Participating in student activities is considered an extension of, but separate from, the regular high school program. While the regular curricular program is a right afforded to each student, participation in the extracurricular program is a privilege and, as such, carries certain expectations beyond those found in the normal classroom situation. The goals of the activities programs are to give students direction in developing healthful living habits, discipline, leadership, teamwork, and respect for rules and regulations. It is to these ends that a student activity code is established for young people taking part in the student activity program. The student must agree to abide by the following expectations for all four years at Lyons Township High School. The consequences listed below for ALCOHOL, STEROIDS, DRUGS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES and TOBACCO are cumulative during the student’s four-year career. The consequences for other school offenses will be dealt with on an annual basis and do not carry over from one school year to the next.

A. EXPECTATIONS

In addition to the expectations set forth below and in Board Policies 6:190, 7:240, and 7:300, each activity may also establish approved additional expectations.

1. 1. 1. Students should regularly attend school, practice and events. Participants are expected to attend school on the day of the activity.
      2. The IHSA requires a student to pass at least 25 credit hours (5 classes) the semester prior to participation and maintain passing grades to 25 credit hours (5 classes) while involved in IHSA activities.
      3. Students must travel on school arranged transportation for all events away from Lyons Township High School.
      4. Students must be responsible for all equipment and/or clothing issued for activity and the return of such at the end of the activity.
      5. Students should attend all Awards Nights.
      6. Students should carry the school ID card at all times.
      7. Students should submit an annual physical for participation in athletic activities.
      8. Students must adhere to Board policy, all rules set forth in the student handbook, and display conduct becoming a District 204 representative, including after school, on days when school is not in session, whether on or off school property, and in public communications posted on social media sites. (School consequences supersede the Student Activities Code of Conduct when the violation carries a stiffer penalty.)

B. ALCOHOL, STEROIDS, AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Students will not use or attend parties where there is underage drinking of alcohol, steroids and/or controlled substances seven days a week, twelve months a year, whether or not school is in session, for all four years at LT.

1. 1. 1. Consequences:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. First offense – suspension from all activities for ten percent of the competitive season or two events, whichever is less, with the student expected to participate in all practices and attend all contests during that time. The student must attend a school-approved chemical education program at their own expense. Failure to do so will lead to further suspension.
            2. Second offense – loss of extracurricular opportunities for one year. If the student agrees to an assessment at a school-approved program, at the parent’s expense, and follows the program recommendations, he will be suspended for a total of six weeks of the competitive season. The student must participate in all practices and attend all contests during the time they are serving their consequence. This could result in the consequence being served over two seasons.
            3. Third offense – loss of extracurricular opportunities for one calendar year from the date of the infraction, which would include all practices.
            4. Fourth offense – termination of all extracurricular opportunities for the remainder of their high school career.

C. TOBACCO

Students will not use or possess smoking tobacco and/or smokeless tobacco products seven day a week, twelve months a year, whether or not school is in session, for all four years at LT.

1. 1. 1. Consequences:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. First offense – suspension from all activities for ten percent of the competitive season or two events, whichever is less, with the student expected to participate in all practices and attend all contests during that time. The student must attend a school-approved chemical education program at their own expense. Failure to do so will lead to further suspension.
            2. Second offense – loss of extracurricular opportunities for one year. If the student agrees to an assessment at a school approved program, at the parent’s expense, and follows the program recommendations, he will be suspended for a total of six weeks of the competitive season. The student must participate in all practices and attend all contests during the time they are serving their consequence. This could result in the consequence being served over two seasons.
            3. Third offense – loss of extracurricular opportunities for one calendar year from the date of the infraction, which would include all practices.
            4. Fourth offense – termination of all extracurricular opportunities for the remainder of their high school career.

D. DANCES

Informal and formal dances are held at various times during the school year. These social events are for the enjoyment of the students enrolled at Lyons Township High School. If you would like someone who is not a Lyons Township High School student to accompany you, guest request forms are available online at  www.lths.net or at the bookstore. Guests must be of high school age and no older than 20 years of age to be allowed to attend. Eligibility for hosting a guest will be available only to students who are in “good standing”. The principal and/or his/her designee will determine what is “good standing”. Guest forms must be turned in to the Assistant Principals’ Office by the Monday before the dance. Guest tickets may be purchased any time after receiving approval. The district reserves the right to refuse admission of any non-LT guest at any time. The presentation of your current school ID card will be required for admission to all dances. Any guest must also present a current school ID or government issued photo I.D. to be permitted into the dance. Dances are held from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The curfew for arrival at dances is 8:30 p.m. No one will be admitted one hour after the start of the dance. Tickets for semi-formal dances must be purchased in advance and presented for admission. Students are encouraged to leave valuable items at home. How you choose to dance at an LTHS-sponsored event matters. LTHS reserves the right to determine whether a student’s choice of dance style is appropriate for a high school dance. You may be asked to leave if you fail to comply with the expectations and/or directives of LTHS staff.

Students are reminded that the school’s discipline code applies at all dances.

E. BREATHALYZERS

Is it true that there are Breathalyzers at all school events?

Yes, it is true. Underage drinking is illegal. Coming to school under the influence is not only illegal; it violates our student policy, our athletic/activities code, and is not exercising good judgment. If a student is suspected of being under the influence, he or she may be asked to breathe into the Breathalyzer. If the Breathalyzer should show that a student has been drinking alcohol, we will call the parent to inform them and the student may be turned over to the local police. The school’s drug and alcohol policy will be enforced (page 17 of student handbook). Should a student refuse to take a Breathalyzer, the school administration will also call the parent to inform them and may turn the student over to the police. Our policy states that students who refuse to take the Breathalyzer will be assumed to be under the influence and receive consequences accordingly. Again, the school’s drug and alcohol policy will be enforced. Be smart and choose to live a drug-free/alcohol-free lifestyle—help your friends make the right choices, too.

F. SUSPENSION FROM CO-CURRICULAR AND/OR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students will adhere to all school rules and display conduct becoming a District 204 representative, including but not limited to, those identified in 7:240—Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities and 7:190—Student Behavior. This includes after school, on days when school is not in session, whether on or off school property, and in public communications posted on social media sites. Failure to abide by relevant Board policy and/or student conduct expectations as set forth in this Handbook may subject a student to discipline, including but not limited to, the following:

1. 1. 1. Consequences:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. First offense – suspension from all activities for ten percent of the competitive season or two events, whichever is less, with the student expected to participate in all practices and attend all contests during that time
            2. Second offense – suspension for a total of six weeks of the season which could result in the consequence being served over two seasons. The participant must participate in all practices and attend all contests during the time they are serving the consequence.
            3. Third offense – loss of extracurricular opportunities for one calendar year from the date of the infraction, which would include all practices.
            4. Fourth offense – termination of all extracurricular opportunities for the remainder of the high school career.

G. APPEAL PROCESS

The coach/sponsor is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the consequences in the Student Activities Code. The expectation is that, except in unusual cases, the stated consequences will be applied. The consequences may be appealed to the Principal or his designee.