Student Handbook

According to Illinois State Law, every parent or person in this state having charge, control, or custody of a child between the ages of six and seventeen is responsible for the child attending school. Attendance is taken each morning at James Hart. If a student is ill or will be absent for some reason, a parent or guardian must call the school attendance hotline.  This number provides access to a 24- hour voicemail. Please make every effort to report absences before 7:30 a.m. The phone number is (708) 647-2200.

Absences will be "excused" when they are for an acceptable reason and are verified by a parent or guardian. Vacations are not considered excused absences.

Attendance is taken each period. If a student must leave the school for part of the day for an appointment, a parent/guardian must come into the office to sign the student out. If the student returns the same day, the student must check in with the office before returning to class. If a student is late due to an appointment, a parent or guardian must call the school. When the student arrives, he or she must check in with the office. If no call or note is received from a parent or guardian, the tardy will be considered unexcused. Three unexcused tardies to school in the morning will result in a disciplinary consequence (1O demerits or Saturday School).

Parents or guardians may be required to show identification. As provided in the School Code of Illinois, students will not be released to the custody of anyone except the parents or guardians or those whom the parents/guardians have listed with the office.    ·

The James Hart school day is 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students are admitted into the building at 7:35 a.m. On days when it is extremely cold, rainy, or snowy students will be admitted into the building at 7:20 a.m.

 

Students who are not involved in a school activity or staying at the request of a teacher should be out of the building by 2:40 p.m. If students need to remain at school due to extenuating circumstances, a parent or guardian should make prior arrangements with the office.

The special education program serves the diverse needs of the James Hart population. The procedures outlined below are followed to ensure that students are correctly classified according to need.

 

Various programs are available to those students who meet the criteria for special education services.

James Hart is on a trimester system, which means that three report cards are created each year. The purpose of these reports is to keep students and parents/guardians informed of academic progress. Please keep in mind that all students are individuals and this evaluation of progress considers their learning, growth, abilities and effort. If there are questions concerning the report, please contact the classroom teacher for further clarification or to arrange a conference.

In addition to trimester report cards, all students will receive progress reports every six weeks. Work habits and social development may also be marked on the progress report.

 

Grading Scale
A - Excellent Progress 90-100%
B - Very Good 80-89%
C - Satisfactory 70-79%
D - Minimum 60-69%
F - Unsatisfactory 59-0%
lnc. - lncomplete
Exc. - Excused from participation
M - Medical
P - Pass

F -Fail

 

Note: lf an incomplete is not taken care of within 2 weeks after the marking period ends, the teacher will enter an appropriate grade and notify the office to issue a new report card.

 

Students that receive two C's in an Honors course may be dropped to the regular level class. Teachers will keep parents informed.

 

lf a student is taking a high school level math course or world language course, the student must receive a B or better both semesters to receive high school credit. This is in accordance with H-F Procedure 7560- Alternate  School Programs.

If a student is absent two or more days due to illness parents or guardians may call the office and arrange to pick up assignments. Assignments will be available in the office at the end of the day.

Students absent from school for vacations must arrange with their teachers to pick up work in advance. Parents or guardians should contact the office at least one week prior to the planned absence. These absences will not be considered excused. All work received ahead of time and not turned in on the day of return will be marked with a late grade.

Any extra work given upon return will be due at the teacher's discretion. Most assignments will be posted on TEAMS.

 

It must be realized that not all lessons taught in school can be made up at home or assigned weeks in advance. Makeup work cannot replace actual attendance at school. It is the responsibility of the student to make up all the work.

Our school uses a textbook/district device rental plan. Students are responsible for each book/computer issued to them.

Students should write their name in the space provided on the inside front cover. If a student receives a damaged book, the student should immediately report it to the teacher. Books must be returned at the end of the year or when the student withdraws from school. Fines are assessed for lost or excessively damaged textbooks. District devices will be assessed for damage as well. Students/families can put in a tech ticket if there is a problem with the district technology device.

Your student's teachers will provide supply lists. They will also be posted on the school's website.

Announcements are broadcast daily through our Smart Lab. It is important to listen carefully to the announcements as they include information regarding activities, clubs, and other important happenings around the building. Copies of the morning announcements are posted throughout the building. Announcements are also posted on the James Hart web page.

 

James Hart has many after-school activities. Sponsors of these activities will inform the participants of the times for each event. It is important that students arrive and depart from school at the proper times. Ride arrangements should be made prior to participation in the activity.  Do not expect activity sponsors to stay longer than 15 minutes after the activity is over. Students will be asked to leave the building after this time limit.

Students should be dropped off by car in the circle drive off Morgan Street or Aberdeen Street.
Bus riders enter the building on Aberdeen Street.

If a student has forgotten an item and it is brought to school, it must be dropped off in the vestibule area. Please label it with name and grade level. It is the student's responsibility to check with the office between classes or at lunch for these items. In extreme emergencies the office will call the student down to pick up the item.

 

We will not accept any food deliveries for students (Jimmy Johns, Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.). Lunches must be dropped off by a parent.

 

Birthday treats are not allowed to be dropped off or distributed in school.

Students and parents will receive written notification of eligibility requirements from the sponsors of the activity. These must be returned with a parent or guardian's signature.

James Hart offers many opportunities for students to become involved. The various clubs, sports and activities that are available will provide opportunities to learn new skills, make new friends, and develop relationships with adults in the building. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one activity, sport or club while they are at James Hart.

There may be times that students have to make choices due to time constraints of activities. The student, with guidance from his/her family, should decide the best choice.

Times for meetings, tryouts and practices are announced on Panther lV, website or through the club sponsor. The sponsor will give all activity guidelines.

 

Participation may require a tryout or audition  to select their membership

 

Fall Sports
Baseball/Softball - Boys/Girls

Cross Country- Boys and Girls

Pom Poms

Cheerleading

 

Winter Sports
Basketball- Boys and Girts

Volleyball- Boys and Girls

Pom Poms

Cheerleading

 

Spring Sports
Cheerleading

Pom Poms
Soccer- Boys and Girls
Track- Boys and Girls

 

Open Membership
All students are welcome to participate in the  following  activities throughout the year:
Books & Bagels    

Piano Club

Shop Club    

Broadcasting

Friends of Rachel    

Snowflake/Flurry

Interact Club    

Special Olympics

Recycling Club    

Newspaper

Homework Help    

Ukelele

Yearbook    

Lego
Literary Arts Magazine

The following clubs hold a tryout, audition, or require a teacher nomination to select their members. Each activity will have specific requirements for participation:
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)

Speech Team
Fall Musical

Student Council

 

Music Activities
The following activities are run through the music department. Participation may require a tryout or audition to select their members: 
Orchestra Chamber
Choir
Take 2
Jazz Band Band

 

The following groups have a competitive component to their activity:

Chess Club

Geography and Spelling Bee

Math Bowl    

Scholastic Bowl

When students go on field trips, they represent our school. We are proud of the numerous compliments our students have received on their behavior and good manners. If a student does not attend a trip they will be assigned to a teacher and given work. If a student has been a repetitive disciplinary problem, the student will not be allowed the privilege of going on a trip.

Students who attend field trips/school activities during the school day are responsible for all work to be completed and turned in on time. Students do not receive extra time to complete assignments due to the field trip/activity.

 

Our field trips are as varied as our programs.  Information and a permission slip will be sent home prior to each trip. This slip must be signed and returned to the teacher in order for a student to participate.

 

Cell phones and other communications devices used while traveling to and from school may not be used in the school building during school hours. These items must be stored in book bags once students arrive at their locker and remain in their locker until leaving the building at the end of the day. Smart watches must be used as a watch (to tell time) during the school day. If used otherwise consequences may be issued.

 

There are electronic devices that will not be allowed in school or on school grounds. These include laser pens, electronic games, and cameras. If a student has any of these types of devices (including cell phones during the school day) they will be confiscated, and a parent will be contacted to pick the item up. In addition, students caught with any prohibited electronic device will need to serve a 3-hour Saturday School. At no time are students to take pictures or recordings without the permission of school staff.

Students are expected to walk at a reasonable pace, stay to the right and not to run in the halls at any time. Students are expected to keep their hands to themselves at all times. Whistling and shouting in the halls are not acceptable conduct.  During the passing time students are not permitted to go to the counselor or health without a pass. Students who are out of class must have a pass.

Students arriving to school between 7:00 a.m. and 7:20 a.m. must check in with the office and receive an early morning pass to the teacher with whom they are meeting. No students should be in the hallways during this time without an early morning pass. Students will be admitted at 7:35 a.m. and have 10 minutes to get to Advisory. Breakfast is available in the cafeteria starting at 7:20a.m. Students must be seated in class by 7:45 a.m., even if they are getting breakfast or they will be considered tardy.

The administration and faculty of James Hart feel that the attitude and behaviors of the members of the student body are influenced by dress and grooming. With the cooperation of the parents, students should dress neatly but simply for school. If a style of dress and grooming appears to be disruptive to the educational process or could constitute a threat to the safety or health of students, it will not be permitted in school. Students may be asked to change into their PE uniform.

 

The following rules of dress will apply:

Administration retains the right to amend the dress code as fashion changes or extreme cases occur.

 

Please note: The dress code is in effect at all school­ related functions. Additional dress code policies are addressed under the Gang Activity section.

Inappropriate attire will require a phone call home for new clothing before attending class or asked to put PE uniform on.

The school provides bus transportation to and from school for students who qualify. We ask that students and parents familiarize themselves with the following information and encourage observance of these guidelines and regulations. Violations of the below regulations may result in disciplinary action by the building administration.

 

It should be noted that students are under the jurisdiction of school personnel at all activities conducted within the school program, including events outside the school. It should also be noted that James Hart School students must follow school rules when present at any school building or property in the Homewood School District during school hours or during a school event.

Any action which demonstrates a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of the students or staff, whether on or off school grounds, or during non-school hours, may be subject to disciplinary action by the school.

 

Classroom Behavior
Misbehavior is a matter of choice. Choosing to disrupt class infringes upon the right of the teacher to teach and the right of the other students in class to learn. Even those disruptions that appear minor in nature seriously interfere with the educational process.

Students are expected to use courteous behavior towards students and teachers. Each time a student neglects this courtesy the student may be subject to disciplinary action. (Examples: interrupts or talks during class, is rude or disrespectful, does not follow teacher directions, classroom or school rules relating to behavior.) If a student is sent to the office from the classroom, the student will report immediately and wait quietly until seen by an administrator. Teachers will telephone the office when sending a student down to the office.

Students sent to the office for misbehavior may be issued immediate consequences such as detentions, time-out, Saturday School, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or other actions at the discretion of the building administration. This includes but is not limited to in the hallways and cafeteria, both before and after school.

 

Camera footage from the school and/or bus cannot be viewed by parents/guardians if other students are involved or present in the video.

Please note that School District 153 and the Homewood Police Department have a formal agreement for the purpose of reciprocal reporting regarding criminal offenses committed by students.

Teachers may detain students in their own room or assign students to the detention room for that student's team as a consequence for tardiness or rule infractions (detention).

Homewood School District 153 provides a wide range of technology resources to its students and staff for the purpose of advancing the educational mission of the District. All users of District technology equipment are expected to review and understand the Acceptable Use Policy and Procedures.

 

Internet access is being made available to students for the purposes of research, communication and education. It is the District’s intention to provide an Internet environment that is safe and appropriate for all students. The District is using an internet filtering system for all users of the electronic network. The system filters and limits access to most internet sites that contain objectionable material. However, access to the internet also brings the availability of material that may be of no educational value, abusive, racially biased or otherwise offensive. Once students become knowledgeable in the use of the internet, they may discover this controversial information. We cannot guarantee the appropriateness of the information students may encounter as they explore the internet’s resources. Use of the internet is an educational opportunity that requires users to act responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with the Acceptable Use Procedures for Students, and the student is ultimately responsible for his/her conduct on the internet.

 

Each student will be granted access to the District’s electronic network, including the internet, after registration for the school year unless denial of access is requested by his or her parent(s)/guardian(s). The Acceptable Use Procedures for Students will be published and distributed in the Student Handbook and will be reviewed with students by teachers each year. For denial of access, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must send a signed and dated letter to the school requesting denial of access to the computers. The letter requesting denial of access should include the following information:
 
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name
Student’s Name
Student’s Grade
Address and Phone number
Reason for requesting denial of access
 
The School District is not responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable when using the network, or for any information that is retrieved via the internet. Furthermore, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the internet.

The District reserves the right to monitor and review any information stored or accessed by District computers in order to analyze the use of systems and compliance with policies and procedures.

Students may use personal e-readers as allowed by the teacher. Students may not access the internet on these devices either through the districts Wi-Fi network or through a personal cellular data plan. Because the district cannot filter internet content on devices with personal cellular data plans, the district assumes no liability for students who ignore this rule and view inappropriate content on their personal devices. The district is not liable for damage or loss of equipment brought in by students.
 
Acceptable Use Guidelines for Students
 
Appropriate use includes but is not limited to the following guidelines or examples. The District reserves the right to create, modify and interpret the guidelines.
 
1. Protect your logon information from others. Do not use other users’ passwords or share your password with others
2. Use of the District’s electronic network and devices shall only be for educational purposes. Do not use the electronic network or devices for personal, entertainment, commercial or any other non-curricular purposes.
3. Respect District property and be responsible in the use of the equipment while it is in your care.
4. Comply with copyright laws at all times.
5. Do not “hack” the District’s network or access confidential information or files.
6. Do not destroy, modify or abuse the hardware or software in any way. (Example: Intentional breakage of the device or accessories, changing settings, removing labels, barcodes, or other identifying information.)
7. Do not delete or add software to District equipment or engage in practices that may threaten the network such as accessing files that may contain viruses.
8. Do not use District technology for illegal or inappropriate purposes.
9. Do not use the internet to access inappropriate or obscene material.
10. Do not reveal personal information about yourself or others.
11. Be ethical and courteous and use appropriate language.
12. District technology may not be used to interfere or disrupt other users, services or equipment.
13. Do not use District technology for commercial or non-curricular activity.
14. Do not engage in “cyberbullying.” Cyberbullying will not be tolerated.
 
The failure of any student to follow the terms of the Acceptable Use Procedures/Guidelines for Students will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

The classroom teacher will handle most classroom misbehavior. Repeated misbehavior will be reported to the School Administration for further disciplinary actions.

If a student is sent to the office for misbehavior, the student will be given a referral form by the teacher.  Included on this form will be an area for school personnel making the referral to give his/her explanation of the incident. This will become part of the student's discipline record at James Hart. After discussing the situation with all involved and perhaps calling the parents, an appropriate action will be determined by the administration.

With all office referrals, parents will be contacted in writing, e-mail, or via a phone call. A student who is referred to the office will have an opportunity to discuss appropriate consequences with office personnel. In general, the progression of consequences for Level 2 misbehavior will be:
1.    Office Detention (2:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m.)
2.    Saturday School (8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.)
3.    In-School Suspension (7:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) 
4.    Out-of-School Suspension
5.    Individual Contract

 

Office Detentions
Office detentions are assigned by the school administration and are served after school from 2:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Students are required to bring homework with them and remain quiet during the detention time. Failure to do so will result in a Saturday School.

Saturday School
Saturday School is considered a serious consequence for James Hart students. Students are expected to arrive at school at 8:00 a.m. with work to be completed.

Students are required to follow Saturday School rules. Failure to do so will result in an in-school and/orout-of-school suspension. Students may be assigned anywhere from one to three hours on Saturday; no student will be assigned to stay later than 11:00 a.m. Two missed Saturday School assignments will result in an in-school suspension.

 

Special note of disruptive behavior towards the end of the school year: Generally, several "special" events occur towards the end of the school year. Examples include field trips, 8th grade dinner-dance, graduation ceremony, etc. These privileges may be lost to those individuals whose prior behavior has deemed this consequence to occur.

Students may, with parental contact, also be kept after school on the last day as a legitimate consequence for their behavior.

In-School Suspension
Students assigned an in-school suspension will spend their entire school day in the in­ school suspension room (7:45a.m.-2:30p.m.). Appropriate supervised restroom breaks, and a lunch break will be provided. Students who disobey suspension rules will immediately be suspended from school.

Being assigned an in-school suspension should be considered a serious indicator that the child's actions are unacceptable at James Hart School. Parents are encouraged to work with the school to ensure the behavior is not repeated. In­ school suspension is the school's way of communicating to students that their actions are unacceptable while keeping students in school and continuing their education.

 

An out-of-school suspension is considered the most serious consequence (excluding expulsion) that a student may receive at James Hart. Students assigned an out-of­-school suspension will be required to make­ up their missed work. Students are not allowed to be on school property during the suspension period.

It is the suspended student's parent or guardian's responsibility to pick up and return completed work.

 

James Hart works on a point system.
All discipline consequences have a number value attached.
Detentions= 5 points/demerits

Saturday School = 10 points/demerits
In School Suspension= 15 points/demerits

Out of School Suspension= 25 points/demerits

 

To be invited to our trimester activities students cannot exceed 15-25 demerits/points per trimester depending on the activity. Trimester activities may include assemblies, field trips, ice cream parties, open gym, etc.

 

Students need to behave well and arrive at school on time to be invited to field trips, school dances, basketball/volleyball games, concession stand, etc.

 

Social Suspension
Students that exhibit excessive tardiness, absences, and misbehavior may be denied the opportunity to attend/participate in afterschool activities.
 

Absences Due to Suspension
An out-of-school suspension constitutes a disciplinary action that may affect academic progress. Students will be allowed to make up assignments and tests due during the suspension period. All assignments due during the suspension must be turned in on the day the student returns from the suspension for full credit. It is the suspended student's responsibility to obtain the assignments through the attendance office at the end of the school day. In addition, any tests taken during the time of the suspension must be made up on the day of return or at the teacher's convenience .

Due Process Procedure
In disciplinary cases where a student is removed from school for a day or longer, the district affords a due process appeal procedure.  The student shall be informed of the charges and have the right to respond. Upon request of the parent or guardian, the suspension may be appealed to the school principal. If the parent or guardian does not feel that a satisfactory resolution has occurred atthe school building level, the parents or guardian may request a hearing at the district level. Upon receipt of this request, a hearing shall be conducted by the School Board or a hearing officer. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, the student shall report to the Board a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting.  After the hearing or upon receipt of the report of the hearing officer, the Board may take such action it finds appropriate.

A student whose presence poses a continuing danger to persons, property, or poses an on-going threat or disruption to the academic process may be immediately removed from school. In such cases, the requirements of due process proceedings will follow as soon as possible.

NOTE: Due process procedures do not guarantee protection of privileges such as participating in extra-curricular activities/athletics.

The following should not be interpreted as the only offenses for which disciplinary actions may be taken. Any behavior not conducive to a healthy school environment will be dealt with at the administration's discretion.  Prior to assigning consequences, an individual conference will be held, and consideration will be given to the student's past disciplinary record and the impact behavior has on a healthy school climate. Some specific offenses are listed below.

 

Board of Education policy 7:190 stipulates that any or all of the following acts may be considered as evidence of "gross disobedience or misconduct'' and may be cause for suspension or expulsion:

Fighting: (Verbal or written threats, or acts, directed towards another student) Consequences may include parent conference, time-out, Saturday School, Detention, in-school suspension, out-of­ school suspension, or a recommendation for expulsion. In all but unusual cases, all parties involved in a fight will receive a similar consequence. Students should note that generally, hitting another student may result in an immediate in-school orout-of­ school suspension. Striking back in self­ defense is considered fighting and will also result in an appropriate  consequence.

 

Although students may not be directly involved in a fight, we consider you a participant, and that may result in disciplinary action or your removal from extracurricular activities.  If you are aware of a planned fight or one that has occurred, please notify an administrator immediately.

The school has responsibility toward and control over students even while off school grounds if behavior shows potential danger to the students' well-being or is disruptive to the educational atmosphere of James Hart School.

 

Bullying and/or Intimidation of Others:  This includes any repeated aggressive or negative gestures, or any written, verbal or physical act that places another student in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property. This includes language conducted through electronic means, including e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat, lnstagram, TikTok and any other social media. Bullying behavior that has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school's educational mission or the education of any student is forbidden.

Per Board policy 7:20," No person, including a School District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived: race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender, gender Identity (whether or not traditionally associated with the student's sex assigned at birth); gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion ; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; 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 characteristics.

Students that bring negative social media posts into the school may receive a consequence.

 

Vulgar Language or Behavior: Any language or behavior indecent, obscene, lewd, or derogatory racial  language.
Consequences may include student conference, parent conference, detentions, referral to guidance office, time-out, in­ school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or a recommendation for expulsion.

Vandalism: Consequences may include student conference, parent conference, detentions, referral to guidance office, time­ out, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or a recommendation for expulsion.  In addition to those consequences, acts of vandalism towards individuals or the school district will result in financial responsibility being placed with the child along with police intervention.

Stealing: Consequences for stealing may include parent conference, restitution, detentions, referral to counselor, time-out, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, removal from school activities, referral to police and/or a recommendation for expulsion.

Student  found in  possession  of property that is not theirs can be considered guilty of theft.  If  you find something that is not yours. you must give it to an adult immediately.

Possession, use, sale, being under the influence of drugs/alcohol/paraphernalia or other intoxicants at school or school sponsored events and activities:
First Incident- minimum 3 days of out of school suspension and enrollment in an approved substance abuse treatment program may be in lieu of the suspension or a portion of the suspension. If the student fails to continue through the treatment program for the prescribed period of time (as per program guidelines), the out-of­ school suspension will be imposed along with a possible recommendation for expulsion sent to the Board of Education.
NOTE: For possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs or other intoxicants, law enforcement authorities will be contacted.

Repeat Offenders: Minimum 10-day out-of­-school suspension with recommendation for expulsion sent to the Board of Education. Possession, sale and/or distribution of "look-alike" drugs is subject to discipline at the discretion of the administration and law enforcement authorities will be contacted.

 

Sale and/ or distribution of drugs/alcohol/paraphernalia or other intoxicants at school or school sponsored events and activities:
 First Incident- minimum 10-day suspension and possible recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion.
Law enforcement authorities will be contacted.

 

Weapons: Including, but not limited to: firearm, meaning any gun (look alike or otherwise), knife, club or any other object used or attempted  to be used to cause bodily harm

Weapons/explosives/arson - minimum 10- day suspension and possible recommendation for expulsion. Law enforcement authorities will be contacted.

 

Other: 
Should any of the following incidents occur, they will be dealt with in an appropriate manner which may include notification to law enforcement officials, parent/school conference, detentions, referral to guidance counselor, restitution, time-out, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, recommendation for expulsion for at least one year, or other intervention at the discretion  of  the administration:

 

 

Gang activity, secret societies, fraternities, sororities including but not limited to:

 

 

State Law requires a school district to notify the parent or guardian of a child who uses aggressive behavior, including bullying, at school.  105 ILCS 5/10-20.14.  School board policy prohibits students using aggressive behavior while at school that does physical or psychological harm to someone else and/or urging other students to engage in such conduct. Prohibited aggressive behavior includes, without limitation, the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, bullying, or other comparable conduct.