus operation.
LEVEL 2
Frequent or serious acts that disrupt the learning climate of the classroom, school, and/or bus.
LEVEL 3
Acts directed against persons or property that may endanger the health and safety of others in the school and which may be in violation of the law.
LEVEL 4
Behaviors so serious as to require action that will result in at least temporary removal of the student from school.
Referring Persons for Disciplinary Action:
Principal
Assistant Principal
Teachers (including support staff)
Secretaries
Custodian
Bus personnel
Level One Examples of Misconduct:
- Classroom disruptions
- Minor bus misconduct
- Tardies (to school and to class)
- Gum/Candy
- Public displays of affection
- Hallway misbehavior
- Inappropriate lunchroom behavior
- Dress Code violation
- Loitering
- Unreturned report card envelopes
- Failure to serve a teacher-assigned consequence
- Other infractions deemed as a Level 1 offense by administration
Consequences for Level One Acts of Misconduct:
Any one or more of the following may occur for any given Level One offense:
- Consequences as indicated in the Classroom Management Plan
- Detention
- Lunch detention
- Verbal reprimand
- Temporary removal from class
- Privileges revoked (i.e. no hall passes, exclusion from school-related activities, etc…)
- Counseling
- A change of clothing
- Other appropriate consequences deemed by administration
- Suspension of bus privileges
Level Two Examples of Misconduct:
* Repeated Level One Acts of Misconduct
* Insubordination/Refusal to cooperate
* Disrespect
* Failure to report to Detention (including Saturday Detention)
* Cheating
* Forgery or the use of forged notes or excuses
* Dishonesty
* Bullying
* Verbal abuse and/or maliciously spreading rumors
* Rough horseplay (hitting, kicking, etc…)
* Vulgarity
* Internet use violation
* Threats
* Gambling
* Skipping class
* Truancy and/or unnecessary excessive absenteeism
* Failure to abide by corrective measures from misconduct
* Other infractions deemed a Level 2 offense by administration
Consequences for Level Two Acts of Misconduct:
Any one or more of the following may occur for any given Level Two offense:
- Detention
- Conference
- Lunch detention
- Temporary removal from class
- Privileges revoked (i.e. no hall passes, exclusion from school-related activities, etc…)
- After-School detention
- In-School Suspension
- Saturday School
- Out-of-School Suspension
- Suspension of bus privileges
Level Three Examples of Misconduct:
* Continued Level Two Acts of Misconduct
* Theft
* Fighting
* Vandalism
* Use of written racial/oral expressions
* Possession or use of smoking materials on or adjacent to school property
* Involvement in gang activity
* Trespassing
* Other serious offenses deemed by administration
Consequences for Level Three Acts of Misconduct:
Any one or more of the following may occur for any given Level Three offense:
- Financial restitution (in the event where damage or loss was incurred)
- After-School detention
- Saturday Detention
- In-School Suspension
- Out-of-School Suspension
- Privileges revoked (i.e. no hall passes, exclusion from school-related activities, etc…)
- Removal from class
- Referral to (and contact of) proper authority or agency
- Suspension of bus privileges
Level Four Examples of Misconduct:
* Continued Level Three Acts of Misconduct
* Bomb threats
* Setting false alarms
* Possession/use of weapons
* Furnishing or selling controlled substances
* Possession, use, or under the influence of alcohol
* Other acts of misconduct, which are seriously disruptive and/or create a safety hazard to students, staff, and/or school property.
Consequences of Level Four Acts of Misconduct:
Any one or more of the following may occur for any given Level Four offense:
- Out-of-School Suspension
- Expulsion
- Referral to the proper authority or agency
DETENTIONS
Detentions may be assigned by the teachers or the administration. Detentions assigned by the teacher are served in the classroom at a time arranged by the teacher. Office detentions are given by the administration and are served from 7:45-8:20 AM before school.
AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS
After school detentions are given by only the administration. They are served from 3:30-5:00 p.m. These detentions are for missed morning detentions as well as for Level 2-3 offenses. They are served in the office and parents will be provided written notification of such detentions. Failure to serve an after school detention will result in a Saturday detention.
SATURDAY DETENTIONS
Saturday detentions are given only by the administration. They are served at DMS from 7:00 - 9:00 A.M. These detentions are given for repeated violations of school policies and rules or for more serious problems. Students assigned a Saturday detention will be given a form to be signed by the parents that includes a list of rules governing that detention. Failure to serve a Saturday detention may result in suspension.
TARDIES
Being on time is an incredibly important trait to learn. Therefore, it is very important that students are on time for their classes. The consequences are as follows:
Tardy infractions
1st - Warning 4th - Office Detention 7th - After-School Detention
2d - Warning 5th - Office Detention 8th - Saturday Detention
3d - Warning 6th - 2 Office Detentions
(Tardies are cumulative throughout the entire semester; the tardy consequences after the 7th will be a minimum of Saturday detention.)
Tardy to School Infraction:
Tardies to school will be treated in the same manner as tardies to class.
GUM / CANDY / FOOD
Given that we are in a new building it is especially important that gum and food not be present (except in an approved classroom situation.) The consequences for having gum or food are as follows:
Gum/Candy
1st - Warning 3d - 2 office detentions 5th Saturday detention
2d - 1 Office Detention 4th - After school detention
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
When deemed the best course of action, the administration may assign a student to an in-school suspension. When a student is assigned ISS, he or she will be allowed to complete all work but will do so in the office. The student will have to complete all assigned work and complete the ISS assigned time before returning to class. Students are not allowed to attend any extra-curricular activities on the day of the assigned ISS.
STATUS PLAN
When an ISS or OSS is assigned by the administration, a student is placed on a status upon his/her return to the classroom or school. During this status period, students will not be granted hall pass privileges. The assigned number of days will be determined by the administration and will not amount to less than five days and not to exceed twenty days. A status may also be assigned for repeated misbehavior as deemed by the administration.
STUDENT BULLYING
No student should be subject in school to bullying, aggression and violence. Accordingly, aggressive student behavior including student bullying in all forms are prohibited.
Aggressive behavior is defined as assertive words and/or actions intended to threaten, injure, harass, provoke or incite another person or as hostile words and/or actions towards the property of another. Bullying is defined as student behavior which hurts, frightens, threatens, or tyrannizes students who are either physically or psychologically smaller or weaker than the person engaging in bullying. In most cases, bullying is characterized by repeated harmful action on the part of the bully. Examples of bullying may include, but are not limited to:
- Physical Bullying: may include punching, shoving, poking, hair-pulling, or other similar behaviors
- Verbal Bullying: may include name calling, teasing, gossip, humiliation, intimidation, or other similar behaviors.
The administration is directed to provide to District schools and parents educational materials designed to assist in preventing bullying and to minimize the risk of being bullied. Students who engage in acts of bullying may be subject to discipline in accordance with the Board’s general student discipline policy. Such discipline may include verbal or written reprimand, in-school suspension, change of placement and/or out of school suspension or expulsion. Parental notification will be made in accordance with the Board’s student discipline policy.
Students who are victims of bullying may also be referred to the building level student support team for assistance including counseling or other supportive services from school or community agencies. In addition, school personnel shall monitor and identify students who exhibit behaviors that indicate a tendency toward aggressive behavior, including bullying.
School personnel who identify such students should refer the student to the student support team. The student’s parent/guardians shall be advised in writing of the referral to the student support team and any action taken by the team concerning the student.
Upon receipt of the referral, the student support team shall monitor the student, review any non-school, community-based interventions for the students and consider necessary school based interventions including, but not limited to, referral for an evaluation to determine special education eligibility. If the student is currently a student with a disability, the student’s IEP or Section 504 team may, when appropriate, assume the functions of the building’s student support team.
CHEATING POLICY
Cheating is defined as any of the following:
- You copy someone else's homework paper or part of that paper, composition, or other types of classroom assignments, including work from computer disks.
- You give someone else your assignment.
- You give someone answers on a test or quiz.
- You look at another student's test or quiz to obtain answers.
- You leave notes, books, worksheets, answers, etc., out and in sight during a test or quiz so that you or someone else may obtain answers from them.
- You tell someone else in another class the questions or material included on a test or quiz.
- You use instruments (i.e., calculator) that are not permitted on a given test or homework.
- You have answers, or other information, written on your hand, arm, or in any other visible place so that you can us them during a test or quiz.
- You are talking, signaling, or in any way communicating with somebody else during a test or quiz.
- You copy directly from a secondary source (i.e., encyclopedia, Internet, etc.).
- You have someone else do your work for you, or you do someone else's work for them.
Consequences of Cheating (Level 2 offense):
- Teachers who catch students cheating will give the student a zero on the assignment in question and notify parents.
- Teachers may also refer a case of cheating to the office for further discipline.
- Repeated instances of cheating will result in increased punishment which may lead to suspension and expulsion.
DISTRICT 323 INTERNET USE POLICY
Internet access is available to students and teachers in Dunlap Community Unit District 323. The Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources. The District's goal in providing this resource is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. District 323 firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available via the Internet will enhance the educational program offered by the Dunlap schools.
A. Risk
With access to computers and people all over the world also come the availability of material that may not be considered appropriate for student use. Sites accessible via the Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, obscene, inaccurate or controversial. District 323 has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. Each computer in the District 323 capable accessing the Internet has installed on it a software package designed to block out objectionable web sites. An additional software package that blocks objectionable sites is also installed on District servers that connect to the Internet. However, no manufacturer of such software will offer a 100% guarantee that their product will eliminate all objectionable sites. The technology available today is not capable of achieving this goal.
Technology can still be supplemented by human resources, however, and District 323 believes that supervision is still the most effective way to discourage students from accessing inappropriate information on the Internet. Every effort will be made to insure that adult supervision is present while students are accessing the Internet. While the District is making every effort prevent students from directly or indirectly accessing objectionable web sites, it must be understood that at this time no system will insure complete security.
B. Terms and Conditions
Privileges - The use of the District's Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrator will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated this Authorization and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time.
Acceptable Use - Students who use the internet are responsible for their own actions. Those who access the internet must do so in conjunction with an authorized school assignment and with the permission of their instructor. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others.
b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
c. Do not reveal the personal addresses or telephone numbers of students or colleagues.
d. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
e. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
f. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property.
Unacceptable Use -
a. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation;
b. Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or de-use;
c. Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use;
d. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain;
e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space;
f. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;
g. Invading the privacy of individuals;
h. Using another user's account or password;
i. Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent;
j. Posting anonymous messages;
k. Using the network for commercial or private advertising;
l. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material; (Unintentional accessing such shall be immediately made known to the System Administrator and Superintendent.)
m. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked.
No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer or cause. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
Indemnification - The user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any breach of this Authorization.
Security - Network security is a high priority. If you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify your teacher of the librarian. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Attempts to log-on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to network.
Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
C. Consequences of Policy Violation
An attempt to violate the provisions of this policy may result in revocation of the users Internet access privileges regardless of the success or failure of the attempt. Further disciplinary action, as outlined in District 323 policy, including notification to state and federal authorities, may also be taken.
BASKETBALL / VOLLEYBALL SPECTATOR RULES
Students are encourages to attend and support our athletic events. In doing so, some simple rules must be followed:
- Once you are at a game, you must stay until your parents (or designated ride is picking you up). You may not leave and then re-enter the game.
- You must sit in the student cheering section. You may not leave the gym during game time; you may only go out during half time and between games.
- You must show respect for the other team. No booing or yelling at the other team. You must be quiet during free throws for either team.
- Only basketball players are allowed on the playing floor during halftime and between games.
- You must show respect for the National Anthem by standing quietly while it is playing.
- You will not have access to your locker; the rest of the building is closed during games.
- Just as during the school day, you may not have music listening devices or electronic communication devices at games.
- All school rules are in effect.
- You may cheer as loudly as you want and support the DMS Panthers!
Consequences
If you do not abide by the above rules, you may be removed from the game and subject to further school discipline.
GRADUATION TRIP
The graduation trip is held near the end of the school year. This is an enjoyable and memorable event, and it is our sincere desire that all 8th grade students participate. We do, however, feel that students who have caused serious problems or do not meet academic expectations during the school year should be denied this trip. The graduation trip is a PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. Therefore, we feel that it is the responsibility of each student to earn this opportunity by behaving and taking his/her academics seriously throughout the entire year.
PART IV: EXTRA-CURRICULAR
The extracurricular programs are not required and are considered privileges for our students. These privileges may be denied students not meeting standards set for school or the individual activities.
NOTE: Physicals must be on file before a student may participate in any sports activity, including tryouts for an athletic activity. Physicals are only valid for one calendar year.
EXPECTATIONS
ATTENDANCE: It is preferred that the student be in attendance for the full day. Students who are ill must be in attendance for at least one half day (3 ½ clock hours) in order to participate in any school activity that evening. Exceptions to this rule are emergencies or pre-approved absences through the office.
ELIGIBILITY: Students participating in extracurricular activities are expected to maintain passing grades in all courses. All teachers having the child in class monitor students weekly. The first time a student is ineligible he/she may practice and attend the scheduled activities that week, but may not dress in uniform. The second time a student is ineligible he/she may practice, but not attend any scheduled activities for that week. The third time a student in ineligible he/she may not practice or attend any scheduled activities for that week. The fourth time a student is ineligible he/she will be removed from the team. The 1st week of each grading period and the 1st week after tryouts are considered to be "free" weeks as far as eligibility is concerned. Shortened school weeks (consisting of three days or less) will not count against a student UNLESS there is a quiz/test that allowed the student the opportunity to raise the grade.
CONDUCT: Students participating in extra-curricular activities are expected to represent Dunlap Middle School in a respectable manner and will adhere to the district's activity code policy.
DUNLAP DISTRICT ACTIVITIES CODE
In order for students to realize their full potential, they must commit to a lifestyle which promotes physical and mental fitness. Therefore, the following activities code has been established to guide students who represent Dunlap in extra-curricular activities, clubs, and organizations.
Once a student begins participation in any extra-curricular activity they are subject to the Activities Code for the remainder of their years in the Dunlap School District. This code is in force through all 12 months of the year. Any of the following violations, regardless of the time of year or whether they occur on or off school grounds will result in discipline measures.
- Use of, possession of, or distribution of alcohol, marijuana, or any illicit drug, or abuse of prescription drugs.
- Use of, or possession of any tobacco product.
- Theft or vandalism of any school or personal property
- Acts of inappropriate conduct in which the student is involved such as attending or participating in a fight, physical or verbal abuse of students, school personnel, contest officials, contestants, coaches, or spectators.
- Any activity that may detract from the image and standards of Dunlap Middle School may result in a penalty. Example: Involvement in criminal or immoral activity as determined by police or certified school personnel.
- Being in the presence of illegal use of drugs/alcohol.
An activity code violation to the above 6 areas will be substantiated by reports from District staff, reports from law enforcement officials, or as a result of self admission. If a violation appears to have occurred from the information received, the student will be questioned by the administration. A meeting may also be scheduled with the student, their parents or guardians, the coach or sponsor, and administrators. In either instance the information received will be revealed, and the student will be asked to make a statement as to the accuracy of the information. If, in the opinion of the administration, an Activities Code violation has been committed, an Activities Code violation meeting will then be scheduled at which time disciplinary action will be taken.
Parents and guardians are asked to assume the responsibility of insisting that their child be honest and accept the consequences for their actions if they have been improper. Parental support is vital in seeing that their child accepts responsibility regardless of how other students have acted or been disciplined in the past.
ACTIVITIES CODE MEETING
When a violation has been determined by the Administration to have occurred, there will be a meeting of the Activities Board which is comprised of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach(s) or Sponsor(s). The facts will be presented by the Administration and after discussion with all individuals present, a decision will be made as related to any disciplinary action that might be appropriate.
A mandatory parent meeting must be attended by parent/athlete prior to beginning the first sports season. Students will not be allowed to practice or try out for a team unless the meeting has been attended by the parent/student. Meetings will be held before the start of the fall, winter and spring seasons. Parent and student are required to attend only one meeting each year.
Any violation of the stated policy will result in one of the following:
1.If a student violates the activity code during a season in which he/she is participating; they will be suspended from the activity for one-third (1/3) of the season. NOTE: A season is defined as the first official practice day through the award night for that season.
2.If a violation occurs in season and at least one-third (1/3) of the regular scheduled events remain, the student will be suspended for one-third (1/3) of the activities/games scheduled.
3.If a violation occurs in season with less than one-third (1/3) of the regular season events remaining, the student will be suspended from all remaining regular and post season events. This suspension will then be carried over to the next activity in which he/she participates until the penalty has been satisfied. If a violation occurs out of the season, the student will be suspended from competition for one-third (1/3) of the regular season events of the next activity in which he/she participates.
4.If a student violates the activity code while out of season and it is a first offense, suspension from the next activity for one-third (1/3) of the regular season contests (actual games played) will occur. The student will begin practice and continue to practice through the suspension. He/she will not be allowed to dress or participate in contests but would be required to be on sidelines dressed in appropriate street clothes.
5. If a student has a second violation of the activities code within one calendar year of the first, the student will be suspended from all activities for one calendar year from the date of the second infraction.
NOTE: Students currently under Activities code penalty will be held to conditions of that penalty.
Right of Appeal
A student who feels that the Activities Board made an incorrect decision has the right to appeal the decision to the Superintendent of Schools.
Rules for the Game:
1. As a representative of Dunlap Middle School, you should dress appropriately for all athletic activities.
2. Hustle and exert best effort at all times.
3. No bickering with opposing players, spectators, officials or coaches.
4. No profanity.
5. No arguing with officials.
6. When leaving the field or floor as a result of substitution, hustle to the bench.
7. When not in the game, all players on the bench must give their attention and loyalty to those players in the game.
8. Do not be a braggart in victory. Accept defeat humbly and without excuse.
9. When we play away from home, you must go and return with the team unless other arrangements are made with your coach ahead of time.
TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM PRACTICES AND GAMES
Any parent/guardian who wishes to transport their child home from a game must sign their child out in person with the coach after the game. If a parent would like for his/her child to ride home with another parent, a note must be provided to the coach prior to arriving at the contest site. The note must specify with whom the student will ride.
ACTIVITIES
Following is a short description of each extra-curricular activity offered at Dunlap Middle School. The activities with an asterisk are offered to 6th through 8th graders, the other are just 7th and 8th.
SPEECH*
Speech is a program that develops a student’s poise, self-confidence and self-worth by speaking before an audience. The student can perform a monologue or pair up and perform a duet. All pieces are memorized. The student attends two or three contests where the performance is judged. This activity starts in early September with weekly 15 minute practice sessions before or after school. Students may participate in speech as well as other fall activities.
STUDENT COUNCIL*
Student Council is a building wide organization that promotes a number of students activities during the year.
YEARBOOK*
Students work together to produce the Dunlap Middle School yearbook. If you enjoy writing and putting together pictures on a page, plan to join the yearbook staff. We will have a meeting to organize our staff during the middle of September.
DESTINATION IMAGINATION*
Destination Imagination teams consist of 5-7 students and are organized early in the school year. Teams organize their own practice schedules. Throughout the year they prepare for the Regional Competition in March. DI gives students the opportunity to work together in teams to develop creative solutions to very challenging problems. A strong DI team needs hard-working individuals with a variety of talents.
SCHOLASTIC BOWL
This is an activity open to all seventh and eighth grade students. Informal practices are held throughout the late fall and early winter for students not involved in other activities. Regular practices begin second semester. During the first part of the season, both a seventh and eighth grade team of five students compete against other schools in the area. Later in the season, a single team represents DMS in the tournaments. Teams try to be the first to answer a variety of “toss-up” questions worth ten points each. Bonus questions are then worth twenty points. The team reaching 300 points wins the match.
INTRAMURALS*
A wide range of intramural activities will be offered to 6-8 grade students throughout the school year. Research suggests that involvement in extracurricular school activities has a positive impact on academic achievement. All students, regardless of ability levels, are encouraged to participate in intramural activities.
ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
In order to participate in athletic activities, the student must have a current sports physical on file before the first day of tryouts and/or practice. DMS athletic activities fall into one of four seasons. Baseball, cross country and softball take place in the summer. Girls’ basketball, cheerleading and pom pons take place in the fall. Boys’ basketball and volleyball are offered in the winter. Scholastic Bowl and track begin in the spring. Students may go out for one sport each season. Once students have become part of a team, they are encouraged to fulfill their commitment for the remainder of that season. In the event that a student quits a team, that student may not participate in another sport until the conclusion of their previous team’s season.
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
Boys play baseball and the girls play softball. Tryouts begin in late July or early August. One team of both 7th and 8th graders compete with other schools throughout the area during August and September. The season concludes with the IESA tournament in October.
CROSS COUNTRY
There is one team of 7th and 8th grade boys and one team of 7th and 8th grade girls. Students will also be able to participate in the IESA state meets.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Blue Teams: There is one 7th grade blue team and one 8th grade blue team. These teams are the most competitive, advanced teams at DMS. These teams are made up of 12-15 girls each. Tryouts begin in early September and games begin in October. A County Tournament is held in November, and the season concludes with the IESA tournament in December.
Intramurals: Intramural basketball is open to any 6-8 grade girl. The focus of this program is to provide skill development in a fun atmosphere. Teams compete against one another, but do not compete outside of school.
CHEERLEADING
Cheerleading has tryouts the first part of September. Teams are made up of seven 7th graders and seven 8th graders. They cheer at all the home basketball games from October to February.
POM PONS
The DMS Pom Pon squad is a girls’ activity that begins in October and ends in January. Twenty girls from the 7th and 8th grades are chosen during judged tryouts. In general, there are two practices a week, and the members perform at all boys’ home basketball games. Uniforms are provided, but participants are expected to purchase accessories for their uniforms. Pom Pons is a physical activity requiring the girls to learn basic dance steps and in some cases to choreograph routines of their own. The fun of working together as a team and the enjoyment of dancing are two of the benefits of this activity.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL TEAMS
Boys basketball tryouts begin in mid October for 7th and 8th grade boys. The boys basketball program consists of 3 different levels. The levels are outlined below:
Blue Teams: There is one 7th grade blue team and one 8th grade blue team. These teams are the most competitive, advanced teams at DMS. These teams consist of 12-15 players each and play a highly competitive schedule. These teams also compete in the IESA state tournament series at the end of the season.
Orange Teams: There is one 7th grade orange team and one 8th grade orange team. These teams consist of 10 players each and the focus is on skill development. It is recognized that players on these teams may play at a more competitive level in the future. An effort is made to provide a similar, although less competitve, playing environment to the blue team (i.e., officials, fans, etc.). Coaches on this team make an effort to play every player at some point in each game but cannot guarantee such.
Intramurals: Intramural basketball is open to any 6-8 grade boy. The focus of this program is to provide skill development in a fun atmosphere. Teams compete against one another, but do not compete outside of school.
VOLLEYBALL
Both 7th and 8th grade teams of girls compete with other area schools during a season beginning in January and concluding with the IESA tournament series in March.
TRACK
This program is held for both boys and girls for both 7th and 8th graders in the spring. Approximately eight dual and triangular practice meets are held. All eligible members of the track team compete during the dual meets. Tryouts for the top two positions occur during practices as well as the meets. The season ends with a Peoria County meet, an IESA Sectional meet and the IESA State Meet.
D.M.S. we’re loyal to you.
Raise our colors orange and blue.
And when the Panthers finish
You will see, too,
D.M.S. is number one
Got the others on the run
Defenders of orange and blue.