www.fsd79.org
General Information
Admission Requirements
All students must be residents of Fremont School District 79. Two proofs of residency will be needed when registering a child for school. A child entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1 of the year that he or she enters kindergarten. The child’s original birth certificate (issued by the county where the birth occurred) must be presented at the time of registration. Please note - the birth certificate that is provided at the hospital will not meet this requirement. The copy provided to the school must have the official seal of the county and the signature of the courthouse clerk.
Upon enrolling a student for the first time, a school shall notify the person enrolling the student that within 30 days, the parents must provide a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate.
Upon failure to provide a certified copy of the birth certificate or other documentation within 30 days, the school district is required to contact the state police and inform them of the failure to comply, and to notify the person enrolling the student that they have an additional 10 days to comply.
School Improvement Days and Institute Days
It is imperative for Fremont teachers to continue to utilize best practices in teaching. Institute Days and School Improvement Days are used as a time for professional development for teachers. Topics for the day focus on district goals and initiatives, building goals, and current educational practices. Well-known speakers and presenters are often brought in to provide professional development for teachers.
Custody Arrangements
According to Public Law 93-380, The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Illinois Public Act 85-1389: “In the case of divorce or separation, a school district must provide equal access to both natural parents, custodial and non-custodial, unless there is a legally binding document that specifically removes that parent’s FERPA rights. In this context, a legally binding document is a certified court order or other legal paper that prohibits access to education records, or removes the parent’s right to have knowledge about his or her child’s records. A certified court order would also be required if restrictions were placed on when and where a parent might contact or visit the child at school.” The above has been provided because the school needs accurate documentation in order to protect the parents’ and child’s rights as well as the school’s rights. Please print the correct information on the Emergency Information Card from the district. A copy of legally binding documents (i.e. certified court orders) is also imperative for the school to provide information to all parties. Copies will be kept in the school office and shared only with the appropriate school personnel.
Equal Educational Opportunities (per Board Policy 7.10)
Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy. Further, the District will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of sex or any other protected status, except that the District remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under Board of Education policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
Sex Equity
No student shall, based on sex or sexual orientation, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.
Any student may file a sex equity complaint by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the Board’s resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent of Schools (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10 of The School Code) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8 of The School Code).
Administrative Implementation
The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator. The Superintendent and the Building Principal shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students of this policy and grievance procedures.
Harassment of Students Prohibited (per Board Policy 7:20)
No person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate or bully another student based upon a student’s race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, religion, creed, ancestry, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status including pregnancy. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.
Complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying are handled according to the provisions on sexual harassment below. The Superintendent shall use reasonable measures to inform staff members and students that the District will not tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying by including this policy in the appropriate handbooks.
Sexual Harassment Prohibited
Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. Any person, including a district employee or agent, or student engages in sexual harassment whenever he or she makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, and engages in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that:
1. Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student’s academic status; or
2. Has the purpose or effect of: a. Substantially interfering with a student’s educational environment; b. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; c. Depriving a student of equitable aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or d. Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic
decisions affecting a student.
The terms “intimidating,” “hostile,” and “offensive” include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussion of sexual experience, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities.
Students who believe they are victims of sexual harassment or have witnessed sexual harassment are encouraged to discuss the matter with the student Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or a Complaint Manager. Students may choose to report to a person of the student’s same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.
An allegation that one student was sexually harassed by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal or the Building Assistant Principal for appropriate action.
Any person who believes he or she has been the subject of any sexual harassment action, policy or procedure should make a complaint in writing to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator or the Complaint Manager, 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, Illinois 60060. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to the Director of Business, (847) 566-0169.
Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment (per Board Policy 7:180) - See also Bullying in all School sections as well
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 is an important District goal. The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a program that:
1. Fully implements and enforces each of the following Board policies: a. 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing or intimidating a student based upon a student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status. b. 7:190, Student Discipline. This policy prohibits students from engaging in hazing of any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to another or any urging of other students to engage in such conduct; prohibited conduct includes any use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, harassment, bullying, hazing, or other comparable conduct. c. 7:310, Restrictions on Publications and Written or Electronic Material. This policy prohibits students from: (i) accessing and/or distributing at school any written or electronic materials, 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 (ii) creating and/or distributing written or electronic material, including Internet material and blogs, that cause substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.
Full implementation of the above policies: (a) conducting a prompt and thorough investigation of alleged incidents of bullying, intimidation, or harassing behavior, (b) providing each student who violates one or more of these policies with appropriate consequences and remedial action, and (c) protecting student against retaliation for reporting such conduct.
2. Examines the appropriate steps to understand and rectify conditions that foster bullying, intimidation, and harassment; this contemplates taking action to eliminate or prevent these disruptive behaviors beyond traditional punitive disciplinary actions.
3. Includes bullying prevention and character instruction in all grades in accordance with State law and 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. Fully informs staff members of the District’s goal to prevent students from engaging in bullying and the measures being used to accomplish it. This includes: (a) communicating the District’s expectation - and the State law requirement - that teachers and other certified employees maintain discipline, and (b) establishing a process for staff members to fulfill their obligation to report alleged acts of bullying, intimidation, harassment, and other acts of actual threatened violence.
5. Encouraging all members of the school community, including students, parents, volunteers, and visitors, to report alleged acts of bullying, intimidation, harassment, other acts of actual or threatened violence.
6. Actively involves students’ parents/guardians in the remediating of the behavior(s) of concern. This includes ensuring that all parents/guardians are notified, as required by State law, whenever their child engages in aggressive behavior.
7. Communicates the District’s expectation that all students conduct themselves with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students. This includes a process for commending or acknowledging students for demonstrating appropriate behavior.
8. Annually communicates this policy to students and their parents/guardians. This includes annually disseminating information to all students and parents/guardians explaining the serious disruption caused by bullying, intimidation, or harassment and that these behaviors will be taken seriously and are not acceptable in any form.
9. Engages in ongoing monitoring that includes collecting and analyzing appropriate data on the nature and extent of bullying in the District’s school and after identifying appropriate indicators, assesses the effectiveness of the various strategies, programs, and procedures and reports the results of this assessment to the Board along with recommendations to enhance effectiveness.
10. Complies with State and Federal law and is in alignment with Board policies. This includes prompting the Board to update the policy beginning every 2 years after its initial adoption and filing this policy with the Illinois State Board of Education after the Board adopts or updates it.
Search and Seizure (as stated in Board Policy 7:140)
In order to maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. “School authorities” includes school liaison police officers.
School Property and Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students
School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there.
The Superintendent may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and searches of lockers, desks, and parking lots, and other school property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.
Students
School authorities may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects in the student’s possession (such as purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s student conduct rules. The search itself must be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to its objectives and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.
When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows:
• Outside the view of others, including students,
• In the presence of a school administrator or adult witness, and
• By a certified employee or liaison police officer of the same sex as the student.
Immediately following a search, a written report shall be made by the school authority that conducted the search, and given to the Superintendent.
Seizure of Property
If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.
Tobacco and Alcohol Policy
The State of Illinois prohibits the use of alcohol and tobacco products on school property.
No Cell Phone Zone Policy
The State of Illinois prohibits the use of cell phones in a vehicle on school property.
Visitors
Illinois State law requires that all visitors register at the school office upon entering the building.
Upon registering, parents and visitors will be expected to wear a name badge at all times while in the building. Fremont provides a variety of activities for students, parents, and community members. We encourage parents to visit the school; however, prior arrangements must be made. If you wish to conference with a teacher, please call and make prior arrangements. Teachers are not available to conference during instructional time. For the continuity of instruction and the safety of our students, it is important that you limit your stay at Fremont to the original purpose of your visit.
For security reasons, the building will not be open to pick up books and/or materials after school hours.
District Lunch Program – Quest Food Services
Each student will be issued an ID card with an imprinted bar code to be used to purchase lunch food items.
Payment for lunches can be made either with cash, check, or credit card. For credit card payments, use the MealTime website at www.mymealtime.com. Cash or checks should be sent to the students’ school. Checks should be made out to QUEST Food Service with the student’s name indicated. Contact the QUEST Food Service office at 847-566-9384, ext. 1115 with any questions regarding school lunches. Students with a negative $10.00 balance will only be able to purchase hot lunch and milk. No a la carte items will be sold to the student until sufficient payment is received. Any student lunch balance negative by $15.00 or more will only receive a cheese sandwich until the negative balance is paid.
Early Arrival
Students are not to arrive at school more than five minutes before the start of their school day. Any student who arrives earlier must have a written pass signed by the teacher and report to the office upon entering the building.
After School
Students must have permission and transportation arrangements before they are allowed to stay after school. Students with permission to stay after school must remain with their supervising teacher. Students who do not report to or remain in designated areas may receive disciplinary consequences.
Emergency School Closings
Parents will be notified in the event that problems cause school to be closed early. If the school is unable to reach a parent, the child will be safely housed until normal dismissal time. The district will be using the ALERTNOW system. This system is an emergency notification system that allows administration to send a telephone message to all parents/guardians providing important information about school emergencies.
Information about ALERTNOW:
• The caller ID will display 411.
• If the telephone call is not answered, ALERTNOW will leave an automated message on an answering machine or voicemail.
• If the automated message stops playing, press any key 1 through 9 and the message will replay from the beginning.
Inclement Weather
School closing information is available through the Information Hotline (847-837-0437 ext. 7979) or the Fremont District 79 website (www.fremont.lake.k12.il.us). On this site, there is an emergency closing button on the Fremont homepage. By clicking on this, one will be directed to a webpage listing various stations. Listed on this page is a link to the Emergency Closing Site (www.emergencyclosings.com) that allows one to search for school closing information by school name or school phone number. This site also allows one to register his/her email address to be automatically notified by email in the event of a school closing.
The district will be using the ALERTNOW system. This system is an emergency notification system that allows administration to send a telephone message to all parents/guardians providing important information about school emergencies.
Information about ALERTNOW:
• The caller ID will display 411.
• If the telephone call is not answered, ALERTNOW will leave an automated message on an answering machine or voicemail.
• If the automated message stops playing, press any key 1 through 9 and the message will replay from the beginning.
Information will also be available on: WKRS - 1220AM, WMAQ - 670AM, WBBM - 780AM and 96FM, WLS - 890AM and 94.7FM, WUSN - 99.5FM, WXLC - 102.3FM, and Fox Channel 32 TV. Information is also available on the school hotline at extension 7979. You may also call the Emergency School Closing Center Hotline for 95 cents a minute at 1-900-407-SNOW.
Fire, Tornado, and Lockdown Evacuation Procedures
Exit procedures are posted in each classroom. Drills are practiced periodically throughout the year to prepare for an emergency. Each teacher will familiarize his or her students with the procedures at the start of each school year.
Publication of Student Names, Photographs, Videos or Works
As a way to share positive news with our Fremont School District 79 community, your child may be photographed or videotaped during classroom or extracurricular activities or otherwise on school grounds or at school-sponsored events for instructional, educational, informational or publicity purposes. The identifiable names, voice, image, works, photographs and/or videos of students may be used in various District 79 or District-related publications, including and without limitation -- the District 79 website, District 79 Twitter account, District 79 Facebook page, District 79 YouTube site, news releases, television productions, newsletters, school yearbooks, school newsletters and public newspapers, as well as presentations at professional conferences and Board of Education meetings. As would be the case in print publications, the District may publish full student names on its website or social media sites. Pictures of students published on these Internet sites would not identify students by name. Students’ names associated with photos may appear in electronic newsletters that are emailed to parents and staff as well as posted on the district website. This information shall not be used for paid commercial purposes. Release or publication of such student information will also be consistent with the Illinois School Student Records Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Please note that it may not be possible for District 79 staff to always identify all students in the background of photographs or videos. District 79 has no ability to restrict the use of student images where it is obtained at an event open to the public and placed on a medium that is not sponsored by District 79 (e.g., a photograph taken by a journalist and published in the local newspaper). Furthermore media companies may also post pictures, videos, and stories featuring our students on their websites.
Child Care Services
Fremont School District 79 does not offer child-care services. However, the school district does provide space for the daycare services provided by Global Learning Services, LLC (known as the All Stars Program) to provide child care services. This group provides a before school program, an extended kindergarten program, an after school program, and an early dismissal day program. All programs are held in Fremont School District. Please contact this program directly. Information can be found on the district website or flyers are available in each school’s office.
Assemblies
The students at Fremont experience a variety of cultural arts assemblies provided by the Parent Teacher Organization, as well as traditional assemblies within the school system.
Yearbook and Pictures
The Parent Teacher Organization publishes and sells a yearbook annually. Parents may purchase the yearbook. Students will receive all purchased copies by the end of the school year. Student pictures are published in the yearbook. Student pictures are taken in the fall and parents have the option of buying various packages.
Communication
Resolution of Concerns
The Fremont faculty, staff and administration are committed to open communication with parents and students. Should a concern arise regarding a student or a situation, parents are asked to address the concern first with the student’s teacher or the involved staff member. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the building administrators are available to work together with the parent and staff member to find a mutually acceptable solution. If parents feel that the recommendations of the building administration are not acceptable, parents may then seek a review of the situation with the superintendent. If parents want further review, they may request a hearing with the Board of Education.
Distribution of Materials
Organizations or individuals are not permitted to solicit or distribute materials through the school without the prior approval of the building administration.
Messages to and from Parents
Messages that need to be delivered to students during the day need to be directed to the office. Teachers might not be able to check voice mails or emails before the end of the day. Written messages from parents should be sent in a sealed envelope, labeled with the students’ and teacher’s names to ensure proper delivery.
In the case of illness or other emergencies at school, staff members will make the necessary telephone calls to parents. Students are discouraged from using the phones during the school day.
Student Assessment and Standardized Testing Information
Reporting Student Progress
Parents/guardians shall be informed at regular intervals regarding the progress of their children in school.
The School District endorses the use of various avenues of communication with parents, including the following:
• Parent/teacher conferences, which shall be conducted on a regular basis, are an effective means of reporting student progress to parents/guardians.
• Student progress reports, which teachers shall submit to parents according to a regular schedule.
• Interim reports, through which teachers contact parents to impart information or to arrange a conference when teachers believe additional information should be shared, shall be encouraged.
Parents are to be notified as soon as there are indications that a student is doing unsatisfactory work in any subject or when a teacher notices a significant decline in a student’s performance (e.g., a decline of two letter grades or more).
Standardized test results, such as those produced in nationally normed achieved tests, the Illinois Student Achievement Test, and the Measures of Academic Progress, are to be released to parents upon request.
In the case of parents who are separated or divorced, both parents may be informed of the progress of their children in school. When the Superintendent receives a request from a student’s parent/guardian for records, notices, or reports concerning the student, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall direct the appropriate District staff member to answer such request. Such requested mailings shall be sent to both parents in the absence of any court order to the contrary. The Superintendent shall establish the means through which this function is performed.
Testing Information
Fremont School District 79 administers several different standardized tests throughout the school year. Recognizing that assessing student learning is complex, teachers and administrators gather as much data as possible including work samples and classroom observations in order to make decisions about individual student learning and achievement.
The staff at Fremont School District 79 believes that meaningful assessment does more than measure -- it provides direction to guide instruction. Testing data helps our teachers and administration make important choices about curriculum and instructional methods.
NWEA’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAPs) Test
Using individual computers, all students in Grades 2-8 take a MAP test in the areas of Reading and Mathematics in the fall and spring. Selected students also take a MAP test mid-year in January to access their progress to date.
Unlike the pencil and paper tests, MAP tests are adaptive, meaning that they automatically adjust to each student’s performance level. Students answering questions correctly are given increasingly more difficult questions. Likewise, students answering questions incorrectly are given an easier level of questions.
Each Reading and Mathematics MAP test takes an average of 50 minutes for students to complete. Results allow teachers to target instruction specifically to the needs of the individual students. The district also uses this data to improve curricular offerings.
Parents can learn more about this specific testing program by logging onto: http://www.nwea.org.
Enhanced Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT)
The Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) measures individual student achievement relative to the Illinois Learning Standards. The results give parents, teachers, and schools one measure of student learning and school performance.
ISAT’s are administered each spring to students in Grades 3-8 for Reading and Mathematics. Students in Grades 4 and 7 are also tested in Science. This state test is used to determine if the district is making adequate yearly progress (AYP) each year as part of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
Parents can learn more about ISAT and the Illinois Learning Standards by logging onto: http://www.isbe.net.
Cognitive Skills Index (CSI)
Cognitive Skills Index (CSI) scores provide a highly reliable measure of overall academic aptitude. This short 90-minute test is administered to students in Grades 3 and 5 in the fall. CSI results assist teachers and administrators in identifying potential students who might benefit from special education and/ or gifted/enrichment services. The CSI is only point of data in making such determinations. Results provide a reference point to seek additional testing.
ISEL (Illinois Snapshot of Early Literacy)
The ISEL (Illinois Snapshot of Early Literacy) is a quick, one-day assessment of literacy development for children in Kindergarten – Grade 2. ISEL is administered to students using measures, grounded in research, that have been found to be reliable and valid indicators of early literacy development. ISEL will be administered several times during the school year.
While we do acknowledge that this is a one-day glance, the results are used to target instruction for individual students during Guided Reading lessons. It is also used to help target instruction for whole group lessons. Finally, it helps to develop interventions for our entire school.
ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners)
ACCESS to ELLs is a statewide, standards-based, criterion referenced English language proficiency test designed to measure English Language Learners’ social and academic proficiency in English. This test is only administered to students who speak a language other than English in the home.
ACCESS assesses social and instructional English as well as the language associated with Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies within the school context across four language domains (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Health Information
Health Requirements
The State of Illinois requires that all children entering kindergarten or first grade (whichever is the child’s first year in school), entering sixth grade, or enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student’s grade to have a physical examination and required immunization verified by licensed prescriber. A licensed prescriber is a physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice nurse. This examination must be given within one year from the start of the new school year and the required health forms returned to the school office by the first day of school. Any student not in compliance with these state requirements will be excluded from school until the requirements are met.
New students beginning school after the first official day of classes will have eight weeks from their first day to submit in written documentation their receiving the first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine to the Health Office. Upon receiving the third and final dose, written documentation must be submitted to the Health Office for the students’ permanent record file. Vaccinations are available through a licensed prescriber or through the Lake County Health Department.
Immunizations - Evidence of immunizations must be provided for chicken pox, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles (twice), mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B (series). A lead screening and varicella vaccination or documentation of chicken pox disease is required for all children entering kindergarten.
Parents will be notified of any health and/or immunization records not in compliance with the Illinois School Code. Failure to provide proof of meeting these requirements can result in your child being excluded from school until the requirements are met.
Dental Examinations
Legislation also requires students in kindergarten, grade two, and grade six to have a dental exam. If a child in grade 2 and 6 fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child’s report card until one of the following occurs:
• The child presents proof of a completed dental examination;
• The child presents proof that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15; or
• The parents obtain a waiver from the Department of Public Health or provide objection to the dental examination based on religious grounds.
The Illinois Department of Public Health shall establish a waiver for children who show an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.
Vision (Eye) Examinations
State legislation also requires all students to have a comprehensive eye exam by a qualified eye doctor (i.e. optometrists and ophthalmologists).
The law requires comprehensive eye exams for children entering kindergarten or enrolling for the first time. If a child fails to present proof by the first day of school, the school may hold the child’s report card until one of the following occurs:
• The child presents proof of a completed eye examination;
• The child presents proof that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after the first day of school; or
• The parents provide a signed statement of objection to the eye examination based on religious grounds.
The Illinois Department of Public Health shall establish a waiver for children who show an undue burden or a lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches who provides eye examinations or to a licensed optometrist.
The law states that “an eye examination shall at a minimum include history, visual acuity, subjective refraction to best visual acuity near and far, internal and external examination, and a glaucoma evaluation, as well as any other tests or observations that in the professional judgment of the doctor are necessary.” Tests must be completed within one year prior to the enrollment in school. Additionally, eye examinations at various grade levels may be required when deemed necessary by school administration or health assistants.
Illness
Parents should keep a child home when these symptoms are present:
• Fever taken in the morning before school
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash or sores
• Reddened, swollen, or watery eyes
• Red or swollen joints
• Diarrhea
• Excessive coughing or sneezing
• Sore throat
• Headache or earache
Children should be kept home for 24 hours after an elevated temperature has returned to normal without fever reducing medication. Parents are asked to keep their child home for 24 hours after vomiting or diarrhea as well. If any of these symptoms persist, please contact a qualified physician.
Any students not attending school during the school day may not attend special school events (including holiday parties) or after school activities.
Parents will be informed by letter if/when exposure to a contagious illness is known. Parents can help curtail the possibilities of epidemics by daily inspection of their own children. Because of the contagious nature of many illnesses, please consider the child’s physical complaints before leaving or sending a child to school. If a child displays any symptoms of illness, parents will be contacted and expected to arrange for the student to be picked up. Sick children cannot remain in school.
Illnesses Occurring at School
If a student becomes ill during the day, the health clerk/school nurse will check the child and, if necessary, call a parent or emergency contact to pick up the child. If parents or emergency contact cannot be reached and the student’s condition necessitates immediate medical attention, the child will be taken to the hospital.
Communicable Diseases
If a child has an illness that is considered contagious, please contact the Health Office. Examples include strep throat, lice, mononucleosis, skin rashes, infections, scarlet fever, chicken pox, impetigo, conjunctivitis (pink eye), foot and mouth disease, and Fifth’s Disease (a form of measles). Children who come to school showing symptoms of any of these diseases will be sent home, and parents will be requested to seek medical attention for the child. Upon confirmation of a case of head lice in a classroom, the entire class will be screened for the infestation. The families of other students in the class will be notified.
Children may not return to school unless they have been fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Also, if your child is on an antibiotic, he/she may not return to school unless they have been on medication for a 24-hour period as well as fever free for 24 hours.
Life-Threatening Allergies
Fremont School District has implemented a Life-Threatening Allergy Management Program. This program focuses on allergies to food, but is easily adapted to allergies such as bee/insects and latex. While it is not possible for the district to completely eliminate the risk of exposure to allergens when a student is at school, a Life-Threatening Allergy Management Program, using a cooperative effort among the students’ families, staff members, and students, helps the district reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for allergic reactions. If a student is diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy, please contact the School Nurse/Health Clerk or Principal to establish an Emergency Action Plan and an Individual Health Plan. Details of the Fremont School District’s Life-Threatening Allergy Management Program are available from the Health Office at each school and on the Fremont District website.
Unique Medical Needs of Students
Parents must inform the School Nurse/Health Clerk of their child’s medical condition or needs related to allergies, glasses, diabetes, asthma, or other health concerns.
Students with severe or unique medical concerns may be placed on an Individual Health Plan after a School Nurse has completed an assessment of the child’s needs. Parents will be contacted to develop the Individual Health Plan together.
Medication
Medication will be administered only when a medical authorization form is on file in the health office. Both the parent and a licensed prescriber must complete this form. A licensed prescriber is a physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice nurse. This form is provided with registration materials and is also available from the receptionist in the school offices.
The administration of medication to children is the responsibility of the parent, not the school. On rare occasions, a child’s medical condition may require that medication be administered at school. The school does not provide any medications for students. In such cases, the administration of medication to a student will be subject to the following guidelines:
1. Documented permission from the parent must be on file in the Health Office to allow the child to receive medication (including over-the-counter medication) during school hours. This permission must be renewed with each new prescription.
2. A written order from a licensed prescriber detailing the medication, dosage, time interval to be given, and possible side effects must be on file in the Health Office. Medication Authorization forms can be obtained from the Health Office.
3. All medication must be furnished in an original container, properly labeled by a pharmacy or a physician. The container must state clearly the name of the student, the name of the medication, the dosage, the time of day to administer, and the duration of administration. Such medication will be placed in a locked cabinet located in the Health Office. All medications must be delivered to the Health Office by a parent. Only the parents, at the end of the school year, should pick up, any unused medication.
4. It will be necessary for the parent to confer personally with the School Nurse/Health Clerk before the administration of any medication at school. Any change in medication must come directly from the doctor in written form.
5. Please do not give a student any medication (including cough drops, nose drops, aspirin, etc.) to keep and take at school. This is for the safety of all students.
6. When it is not possible for the School Nurse to be present, authorized personnel will administer medication only after receiving instructions from the School Nurse.
Administering Medicines to Students (per Board Policy 7:270)
Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the District’s procedures on dispensing medication.
No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or nonprescription medication until a completed and signed “School Medication Authorization Form” is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student shall possess or consume any prescription or nonprescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this policy and its implementing procedures.
A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and/or medication prescribed for asthma for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a “School Medication Authorization Form.” The School District shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication or epinephrine auto-injector or the storage of any medication by school personnel. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the School District and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine auto-injector and/or medication, or the storage of any medication by school personnel.
Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.
The Building Principal shall include this policy in the Student Handbook and shall provide a copy to the parents/guardians of students.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
Vision screenings are conducted by certified screening personnel each fall for every student in grades kindergarten, second, and eighth as well as for all special education and new students as mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Students with glasses will not be screened, but their glasses will be checked. If a child is not in these categories, please contact the appropriate school nurse to have him/her screened.
Hearing screenings are conducted by certified screening personnel each fall for every student in grades kindergarten, first, second, and third as well as for all special education and new students as mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. If a child is not in these categories, please contact the appropriate school nurse to have him/her screened.
Restrictions from Any Physical Activities and/or Recess
Any student who is to be excused from physical education class and/or recess must have a note from his/her physician stating the reason for the exclusion. A statement from the child’s physician explaining any physical restrictions must be kept on file in the health office for every student requiring special consideration.
Child Abuse
According to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, 325 5/1, all school personnel, including, but not limited to, teachers, social workers, nurses, psychologists, and administrators who have reasonable cause to suspect that a student may be an abused or neglected child shall immediately report such a case to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. In such a situation, the staff member shall notify the Administration that a report has been made.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
Each school is equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator for emergency purposes. An AED in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used for anyone who is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.
Administrators, School Nurses, Health Clerks, and Physical Education Teachers have been trained in CPR and in the use of the AED. If the defibrillator must be used, 911 will be called immediately.
Student Records
Records
Records of students are to be maintained in the school from the time a child enters the school. There are two types of records, permanent and temporary. Requests to review records must be made in writing to the principal. Local, state, and federal laws require that information in student records is held confidential. This same law requires that rules and procedures be established to maintain this privacy as well as a record of any persons who have had access to the child’s records.
Local, state and federal laws including, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allow parents or guardians the right to: inspect and review education records, seek to amend education records, and consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records except as specified by law. When a student turns 18 years of age or enters a postsecondary educational institution at any age, these rights transfer to the student.
Please notify the school promptly, in writing, of any change in address, telephone, health conditions, custody, or other matters that might be pertinent to school records. Parents are requested to contact the office for a transfer of records when withdrawing students from school. If the student has unpaid fines or fees and is transferring to a public school, an unofficial record of the student’s grades will be sent in lieu of the student’s official transcript of scholastic records.
Permanent Records
Permanent student educational records are kept on file for a minimum of 60 years by the school district. These records include the following:
1. Basic identifying information - student and parent names and addresses, student’s birth date and birthplace, and gender.
2. Academic transcript - grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, and scores on college entrance tests.
3. Attendance record.
4. Accident reports and health record.
5. Record of release of record information (see Release of Records).
The permanent records also may include the following:
1. Honors and awards received.
2. Information about participation in school sponsored activities or offices held in school sponsored organizations.
Temporary Records
Temporary records are normally retained for five years after the graduation, transfer or permanent withdrawal of the student from the district. The temporary records may also include the following:
1. Family background information.
2. Intelligence and aptitude test scores.
3. Reports of psychological evaluations - information on intelligence, personality and academic information obtained through tests, observations and interviews.
4. Elementary and secondary achievement level test results.
5. Copies of the student’s work.
6. Participation in extracurricular activities, including offices held, honors, and awards received.
7. Teacher anecdotal records.
8. Disciplinary information.
9. Special education files - reports of the individual education program meetings that determine whether placement is made, all records, and tape recordings relating to special education placement hearings and appeals.
10. Gifted/Enrichment, English as a Second Language, and Reading Intervention qualification scores and progress reports.
11. Any verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies or organizations.
12. Other verified information of clear relevance to the student’s education;
13. Records of release of temporary record information (Release of Records).
The right to inspect and copy (at a minimal fee) student educational records, both permanent and temporary, is allowed to parents or guardians of students under age 18. Any student age 14 or older also has the right to read and review his or her temporary and permanent educational records.
Parent or student requests for review of records must be made in writing to the school principal. The principal will then arrange an appointment within two weeks for the review.
Challenge to Records
School board policy provides a procedure for the challenge of information on records by parents, guardians or students 18 years or older. A challenge to the content of records must be in made in writing to the Building Principal. This letter should clearly identify record being challenged and reason for the desired change to the record. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the District shall notify the parents/guardians or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parents/guardians or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
Release of Records
In general, no personally identifiable records or files (or personal information for either) may be made available to individuals, agencies or organizations without the written consent of parents, guardians or students over 18 years of age. However, limited exceptions are made. The records are available to the following individuals or groups:
1. Other school officials, including teachers within the educational institution or local agency who may have legitimate educational interests.
2. Officials of other schools or school system where the student intends to enroll, provided the student’s parents are notified of the transfer of records and receive a copy of the record if desired, and have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record if they desire.
3. Authorized representatives of the Controller General of the United States, the secretary and administrative head of an educational agency.
4. Organizations or agencies in connection with a student’s application for or receipt of financial aid.
Information may be released in connection with an emergency to appropriate persons if such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
Each school keeps a log of all agencies or persons who request or obtain access to information from a student’s records. Parents, guardians or eligible students have the right to request a copy of information released. The records custodian of a school shall transfer the records of a student to the school in which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll upon request of the records custodian of the other school or the student. The parent shall have the opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such information.
Release of the information other than to those specified above requires the prior, specific, dated, written consent of the parent designating the person to whom such records may be released, reason for release, and specific records to be released.
Directory Information
Directory information about a student may not be released without the parent’s prior knowledge. The Building Principal shall inform the parent before releasing the following: student’s name, address, gender, grade level, date and place of birth, parents/guardians names and addresses, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, periods of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational institution attended.
Inspection of Instructional Materials
Parents or guardians of any student may inspect instructional materials used in schools. Those materials include textbooks, teacher manuals, films, and tapes. Call the principal’s office for an appointment if you wish to view any of these items.
Non-Custodial Parents Rights
In families where parents are separated or divorced, the granting of custody to one parent does not alter the rights of the other unless there is a court order specifically on this point. Any parent may have access to his or her child’s student records for the purpose of reviewing them.
For more information on Rights and Privacy of Student Records contact the Superintendent’s Office, (847) 566-0169.
Surveys of Private Information
In accordance with federal law [Public Law 103-227 and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)], students who participate in federally-funded programs are not required to divulge in a survey, analysis or evaluation of any of the following without the prior written consent of their parents or guardians: (1) political affiliations or beliefs of the student of the student’s parent; (2) mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family; (3) sexual behavior and attitudes; (4) illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior; (5) critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; (6) legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers; (7) religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; or (8) income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
Parents or guardians have the right to inspect, upon request, any survey created by a third party. Parents or guardians of students who are scheduled to participate in specific activities or surveys will be notified by mail or email before the survey begins. Parents or guardians may opt to have students not participate in special activities or survey as listed above.
School Services
Response to Intervention
Response to Intervention (RtI) is both a state and national approach through which educators analyze student learning. This approach recognizes that early intervention in a child’s learning process is critical to preventing future problems in his or her academic and emotional growth.
RtI involves examining the performance of students to an educational (intervention) and then collecting data on the changes in performance after such intervention. The RtI model is based on frequent data collection and subsequent changes in instruction based on assessments and/or results of intervention.
As in all school districts, the grade level appropriate learner is just as much at risk of falling behind his/her peers academically or socially. Classroom teachers, through a universal screener and a variety of grade level tests, monitor all their students to ensure that they understand the curriculum. When a teacher notices that a student is struggling, the teacher begins an immediate intervention approach to help the student get back on track with his or her peers academically or socially. If interventions within the classroom setting are not helping the student make substantial gains, the student is referred to the Problem Solving Team. The Problem Solving Team includes: teachers, specialists, and administrators.
Preschool Screenings
Fremont conducts periodic screenings of the district’s three and four year old children. Those areas that are addressed include gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, and conceptual development. As a result of the screening, students may be referred for further evaluation. For qualified students, early intervention and preschool special education services are available through District 79 and the Special Education District of Lake County. Parents with concerns about the development of their child are encouraged to contact the building administration at any time.
Early Childhood Program
This is a self-contained special education program for preschoolers between the ages of three and six. Students in this program have had a case study evaluation and determined eligible to receive early intervention services. The program is a half-day program, and students may remain in the program up until the end of their kindergarten year. Students in the Early Childhood Program typically receive a variety of services including speech and language, occupational/physical therapy, and/or social work.
Preschool Program
This program is for preschoolers between the ages of three and six. Students qualify for this program based on several criteria. The program is a half-day program, and students may remain in the program up until the end of their kindergarten year. Criteria for student’s entry into the program will be reviewed after the student attends Preschool Screening. Parents may sign up for Preschool Screening through the Special Education Department. This program is based on funding through a state grant.
Reading Programs
Reading Recovery (First Grade)
Reading Recovery is a short-term intervention for low-achieving first graders. In Reading Recovery, individual students receive a half-hour lesson each school day for 12 to 20 weeks with a specially trained Reading Recovery teacher. As soon as students are able to read within the average range of their grade level as determined by national norms, and are able to demonstrate that they can continue to achieve independently, their lessons are discontinued. Then, new students begin individual instruction.
Classroom teachers refer students for screening to be performed by a Reading Teacher. Parents are notified if students qualify for this program. Permission to participate in this program will be received from parents before a student is enrolled in the program. As students exit the program, their continued progress is monitored by Reading Teachers.
Reading Program (First - Eighth Grade)
The Reading Program is a reading intervention where small groups of students receive lessons between 3 – 5 days a week with a specially trained Reading Teacher. As soon as students are able to read within the average range of their grade level, as determined by national norms, and are able to demonstrate that they can continue to achieve independently, their lessons are discontinued. Then, new students begin individual instruction.
Classroom teachers refer students for screening to be performed by a Reading Teacher. Parents are notified if students qualify for this program. Permission to participate in this program will be received from parents before a student is enrolled in the program. As students exit the program, their continued progress is monitored by Reading Teachers.
Enrichment Program
Students identified as significantly above average in one or more reasoning areas receive specialized instruction designed to refine critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Students are identified by a combination of test scores.
Parents will be notified if students qualify for this program. Permission to participate in this program will be received from parents before a student is enrolled in the program. Classroom teachers and/or parents refer students for screening. Students in the Enrichment Program receive services from the Enrichment Teacher once a week.
Students may also qualify for the Gifted Program. Students complete a second level of testing with the School Psychologist. Scores are then reviewed in order to qualify for this program. Students who qualify for this program receive services three times a week. Generally, students are not tested for the Gifted Program until Third Grade. Students may be tested earlier in special instances.
English Language Learner (ELL) Program
Bilingual students for whom English is a secondary language, or who are in transition learning English, are eligible to receive academic and/or language assistance through our ELL program.
Parents will be notified if students qualify for this program. Students are referred for screening according to the Home Language Survey. All screening and testing is completed by an English Language Learner Teacher.
English Language Learners who speak another language in the home also participate in ACCESS to ELLs testing. See Testing Information section for additional information.
Kindergarten English Language Learner (ELL) Program
Bilingual students for whom English is a secondary language, or who are in transition learning English, are eligible to receive academic and/or language assistance through our ELL program or may qualify for the Kindergarten ELL program.
Students who qualify for the Kindergarten ELL program will attend the Kindergarten ELL program for half of the day in addition to a Kindergarten class for the other part of the day. This program builds language, academic, and social skills.
Parents will be notified if students qualify for this program. Permission to participate in this program will be received from parents before a student is enrolled in the program. Students are referred for screening according to the Home Language Survey. All screening and testing is completed by an English Language Learner Teacher.
English Language Learners who speak another language in the home also participate in ACCESS to ELLs testing. See Testing Information section for additional information.
Summer Programs
Fremont School District offers summer programs each year. A variety of different programs based on skills review and fun activities will be sent home to parents in the spring.
Media Center Resources
The goal of the media center is to provide a wide variety of informational resources to Fremont students and faculty to support our curricular goals. Toward this end, it is the responsibility of the Media Center Director, working in conjunction with our teaching faculty, to build and maintain an appropriate collection and to oversee the circulation procedures for access to these resources.
The Media Center Director and the Classroom Teacher work together to create opportunities for students to locate information in a variety of formats. In addition, the Media Center supports school-wide reading incentive programs to encourage reading. Teachers are encouraged to share curriculum plans with the Media Center Director in order to coordinate learning opportunities.
Books, periodicals and kits circulate for one or two week checkouts. Overdue books will be fined. Fines are assessed at $.05 a school day unless books are late due to illness. Books that are lost or damaged are charged to students. If a student plans to leave the District, the student must return all books before leaving. Students are expected to demonstrate responsibility in caring for and returning Learning Center materials. Please help your child do this by establishing a place in your home where your child can store books so they do not become lost or damaged.
Visitors are welcome at any time. Parent volunteers are greatly appreciated and have always been essential to the program. Please contact the Media Center Director, if you are interested in helping.
School Counseling Intervention
At any time, students may be recommended for school counseling intervention from the school social worker or psychologist. The purpose of this intervention is to review the reasons for the misbehavior and create a plan to avoid future occurrences. The school reserves the right to seek additional assistance for persistent behaviors.
Special Education - Identification and Services
Students receive the special education and related services identified on their individualized educational program (IEP) in the least restrictive environment through categorical programs specific to their individual needs.
Problem Solving (PS) Team
PS teams operate at the building level to provide prompt support to teachers in working with children who may have unique learning styles and behavior patterns. Teachers, other professionals, or parents may refer students to the PS team through a district produced referral form or letter. Following a referral, the team and the presenting teacher will jointly engage in a structured process of conceptualizing problems, brainstorming and planning interventions. The team may recommend further evaluation after receiving parental permission.
The PS Team concept is not a special education initiative. It is an educational team designed to help students with learning needs, assist teachers in differentiating grade level curriculum, and serves as a method for improving communication. The PS team discusses, develops and implements academic and behavior interventions. This team may initiate referrals for further evaluation. However, the PS process can be the beginning stages of identifying students for special education services.
Identification of Special Education Students
Students experiencing difficulty with classroom learning, behavior, or social relationships may be referred to the PS team for review. The teacher, other professionals, or parents may make referrals. Parents may make a request in writing to have their child evaluated and should direct their request to the attention of the appropriate building administrator. The PS team is made up of an administrator and building staff. After a referral is received, the PS team will review the referral and may recommend additional interventions. The team, along with the parents, may also recommend that a case study evaluation be completed to determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education services if interventions are unsuccessful. All eight domains (health, vision, hearing, social/emotional, academic, general intelligence, communication status, and motor abilities) will be considered. Parent permission is required before a case study evaluation is conducted. When the evaluation is complete, a conference will be held with the parents to review the information in order to determine if special education and related services are warranted. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written for each student requiring special education services. A student will receive the special education and related services on his/her IEP in the least restrictive environment through categorical programs specific to their individual needs.
Learning Resource Program
District 79 provides services to students through learning resource classes. Students are scheduled for small group sessions to receive assistance in academic and processing areas. Additional assistance may be provided in the classroom when a special education teacher works collaboratively with the regular education teacher.
All students receiving services through learning /resource rooms have had case study evaluations prior to placement. Parents, regular classroom teachers, and administrators plan the educational program for the child together with special education teachers.
Behavioral Intervention for Students with Disabilities
The following paragraphs have been developed based on information outlined in Behavioral Interventions in Schools - Guidelines for Development of District Policies for Students with Disabilities. This document was prepared by the Illinois State Board of Education and is available by writing the Illinois State Board of Education, 100 North First Street, Springfield, IL 62777-00011. The Superintendent at 847-566-0169 will address questions concerning administrative procedures related to this policy.
It is the intent of Fremont District 79 that interventions used with students will incorporate procedures and methods consistent with professionally accepted educational practice. Interventions that are considered non-restrictive are preferred, because of the low risk of negative side effects and the high priority placed on behavior change rather than on behavior control. These interventions may be used without the development of a written behavioral management plan or inclusion in an IEP. All of the procedural protections available to students with disabilities and their parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including notice and consent, opportunity for participation in meetings, and right to appeal, shall be observed when implementing and/or developing Behavioral Intervention Plans.
When confronted with an emergency situation in which immediate intervention is needed to protect students, other individuals, or the physical site from harm, school personnel may use an intervention that has not been delineated in the student’s Behavior Management Plan or IEP. The emergency intervention selected shall be the least intrusive to reasonably respond to the situation. When an emergency intervention has been used with a student, the parents or guardians of the student will be notified as soon as possible. In addition, details related to the use of the emergency intervention will be documented and given to parents.
Speech and Language Services
The Speech and Language Program provides services to children between the ages of 3 - 14 who have demonstrated needs in the areas of articulation (speech sound development), language, voice and/or fluency. Screenings are provided for preschool through second grades and any students new to District 79. Students may also be identified through a referral initiated by a teacher or a parent.
Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy Program provides related services to children between the ages of 3 - 14 who have demonstrated needs in the areas of gross motor, fine motor, sensory modulation, bilateral integration, and postural-occular movements as a related service. Services may include direct therapy or consultation with teachers.
Counseling/Social Work
Students may receive assistance from the school social worker to assist them in their academic, emotional, or behavioral progress. Services may be provided individually or through small groups. Students may refer themselves or may be referred by concerned parents or teachers. Students can be seen a maximum of three times without parent permission.
Psychologist
Students may receive assistance from the school psychologist to assist them in their academic, emotional, or behavioral progress. Services may be provided individually or through small groups. Students may refer themselves or may be referred by concerned parents or teachers. Students can be seen a maximum of three times without parent permission.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Expression of Concerns
Students have both the right and responsibility to express school-related concerns and grievances to the staff. These concerns must be expressed in a manner which is not slanderous, obscene, likely to disrupt class work, or cause substantial disorder to the learning environment of the school. Expression of these concerns may be made in writing or in person to the principal.
Due Process
Prior to a suspension from school, students have the right to a conference with the principal or assistant principal. During this conference, the student will be informed of the complaint against him or her and given an opportunity to respond. If a student is suspended, the parents or legal guardian has the right to appeal the suspension to the district hearing officer appointed by the Board of Education. As a matter of practice, the right to be heard is available to all students during any portion of the disciplinary process.
School Counseling Intervention
At any time, students may be recommended for school counseling intervention. The purpose of this intervention is to review the reasons for the misbehavior and create a plan to avoid future occurrences. The school reserves the right to seek additional assistance for persistent behaviors.
Discipline Procedure For Students with an IEP
All students who are serviced with an Individual Education Program (IEP) will be disciplined consistent with the Fremont Code of Conduct and his or her IEP. However, no child shall be punished for a behavior that is related to his/her disability without convening a Manifest Determination Conference. At the conference, a decision will be made to determine the most appropriate course of action with regard to the infraction of the Code of Conduct.
Corporal Punishment
The use of corporal punishment is strictly prohibited. Any teacher, student, administrator, or personnel of District 79 will subject no student to corporal punishment. Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional use of physical force upon a student for any alleged offenses or behaviors, or the use of physical force in an attempt to modify behavior, thought, or attitudes of a student.
Physical Restraint
The use of protective physical intervention or restraint is permitted for, but not limited to, the following reasons:
• To quell a disturbance which threatens physical injury.
• To obtain possession of a dangerous object.
• To protect persons or property from harm.
School Violence Tip-Line
The Illinois State Police will administer the School Violence Tip-Line that will provide a means for students to report threats of violence and weapon violations on school grounds. The statewide toll-free number, 1-800-477-0024, will be physically answered at the ISP Communication Center in Springfield.
State police employees who will forward the information to the local sheriff or police department and the appropriate ISP district will answer calls. The local law enforcement agency will be responsible for notifying the affected school in the community from which the call originates.
In the event that the caller is in crisis, the ISP will transfer the call to the designated mental health worker. The School Violence Tip-Line should not be used for emergency situations. In an emergency situation, call your local police/fire agency (911 if available).
School/Personal Property
Lost and Found
Students are urged not to bring valuable items to school. Personal belongings such as coats, boots, and book bags should be marked with the student’s name. Lost and found articles are placed in a box located outside of the cafeteria or in the front office. Students and parents are invited to periodically search the box for any lost items.
School Property
Lockers are school property and may be searched by school officials with or without student permission. The school will assume no responsibility for lost or stolen property. Students are discouraged from bringing items of significant value to school. Students who mar, deface, or damage books, furniture, building, or other property belonging to the school are required to reimburse the school for damages.
School District Organization
PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization)
The Parent/Teacher Organization is a vital component of our school community. Throughout the year, this organization of volunteers sponsors and coordinates many different activities to support our school, sports, and fine arts programs. The PTO publishes the Buzz Book and The Wildcat Crier, sponsors parties, book fairs and family outings, and provides support for a number of other activities. The organization is open to any Fremont parent or staff member. Monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School Media Center on the third Thursday of the month unless otherwise noted.
Fremont Education Foundation
The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization formed to enhance and compliment education opportunities for all students attending Fremont School District. The Foundation operates independently from the District 79 Board of Education and the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and is directed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who is committed to the goal of educational excellence. The Foundation Trustees builds partnerships in the community, research and select Foundation projects, and raise funds to support these projects.
Fremont Outdoor Learning Environment – One of the major projects of the Fremont Education Foundation is the Fremont Outdoor Learning Environment (FOLE). This is located directly behind the Elementary School. In coordination with the Lake County Forest Preserve, the Fremont Education Foundation and a group of Fremont staff members have built an outdoor curriculum to use with all students. Students in grades PK-8 utilize this space.
The Foundation meets monthly in the Middle School Conference Room. Please see school calendar for dates and times. For more information on the Education Foundation, please visit the school web site. A monthly newsletter is also included in the second Friday Flyer of each month.
TAP (Teacher Assistance Program)
The PTO and Fremont School cosponsor the Teacher Assistance Program. Through this program, parents are encouraged to volunteer to assist in the classroom, library, art room, or other areas of the school. Students and teachers benefit from the generosity of our parent volunteers.
Disclaimer
The school rules published in this handbook are subject to change to ensure continued compliance to federal, state, or local regulations and are subject to review and alteration as becomes necessary for the routine operation of the school.
