Student Handbook

Student Handbook

 

Statement of Understanding

Morris Community High School requires that all students acknowledge, in writing, that
they have received a copy of the student handbook containing school policies and procedures.

Please complete the form below and return it to the Main Office. Your cooperation is
greatly appreciated.

"I have received the 2008-2009 Morris Community High School Student Handbook and
have been given the opportunity to review its contents. I acknowledge that if I do not
understand any provision of this handbook it is my responsibility to seek out clarification
from the Administration."

Student Name (please print) ________________________________________________

Grade (circle one) 9 10 11 12

Student Signature ________________________________________________________

Date __________________________________________________________________

Dear Students and Parents:

We would like to welcome you to the 2007-2008 school year at Morris Community High
School. Knowing that change is inevitable, we are committed to making positive changes
that will enhance your educational experience while you are at MCHS.

The faculty, staff, and administration have the goal of making Morris Community High
School one of the best schools in Illinois. MCHS has an excellent academic reputation and
will provide you with a strong foundation for your future endeavors.

There is much valuable information in this handbook. We have tried to limit the number of
changes to the handbook this year, however, please take the time to read through the entire
book so that you are familiar with the policies and guidelines for MCHS.

Morris Community High School is a community school that has always worked to develop
a rich and respected educational reputation. The greater Morris area has been very sup-
portive of its high school and we hope you will strive to continue that pride for Morris
Community High School as you experience your high school career.

Best of luck to you this school year as we are all excited about making your years at M.C.H.S.
as successful as possible. If you have any questions, please stop by our office or call the
High School Office for assistance.

Dr. Patrick M. Halloran

Superintendent

Kelly J. Hussey

Principal

Jeffrey R. Johnson

Assistant Principal

George Dergo

Dean/Athletic Director

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Morris Community High School District #101
Board of Education

Ms. Deb Beshoar

President

Mr. James Coleman

Vice-President

Ms. Theresa Doerfler

Secretary

Ms. Julie Hulbert

Member

Mr. Keith Jorstad

Member

Mr. Rick Olson

Member

Mr. Ralph Wagner

Member

This Handbook is only a summary of School Board policies governing District #101. Board
policies are available to the public at the District office (SC 10-20.5).

HANDBOOK AMENDMENT

The Student Handbook may be amended during the year without notice.

*** ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION ***

Our District buildings have been inspected for asbestos containing materials as mandated by
the USEPA, 40CFR Part 763, Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools. A Management Plan
has been prepared by an Accredited Management Planner with Asbestos Consultants of Illinois,
Inc., to offer direction and guidance in the management of the asbestos in our buildings.

These reports are available for inspection on acceptance by I.D.P.H. at the District office dur-
ing normal working hours at no cost.

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Top Ten Rules for Parents/Students to know!

1. Attendance = a parent/guardian must notify the office (942-1294) by no later than
1:00 pm on the day of any absence, or their student will receive an unexcused
absence!
2. Handbook = Students must carry and maintain a handbook all year. Non-compli-
ance will result in loss of grade points, and school detentions.
3. Lunch = Only eligible Juniors and Seniors may leave the building during lunch,
and no student without a pass may be in the hallway during lunch. Frosh and
Soph students who leave campus will lose freedoms including Junior year open
campus privileges.
4. Tardies = Students will be disciplined for being late to class. This ranges from
teacher detentions to being dropped from class with a recorded grade of “F.” You
are officially tardy to class if you have not entered the classroom doorway when
the final tone for class begins to sound.
5. Truant = No make-up work will be allowed for credit whenever an unexcused
absence is recorded as truant. Missing more than 10 minutes of a class inten-
tionally will be considered truant. Repetitive truancy can result in students being
dropped from classes.
6. Classroom Discipline = When a student gets sent out of class for disciplinary rea-
sons, he/she may not be given an opportunity to make up missed work.
7. Dress Code = If your clothing is a distraction or inappropriate you must comply
by changing or face disciplinary action. All skirts, shorts, holes in pants, etc must
be located below your fingertip arm length. Clothing must also cover the
waist/stomach, chest, shoulders, and undergarments appropriately, may not be
see-thru, and cannot be a safety hazard.
8. Prohibited Items = Music players, cell phones, playing cards, illegal substances
and/or paraphernalia, and other items deemed inappropriate by school officials
may not be seen/heard in the high school building. If a student is caught using
their cell phone to call or text anyone during the school day, a four hour Saturday
detention will be assigned.
9. Detention = All tardy and disciplinary detention will be held Monday through
Thursday after school from 3:15-4:00 p.m. Failure to serve any detention by the
deadline assigned will result in newly assigned disciplinary action. Any one deten-
tion not served will be assigned to one 4 hour Saturday Detention.
10. Saturday Detention = Transportation problems, work, or extra-curricular prac-
tice/events will not be considered acceptable excuses for missing an assigned
Saturday Detention.
M.C.H.S. Main Office
942-1294

Attendance Hotline

941-5450

School Website

www.morrishs.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

M.C.H.S. Loyalty/School Songs Book Cover
School Year Welcome 1
School Board Members 2
Accreditation, Admissions, Curriculum 5
Student Records 5-7
Notice of Rights under the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act 7-8
Student Course Load, Textbooks, Senior Obligations 8
Lockers 8-9
Student Insurance 9
College Days – Visitation Days 9
Public Telephones 9
School Emergencies 9-10
Daily Announcements 10
Guidance/Counseling, Library 10
Computer/Internet Usage 11
Health Services 11-12
Visitors/Guests 12
Lunch, Cafeteria Services/Rules 12
Student Activities, Class Organization, Clubs 13-16
Absences From School 17
Tardies to School/Class 17
Attendance Policy 18
Excessive Absences, Excused/Unexcused Absences 18-20
Student Handbook/Planner Policy 20
Closed Campus Policy 21
GAVC Students 22
Bus Discipline – Procedures and Guidelines 22
Truancy 23
Suspension Policies 23-25
Student Grievance Procedure 25
Harassment/Bullying of Students Policy 25
Sexual Harassment Policy 25
Hazing 26
Drug, Alcohol, Related Offenses 27
Gang and Gang Activities 27-28
Weapons/Threats 28
Tobacco/Tobacco-Related Offenses 28
Classroom / Hallway Conduct 28-29
Student Dress 29-30
Public Display of Affection 30
Prohibited Items 30-31
Electronic Devices 31
Student Cheating 3
Plagiarism 31-32
Teacher Detentions, Detention 3
Saturday Detention 32-33
Out-of-School Suspension 3
Custodial Apprenticeship Program 33
Administrative Probation 33-3
Expulsion, Withdrawal From School 34
Student Driving Regulations 34-3
Metal Detectors 35
Breathalyzers/Alcohol Sensors 35
Dog Searches 35
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Video Surveillance 35
Student Citizenship 35
Raffles-Unauthorized Sales 35
Posters 35
Health Requirements 35-36
Activity Attend./Participation, Eligibility, Corp. Punishment 36
Nat’l Anthem, Nat’l Flag, School Emblem 36
Student Code 36-37
Directory of Student Services 37
Frequently Asked Questions 37-38
School-wide Grading Scale 38
Time Schedules 38
Physical Education 38-39
Student Discipline Policy 39-46
MCHS Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct 46-50
Academic Tips and Strategies 51-53
Index 54-56

GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCREDITATION

Morris Community High School is a fully accredited, approved and recognized four-
year comprehensive high school. Morris Community High School is approved by the Illinois
Office of Education and it is recognized by public and private colleges, universities, and tech-
nical training schools. Educational opportunities will be offered by M.C.H.S. without regard
to race, color, natural origin, gender, or handicap.

ADMISSIONS

Admission to Morris Community High School will be based upon a student meeting
these requirements:

A. The student legally must reside in District #101 with a parent, legal guardian or as
a legally emancipated person.
B. The student must have successfully completed all of the requirements for ele-
mentary school to be promoted to high school.
C. The student cannot be 21 years old.
CURRICULUM

Morris Community High School offers several curricular programs: a general high
school education, a college preparatory education, or a technical education.

Students are strongly urged to consult with their counselors regarding NCAA athletic
eligibility requirements for intercollegiate participation.
Note: for more detailed information consult the Morris Community High School Curriculum
Guide and your guidance counselor.

STUDENT RECORDS

I. What information is included in the student’s permanent record?
A. The Permanent Record shall consist of:
1. Basic identifying information, including student and parent names, address-
es, birth date and place, and gender.
2. Academic transcript, including grades, class rank, graduation date grade level
achieved, scores on college entrance examinations, and state test scores.
3. Attendance record.
4. Record of release of permanent information.
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B. May also consist of:
1. Honors and awards received.
2. Information concerning participation in school-sponsored activities or ath-
letics, or offices held in school-sponsored organizations.
3. Accident reports and health record.
II. What information is classified within temporary student record?
A. The Student Temporary Record consists of all information not required to be in
the student permanent record and may include:
1. Family background information.
2. Intelligence test scores, group and individual.
3. Aptitude test scores.
4. Reports of psychological evaluations including information on intelligence,
personality and academic information obtained through test administration,
observation or interviews.
5. Elementary and secondary achievement level test results.
6. Participation in extracurricular activities including any offices held in school
sponsored clubs or organizations.
7. Honors and awards received.
8. Teacher anecdotal records.
9. Disciplinary information.
10. Special education files including the report of the multi-disciplinary staffing
on which placement or non-placement was based and all records and tape
recordings relating to special education placement hearings and appeals.
11. Any verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies,
or organizations.
12. Other verified information of clear relevance to the education of the student.
13. Record of release of temporary record information.
III. Who may see student records?
A. Inspection and Access.
1. A parent or any person specifically designated as a representative by a par-
ent shall have the right to inspect and copy all student permanent and tem-
porary records of that parent's child. A student shall have the right to inspect
and copy his or her school student permanent record. A parent's or student's
request to inspect and copy records, or to allow a specifically designated
representative to inspect and copy records, must be granted within a rea-
sonable time, and in no case later than 15 school days after the date of
receipt of such request by the official records custodian.For complete infor-
mation on the Illinois Students Records Act (105 ILCS 10), please contact
the principal.
IV. What are your rights regarding student record information?
A. Challenges.
1. Parents shall have the right to challenge the accuracy, relevance or propriety
of any entry in the school student records, exclusive of academicgrades of
the child. Parents shall also have the right to insertin their child's school stu-
dent record a statement of reasonable length setting forth their position in
any disputed information contained in that record. The school shall include a
copy of such statement in any subsequent dissemination of the information
in dispute.
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V. What is the procedure used when the school deletes or destroys outdated student records?
A. Parents or eligible students have the right to copy any school record or information
therein proposed to be destroyed or deleted. Each school shall maintain student per-
manent records and the information for not less than 60years after the student has
transferred, graduated or otherwise permanently withdrawn from the school.
VI. What directory information can be made public?
A. Information that may be designated as directory information shall be limited to:
1. Identifying information: name, address, gender, grade level, birth date and
place, and parents' name and addresses.
2. Academic awards, degrees and honors.
3. Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics.
4. Major field of study.
5. Period of attendance in the school.
B. "Directory Information" may be released to the general public, unless a parent
requests that any or all such information not be released on his/her child.
VII. What are the steps in withdrawal or transfer from school?
A. The procedure of withdrawal or transferring is as follows:
1. Obtain appropriate forms from the guidance counselor.
2. Have the forms signed by parents, teachers, librarian, and Main Office.
3. Pay any charges accrued to obtain a clear record.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with
respect to their education records. They are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the
day the District receives a request for access. A parent/guardian or eligible student
should submit to the Records Custodian written requests that identify the record(s)
they wish to inspect. The Records Custodian will make arrangements for access and
notify the parent/ guardian or eligible student of the time and place where the records
may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Records Custodian to whom
the request was submitted, the Records Custodian shall advise the parent/guardian or
eligible student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
(2) The right to request amendment of the student’s education records that the par-
ent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. A par-
ent/guardian or eligible student may ask the District to amend a record that they believe
is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the District official responsible for the
record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is
inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested
by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the District will notify the parent/guardian or
eligible student of the decision and advise the parent/guardian or eligible student of
their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information
regarding hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student
when notified to the right to a hearing.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in
the parent/guardian or eligible student’s education records, except to the extent that
FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure
without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A
school official is a person employed by the District in an administrative, supervisory,
academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and
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health staff); a person or company with whom the District has contracted (such as an
attorney, auditor, or collection agent); or a person serving on the Board of Education.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an
education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the
District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in
which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

(4) 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

U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
Directory information may be disclosed without prior notice or consent unless the par-
ent/guardian or eligible student notifies the Records Custodian in writing before October of
the current school year, that he does not want any or all of the directory information dis-
closed. Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date
and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and
sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and
awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

STUDENT COURSE LOAD

Students at Morris Community High School will be permitted to enroll in as many
courses as can be scheduled in the four-period day. Students will be expected to remain in
and complete all courses for which they have enrolled, unless there is a counselor and/or
teacher recommendation to the contrary. Parental advisement by the guidance department
will be a part of the process of electing a heavier than average load.

TEXTBOOKS/ STUDENT FEES

Textbooks are the property of M.C.H.S. They are provided for your use at a reasonable
fee. The textbook fee is part of the registration/textbook fee that is set by the Board of
Education each year. The first day of student attendance is the deadline for payment of these
fees. Students will not be allowed to attend their classes until their fees are paid. Students
may be eligible for a waiver of fees if the family is receiving Aid To Families With Dependent
Children or participating in the Free Lunch Program. Contact the Associate Principal for
details.

Textbooks issued to a student remain their responsibility. If a textbook issued to a stu-
dent is lost or damaged, the student is responsible to pay an appraised price for the replace-
ment or repair of the textbook.

SENIOR OBLIGATIONS

Senior textbook fees and obligations must be paid by the first Friday in May. Any senior
not meeting these obligations will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies,
and may not receive their diploma until all obligations are met and fees are paid.

LOCKERS

School lockers assigned to the students for their use remain the property of M.C.H.S. The
courts have held that a school official may search a student’s locker. These lockers are owned
and controlled by the school for the use and benefit of the students. Thus, school officials may
conduct a search without violating the Fourth Amendment in order to control and supervise stu-
dent conduct and maintain a safe educational environment. Police canine searches of lockers and
automobiles may be conducted in order to maintain a safe and secure school environment.

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Students are responsible to keep their lockers clean and damage free. Lockers should
be kept in the original condition they were issued. Use of paint, contact paper, etc. inside or
outside of lockers is not allowed.

Lockers are not to be "rigged" or left unsecured. If a student is found to alter the func-
tion of the locker, disciplinary consequences may ensue. It is the students’ responsibility to
report any locker problems to the Main Office for corrective maintenance action.

Lockers are issued to individual students. The sharing of lockers by two or more stu-
dents is prohibited, unless assigned by the Main Office.

The District is not responsible for lost or stolen personal articles. Therefore, locker
combinations should be carefully guarded and should not be given to any other student.

P.E. locks, if necessary, are purchased by the student. Lockers are assigned by the
physical education teachers. M.C.H.S. is not liable for stolen items. Students are urged to
use their own lockers and to keep them locked at all times.
STUDENT INSURANCE

Insurance coverage is offered to each high school student by the school district for an annu-
al fee. Insurance registration forms are available in the Main Office and District Offices.
Resolution of all coverage issues will be solely between the insured and the insurance company.

COLLEGE DAYS -VISITATION DAYS

Seniors who find it necessary to visit a college may be granted three days for this pur-
pose. Juniors are allowed two college days for visiting an accredited college. A written
request from a parent/guardian should be submitted to the Assistant Principal's office for
approval at least one day in advance. The student must also submit proof that he/she is
meeting that particular college’s entrance requirements.

Students will be given a visitation form, which must be signed by a college official and
returned to their guidance counselor following the visit. Failure to return the form to their
guidance counselor will result in an unexcused absence.

SCHOOL EMERGENCIES

Student safety and welfare are major concerns. The following emergency procedures
will be adhered to:

Fire Drill / Tornado Drill

Fire drill information and evacuation routes are posted in each room. You will be
responsible for knowing what to do and for obeying these procedures. In the event of an
actual fire or drill, the teacher in each classroom will give the specific directions to follow.

Severe Weather

If extremely severe weather is imminent, an announcement will be made for the teacher
to move their classes to a pre-determined area according to our Tornado Alert Drill. Students
are to follow the specific instructions of their teachers.

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Inclement Weather or Mechanical Breakdown

In the event of severely inclement weather or a mechanical breakdown in the school's
physical plant, school may be closed or the starting time delayed. The same conditions also
may necessitate early dismissal. These announcements will be made over radio station
WCSJ, posted on the M.C.H.S. Bulletin Board, and the M.C.H.S. Web page at:

www.morrishs.org

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

It is the responsibility of all students to listen to the daily announcements. For those
who do not hear the announcements, a copy of the daily announcements is posted across
from the Main Office and every teacher has a copy. Every day there is very important infor-
mation dispensed through the announcements.

STUDENT PERSONNEL SERVICES

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES

Guidance services are available for every student in the school. These services include
registration, assistance with educational planning, vocational planning, interpretation of test
scores, study skills, assistance with school, home, or social concerns or any questions the
students may have and would like to discuss with a counselor.

Students will be assigned a guidance counselor when they enroll at M.C.H.S. as a
freshman or as a transfer student. Guidance counselors are available before school, after
school, and during lunch. Students may also visit the Guidance Office during the school day
with a signed pass or phone call from one of their classroom teacher's.

M.C.H.S. also has a social worker to work with students and families over a wide range
of personal issues that impact school performance. Please contact the social worker direct-
ly at 941-5333 for more information.
LIBRARY/LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER SERVICES

The Library/Learning Resource Center is open from 7:35 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily.
Both individual students and entire classes are encouraged to use the facility. The
Library/Learning Resource Center provides supplemental materials in all subject areas for
use by students and faculty. It plays an important role in the educational process by provid-
ing: information in multiple formats; connections to resources outside the school; connec-
tions between students and active learning; facilities and resources for locating and com-
municating information; access to multiple technologies. Media collection materials are list-
ed in the online card catalog that can be accessed from any computer in the school. A vari-
ety of online databases are provided, many of which are accessible by students from out-
side the school building. Learning Resource Center web pages (linked from the MCHS web-
site at http://www.mchs.grundy.k12.il.us/) are available and updated regularly with links to
quality resources for school projects. In addition to its other services, the Library/Learning
Resource Center is responsible for a multi-media retrieval system that takes programming
throughout the building for use in the classroom including an upcoming events calendar dis-
played in hallways. Staff works with teachers and students to acquaint them with services
offered and improving information fluency skills.

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COMPUTER / INTERNET USAGE

All students will be required to sign a statement agreeing to abide by the acceptable-use
practices that govern the use of technology at MCHS. In addition, students will not be allowed
to utilize or establish Internet electronic mail accounts or enter chat rooms. The violation of
accepted practices and/or policies will result in the loss of computer/Internet privileges.

HEALTH SERVICES

The Morris Community High School health service provides emergency care and refer-
ral services through the Nurse's Office.

Injury or serious illness is to be reported immediately to the Nurse's office. Student
referrals for emergency treatment should be handled as follows:

A. The student reports to his class and requests a pass to the Nurse's office.
B. If the student is too ill or too seriously injured to remain in school, the Nurse will make
the necessary arrangements with the parents or guardian.
C. The Nurse will notify the teacher of her actions with the injured/ill student.
D. The Nurse will send insurance information to all parents and/or guardians concerning
injuries received during scheduled practices or activities for designated extra-curricu-
lar groups.
Health Service Requirements:

A. Each student is required to have an emergency card on file in the Nurse's office.
B. Each freshman upon entering Morris Community High School must have a physical
examination as specified by law. An accurate and current immunization record also
must be on file for each freshman.
C. All new or out-of-state transfer students are required to have a physical examination
and a current immunization record on file as specified by law.
D. Students who cannot participate in physical education classes are required to have
written notification from their physician on file in the Nurse's office.
E. Students participating in interscholastic activities must have a physical examination
and be adequately insured prior to participation in the activity.
Administration of Medication:

The school nurse should ascertain from the parent and/or physician the necessity for
administering medication during school hours. If it is determined that the student
should receive the medication at school, the procedures should be as follows:

A. Written orders are to be provided to the school from the physician detailing the name
of student, the type of disease or illness involved, the name of the drug, dosage, time
interval in which the medication is to be taken, the desired benefits of the medication,
the side effects, and an emergency number where the physician can be reached. Forms
are available in the Nurse's office.
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B. The parent or guardian should provide to the school a written request authorizing the
administration of the prescribed medication at school. Parental Request for the
Administration of Medication Forms can be obtained in the Nurse’s Office.
VISITORS / GUESTS

Except in cases of emergencies, visitors are required to make appointments to mini-
mize disruptions of the educational program. All visitors must register in the Main Office. No
student visitors will be allowed during regular school hours as this causes a significant dis-
ruption to the educational environment.

School Entry:

Due to safety and security precautions, all outer doors to the school will remain locked until

7:00 am. At 7:00 am, the Main Office and Gym Lobby entrance doors will be opened for stu-
dents to transit to the Cafeteria or to remain in the Gym Lobby. Students will be allowed into
the main hallways at 7:30 am. Students that attend early morning athletic/extra-curricular
practices should either remain in the field house lobby or transit to the gym lobby or cafe-
teria. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers until 7:30 am.
LUNCH

Lunch will be held daily. All students must go directly to the cafeteria. Eligible upper-
classmen that chose to leave campus for lunch may only re-enter the building through, and
must remain in, the main gym lobby until released into the hallways by the passing bell tone.
No student shall be allowed in the hallway without permission until the appropriate passing
tone rings. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the school administrators for
appropriate consequences. Teachers may write a hall pass in a student’s handbook when
they need to see a student during lunch.

CAFETERIA SERVICES

The Cafeteria is located on the basement floor of the main building. Hot plate lunches
consisting of a balanced menu are served daily. Students may also purchase ala carte items;
such as, sandwiches, soup, salads, ice cream, desserts, candy, milk and soft drinks.

M.C.H.S. Staff will only allow student consumption of food or drink in the classrooms
for the purpose of an educational enrichment activity or with prior approval from the admin-
istration. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BRING FOOD OR DRINK TO ANY CLASS
FOR ANY REASON OUTSIDE OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REASON. OPENED BOTTLES OR
CONTAINERS OF POP OR OTHER DRINKS MAY NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE BUILDING.
You may not carry books in the lunch lines. You must carry your own tray in line. You
may not save a place in the Cafeteria line for other students. These simple rules insure fair-
ness to all students.

Students may purchase a meal ticket if offered by our current school lunch provider.
Lunches may also be purchased on a daily basis with cash. No charging will be allowed.
Students who may be eligible for free or reduced price lunches must see the Athletic
Director for application forms.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES

M.C.H.S.’ student activities program is an important dimension of our total education
program. The activities are diverse and generally conducted after school hours.

The students who involve themselves in the activities have opportunities to participate
in the democratic process; to assist in improving relationships among the student body and
the faculty; to be directly involved in building school spirit and pride; and to increase one's
own abilities in citizenship and leadership.

CLASS ORGANIZATION

Sophomore, junior and senior class officers are elected at a general election held in the
late spring. The elections are conducted by the Student Council. Each class also elects four
Student Council representatives. Freshmen class officers and representatives are elected in
the fall.

DELTA PHI ART CLUB

Delta Phi Art Club is an honorary art society. Membership is limited to students who
have completed at least one semester of art or ceramics with not less than a final grade of
B in any semester and whose total academic grade average is not less than C.

Delta Phi is dedicated to the promotion of artistic appreciation in the school, the com-
munity and the home. The society sponsors a formal initiation of new members. The major
activity is the Annual Art Show with exhibits of the art and ceramics work of students in all
classes. Awards are presented to outstanding exhibitions in all media. The Best-of-Show
Award is presented annually on Honors Day. In other annual projects, Delta Phi decorates
the Morris Hospital and the Morris Public Library for the Christmas season and it partici-
pates in the local Town and Country Art Show.

Each year Delta Phi purchases famous reproductions for exhibit in classrooms to stim-
ulate an interest in the arts. Recently Delta Phi started a permanent collection of original
works of art done by alumni in the fields of art and ceramics.

DRAMA CLUB

Students who enjoy acting or working backstage are encouraged to participate in the
activities of the M.C.H.S. Drama Club. Members who actively take part in the school plays and
earn a required number of points are eligible for membership in the International Thespian
Society. Participation in educational theater is a worthwhile way to use your leisure time.

FCCLA

(Family, Career, Community Leaders of America)

FCCLA Association of Illinois serves the objective to promote personal growth, and
leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Focusing on the
multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop
skills for life through character developments, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal
communication, practical knowledge and vocational preparation.

FRENCH CLUB

The French Club is organized to bring together students of similar language interests to
promote and experience cultural and aesthetic opportunities that will supplement the class
program. Meetings will be scheduled at regular intervals. Membership is open to students who
are enrolled in French classes, or who have satisfactorily completed two units of French.

INTERACT CLUB

Interact Club is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people. It provides 14-18
year olds with the opportunity to enhance leadership skills, serve their community, and
expand international understanding. The goal of Interact Club is to encourage and foster the
advancement of fellowship and goodwill through the various projects and events they orga-
nize and implement throughout the year. It is an excellent way to meet people and to see all
of the great things we are capable of doing, once we work together.

13

"M" CLUB

The "M" Club was first organized in 1947. The following was adopted by unanimous vote of the
"M" Club at their regular September meeting in 1948:

NAME -"M" Club
PURPOSE -To promote and further athletics in Morris Community High School, to
promote and maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship and loy-
alty at all times, to organize M.C.H.S. athletic banquets at which new
members can be recognized.
MEMBERSHIP -Membership in the club shall be limited to varsity athletic award win-
ners.
OFFICERS -There shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer
elected annually at the first meeting of the school year.
AWARDING THE "M" -The "M" will be awarded at the time designated for that purpose by the
coach.
SEVERING RELATIONS -Any "M" Club member who quits any of the athletic squads without per-
mission of the coach or who is dropped from the squad because of
breach of training rules or for disciplinary reasons, automatically forfeits
their membership in the club. All members must participate in a varsity
sport, unless disabled, to be permitted to wear any athletic award previ-
ously won.
Mathletes

Mathletes is a group of students from all four grade levels who compete against other
schools by taking tests on various mathematical topics. Competitions include conference, region-
al, invitational, and state contests, and students compete as individuals and in teams of various
sizes. Topics covered may be very specific, such as factoring, or very broad, such as geometry.

MEDIA CLUB

Media club students assist teachers and students in capturing activities in classrooms through
digital pictures and video. Guest speakers, along with classroom and school productions are taped.
Students then edit these images and create presentations to show in classrooms or throughout the
building using the multimedia retrieval system. Some pictures are created in PowerPoint and dis-
played on the school wide bulletin board system. Others are imported into an Imovie or Final Cut
Pro video. Finished products are used in the classroom or presented during announcements or dur-
ing lunchtime, giving students recognition for accomplishments, as well as exposing a greater num-
ber of students to the educational opportunities beyond their own classroom.

Media club students are often available to assist other students in creating individual class pro-
jects. By using multimedia, students have the opportunity to demonstrate the concepts learned
within an engaged environment. This format develops critical and analytical thinking skills, while
allowing students to expand their creativity.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

This organization, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is
widely recognized and respected. Selection into the National Honor Society is a singular honor
because each nominee is evaluated on qualities of leadership, service and good character. The
National Honor Society is a member of the Character Counts! Coalition that supports the "Six Pillars
of Character": respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship. Juniors and
seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.875 or above are eligible for consideration. In the
past several years, since receiving its charter in 1963, the Morris Chapter has inducted over 700
members who have maintained the high standards to which they pledge themselves in our April
induction service each year. Students interested in becoming a member of the National Honor Society
may gain further information and detail relative to qualifying for membership from the Principal
and/or the NHS Advisor.

14

POM-PONS

The pom-pons program at Morris Community High School is designed to give students
the opportunity to take an active role in leading school spirit.

The pom-pons perform dance routines during football, basketball games and other
activities include participation in pep assemblies, fundraising campaigns, visits to universi-
ty football games, and summer camp.

Tryouts are usually held in the spring of the previous school year and are open to any
student who will be attending M.C.H.S. in the forthcoming year.

SKI CLUB

The purpose of the Ski Club is an organized extra-curricular activity for those students
at M.C.H.S. interested in skiing. Each member shall participate in meetings and fund raising
activities in order to go on the field trips.

SPANISH CLUB

The Spanish Club gives M.C.H.S. students the opportunity to supplement their class
work by participating in a variety of cultural and social activities. Membership is open to all
students enrolled in Spanish or who have completed one unit of language. Meetings are
scheduled throughout the year.

SPEECH TEAM

The M.C.H.S. Speech Team competes on Saturdays during the winter months in a vari-
ety of individual events that include duet acting, interpretation, and public speaking. At each
meet, consisting of ten to twenty schools, team members compete for individual, as well as
team awards.

Any student who has a talent and interest in speaking or acting is urged to try out in
September for a spot on the varsity or junior varsity teams.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Through the student council, students have an opportunity to participate in the study,
recommendations, and carrying out of policies of the school.

The council is composed of four members from each of the classes, the four class
presidents, and a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. The student body elects
these officers and members. Four council members are elected in the spring by each of the
three classes that will be in school the following year. The student council officers and
senior, junior and sophomore class presidents are also chosen in the spring election.
Candidates for all of these positions, filled in the spring, must circulate petitions in compli-
ance with regulations stated in the council constitution and present campaign speeches at a
student assembly conducted by the council.

In the fall, freshmen elect four members and their class president to represent them in
the council.

The student council president serves as student body president.

The M.C.H.S. Student Council is a member of the Prairie 8 District of Student Councils,
the Illinois Association of Student Councils, and the National Association of Student
Councils.

STUDENTS ACTIVE IN EDUCATION

Membership in the S.A.E. is open to all enrolled in the college preparatory or the busi-
ness education programs. The main objective is to learn of the many possibilities in the
teaching field.

The club's main project during the year is the organization of "Parents' Conference
Day." The members take attendance, act as hall monitors and general supervisors.

In the spring, the members visit a college in the state. A tour of the campus, movies or

15

orientation, eating lunch in the university union, visiting dorms, etc., are all a part of the trip.
The members are also given free time in the afternoon so that they may look into areas of
individual interest.

T.R.O.U.P.E.
(Teens Resisting Our Universe's Problems Effectively)
TROUPE is a group of students who want to live a drug free lifestyle and be a teen
leader/role model both to fellow students and to younger students. TROUPE is committed
to creating fun drug free activities for students of all ages. Anyone is welcome to be in
TROUPE, but only drug free students will be used as role models for younger students.
TROUPE does clowning for first and third graders, drug free dances for junior high students,
and drug free awareness activities at Morris High School.

LITERARY FESTIVAL

Literary Festival is a conference-wide activity/competition open to all MCHS students
interested in creative writing in the following categories: poetry, essay, short fiction, drama,
descriptive sketch (open to grades 9 and 10 only), and personal narrative (open to grades 9
and 10 only). Manuscripts must be entered by mid January to be considered for inclusion
in the festival itself, which is held in April. The school is allowed to submit a total of 110
manuscripts, 25 in poetry, 15 in essay, 15 in short fiction, 15 in drama, 25 in descriptive
sketch and 25 in personal narrative. Students whose manuscripts have been chosen will
attend the Literary Festival at a conference school, where judges conduct sessions on writ-
ing and awards are given.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS

Girls Boys
Basketball Baseball
Bowling Basketball
Cheerleading Cross Country
Cross Country Football
Soccer Golf
Softball Soccer
Swimming Swimming
Tennis Tennis
Track Track
Volleyball Wrestling
Golf

YEARLY STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Pep Assemblies Musical
Assembly Programs Class/All School Plays
Honors Day Assembly Homecoming Activities
Band/Chorus/Prisms Concerts Intramural Sports
Junior-Senior Prom Madrigal Dinners
Post-game Dances The Chief
Publications: M-High Delta Phi Art Show

STUDENT ACTIVITIES -CANDY SALES

Student organizations with approved candy sales are to sell before and after school in
the concession stand or gym lobby area only. Sales will be limited to one week per month.

16

STUDENT REGULATIONS

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

Any student who is absent from school must have their parent/guardian call M.C.H.S.
in order for their absence to be excused. Calls must be received by 1:00 P.M. on the day of
the absence. Calls before 7:30 AM may be placed on the M.C.H.S. Attendance Hotline at 941-
5450. Calls made after 7:30 AM should be made to the Main Office at 942-1294. If par-
ent/guardian fails to call the student in by 1:00 P.M., the absence is unexcused for the day.
Notes will not be accepted the day of an absence. Exceptions to this will only be allowed in
emergency situations. A medical appointment requires a parental note or phone call turned
into either the Main Office or Nurse’s Office in order to be an excused absence. The note or
phone call is requested to be completed at least one day prior to the scheduled appointment.
In the case of a note, the doctor's name and the time of the appointment must be listed on
the note. If a student becomes ill or suffers an accident while in school, they are to imme-
diately report to the Main Office or to the Nurse’s Office before taking further action.

Except during an upperclassman’s lunch period, under no circumstances should stu-
dents leave school during school hours, unless they have permission from the
Administration or Nurse. Failure to notify the school that you were absent will result in an
unexcused absence.

Students who are tardy more than 10 minutes to school or to a class are to report to
the High School Office before going to class. If that student is returning from a pre-arranged
absence, they should report to the Main Office before reporting to class. This procedure
applies to all periods of the day.

TARDIES TO SCHOOL

Students arriving to school more than 10 minutes after the bell rings must report to the
Main Office BEFORE reporting to class. Missing the bus, car problems, and or oversleeping
are reasons, but are not considered an excused absence.

Students are reminded that they are expected to be back on time if they leave campus
during lunch. Car trouble, slow service at local restaurants, etc., will not be accepted as an
excused tardy.

TARDIES TO CLASS

Students are responsible for regular attendance and arriving on time. Quality education
is enhanced and positive work habits reinforced by punctuality. Since the teacher and stu-
dent are the primary elements in the learning process, it is to their mutual benefit that punc-
tuality be enforced. Punctuality means being in your assigned seat by the end of the pass-
ing period, not just coming through the door as the bell rings. Tardies are considered cumu-
lative throughout the length of a class up to a maximum of 18 weeks.

NOTE: Students that arrive to class more than 10 minutes late will be considered truant.
A discipline referral will then be completed by the classroom teacher/staff member and
forwarded to the Administration for disciplinary consequences.

1st tardy = Warning
2nd tardy = Teacher consequence.
3rd tardy = Teacher consequence and parent contact by classroom teacher.
4th Tardy = Referral to Administration. Freshman and sophomores will receive two after

school detentions and juniors/seniors will be assigned one week of cafeteria

restriction.
5th Tardy = Referral to Administration for 2 hour Saturday Detention, plus one week of

cafeteria restriction and a contact to parent by a school administrator.
6th Tardy = Referral to Administration for 4 hour Saturday Detention.
7th Tardy = Warning that an 8th tardy will result in the student being dropped from class.
8th Tardy = Administrative drop from class with a recorded grade of “F.”

17

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Philosophy

Morris Community High School's educational program is built on the premise that reg-
ular attendance is vital to a student's success in school. Seeing that a student maintains reg-
ular attendance requires a cooperative effort by the student, parent(s) or guardian(s) and
school personnel. The student who is frequently absent misses social interaction, class
instruction and discussions, even though written work may be made up if the absence is
excused.

MCHS expects the parents or guardians to make reasonable efforts to ensure the reg-
ular attendance of their children, consistent with Section 26-1 of the Illinois School Code,
and to inform the school of any absences and their causes. Morris High School will moni-
tor each student's attendance and inform parents or guardians of any attendance problems.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

Students with excessive absences may be required to acquire a doctor’s note for each
day absent.

Excessively absent students often have people around them who help or enable their
absences to continue. Enabling is the process through which a parent or guardian fails to
take some action or series of actions that could help a student with an attendance problem
experience the consequences of his/her absenteeism,

Parent enabling is often an aspect of the larger issue of effective discipline, or gaining
some control over a student’s behavior and obtaining some student cooperation in the mat-
ter of regular school attendance.

Excessively absent students will continue to miss school until it becomes too uncomfort-
able to continue to do so. Consequences are a beginning. Consequences can create the discom-
fort necessary to set the stage for behavioral changes that will result in improved attendance.

When it is determined that a student has been excessively absent from school, the fol-
lowing steps shall be initiated to promote better attendance. If absences have not been the
result of hospitalization, chronic medical condition or injury verified by a physician, the fol-
lowing procedures will be followed:

1. Whenever it is determined that a student has been absent (excused and unexcused,)
for more than 10% of the current possible days of attendance, or when any student
reaches 10 cumulative absences during the school year, a letter will be mailed notify-
ing the parents/guardians of excessive absences.
2. After 15 cumulative days of absence in a school year, a certified letter will be sent to
the student’s parent/guardian requiring them to secure specific medical documentation
in the form of a doctor’s note for any future absence. This note should indicate the spe-
cific reason(s) for the absence, along with all dates that demonstrate the timing of the
illness, the doctor’s appointment, and time recommended for the student’s return to
school. Fulfilling this requirement will be entirely at the expense of the parent/guardian,
and will only be accepted on the day the student returns to school. Any further
absences after this notification may result in additional discipline, loss of grade, and
possible drop from class(es) with the loss of credit(s). Students under the age of 17
will be referred to the Grundy County Truancy Officer.
3. Teachers concerned about the problems these absences may have created may intiate
a conference in which the Principal or his designee may determine:
• Whether the student wants and/or should be allowed to continue in that course
based on the agreement that he or she could make up the work in order to receive
a grade and credit.
• Whether the student and/or the teacher feels that the student has missed too
much work, making it impossible for the school to issue a grade and credit. This
18

may present two options; first, the student remains for no grade/credit. Second,

the student drops, or is dropped by the school from, the class.
Note: Parents can check student attendance, grades, conduct, and look for additional mes-
sages and information by using their log in and password on www.k12Planet.com.

EXCUSED -UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Absences will fall in either excused or unexcused categories. If an absence is excused,
a teacher is obligated to allow the student to make up any work or tests that was missed.
Generally, students will have as many days as they were absent to make up missed work. It
is the responsibility of the student to make up the work. If an absence is unexcused, the
student will not be allowed to make up missed work for credit. This includes, but is not lim-
ited to quizzes, projects, and exams. The only exception to this rule is that a student may
be allowed to make up the missed work during an upcoming Saturday Detention for full
credit after prior arrangement between the teacher and the Assistant Principle/Dean. Note:
No make-up work will be allowed for credit whenever an unexcused absence is record-
ed as truant.

All requests for make-up work will be accepted on the 2nd day of absence or after. You
must call between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in order to get assignments by the end of the day.
A family member or friend may pick up assignments in the main office between 3:00 p.m. and

3:30 p.m.
The Administration or Nurse must receive either a written note or phone call from a par-
ent or guardian to excuse a student absence. The phone call or written notification must be
received no later than 1 p.m. the day of the absence or the absence will be unexcused.

The following is a list of various absences. Section I-A. should be prearranged, if pos-
sible. Circumstances may be such that this would not be possible. The absence would still
be excused. Section I-B. are types of absences that require prearranging at least one day
before the absence occurs.

I-A Excused absences

1. Events, deemed appropriate by school administration, that prevent the student
from coming to school. (Floods, snowstorms, etc.)
2. Illness of student.
3. Illness in family.
4. Funerals.
I-B Excused absences that should be prearranged

Prearranging a student absence allows teachers to prepare their lesson plans
accordingly. If an absence is anticipated, all consideration into letting the teacher(s)
and support staff know at least a day in advance is appreciated. A prearranged absence
made on the day of the absence is excused as long as proper notification is made prior
to 1 p.m.

1. School-related activities.
2. Junior and senior college visitation days.
3. Educationally relevant activities
a. Church
b. Community
c. Political
4. Vacations with parents or guardians are allowable for five days cumulatively over
the course of the school year. Vacations with parents or guardians that exceed five
days are unexcused absences from school. Vacations with other relatives or friends
will not be excused. If a student has missed more than 10 school days, request
for vacation days will be denied. It will be recorded as unexcused absences.
5. Court appearances: Court appearances will be considered excused as long as:
• proper notification is made prior to 1 p.m. on the date the student is to be
gone. (Notification prior to the date is requested.).
• Time spent in court is verified in writing by an officer of the court, and
returned to the main office upon return.
6. Medical and dental appointments: Medical and dental appointments should be
limited to times when school is not in session. If it becomes necessary for a student
to be absent for a medical or dental appointment, the absence should be pre-
19

arranged. In such situations, the parent should contact the school nurse at least one
day prior to the absence. However, due to circumstances beyond parent/student
control, early notification is not always an option. In such cases, notification will be
accepted until 1 p.m. the day of the actual absence. A student will not be excused
to provide transportation for another student. All-day doctor/dentist appointments
will be unexcused unless verified as necessary by the doctor or dentist.

II Unexcused absences

A. Skipping school. (In this case, parent is not aware that student is not in school.)
B. Working. (It is possible that a student could receive an excused absence to work
in a family situation in case of extreme emergency.)
C. Leaving school without administrative permission.
D. Out of School Suspension
III Student Disciplinary Referrals

A. Students sent out of class for disciplinary reasons may not have the opportunity
to make up work they miss. This shall be left to the discretion of the
teacher/administrator involved in the discipline referral.
B. If make up work is allowed, failure to submit the assignment(s) when required by
the teacher will result in a zero grade.
STUDENT HANDBOOK / PLANNER

The handbook/planner has been designed to help students manage their time and plan their
day so that they can take an active part in controlling their academic achievement. The plan-
ner is an integral part of the instructional program at MCHS. The handbook/planner should
be cared for and utilized in the same manner as a school textbook. Students will have to
replace damaged or lost planners as they would textbooks.

MCHS requires every student to:

• Have and utilize the planner every day in each class.
• Maintain the planner in its entirety, including total pages and content.
• Use the planner for hall passes. The handbook and student ID are required to move
throughout the campus.
• Replace lost, stolen, or damaged planners. Planners may be purchased in the Main
Office for $5.
• Students are to carry their own planners. Using another students’ planner will result in
a warning and discipline referral documenting the incident. Future offenses will be fol-
lowed by detention(s).
• Cover decoration of planners must be tasteful with a substantial amount of the original
cover visible.
• The title page with the student’s name must remain intact.
• None of the hall pass pages should be removed, even when filled.
• Students without planners will be referred to the Assistant Principal’s Office for an ini-
tial warning and discipline referral documenting the incident. Future offenses will befol-
lowed by detention(s).
• No student should be allowed to leave the classroom without a planner with a hall pass
signed by the teacher. Absolutely no passes out of the classroom the last ten minutes
of the hour unless there is an emergency or office request.
Teachers will expect students to:

• Bring the planner to class daily.
• Record assignments and due dates in the planners.
In an effort to make the best of school opportunities, teachers will also help with time management
and academic progress by providing advice about handbook use. In addition, the
planner may be used to:
• Relay messages from the school to home about routine matters.
• Communicate directly (by parents and teachers) through the daily section in the planner.
20

CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY

Any student that has completed two full years of high school instruction, and has accu-
mulated at least 13 class credits, will be considered to have junior class status and will be
eligible to leave campus during the lunch period. Students that do not meet these academ-
ic standards will not be permitted to leave campus during lunch until these standards are
met. Any student not meeting these standards that chooses to leave campus will receive the
same disciplinary consequences issued to any underclassman that leaves campus during
the lunch period.

All freshman and sophomores are restricted to campus for lunch. The only exceptions
will be with permission from the Administration. Any freshman or sophomore leaving cam-
pus during lunch will be subject to the following discipline:

1st incident: 2 detentions
2nd incident: 2 hour Saturday detention.
3rd incident: 4 Hour Saturday Detention, and continued cafeteria restriction. Length
to be determined by administration.

Further incidents will result in successive 9 week loss of open campus privi-
leges beginning with the junior year, and additional discipline as deemed nec-
essary by administration.

Those students on cafeteria restriction must report at the beginning of lunch to the
administrator supervising lunch. Any student that fails to serve cafeteria restriction will
receive two days of OSS.

All freshman and sophomores must stay on school grounds from the time they arrive,
even if school has not yet started, until dismissal, or until they are picked up by a parent or
bus. Any underclassman leaving the school grounds must check out through the Main Office.

Off-Limits Areas: Freshman and sophomores may, weather permitting, utilize the sitting
areas outside the Main Office and Fieldhouse Lobby during their lunch period. This privilege
will be extended to those students that exhibit proper conduct and cleanliness in these areas.
Areas of the school grounds that are off-limits to underclassmen during lunch are:

Staff and Student Parking Lots Athletic Field Areas

Grundy Area Vocational Center (GAVC) Nature Walk Area

All juniors and seniors may choose to go out to lunch unless they abuse that privilege
through misconduct or truancy violations. In this case they will be restricted to the Cafeteria
for a period to be determined by an administrator. Any junior or senior violating cafeteria
restriction will be subject to the above discipline as well.

Any junior or senior that takes an underclassman off-campus during lunch will have their
driving/parking privileges suspended for one week for the first offense. Subsequent offenses
will incur a driving/parking privilege suspension for a length determined by the Administration.

Parents of juniors and seniors may request that their son/daughter be restricted to cam-
pus during lunch. Appropriate school discipline will occur if these students do not comply to
this restriction.

21

GAVC STUDENTS

Students returning from the Grundy Area Vocational Center (GAVC) facility shall enter
MCHS at the Main Office/Auditorium doors and proceed directly to the Cafeteria. They shall
remain there until the bell rings to signal transit to their next class. GAVC Students will not
be permitted to transit through the hallways while classes are in session as this presents
a distraction to the education environment. GAVC students returning from off-campus
lunch must remain in the Gym Lobby until the bell rings for their next class.

BUS DISCIPLINE – PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

The school administration has the responsibility for maintaining appropriate school and
bus discipline. Unacceptable student conduct on buses may result in the loss of transporta-
tion privileges. Any one serious incident may result in temporary or permanent loss of trans-
portation. Students may be required to show a current school ID in order to board school
buses. A student should present their ID upon request to the bus driver. Failure to comply
will result in disciplinary action.

Safe transportation is directly dependent on maintaining good on-board passenger dis-
cipline in moving vehicles. The bus driver has initial responsibility for discipline and shall
report infractions to the school administration.

The following are the rules and regulations for school bus riders in Illinois:

• Be on time at the designated school bus stop; help keep the bus on schedule.
• Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
• Be careful in approaching the place where the bus stops; do not move toward the bus
until the bus has been brought to a complete stop and the door has been opened.
• Stay in your seat while the bus is in motion.
• Be alert to a danger signal from the driver.
• Remain in the bus in the event of a road emergency until instructions are given by the driver.
• Keep hands, head, and feet inside the bus at all times. Do not throw anything out of the
bus windows.
• Remember that excessive noise and commotion diverts the driver’s attention and could
result in a serious accident. Any type of rowdy conduct is prohibited.
• Be quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.
• Assist in keeping the bus safe and clean at all times.
• No animals are allowed on bus.
• Keep books, packages, coats, and other objects out of the aisles.
• Leave no books, lunches or other articles on the bus.
• Be courteous to fellow students and the bus driver.
• Do not ask the driver to stop at places other than the regular bus stop.
• Observe safety precautions at discharge points. Where it is necessary to cross the
highway, proceed to a point at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus on the right shoul-
der of the highway where traffic may be observed in both directions. Wait for a signal
from the bus driver permitting you to cross.
• The rear door is for emergencies only.
• Observe classroom conduct while on the bus. No smoking, eating, drinking, or card
playing will be tolerated.
• Do not deliberately cause damage to the bus as you will be responsible for the cost of
restitution and will forfeit the privilege of riding the school bus.
• No electronic equipment or radios are allowed on the bus.
The following are disciplinary procedures:

In the event of student misconduct or insubordination, the bus driver will complete a
student discipline referral and forward it to a school administrator. A conference will be
scheduled with the student, and if necessary, a parent. Administration may suspend stu-
dents guilty of gross disobedience and/or insubordination from riding the school bus.
Parents are responsible for transporting any student suspended from riding the school bus.

22

TRUANCY

Morris High School considers a student to be truant who is absent without valid cause
for a school day or portion thereof, as defined in Section 26-2a of the Illinois School Code.

Morris High School considers a student to be a chronic truant who is absent without
valid cause for 10% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days, per Section 26-
2a of the Illinois School Code.

Morris High School will refer chronic truants to the Grundy-Kendall Educational Service
Region in accordance with current procedures established by the Grundy-Kendall County
Casework Manager.

The policy below applies to students that are truant from school. A single period tru-
ancy or a full day truancy will be treated under the same following policy.

The 1st truancy will result in a 4-hour Saturday Detention

The 2nd truancy will result in two 4-hour Saturday Detentions and a phone conference
with the parent/guardian and an administrator.

The 3rd truancy and up will result in three 4-hour Saturday Detentions, an
Administrative Probation contract, and be reported to the Grundy County Truancy Casework
Manager (if the student is under 17 years of age).

Students that deceive or attempt to deceive staff or an administrator in securing an
absence from school by use of a forged note or phone call from other than their parent
or guardian will receive additional disciplinary consequences.

There may be some unusual situations that have caused the truancy. Being truant from
school may only be a small part of a much more serious problem. The Administration will
determine if there are any unusual circumstances that may cause this policy to be modified.

SUSPENSION POLICIES

Realizing it is impossible to put into writing all of the situations that a student could be
suspended, it is nevertheless to your benefit to know some of the situations that do involve
suspension. These policies have been approved by the Board of Education and in most cases
indicate the minimum suspension that would be given. The maximum number of days a stu-
dent can be suspended at one time is 10 days. Note: Any disciplinary policies that another
department of the school may have also would be applied.

1. Fighting between students in the school, on the school grounds, at a school activity,
or to and from school results in a suspension for all of the students involved in the alterca-
tion. The Administration will determine the type of the suspension for each student.
First offense of fighting will be a minimum FIVE days Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
with possible police referral. The length of the suspension will be determined by the
Administration after events surrounding the altercation have been investigated and weighed.

If a police referral is made and arrest of the student warranted, reasonable attempts to
contact a parent or guardian will be made before that student is removed from school.

First offense consequence may be modified if an aggressor is identified. A student act-
ing in self-defense of him or herself may be exempt from suspension at the discretion of the
Administration. Self-defense is considered to be protection of one’s self and not physical
retaliation towards another individual.

Students involved in more than one fight during the school year, will be suspended
out-of-school for TEN days. A recommendation for expulsion may be made for any and all
students involved in more than one fight.

2. Truancy from School (see Truancy in Table of Contents).
23

3. Refusal to serve a detention for misconduct can result in suspension. The length of
the suspension will be determined by the Administration.
4. Stealing or attempting to steal will result in a minimum five-day OSS, restitution, and
police referral.
5. Insubordination by students to administrators, teachers, and staff members will result
in Detention, or Saturday Detention at the discretion of the Administration. Gross insubor-
dination to faculty or staff; i.e., abusive language or vulgar statements will result in OSS.
6. Students who direct profanity, a threat, or a vulgar statement or gestures at an
administrator, faculty, or staff member (gross insubordination) will result in OSS for a
maximum of 10 days at the discretion of the Administration.
In a non-class or non-activity situation students who direct profanity or a vulgar state-
ment or gesture at an administrator, faculty, or staff member will result in OSS for a maxi-
mum of 10 days at the discretion of the Administration.

At the discretion of the Administration, a repeat by a student of such behavior may
result in an administrative recommendation to the Board of Education to consider the expul-
sion of the student from school for the balance of the school year.

7. Students who use or direct profanity or vulgar remarks or gestures at other students
or threatening students while on school property may be assigned detentions, Saturday
Detention, or OSS at the discretion of the Administration.
Indiscriminate swearing/gestures or use of inappropriate language on school property
or at school events is prohibited.

1st & 2nd offense: Two detentions.
3rd offense: 2-Hour Saturday Detention
4th offense and up: 4-Hour Saturday Detention

8. Students who throw snowballs, or other items that could be viewed as a safety hazard
on school property during school or at extra-curricular activities will be assigned detentions.
9. Students may be expelled, suspended out-of-school, assigned Saturday Detentions, or
detentions, and/or provide restitution for vandalism to school property. This also extends
to personal property of administration, faculty, or staff.
10. Possession of fireworks at school or a school-sponsored activity will result in a three-
day OSS. Use of fireworks at school or a school-sponsored activity will result in a ten-day
OSS and possible recommendation for expulsion.
11. Students who forge/alter, abuse, or take advantage of hall passes will be issued a 4-
hour Saturday Detention.
12. Skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates are not permitted on campus for recre-
ational and/or unsupervised use. The first violation will result in detention or Saturday
Detention or a combination of both. Violators will have the skateboard confiscated on the
second offense. The third offense will result in a one to ten-day OSS. The fourth offense
will result in a recommendation for expulsion for the remainder of the term. Non-student
use and/or student use of skateboards on campus outside the school day and/or attendance
year will result in a complaint to law enforcement agencies, and a charge of trespassing will
be filed against the user.
24

13. All other suspensions are to be determined by the incident at the discretion of the
Administration.
Students who are involved in interscholastic or extra-curricular activities and violate

M.C.H.S. rules will be punished in accordance with M.C.H.S. disciplinary procedures in con-
junction with the M.C.H.S. Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct.
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

M.C.H.S. does not discriminate against anyone based on sex, ethnicity, religion, creed,
ancestry, national origin, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, or other protected
status.
The grievance procedure, along with explanations, due process and directions, are
available for inspection in the following offices: Superintendent, Principal, and other build-
ing administrators.

It is the policy of this district that all grievances be resolved quickly at the lowest step

possible. All issues can be directed to the following complaint managers:
Sharon Burkhart Kelly Hussey
MCHS MCHS
1000 Union Street 1000 Union Street
Morris, IL Morris, IL
815-942-1294 815-942-1294

HARASSMENT / BULLYING OF STUDENTS PROHIBITED

No person, including a District #101 employee or agent, shall harass or intimidate
another student based on sex, ethnicity, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or
mental ability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status. District #101 will not tol-
erate harassing or intimidating conduct, whether verbal, physical, visual, or via the internet,
that affects tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student's edu-
cational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational envi-
ronment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, or
wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the charac-
teristics stated above. If you are aware of a student(s) being bullied or harassed, please
report it to the administration immediately.

Disciplinary Action

School policy dictates disciplinary action, which may include, depending on the nature
of the conduct, any of the following: Saturday Detentions, Out-of-Suspension, police refer-
ral, and/or expulsion proceedings.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

District #101 does not condone and will not tolerate any student or employee being
subjected to sexual harassment. Students or employees who engage in conduct which is
sexually harassing or who contribute to a hostile or intimidating educational environment
will be dealt with strictly and promptly.

It is illegal and against Board of Education policy for any student or employee, male or
female, to sexually harass another employee or student by:

(a) Making unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature a condition of an employee's continued employ-
ment, or a student's academic status;
(b) Making submission to or rejections of such unwelcome conduct the basis for employ-
ment or academic decisions affecting an employee or student; or
(c) Creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or education environment by
such conduct.
Disciplinary Action

School policy dictates disciplinary action which may include, depending on the nature
of the conduct, any of the following: Saturday Detentions, Out-of-Suspension, Police refer-
ral, expulsion, and/or expulsion proceedings, in accordance with Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, Ch. 122
Section 31-33.

An employee engaging in sexual harassment will be subject to discipline, up to and
including, termination.

25

The superintendent is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations implementing
this policy.

Legal Reference: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.; 29 CFR 1604.11 (a)

Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator Complaint Manager
Dr. Patrick M. Halloran, Superintendent Sharon Burkhart, Counselor
1000 Union St. Morris, IL 60450 1000 Union St. Morris, IL 60450
815-941-5326 815-942-1294

HAZING
Hazing is forbidden. Hazing shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student
organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers
the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include
whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption
of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other treatment or forced
physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any stu-
dent or other person, or which subjects a student or other person to extreme stress, includ-
ing extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Hazing can include exagger-
ated or excessive teasing in some instances. The fact that a hazing victim may seem willing
or may even agree to participate in some form of personal embarrassment or physi-
cal/mental danger does change or lighten the responsibility of one who is doing the hazing.
It may even be that the person who does the hazing or teasing may say or feel that they "did-
n’t mean to harm anyone." Hazing is still wrong. The following would be considered partic-
ipants in hazing: Any person or persons doing the hazing; Any person or persons being
hazed; or Any person or persons who witnessed or knew about the hazing. Unauthorized
initiation or hazing of students is prohibited by an act of the State Legislature (Chapter 720,
Act 120, Section 5 of Illinois Compiled Statute) and is punishable in the Courts of Illinois
with a fine of $500, or imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or both.

RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING
BOARD POLICY NO. 3.41, SEXUAL HARASSMENT

A. Reporting
(1) If an employee or student believes that he or she has been sexually harassed, the
employee, student (or parent of the student) should report the alleged act imme-
diately to the Superintendent.
(2) In the event that the superintendent is the employee against whom the complaint
is filed, the complainant should report the alleged act to the president of the Board
of Education.
B. Investigation
(1) The Superintendent or the Board President shall undertake an investigation of all
such complaints or appoint an administrator or other qualified person to conduct
the investigation. No complaint or identity of a complainant will be disclosed
except when necessary to fully investigate the complaint and after notification to
the complainant.
(2) The investigator shall file a written report as to his/her findings with the
Superintendent or the Board of Education within twenty-eight (28) days after the
complaint has been made. In the event the report cannot be completed within
twenty-eight (28) days, the report shall state the reasons for the delay. The com-
plainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation.
C. Dissemination of Policy
(1) Any employee or student (or parent of a student) is encouraged to raise questions
he or she may have regarding sexual harassment with the guidance counselor,
Principal or Superintendent.
(2) A copy of this Board policy and implementing regulations shall be distributed to
each employee or student annually.
(3) The Principal shall discuss this policy and implementing regulations with the dis-
trict's students and employees each year.
(4) The guidance counselor shall discuss this policy and implementing regulations with the
district's students at the appropriate intervals during their enrollment in the district.
26

DRUG, ALCOHOL AND RELATED OFFENSES

Any person who possesses, distributes, sells, uses or is under the influence of alco-
holic beverages or any type of controlled substance (including inhalants and aerosols) while
under school authority; OR any person who possesses or uses any drug paraphernalia while
under school authority; OR any person who possesses any "look-a-like" drugs while under
school authority; OR any person who violates the school’s policy regarding possession or
use of prescription or non-prescription drugs; will be subject to the following:

1st Offense-Parent meeting and 10-day out-of -school suspension and referral to local
law enforcement. The student may elect to enroll in an appropriate out of school counsel-
ing program (approved by the Principal or his designee) and thereby reduce the suspension
to half of the assigned days. The school approved program follow through would be at
parental expense. The student must be evaluated and enroll in the follow up program with-
in the first 3 days of suspension. If the student fails to complete the counseling program,
the remainder of the suspension will be invoked. Under certain circumstances, administra-
tive review of applied discipline may warrant modification.

2nd Offense-Recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion and referral to
the local law enforcement agency.

M.C.H.S. may use a breathalyzer, or Passive Alcohol Sensor on a student if a student
is believed to be under the influence of alcohol. The student has the option of proving that
they have not consumed alcohol by taking and passing one of these tests. Any student
refusing to submit to one of these tests will automatically be suspended. If a student shows
any signs and/or symptoms of any type of drug use, the student will be assessed by
M.C.H.S. Administration and/or faculty. Under certain circumstances, administrative review
of applied discipline may warrant modification.
GANGS AND GANG ACTIVITIES

The District 101 Board of Education finds that the presence of gangs and gang activi-
ties causes a substantial disruption of school activities. It is the school's responsibility to
maintain a safe and disruption-free school environment. The School Code of Illinois (Ill.
Rev. Stat., Ch. 122, par. 31-1 through 31-4) provides that "any public school fraternity,
sorority or secret society is inimical to the public good."

"Gangs" as defined in this policy, shall mean individuals who associate with each other
primarily for criminal, disruptive, and/or other activities prohibited by law and/or by the
school district's rules and regulations. Gangs, gang-related activities and secret societies
are not acceptable in the school setting. This Board of Education is aware that their pres-
ence interferes materially and substantially with the educational process and the require-
ment of appropriate discipline in the school. They also foster anti-social behaviors, atti-
tudes, and practices that may endanger the health, safety, and welfare of our students.
Therefore, students are prohibited from participating in any activity related to a gang, secret
society, any public school fraternity or sorority, or hate group while attending school or
school-sponsored events.

By this policy the Board of Education acts to prohibit the existence of gangs and gang
activities as follows:

No student on or about school property or at any school activity:

1. Shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem badge,
symbol, sign, or other thing that is evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.
2. Shall commit any act or omission, or use any speech, either verbal or nonverbal (ges-
tures, handshakes, etc.) showing membership or affiliation in a gang.
3. Shall use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interests
ofany gang or gang activity including but not limited to:
27

a. Soliciting others for membership in any gangs;
b. Requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening
any person;
c. Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies;
d. Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.
4. Penalties for Violation:
a. Any student suspected of violating paragraphs 1 or 2 of this policy will be required
to surrender any material or object (alleged to violate the policy) to school officials
and attend a parent conference. The police will also be notified. Subsequent vio-
lations of the policy will subject the student to a suspension and/or expulsion as
described in sub-paragraph b.
b. Any student alleged to have violated paragraph 3 of the policy upon a finding of a
violation in accordance with the hearing requirements of Section 10-22.6 of "The
School Code" will be subject to a suspension or expulsion for a period not to
exceed one full year. Recommendations to alternative school may be made in lieu
of suspension or expulsion.
WEAPONS/THREATS

No student shall knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly go onto school premises or
attend any school function including school-sponsored trips with a firearm, explosive,
weapon, knife, and any other dangerous or illegal instrument. No student shall interfere with
normal activities, occupancy, or use any building or portion of the campus by exhibiting,
using, or threatening to exhibit or use a firearm, explosive, weapon, knife, or other danger-
ous or illegal instrument. This would also include look-alike artifacts of these same items,
and any such item found in lockers.

TOBACCO/TOBACCO-RELATED OFFENSES

Possession of tobacco, tobacco products, or smoking materials is a violation of a
Morris Village Ordinance. Use of tobacco or possession of stated items in any form while on
the school grounds, or at a school-sponsored activity, will result in the following discipline
being assigned:

First Offense: One 4-Hour Saturday Detention Assignment and referral to School

Resource Officer or MPD designee for citation.

Second Offense: 1 day OSS and referral to School Resource Officer or MPD designee

for citation.

In all cases, materials will be confiscated and in compliance with a city ordinance, vio-
lators under the age of 18 will be reported to the School Resource Officer or Morris Police
Department designee for citation.

Parents, guardians, siblings, and other visitors over the age of 18 are prohibited
from smoking on school grounds. This policy also applies to extra-curricular activities
and athletic events.

CLASSROOM / HALLWAY CONDUCT

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times. Each
teacher will establish classroom rules and consequences and review them with students at
the beginning of each term. Failure to serve a teacher assigned consequence will result in
the student being referred to the administration for his/her disciplinary consequences.

Student conduct in the halls, stairwells, etc. should conform to all school rules and reg-
ulations. Noise levels should be kept to a minimum. Students should use the passing peri-
od to go to lockers, use the restroom, get water, etc. Students must not congregate to the
point of blocking passage on the stairs, in the halls, or doorways. If/when students are asked
to move on to class full cooperation is expected.

28

Acceptable behavior in the halls before school, during lunch and between classes is
as follows:

• Speak softly -No shouting, yelling, or horseplay in the halls.
• Do not block the halls, stairs, doorways, or entry/exit points.
• Avoid standing in groups and blocking other students and staff from proceeding to class.
STUDENT DRESS

The District 101 Board of Education recognizes that, within certain limits, each stu-
dent's mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual pref-
erence. The Board will not interfere with the ability of students and their parents to make
decisions regarding their appearance except when their choices affect the educational pro-
gram of the schools or the health and safety of others. District personnel have the respon-
sibility of protecting the health and safety of pupils and maintaining proper and appropriate
conditions conducive to learning. The purpose of the student dress policy is to encourage
students to "dress for success" and come to school properly prepared for participating in the
educational process.

The Board authorizes the Administration to enforce school regulations prohibiting stu-
dent dress or grooming practices that:

1. Present a hazard to the health or safety of the student or to others in the school.
2. Materially interfere with schoolwork, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program.
3. Cause excessive wear or damage to school property.
4. Prevent the student from achieving his/her educational objectives.
• Any apparel determined to be too revealing or draw undue attention to itself in style,
fabric, or length is not acceptable.
• Excessively large (width and length) or extremely loose-fitting pant/shorts will not be
permitted. Pant/shorts must cover undergarments and stay above the hip at all times.
• Torn, ripped, or disheveled clothing is prohibited.
• Shorts and skirts that are above the fingertips with arms held down to the sides will not
be permitted. Note: fingertip length may be inappropriate for some students, and the
Principal or designee will make that determination.
• All shirts must have the ability to be tucked in. Example: when a student is standing,
the midriff is not exposed, and when seated, the bare back is not visible.
• Sleeveless shirts are not permitted. All shirts will cover the shoulders.
• Shoes must be worn at all times. Students must wear shoes that are safe and appro-
priate for the learning environment. Footwear requirements may change depending on
the safety requirements of the individual classroom teacher.
• Obscene language or symbols, drug and/or alcohol symbols, satanic symbols, or sug-
gestive/obscene materials on clothing are expressly prohibited. Shirts advertising bars,
pubs, or places off-limits to minors are prohibited.
• Outerwear (coats, jackets, warm-ups, gloves, sunglasses, hats, bandannas, and other
headwear) are not to be worn in the building. Carrying these items in the building is
also prohibited, unless the student is directly entering or leaving the building.
29

• Bare midriffs, tank tops, halter-tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, revealing necklines,
and open-back clothing are prohibited. Also, attire with see-through, sheer, or fishnet
materials are prohibited.
• Wallet chains, studded belts, collars, and wristbands are not allowed.
• Students who have courses that require safety equipment or special dress codes, must
adhere to wearing the proper equipment and/or clothing.
Students should consider the following questions when dressing for school:

• Does my clothing expose too much? (no)
• Does my clothing advertise something that is prohibited to minors? (no)
• Are there obscene, profane, drug-related, gang-related, inflammatory, or inappropriate
messages on my clothing? (no)
• Am I dressed appropriately for the weather? (yes)
• Do I feel comfortable with my appearance? (yes)
Disciplinary Action

If the student's dress/item is in violation of these policies, the Principal, Assistant
Principal or designee will ask the student to make the appropriate correction (unless other-
wise noted above) for their first offense. The Principal, Assistant Principal, or designee will
take appropriate corrective action and file a discipline referral documenting the incident.
Future offenses will be followed by detention(s). If a change of clothes is not available, the
student may be required to wear their PE uniform for the remainder of the school day or con-
tact a parent to provide corrective clothing.

If a student refuses a dress code alteration request, disciplinary consequences for
insubordination will be assigned, and the parent/guardian will be notified and asked to assist
in making the necessary correction.

Note: Any class time missed due to a correction of inappropriate attire will be con-
sidered unexcused.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Physical displays of affection, except for holding hands and/or casual hugging, are not
acceptable at school. Discipline shall follow on a case by case basis, but only if a persistent
issue exists after prior warnings.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

In the interest of protecting the health and safety of all district students, the following
Prohibited Items list has been adopted:

• Laptop computers may be used with the approval of the administration and classroom
teacher. The Administration may request that the software installed be viewed prior to
the computer being used.
• Students are not to carry large bags, book bags/duffel bags, large brief cases, and any-
thing that could be construed as a book bag on school property unless student is
directly entering or leaving the building.
• Gambling devices/materials: dice, playing cards, etc.
• Weapons or look-alike weapons. (refer to specific policy)
• Drugs, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches, and look-
alikes. (refer to specific policies)
30

• Possession of fireworks. (refer to specific policy)
• Gang identification paraphernalia. (refer to specific policy)
ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are discouraged from bringing a cellular phone, pager, hand-held video game,
radio or other music devices, cameras, etc. to school. Students may do so at their own risk
knowing that MCHS will not be responsible for such items being lost, stolen, or damaged in
any way. If at school, these items should be secured in the locker assigned to the student.
If these items are seen, are being used, and/or are heard in the building or classroom, they
will be confiscated and turned over to the Administration. Detentions will be issued to the
offending student for disruption of the educational environment. A parent or guardian may
be required to get the item back. Students are only allowed to use these devices outside of
the building before and after school.

Note: Students contacting other students/teachers through the use of an electronic device
shall receive a minimum of a Saturday Detention. Students using a "picture phone" in pri-
vate areas i.e. restrooms, locker rooms, will be subject to suspension for up to ten days, and
a possible recommendation for expulsion.

STUDENT CHEATING

Cheating is defined as the act of using or attempting to use material, information, study
aids, or unauthorized assistance from others in completing academic work.

Students cheating or exhibiting academic dishonesty on their assignments or tests will
receive a zero grade. A disciplinary referral form will be filed with the Assistant Principal,
and sent to the parent/guardian. An attempt to contact the parent will be made by either the
teacher or the administrator involved. A student that exhibits academic dishonesty or cheat-
ing in the same class a second time will be officially dropped from the class and receive an
“F” grade for the class.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is defined as representing another person’s words, ideas, data or work as
one’s own. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the exact duplication of another’s work
and the incorporation of a substantial or essential portion thereof without appropriate cita-
tion. Other examples of plagiarism are the acts of appropriating the creative works in such
fields as art, music, and technology, or portions thereof, and presenting them as one’s own.

The guiding principle is that all work submitted must be properly credited to the original
source(s) of the information. In written work, direct quotations, statements which are para-
phrased, summarizations of the work of another, and other information which is not consid-
ered common knowledge must be cited or acknowledged, usually in the form of a footnote.
Quotation marks or a proper form of identification shall be used to indicate direct quotations.

As long as a student adequately acknowledges sources of information, plagiarism is
not present. However, students should be aware that most teachers require certain forms of
acknowledgement or references and may evaluate a paper or project on the basis of form
and penalize the student in the grade assigned if citation of sources is improper.

Some rules to follow when writing:

1. Acknowledge borrowed material by introducing the quotation or paraphrase with the name
of the authority. This practice serves to indicate where the borrowed materials begin.
2. Enclose within quotation marks all quoted material.
3. Make certain that paraphrased material is rewritten into your own style and language.
The simple rearrangement of sentence patterns is unacceptable. Do not alter the essen-
tial idea of the source.
4. Provide specific in-text documentation for each borrowed item.
31

5. Provide a reference entry for every source cited in the paper.
6. Omit sources consulted but not used.
Lester, J.D. (1993), Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide. New York: Harper
Collins College Publishers, p. 130.

TEACHER DETENTIONS

Teachers may assign before or after school detentions for infractions of a minor nature
that do not require intervention by the Administration. Teacher-assigned detentions will be
served with the issuing teacher and will be issued in a number and length of time commen-
surate with the infraction.

The classroom teacher will complete a teacher detention form that notes the infraction
and the date, time, and place the detention is to be served. The student will then sign the
teacher detention form and receive a copy of the form as a compliance reminder.

Failure to serve teacher detention: teacher will forward the original copy of the
teacher detention to the Administration. Failure to serve the assigned teacher detention will
result in 2 after school detentions from the Administration.

DETENTION

Detention is held after school for assigned infractions. Students are given detentions
with a completion deadline assigned. Work and school events/practices do not constitute
acceptable excuses for missing assigned detentions by the assigned deadline.

All tardy and disciplinary detention will be held Monday through Thursday after school
from 3:15-4:00 p.m. On special schedule days, detention will begin 10 minutes after the last
class, and will run for 45 minutes unless otherwise announced.

Failure to serve any detention by the deadline assigned will result in newly assigned
disciplinary action. Any one detention not served will be assigned to one 4 hour Saturday
Detention. Failure to serve a Saturday Detention results in a minimum of a two day out-of-
school suspension.

First offense of not serving a detention: 4-hour Saturday Detention with notification sent
to parents.
Second offense of not serving detention: two 4-hour Saturday Detentions with notification
sent to parents.
Third offense of not serving detention: 1-day OSS with notification sent to parents.
Further offenses of not serving detention: 3 days OSS with notification sent to parents and
phone contact with parents by a guidance counselor or administrator.

SATURDAY DETENTION

Saturday Detention is designed as a suspension alternative with the idea of providing
a firm consequence to the student without them missing valuable classroom instruction
time in the process.

Saturday Detention is held on Saturday’s from 8 a.m.– 10 a.m. (2 hr.) or 8 a.m. – noon
(4 hr.) in the Cafeteria or designated location. The duration of the assignment will be based
upon the rules infraction. Transportation problems, work, or extra-curricular prac-
tice/events will not be considered acceptable excuses for missing an assigned Saturday
Detention. If the student is sick the morning of the Saturday Detention, a parent call will
only be accepted the first time with a doctor’s note being required on any future dates.

32

Failure to meet the Saturday Detention obligation will result in the following disciplinary
action to be taken by the Administration:

Tardy to Saturday Detention (over 10 minutes): Student will be refused admittance to
Saturday Detention by supervisor. Absence will be treated as a "failure to serve" (see below).

Failure to serve 2-hour Saturday Detention: 4-hour Saturday Detention.
First offense for failing to serve a 4-hour Saturday Detention: 2 days OSS with phone contact
to parents by Administration.
Second offense for failing to serve a 4-hour Saturday Detention: 3 days OSS with no further
assignments to Saturday Detention. Parents will be required to attend a conference with
Administration and guidance counselor in attendance before student will be readmitted to
school. At this point, student may be placed on disciplinary probation to help ensure compliance
with all school rules and regulations.
NOTE: Any future school infractions which would normally earn a Saturday Detention will
be issued 2 days OSS for each offense.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)

Students serving an out-of-school suspension are not to be on school grounds during
their suspension. Participation and/or attendance at extra-curricular activities are not
allowed during an out-of-school suspension. This applies to both home and away activities.
Failure to abide by these rules will result in additional days of out-of-school suspension
being assigned. Students may complete and turn-in homework while on OSS, however
credit will not be given as the suspension is considered an unexcused absence. The guide-
lines are listed under the Excused-Unexcused portion of the handbook.

There are several alternatives to suspension available to the student at the discretion of the
Administration. It is both the student and parent responsibility to contact the Administration to
query whether or not a suspension alternative would be authorized in their case.

CUSTODIAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The Custodial Apprenticeship Program is a voluntary community service-based pro-
gram designed to issue disciplinary consequences to a student without the student missing
valuable class time in the process. Those assigned to the program must work with M.C.H.S.
Custodial Staff after school for a pre-determined number of hours to complete their
assigned disciplinary consequence.

The Custodial Apprenticeship Program is voluntary in that the student agrees to perform
Custodial Apprenticeship hours instead of OSS. Participation in the program is dependent
upon parental consent. Students may be assigned Custodial Apprenticeship hours for OSS or
other consequences depending on the infraction and at the discretion of the Administration.

Participation in the Custodial Apprenticeship Program is based on extreme cases as
determined by administrative approval and assignment availability. Students may not
request custodial apprenticeship, but may choose not to participate when offered.

Students who fail to show for their Custodial Apprenticeship hours on the date
assigned will be assigned OSS concurrent with the number of Custodial Apprenticeship
Assignments missed.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROBATION

After a student has received numerous disciplinary consequences without any change
in their behavior, additional measures must be taken to ensure compliance with all the rules
and regulations required of students at MCHS.

33

Administrative Probation is a period of time during which MCHS reserves the right to
restrict certain privileges until the student’s behavior allows them to be returned to good stand-
ing. Such restrictions may include, but not be limited to, loss of driving privileges, pass privi-
leges, off-campus privileges, assembly privileges, or participation in extra-curricular activities.

Strict Administrative Probation is a conditional enrollment in school, a particular school
activity, or class, for a restricted period of time. If a student that has been placed on either
Administrative Probation or Strict Administrative Probation commits a major violation, as
defined by district policy, that student may be placed at an alternative educational setting, or
referred to the Board of Education for expulsion proceedings.

EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL

Through the recommendation of the Administration, expulsion from school for the rest
of the school term can be done by the Board of Education. Expulsion would be considered
only after extreme misconduct or repeated actions by a student that are disruptive to the
school and which do not seem solvable to the extent that this student be allowed to remain
in school.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

A student desiring to withdraw from school must present written approval from a par-
ent/guardian to their counselor. After the student has been counseled, a withdrawal form will
be issued. All financial obligations must be met, textbooks returned, and lockers cleaned.
The completed withdrawal form then is returned to the guidance office.

STUDENT DRIVING REGULATIONS
Student Vehicles

Students driving to school and parking on campus must register their vehicles in the
main office. A student parking tag must be purchased after each student completes the par-
ent/guardian permission form. The price of the tag will be determined by the Board of
Education each year. Vehicles properly displaying a parking tag on the rear-view mirror are
authorized to park on campus. Any auto entering a school-owned parking area is subject to
search with or without cause by school officials and/or police. Students illegally parked or
parked on high school property without a valid parking tag visible are subject to towing
and/or ticketing at all times and at the expense of the owner. On some occasions, it may be
necessary for a student to drive a different car to school than their normal car of record. They
must ensure that they place their parking tag inside that vehicle or risk towing at their own
expense. If the parking tag is not transferred, the student must not park on campus that day.

Student Driving and Parking Regulations

A. Student drivers may leave the parking lot only during their lunch period unless pre-
arranged. This applies only to upperclassmen as underclassmen are restricted to cam-
pus during lunch.
B. Student parking is only permitted in the student parking lot located directly off Union Street.
C. Students are prohibited from driving through or parking in the M.C.H.S./G.A.V.C.
faculty, staff, or visitors' parking lots at all times. This includes after school hours
when athletic/club practices may be in session and parking in this area may be a
tempting convenience to students.
D. All students must maintain and keep current auto insurance. Failure to comply may
result in parking privileges being revoked.
E. GAVC students are not permitted to park their vehicles in the GAVC/Rec. Center/MCHS park-
ing areas while they are attending classes, unless authorized by both GAVC and MCHS.
F. Parking or driving violations will be administered by the following penalties:
(Students who forget their tag must report the make/model/license of the car they are
driving to the main office before attending their first class of the day.)

34

1st violation for parking without a tag: 2 Hour Saturday Detention.

2nd violation for parking without a tag: Student automatically billed for the purchase

price of a current tag plus a $10 late fee.

Note: Illegal parking, wreckless driving, and other student driving issues may result in

detentions, Saturday Detentions, and/or a recommendation for expulsion.

Parents/guardians are to use the circle drive when dropping-off or picking up their
son/daughter. The faculty/staff parking area is closed to the general public as a "student-
drop-off" point.

METAL DETECTORS

Students and visitors to Morris Community High School may be subject to search with
metal detectors.

BREATHALYZERS / ALCOHOL SENSORS

Based on prior incidences of students under the influence of controlled sub-
stances/alcohol on school grounds and school events, students and/or visitors to school or
school events may be randomly, or with reasonable suspicion, searched by using a breath-
alyzer or PAS III Passive Alcohol Sensor or a combination of both. A positive test for a con-
trolled substance will incur disciplinary consequences and/or police involvement.

DOG SEARCHES

The use of trained drug sniffing canines in the search of the school and parking lots is
intended to help deter individuals from bringing and using illegal substances on school
grounds. It is also a proactive means to demonstrate that Morris Community High School is
committed to a drug free school environment for the students, faculty, and staff.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

In the interest of the safety and security of students, staff, visitors, and property, video
surveillance equipment is present and visible in many areas of the MCHS campus. It will be
understood that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in these areas.

STUDENT FACILITIES USE

All persons must obtain permission to use facilities of the high school building after
school hours. A student is considered a party to "breaking and entering" if found unautho-
rized in the school buildings on Saturdays and Sundays or after school hours.

RAFFLES – UNAUTHORIZED SALES

No student may sell any unauthorized or conduct drawings, pools or sell tickets of chance
in regard to athletic events and other contests or outcomes. Students are not permitted to sell
or distribute any materials on school premises without permission from the Administration.

POSTERS

All posters, artwork, club-meeting advertisements, etc. to be hung in the school must
be initialized by the Principal. Unauthorized posters will be removed immediately.

STUDENT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

A ninth grade student or a student transferring to M.C.H.S. from another state or coun-
try who is enrolling on the first day of school must have on file a record of his/her physical
examination and a current immunization record.

Failure to comply by the first day of school will result in the student being excluded
from M.C.H.S. until the health requirement is fulfilled. Appointment dates are not accept-
able. All requirements must be complete by the first day of school.

Any student transferring to M.C.H.S. from another state or country must have on file
within 20 school days, a record of his/her physical examination and an updated (current)

35

immunization record.

Failure to comply within this time period will result in the student being excluded from
school until the health requirement is fulfilled. Appointment dates are not acceptable. All
requirements must be completed within 20 days.

ATTENDANCE-PARTICIPATION AT M.C.H.S. ACTIVITIES

In order for a student to participate in any school-sponsored activity, he/she must be
in attendance a minimum of a half school day, the day the activity is scheduled. Student
must attend blocks 3-4 in order to be considered half-day attendance. Exceptions to this pol-
icy will be made by the administration.

Inappropriate behavior at M.C.H.S. activities may result in the student being restricted
from those activities.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

A student shall be declared ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities during
the fall or spring sessions for up to one week at a time when they are not passing at least
three classes during the current term. A student shall be declared ineligible for the next one-
half year of school (18 weeks) if they do not pass at least three classes at the completion of
either the term #2 or term #4 grading periods. Furthermore, a student who is failing his/her
fourth block class may not be dismissed early to travel with their team.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Corporal punishment is not a recognized or approved disciplinary procedure at M.C.H.S.

Corporal punishment will not be administered by any teacher or administrator as a
means of disciplining a student.

OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM, NATIONAL FLAG, AND SCHOOL EMBLEM

It is traditional for Morris High students to stand at attention when the National Anthem
is played or when the Colors are presented. At games and other appropriate occasions all

M.C.H.S. students stand erect, face the flag, and place the right hand over the heart.
The M.C.H.S. Student Council has a school flag, designed by one of its former school
members, as an emblem of the high ideals in learning, leadership and loyalty of our own stu-
dent body. The respect to this flag indicates the extreme loyalty to the rich traditional back-
ground and the cherished future hopes of our M.C.H.S.

STUDENT CODE OF MORRIS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

The Student Code of M.C.H.S. was prepared by students.

I believe in Morris Community High School, and therefore will strive to uphold its wor-
thy traditions and to improve its good reputation; therefore, I do earnestly and willingly
accept these principles, and promise to uphold them by the following actions:

1. Striving to obtain the best high school education possible by applying myself to my
work to the best of my ability.
2. Being considerate of others at all times, and showing proper respect to teachers,
school employees, guests and other students.
3. Being a good sport and practicing good sportsmanship in all my activities.
4. Being a good representative of M.C.H.S. at athletic events, on field trips, in the class-
room, and other school sponsored activities, and at all other times.
5. Being helpful in preserving the beauty of the campus and building of our school.
6. Protecting my personal property and that of others from loss and/or destruction.
7. Treating and using all school property carefully and with respect in order to keep
replacement and maintenance expense at a minimum.
8. Being active in school organizations where I can make a useful contribution, and help-
ing to make school enterprises successful.
36

9. Being careful to operate motor vehicles quietly and without recklessness, and comply-
ing with administration regulations concerning lunch hour operation of motor vehicles.
10. Refraining from smoking on school premises and from eating food in any room other
than those designated.
11. Taking care of library obligations, observing cafeteria regulations and proper
assembly procedures.
12. Encouraging and practicing the high qualities of citizenship regard for law and order,
cooperation, honesty, courtesy and school spirit that will make the above principles work.
DIRECTORY OF STUDENT SERVICES

942-1294

Subject: Contact:

Absenteeism Assistant Principal
Athletics Athletic Director
Auto Registration Main Office
Change of Address Guidance Office
College Catalogs and Information Guidance Office
Discipline Assistant Principal
Dropping School Guidance Office
Employment Guidance Office
Illness, Injury Nurse's Office
Locker Problems Main Office
Lost and Found Main Office
Personal Problems Guidance Office
Registration Guidance Office
Schedule Change Guidance Office
Scholarships Guidance Office
Study Problems Guidance Office
Tardiness Assistant Principal
Textbook Payment District Office
Transcripts Guidance Office
Work Permits Main Office

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What procedure am I to follow when my son/daughter is absent from school?
On everyday of absence, you are to call M.C.H.S. between 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The phone number is 942-1294 or 941-5450. Please refer to "absence from school sec-
tion" on calling during other time period.

The following information should be given:

1. Student's name
2. Year in school
3. Reason for absence
4. Caller should identify theirself
2. What happens if I forget to call my son/daughter in absent?
All students who report to school that have not been called in will automatical-
ly be listed as unexcused. Refer to the policy for excused/unexcused absences.

37

3. What are Academic Deficiency Reports?
During the period between Report Cards, notices are sent to the parents of stu-
dents who are earning D's or F's. These grade reports encourage parents to contact the
teacher about the student's progress. Parents may at this time or any time contact their
son/daughter's guidance counselor.

4. When are Student Grade Deficiency Reports handed out?
Students are graded on a nine-week basis.
Fall Session: 1st Term -After the 4th week of school
2nd Term -After the 13th week of school

Spring Session: 3rd Term -After the 4th week of Spring Session
4th Term -After the 13th week of Spring Session

SCHOOL-WIDE GRADING SCALE

All teachers at MCHS will utilize the following grading scale for all classes:

ABCDF
100A+ 91B+ 82C+ 73D+ 64F
99 A+ 90B+ 81C+ 72D+
98A 89B 80C 71D
97A 88B 79C 70D
96A 87B 78C 69D
95A 86B 77C 68D
94A 85B 76C 67D
93A-84B-75C-66D-
92A-83B-74C-65D-

MORRIS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Uniforms

1. Each student is required to wear a regulation uniform. This shall consist of
the following:
Boys: A. T-shirt with M.C.H.S. on it

B. Maroon trunks
C. Supporter
D. White socks (can be trimmed with other colors)
E. Gym shoes which will not mark the floor or mats
Girls: A. T-shirt with M.C.H.S. logo

B. Maroon gym shorts
C. White socks
D. Gym shoes which will not mark the floor or mats
2. If students lose clothes or items are stolen, students will replace with second pair.
If those are lost, then they may be replaced with any shirt that has M.C.H.S. or
Redskin markings, and shorts that are red or gray.
Excuses

1. A student will not be excused for more than 1 (one) day on a note from a parent.
Any excuse for a longer period of time must come from a doctor or school nurse.
The instructor may refuse to accept a note from home depending on the activity
and the reason given.
38

Medicals

1. Students with a medical excuse from a doctor will be handled in the following manner:
A. The student will bring the medical to the instructor to be recorded in the
grade book and to be initialed.
B. The instructor will send the student and the medical to the nurse.
Injuries

1. All injuries shall be reported when they occur no matter how small. Any injury
reported a day, week or month after it happens will not be reported to the insur-
ance company.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY

I. GENERAL
A. Students committing acts of disobedience or misconduct may be placed on pro-
bation, detained during non-school hours, suspended in-school, suspended out-
of-school, suspended from riding the school bus, expelled from school, or other-
wise disciplined.
B. At the discretion of the Superintendent, or the Board of Education upon review, a
student may be permitted to make up schoolwork and examinations missed as a
result of a suspension or an expulsion.
C. Authorized personnel may place on probation, detail after school, suspend in
school or otherwise discipline a student. The Superintendent, Principal, Associate
Principal, or Assistant Principal are authorized to suspend a student from school
or riding the school bus. Only the Board of Education can expel a student.
Teachers may remove disruptive students from the classroom.
D. Prior to removing any student from the school or the school bus during the reg-
ular school day, the authorized administrator shall make reasonable efforts to
notify the parents by telephone and take any other steps reasonably necessary to
ensure the safety of the student being removed from school or the school bus.
II. DEFINITIONS
A. DETENTION is the keeping of a student before or after regular school hours for a
reasonable period of time.
B. PROBATION is a conditioned enrollment in school, or a particular school activity
or class, for a restricted period of time.
C. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) is a temporary exclusion of a student from a
class or classes, with an opportunity to make up missed classwork for credit.
D. OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS) is a temporary exclusion of a student from
school, from riding the school bus or from a class or classes for a period of time
not to exceed ten (10) school days. Out-of-school suspensions are unexcused. A
student may be suspended from riding the school bus in excess of ten (10) school
days for safety reasons.
E. EXPULSION is the exclusion of a student from school for a period of time greater
than ten (10) school days.
F. SCHOOL PERSONNEL includes teachers, administrators, school board members,
school bus drivers and all other school district employees.
G. GROSS DISOBEDIENCE OR MISCONDUCT is any conduct, behavior or activity, as
defined by the Board of Education in its policies, which causes, or may reasonably
lead school authorities to forecast, substantial injury or disruption or material
interference with school activities or the rights of other students or school per-
sonnel. Gross disobedience or misconduct may occur on school grounds, on a
school bus or at a school function. It may also occur outside the school grounds,
provided, however, that a direct relationship exists between the conduct of the
39

student and the school's educational function.

H. SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT is a student who has been determined eligible for
a special education instructional program or support services pursuant to Article
14 of THE SCHOOL CODE.
I. SPECIAL EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS are the State of Illinois' RULES
AND REGULATIONS TO GOVERN THE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF
SPECIAL EDUCATION.
J. THE SCHOOL CODE refers to the Illinois statutes governing boards of education
as found in Chapter 122, par. 1 et seq., of the ILLINOIS REVISED STATUTES.
K. GROSS INSUBORDINATION is the act of defying authority in any manner such
that a supervisor, staff member, teacher, or administrator cannot elicit appropriate
behavior from a student.
III. SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
A. Pre-Suspension Conference
1. The authorized administrator shall confer with any student who is under con-
sideration for suspension prior to taking such disciplinary action.
2. Prior to or during a pre-suspension conference, the authorized administrator
shall ascertain whether the student is a special education student or may be
eligible for special education services. If so, the authorized administrator
must also follow the procedures set forth in Section VII.
3. The student shall be advised of the reasons for the proposed suspension and
the evidence in support of those reasons. The student shall also be afforded
an opportunity to respond.
4. The authorized administrator conferring with the student shall make a writ-
ten record of the conference.
5. The authorized administrator, after following the above pre-suspension pro-
cedures, may then determine whether to suspend the student in accordance
with the notification requirements set forth below.
6. When, in the opinion of the authorized administrator, a student poses an
immediate threat to school personnel, other students or school property, or
poses an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process, the student
may be summarily removed from school without holding a pre-suspension
conference as set forth above. In such event, written notice, sent by mail,
shall be given to the parents. The notice shall request the student to attend a
post-suspension conference as soon as practicable after the notice is
received. Failure to attend the scheduled conference shall constitute a waiv-
er of such conference. Regardless of the student's attendance at the post-
suspension conference, the parents shall be advised by written notice of any
subsequent disciplinary decision.
B. Suspension Notification
1. If the pre-suspension or post-suspension conference results in a decision to
suspend, the parents of the student shall be advised immediately of the deci-
sion by written notice sent by mail.
2. The notice to the parents shall include:
a. A statement of the reasons for the suspension, including any school
rule which has been violated;
b. The dates and duration of the suspension;
c. A statement of the parents' right to request a review of the suspension.
d. A statement that the failure to request such review within five (5) days
after receipt of the notice, or eight (8) days after date of the mailing,
whichever is earlier, shall be deemed a waiver of the right to review.
3. A request to review the suspension may be oral or in writing, directed to the
40

Superintendent's office. Oral notification shall be confirmed in writing by a
letter to the parents. If a request for review of the suspension is timely made,
the parents of the suspended student shall be given written notification of the
time and place at least one (1) week prior to the review with the Board of
Education. If the parents, in requesting a review of the suspension, assert
that the student is a special education student, then the authorized adminis-
trator shall follow the procedures set forth in Sec. 7.

4. The Superintendent and the Board of Education shall be notified of student sus-
pensions by the authorized administrator, who shall forward a copy of the parental
notice of suspension to the Superintendent or to the Secretary of the Board.
IV. EXPULSION PROCEDURES
A. Prior to any recommendation for expulsion, the authorized administrator shall
ascertain whether the student is a special education student. If so, then the pro-
cedures set forth in Section VII must be followed. If the expulsion is preceded by
a suspension, the suspension procedures set forth in Section III must also be fol-
lowed and the parents notified that a suspension review hearing will be combined
with an expulsion hearing.
B. Expulsion Notification
1. The authorized administrator shall send a letter by certified mail, return
receipt requested, to the parents of the student notifying them of the expul-
sion hearing.
2. The expulsion notice to the parents shall include:
a. A statement of the reasons for the proposed expulsion, including any
school rule which has been violated;
b. The potential maximum duration of the expulsion;
c. The time and place of the expulsion hearing;
d. A statement of the parents' right to be represented at the expulsion
hearing by an attorney or other representative; and
e. A copy of the expulsion hearing procedures.
V. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENSION REVIEW AND EXPULSION HEARINGS
A. Hearing Structure
1. A suspension review or expulsion hearing shall be conducted by a hearing
officer, a committee of the Board, or by the entire Board of Education. (If a
hearing officer or committee of the Board conducts the hearing, a written
summary of the evidence heard shall be submitted to the Board.)
2. A review of the evidence, as contained in the summary of the expulsion hearing
conducted by a hearing officer or Board committee, shall be made by the Board
of Education in executive session within thirty (30) days of such hearing.
3. The Board may take such action after the hearing as it deems appropriate,
including affirming or overruling the suspension or proposed expulsion, or
conditioning reentry of the student to school.
4. If the Board finds that a suspension or expulsion was unjustified, the stu-
dent's records may be expunged of all notations regarding the suspension or
proposed expulsion and any related student absence for disciplinary reasons
shall be marked "excused." The student may be afforded an opportunity to
make up all lost educational opportunities including, but not limited to, tests
and other class work.
5. The decision of the Board shall be final.
6. Written notification of the Board's decision with respect to the suspension
review or expulsion hearing shall be mailed to the parents. An expulsion may
be effective immediately or as specified by the Board.
41

B. Hearing Procedures
1. All student discipline hearings shall be held in executive session.
2. The student may attend the hearing with his parents and may be represent-
ed by an attorney or other representative. If the parents or student do not
attend, but the authorized administrator has proof of notice given and
received, the Board may choose to proceed with or reschedule the hearing.
3. The hearing may be recorded stenographically or by tape. If either party
causes a recordation to be made, the other party shall be offered an oppor-
tunity to purchase a copy of the transcript or the tape.
4. The Board shall determine and make findings on the following two (2) issues
at the hearing.
a. The validity of the charges of gross disobedience or misconduct; and
b. The appropriate disciplinary measure, if the charges are to be upheld.
5. If the student is a special education student, or asserts during a hearing that
he may be a special education student, the Board must also follow the pro-
cedures set forth in Section
6. The hearing shall be conducted as follows:
a. At the commencement of the hearing, either party may request the
exclusion of witnesses.
b. The authorized administrator and the student may make short opening
statements concerning both the charges of gross disobedience or mis-
conduct and the appropriate discipline.
c. The authorized administrator shall first present his evidence, including
proof of complaint with Section VII of this policy, if applicable. The stu-
dent may cross-examine all witnesses in attendance and review any
written evidence presented by the authorized administrator.
d. The student may then present evidence to refuse the charges. The
authorized administrator may cross-examine all witnesses in atten-
dance and review any written evidence presented by the student.
e. The Board may, at any time, direct questions to the parties or their
witnesses.
f. The authorized administrator and the student may make closing state-
ments at the conclusion of the hearing concerning both the issue of gross
disobedience or misconduct and the issue of the appropriate discipline.
7. The Board may receive all relevant oral or written evidence without regard to
the legal rules of evidence, but shall consider the weight of the evidence in
determining the issues.
a. If the authorized administrator determines that any of his witnesses
would be subject to physical or mental harassment or that an emer-
gency exists, the authorized administrator need not present his witness
at the hearing, but may present as evidence a written summary pre-
pared by the absent witness of his testimony. The summary shall
include the reason for the witness' absence and a statement verifying
that the contents of the summary are true. If an imminent fear of
reprisal exists, the authorized administrator may also present a written
statement in which the witness' identity has been concealed.
b. The Board shall not consider the student's academic or disciplinary
records in determining the validity of the charges of gross disobedience
or misconduct. The Board may review a student's records, however, in
determining the appropriate discipline.
42

VI. LESSER DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
Detention, probation, removal from the classroom or other disciplinary measures
may be imposed for student disobedience or misconduct warranting lesser penalties.

A. Students shall be notified of the rules, as established by the School Board, autho-
rized administrator, local school, classroom teacher, which will lead to imposition
of lesser disciplinary measures if violated.
B. Students shall have no right of review by the Board of Education for the imposi-
tion of the lesser disciplinary measures of this section.
VII. SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCEDURES
A. General
1. No special education student shall be expelled if the student's particular act
of gross disobedience or misconduct is, or results from, a behavior or a con-
dition defined as an exceptional characteristic in Article 14 of THE SCHOOL
CODE. Any special education student whose gross misconduct or disobedi-
ence is unrelated to, or does not result from, his handicapped condition, as
defined in Article 14 of THE SCHOOL CODE, may be expelled pursuant to
Sections IV and V of this Policy.
2. A special education student may be suspended pursuant to Sections III and
V of this Policy regardless of whether the student's gross disobedience or
misconduct is related to his handicapped condition. A suspension of a spe-
cial education student is not a change in educational placement.
3. Notwithstanding Section VII.A.1. above, any special education student may
be temporarily excluded from school if exclusion is warranted because of the
student's physical danger to himself, other students, faculty, or school prop-
erty. During the period of temporary exclusion, the School District shall be
responsible for developing and providing an appropriate education program
for the special education student.
4. If the authorized administrator reasonably concludes that a non-special edu-
cation student may be eligible for special education services, he shall not dis-
cipline the student immediately, but shall refer him for a case study evalua-
tion pursuant to the SPECIAL EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS. If
warranted, the authorized administrator may stay disciplinary proceedings
until a case study report is completed and reviewed.
B. Suspension Procedures
1. All pre-suspension, notice and suspension review procedures set forth in
Sections III and V of this policy must be followed in suspending a special
education student.
2. At the time of any pre-suspension conference of a student ascertained as a
special education student, the authorized administrator shall determine
whether the student's gross disobedience or misconduct is related to, or
results from, his handicapping condition. Such determination shall be made
only after consultation with the appropriate special education personnel.
a. If the authorized administrator reasonably concludes that the special
education student's behavior is related to, or results from, his handi-
capping condition, the school district shall provide appropriate services
to the student during any period of suspension.
b. If the authorized administrator reasonably concludes that the special
education student's behavior is related to, or does not result from, his
handicapping condition, the school district need not provide services
during any period of suspension.
43

• If the parents of a suspended student object to the suspension for spe-
cial education reasons, whether prior to or at a review hearing before
the Board, the parents shall be informed in writing that they may
request a case study evaluation or a due process hearing pursuant to
the SPECIAL EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS.
C. Expulsion Procedures
1. Prior to making a recommendation to expel a special education student, the
authorized administrator shall convene a multi-disciplinary conference to
determine whether the student's act of gross disobedience or misconduct is
related to, or results from, his handicapping condition.
2. If at the multi-disciplinary conference it is reasonably concluded that the special
education student's act of gross disobedience or misconduct is related to, or
results from, the student's handicapping condition, the authorized administra-
tor shall not recommend expulsion. The authorized administrator may request
a review of the appropriateness of the educational placement of the student in
accordance with the SPECIAL EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS.
3. If at the multi-disciplinary conference it is reasonably concluded that the spe-
cial education student's act of gross disobedience or misconduct is not relat-
ed to, or does not result from, the student's handicapping condition, the
authorized administrator may recommend expulsion to the Board. The expul-
sion notice to the parents sent pursuant to Section IV.B. shall also include
two (2) additional statements that:
a. Any Board decision to expel the student will constitute a change in
placement; and
b. The parents are entitled to all rights set forth in the SPECIAL EDUCA-
TION RULES AND REGULATIONS, as available to the parents from the
school district.
4. The expulsion procedures set forth in Sections IV and V of this policy shall
be following in expelling a special education student.
5. In addition to the two (2) issues regularly determined at an expulsion hear-
ing (see Section V.B.4.), the authorized administrator must present evidence
and the Board must make a finding on a third issue: whether the special edu-
cation student's gross disobedience or misconduct is unrelated to, and does
not result from, his handicapping condition.
6. If the Board finds that the special education student's particular act of gross
disobedience or misconduct was related to, or resulted from, his handicap-
ping condition, then the Board shall not expel the student, but may request
a review of the student's special education placement or may temporarily
exclude the student, as provided in Section VII.A.3., pending a review of the
student's placement.
D. Parental Objections to an Expulsion
1. Parents of Special Education Students
a. If the parents of a special education student, either prior to or at the
expulsion hearing, object for special education reasons to the recom-
mendation for expulsion, the Board shall:
1) Proceed with the expulsion hearing and determine the three-(3)
issues as set forth in Sections VII.C.5. and V.B.4.;

2) If the board determines that expulsion of the special education stu-
dent is appropriate, the Board will stay the expulsion pending
results of the parents' request for proceedings under the SPECIAL
EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS;

3) Temporarily exclude the special education student, if warranted,
pursuant to Section VII.A.3.; and

44

4) Commence appropriate proceedings pursuant to the SPECIAL
EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS.

b. If the parents of an expelled special education student, after the expul-
sion hearing, object for special education reasons to the expulsion, the
Board shall:
1) Stay the expulsion and return the student to his current special
education placement, unless temporary exclusion is warranted
pursuant to Section VII.A.3.; and
2) Commence appropriate proceedings pursuant to the SPECIAL
EDUCATION REGULATIONS;

2. Parents of Non-Special Education Students
a. If the parents of a non-special education student, either prior to or at the
expulsion hearing, object for the special education reasons to the rec-
ommendations for expulsion, the Board shall:
1) Proceed with the expulsion hearing and determine all three (3)
issues as set forth in Sections VII.C.5. and V.B.4.;

2) If the Board determines that expulsion is appropriate, the expul-
sion will not be stayed by the parents' objection, but shall go into
effect, as provided in Section V; and

3) Commence appropriate proceedings under the SPECIAL EDUCA-
TION RULES AND REGULATIONS.

b. If the parents of a non-special education student, after the expulsion
hearing, object for special education reasons to the expulsion, the
Board shall:
1) Continue in effect the student's expulsion pending the final results
of appropriate special education proceedings;

2) Commence appropriate proceedings pursuant to the SPECIAL
EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS;

3) If the final result of special education proceedings is a determina-
tion that the expelled student is eligible for special education and
that his gross disobedience or misconduct was related to, or
resulted from, his handicapping condition, the Board shall:

a. Order placement of the student in the appropriate special
education placement; and
b. Comply with the rules set forth in Section V.A.4.
VIII. PUBLICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF POLICY
Copies of the Student Disciplinary Policy shall be furnished to the parents or
guardians of each student within fifteen (15) days after the beginning of the school year,
or within fifteen (15) days after a transfer student begins classes in the district. The stu-
dents in each school in the district shall be informed of the contents of the policy.

DISCIPLINE CODE

Prohibited gross disobedience or misconduct shall include any behavior that is of such
egregious nature as to constitute, on its face, gross disobedience or misconduct. It shall
also include, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, the following types of conduct and such other con-
duct as may be designated from time to time by policy of the Board of Education.

1. Insubordination to school personnel, including failure to follow directions or to
produce student identification or passes.
2. Possession, use, or distribution of, or any attempt to use or distribute, any illegal
or controlled substance, including alcohol and drugs.
3. Intimidation of, or any attempt to intimidate, school personnel or other students.
4. Fighting with, or any assault of, school personnel or other students.
5. Intentional damage to, destruction of, or any attempt to damage or destroy,
school property or property of school personnel or other students.
45

6. Verbal abuse of school personnel or other students, or use of profane words or gestures.
7. Any endangering of the physical or psychological well-being of school personnel
or other students by conduct or actions, including:
a. Improper release of a school fire alarm or tampering with fire extinguishers;
b. Starting, or any attempt to start, a fire on school property;
c. Setting off, or any attempt to set off, explosive devices on school property,
or;
d. Possession, use or display of a dangerous weapon or any reasonable fac
simile.
8. Repeated incidents of misbehavior, including repeated refusal to comply with
school rules.
9. Any other acts which directly or indirectly jeopardize the health, safety and wel-
fare of school personnel or other students.
10. Truancy, i.e., absence from school or class without valid cause during a school
day or portion thereof.
11. Disruptive behavior.
12. Use of tobacco products.
Morris Community High School
Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct

Morris Community High School encourages all students to take advantage of the
school sponsored extra-curricular activities. Morris Community High School and the com-
munity take great pride in these programs designed to enhance the well-balanced educa-
tional programs offered.

Intent: Participation in extra-curricular activities at Morris Community High School
is not a right but an honor and a privilege. Participants make a commitment to their peers
and coaches/sponsors to follow rules and to be able to perform at their best at all times. One
of the primary goals of the extra-curricular programs at MCHS is to provide students with
the lessons and skills necessary for success not only on the athletic field, stage, etc., but
also in all areas of their lives. In addition, they have a responsibility to serve as role models
for other students in the school, as well as for others in the community. Participants,
whether in or out of uniform, carry with them not only their own reputations, but that of their
families, their team/activity and their school.

The following limits defined by the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct represent the minimum
standards and expectations of any student involved in any activity while representing Morris
Community High School. Participants are encouraged to refer to the specific rules and reg-
ulations outlined both here, and by their coaches and/or advisors. Extra-curricular activities
are listed in the MCHS Student Handbook and are defined as:

1. Athletic activities as defined by the IHSA and Morris Community High School.
2. Extra-curricular activities: all clubs and organizations of the school that are defined in
the Morris Community High School Student Handbook.
Rationale: The use of alcohol, tobacco products or illicit drugs can harm a student's
physical and mental health, athletic and academic performance, and personal reputation.
Use of these items is both illegal and dangerous. The safety and well being of our extra-cur-
ricular participants is the top priority of Morris Community High School and its programs.
The conduct of a Morris Community High School extra-curricular participant should be con-
sistent with the mission of the school, and the behavioral policies set forth shall reflect
appropriate values and attitudes.

46

The first time in an individual’s high school career that a student becomes a member of
an activity, the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct becomes active. The Code of Conduct is
in effect twelve months of the year, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, in and
out of season, on and off school grounds until graduation.

Note: All penalties involving the Code of Conduct are cumulative for the tenure of the stu-
dent’s career at Morris Community High School.

Important: Morris Community High School is not asking students to make sacrifices.
Sacrifice implies giving up good things. We are asking our students to do the opposite: live
clean, think clean and do things that will make them better people, and well-respected mem-
bers of their community. With these things in mind, there are certain types of conduct that
will not be tolerated from a Morris Community High School extra-curricular participant:

MAJOR RULE INFRACTIONS

• The possession, use, purchasing, selling, or distributing of tobacco, alcohol, or con-
trolled substances, and/or drug paraphernalia.
• Criminal acts as defined by state criminal law. Minor traffic violations do not apply.
• Acts of bad conduct; fighting, bullying, sexual harassment, theft, gross misconduct to
staff, requiring a student to be suspended out of school for a period of at least (1) day.
Important: Morris Community High School teaches and encourages our students to
make good choices and use sound judgment in their everyday lives. Students will be sub-
ject to a great many decisions throughout their tenure at MCHS, some based upon peer
pressure and peer acceptance. With that in mind, students are discouraged from attending
parties/events where illegal alcohol or drugs are present, or being in places where a high
amount of peer pressure may be placed upon them. As a role model and representative of
Morris Community High School, attendance at illegal activities outlined above may promul-
gate the perception that the student condones or enables that type of illegal behavior.

CONSEQUENCES FOR MAJOR RULE VIOLATIONS

#
1.
Violation
A student violates the E.C.C. one time
(his/her first) in a single school year.
Consequence
Level One Suspension
Brief
10% or 30 Days
2. A student violates the E.C.C. a second
time (his/her second during high school
career) in a different school year.
Level One Suspension 10% or 30 Days
3. A student violates the E.C.C. a second
time in a single school year.
Level Two Suspension 50% or 90 Days
4. A student violates the E.C.C. a third
time but not in the same year as his/
her first violation.
Level Two Suspension 50% or 90 Days
5. A student violates the E.C.C. a third
time in a single school year.
Level Three Suspension Calendar Year
6. A student violates the E.C.C. a fourth
time, either in a single school year, or in
his/her high school career.
Level Four Suspension Remainder of
High School

47

Level One Suspension: The student will be suspended from all sports/activities they are
currently participating in at the time of the infraction for a minimum of 10% of the maximum
allowable events/contests for that activity, or 30 calendar days in the case of a year-round
activity, beginning with the first competition following notification to the student of the
infraction. If the student is not participating in a sport or activity at the time of the infraction,
the suspension will take place during the next sport/activity(s) in which they participate. The
student may continue to practice at the coaches/sponsors discretion. If the coach/sponsor
requires the student to continue to practice, each unexcused practice will result in a one-
contest suspension.

Level Two Suspension: The student will be suspended from the sport/activity(s) for 50% of
the allowable contests for that activity (rounded up to the nearest whole number), or 90 cal-
endar days in the case of a year-round activity, beginning with the first competition follow-
ing notification to the student of the infraction. The student will also be required to partici-
pate in an intervention program that meets the following criteria:

• The program deals with substance abuse, anger management (in cases warranted), .
making choices, or problem solving.
• The program is offered by a licensed agency.
• The program is pre-approved by the Principal.
• The student pays the entire cost of the program.
• The student may return to participation in events/contests upon completion of sus-
pension and continued participation or completion of intervention program.
• The agency administering the intervention program must certify, to the Principal, suc-
cessful completion of the program.
Level Three Suspension: The student will be suspended from extra-curricular competition
for one calendar year beginning with the date of the Code of Conduct violation.

Level Four Suspension: The student will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities
for the rest of his/her high school career.

All penalties may be appealed to the Morris Community High School Extra-Curricular Council.

Important: The violation consequences listed in the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct
are MINIMUM requirements students are obligated to meet for successful participation in
extracurricular activities at Morris Community High School. Coaches/Sponsors rules must
comply with these minimum requirements, but may exceed these rules if they choose. If a
coach/sponsor increases their rules to exceed the minimum requirement, these rules will be
distributed in writing to every participant. These rules will also be discussed at the
coach/sponsors pre-activity meeting with the parents involved in that activity. Copies of
these rules and regulations must be filed by the coach/sponsor with the Athletic Director and
Principal prior to the start of their season of activity.

VIOLATIONS DURING THE OFF-SEASON
If a student violates the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct at any time, he/she will be placed
on the step determined by previous violations. The penalty for this infraction will take place
at the start of the next activity’s season/year. A year begins when fall activity/sport practices
begin. A year ends the day before the next year begins.

48

CARRY-OVER FROM ONE SEASON TO ANOTHER

Any penalties for the Code of Conduct violations will carry over from one season/year to another.
If a student completes a penalty for one activity but does not successfully complete that activity in
good standing, he/she must repeat the penalty in the next activity. If the student serves a percent-
age of the penalty in one activity but does not complete the penalty before the conclusion of that
activity, the remaining percentage of the penalty will carry over to the student’s next activity.

ENFORCEMENT OF THE EXTRA-CURRICULAR
CODE OF CONDUCT

Coaches, sponsors, teachers, administrators, and/or law enforcement agencies may report
any alleged violation of the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct at any time. Any person from
the public may notify school authorities regarding alleged rules violations by a signed letter
to the Principal or Athletic Director. A violation must be reported within 30 days from the
alleged violation.

DETERMINATION OF PENALTY
After a reported or suspected violation, an initial conference will be held with the student and
the athletic director, or another administrator designated by the Principal.

If a violation has been substantiated, the student will be subject to the measures set forth
within the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct.

To determine how many contests/events the student must miss for any violation, the penal-
ty will be based upon the maximum number of contests/events in that particular activity. The
total number of contests/events missed will vary with each activity. The coach/sponsor of
each activity has a list of how many contests/events must be missed for each of the activi-
ties offered at Morris Community High School. If the infraction that the student commits
requires him/her to serve an out-of-school suspension, the activity penalty begins on the
date of the out-of-school suspension so that contests/events missed while the student is
suspended count toward the total number of contests/events the student misses.

MORRIS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
EXTRA-CURRICULAR COUNCIL

The purpose of the Extra-Curricular Council is to consider appeals of alleged major rule
infractions. The Council shall:

• Establish if an infraction did occur.
• Establish if the student charged was a party thereto.
• Establish that the student knew what the rules and regulations were.
• Determine appropriate consequences if warranted.
The Extra-Curricular Council shall convene as soon as possible upon receipt of the
appeal of an alleged major rule violation decision. The student’s parents or guardians shall
be notified in writing at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in order to allow parents to
attend, if they desire, unless an earlier time is agreed upon in writing by the parent and the
chairman of the Extra-Curricular Board (principal). The 72 hours minimum can be waived
verbally by mutual consent. The student will be given the opportunity to testify and present
evidence on his or her behalf. The conclusions of the Board shall be in writing and a copy
sent by mail to the parent/guardian upon completion of the hearing. If a student admits
his/her guilt, he/she will not go before the Extra-Curricular Council. A letter will be sent home
explaining the situation and the penalty.

49

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL

1. The Principal will preside over the hearing, but will not vote.
2. One additional member of the school administration.
3. Three (3) coaches who are not, and were not, involved with the student in question dur-
ing the current or previous school year.
4. A teacher, at-large, (who is associated with the extra-curricular program) shall be
appointed by the Principal and the Athletic Director.
A minimum of three (3) members must be present to establish a quorum.

PROCEDURE OF DUE PROCESS
"Due process" is a procedure that the courts of law recognize as a necessary part of any rules
and regulations. "Due process" furthermore, and of primary importance, recognizes the
rights of the individual since it outlines their recourse in the event they feel a wrong decision
has been made. The "due process" steps outlined hereafter is the procedure for a student
and his/her parents to follow in appealing decisions relating to eligibility. It should be under-
stand that students and parents will be expected to follow the "due process" steps in the
event legal action should be initiated at some later date.

• An initial conference will be held with the student and no less than two (2) members of
the administration, to include the Athletic Director, Principal or any other Morris
Community High School administrator.
• After a written ruling of ineligibility resulting in suspension from extra-curricular activ-
ities has been made by the administration, a student and his/her parents may formally
appeal the decision in writing to the Extra-Curricular Council provided an appeal is
received within 14 days from the receipt of the letter of ineligibility.
• After an appeal has been received and the school’s formal reply mailed to the parents,
a date for a hearing with the Extra-Curricular Council will be established by the Athletic
Director, such date not later than 10 days following appeal.
• The student will be provided with an opportunity to testily and present the evidence on
his/her behalf at the hearing.
• Proceedings of the hearing, including the decision, will be put in writing, and a copy of
these proceedings will be mailed to the student and his/her parents.
• All rulings of the Extra-Curricular Council are final and may not be appealed.
• The Extra-Curricular Council will make every effort to meet as soon as possible.
50

Academic Tips and Strategies

Students and Parents,
The next few pages contain some helpful tips and strategies that should add to the success
of any high school experience. These pages were developed by the faculty at MCHS in order
to help students help themselves.

Organizational Skills

…for students

• Keep a separate binder for each of your courses. Use section dividers to keep cate-
gories such as homework, notes & and handouts, assignment calendar/to do list, cor-
rected work, tests, and quizzes.
Include
a pencil pouch containing highlighters, pens, and #2 pencils.

• Be on time, in your seat, and review notes and activities covered in the previous day’s
lesson (this should be filed in the binder).
• Use a highlighter to highlight directions and important study and lecture points.
• Utilize class time to start homework; avoid "I’ll wait until I get home" thinking.
Formulate a plan of action to complete assigned work.
• Always check with teacher for missed material if absent.
• Establish a routine of checking, cleaning, filing, recording, and updating material.
• Keep an organized locker space by keeping books, binders, calculators, writing uten-
sils in designated areas.
• It is good to have a good backpack to organize the transfer of items between school
and home.
…for home working environment

• Study and complete homework in a well-lit, quiet area: at a table or desk (not in bed
or comfortable chair/couch).
• Establish a routine: doing homework early.
• Keep an area in your home for homework materials: computer, dictionary, pens/pencils,
markers/colored pencils rulers, calculator, etc.
• Check K12 Planet for updates.
Time Management Skills

Know how long each assignment will take you to complete so you can plan your study
time accordingly.

1. Ask teachers how long you should devote to studying for a class each night. Fifteen
minutes? An hour? When assignments are given, immediately budget time to get
them done so that they are turned in on time.
2. A valuable resource for writing papers is on the University of Minnesota website
www.lib.umn.edu/help/calculator. This site will break down a large writing project into
small steps and give due dates along the way so that you do not get behind. If you can
stick to the timeline, your paper will be finished in time without staying up the night
before it is due to finish it!
Be more time efficient by breaking down large projects/papers/assignments into smaller
steps with a timeline for the entire project.

1. Use the University of Minnesota website (listed earlier) for writing assignments.
2. By breaking down large assignments into steps, you will be able to focus your atten-
tion better on certain areas of the project and be more successful instead of over-
whelmed. Make sure you break down your steps into a logical sequence to accomplish
your goals.
3. Ask your teachers for help on how to break down larger assignments or projects if you
are not sure how. They will be more than happy to help.
51

Assignment books provided by MCHS can help you to be more time efficient!
SCHEDULING is an important part of managing time wisely!

1. Keep track of your assignments by writing them in your assignment book. Write down
the days they were assigned and the days that they are due.
2. Use your planner to keep track of your schedule both in and out of school. Be specif-
ic! Write "work 6-10," "practice 3:30-5," "finish chemistry lab @8:00," etc. Make sure
that you schedule commitments, study time, and fun time as well.
3. Another part of being time efficient is PRIORITIZING. Decide which assign-
ments/activities are the most important and demand immediate attention, as well as
which can be put off until later. Mark important tasks that can be put off. Stick to this
priority list!
4. Check off events or activities as you complete them. This will help you see your
accomplishments and motivate you to continue to be time efficient.
Follow your plan for time management!

1. Adjust your plan, if necessary, if you are not being successful. As they always say, try,
try again!
2. If you fall behind in your schedule, be more realistic in your time for the next day.
3. Be consistent with your plan!
Strategies for Taking Good Notes

Before class…

• Purchase a 3 ring binder with dividers to organize sections.
• Purchase loose-leaf, ruled paper.
• Purchase blue and black pens, #2 pencils, and a highlighter.
During class…
• Date each day’s note taking entry.
• Listen for teacher clues to important information.
• Use abbreviations to speed up note taking.
• Listen and watch for definitions, vocabulary, terms, and symbols.
• Clarify meanings/ideas by asking the teacher or using a dictionary.
• Paraphrase ideas.
• Write down all assignments and each due date.
After class…
• Rewrite notes legibly, if necessary.
• Review notes each day.
• Revise ideas, if needed.
• Highlight key ideas in notes.
Model note taking methods…
• Main Idea/Detail Notes
• Informal Outline Form Notes
• Hypothesis/Proof Notes
• Concept Mapping
Test-Taking Strategies

Before the test…

1. STUDY! Study some material each day instead of "cramming" the night before the test.
2. Get a good night’s sleep.
3. Eat a sensible breakfast.
4. Be positive about the test! If you are relaxed and well prepared, you can avoid test anxiety.
During the test…

52

1. Read all directions carefully and completely. Listen to verbal instructions.
2. As soon as you receive the test, write down important information (such as formulas)
in the margins that will help you during the test.
3. Scan the test. There may be one part you wish to complete first.
4. Make markings (such as *) next to questions you wish to go back to later if you have time.
5. Skip questions that you find difficult. Answer the easier items first. They may give you
clues to other questions.
6. On most tests, it pays to guess! Unless you are told otherwise, try to make an edu-
cated guess.
7. Do not go back and change answers unless you are sure. Your first instincts are often
your best.
8. Budget your time wisely.
Strategies for Common Types of Tests
True/False…

• Every part of a true statement must be true.
• Read statements containing no, not, or cannot very carefully.
• Statements containing qualifiers – words such as some, most, or usually are more likely
to be true.
• Statements containing absolutes – words such as none, always, or never are more likely
to be false.
Multiple Choice…

• Try to answer the question before reading the answer choices. Select the option that
most closely matches your answer.
• Eliminate options you know are incorrect.
• Look for grammatical clues. For example, singular subjects require singular verbs.
• Question options that contain negative or absolute words.
Short Answer/Fill in the blank…

• Use grammatical clues within a statement as hints for the correct answer.
• A guess made with common sense could get you more points that if you leave an item blank.
• Write your answers in clear, simple sentences that include a lot of information.
Matching…

• Read each list all the way through before you begin to match.
• The first time through, mark only those answers you know well.
• Keep working through the list, eliminating possibilities each time.
• Look for grammatical clues, such as subject-verb agreement.
• Take note of whether each answer choice will be used once, more than once, or not at all.
Essays…

• Set up a time schedule to answer each question.
• Read through all of the questions once, and note if you have any choice in answering
the questions.
• Pay attention to key words such as compare, contrast, describe, or justify.
• Before you write your essay, make a brief outline.
• Get right to the point, making sure that you answer all parts of the question.
• Begin with a strong first sentence that states the main idea of your essay.
• Develop your argument, using transitions to connect your points.
• Qualify answers when in doubt. For example, instead of saying "in 1894," it is safer to say
"toward the end of the 19th century." The approximate time may be all that is wanted.
• Summarize in your last paragraph. Restate your central idea, and indicate why it is important.
• Try to allow time to review your answers. Fix errors such as misspellings and incom-
plete sentences.
53

INDEX

Page
Absence From School 17
Accreditation 5
Activities -Students 13
Administrative Probation 33
Admissions 5
Attendance Policy 18
Breathalyzers/Alcohol Sensors 35
Bus Discipline – Procedures and Guidelines 22
Cafeteria Services 12
Candy Sales 16
Cheating 31
Classroom / Hallway Conduct 28
Closed Campus Policy 21
College Days-Visitation Days 9
Computer/Internet Usage 11
Corporal Punishment 36
Course Load 8
Court Appearances 19
Curriculum 5
Custodial Apprenticeship Program 33
Daily Announcements 10
Delta Phi Art Club 13
Detention 32
Directory of Student Services 37
Discipline Code 45
Dog Searches 35
Drama Club 13
Dress Policy -Students 29
Driving Regulations -Student 34
Drug/Alcohol and Related Offenses 27
Electronic Devices 31
Eligibility, Student 36
Excused Absences 19
Expulsion from School 34
Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct 46
FCCLA 13
Fighting 23
Fireworks 24
French Club 13
Frequently Asked Questions 37
GAVC Students 22
Gang Activity Policies 27
Grievance Procedure 25
Gross Insubordination 24
Guidance and Counseling Services 10
Harassment/Bullying of Students Policy 25
Hazing 26
Health Services 11
Health Requirements, Student 35
Insubordination 24
54

Interact Club 13
Interscholastic Sports 16
Library/Media Center Services 10
Literary Festival 16
Lockers 8
Lunch 12
"M" Club 14
Mathletes 14
MCHS Loyalty Back Cover
Media Club 14
Medical and Dental Appointments 19
Metal detectors 35
National Honor Society 14
Nat’l Anthem, Nat’l Flag, School Emblem 36
Notice of Rights under the Family Educational Rights
And Privacy Act 7
Out-of-School Suspension 33
Passes -Forged 24
Participation at M.C.H.S. Activities -Attendance 36
Physical Education Department -Requirements 38
Pom-Pons 14
Posters 35
Plagiarism 31
Profanity 24
Prohibited Items 30
Public Display of Affection 30
Raffles -Unauthorized Sales 35
Saturday Detention 32
School Emergencies 9
School-wide Grading Scale 38
Senior Obligations 8
Sexual Harassment Policy 25
Skateboarding 24
Ski Club 15
Snowball Throwing, Other Items 24
Spanish Club 15
Speech Team 15
Stealing 24
Student Facilities Use 35
Student Code 36
Student Council 15
Student Discipline Policy 39
Student Handbook/Planner Policy 20
Student Insurance 9
Student Records 5
Students Active In Education 15
Suspension Policies 23
Tardies to Class 17
Tardies to School 17
Teacher Detentions 32
Textbooks 8
Time Schedules Back Cover

55

Tobacco/Tobacco-Related Offenses 28

T.R.O.U.P.E. 15
Truancy 23
Unexcused Absences 19
Vacations 19
Vandalism 24
Video Surveillance 35
Visitors/Guests 12
Weapons Policy 28
Withdrawal From School 34
Yearly Student Activities 16

56

 

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