Safety and Security

District 126, believes that there is a direct correlation between academic achievement and regular, prompt attendance. A student’s success in school and future career activities depends upon positive attendance habits. Regular and consistent school attendance helps to develop responsibility and self-discipline; it also prepares students for the world of work. The attendance policy is in place to promote and encourage positive attendance habits for each student.
The major responsibility for acceptable attendance lies with the student and parents. Teachers, counselors, and administrators have the responsibility to assist the student and work with parents in meeting the goal of acceptable attendance.

Students are expected to be in school and on time to class every day. Students should be fully aware that the interactions in the classroom constitute a valid and critical part of the coursework; they cannot be duplicated. Students should be attentive and prepared with proper materials to be actively involved in the class.

Parents are expected to notify the school the day of an absence or the following day of any absence or extenuating circumstances regarding illness or personal and family problems that may have an effect on attendance. Every effort should be made to schedule routine appointments after school hours. Family vacations should be planned during holidays outlined on the school calendar. Parents should discuss the importance of good attendance with their student to avoid loss of credit due to violations of the attendance policy.

Teachers are expected to maintain accurate daily attendance/tardy records and report them properly to the office. A teacher has the professional responsibility to begin class on time and provide a consistent classroom environment that is a challenging and rewarding educational experience.

To promote this philosophy and to assist students in developing lifelong, responsible attendance patterns, the following procedures will be implemented.

Attendance Procedures

Excused Absences

For an absence to be excused, parents must call the Attendance Office within 24 hours of the absence. Family trips or long-term absences must be prearranged one week in advance of the absence through utilizing the Extended Absence Form process. This will allow students to receive assignments in advance of the absence.

Documentation or other verification may be required to excuse a long-term absence. Students will be allowed a minimum of one day per absence to make up work. Students who have unexcused absences will not receive credit for any assigned work that day. Students will be disciplined for unexcused absences or skipping.

Exempt Absences

Extended Absence

When a student is not going to be in school for a period of time and he/she knows about it ahead of time, he/she is required to complete an Extended Absence form. This form is available in the Attendance Office. The student must also have a parent verify the absence by calling the Attendance Office. The student takes the form to each of his/her teachers to secure signatures and homework assignments. The form is then returned to the Attendance Office, recorded, and filed.

1. School activities
2. Religious holidays
3. Serious injury or long-term illness
4. Verifiable chronic illness
5. Suspension from school
6. Bereavement for a family member

Bullying of any kind, by any person, is unacceptable. All students should be free from worries about being bullied. Students who bully others must be taught other, appropriate ways of interacting with peers. The purpose of this letter is to provide information concerning the School District’s anti-bullying program and to encourage everyone to help us identify students who are being bullied.

The District 126 School Board policy on bullying begins with this goals statement:

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors is an important District goal.

Bullying is defined as follows:

Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

1. Placing the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.
2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.
3. Substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance.
4. Substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Bullying, intimidation, and/or harassment may take various forms, including without limitation: threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

We asked our school staff members to respond immediately and with compassion to a student who reports bullying or school violence. After evaluating the situation to determine if an immediate referral to an administrative office is needed, a staff member will give the student a Report Form for Bullying and School Violence. Parents will be informed whenever their child is involved in a bullying report.

We also asked our staff members for their feedback and concerns specifically regarding locations that may be bullying hot spots needing additional supervision or monitoring or if there are any known bullies or targets of bullying in our building. We ask parents/guardians to do the same thing. Please inform us if you know of any bullying hot spots in or around our school, or if you are aware of a known bully or target of bullying.

Finally, staff members are requested to intervene immediately to stop a bullying incident. They will immediately contact building security and or law enforcement if the incident involves a weapon or other illegal activity.

Below are some of the signs that a young person is being bullied: 

• Does not want to go to school and refuses to explain the reason
• Talks about not having any friends
• Has unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches, or abrasions
• Has unexplained damage to clothing, possessions, books, etc.
• Frequently loses money or possessions
• Loses interest in school and/or has declining grades
• Becomes withdrawn and/or has stress or depression symptoms

These signs do not necessarily mean a student is being bullied, but if present, be sure to ask the student whether he or she is being bullied.

REPORTING BULLYING

Please immediately report any concerns that a student shows signs or expresses concerns of being bullied or if bullying is witnessed, to a member of the District 126 administration.  This can be done by phone call, email, or by clicking on the "Anonymous Alerts" link on the school's website.  

Click here to access a Report Form for Bullying and School Violence.  Complete the form as soon as possible, providing details of what was observed, and turn it into the administration.  Together, we can all put an end to bullying in our schools.

Board Policy 7:180 provides details regarding the School Board's policy on Bullying.

Fire Alarm/Drill Procedures

• 1. ALL PERSONS MUST LEAVE THE BUILDING
  2. The fire alarm is a loud, continuous signaling device.
  3. Leave your area immediately by the assigned exit as designated by the posted Disaster Plan. Promptly follow all directions given and remain with staff.
  4. Have an alternative route in mind in case your assigned exit is blocked.
  5. If traffic appears to be blocked or slow, do not push. Wait calmly in line. Be prepared to turn back and use alternative exits.
  6. Turn off utilities used in class.
  7. Proceed at a rapid pace. Do not wait for friends. No loitering or delaying in hallways or cafeterias.
  8. Move AT LEAST 500 FEET away from the building.
  9. DO NOT STOP AT EXITS - DO NOT GO TO LOCKERS
  10. Take purses and valuables with you.
  11. No unnecessary talking. Listen carefully for instructions throughout the evacuation.
  12. The SIGNAL to RETURN to the building is an ANNOUNCEMENT on the intercom. (During fire drills the Signaling Device will be turned off after approximately two minutes. THIS DOES NOT MEAN IT IS CLEAR TO RETURN TO THE BUILDING. Everyone must remain outside until the end of the drill is announced.)

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Tornado/Disaster Drill Procedures

When a Tornado/Disaster drill is in effect, all persons must move immediately to safer areas.

The signal for the start of the tornado/disaster drill is an announcement over the intercom, or a prolonged and interrupted “beep” of the passing tone, or both. An announcement over the intercom ends the tornado/disaster drill.
The Disaster Plan posted in every room will give directions as to where personnel are to report. (Rooms are required to have the fire/disaster plan posted. If missing, request a replacement from the Principal’s Office.)

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Lockdown/Lockdown Drill Procedures

District 126 will practice lockdown drill(s) annually.  During a lockdown/lockdown drill, all students and guests should follow staff directions immediately.  Directions on whether the lockdown is “soft” (concern outside of the building) or “hard” (concern inside the building) will immediately follow the initial notification of the lockdown/lockdown drill.  Students who fail to comply with or disrupt an emergency drill, or attempt to incite panic or initiate an unauthorized emergency drill, are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or a hearing before the Board of Education.

1. Students must always wear a current Zion-Benton ID card on a lanyard, which is to be worn around the neck and not tied to book bags. IDs (regular and temporary) will be visible as soon as soon as the student enters the building and must only be worn on the front chest of the top layer of clothing. Replacements must be purchased upon arrival to school.
2. The first ID card is free. Replacements will be available in the Attendance Office.
3. Any student defacing his/her ID will be billed for replacement cost.
4. Students may not give their ID to any other person (unless requested by a staff member).
5. No student may be in possession of any other student’s ID.
6. If a student loses his/her ID card, he/she must get a replacement.
7. If a student has a schedule change, he/she must get a replacement ID card (at no charge).
8. The lanyard must be of breakaway material in order to insure student safety and must be worn as-is without any knots. No clip-ons or any other display holders are to be used.
9. Using more than three replacement IDs in one semester will result in a referral to the Dean’s Office.
10. Students will be allowed two IDs in their possession, one in their locker and one worn by the student.
11. Temporary IDs will be provided at the Attedance window.