IX. Discipline

  • A. VIOLATION OF REGULATIONS

    Actions that will subject a student to discipline include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Board Policy 7:190—Student Behavior and/or the following:

      1. Aiding and Abetting – Any student who assists another student in the commission of a crime or violation of a school rule will receive consequences accordingly.
      2. Arson/possessing any fire-starting/explosive materials, including but not limited to fireworks and smoke bombs.
      3. Threats to school safety that may include, false safety alarm activation or threat, bomb threats, false 911 calls, and/or any false or true threat aimed at school safety or security.
      4. Bullying/Harassment - bullying other students verbally or physically will not be tolerated. Bullying is a conscious, willful, deliberate activity intended to harm where the perpetrator(s) get pleasure from the targeted person’s pain/and or misery. It can be verbal, physical, and/or relational; have as its overlay race, ethnicity, religion, gender (including sexual orientation), physical, or mental ability; includes all forms of hazing and cyberbullying. It can be, and often is, continuous and repeated over time, but does not have to be. Once is enough to constitute bullying.
      5. Bus Misconduct - School buses and bus stops are considered school property; therefore, school rules governing student conduct apply to buses (and other such district vehicles, i.e., vans, cars, etc.) used in daily transportation, field trips, or sporting events. The bus route number on the face of the ID card must match the route number of the vehicle being boarded. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the one assigned. As agents of LTHS, bus drivers have authority to enforce school’s discipline policies.
      6. Academic Dishonesty
        1. Cheating is an attempt through fraud or collusion to gain unfair advantage for a student which undermines learning, the primary focus of our school. Cheating always involves the loss of academic integrity and inhibits the student’s opportunity to learn. Therefore, any student involved in cheating will be subject to corrective action.
        2. Plagiarism is the act of taking, in part or in whole, someone else’s original ideas without appropriately crediting the source and presenting them as one’s own. The ideas may be presented in written, visual, auditory, computational, electronic, or other forms. Plagiarism, like other kinds of cheating, sacrifices academic integrity. Students who plagiarize will be subject to not only corrective action, but also possible legal consequences.
        3. Due Process: All divisions will follow the Disciplinary Procedures Relating to Cheating and Plagiarism in the Student Handbook. At any stage of this process (First, Second, or Third Offense), the student may also be disciplined for other misconduct (i.e. impersonation, theft, etc.) which includes suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion at the discretion of the administration. If, during the process of setting up a conference to remediate the behavior, a teacher finds another instance of plagiarism prior to the completion of the steps outlined in the policy, the student will be subject to the consequence of the next offense as well.
          1. First Offense: On the first offense, the teacher contacts both the student and parent, and completes a behavioral referral in Infinite Campus. The Assistant Principal then meets with the student (and parent when appropriate) in regards to the incident. At the conference, successive attempts at remediation will be outlined if the student continues to violate the school’s policy. The student will be required to participate in a restorative intervention that includes a statement, reflection questions, and academic monitoring with the Assistant Principal. In addition, he/she will serve a one-hour detention before/after school to complete the original or alternative assignment provided by the teacher to demonstrate learning of the material. The student will receive a “M” as a placeholder until the assignment is completed. If the assignment is not completed within the timeline outlined in the teacher’s syllabus, the grade will be converted to the lowest grade given in the course.
          2. Second Offense: On the second offense, the teacher contacts both the student and parent, and completes a behavioral referral in Infinite Campus. A conference is held with the Assistant Principal, student, and the parent. The student will be required to participate in a restorative intervention that includes a statement, reflection questions, and academic monitoring with the Assistant Principal. In addition, he/she will serve a four-hour Saturday detention to complete the original or alternative assignment provided by the teacher to demonstrate learning of the material.  The student will receive a “M” as a placeholder until the assignment is completed. If the assignment is not completed within the timeline outlined in the teacher’s syllabus, the grade will be converted to the lowest grade given in the course.
          3. Third or Subsequent Offense: On the third or any subsequent offense, the teacher contacts both the student and parent, and completes a behavioral referral in Infinite Campus. A conference will be held with the student, parent, and Assistant Principal. The student will be required to participate in a restorative intervention that includes a statement, reflection questions, and academic monitoring with the Assistant Principal. In addition, he/she will serve a one day of in school suspension to complete the original or alternative assignment provided by the teacher to demonstrate learning of the material. The student will receive a “M” as a placeholder until the assignment is completed. If the assignment is not completed within the timeline outlined in the teacher’s syllabus, the grade will be converted to the lowest grade given in the course.

    EXAMPLES – Cheating and plagiarism can be observed or detected through, but not limited to, the following behaviors:

            1. copying homework (whether you give it to, or receive it from someone else)
            2. looking on another students’ test or quiz
            3. letting another student look on your test or quiz
            4. using other methods of getting or giving answers on a test or quiz (including accessing the internet or other electronic devices)
            5. working with others on any assignment that was meant to be done by individuals or had not been explicitly assigned by the teacher as a collaborative assignment
            6. taking papers in part or in whole from the Internet, other publications, or other students
            7. taking information from another source that is not properly attributed
            8. taking any part of a test to use or to give to another student
            9. taking material from the teacher without permission

    Note: The teacher may use computer software to determine the extent of plagiarism on any assignment.

    7. Derogatory language, symbols or activities intended to offend or harass. They may include but are not limited to racial and ethnic slurs/expressions.
    8. Deceiving/not cooperating with school personnel or staff.
    9. Displays of affection
    10. Drugs and Alcohol (Controlled Substance Policy) - Possession, delivery, solicitation, use or sale and being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, behavior-affecting drugs, controlled substances, “look-alike” drugs, intoxicating compounds, synthetic marijuana, medical marijuana or drug paraphernalia, including vaporizers, on school property, while attending, or in route to school or school sponsored activities are strictly prohibited. Violations are cumulative during a student’s enrollment at Lyons Township. Local police will be advised of the incident.

    a. Definitions: Possession is defined as having on one’s person or having control, e.g., having alcohol or drugs in school locker, in vehicle or in another place to which the individual has access. Behavior-affecting drugs are defined as controlled substances and substances legally obtained, e.g., glue, but improperly used to alter a person’s mood, perceptions, or behavior.

    Controlled substances are defined as illegal and legal drugs used in a manner different from what was prescribed by a doctor. Sale or distribution is defined as a student selling, distributing or in possession of substance (alcoholic beverages, behavior-affecting drugs, controlled-substances or “look-alike” drugs) in amounts other than for personal use, will be suspended out-of-school immediately and recommended for expulsion.

    b. Breathalyzers/Health Assessment Screening – If a student is suspected of being under the influence, he or she may be asked to breathe into the breathalyzer and/or participate in a health assessment screening. If the breathalyzer indicates that a student has been drinking alcohol, parents will be contacted and the student may be turned over to the local police. The school’s drug and alcohol policy will be enforced. Should a student refuse to take a breathalyzer or participate in a health assessment screening, the school administration will also call the parent to inform them and may turn the student over to the police. Students who refuse to take the breathalyzer and/or participate in the health assessment screening, will be assumed to be under the influence and receive consequences accordingly.

    i. First offense other than sale or distribution

            1. Parent notified; student suspended
            2. Student will be referred to the local police agency.
            3. At the discretion of the administration, and at parents’ expense, the student may be recommended for an assessment and participate, in a district approved Alternative to Suspension program. If student successfully completes the assessment and recommended program, the out-of-school suspension shall be reduced. Parents and student must notify LTHS within 48 hours of enrollment in a district approved Alternative to Suspension program. Failure to complete this program will result in a reinstatement of the original suspension.

    ii. Second offense other than sale or distribution

            1. Parent notified, student suspended
            2. Student will be referred to the local police agency.
            3. Expulsion may be recommended; such proceedings may be abated, at the discretion of the administration, if student enrolls and participates in approved treatment program at parent expense.

    iii. Sale or distribution - Students selling, distributing or possessing any substance in an amount other than for personal use;

            1. Parent notified.
            2. Suspension out-of-school
            3. Student will be referred to the local police agency.
            4. Expulsion recommended
    11. Electronic Media Policy Violation (see Student Expectations)
    12. Extortion
    13. Failure to follow schedule
    14. Failure to report to an LTHS employee a known act of misconduct which violates any policy or procedure of the School District that has been committed or threatened by another student
    15. Failure to report to detention or follow detention/ISS rules
    16. Forgery/Impersonation - Students are expected to turn in all documents with authentic information and signatures on them. Any student falsifying a signature or information on a document or knowingly turning in a document with false information or signatures is guilty of forgery. A list, although not inclusive, of possible documents where forgery may occur are: Field Trip cards, Credit/No Credit form, Hall Passes, Athletic Physical forms, Medical Notes, Outside Guest Dance forms, Pre-Approved Absence forms, Parent Permission forms, Level Change forms, Add/Drop forms. Impersonation includes representing a parent when in contact with the school (attendance and otherwise). Consequences vary from loss of participation to suspension from school.
    17. Fundraising or Solicitation - Selling or purchasing of any kind for non-school organizations is prohibited by law and by the Board of Education. Handbills are not to be distributed unless approved by the Building Administration.
    18. Gambling
    19. Gang/non-sanctioned organizations – “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, tattoos, paraphernalia or other items which reasonably could be regarded as gang symbols; commit any act or omission, or use either verbal or nonverbal 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 activity, including, but not limited to, soliciting others for membership in any gangs; or (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 another person.
    20. Gross disrespect to students or staff
    21. Hazing - Any act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliated with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, club or athletic team, or participation in any initiation ritual is strictly prohibited.
    22. ID Policy Violation-See page 25
    23. Inappropriate behavior
    24. Injurious behavior to persons or property - For example throwing snowballs, skateboarding, etc.
    25. Inciting mob action
    26. Insubordination/Failure to follow directions: Every student is expected to immediately comply with any reasonable request given by a member of the school staff, including the School Resource Officer, or by any adult selected to assist a staff member. Failure to comply will be treated as insubordination. A parent or student has the right to appeal the order before consequences for insubordination are levied. Such appeal should be made with the Assistant Principal.
    27. Intent to do bodily harm
    28. Intimidation and retaliation
    29. Off-campus without permission - Upon arrival, students are required to remain on campus until departure. Once a student departs campus, the school is no longer responsible for providing transportation via bus.
    30. Physical Confrontation - Use of physical means to resolve disputes will not be tolerated. Use of physical force will be subject to discipline unless the student who used physical force did so in reasonable self-defense.
    31. Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school- related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.

    LTHS will provide information to the victim to facilitate filing appropriate criminal charges. The Superintendent is authorized to follow the provisions of the School Code of Illinois to create administrative regulations which include guideline procedures to establish and maintain a reciprocal reporting system between the District and local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal offenses committed by students.

    32. Pornography - Possession, distribution, and/or the attempt to obtain pornography is prohibited. Any student found in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.
    33. Possession of stolen property
    34. Profanity/Inappropriate language
    35. Refusal to identify self to district personnel /failure to carry school identification
    36. Sexual Harassment and Teen Dating Violence (see Safe School Environment)
    37. Violence and Harassment (see Safe School Environment)
    38. Tardy to class (see Attendance)
    39. Theft
    40. Tobacco and Vape Policy - It is against school policy to be in possession of or use any tobacco products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vape pens, loose tobacco, chewing tobacco, non-THC containing liquids including CBD oils or edibles, and vape paraphernalia) or paraphernalia (lighters, matches, and rolling papers), regardless of the age of the student, on school grounds, on property adjacent to the school, or at any school function. Tobacco products and paraphernalia will be confiscated from students and not returned to them. In addition, the village ordinances for Western Springs and LaGrange requiring a fine for minors, under the age of 18, who are seen smoking, or who have tobacco in their possession, will be strictly enforced.
    41. Vandalism, damage to, or on school property – in addition to disciplinary consequences students will be required to make restitution for repair and/or replacement costs, including labor and materials. Student may be referred to the local police agency.
    42. Verbal Confrontation
    43. Weapons Policy

    B. DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

    When violations of school rules and regulations occur, it is the responsibility of involved teachers and administrators to work with the student, his or her parents and other support personnel to help the student correct his or her behavior. All disciplinary actions shall be directed toward protecting the welfare of the school community.

    When determining the response for a specific violation of discipline, school personnel will consider the nature of the act, the student’s previous school history, the student’s previous disciplinary record, his or her age and maturation, the impact on the educational objectives for the students, any mitigating circumstances, and the effect of his or her actions on the welfare of the school community. Disciplinary responses are governed by Board Policies 7:190—Student Behavior, 7:200—Suspension Procedures, and 7:210—Expulsion Procedures and may include but are not limited to the following:

    1. Conference with student and/or parent may be required. District personnel, e.g., Teachers, Counselors and Assistant Principals, may participate in the conference at the discretion of the Administration.
    2. School sponsored community service, when available.
    3. Bus suspension
    4. Detention may be assigned before school, during lunch time, after school or Saturday. Detentions may be assigned from 25 minutes – four hours.
    5. Loss of student privileges - not to exceed one year. Loss of privileges may include:
          1. Co-curricular sports
          2. Co-curricular activities
          3. Special events (athletic competitions, performance and/or dance)
          4. Behind-the-wheel instruction
          5. Parking permits Study Hall restrictions
          6. Access to technology
          7. Electronic devices
          8. Bus Service
          9. Field trip participation
          10. Participation in commencement ceremony
    6. In-School Suspension (ISS) - assigned compulsory school attendance when school is in session. Students may be assigned In-School Suspension for infractions of school rules or while waiting for the finalizing of expulsion procedures in accordance with Board Policy 7:200—Suspension Procedures. Students are required to take schoolwork to the In-School Suspension Room and follow the governing rules, including no use of electronic media. Full credit will be received for completed work. Failure to follow the In-School Suspension rules may result in an Out-of-School Suspension.
    7. A behavior/attendance contract may be created to address specific problematic behaviors, to include consequences if the contract is violated.
    8. Removal from class - students who refuse to cooperate with classroom teachers by disrupting other students may be temporarily removed from that classroom for other students' welfare.
    9. Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) - exclusion from school for up to 10 school days by a Principal, Associate Principal, or Assistant Principal for an act of misconduct pursuant to Board Policy 7:210—Expulsion Procedures.
          1. Suspended students may not participate in extra-curricular activities or after school events (either home or away). If the suspension occurs on and or includes a Friday, this rule applies to the weekend also. These activities include all athletic practices and events, dances, plays, musicals, concerts, club meetings, and all other school sponsored activity. A suspension officially ends upon the student’s first day of return to school.
          2. Suspended students may not be on grounds of either campus. FAILURE TO COMPLY is considered trespassing and may result in ARREST AND/OR EXPULSION.
          3. Students returning from long-term suspensions (greater than 3 days) will be required to complete a meeting with the assistant principal or designee.
    10. Probation - return of a student on a trial basis according to prearranged terms and conditions.
    11. Expulsion - formal action of Board of Education for school exclusion for up to two calendar years, occurring after a due process hearing at which time student may be represented by his/her attorney.
    12. Police referral when deemed necessary

    C. TEACHER INITIATED CONFERENCE/DETENTION

    1. Mandatory attendance when given 24-hour notices.
    2. Priority over activities, athletics, and/or employment.
    3. Failure to attend will be considered as insubordination.

    D. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

    (See Board Policy 7:230—Misconduct by Students with Disabilities)

    The use of positive behavioral interventions with students with disabilities will be given the highest priority in District #204. When behavioral interventions are used, they will be used in consideration of the student’s physical freedom and social interaction and be administered in a manner that respects human dignity and ensures a student’s right to placement in the least restrictive environment. The most effective and humane manner of reducing an undesirable behavior is by developing, strengthening, or generalizing desirable behaviors to compete with and displace the unwanted behavior. Behavior leading to repeated use of a more restrictive intervention, suspension, or a pattern of behavior which interferes significantly with the student’s learning may result in the development or revision of a written behavior intervention plan. The development or revision of a behavior intervention plan will be accompanied by careful planning and monitoring of the intervention procedures and systematic evaluation of outcomes. Students will be informed annually of the existence of the policy in the District Student Handbook.