Discipline Handbook

Parent notification, either verbal or written, is used in the event of repeated incidents of 
misconduct. To ensure effective two-way communication between home and school, we ask 
that written parental notification be returned with a parent’s signature.

Homework detentions may be issued to students by teachers for three or more late or missing 
assignments. These detentions are served before, during or after school. The homework sheet 
is sent home with the student indicating the day for the detention. The parent/guardian must 
sign the form and return it with the student the following day.

These slips are issued to students by teachers, support staff or administration for relatively 
minor infractions (examples include talking in class, running in the hallway, or chewing 
gum). To ensure effective two-way communication between home and school, the slip must 
be signed and returned with a parent’s signature to the staff member issuing the detention.

Discipline referrals are issued to students by administrators or staff members to notify the 
student and parents of inappropriate behavior of a more serious nature than behavior that would 
merit a detention (examples include swearing, cheating, or antagonism toward another student). 
This referral identifies the inappropriate behavior of the student and the assigned consequences 
by the staff member or the administration. The student may be required to get a 
parent/guardian’s signature and return it to school on the following school day. Failure to do so 
may result in an additional referral and a call to the parent/guardian.

Churchill and Willow mainly use phone calls to inform parents of infractions.

Teachers and administration have the prerogative to retain a student after school as a 
disciplinary measure. Teachers also may require that a student remain after school to complete 
unfinished assignments. Willow School does not have after-school detentions. An assigned 
detention takes precedence over extra-curricular activities and out-of-school activities. Parents 
will have prior notification before detention is to be served so that transportation arrangements 
can be made. Failure to serve an assigned detention will result in a referral to the 
administration.

Saturday detentions are used as a consequence for more serious infractions and/or when a 
student is unable to serve an after-school detention. Examples include repeated behaviors that 
have not been rectified with other consequences or being tardy multiple times to school. This 
detention session will last for three (3) hours on designated Saturdays. The session begins 
promptly at 8:00 A.M. and concludes at 11:00 A.M. Students are to be dropped off at their respective building and accompany the teacher to the room used for the detention. Students are 
expected to bring sufficient study materials or reading materials. Magazines, comic books, etc.
are not acceptable reading materials. Students should bring a snack because no food is served 
on Saturdays. Certain situations may warrant that a Saturday school assignment has a lesser 
number of hours served on any given Saturday. This is left up to the discretion of the building 
administrator. Currently, James Hart is the only school that assigns Saturday detentions.

Repeated referrals to the office for disciplinary reasons or a single serious incident may result 
in an in-school suspension, which may also be called an alternative day placement. In 
appropriate circumstances, penalties less severe than stated in this handbook may be imposed. 
Students assigned an in-school suspension will spend all, or part of, the school day in the 
building suspension room or office. Students will bring all their supplies, books, and lunch 
with them to the main office upon entering school that day. The classroom teachers will send 
the student’s daily assignments to the in-school suspension room for completion and credit. 
Appropriate restroom breaks will be provided. Students who disobey the in-school 
suspension rules will be required to serve the same time in an out-of-school suspension. 
Students serving an in-school suspension will not be eligible to participate in any before or 
after school extra-curricular or school sponsored activities the day of their suspension. If a 
student is absent on the day(s) he/she is to serve and in-school suspension, it will be served 
when the student returns to school.

Being assigned an in-school suspension should be considered a serious warning that the 
child’s actions are unacceptable in Homewood School District 153. Examples of behaviors 
that may warrant an in-school suspension are verbal or physical aggression, harassment or 
threats to others, and failure to serve a Saturday School detention. Parents are encouraged to 
work with the school to make sure that the behavior is not repeated. In-school suspension is 
the school’s way of communicating to students that their actions are unacceptable while 
keeping students in school and continuing their education.

1. Before suspension, the student shall be provided oral and/or written notice of 
   charges. If the student denies the charges, the student shall be given an explanation 
   of the evidence and an opportunity to present his or her version. Prior notice and 
   hearing, in some cases, is not required. A student can be immediately suspended 
   when the student’s presence poses an immediate danger to persons or property. In 
   such cases, a pre-suspension conference shall follow as soon as is practical.
2. Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). 
   A written notice of the suspension shall include a description of the incident, the 
   reason for the suspension, and the rationale for the duration of the suspension. It will 
   also include a notice of the right to review the suspension.
3. Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a hearing shall be conducted by the School 
   Board or a hearing officer appointed by it to review the suspension. At the hearing the 
   student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board 
   or its hearing officers and may be represented by counsel. After presentation of the 
   evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue and 
   take such action as it finds appropriate.

1. Before expulsion, the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided written notice of the time, place, and purpose of a meeting by registered or certified mail requesting the appearance of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Unless the student and the parent indicate they do not want a meeting or fail to appear at the designated time and place, the student shall have a meeting, at the time and place designated in the notice, conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he/she shall prepare a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting and provide the report for its consideration.
2. During the expulsion meeting, the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) may be represented by counsel, present witnesses and other evidence and cross-examine witnesses. At the expulsion meeting, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence of whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience, or the misconduct charged. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue and take such action as it finds appropriate.

According to the Illinois School Code 105 ILSC 5/14-8.05, school districts are required to consider developing a Behavior Intervention Plan for students who have an active Individual Educational Plan when a student’s behavior is negatively impacting learning. Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors.  
 
Students with Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) are still subject to the same behavioral expectations as students who do not have an IEP. 

In order to maintain a safe and orderly school environment, it is expected that students will not engage in aggressive or unnecessary physical contact with each other. Students who engage in any type of aggressive behavior or excessive rough play may be subject to disciplinary action, which could include suspension or expulsion. This conduct includes, but is not limited to, physical violence, unwanted physical contact, verbal coercion, threats, intimidation and/or harassment.

1. placing the student(s) in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property
2. causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health
3. substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school 

Harassment of any kind is forbidden. Inappropriate remarks or actions made verbally or in writing, will be considered harassment and students engaging in this behavior may be subject to discipline. 
 
Sexual harassment is defined as any conduct of a sexual nature by a student directed toward another student when (1) such conduct has the result of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment for the other student or (2) such conduct is continued by the student after the request of the other student to stop such conduct because it is intimidating, hostile or offensive. The determination of whether the conduct of a student is intimidating, hostile or offensive is to be made by the school administration. 
 
Sexual harassment is prohibited by school Board policy and includes verbal, written, or physical conduct. The verbal and/or written sexual harassment includes the use of electronic devices, as well. The terms intimidating, hostile or offensive as used above include conduct which has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment or discomfort. 
 
Complaints alleging a violation of this policy are encouraged and must be brought to the attention District 153’s Title IX Complaint Manager, Ms. Morgan Koncel, as soon as possible after the alleged incident of sexual harassment. Caution must be exercised, however, to accurately state the facts giving rise to the complaint and to avoid groundless complaints. Grossly inaccurate or groundless complaints made in bad faith may subject the complainant to disciplinary action.

Every adult staff member, whether they work as a teacher, assistant, custodian, kitchen staff, supervisor, etc. is to be treated with respect and is to be obeyed. A student failing to follow a direct instruction from school staff will be considered insubordinate. Since the school staff stands in the place of the parent, we expect the same respect due the parent. Students who show disrespect/insubordination to any staff members, and this includes any adults employed in the school, may be subject to discipline.

Engaging in any prohibited student conduct as defined by District policy, on or off school grounds may be grounds for discipline.

Any student who participates in, or is responsible for, a fight in the school, on the school grounds, at any bus stop, or at any school-related function may be subject to discipline. Any student who strikes a teacher and/or staff member may have the incident reported to local law enforcement immediately.

Threats and inappropriate comments include any verbal or written comments that directly or indirectly threaten any individual or group of students or staff, or that indicate a threat to the school building.  This can cause a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Students who participate in any communications of this nature may be subject to discipline. Students who hear of a possible threat are strongly encouraged to report the threat to a school administrator or on the Safe2Help Illinois website form. 

Throwing any object, except in school-sanctioned activities such as P.E. class, is strictly prohibited on school property.  Reported incidents may result in disciplinary action.

Alcohol—No alcoholic beverages are to be carried, served, or consumed on school premises or at any school related activity. Any person under the influence of alcohol while at school or any school related activity may be subject to discipline. 
 
Drugs— No drugs, marijuana or products containing marijuana (such as edibles), controlled substances, any look-alike drug, or any substance represented to be a drug or controlled substance are permitted on school premises. Any person possessing or under the influence of any drug or controlled substance on the school premises or at any school related activity may be subject to discipline. 
 
Drug Paraphernalia—No student should be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Violators may be subject to discipline. 
 
Smoking—No smoking or carrying of tobacco or smoking materials (i.e., matches, lighters) is permitted by students on school property or at any school related activity. This includes vaping. Students who are found to be carrying or participating in the use of tobacco products or smoking materials including vaping materials may be subject to discipline.

•    Clothing/accessories, and/or appearance that create a health or safety concern or will damage school property. 
•    Clothing/accessories, and/or appearance that substantially disrupts the educational process. 

Such clothing includes, but is not limited to: halter tops, sheer clothing, bare midriff shirts, spaghetti straps or strapless tops, inappropriate shorts or skirts, wallet chains, wrist or neck bands with spikes or protruding objects, clothing that contains any words, pictures, or symbols which glorify, promote, encourage or advertise tobacco products, illegal drugs or alcohol, and clothing or articles which depict gang or satanic symbols, or hate speech. Shirts, blouses, and tops, which are not tucked in, must be long enough to cover the mid-section at all times. 
 
Outdoor apparel (coats, jackets, hats, sunglasses) may not be worn in school and must be stored in the hall lockers during the day. Exceptions may be made by the administration for religious or health reasons, or for times when classroom temperatures are abnormally cool.  The dress code is in effect at all school-related functions. 

The purpose of the referral is to inform the parent of a disciplinary incident involving any District 153 student on a school bus, which may have jeopardized the safety and well-being of all students. It is issued by the bus company assigned driver or school administrator. In the case of Willow or Churchill School, bus supervisors may generate this referral. District 153 uses cameras on the buses.

All students attending Homewood School District 153 are subject to all District rules. Any student distracting a driver may cause a serious hazard to the safe operation of the vehicle and can jeopardize the safety of all passengers. When a student violates a rule, the District may take appropriate disciplinary action. 
 
The following are some examples of gross disobedience and misconduct which provide grounds for suspension from riding the bus to and from school: 

 

All cell phones brought to school must be turned off and kept in the student’s locker or other area designated by the administration during the entire school day. Cell phones are not permitted in classrooms, lunchrooms, hallways, bathrooms, or other common areas of the building or outside on school grounds. If a student needs to use a cell phone outside of these designated times and locations, he/she must get permission from an administrator or program supervisor. 
Individual schools may have different policies concerning the use of cell phones by students on field trips and on school buses to and from school. The Administration at each school will determine that policy.

Students are not to bring personal electronic devices (excluding cell phones and smart watches) to school, school sponsored activities, or on school buses without prior approval from a building administrator, coach or sponsor. At no time are students allowed to take pictures, record, or livestream on school grounds. If a personal electronic device is brought to school with permission, the school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

On January 1, 2014, the Illinois Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, Public Act 09-0129 went into effect. The Act addresses school officials’ ability to gain access to the “pages” of students’ social network accounts. The new law covers both public elementary and secondary school districts as well as non-public schools “recognized by the State Board of Education.” It also applies to post-secondary institutions.

 

Elementary and secondary schools must notify students and parents that they may “request or require” a student to surrender a “password or other related account information” in order for school officials to access “the student’s account or profile on a social networking site if the school has reasonable cause to believe that the student’s account on a social networking website contains evidence that the student has violated a “published disciplinary rule or policy.” This notice must be published in the elementary or secondary school’s disciplinary rules, policies or handbook to be communicated to the parents and students “by similar means.” If the student or their parents/guardians refuse school administrators or their designee access to the student’s account and the administration has enough reason to believe that there is a danger to other students or the educational atmosphere, the case will be referred to local law enforcement.

 

Under the Act, a “social networking website” is defined as an internet-based service which lets individuals 1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system created by the service; 2) create a list of other users with whom they share a connection within the system; and 3) view and navigate their list of connections and those made by others within the system. Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are three very popular examples of social networking websites covered by the Act. E-mail is not included in the definition of a “social networking website.”

Declaration of Commitment for Acceptable Use of Technology Resources

1. Student Discipline and Religious, Racial, and Sexual Harassment/Violence Policies.
2. Respect the privacy of other users, and not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of or modify files, other data or passwords belonging to other users without permission.
3. Comply with legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs, data, and documents.
4. Help maintain the security of the District 153 technology resources by adhering to all security rules developed by the Technology Committee and/or the user’s building.
5. Monitor and supervise any individual to whom access to technology resources is granted.
6. Comply with the acceptable use policies of all technology resources to which the district has access.

1. Providing, assisting in, or gaining unauthorized or inappropriate access to the District’s technology resources, including any type of voice, video, or data information server.
2. Activities that interfere with the ability of students/staff members to use the District’s technology resources or other network connected services effectively.
3. Activities that result in the loss of another student/staff member’s work or unauthorized access to another student/staff member’s work.
4. Distribution of any materials in such a manner that might cause congestion of the voice, video, and data networks.
5. Distribution or collection of obscene, abusive or threatening material via telephone, video, electronic main, Internet, or other means.
6. Use of technology resources for a commercial, political, or profit-making enterprise, except as specifically agreed to with the District.
7. Use of District technology resources to access personal accounts such as Facebook, X, YouTube, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Discord and Instagram, or others’ personal e-mail accounts.

Any form of deception to gain credit without proper effort, including plagiarism, is universally recognized as improper conduct. Students who engage in this type of conduct should expect to find that choice reflected in their grades and may result in further disciplinary action.  
 
Student use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is prohibited. Students’ essays and other writing assignments will be subjected to scrutiny by AI detection tools to identify content generated by AI. Should such content be detected, the teacher may require the student to complete an oral examination or revise the assignment to remove the content generated by AI. Offenses or violations of this policy will be addressed by the teacher and professional staff. As appropriate and on a case-by-case basis (based on the nature of the offense or violation), the Board of Education will be consulted and the District’s applicable code of conduct will be applied.

Equal educational opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, language barrier, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, economic and social conditions, or actual or potential marital or parental status. 
 
Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Students forging parent signatures on school documents may be subject to disciplinary action.

Neither gum nor candy is allowed in the school during the school day or on buses. The exception may be candy brought for lunch or distributed by school staff, or if a student has a health concern that requires food or drink on the bus. In such situations, parents should inform the school. All other candy and gum will be disposed of by school authorities. Reported incidents may result in disciplinary action.

No student shall be allowed in the hallway or restrooms during class time unless he/she has an authorized hall pass. It is the child’s responsibility to request such a pass from the classroom teacher before leaving the room.  Failure to produce a pass may result in a detention.

1. No cutting in the lunch line is allowed.
2. No loud, disruptive behavior
3. Students may be assigned cleanup responsibilities on a rotating basis.
4. All food and drink must stay in the cafeteria.
5. Students must remain seated at their tables unless given permission by a staff member to move.
6. No throwing food or drink
7. No sharing of food
8. No Uber Eats/Door Dash food deliveries for students will be accepted.
9. Snacks must be on an approved list.

Obscene, profane, or vulgar language either written, verbal, or expressed by symbols will not be tolerated on the school premises. A student who participates in any of the above behavior may be subject to disciplinary action.

Homewood School District 153 acknowledges its respect for the privacy of its students.  In those school buildings in which lockers are provided, students may use the locker assigned them for the storage of books, school supplies and outer garments and are responsible for the security of the locker, shall make certain it is locked after being opened, and shall not disclose the locker combination to another student. If any inappropriate materials or items that are deemed by the Administration to be a threat to the safety of students or disruptive to the educational atmosphere are found in a locker, the student assigned that locker will be considered the owner of such materials or items. 
 
All desks and lockers remain under the control and jurisdiction of this School District. Access to all desks and lockers is retained by this School District and all desks and lockers may be searched by school officials at any time, with or without the student’s knowledge or consent, when reasonable suspicion causes them to feel deemed appropriate by school officials for any reason including maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision, and education of the students of this district. The school officials are to maintain a confidential file of all lockers and the combination applicable to each. 
 
In addition, school authorities are authorized to conduct searches of students and their personal effects, as well as School District property for the safety and supervision of students in the absence of parent(s)/guardian(s), and to maintain order in schools, and to provide for the health, safety and welfare of students and staff. 
 
Locker use is a privilege that can be rescinded if it is abused or causes any interference with the student(s) education. 

Parents must notify the school if their child is going to be late. The reason for the tardiness must be specific and can only be given by the student’s parent(s). Students who arrive at school tardy are to report directly to the attendance office for an admission pass to class. Within the school day, students are to be prompt in the attendance of all classes throughout the day. Consistent and regular attendance in all classes is an important component of academic achievement. Tardiness interrupts this process and negatively affects performance. Tardiness will affect perfect attendance recognition at the end of the school year. Each of the three schools will adopt tardy policies that are age specific and that are designed to alleviate the problem and teach the students the value of promptness. Generally, however, the sequence of consequences would be as follows: a verbal warning for the first tardy and after that a succession of more severe penalties from detentions to possible Saturday school assignments. If these fail to stop the tardiness, parents will be asked to meet with the administration.

• Illness, including the mental or behavioral health of the student
• Observance of a religious holiday
• Death in the immediate family or family emergency
• Other situations beyond the control of the student, as determined by the Board of Education in each district [or nonpublic school administration], or
• Such other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent for the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of the student.  

• interviews with the student;
• interviews with the student’s parent or guardian; and
• interviews with any school officials who may have information about the reasons for the student's attendance problem.

• Parent conference
• Social Work assistance for students and or family
• Information about community agency services

The unauthorized sale of any item to any other student is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the sale of shoes, food (including candy), and any electronic devices. A student who participates in the above behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. Gambling in school is forbidden.

Any student setting off a false emergency alarm with intent will be subject to discipline. A criminal complaint may also be filed with the proper legal authorities.

Fireworks or explosives in any form are prohibited. Any student who is found to be using, selling, or in possession of firecrackers, smoke bombs or other related fireworks or explosive materials, including snaps, caps, stink bombs, and sparklers may be subjected to discipline and/or being referred to the proper legal authorities.

• Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other item which evidences membership or affiliation in any gang.
• Committing any act or using any communication either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.) showing membership or affiliation in a gang.
• Drawing of gang-related graffiti or distributing gang-related literature.
• Committing any act or using any communication either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.) to recruit gang membership or affiliation.
• Engaging in any other activity prohibited by this handbook in furtherance of the gang.

The Administration and the local police will arrange meetings as needed between the parties in order to share information regarding students suspected of involvement in criminal activities.

 

The local police and the Administration will verbally report to each other the following activities when committed by a student enrolled in the particular school:

Stealing is a violation of Illinois law. A student who becomes involved in a theft of school property or the property of another person in the school may be suspended and reported to the proper authorities.

Anyone found guilty of vandalism will be held responsible for the cost, repair, or replacement. If the offender is a student, he/she may be subject to discipline and may have a police report filed against him/her. If the offender is an adult or a student from out of District 153, a report will automatically be filed with the police.

Students should never bring anything to school that could be viewed as a weapon. Any weapon or look-alike weapon/item found on school grounds will be confiscated. A student who uses, possesses, controls or transfers a weapon may be expelled for up to two calendar years. The expulsion period may, however, be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature of the weapon/item, the student may be suspended and/or expelled from school and both the student and the weapon/item will be turned over to law enforcement. ILCS 5/10-27.1A. Those weapons/items not turned over to the police will have to be picked up by the student’s parent.

Students are subject to discipline in school for any acts punishable by any federal, state or local law or regulation. 

• Maintain passing grades weekly in all subject areas with no more than one D.
• Display pride in self, the team/group, the sponsor, and your school.
• Recognize all discipline policies that apply to extracurricular programs as well as regular school programs.
• Practice good citizenship when representing your school both on and off campus.
• Accept responsibility for providing proper care of equipment, facilities, and uniforms used in conjunction with the extra-curricular activity.
• Pay for the replacement of any lost or damaged equipment while issued for individual use.  This includes PE uniforms.
• Display good sportsmanship and respect others during and following competitions.
• Follow the Code of Behavior for bus conduct.
• Practice teamwork.
• Arrive promptly and prepared for each event.
• Accept constructive criticism and/or direction from school officials judging your performance.
• Always attempt to do your best.

• Within 24 hours of report of a violation, a meeting must be scheduled between the student, the student’s parent(s) or guardians(s) and the Student Assistance Team.
• For each confirmed violation a certified letter will be sent to the parent(s) or guardian(s) notifying them of the violation.

• Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and administration, the student may be suspended from all extracurricular activities for a period of 2-10 days. A suspension occurring at the end of the school year shall carry over to the following year.
• The student and the parent(s) or guardian(s) may be required to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.
• The student may resume participation in extracurricular activities ONLY AFTER completing the suspension AND providing written verification of completion or participation in any intervention or counseling activities if assigned by the Student Assistance Team.

• Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and administration, the student may be suspended from all extracurricular activities for a period of 11-30 days. A suspension occurring at the end of the school year shall carry over to the following year.
• The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.
• The student may resume participation in extracurricular activities ONLY AFTER completing the suspension AND providing written verification of completion or participation in any intervention or counseling activities assigned by the Student Assistance Team.

• Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and administration, the student may be suspended from all extracurricular activities for a period equivalent to one trimester. A suspension occurring at the end of the school year shall carry over to their following year.
• The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.
• The student may return to participation in extracurricular activities ONLY AFTER completing suspension AND providing written verification of completion or participation in any intervention or counseling activities assigned by the Student Assistance Team.

• Upon recommendation of the Student Assistance Team and Administration, the Board of Education, or its designee, may suspend the student from all extracurricular activities for the remainder of his/her time in Homewood School District #153.
• The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be expected to participate in intervention or counseling activities as deemed necessary by the Student Assistance Team.