The school counselors are available to offer guidance, support the overall well-being of students, and assist with post-high school planning.

The College Counselor, Ms. Zameck, is available to assist students through the college and post-secondary planning process.

The Career Counselor, Mrs. Peterson, is available to assist students with career exploration and planning, as well as Lake County Tech Campus advisement.

The Registrar, Ms. Holverson, is available to assist with records and/or transcripts for transferring present and past students.

The Student Services Support Specialist, Ms. Miscichowski, is available to assist with correspondence enrollment, home or hospital tutoring, secondary school reference forms, GED letters, homebound services, and other services.

The Director of Student Services, Mr. Carlson, is available for assistance with transferring or enrolling students, to offer guidance with special circumstances and other support services.

ALPHA	Name	847-731-	Email	Calendly Appointment
(A - CAL)	Sonia Huizar	9341	sonia.huizar@zb126.org	A-Cal: Ms. Huizar
(CAM - D)	Erin Larson	9347	erin.larson@zb126.org	Cam -D: Ms. Larson
(E - GUD)	Sarah Oates	9344	sarah.oates@zb126.org	E- Gud: Ms. Oates
(GUE - LN	Mari Najera	9346	mari.najera@zb126.org	Gue-Ln: Ms. Najera
(LO - M)	Sama Saed	9343	sama.saed@zb126.org	Lo- M: Ms. Saed
(N - RIU)	Colleen Rodriguez-Newton	9345	colleen.rodriguez-newton@zb126.org	N- Riu: Ms. Newton
(RIU - S)	Jennifer Marhefka	9350	jennifer.marhefka@zb126.org	Riv- S: Ms. Marhefka
(T - Z)	Courtney McNeal	9349	courtney.mcneal@zb126.org	T-Z: Ms. McNeal
College	Allison Zameck	9348	allison.zameck@zb126.org	College: Ms. Zameck
Career	Ana Peterson	9342	ana.peterson@zb126.org	Career: Ms. Peterson

 

The school counselors are available to offer guidance, support the overall well-being of students, and assist with post-high school planning.

(A-K)	Kayla Matthews - ZBE	5646	kayla.matthews@zb126.org
(L-Z)	Eric Decker - ZBE	3440	eric.decker@zb126.org

Bullying Policy and Reporting

PREVENTION OF AND RESPONSE TO BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, AND HARASSMENT

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 and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important District goals. Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military service,, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, status of being homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:

1. During any school sponsored education program or activity.

2. While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.

3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.

4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the

School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school.

This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.

Definitions from Section 27-23.7 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-23.7) Bullying includes cyberbullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 1

. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;

2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;

3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or 4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

 Cyberbullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo-electronic system, or photo-optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications.

Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, that:

(i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and community,

(ii) contribute to maintaining school safety,

iii) protect the integrity of a positive and productive learning climate,

(iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to be successful in school and society,

v) serve to build and restore relationships among students, families, schools, and communities, and (vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in school. School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district, including without limitation school and school district administrators, teachers, school guidance counselors, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards.

Bullying Prevention and Response Plan

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the District’s goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassment. This plan must be consistent with the requirements listed below; each numbered requirement, 1-12, corresponds with the same number in the list of required policy components in 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7(b) 1-12.

1. The District uses the definition of bullying as provided in this policy.

2. Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of this District. However, nothing in the District’s bullying prevention and response plan is intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution.

3. Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the District named officials or any staff member. T

he District named officials and all staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anonymous reports are also accepted and may be provided in written form or through the Anonymous Alert quick link on the District’s website.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: Mr. Jacob Carlson, Executive Director of Student Services – 847/731-9340 - Zion-Benton Twp. High School District 126 3901 W 21st Street, Zion, IL 60099

Complaint Managers:

• Zion-Benton Twp. High School – 3901 21st Street, Zion, IL 60099  Mrs. Bonnie Felske, Principal  – 847/731-9309  bonnie.felske@zb126.org   
• Zion-Benton East – 1634 23rd Street, Zion, IL 60099 Mr. Kevin Wiland, Principal – 847/731-9802 – Kevin.wiland @zb1216.org   

4. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the Superintendent or designee shall promptly inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of every student involved in an alleged incident of bullying and discuss, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures.

5. The Superintendent or designee shall promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, by, among other things: a. Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of a bullying incident was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported bullying incident.   

Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as deemed appropriate, in the investigation process. c

Notifying the Building Principal or school administrator or designee of the reported incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received.

Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the Building Principal or school administrator or his or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying. T

he Superintendent or designee shall investigate whether a reported incident of bullying is within the permissible scope of the District’s jurisdiction and shall require that the District provide the victim with information regarding services that are available within the District and community, such as counseling, support services, and other programs.

6. The Superintendent or designee shall use interventions to address bullying, that may include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community-based services.

7. A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. A student’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.

8. A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.

9. The District’s bullying prevention and response plan must be based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including students and parents/guardians.

10. The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the District’s website, if any, and include it in the student handbook, and, where applicable, post it where other policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted. The policy must also be distributed annually to parents/guardians, students, and school personnel, including new employees when hired, and must also be provided periodically throughout the school year to students and faculty.

11. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. This process shall include, without limitation:

a. The frequency of victimization;  b. Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school; c. Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs; d. The types of bullying utilized; and e. Bystander intervention or participation.

The evaluation process may use relevant data and information that the District already collects for other purposes. The Superintendent or designee must post the information developed as a result of the policy evaluation on the District’s website, or if a website is not available, the information must be provided to school administrators, Board members, school personnel, parents/guardians, and students. 12. The Superintendent or designee shall fully implement the Board policies, including without limitation, the following: a. 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may use this policy to complain about bullying. b. 6:60, Curriculum Content. Bullying prevention and character instruction is provided in all grades in accordance with State law. c. 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development. Student social and emotional development is incorporated into the District’s educational program as required by State law. d. 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks. This policy states that the use of the District’s electronic networks is limited to:

(1) support of education and/or research, or (2) a legitimate business use. e. 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing, intimidating, or bullying a student based on an identified actual or perceived characteristic (the list of characteristics in 7:20 is the same as the list in this policy). f. 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. This policy prohibits teen dating violence on school property, at school sponsored activities, and in vehicles used for school-provided transportation.  7:190, Student Discipline.

This policy prohibits, and provides consequences for, hazing, bullying, or other aggressive behaviors, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. h. 7:310, Restrictions on Publications. This policy prohibits students from and provides consequences for: (1) accessing and/or distributing at school any written, printed, or electronic material, including material from the Internet, that will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, and (2) creating and/or distributing written, printed, or electronic material, including photographic material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.

 

INCIDENT REPORTING

The Anonymous Alerts anti-bullying and safety app reporting system helps combat bullying and other negative activity in schools by empowering students to speak up. Social and peer pressure are some of the hardest obstacles for students to overcome.

The Anonymous Alerts system allows for 1-way or 2-way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters (students, parents, or community members) and district administration and/or school staff. Users of the system have the option to remain anonymous or to reveal their identity when submitting a report.

How does it work?

To use this revolutionary new app, students, parents or other school personnel can simply visit the Zion-Benton Twp. High School or New Tech @Zion-Benton East website and click on the “Anonymous Alerts” button or text link to submit a report expressing their concern. Anonymous Alerts® mobile applications can be downloaded directly from the Apple, Google Play or the Chrome stores. Zion-Benton Twp. High School District 126 supplies students a simple username and password activation code, making the app remarkably easy to use and students select which school and contact the message should go to. In addition, informational posters explaining how to use the app will be displayed throughout schools and offices in the district.

To send reports from the Web/Internet go to: https://www.anonymousalerts.com/zionbentonths/

To send a report from your phone:

In an emergency, always call 9-1-1

• Download the Anonymous Alerts app for free from the Apple Store, Google Play store, or the Chrome store.
• Start the App, enter login: zionbentonths and password: zionbentonths
• Send important reports to school officials
• Add a screenshot, photo or video about the incident

In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/34-18.67, crisis support information is viewable to the community.

Crisis Support 

If this is an emergency, dial 9-1-1. 

If you or someone you know needs help or wants to discuss mental health concerns, contact: 

• Dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
• Contact Safe2Help Illinois: Dial 844-4-SAFEIL, Text SAFE2 (72332), email HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255

Online Registration Opens: July 1

Online registration opens Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Student Online Registration will be in the Skyward Family Account. Complete each section of the registration process and upload any necessary documents. Student Online Registration allows for the parent/guardian to complete most registration items. Once complete the student must come in to get their ID picture taken and verify completion of the online portion of registration.

In Person Registration:

• Mon July 28 7:15AM - 4PM
• Tues July 29 10AM - 6PM
• Weds July 30 7AM - 4PM
• Thurs July 31 7AM - 4:PM
• Mon Aug 4 7AM - 4PM
• Tues Aug 5 10AM - 6PM
• Weds Aug 6 7AM - 4PM
• Thurs Aug 7 7AM - 4PM

ZB East students will come to ZB East

ZION-BENTON students will come to ZBTHS

(Parents/guardians are encouraged to accompany their students for Onsite Registration)

• Turn in your Category 1 & 2 Residency documents (if not submitted online)
• Turn in current Physical forms and Immunization records (if not submitted online)
• Take ID photo
• Pick up books, workbooks, computers, and PE uniforms at the Bookstore.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact any of the following individuals for help:

• Ms. Kathy Cardenas-ZBTHS Principal’s Secretary – ZTBHS (847) 731-9303
• Ms. Yolanda McKenzie- ZB East Registrar – ZB East (847) 731-9804
• Ms. Melissa Tellez-Miscichowski - Student Services (Spanish) – ZBTHS (847) 731-9356
• Ms. Jane Cheney-Student Services Secretary – ZBTHS (847) 731-9352

 

Registration Information: https://secure.smore.com/n/xuak7

 

The purpose of the Course Guide is to provide information important for choosing an appropriate course sequence and selecting courses needed to achieve educational and career goals.  The Course Guide also contains Board of Education policy related to all curriculum related matters

Understanding GPA

Overview of how to calculate weighted and unweighted GPA with specific examples 

Career Clusters

Information about various careers and college majors along with ZBTHS high school courses students should take to prepare well for a particular field

Pass/Fail Options

Explanation of pass/fail rules and guidelines 

ZB Tutoring for Math, Writing, and Reading

Students are able to receive one-on-one tutoring from teachers during their study hall. If students don't have a study hall, then tutoring is available after school from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm on certain days of the week. Students who take advantage of after-school tutoring can take the activity bus home.

Click here to view the tutoring schedule.

Free 24/7 Tutoring - Varsity Tutors 

Through a partnership with Varsity Tutors, District 126 can offer students a variety of academic support options at no cost, including 24/7 chat tutoring in Spanish or English in any subject, SAT prep, essay review, and celebrity hosted on-demand courses, and more.  

• A video describing how the chat feature works can be found here.  

• Directions for how students can access Varsity Tutors from their Chromebook or phone is here and below.

• A flyer describing the various free services is here.

Free Tutoring from Zion-Benton Public Library

Students can take advantage of free online tutoring from 2pm-11pm every day through the Zion-Benton Public Library. This is not a computer program. It is an online forum where students can connect with a live tutor to work through homework and receive help. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, students need a Zion-Benton Public Library card. Students who do not have a public library card may fill out an application, have it signed by a parent/guardian, and return it to the ZBTHS IMC. The Zion-Benton Public Library card will then be mailed to the student's home. Alternatively, students can bring a parent/guardian to the Zion-Benton Public Library along with proof of residency and get a library card. Click here to view details about how to access the online tutoring.

Meet with Teachers

Students are encouraged to meet with their teachers outside of class time if necessary. Teachers may be available before, during, or after school to meet with students depending on their schedule. Students can find specific teacher schedules on the various department office doors.

School Board Policy 6:135 - Accelerated Placement Program provides ZBTHS District 126's policy regarding how students may qualify for accelerated placement in their coursework.  Additional information regarding the District's course opportunities is also available in the Course Guide.  Students should consult with their counselor for guidance on appropriate course placement.

Zion-Benton Twp. High School District 126 follows all rules and regulations of the Mckinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act when enrolling homeless students.

The District Homeless Liaison is Ms. Melissa Miscichowski, in the student services office. Ms. Miscichowski can be contacted either by phone at (847) 731-9356 or contacted by email at  melissa.miscichowski@zb126.org

Click here for more information.

• What is a transcript?
  A transcript is a copy of a student's permanent academic record that contains courses taken and grades received. An official transcript is prepared and sent by the Student Services Registrar with an original signature of a school official.

  Transferring to another High School - 

• ZBTHS- Contact Ms. Holverson Diane.Holverson@zb126.org or 847-731-9351 

• ZBE- Contact Ms. Yolanda Mckenzie  yolanda.mckenzie@zb126.org or 847-731-9804

  • FOR A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

    How do I get my transcript?
    There are three ways you can obtain your transcript: online, in person, or by mail. The preferred method is to order your transcript(s) online using our online order system.

    
    ATTN: Registrar
    Zion-Benton Township High School
    One Z-B Way
    21st & Kenosha Road
    Zion, IL. 60099
    (847)731-9351
    
    ATTN: Registrar
    Zion-Benton East High School
    1634 23rd Street
    Zion, IL 60099
    (847) 731-9804

    Is there a cost?
    Paper copies of Transcripts are free . Please allow two business days to process the request.
    Electronic copies of Transcripts are free to current students until Aug 1st after they have graduated.  From there, parchment will charge a fee. 

  • • In-Person: Go to the Student Services Office at your school and see the School Registrar.
  • • Electronic Transcript Order: Request transcripts via Parchment: parchment.com.  Beginning AUGUST 1st after you have graduated, Parchment will charge a fee. 
       
    • Paper Transcript By Mail:  You may request your transcript through the mail.  To do so, simply download the request form by clicking on the link below, print out the form, and mail the form to the address below.

In accordance with Board Policy 7:290 and state law 105 ILCS 5/2-3.166, Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 is committed to promoting student wellness and providing education, resources, and support around suicide and depression awareness.

Student Awareness and Education
Students receive instruction on suicide awareness and mental health support through:

• Health Classes as part of the curriculum

• Advisory Sessions during Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month (September)

• Resources from Erika’s Lighthouse, including family engagement materials available at Erika’s Lighthouse Resources

When a Student Needs Help
Students are encouraged to seek help for themselves or others. Immediate and ongoing support options include:

• Dial 988 for immediate help (24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

• Speak with a School Counselor, Dean, Social Worker, Teacher, or any Trusted Adult within the school community

Staff Training
To ensure all staff are prepared to recognize and respond to signs of depression and suicide risk, annual training is completed as part of the district’s required GCN (Global Compliance Network) modules. This training complies with the legal mandate for professional development and reinforces our collective responsibility to support student mental health.

For more information, please review the District Wellness Smore and Board Policy 7:290.