PTHS Student Handbook 2024-2025

Applications for fee waivers may be obtained online through Skyward Family Access. The application is located under the “Food Service” tab. Click on “Applications” and then add the application. A student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met: 1. The student currently lives in a household that meets the free lunch or breakfast eligibility guidelines established by the federal government pursuant to the National School Lunch Act; or 2. The student or the student’s family is currently receiving aid under Article IV of the Illinois Public Aid Code (Aid to Families of Dependent Children); or 3. The student’s parent is a veteran or active-duty military personnel with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. The building principal will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present: ● An illness in the family; ● Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.; ● Unemployment; ● Emergency situations; or ● When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage. The building principal will notify the parent/guardian promptly as to whether the fee waiver request has been granted or denied. Questions regarding the fee waiver application process or an appeal of the District’s decision to deny a fee waiver should be addressed to the Building Principal. Pursuant to the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act, the school is required to provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of whether the student has the ability to pay for the meal or snack or owes money for earlier meals or snacks. Students may not be provided with an alternative meal or snack and the school is prohibited from publicly identifying or stigmatizing a student who cannot pay for or owes money for a meal or snack. EMERGENCY DRILLS Safety drills will occur at times established by the school board. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three (3) fire drills, a minimum of one (1) severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one (1) law enforcement drill to address an active shooter incident, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. Drills will be preceded by a warning to the students. HOMELESS STUDENTS The Pontiac Township High School District shall provide an educational environment that treats all students with dignity and respect. Every homeless student shall have equal access to the same free and appropriate educational opportunities as students who are not homeless. This commitment to the educational rights of homeless children, youth, and youth not living with a parent or guardian, applies to all services, programs, and activities provided or made available, as prescribed in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. In an effort to comply with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Pontiac Township High School affirms that all homeless students will not be denied the benefits of, or be subject to, discrimination under any educational program or activity as students who are not homeless. Please report to the Guidance Department for assistance.