Rolling Meadows High School

Rules and Regulations

Student Behavior Expectations/Discipline
Accident or Injury
Alcohol/Drug Violations
Bus Privileges
Dress/Appearance
Food and Drink
Gangs and Gang-Like Behavior
Hall Lockers
Hall Passes
Harassment/Intimidation
Identification Cards
Internet
Laser Lights/Pointers
Leaving School Properly/Early Dismissal
Lost and Found
Lunch Periods
Make-up Work Policy
Messages To Students
Obscene/Libelous Material
Pagers/Cellular Phones
Parking/Parking Permits
Peer Mediation
Personal Radio/Tape/Disc MP3 Players
Powder Puff Football
School Safety/Reciprocal Reporting
Sexual Harassment Policy
Smoking/Tobacco Products
Study/Resource
Student Day
Tardiness
Visitors
Weapons
Internet Procedures/Guidelines
Board od Education Policy Affecting
Co-Curricular Activities
Co-Curricular Code
IHSA Eligibility

Student Behavior Expectations/Discipline

The Board of Education establishes district policies regarding student conduct. Rolling Meadows High School Administration institutes regulations and procedures to enforce the district policies. Students are expected to comply with all of the regulations and procedures of the school, to obey promptly all directions of the school staff, to observe school order, and to conduct themselves at school or at school-related activities in a manner that their conduct will neither harm themselves nor others, or bring discredit to the schools or the district. Students whose behavior is not appropriate according to these established guidelines will face disciplinary action.

All students enrolled at Rolling Meadows High School will be held accountable for their behavior while participating in or attending any school related activity. R.M.H.S. students are expected to demonstrate behavior consistent with accepted social standards of good citizenship. These expected behaviors include: courtesies and respect, the display of common decency, respect the rights of others, and abide by the school rules at all times. In addition, students are to attend classes daily, on time, and put forth an honest effort to succeed. Students are accountable and expected to complete all work missed during an absence from class. Students who choose to violate these expectations face disciplinary actions from the school staff to correct the demonstrated inappropriate behavior.

Behavior, which is disruptive and tends to interfere with the teaching-learning process, is not acceptable. Examples of unacceptable behaviors are:

- Fighting / physical abuse - Theft - Extreme displays of affection - Vandalism - Possessing a beeper or cellular phone - Cheating - Use of obscene, profane, or abusive language - Hazing - Use of racial, ethnic, or religious insults or - Harassment epithets - Sexual Harassment - Gang or gang like, representation including - Flagrant disrespect graffiti, signs, symbols, clothing, intimidation, - Possession of any harassment, or recruitment of any kind weapon, either real or look alike

Accident or Injury

Students who have the misfortune to be involved in an accident or experience an injury while at school or a school sponsored activity must report the incident to the staff member in charge at the time of the accident. If no adult is present at the time of the accident the student should report to the nurses office so that the nurse can assist the student in this matter.

Alcohol/Drug Violations

The possession, purchase, sale, and/or use of illegal drugs, including alcohol, or drug paraphernalia, or look alike drugs, on school property or at a school related activity is prohibited. Being under the influence of illegal drugs, including alcohol, on school property or at a school related activity is also prohibited. Consequences for violation of this district policy is as follows:

1st Offense

~ 3 - 5 days of out of school suspension.
~ Report to police.
~ Re-entry conference with the schools principalship.
~ Implementation of a Remediation Plan developed by the school.

2nd Offense

~ 10 days of out of school suspension.
~ Report to police.
~ Mandatory drug evaluation.
~ Possible expulsion hearing.
~ Re-entry conference with the schools principalship.
~ Implementation of a Remediation Plan developed by the school.

3rd Offense

~ 10 days of out of school suspension.
~ Report to police.
~ Mandatory drug evaluation.
~ Re-entry conference with the schools principalship.
~ Expulsion recommendation to the school board.
~ Expulsion Hearing before the Board of Education.

Bus Privileges

Riding the school bus is a privilege and students must exhibit appropriate behavior. All school rules apply when riding the bus. In order to ensure safety and good order, students must follow the drivers rules. The driver has the authority to assign students to specific seats. Students MUST present their bus passes in order to board the bus. The administration is authorized to suspend bus privileges to students who are guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct while on a school bus or waiting to board the bus. Such suspension of bus riding privileges will be handled in accordance with procedures for suspension of students from school.

ACTIVITY BUS: School bus transportation is provided to students who stay after school hours and reside in the bus service area. Most often these students remain after school for club activities, additional tutoring or detention. The buses usually leave school 30 to 45 minutes after regular dismissal time. Students should pay attention to or read the daily announcements for any schedule changes. These routes are different than the regular bus routes. Additional information may be obtained from the front office, attendance office or the activity office.

EVENING ATHLETIC / ACTIVITY BUS: School bus transportation is provided to students who stay after school hours and reside in the bus service area. The buses usually leave school around 5:45 PM. Students should pay attention to or read the daily announcements for any schedule changes. These routes are different than the regular bus routes. Additional information may be obtained from the front office, attendance office or the activity office.

Dress/Appearance

While allowing diversity of taste, fashion, and individual preference, the school expects every student to dress in a manner that does not disrupt the educational process. All students are expected to observe the basic standards of cleanliness, modesty, and good grooming. When the school deems that a students appearance is disruptive to the educational process, the student will be directed to change his or her appearance. The school prohibits clothing, which depicts alcohol or drugs, which has sexual or obscene connotations, which advocates violence, or which states ethnic or racial superiority.

Food and Drink

As long as the students accept the responsibility for appropriate behavior, students will be allowed to have food and drink in the hallway during passing periods. Students are expected to accept personal responsibility for the proper disposal of all waste materials into the proper containers provided. Due to health and equipment concerns, no food or drink will be permitted in the following areas:

- Gymnasium - Fieldhouse - Library - Theater - Computer Laboratories - All Resource Centers

Students may not have food or drinks in classrooms or laboratories, unless the teacher in charge determines that food and drink consumption enhances the students learning. Students are expected to comply with the directives of the school staff in order to maintain this privilege.

Gangs and Gang-Like Behavior

Gangs and gang-related or gang-like activities in the school setting cause a substantial disruption to the desired safe and learning environment of the school. Gang and gang-like activities will not be tolerated on school property or at school affiliated activities. No student may intimidate or harass another student or staff member.

Violation of the District Gang Policy will result in a parent conference, possible out of school suspension and police involvement. Documentation will be kept via photographs, photocopies or confiscated materials and reports generated through investigation. Repeated violations may lead to an expulsion hearing before the Board of Education.

Hall Lockers

Hall lockers are the property of the school and are provided to students for the storage of school related materials and outer garments. Students are assigned to specific lockers by the school. Only the locks provided by the school will be permitted, no other locks will be allowed. Students should keep the lockers locked at all times and should not pre-dial their combination. Sharing of lockers, unless assigned, is not recommended and is highly discouraged. Students are responsible for the lockers assigned to them are expected to report damage to them immediately. Writing on lockers or placing damaging materials in or on the surface of lockers is not permitted. Reports of theft or vandalism should be made to the police counselor. The school is not responsible for items lost or stolen from lock ers.. The administration has the right to open and search any lockers to insure student health and safety.

Hall Passes

During class and seminar periods, students are required to have hall passes issued by a faculty member. Students without hall passes will be considered cutting the class and subject to disciplinary action

Harassment/Intimidation

District 214 will provide a learning environment free of harassment and intimidation. Harassment / intimidation may include but are not limited to the following behaviors: physical assault; physical contact; direct, indirect or subtle threats; a pattern of threatening statements; stalking; and/or participation in groups which engages in threatening or intimidating behavior.

Identification Cards

Each student is issued a picture ID card. Students are required to carry their ID, cards at all school related activities and are required to present them to any staff member upon request. The ID cards also serve the following purposes: Bus Pass, Library Card, Lunch Card, Activity Pass, Internet Permission. Lost/stolen ID cards must be reported to the Deans Office. There is a $5.00 replacement fee for missing ID cards.

Internet

Students, who qualify to use the INTERNET, must comply with the regulations and procedures. The following materials or items are not permitted: chat rooms; MUDS; games; or inappropriate material including but not limited to nudity, drugs, gangs, gambling, violence, illegal activities. Disciplinary action will be assigned for inappropriate behavior.

Laser Lights/Pointers

Laser lights are not permitted in school or at school functions. Disciplinary actions will include confiscation of the laser light.

Leaving School Properly/Early Dismissal

No student will leave school during school hours except by permission of the principal or duly delegated authority, (Attendance Office). Such permission will be given only in case of sickness, personal written request of the parent or guardian setting forth reasons therefore, or other sufficient reason. Phone Calls received before students leave will be accepted. All students, who are leaving early, MUST check out, BEFORE LEAVING the campus, at the Attendance Office. The only exceptions are during the students scheduled lunch period or an approved field trip.

Lost and Found

The LOST and FOUND is located in the Attendance Office.

Lunch Periods

Each student will be assigned a 50 minute lunch period. Students may leave the campus for lunch unless restricted by a parent request. Students who use the area must accept personal responsibility for the proper disposal of all waste into the proper containers provided. Inappropriate behavior either on or off campus may be referred to the Deans of Students for disciplinary consequences.

Make-up Work Policy

Excused or Administrative Absences: A student whose absence is classified as excused or administrative will be permitted to make up the work missed. Credit will be given for such work that is appropriate to the nature to the work missed and to the quality of the make-up work. The teacher will establish reasonable time limits for its completion.

Unexcused Absences: A student whose absence is classified as unexcused will be permitted and is expected to make up the work missed. The amount of credit will be at the discretion of the teacher who will establish reasonable time limits for its completion. A student may request a review of these decisions by the appropriate division head.

Messages To Students

In order to maintain an excellent learning environment, only EMERGENCY messages will be delivered to students. Messages are delivered through the Student Services Office. 718-5622.

Obscene/Libelous Material

Distribution in school of material that is obscene or libelous is prohibited. Distribution in school includes distribution on or adjacent to school property or at school related activities. Obscene material is that which an average person, viewing the material as a whole and applying community standards for children of a relevant age, would find depicts sexual conduct in an offensive way, appeals to a prurient interest, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. Libelous material is that which tends falsely to injure the reputation of another. Students who distribute such material or who write or publish such material for distribution engage in gross disobedience and misconduct and will be disciplines in accordance with Section 4.8, 4.10, and 14.11. This policy is applicable specifically to non-school sponsored material.

Pagers/Cellular Phones

Student use or possession of any personal communication devices, such as pagers, or cellular telephones, is prohibited by Illinois State Statutes, Illinois School Code and School District 214 Policy during any school activity, including athletic events or co-curricular activities. Traditional disciplinary actions including confiscation of the item.

Parking/Parking Permits

The use of the school parking lot, during school hours, is a privilege granted by the school to qualifying students. A current official RMHS parking permit must be displayed on the vehicle, according to instructions, while the vehicle is in the lot. Parking permits are not transferable, only the student and vehicle that the permit is registered to will be permitted to park in the lot. A students privilege to park on campus may be denied as a result of disciplinary action taken by the Dean of Students for attendance problems, inappropriate behavior or driving and parking violations. Students who violate parking regulations face disciplinary action, which may include the TOWING OF THE VEHICLE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSIVE.

PARKING PERMITS

Parking Permit fees are set by the school district. Due to limited parking facilities at R.M.H.S., parking permits will be issued in the following manner:

1. Seniors, (who apply within the sign up period.)
2. Juniors who are enrolled in the “WORK PROGRAM” course.
3. Juniors, (by lottery, based on available space.)

Peer Mediation

Trained student peer mediators will negotiate and mediate minor conflicts between volunteering disputants to reach viable solutions to the disagreement. Participating students will sign a written agreement and be monitored by the Dean for verification, that they have abided by the agreed upon terms of the contract.

Personal Radio/Tape/Disc/MP3 Players

Students may use the personal type of radio, tape and disc players in the student cafeteria and locker commons area throughout the day, as long as the learning atmosphere is maintained.

Students may not use radio, tape and disc players during seminar period, in resource areas and classrooms, unless the staff member in charge determines that such use enhances the students learning. Students are expected to comply with the directives of the school staff in order to maintain this privilege.

Powder Puff Football

District 214 does not recognize nor support Powder Puff Football. Any materials related to Powder Puff Football on school grounds are prohibited. Students who display such items are subject to disciplinary consequences, including confiscation of such items and suspension.

School Safety/Reciprocal Reporting

District personnel will attempt to assure student safety in all programs, activities and facilities of the district. In compliance with Illinois State Statutes, and in order to promote and ensure violence free, safe schools, schools of District 214 will maintain a reciprocal reporting system among the district and local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal offenses committed by students.

Sexual Harassment Policy

The Board of Education will provide a learning environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment. Anyone who feels that he or she is the victim of sexual harassment, or any teacher or administrator who is made aware of an alleged incident of sexual harassment, is expected to take immediate action to resolve the matter according to established procedures. It will be a violation of Board policy for any student to sexually harass other students or staff.

Smoking/Tobacco Products

The Surgeon general of the United States has determined that smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema. Students are not permitted to smoke anywhere on the campus, anywhere in the school building, or at any school function. Using tobacco of any type, in any manner, is prohibited at all times. This includes chewing, smoking (cigar, cigarette, or pipe) or holding a cigar, cigarette or pipe, lit or unlit. The City of Rolling Meadows has an additional ordinance that prohibits even simple possession.

Study/Resource

Study / Resource period is considered as a class period. Resource areas are: Library, (IMC); ERC, (English Resource Area); MSRC, (Math/Science Resource area); SSRC, (Social Science Resource Area). All students must account for their attendance in Resource each day. Resource period is not an open period where students may come and go as they please. Students are expected to be on time and maintain a quite study atmosphere. Students who are assigned Resource periods at the start of or at the end of the day may apply for late arrival, or early dismissal.

Student Day

District 214 has established that the school is responsible for student time from 7:00 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. Under certain circumstances such as academic or disciplinary reasons, it may be necessary to restrict a students unscheduled time, i.e., lunch, open or activity periods.

Tardiness

Tardiness to class creates a disruption to the learning environment and takes time away from the class activity. Students are expected and required to report to class on time. The classroom teacher will assign disciplinary measures for tardiness to class. Students who are chronically tardy will be referred to the Division Head for further disciplinary action. If the tardy problem continues the student will be referred to the Dean of students for additional disciplinary consequences, which may include extended detentions, Saturday Detentions, or Loss of Privileges.

Students who are more then 10 minutes late to school should report to the Attendance Office for an Admit Pass. Parents are urged to call the ATTENDANCE OFFICE to report the reasons for Late Arrivals to school on the day of the late arrival.

Visitors

In order to maintain an educational atmosphere, visitors will be restricted. Visitors of school age must have advanced, written approval from the teacher(s) and the Deans Office, to attend any class. All visitors, including former students are to obtain a pass from the receptionist upon entering the building. Please use the flag pole entrance and report to the receptionist who will issue a pass for your appointment.

Weapons

In order to provide a safe environment, weapons of any type, including look alikes, explosives, or fireworks will not be permitted at any school function or activity. Students who violate this policy will be suspended Out of School. The school administration may also seek expulsion of the student from school. In addition to the school consequences, the student may be arrested.