Student & Parent Handbook

Welcome

Dear Parent/Guardian and Student:

The administration, faculty, and support staff plan to make this year the best possible learning experience for all students. With the cooperation of parents, students, and school personnel, we assure a productive and safe educational atmosphere. We make a commitment to provide the structure and guidance for students to master the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to become effective members of our community.

Acceptance of this handbook indicates that you will read and comply with all the information stated herein. We urge parents to communicate frequently with the school and expect quality student work and regular school attendance.

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission Statement: Our mission is to foster a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where all students develop the skills, knowledge, and character to graduate and succeed in a global society.

Vision Statement: Our vision is to cultivate a community where every student exemplifies Spartan PRIDE. Through these values, we aim to prepare our students to lead with purpose and make a positive impact in the world.

Statement of Values — Spartan PRIDE:

• Personal Responsibility
• Respect
• Integrity
• Dedication
• Excellence

Portrait of a Spartan

A Spartan is committed to personal and academic growth. The Portrait of a Spartan identifies key characteristics we strive to develop in all our students:

• Thinks Critically: Questions and critically evaluates information. Possesses intellectual curiosity and intellectual growth. Thinks independently and is resourceful. Analyzes problems and seeks answers.
• Communicates: Demonstrates skilled verbal, written, and digital communication. Utilizes skills in conflict resolution and civil discourse. Communicates formally, professionally and respectfully. Engages in cooperative problem solving.
• Empathizes: Handles social interactions with emotional intelligence. Demonstrates respect and empathy in interactions. Practices self-management skills and is self aware. Actively listens and responds thoughtfully to others' perspectives.
• Self-Advocates: Advocates for oneself and asks for help with confidence. Perseveres through difficulty. Demonstrates self-reflection and accountability. Manages time effectively to balance personal and academic responsibilities.
• Connects: Displays awareness of global and community issues. Engages actively as a citizen in their community. Demonstrates cultural awareness. Maintains Spartan Pride: "Once a Spartan, always a Spartan".
• Focuses on the Future: Prepares for a career path aligning with strengths and interests. Adapts to life beyond high school. Uses appropriate skills to manage personal and professional responsibilities. Understands their responsibility as a digital citizen.

The Spartan Compact

The Oak Lawn Community High School Spartan Compact was developed to reinforce the school's Mission, Vision, and Value Statements. The Spartan Compact clearly identifies the roles of parents, students, and staff members in providing the best learning opportunities within the school-community.

As a Spartan Parent, I will...

• Share my education/behavior expectations with my student and reinforce positive learning habits at home.
• Encourage regular daily attendance and ensure my student is at school on time.
• View school communications as two-way and contact staff members without hesitation. Monitor my student's grades and request assistance if needed to access the online grade book program.
• Participate in school-related activities that support my student's learning efforts and assist my student in becoming a life-long learner.
• Encourage my student to take an active role in the school community.
• Embody SPARTAN PRIDE.

As a Spartan Student, I will...

• Communicate with my parents as often as possible. Help my parents navigate through the online grading system and other school technologies.
• Attempt to understand school concepts to the best of my ability.
• Promote an environment that is safe, secure, and conducive to learning. Treat others with respect and empathy.
• Manage my time wisely.
• Take an active role in planning for my future.
• Play an active role in my school community. Participate in at least one extracurricular activity per semester.
• Embody SPARTAN PRIDE.

General Attendance Expectations

A student is expected to be present each school day unless there is an acceptable reason for being absent. Grades are affected by a student's attendance and prolonged absences often result in failure.

Absence Classifications

Excused Absences

Each semester, students are allowed to have five excused absences without documentation. An excused absence is one where the student is absent for an authorized reason, which includes student's personal illness, religious holidays, or mandatory court appearances.

If students are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence, valid cause for absence also includes the fulfillment of a parenting responsibility and addressing circumstances resulting from domestic or sexual violence.

Unexcused Absences

An absence is unexcused unless it qualifies under one of the reasons for excused absence. Absences are not excused for such things as:

• Missed bus
• Oversleeping
• Staying home or skipping a class to do work for another class
• Failure to report absences according to the established procedure
• Unverifiable car trouble
• Unfavorable weather conditions
• Excessive calls for late sign-in due to unverifiable illness

Tardiness

Students are expected to be on time for each class period and remain in class until dismissed. Any student tardy over 8 minutes must sign in at the Attendance Window.

Tardy Disciplinary Consequences (Without Valid Excuse):

• 3rd Offense: Warning and record in Qmlativ
• 6th Offense: 1 detention
• 9th Offense: 1 detention & Social Suspension
• 12th Offense: Social Suspension & Saturday Detention
• 15th Offense: Saturday Detention & Behavior Intervention Room (BIR)
• 18th+ Offense: Truancy Process Started & Behavior Intervention Room (BIR)

Class Cuts & Truancy

When a student misses a class period and it is unexcused, the period will be coded as a class cut, and Discipline or an attendance intervention will be assigned.

Any student who fails to sign in/sign out as late or leaving early from school during the official school day will be given a truancy for each class, study hall, or assembly missed.

Make-Up Work & Extended Absenteeism

• Standard Make-Up: A student who has an excused absence is allowed to make up work missed with the condition that it is done within a reasonable time following his return to school. A student may email his/her teachers for missed assignments.
• Extended Absences: For long-term illness or injury, parents must contact the Attendance Office. Counselors need 24 hours to contact teachers for assignments.
• Home/Hospital Instruction: May be available for students whose absence exceeds 10 days.

After-Hours Participation Restriction

When a student is absent from school for more than 50% of the school day, the student is not permitted:

1. To be on campus until the following day.
2. To participate in extracurricular or athletic activities.
3. To attend off-campus school events, unless authorized by an administrator.

Grading System & GPA

Academic achievement reports are issued four times a year. Grade point averages (GPA) are computed using the following grade equivalents:

GPA Weights

• A: Honors - 5.0 | Regular - 4.0
• B: Honors - 4.0 | Regular - 3.0
• C: Honors - 3.0 | Regular - 2.0
• D: Honors - 2.0 | Regular - 1.0

Note: Transfer courses from other schools will receive honors credit only if OLCHS offers the same course for honors credit.

Assessments, Late Work & Re-Takes

• Assessment Re-Takes: Students will have the opportunity to engage in a re-take/re-do process for summative assessments within 6-8 Spartan Plus sessions. These repair opportunities require additional learning or re-learning activities to be demonstrated.
• Draft/Revision Process: Certain assessments such as projects or essays may have the draft and/or revision process built in.
• Late Work: Formative assignments (homework) can be submitted for full credit up to two school days from the original deadline.
• Homework Expectations: Regular homework completion is expected. Students will not be eligible for re-takes if they do not complete assigned practice. Students falling behind should attend Spartan Plus sessions for extra help.

Graduation Requirements

Forty-four (44) credits are required for graduation. Thirty-six (36) of these credits must include the following core subjects:

• English (8 credits): English I, II, III sequence, plus two additional English credits.
• Science (4 credits): 2 credits of Biological Science and 2 credits of Physical Science.
• Mathematics (6 credits): Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (or equivalent).
• Social Studies (5 credits): World History I (1 credit), World History II (1 credit), US History (2 credits), Government and Politics (1 credit).
• Physical Education (8 credits): 6 credits of P.E., 1 credit of Health, and 1 credit of Fitness I or Junior Leaders.
• Consumer Education: 1 credit of Consumer Education or Microeconomics.
• Electives (4 credits): Must be in Art, Business, Foreign Language, Family and Consumer Sciences, Industrial Technology, or Music.

Promotion Policy & Classifications

Students shall be designated as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors based upon their number of accumulated credits. Student classification is determined based on the policy listed in the school’s Annual Curriculum Guide.

Those students who fail any course required for graduation, or who at the end of any academic semester have failed to earn sufficient credits to reasonably permit graduation within a four-year period, shall be notified at the end of each academic year.

Discipline Philosophy and Goals

The Oak Lawn Community High School District 229 Discipline Code is designed to promote positive development of each student's achievement, thinking, motivation and desire to learn as a life process. The Discipline Code exists to help make possible a good educational program and to protect the welfare of those who participate in the program.

Discipline policies and procedures recognize the inherent dignity and rights of each individual. Discipline policies and procedures serve to guide behavior and yet encourage personal effort extended toward self-direction. All members of the Oak Lawn Community High School community at-large are charged with upholding and carrying out these goals.

Minor Disciplinary Infractions & Detentions

The teacher will handle acts of minor misconduct other than those specifically described in this Code. Students who engage in acts of minor misconduct shall be subject to appropriate discipline including detention. For purposes of this Code, detention is defined as the keeping of a student before school, after school, or during a lunch period of a student's regular school day in a specified room for a period of up to and including one hour per day on one or more school days. Teachers and staff may issue one or two hours of detention.

Acts of Minor Misconduct Include:

• Unauthorized use of school facilities (e.g., teacher lounges, mailbox area).
• Being in hallways or other areas of the building without a pass.
• Possession or use of a skateboard, roller blades, or roller-skates on school property.
• Unsafe use of bicycles, or throwing snowballs on school property.
• Failure to present a Student ID (Replacement cost is $5.00).

Major Disciplinary Infractions & Intervention Rooms

Students found guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct are subject to suspension and/or expulsion in accordance with the provisions of the School Code and applicable law.

• Saturday Detention: Saturday detention is a consequence for multiple hours on a Saturday, during which students are required to pursue academic work. Students may also be required to participate in academic intervention, behavioral intervention, and/or social emotional learning activities. The detention is supervised by a staff member and under “quiet room” conditions. Tardiness is viewed as a failure to serve and may result in an additional consequence. Students who fail to attend Saturday detention will be assigned further discipline. Parents/guardians are required to call the voice mail system if a student cannot attend.

Aggressive Behavior & Fighting

Fighting or aggressive behavior will result in 1 to 10 days in BIR, external suspension, or a combination. Incidents will be referred to the Oak Lawn Police Department and may result in arrest or criminal charges. A second physical act will result in external suspension and potential expulsion recommendation.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint

Neither isolated timeout, time out, nor physical restraint shall be used to discipline or punish a student. These methods are only authorized for use as permitted in 105 ILCS 5/10-20.33, State Board of Education rules (23 Ill.Admin.Code §§ 1.280, 1.285), and the district’s procedure(s).

Harassment & Bullying

Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of the school district. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to, harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying, name-calling, cyber-bullying, using derogatory slurs, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying a hatred or prejudice.

Cyber-bullying is defined as bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature. Depending on the severity of the incident, a student who bullies another may be directed to undergo peer mediation, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, community-based services, and/or school discipline as appropriate. Students who report false claims of harassment or impede the school’s ability to investigate a reported violation are subject to discipline.

Unauthorized Passes & Falsification of Records

Use and/or possession of any school pass or school records not issued to that student or in any altered condition or bearing a forged signature may be the basis for a one to three Saturday detentions.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

• Substance Use: The use or possession of controlled substances, drugs, paraphernalia, alcohol, or misuse of over-the-counter medications is strictly prohibited. Violators may face 1-10 days in BIR or external suspension, police referral, and possible expulsion.
• Smoking/Vaping: Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, nicotine products, and tobacco look-alikes are prohibited. Violations involving students under 18 will be referred to the Oak Lawn Police Department, resulting in possible accelerating fines and mandatory cessation programs.

Gun Free School & Weapons Policy

Any student who possesses and/or uses a firearm or other weapon, brings a weapon, or conspires to bring a weapon to school, on school property, or to any school event shall be immediately suspended for a period of 10 days and recommended for expulsion for a period of at least one year.

A "weapon" includes, but is not limited to: knives, guns, firearms, rifles, shotguns, brass knuckles, billy clubs, explosives, or any "look-alike" items. Any object used to cause bodily harm may also be considered a weapon.

Extracurricular Activity Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to participate in any school-sponsored, school-supported athletic, or extracurricular activity, a student must meet the following academic criteria:

• Maintain a passing grade in at least five courses.
• Not be on social suspension.

Any student participant failing to meet these academic criteria shall be suspended from the team/club for one week or until they attain passing grades in five courses, whichever is longer. At the end of each semester, participants must have received a passing grade in at least five courses in order to be eligible to participate in the following semester.

Contract of Understanding

While involvement in activities is voluntary, it is also a privilege. A participant must agree to abide by the following rules seven days a week, 365 days a year, whether or not school is in session, throughout the student's high school career:

Consequences for Violations

• First Offense: Suspension from one competition/performance up to a half season of participation. Students may attend practices (except during out-of-school suspensions). In non-athletic activities, there will be no participation for one week.
• Second Offense: Suspension for up to one full season.
• Third Offense: Loss of all extracurricular privileges for the remainder of the student's high school career.

Note: If an infraction occurs, the student must complete the season during which the penalty is served. If a student fails to complete the season, the penalty carries over to the next season of participation.

Health Services & Medications

State law prohibits dispensing medicine, including Tylenol, to any student without proper authorization.

• Prescription Medications: Students who need medication during school hours must have a "Permission Form for Prescribed Medication" completed by their physician and signed by a parent/guardian.
• Storage: Medication must be brought to school in a container properly labeled by the pharmacy and given to the School Nurse to distribute per the physician's written order.
• Crutch Use: Students who require the use of crutches and/or orthopedic devices must report to the Nurse’s Office following injury or surgery with a valid MD note. The nurse will instruct the student on safe usage, assess the need for elevator access, and notify counselors and P.E. teachers.

Anaphylaxis Policy

The District is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students. In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/2-3.190 and guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, the District has adopted and implemented a comprehensive Anaphylaxis Policy to address the prevention of and response to severe allergic reactions.

• Parents and guardians are notified annually of this policy via the Student/Parent Handbook.
• The District’s procedures include prevention strategies, staff training, emergency response protocols, and guidelines for the administration of medication in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
• The full Anaphylaxis Policy is available in Board Policy 7:285 and may be accessed on the District website or by contacting the main office.

Concussion Information & Protocol

Education of administrators, coaches, parents, and students is the key to student-athlete safety. Adolescents often fail to report symptoms of injuries. Returning to play too early can lead to prolonged recovery or severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome).

What to do if you suspect a concussion:

• Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion must be removed from the game or practice immediately.
• No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems, without medical clearance.
• Return to Play: IHSA Policy requires athletes to provide written clearance from a licensed physician or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician prior to returning to play or practice.
• Parents should inform coaches immediately if they suspect a concussion. "When in doubt, the athlete sits out."

IHSA Performance-Enhancing Substance Testing

As a prerequisite to participation in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) athletic activities, students agree not to use performance-enhancing substances as defined in the IHSA protocol.

• Testing Agreement: Students may be asked to submit to testing for the presence of performance-enhancing substances in their body during selected IHSA state series events or during the school day.
• Consent: Both the student and parent must acknowledge and consent to testing and analysis by a certified laboratory.
• Confidentiality & Penalties: Results will be held confidential to the extent required by law. Failure to provide truthful information or a positive test result could subject the student to penalties as determined by the IHSA.

Cell Phones & Personal Electronic Devices

To support student learning and minimize distractions, cell phones, headphones, earbuds, and similar personal electronic devices are not permitted for use during instructional time unless specifically authorized by a teacher for educational purposes.

• Students may be required to place their phones in a classroom storage pouch.
• In spaces where storage is not available, students are expected to keep phones silent and out of sight throughout class.

Electronic Network Acceptable Use Policy

The use of the district’s electronic network is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The principal or their designator will make all decisions regarding whether a user has violated this agreement, and their decision is final.

Unacceptable Use Includes:

• Using the network for any illegal activity or copyright violation.
• Unauthorized access or downloading of software/data ("hacking").
• Using the network for private financial or commercial gain.
• Wastefully using district resources or invading the privacy of individuals.
• Using another user’s account or password, or posting anonymous messages.
• Accessing, submitting, or displaying defamatory, abusive, obscene, or threatening material.
• Unauthorized use of the network to play computer games or participate in chat rooms.

Electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. System operators have access to all mail, and messages relating to illegal activities may be reported to authorities.

iPad Assignment & Responsibility

The iPad is intended to only be used by the student it was issued to. Students should never leave the iPad unsupervised. If damage or loss occurs in conjunction with a dishonest, intentional, or criminal act, the student/parents will be responsible for the full repair/replacement amount.

Search and Seizure

To maintain order and security, school authorities (including school liaison police officers) are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects.

• School Property: School authorities may inspect and search lockers, desks, and parking lots, as well as personal effects left there, without notice to or consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places.
• Student Vehicles: The principal shall require each student, in return for the privilege of parking on school property, to consent in writing to searches of their vehicle and personal effects therein, without notice and without suspicion of wrongdoing.

When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows: 1) Outside the view of others, including students; 2) In the presence of a school administrator or adult witness; and 3) By a certified employee or liaison police officer of the same sex as the student.

Anti-Bullying & Teen Dating Violence

Bullying, cyber-bullying, and harassment are contrary to State law and school district policy.

• Cyber-Bullying: Defined as bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including the transfer of signs, signals, images, or data.
• Teen Dating Violence: Prohibited at school, on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in school-provided transportation. This applies to students 13-19 years of age and includes physical, mental, emotional abuse, or sexual violence. Reports can be made to any school staff member, Dean, or Principal.

Health & Environment Responsibilities

Latex Policy

Some individuals have or are in a high-risk group for developing sensitivity to latex. Sensitivity reactions can range from mild skin irritations to anaphylaxis. While it is unrealistic for Oak Lawn Community High School to ban all latex allergy-causing products from our school environment, it is important that we take reasonable precautions to minimize exposure.

Student Deliveries

• Parents may drop off forgotten essential items (such as iPads or PE Uniforms) at the visitor’s entrance drop-off area.
• The school will NOT accept flower or balloon deliveries, or food deliveries from outside vendors (such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.).

Residency Validation

Children are entitled to tuition-free public education in the school district wherein they and their legal custodians reside. The school district has a legal obligation to charge tuition to non-resident students according to the per pupil district expenditure (at least $17,000 and is determined annually by the Illinois State Board of Education). Residency Enforcement is a Top Priority at OLCHS. With a reputation of academic, athletic and extracurricular excellence, OLCHS steadily attracts new families to its district. This makes enforcement of legal residency necessary as more families with school-age children move into our community. The OLCHS Board of Education remains vigilant on this issue and procedures have been implemented to identify and prosecute cases of non-residency. All students/parents must validate their residency within District #229 boundaries on an annual basis.

Required Residency Documentation:

• Two Current Utility Bills: Must be original copies in the name of the parent/legal guardian showing the District #229 address. Acceptable bills include gas, electric, water, and garbage. Cell phone bills are strictly not accepted.
• One Residence Statement: A current mortgage statement, proof of current homeowner's insurance, or a current signed lease including the name and phone number of the landlord.
• Identification: An Illinois Driver’s License or State ID for the parent/legal guardian indicating the same District #229 address.
• Custody Documentation: If the adult registering the student is not named on the student’s birth certificate, an official court order demonstrating custodial rights over the student is required.

Student Parking Policies

Any student who possesses a valid driver's license, current student I.D., proof of insurance, and a village sticker may apply for a parking permit from the Dean’s Office in Room 122. Parking permits cost $150.00 per year. Because parking spaces are limited, priority registration is given to seniors. Parking decals are issued upon receipt of a completed application signed by both the student and a parent or legal guardian.

Parking Lot Regulations:

• Students are required to abide by all policies in the application and are forbidden from parking in business areas or side streets.
• Students parked in the student lot without a visible decal, or parked in the staff lot before 3:30 p.m. on school days, will have parking privileges revoked and/or will be ticketed.
• Unauthorized parking may result in the vehicle being towed at the owner's expense as well as school disciplinary action.

Traffic & Transportation Rules

PACE Southwest operates buses for transportation to and from school. Students must observe all the rules and regulations set by the bus company. Smoking is prohibited.

Specific traffic patterns must be followed to maintain safety during drop-off and pick-up times:

• North End Loading/Unloading: Cars loading and unloading on the north end of the building are to enter the school grounds from Austin Avenue and exit onto Southwest Highway.
• South End Loading/Unloading: Cars loading and unloading at the south end are not allowed to park in the driveways.
• Prohibited Drop-Off Zones: Student drop-offs or pick-ups are not allowed in the Southwest Highway/Visitor’s Lot or on private/business properties adjacent to the school campus.

Textbooks & School Property

All textbooks and electronic devices issued to students remain the property of the district. They must be returned in the same condition as issued, allowing only for normal wear and tear.

• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all textbooks issued to them are not damaged, lost, or stolen.
• A student must return the exact, specific textbook that was scanned and issued to them.
• Before the end of every school term, each student must verify that all textbooks issued to them have been returned and scanned into the system.
• Students and families are financially responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged textbooks and electronic devices.

Uniform Grievance Procedure

The Uniform Grievance Procedure is available to resolve differences of opinion raised by a student or a group of students. A grievance is defined as an issue involving:

1. The meaning, interpretation, or application of established district policies.
2. A difference or inequality of treatment.
3. The application of legal requirements mandated by civil rights legislation.

Student Demographic Information Sharing (Privacy Choice)

Student demographic information sharing is recorded and managed within the Qmlativ portal. Each year through the online Qmlativ Verification process, families can designate whether their student’s demographic information may be shared with outside entities. Families can opt out of sharing demographic information at any time by contacting the school registrar.

The following privacy flags are utilized within Qmlativ to protect student data:

• 'Military' Flag: Used to exclude student information from being shared with military recruiters. Upon their request, military recruiters and institutions of higher learning will be given access to students’ names, addresses and telephone numbers. Parents who do not want their child’s name to be released (or students over the age of 18 who do not want their name released) can opt out as part of the Qmlativ verification process or by contacting the school registrar.
• 'Higher Ed' Flag: Used to exclude student information from being transmitted to institutions of higher education.
• 'Public' Flag: Used to prevent student information from being sent outside the district to entity types like local newspapers and other media outlets. This flag also manages data shared with authorized third-party vendors serving the district, such as yearbook publishers and cap/gown manufacturers.

Asbestos-Containing Materials Notice

This notification is required by law. In accordance with federal and state regulations, the school maintains a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan. The detailed results of periodic building reinspections, alongside the original Management Plan, are kept on file and remain completely available for public viewing in the school’s district office during regular school hours.