Safe School Environment

Established by Board Policy 7:190 - The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective discipline practices that:  

1. Prioritize the safety and dignity of students and staff.
2. Maintain a positive, weapons-free, and drug-free learning environment.
3. Keep school property and the property of others secure.
4. Address the causes of a student’s misbehavior and to the extent possible and practical, provide opportunities for all individuals involved in an incident to participate in its resolution. 
5. Teach students positive behavioral skills to become independent, self-disciplined citizens in the school community and society.

The school provides reasonable security measures.  Students are responsible for their personal property and should secure it while at school.

(see Board Policies 7:20—Harassment of Students Prohibited and 7:180—Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment):

• • 1. R.O.A.R. against bullies (Reach Out And Report) tell a staff-member, teacher, counselor, coach/sponsor, assistant principal, student assistant.
    2. Tell your parents/guardians 
    3. Use the Speak Up line (708-588-7326) or speakupline@lths.net. Remember to include: Your first and last name and a description of your bullying issue
    4. Keep a written record of all bullying instances. Include the date, time and specifics.

A full investigation will be conducted when bullying is reported to an Assistant Principal. Consequences may include but are not limited to: parent notification, counselor involvement, detentions, and in-school or out of school suspension.

(see Board Policies 7:190—Student Behavior, 7:200—Suspension Procedures, and 7:210—Expulsion Procedures):

1. Possession/use/delivery/distribution/sale of weapons to include any firearm, include air or spring gun, knife, fireworks, ammunition, explosives, martial arts weapons or destructive devices, pepper spray/mace or any look-alike for any variety of weapons or other devices defined by the criminal code is strictly prohibited and will be cause for a 10-day out-of-school suspension from school and recommendation for expulsion from school. The police department will be notified. The following weapon violations may result in up to a two (2) calendar year expulsion, except that the expulsion period may be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the Board of Education on a case by case basis.

2. Possession, use, control, or transfer of any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Act, or use of a weapon as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code.

3. Any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm.

4. “Look a likes” of any weapon as defined in this Section

5. Pursuant to the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, 430 ILCS 66/1 et seq., All persons on school property, including students, teachers, other District staff members, parents, volunteers, and other District visitors are prohibited from carrying a firearm into or onto any school building, real property, or parking area under the control of the School District, unless specifically permitted by State or federal law. This prohibition applies to all firearms, including concealed firearms for which a person has a concealed carry license.

Pursuant to Board Policy 7:20—Harassment of Students Prohibited and State and local law, the District strives to maintain an orderly and appropriate learning and working environment where safety prevails. To these ends, the Board of Education of District 204 attempts to ensure students, teachers, administrators, school personnel and third parties, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, are respected and not subjected to violence, threats, harassment, intimidation, demeaning verbal abuse, or otherwise confrontational or inappropriate behaviors that disrupt the school’s educational atmosphere.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

1. “School personnel” includes all employees, teachers, administrators, school board members, agents, volunteers, chaperones, contractors, and other persons subject to the supervision and control of the District.

2. “Students” includes District 204 students as well as students from other districts who are present on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, or at any activity that bears a reasonable relationship to school.

3. “Third parties” include persons, other than school personnel and students, who are on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, or at any activity that bears a reasonable relationship to school. Third parties may include parents.

4. Prohibited Conduct - District 204 prohibits school personnel, students, and third parties from engaging in any of the following conduct:

1. Any and all harassment, including, but not limited to, racial, religious, and/or sexual harassment;

2. Violence and/or threats of violence;

3. Intimidation;

4. Cyber bullying;

5. Demeaning verbal abuse; and/or inappropriate confrontational behavior

 

Any person who believes they have been the victim of prohibited conduct as defined in this policy (i.e., harassment, violence or threats of violence, intimidation, demeaning verbal abuse and/or inappropriate confrontational behavior by school personnel, students or third parties) should report the conduct immediately to the campus Assistant Principal. 

If the Assistant Principal is the alleged perpetrator, the report should be made to the campus Associate Principal. Any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute prohibited conduct is required to report the conduct immediately to the campus Assistant Principal, or if the Assistant Principal is the alleged perpetrator, to the campus Associate Principal. 

Any school personnel or student who fails to report prohibited conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. The District encourages reporting parties to use the report form available in all administrative offices on both campuses, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. The investigation will be conducted in a manner that protects the confidentiality of those involved to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the District’s obligation to investigate, take appropriate actions, and comply with any discovery or disclosure obligations. School personnel involved in an investigation are expected to refrain from discussing it with others. The Superintendent shall be informed of every complaint or report made pursuant to this policy.

 

Upon receipt of a report of complaint alleging prohibited conduct, District 204 shall promptly investigate all allegations. The investigation may be conducted by district officials or third parties designed by the District. Concurrent with the investigation, the District may take immediate action to protect the complainant, students, school personnel and/or third parties.

Any school staff member, who identifies a student as having demonstrated aggressive behavior, or behaviors that put the student at risk for aggressive behavior, shall refer the student to the building administrator. Lyons Township High School complies with the provisions set forth in the School Safety Act regarding the creation of a Threat Assessment Team and Threat Assessment protocols. The building administrator shall notify the student’s parents/guardian of the referral and shall attempt to schedule a parent-teacher conference to discuss the referral, the findings of the Threat Assessment team and to recommend such available intervention procedures as are deemed reasonably appropriate.

The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a process to facilitate the re-engagement of students who are returning from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or an alternative school setting (see Board Policies 7:200—Suspension Procedures and 7:210—Expulsion Procedures). The goal of re- engagement shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusionary discipline and shall include the opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit.

 

District 204 shall take appropriate disciplinary action against school personnel, students, and third parties found to have violated this policy. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination or discharge. District action for violations of this policy shall be consistent with applicable Board of Education policies, collective bargaining agreements, and Illinois federal law. District 204 shall immediately report potential criminal activity to appropriate law enforcement personnel, and may file a criminal complaint against any person violating this policy. In addition, District 204 may initiate a civil action against any person violating this policy.

District 204 prohibits retaliation against a person because the person has opposed what they believe in good faith to be prohibited conduct, or because they have made a report, filed a complaint, testified, assisted or participated in an investigation, proceeding or hearing regarding prohibited conduct. Retaliation includes any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment. Any person engaging in retaliatory conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, suspension/expulsion, and/or exclusion.

District 204 shall review this policy annually in order to ensure it is consistent with the current Board of Education policies, collective bargaining agreements within the District, and Illinois and federal law, and in an effort to continue to ensure no school personnel, students or third parties are subjected to harassment, violence or threats of violence, intimidation, demeaning verbal abuse and/or inappropriate confrontational behavior.

Sexual harassment of students is prohibited (see Board Policies 2:260—Uniform Grievance Procedure, 2:265—Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure, 7:20—Harassment of Students Prohibited, 7:180—Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, 7:10—Equal Educational Opportunities, 7:185—Teen Dating Violence Prohibited, and 7:190—Student Behavior). 

1. For all reports or complaints alleging “Title IX Sexual Harassment” as defined in the District’s Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process, the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process pursuant to Board Policy 2:265—Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure will be used to process the report or complaint. Processing a report or complaint under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process does not preclude processing some or all allegations of a report or complaint under other policies and procedures, to the extent allowed by Title IX and other laws. 

2. For all other reports or complaints of sexual harassment other than Title IX Sexual Harassment, the following process will be used (see Board Policy 7:20—Harassment of Students Prohibited):

   • Students are encouraged to report claims or incidents of sexual harassment to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Associate Principals, Assistant Principals, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking. A student may choose to report to a person of the student’s same gender. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment. 

   • For any report or complaint alleging sexual harassment that, if true, would implicate Title IX, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or designee will determine whether action under Board Policy 2:265—Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure will be initiated. 

   • For any other alleged sexual harassment that does not require action under Board Policy 2:265, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or Complaint Manager or designee will consider whether an investigation under Board Policy 2:265—Uniform Grievance Procedure; 7:180—Prevention of and Response to bullying; and/or 7:190—Student Behavior should be initiated, regardless of whether a written report or complaint is filed.

 

School officials cannot request or require a student to provide password or login information to social networking sites, however, school officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking site that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy. In the investigation, the student may be required to share social media content that is reported in order to make a factual determination. 

(see Board Policy 6:235—Access to Electronic Networks) - The use of personal electronic devices, including but not limited to smartphones, personal audio players, recording devices, and smart watches on school property is a privilege extended to students for purposes of educational and social enrichment in designated non-instructional areas such as the student cafeteria, study halls and hallways during passing periods. The use of electronic devices for educational purposes during instructional time will be at the sole discretion of the classroom teacher. The use of such devices is restricted to legal use as permitted by current state and federal laws and the institutional policies set forth in this policy. Any use of a personal electronic device that violates state or federal laws or the institutional policies defined in the Electronic Media Policy is strictly prohibited and is subject to the disciplinary process. The Electronic Media Policy remains in effect within all of our facilities, while on field trips or while functioning as a representative of the school (i.e. athletics and activities).

Where a quiet atmosphere is expected, such as classrooms, the counseling office, library, detention or performances, use of devices is prohibited, unless explicit permission is granted. At no time, may a student record the class (audio or visual) or take a picture in any fashion unless the student has written permission from the teacher and the recording device is visible to everyone in the classroom. Video recording is not permitted on campus without written consent from the administration or for the express purpose of a classroom assignment.

Privacy is expected, at all times, in locker rooms, restrooms, Assistant Principals’ Office, Student Services and Counseling and the Health Office. Electronic device use in these areas is strictly prohibited.

As a result of the sophisticated nature of electronic devices, unless specifically authorized by the teacher, any student with an electronic device that is being utilized during a test or quiz will be considered cheating and will be subject to the Cheating and Plagiarism disciplinary procedures. This includes all standardized assessments (ACT, SAT, PSAT, AP, etc.) that are administered at LTHS.

Information on the District’s Technology Services, including the Acceptable Use Policy, can be found in Board Policy 6:235—Access to Electronic Networks.

Level	Examples of Violations of the Network Access Agreement	Potential Consequences
Level I	Non-destructive violations of the Technology Contract (e.g., chewing gum, consuming food/drink in labs near equipment, playing music loudly, playing games, accessing social media sites and personal email except before and after school, using telephones, disruptive behavior in the labs).	First offense – handled within the classroom/lab. Repeated offenses will receive student misconduct.
Level II	Repeat of a Level I violation. Using another student’s ID to access the Discovery Center or Library. Wasteful use of resources (e.g. excessive printing, loading or maintaining excessive non-educational files on network, streaming media not related to academic activities during school hours, etc.) Tampering with District-owned equipment or settings. Bypassing or attempting to bypass the District’s Internet and/or email protective filters/firewalls.)	Loss of tech privileges for two weeks and/or additional discipline determined by the Assistant Principal.
Level III	Repeat of a Level II violation. Accessing the network, applications and/or online services with another user’s ID/password. Accessing another user’s electronic folders and/or files. Producing and/or accessing files, applications and/or online services that are obscene, profane, drug or gang related, or otherwise inappropriate in violation of the Child Internet Protection Act. Accessing, copying and/or transferring system files. Copying commercial software and/or another user’s file(s). Utilizing any sort of technological means to bully, intimidate and/or harass others.	Loss of tech privileges for four weeks and/or additional discipline determined by the Assistant Principal.
Level IV	Repeat of a Level III violation. Altering and/or distributing system files. Malicious destruction of equipment or software. Stealing equipment or software. Illegal activity.	Loss of tech privileges for at least one year and/or suspension as determined by the Assistant Principal and/or legal prosecution. Possible recommendation for expulsion.

 

Depending on the violation, the following are possible consequences for misuse: device search, loss of privilege, confiscation, notice to parents, detention, suspension or expulsion and/or notice to law enforcement authorities. If a student has lost privileges and requires use of technology resources during a class to complete course assignments, they may be permitted to do so with the approval of the Assistant Principal and timely notice to the Discovery Center staff. For offenses categorized as Level III or IV, approval of the Director of Technology is also required.

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 non school related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This item (4) applies only in cases in which a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred and it does not require a district or school to staff or monitor any non school-related activity, function, or program.

Definitions from 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.

Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.

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, (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, and (vii) increase student accountability if the incident of bullying is based on religion, race, ethnicity, or any other protected category that is identified in the Ill. Human Rights Act.

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 social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards.

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 following requirements:

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 Building 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. The 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; however, this shall not be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator/Title XI Coordinator:

Ed Piotrowski, Director of Human Resources

100 S. Brainard

LaGrange, IL 60525

epiotrowski@d204.lths.net

708-579-6456

Complaint Managers:

Greg Gardner, Associate Principal South Campus

4900 S. Willow Spring Rd

Western Spring, IL 60558

708-579-6500

ggardner@d204.lths.net

Sarah Smith, Associate Principal North Campus

100 S Brainard Ave

La Grange, IL 60525

708-579-6300

ssmith@d204.lths.net

4. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the Superintendent or designee shall promptly inform parent(s)/guardian(s) of all students 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 the incident of bullying was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported incident of bullying.

b. 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 report of the incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received.

d. Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents and guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the 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.

The 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, which 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. Any person’s act of reprisal or retaliation may be treated as either: (1) bullying, (2) acts subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, and /or expulsion, and/or (3) both options (1) and (2) 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 either: (1) bullying, (2) acts subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion, and/or (3) both (1) and (2) for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.

9. The District’s bullying prevention and response plan is 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 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. Pursuant to State law and policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, the Board monitors this policy every two years by conducting a review and re-evaluation of this policy to make any necessary and appropriate revisions. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its re-evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. Updates to this policy will reflect any necessary and appropriate revisions. 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 will 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 will 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. 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure. Any person may use this policy to complain about sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

c. 6:60, Curriculum Content. Bullying prevention and character instruction is provided in all grades in accordance with State law.

d. 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.

e. 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. f. 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).

g. 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.

h. 7:190, Student Behavior. This policy prohibits, and provides consequences for, hazing, bullying, or other aggressive behaviors, or urging other students to engage in such conduct.

i. 7:315, Restrictions on Publications; High Schools. 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.
 

LEGAL REF.:

105 ILCS 5/10-20.14, 5/10-22.6(b-20), 5/24-24, and 5/27-23.7.

405 ILCS 49/, Children’s Mental Health Act.

775 ILCS 5/1-103, Ill. Human Rights Act.

23 Ill.Admin.Code §§1.240, 1.280, and 1.295.

CROSS REF.: 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure), 4:170 (Safety), 5:230 (Maintaining Student Discipline), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities), 7:285 (Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program), 7:315 (Restrictions on Publications; High Schools)

Adopted: February 21, 2023

Board Policy 7:185

Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student who is 13 to 19 years of age uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program to respond to incidents of teen dating violence that:

1. Fully implements and enforces each of the following Board policies:

a. 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. This policy provides a method for any student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member to file a complaint if they believe that the Board of Education, its employees, or its agents have violated his or her rights under the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, Board policy, or various enumerated bases.

b. 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure. This policy prohibits any person from engaging in sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

c. 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing intimidating, or bullying a student based on the student's actual or perceived characteristics of sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; and gender-related identity or expression (this policy includes more protected statuses).

d. 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment. This policy prohibits students from engaging in bullying, intimidation, and harassment at school, school-related events and electronically. Prohibited conduct includes threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

2. Encourages anyone with information about incidents of teen dating violence to report them to any of the following individuals:

a. Any school staff member. School staff shall respond to incidents of teen dating violence by following the District's established procedures for the prevention, identification, investigation, and response to bullying and school violence.

b. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager identified in policy 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited.

3. Incorporates age-appropriate instruction in grades 7 through 12, in accordance with the District's comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content. This includes incorporating student social and emotional development into the District's educational program as required by State law and in alignment with Board policy 6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development.

4. Incorporates education for school staff, as recommended by the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, or a Complaint Manager.

5. Notifies students and parents/guardians of this policy.

Incorporated by Reference: 7:180-AP1, (Prevention, Identification, Investigation, and Response to Bullying)

LEGAL REF.:

105 ILCS 110/3.10.

CROSS REF.: 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:230(Maintaining Student Discipline), 6:60 (Curriculum Content), 6:65 (Student Social and Emotional Development), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), 7:190 (Student Behavior), 7:220 (Bus Conduct), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities), 7:240 (Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities)

Adopted: November 16, 2020

 

The Speak Up Line is an anonymous reporting system. Students and families may call the Speak Up Line at 708-588-7326 or may email speakupline@lths.net. All calls and emails are directed to designated school administrators. Administrators and/or school resource officers will follow up on all tips and respond in an appropriate manner.

Please provide as much information as possible so that every effort can be made to resolve the issue. If the situation is an emergency, call 911.

Please Note:

Tips will not be monitored outside of school hours, on student non-attendance days, weekends, school breaks (including summer), or holidays. Tips should include specific details about who, what, where, and when. All messages left during these times will be reviewed the next school day.

Tips may include information on the following non-exhaustive types of concerns: bullying, hate speech, drugs, fighting, personal crisis, student well-being, safety risk, threat, vandalism, and weapons. All concerns will be investigated in a timely manner by the appropriate personnel.

speakupline@lths.net