District 84, Cook County

FRANKLIN PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DISTRICT 84, COOK COUNTY

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

2915 Maple Street –847/455-4230

FAX: 847/455-9094

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Daniel LoCascio- President

Lori Thomas - Vice-President

Stephen Dawson - Secretary

Michael Special

Antoinette Cronin

Sherry Petersen

James Wade

Dr. David H. Katzin, Superintendent

847/455-4230, ext. 225

SCHOOLS

North Elementary School (PreK-5)Heidy LaFleur, Principal

9500 Gage

847/678-7962

Fax: 847/678-3616

Dan H. Pietrini Elementary School (PreK-5)Lois Fronczke, Principal

9750 Fullerton

847/455-7960

Fax: 847/455-1809

Lawrence W. Passow Elementary School (K-5)Judy Martin, Principal

2838 Calwagner

847/455-6781

Fax: 847/455-1465

Vance C. Hester Junior High School (6-8)Giffen Trotter, Principal

2836 Gustav

847/455-2150Adam Bulfer, Assistant Principal

Fax: 847/

CONTENTS

PREFACE5

MISSION STATEMENT5

PHILOSOPHY5

SCHOOL BOARD5

SCHOOL HOURS5

ACADEMIC PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION

Access to District Records6

Advanced Learner Program6

Assessment Program6

Enrichment Program6

Homework Policy6

Honor Roll6

Make-up Work Policy6

Parent Conferences7

Parent/Guardian Rights Regarding Instructional Materials7

Promotion Policy7

Report Cards7

Response to Intervention7

Section 504 Plans for Students with Disabilities7

Special Education7

Student Records8

Student Surveys11

Videotaping/Filming/Photography of Students11

ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC NETWORKS POLICY12

ATTENDANCE

Attendance14

Procedures for Reporting Absence and Tardiness15

EMERGENCY PLANS

Emergency Closing Information15

Late Start Schedule15

Shelter/Evacuation/Code Red Drills15

GENERAL INFORMATION

Asbestos16

Class Treats17

Covering Textbooks17

District Use of Federal Funds17

Electronic Bulletins and Announcements17

Equal Educational Opportunities17

Field Trips17

Information Regarding Teacher Quality17

Lost and Found17

Observation of Students with Disabilities/Students Who May Be Eligible for Special Education17

Parent/Guardian Involvement and Advisory Committees18

Parent/Guardian Visitation18

Party Invitations18

Physical Education Requirements18

Pesticide Application Notification Program18

School Report Cards18

Sex Equity18

Sex Offender Information18

Student Lunches19

Tobacco19

ORGANIZATIONS

Band Club19

District 84 Educational Foundation19

Parent-Teacher Association (P.T.A.)19

REGISTRATION

Age Requirements - Kindergarten and First Grade19

Birth Certificates - New Students19

Fees - Consumable Materials20

Homeless Students20

Kindergarten Registration20

Proof of Residency Requirement20

Residency Verification/Registration20

School Fee Waivers20

Students of Military Personnel21

Transfer Forms - New Students21

STUDENT CONDUCT

Conduct at Lunchtime21

Conduct of Students To and From School21

Possession and Use of Electronic Communication Devices21

Prohibition against Bullying, Hazing, Harassment, and Cyberbullying22

School Bus Safety Procedures22

Student Discipline Policy23

Student Dress27

Teen Dating Violence Policy27

STUDENT HEALTH

Accident Insurance28

Administration of Medicine28

Doctor's Notes29

Exclusion of Students for Health Reasons 29

First Aid – Injury29

Immunizations29

Information on Human Papillomavirus (HPV)29

Nurse30

Physical and Dental Examinations30

Restriction on Participation in Strenuous Physical Activity30

Vision Screening30

Vision Examination30

TRANSPORTATION

Bus Transportation30

Transportation During Snowstorms30

Transportation in the Event of Flooding31

PREFACE

The Franklin Park Public Schools have always enjoyed fine cooperation and support from the community. Teachers and administrators appreciate this cooperation and fully realize its importance in providing the best possible education for every child.

This handbook is adopted annually by the Board of Education and is provided to ensure continued understanding between the home and the school. It is only a summary of Board policies and procedures governing the District; Board policies are available to the public at the Administrative Office. The handbook may be amended during the school year without notice.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Franklin Park Public School District 84 is to provide all our children a quality education within a safe and nurturing environment that motivates them to be lifelong learners and morally responsible citizens.

PHILOSOPHY

The role of the District is to serve the children of Franklin Park by guiding their intellectual, physical and social development. The District best serves the community through the development of its future citizens by establishing a positive, challenging,and creative educational environment supported by highly qualified teachers. An education imparts to children the ability to think critically and to prepare them for secondary education. It inspires within students a desire for knowledge and creates an ambition which will direct them toward a successful and productive future.The school, the home,and the community share responsibility for the development of children.Working cooperatively, we help children become lifelong learners and morally responsible citizens.

SCHOOL BOARD

The public is invited to attend meetings of the Board of Education. Regular meetings of the board are normally held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Office, 2915 Maple Street. Citizens interested in addressing the board may do so. Ideally, citizens with concerns of general public interest should seek to place those topics on the agenda in advance of the meeting by contacting the superintendent. Individual concerns or problems of a personal nature should be directed to the school of attendance. If necessary, a school-level decision may be appealed to the superintendent. In the absence of guiding policy, the superintendent may review the matter with the Board of Education.

SCHOOL HOURS

Grade

K through 58:30 –3:10 p.m.

6 through 88:23 –3:20 p.m.

Students are encouraged to avoid early arrival at school for their own safety. In the morning, kindergarten through 5th grade students should not be on the grounds before 8:25 a.m.; 6th through 8th grade students should not be on school grounds before 8:15 a.m. Students attending morning band, chorus,or other activities should not be on school grounds before 7:15 a.m. Any exception to regular school dismissal hours must be approved by the principal, who will release students at his/her discretion to parents or legal guardians only. Students may be required to remain after school for the purpose of making up deficiencies in work or because of hazardous weather. In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, a late start school schedule may be put into effect. Information about the late start will be distributed to District families during the school year and will be posted on the District’s website.

ACADEMIC PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION

Access to District Records

Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the District will respond to all written requests to copy and/or inspect public records to the extent required by law. Such written requests should be addressed to the District’s FOIA Officer, Dr. David H. Katzin, Superintendent, 2915 Maple Street, Franklin Park, IL 60131. More information, including copies of the District’s policy and procedures governing responses to FOIA requests, may be obtained by request from the FOIA Officer.

Advanced Learner Program

Franklin Park School District 84 offers an Advanced Learner Program in order to identify and serve those students who demonstrate academic excellence beyond that of their chronological peers. Students identified for participation in this program will be pulled from their classrooms for 50 minutes daily to receive their mathematics instruction. Working in small groups, these students will engage in a deep, hands-on investigation of topics while moving through the curriculum at an accelerated rate.

Student identification for enrollment in this course is determined using a rubric incorporating student assessment scores, grades, and teacher recommendations.Hester Junior High School also offers accelerated courses at all grade levels to meet the needs of its advanced learners in the areas of Mathematics and English/Language Arts.

Assessment Program

The District's testing program consists of standardized achievement tests, cognitive aptitude tests, diagnostic tests, and teacher-made tests. Results of these tests aid the teacher in planning instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. Additional information regarding the district’s assessment program can be found on the District 84 website ( the “Parent Resources” tab.

Enrichment Program

District 84 believes that all children should be provided with enrichment experiences that enhance their learning. Enrichment experiences occur in all areas of the curriculum and across all grade levels. These experiences may include interdisciplinary units of study, special units of study, extracurricular programs, speakers, field trips, and projects.

Homework Policy

The amount of homework assigned to each student varies according to grade level. In grades one and two, homework may be assigned three to four days per week. Students in grades three through eight can expect homework five days per week. Students are also encouraged to read independently at home on a daily basis. If clarification is needed concerning homework assignments, a phone call to your child's teacher is recommended.

Honor Roll

Hester Junior High recognizes academic achievement by posting a High Honor Roll and Honor Roll list each trimester. All grades in all classes (including Specials, Physical Education, and Health) will count equally towards meeting the honor roll requirements. Eligibility for the honor roll will be based on a student's grade point average for the grading period with an "A" grade earning 4.0, or a "B" grade 3.0, and a "C" grade 2.0. Any student receiving a "D" or "F" grade in any class or in the Department grade for any class will not be eligible for either honor roll.

• High Honor Roll - All students with a grade point average of at least 3.5 to 4.0.
• Honor Roll - All students with a grade point average of at least 3.0 to 3.5.

Make-up Work Policy

When students are absent from school, work missed should be made up as soon as possible. If the absence is for only one day, the make-up work assignment can be obtained from the teacher the following day. Students are allowed the same number of days absent to make up any missed tests when they return. In many cases, it is best to take make-up tests as soon as possible.

When it is anticipated that the student’s absence will be for a longer period of time, it is suggested that arrangements be made to obtain assignments and materials from school. If a parent/guardian calls the school office before noon requesting assignments for a child, the assignments may be picked up in the school office at the end of the school day. If the call is made after lunchtime, they may be picked up at the close of school on the following day. Please understand that make-up assignments cannot fully replace the instructional activities offered in the classroom

ParentConferences

A conference is scheduled for each child in grades kindergarten through five. Conference time is provided for students in grades six through eight.Parents/guardians are encouraged to keep in contact with their children's teachers. These contacts should be made early in the year, especially if a child is having difficulty.

Parent/Guardian Rights Regarding Instructional Materials

Parents/guardians have the right to inspect, upon request, the following:

1. Any survey created by a third party
2. Any survey designed to collect personal information about a student
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum

Promotion Policy

Students in Franklin Park School District 84 shall not be promoted to the next higher grade level based upon age or any other social reasons unrelated to the academic performance of the student. Decisions to promote or retain students shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, and performance on local achievement tests or state-mandated assessments.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued to the parents/guardians of children in kindergarten through grade eight. Elementary school report cards will be e-mailed or sent home on October28th, January 13th, March 17th, and the last day of school. Band grades are issued in a separate report to parents in grade five. Junior high school report cards should be picked up by parents/guardians on November 9th 10th and on February 17th.On the last day of school, report cards are sent home with the students at Hester Junior High.

Response to Intervention

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a general education initiative that is designed to utilize instructional interventions to meet the specific needs of children, both academically and behaviorally. Information about the RtI process may be obtained from the building principal and on the District’s website, .

Parents/guardiansmay request an evaluation for their child if they believe their child is in need of special education services. The request for an evaluation may be made by a parent/guardian at any time, regardless of where theirchild is at in the RtI process.

Section 504 Plans for Students with Disabilities

Referrals for consideration for Section 504 eligibility may be made at any time. A referral must be made in writing and include the date the request is made and the reason for the referral. Referrals may be made by teachers, other staff members, parents, guardians, or other individuals responsible for the student’s education. Referrals should be directed to the LASEC technical assistance supervisor for the District, the designated Section 504 Coordinator. The Section 504 Coordinator may be contacted at 2915 Maple Street, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131, phone number 847/455-4230, ext. 225.

Special Education

The Franklin Park Public Schools participate in a cooperative program of special education. By working together, Leyden Township schools aim to meet the specific educational needs of all eligible students ages three to twenty-one who are residents of the eleven cooperating districts.

A full continuum of instructional services is available with the help of the Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative, including placement in regular classes with modification, regular classes with resource assistance, and special classes in regular attendance centers. Also provided are home/hospital instruction, separate school classes, private day, and residential placements. The Cooperative endeavors to locate, identify, and evaluate all children ages birth to twenty-one who may be in need of special education and related services. The rights of all special education students are protected. A copy of these rights as well as a copy of the Illinois Administrative Code Part226 Special Education is available by calling or writing:

Ms. Mindy McGuffin, Director of Special Education

Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative

10401 West Grand Avenue

Franklin Park, IL 60131

(847) 455-3143, ext. 1253

In addition to the special classes provided in the township cooperative program, District 84 provides speech therapy, individualized instruction,and social work services for students with particular needs.Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school if they have three or four-year-old children with special needs. These needs may result from conditions including deafness, visual problems, speech problems, physical impairments, or delays in intellectual development or language development. Parents/guardians may register 3-4 year old children with such special needs and request an evaluation by a special team and consideration for special education services.

Student Records - The Rights of Parents/Guardians and Students

State and Federal laws affect the way in which student records are handled by school districts. The law provides that parents/guardians and students must be annually notified of their rights in regard to student records. The school board has developed a policy and accompanying rules and regulations regarding student records. The complete policy regarding student records is available for inspection in the District’s Administrative Office located at 2915 Maple Street in Franklin Park.

Student records are divided into two categories:

The student permanent record consists of basic identifying information, academic transcript, attendance record, and health record, record of release of permanent information, and other basic information. The permanent record shall be kept for sixty years after graduation or permanent withdrawal.

The student temporary record consists of all information not required to be in the student permanent record including family background information, test scores, psychological evaluations, special educationrecords, teacher anecdotal records, accident reports, disciplinary information, health related information, and record ofrelease of temporary information. The temporary record will be destroyed five years after graduation or permanent withdrawal.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois School Student Records Act(ISSRA) afford parents/guardians certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 15 school days of the day theDistrictreceives a request for access.Parents/guardians should submit to the principal a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal or designee will make arrangements for access and notify the parents/guardians of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The District charges $.35 per page for copying, but no one will be denied the right to copies of records for inability to pay this cost.

1. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian believes are inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper, except not academic grades or references to expulsion or suspensions if the challenge is made at the time of a transfer. Parents/guardians may challenge the contents of school student recordsby notifying the principal or designated Records Custodian in writing of an objection to information contained in the record. Upon receipt of such notice, an informational conference will be scheduled to discuss the matter within fifteen (15) school days. If the dispute is not resolved at this informal meeting, the parents/guardians have the right to request a hearing before an impartial hearing officer who shall be selected by the District but who may not be employed in the attendance center in which the student is enrolled. The hearing officer shall conduct the hearing within a reasonable time, but no later than fifteen (15) days after the informal conference unless the parties agree to an extension of time. At the hearing, each party has the right to (1) present evidence and call witnesses, (2) cross-examine witnesses, (3) be represented by counsel, (4) receive a written statement of any decisions by the hearing officer and the reasons therefore within ten (10) school days after the conclusion of the hearing, and (5) appeal an adverse decision to the Regional Office of Education within twenty (20) school days after the decision is transmitted. A final decision by the Regional Office of Education may be appealed to the circuit court of the county in which the school is located;

1. The right to challenge school student records does not apply to: (1) academic grades of the child, and (2) reference to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions, if the challenge is made at the time the student’s school records are forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring.

1. The right to control access and release of personally identifiable information contained ina student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA or ISSRA authorizes disclosure without consent. Parents/guardians have a right to a copy of a record tracking the release of any information.The following individuals are entitled to access to student records without parental consent:

• An employee or official of the District or State Board of Education with current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student, in furtherance of such interest;

• The official records custodian of another school district in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll upon the request of that official, provided that the parent/guardian receives prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information proposed to be released and an opportunity to inspect, copy and/or challenge the records;

• To any person for the purpose of research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that such person complies with FERPA’s requirements;

• Pursuant to court order, provided that the parent/guardian be given prompt written notice of the order and the nature and substance of the information proposed to be released and the parent/guardian has an opportunity to inspect, copy, and/or challenge the records;

• To any person as specifically required by state or federal law, provided that the parent/guardian receives prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information proposed to be released and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and/or challenge the records;

• To juvenile authorities, when necessary, for the discharge of their official duties, who request information prior to adjudication of the student and who certify in writing that the information will not be disclosed to any other party except as provided under law or order of court;

• To appropriate individuals in the event of an emergency. An emergency is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals; in such circumstances, information may be released to appropriate persons if release is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. The parent/guardian must be notified no later than the next school day after the information is released. Factors to be considered in an emergency situation are: the seriousness of the threat to the health or safety of the student or other persons; the need for the records to meet the emergency; whether the persons to whom the records are released are in a position to handle the emergency; and the extent to which time is of the essence in dealing with the emergency;

• To the designated employee or agent of a governmental or social service agency in furtherance of an investigation of a student’s school attendance pursuant to the compulsory student attendance laws of this State;

• To authorized SHOCAP (Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program) committee members for the purposes of identifying serious habitual juvenile offenders and matching those offenders with community resources pursuant to Section 5-145 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and consistent with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1221 et seq;

• To the Department of Healthcare and Family Services as is required by the Illinois School Code and the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act, 105 ILCS 125/10.

1. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office