PTHS Student Handbook 2026-2027

FIFTH-YEAR AND BEYOND STUDENTS The School Board has agreed to release 5-year students after the final class in the student’s day. This policy affects only those students choosing to attend school beyond 12th grade. GRADUATION CEREMONIES In order for a student to attend graduation ceremonies and receive a diploma from Pontiac Township High School, a student must attend PTHS and meet all requirements set forth by the Board of Education. Students who attend the ROE Alternative School will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Unless an absence is approved by an administrator, seniors must attend graduation practice in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. Seniors who do not participate in the graduation ceremony can pick up their diplomas during business hours on a date after the ceremony. REQUESTS FROM MILITARY OR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING Periodically, military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, including in conjunction with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), will be given access to some of the following information: names, addresses,telephone numbers, email addresses, and dates of birth of secondary students. This information is used for recruiting purposes and/or to inform students of educational and career opportunities. Parents who do not want their child’s information to be released (or students age 18 and older who do not want their information released) should contact the building Principal. GUIDANCE SERVICES COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENT: Lisa Meyer: A - K, and Jeff Flott: L - Z The functions of the department can be divided into three areas: Educational Guidance, Career Guidance, and Personal Counseling. Educational Guidance helps students develop their educational goals, select courses and make post-high school plans. The counselors schedule routine conferences at least twice a year with all the students to discuss their educational and vocational plans. Group guidance sessions are held to disseminate information and interpret test scores; however, this is never intended to discourage students from seeking individual help from a counselor when the need arises. Vocational guidance aids students in gathering information and considering careers in conjunction with their standardized testing results. Special activities include a tour for all sophomores of the Livingston Area Career Center and the Career Day. Personal counseling for students is voluntary, and a student may talk with any member of the department whom he/she chooses. What the student chooses to discuss with the counselor is held in utmost confidence. A student may arrange for an appointment during a study hall or before or after school. Some special activities provide students with more information and will help them make better informed choices. These activities are Freshman Orientation, Career Center Tours, Financial Aid Meeting, and standardized testing.

Students who meet certain academic criteria will be required to participate in state testing. At the student’s expense, additional testing is offered. Juniors may take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (P-SAT).