PTHS Student Handbook 2017-2018

GANG & GANG ACTIVITY PROHIBITED “Gang” is defined as any group, club or organization of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. No student on or about school property or at any school activity or whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to a school activity, shall: (1) wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia or other items which reasonably could be regarded as gang symbols; commit any act or omission, or use either verbal or non ‐ verbal gestures, or handshakes showing membership or affiliation in a gang; or (2) use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interest of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to, soliciting others for membership in any gangs; (3) request any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidate, harass or threaten any person; (4) commit any other illegal act or other violation of district policies, (5) or incite other students to act with physical violence upon any other person. RE-ENGAGMENT OF RETURNING STUDENTS The building principal or designee shall meet with a student returning to school from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion or alternative school setting. The goal of this meeting shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusion and shall include an opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make-up missed work for equivalent academic credit. In addition a behavioral, academic, and/or social emotional support plan will be created to assist in preventing future misconduct. Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors. The School Board or an appointed designee will establish and maintain a committee to develop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities. Discipline of Special Education Students The District shall comply with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules when disciplining special education students. No special education student shall be expelled if the student’s particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability. DUE PROCESS - STUDENT RIGHTS To ensure that the student receives fair treatment consistent with the fundamental requirements of due process, student suspensions or recommendations for expulsion are made in accordance with the following procedures for out-of-school suspensions: 1. A student must be given the opportunity to present information on his/her own behalf prior to suspension. The suspension shall be reported immediately by phone to the parent or guardian of each suspended student and to the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools. The report to the parents shall be made by letter through the U.S. mail. A copy of this letter will be sufficient notification to all others. The suspension will begin immediately unless a formal appeal has been made to the appropriate administrator. 2. The suspension letter shall give full statement of the reasons for the suspension and notice to the parents or guardian of their right to review. All requests for review shall be made by the parent or guardian within ten days after receipt of “Notice of Suspension” and shall be made to the person ordering the suspension. b. The parent or guardian requesting the review shall appear and discuss the suspension or expulsion with the Board of Education or a Board-appointed Hearing Officer. Hearings shall be heard within ten days after receipt of the request for review. c. Thereafter, if a hearing officer is used, he/she shall report to the Board, by written summary, the evidence heard at the meeting. DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Behavioral Interventions The procedure for review, if requested, shall be as follows: a.

d. Upon request of the report, the Board may take such action as it finds appropriate. Hearings thereon shall be held in executive session for the protection of the student involved.

3. A student shall be reinstated after suspension by the Principal or his/her representative only. Further continuance of school is contingent upon the conduct of the student being consistent with that which is expected of good school citizens. Reinstatement may occur only after a parental conference involving appropriate school personnel. (BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS)

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