Asbestos Management Plans Available

Although CCSD 89 has removed all asbestos-containing materials inside schools, with the exception of floor tiles and mastic, the district maintains an asbestos management plan for each school building. These plans are located in the district office, and each school has a copy of the plan for that building.  All questions concerning the asbestos management plans should be directed to Ron Henson, Buildings and Grounds, at (630) 469-8900, ext. 4302.

Challenge Program

The Challenge Program is a CCSD 89 program designed to meet the learning needs of students who display a combination of exceptional intellectual ability, high levels of creativity, and advanced academic performance. The elementary schools offer Challenge instruction as a pull-out resource program.  Glen Crest advanced programming is available in language arts/reading, mathematics, and science.  All subjects are differentiated for students’ needs. 

Screening and Identification of Students for the Challenge Program

All students are screened in the fall of second and fourth grades for potential entrance to the Challenge program. Students may be tested at other designated times, if deemed appropriate. Identification is based on both cognitive and academic performance. Please note: identification for Challenge is not something for which teachers and/or guardians can prepare students.

Placement eligibility for Challenge Language Arts and Humanities (LAH) requires a cognitive score above the 93rd percentile, and MAP ELA performance consistently above the 93 percentile. Placement eligibility for Challenge Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) requires a cognitive score above the 93rd percentile, and MAP Math performance consistently above the 93 percentile. For more information, go to www.ccsd89.org/challenge

Channels of Communication

Communication with the schools is welcomed whenever it is motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality of the educational program or to help the schools do their job more effectively. Complaints and grievances are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible. The Board of Education should only be involved when a problem cannot be resolved through consultation with the teacher, principal, or other staff members.

If you have a concern about the following areas, please make your first contact with the person listed first on this list. If you still have a concern, then reach out to the second person on the list, and so on.

Instruction, Discipline, or Learning Materials

• Teacher
• Principal
• Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
• Superintendent
• Board of Education

School Personnel

• School employee
• Employee’s immediate supervisor
• Principal, where applicable
• Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
• Superintendent
• Board of Education

Transportation

• Principal or Assistant Principal
• Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations
• Superintendent
• Board of Education

Board Operations and Policies

• Superintendent
• Board of Education

Every effort will be made to promptly reply to complaints, questions, and comments. Matters referred to the superintendent and the Board should be in writing and should state the nature of the complaint and the desired outcome.

The CCSD 89 Board of Education provides a uniform grievance procedure (Board Policy 2:260) for any individual who alleges a violation of this policy. Further information regarding this policy can be found on the district’s website, www.ccsd89.org/board.

Communicating with Parents

CCSD 89 schools use electronic newsletters as a regular means of keeping parents informed of coming activities and current procedures. Fliers and notices will be posted on the district’s webpage at www.ccsd89.org/backpack (under “Quick links” on the homepage). Additional communications are sent through a mass email system. If you are not receiving email updates from CCSD 89, please call your school secretary and verify a valid family email address is on file.

Videoconferencing: In circumstances limited to those outlined in federal and state statutes and regulations, as well as state guidance, CCSD 89 may use teleconference and/or videoconferencing software (such as Zoom, Google Meets, Google Classrooms, etc.), to provide instruction to students. A prominent feature of these platforms is that students and parents will have the ability to see teachers and other classmates during instructional sessions.

Remote sessions may also be recorded for students who were unable to attend the live session. While the primary focus of these recordings will be on the instruction, rather than on the students, your student’s image and voice may be recorded. Only students in the class will have access to these recordings.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s participation in these remote sessions through these platforms, or specifically regarding your child’s privacy or confidentiality, please contact your school principal.

CPR and AED

Families are encouraged to watch the video that is posted on the Illinois High School Association website that outlines hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators. The video is available at: www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/CPR-Training Parents may object if they do not wish their child to participate in training on how to properly administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use an automated external defibrillator.

Disability Accommodation

The district does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the provision of, or access to, any of its programs or services by student, parents, or community members. If you require accommodation to attend or participate in any board meeting, parent-teacher conferences, or other school program or event, please contact the superintendent’s office. If you feel that you have been discriminated against on the basis of disability in the district’s provision of programs or services, please contact the district’s Non-Discrimination Coordinator.

Education of Children with Disabilities

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 6:120 (Education of Children with Disabilities)

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

The district provides a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the school. The term “children with disabilities” means children between ages 3 and the day before their 22nd birthday for whom it is determined that special education services are needed. It is the intent of the school to ensure that students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

A copy of the publication “Explanation of Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Students with Disabilities” may be obtained from the district office. Parents/guardians have the ability to request related service logs, including speech and language services, occupational therapy services, physical therapy services, school social work services, school counseling services, and school nursing services.

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program, as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and implementing provisions of this Illinois law, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

Any parent/guardian who is deaf or does not typically communicate using spoken English is entitled to the services of an interpreter when the parent/guardian participates in a Section 504 meeting with the representative of the school district.

For further information, please contact the CCSD 89 Director of Student Services Katie Kreller, 22W600 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn, (630) 469-8900. More information is available in the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Parent Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois”, which is available at: www.isbe.net/Documents/Parent-Guide-Special-Ed-Aug20.pdf

Electronic Signaling Devices

Students may not use or possess electronic signaling (paging) devices or two-way radios on school property at any time, unless the principal specifically grants permission.

Emergency Evacuation, Fire, Intruder, and Tornado Drills

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 4:170 (Safety)

Emergency evacuation, fire, intruder, and tornado drills are regularly practiced. Special equipment in each school relays signals from state and county police and warns school officials of imminent danger. In the event of an emergency evacuation, staff may need to relocate students to alternative sites designated by each school, and the procedure for off-schedule dismissal may be implemented. Information about a school’s emergency plan is available from the principal.

English Learners (EL) / Bilingual program

CCSD 89 offers opportunities for English Learners to achieve at high levels in academic subjects and meet the same challenging state standards as other students. Parents/guardians of English Learner students will be informed how they can: (1) be involved in the education of their children, and (2) be active participants in assisting their children to attain English proficiency, achieve at high levels within a well-rounded education, and meet the academic standards expected of all students.

During registration, CCSD 89 administers a home-language survey to all students who are new to the district. The home-language questions are: ‘Is a language other than English spoke in the home?’ and ‘Does the student speak a language other than English?’ Based on the response to these questions, EL staff will screen and determine if the student qualifies for English-language services.

CCSD 89 sends notification letters to parents of EL students who participate in the language-instruction programs no later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year. CCSD 89 notifies parents every year in which EL students participate in a language-instruction program. When a student is identified as EL after the start of the school year, the district sends a notification letter to the students’ guardians within 14 days of the child being placed in a language-instruction program.

Learn more about the district’s English Learner (EL) Program at: www.ccsd89.org/domain/1298

Erin’s Law (Child Sexual Abuse Prevention)

All Illinois school districts are required to provide health education to students regarding the protection from sexual abuse and abduction. The goal of this law is to increase awareness of crimes against children. All students in grades preschool through eighth grade receive age-appropriate curriculum related to the prevention of sexual abuse and abduction. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content of the curriculum, please contact your child’s teacher or principal.

The district will provide written notice to parents/guardians of students in preschool through eighth grade before commencing any class or course providing instruction in recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse to afford the parents/guardians an opportunity to submit a written objection to their child’s participation in this unit of instruction by sending a written request to the principal.

When a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually, or by acts of neglect, the crime is known as child abuse. Child sexual abuse isn’t always easy to spot, and some survivors may not exhibit obvious warning signs. The perpetrator could be someone you have known a long time or trust, which may make it even harder to notice. Consider some of the following common warning signs.

Physical signs: Bleeding, bruises, or swelling in genital area; bloody, torn, or stained underclothes; difficulty walking or sitting; frequent urinary or yeast infections; pain, itching, or burning in genital area

Behavioral signs: Changes in hygiene, such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively; develops phobias; exhibits signs of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder; expresses suicidal thoughts, especially in adolescents; has trouble in school, such as absences or drops in grades; inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors; nightmares or bed-wetting; overly protective and concerned for siblings, or assumes a caretaker role; returns to regressive behaviors, such as thumb sucking; runs away from home or school; self-harms; shrinks away or seems threatened by physical contact.

More information about signs of child sexual abuse is available at www.rainn.org/articles/child-sexual-abuse

Grooming / Faith’s Law

Child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors harm students, their parents/guardians, the district’s environment, school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn. The Board has a responsibility and obligation to increase awareness and knowledge of: (1) issues regarding child sexual abuse, (2) likely warning signs that a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, (3) grooming behaviors related to child sexual abuse and grooming, (4) how to report child sexual abuse, (5) appropriate relationships between district employees and students based upon state law, and (6) how to prevent child sexual abuse.

To address the Board’s obligation to increase awareness and knowledge of these issues, prevent sexual abuse of children, and define prohibited grooming behaviors, the superintendent or designee shall implement an Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors Program. The program will:

• Educate students with:
  • An age-appropriate and evidence-informed health and safety education curriculum that includes methods for how to report child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors to authorities, through policy 6:60 (Curriculum Content);
  • Information in policy 7:250 (Student Support Services) about: (i) District counseling options, assistance, and intervention for students who are victims of or affected by sexual abuse, and (ii) Community-based children’s advocacy centers and sexual-assault crisis centers and how to access those serving the district.
• Train district employees about child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors by January 31 of each school year with materials that include:
  • A definition of prohibited grooming behaviors and boundary violations pursuant to policy 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest);
  • Evidence-informed content on preventing, recognizing, reporting, and responding to child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations pursuant to Board policies 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure); 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure); 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting); 5:100 (Staff Development Program); and 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest); and
  • How to report child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and/or boundary violations pursuant to Board policies 2:260, (Uniform Grievance Procedure); 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure); and 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting).
• Provide information to parents/guardians in student handbooks about the warning signs of child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations with evidence-informed educational information that also includes:
  • Assistance, referral, or resource information, including how to recognize grooming behaviors, appropriate relationships between District employees and students based upon policy 5:120 (Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest), and how to prevent child sexual abuse from happening;
  • Methods for how to report child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and/or boundary violations to authorities;
  • Available counseling and resources for children who are affected by sexual abuse, including both emotional and educational support for students affected by sexual abuse, so that the student can continue to succeed in school pursuant to policy 7:250 (Student Support Services).
• Provide parents/guardians of students in any of grades kindergarten through eighth with not less than five days written notice before commencing any class or course providing instruction in recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse, as well as the opportunity to object in writing.

Professional and Appropriate Conduct

All district employees and agents are expected to maintain high standards in their school relationships, to demonstrate integrity and honesty, to be considerate and cooperative, and to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students, parents, staff members, and others. In addition, the Code of Ethics for Illinois Educators, adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education, is incorporated by reference into this policy. Any employee who sexually harasses a student, willfully or negligently fails to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/), engages in grooming as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-25, engages in grooming behaviors, violates boundaries for appropriate school employee-student conduct, or otherwise violates an employee conduct standard will be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal.

The superintendent or designee shall identify appropriate employee conduct standards and provide them to all district employees. Standards related to school employee-student conduct shall, at a minimum:

• Incorporate the prohibitions noted in paragraph 1 of this policy;
• Define prohibited grooming behaviors to include, at a minimum, sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, by an employee with direct contact with a student, that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • A sexual or romantic invitation
  • Dating, or soliciting a date
  • Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog
  • Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student
  • Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
  • A sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with the student
• Identify expectations for employees to maintain professional relationships with students, including expectations for employee-student boundaries based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels. Such expectations shall establish guidelines for specific areas, including but not limited to:
  • Transporting a student
  • Taking or possessing a photo or video of a student
  • Meeting with a student or contacting a student outside the employee’s professional role
• Reference employee reporting requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7926);
• Outline how employees can report prohibited behaviors and/or boundary violations pursuant to Board policies 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure); 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure); and 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting); and
• Reference required employee training related to educator ethics, child abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations as required by law and policies 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure); 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors); 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting); and 5:100 (Staff Development Program).

Field Trips

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 6:240 (Field Trips)

Parental permission is required before students participate in any field trips. Students are expected to exhibit good conduct and to act in a responsible, courteous manner. When necessary, parents may be asked to help provide supervision during a field-trip experience.

Fines, Fees, and Charges; Waiver of Fees

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 4:140 (Waiver of Student Fees)

The district establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities. Some students may be unable to pay these fees. Students will not be denied educational services or academic credit due to the inability of their parent or guardian to pay fees or certain charges. Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive a fee waiver. A fee waiver does not exempt a student from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials, supplies, and/or equipment.

Applications for fee waivers may be submitted by a parent or guardian of a student who has been assessed a fee. A student shall be eligible for a fee and fine waiver when: 1) The student currently lives in a household that meets the same income guidelines, with the same limits based on household size, that are used for the federal free meals program; 2) The student’s guardians are veterans or active-duty military personnel with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line; or 3) The student is homeless, as defined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

 The superintendent or designee will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present: 1) Illness in the family; 2) Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.; 3) Unemployment; 4) Emergency situations; 5) When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage.

The fee waiver application can be found at www.ccsd89.org/feewaiver

Food Guidelines for School Events

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 4:130 (Free and Reduced-Price Food Services)

CCSD 89 became part of the National School Lunch program beginning in 2011. Significant changes related to food served at school went into effect as a result of participation in the National School Lunch Program and because of policy in the Illinois School Code.

The Illinois State Board of Education, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health, requires school boards to adopt a food-allergy-management policy based on specific guidelines.  These guidelines specifically outline that the only treatment for food allergies is avoidance.

• Food is not permitted for birthday recognition in the classroom. Birthdays will be acknowledged according to individual teacher guidelines.
• Food offered at all school-related events, except those designated as “family events,” must be selected from a district-wide pre-approved list (www.ccsd89.org/preapproved). No food may be brought to school for general student consumption that is prepared or baked at home. Foods offered may include fresh fruits and vegetables, water, 100% fruit juice, or milk. Foods served will comply with the current USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. School staff will monitor compliance with these safe-food options.
• Food served at elementary classroom parties (Halloween, holiday, and Valentine’s Day) will be limited to one beverage and up to two other food items from the Holiday Elementary School Classroom Party Food List (www.ccsd89.org/holidayfood). The same food items will be served to the entire school for each holiday party. No food will be allowed in individual treat bags to be sent home with students and no food will be allowed for party games or crafts. Due to concerns about safety and food allergies, classroom celebrations will focus on activities rather than food.

Homeless Children

Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, as provided to other children and youths, including a public pre-school education. A “homeless child” is defined as provided in the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The superintendent shall act as or appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children to coordinate this policy’s implementation.

A homeless child may attend the district school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any district school’s attendance area may attend that school. Homeless students are not required to attend a separate school for homeless children or youths and homeless children will be provided with comparable transportation services, education services, and meal programs.

The superintendent or designee shall review and revise rules or procedures that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship.

Transportation shall be provided in accordance with the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The superintendent or designee shall give special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school. If a child is denied enrollment or transportation under this policy, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall immediately refer the child or his or her parent/guardian to the ombudsperson appointed by the regional superintendent and provide the child or his or her parent/guardian with a written explanation for the denial.

Whenever a child and his or her parent/guardian who initially share the housing of another person due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship continue to share the housing, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall, after the passage of 18 months and annually thereafter, conduct a review as to whether such hardship continues to exist in accordance with state law.

Children experiencing homelessness will be supported and not stigmatized by school staff. For questions or support, contact Katie Kreller, CCSD 89 Director of Student Services, at kkreller@ccsd89.org or (630) 545-3515 or the Illinois Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths at homeless@isbe.net or (217) 782-5270.

Homework

Decisions regarding homework are made by individual teachers. Teachers determine when assignments are appropriate in regard to type, amount, and the length of time allowed to complete the work. Board policy 6:290 and Board Regulation 6:290-R (Homework), which both address homework, can be found on the district’s website. Any questions regarding homework should be directed to the classroom teacher.

Human Growth and Development

CCSD 89 teaches age-appropriate human growth and development curriculum based on the state mandates for health education. Human growth and development are taught in fifth grade and then again in seventh grade. CCSD 89 has not adopted the national sex-education standards.

Parents/guardians of fifth- and seventh-grade students will be notified prior to the start of this instruction. Families are encouraged to have conversations about this instruction before, during, and after in-class instruction. Parents/guardians may request their students be excused from portions of this instruction, as well as instruction on AIDS or family life, by submitting a written request to the principal. Excused students will be provided an alternative learning activity and will not be subject to penalty.

Parents/guardians may review the curriculum materials on the district’s website by going to the Teaching and Learning Department, then selecting the “Human growth and development" tab. To learn more, go to: www.ccsd89.org/Page/8983

Instrumental Music

Instruction in string instruments (orchestra) begins at fourth grade, and instruction in band instruments begins at fifth grade. Information about instrumental instruction is sent home with students in those grades eligible to participate and can be found on the district’s website under ‘Programs’.

Items Not to Bring to School

Objects that create a safety hazard or interfere with the learning environment should not be brought to school. Parents are urged to help children understand which items are undesirable and why. Undesirable objects will be confiscated if brought to school without the teacher’s permission. The district is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Labeling Items Brought to School

Articles of clothing, boots, tennis shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes should be marked with the child’s name and grade or room number so they may be returned if lost. A lost-and-found box is located at each school. Found articles should be brought in immediately and children should check this box as soon as they lose an item. Parents are encouraged to occasionally go through the lost-and-found.

Library Media Center (LMC)

All students have the opportunity to use the Library Media Center (LMC).  Failure to follow LMC rules may result in privileges being revoked or suspended.

Lunch and School-Milk Program

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 4:130 (Free and Reduced-Price Food Services)

K-5 Schools

A hot lunch program will be available for $3.25 per meal, which includes milk. Alternatively, individual half-pint milk cartons will also be available for sale at 50 cents per carton. Parents can add money to their child’s account by accessing MySchoolBucks through PowerSchool. Students who would like to apply for reduced lunch fees can pick up the necessary forms in the school office. Students may bring their own lunch any day.

The students eat in the school’s lunchroom and then remain on the school grounds for the remainder of the lunch period. Supervision is provided.

Children who remain at school during the lunch hour are governed by the normal rules of school conduct. Violation of these rules may result in suspension from the lunch program. As with any school-day disturbance, the principal will notify the child’s parents about his/her conduct and the possible consequences.

Glen Crest

A hot lunch program is available for $3.50 per meal, which includes milk. Parents may add money to their student’s account by accessing MySchoolBucks through PowerSchool. Those students who would like to apply for reduced lunch fees can pick up the necessary forms in the school office.

Notification Regarding Student Accounts or Profiles on Social Networking Websites

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 7:140  (Search and Seizure)

State law requires the district to notify students and their parents/guardians that school officials may not request or require a student or their parent/guardian to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website. School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.

Parents’ Right to Know

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 6:170 (Title I Programs)

In accordance with federal law, parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher(s) and paraprofessional(s) at District Title I schools.  Parents/guardians may request information about the qualifications of their child’s student’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification and licensing criteria have been waived;
• Whether the teacher is teaching in a field of discipline of the teacher’s certification;
• When a student has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable state certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned;
• Whether any instructional aides or paraprofessionals provide services to your student and, if so, their qualifications.

Parents/guardians also have the right to the following information:

• Student’s achievement level and academic growth of the student, if applicable and available, on each state academic assessment;
• Information regarding any state or local policy regarding student participation in mandated assessments by the state or the district. Parents/guardians have the right to opt the student out of such assessment, if applicable.
• Information on each assessment required by the state or the district, where such information is available and feasible to report;
• No later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year, the school will inform parents/guardians of an English learner who is participating in, or has been identified for participation in, a program of English learning of (i) the reasons for the identification and need of placement in a language instructional education program; (ii) the child’s level of English proficiency, how the level was assessed, and the status of the child’s academic achievement; (iii) the methods of instruction used in the program, the methods of instruction used in other available programs, and the use of English and a native language in instruction; (iv) how the program will meet the educational strengths and needs of the child; (v) how the program will specifically help the child learn English and meet age-appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation; (vi) the specific exit requirements for the program, including the expected rate of transition from such program into classrooms not tailored for English learners; (vii) how the program meets the objectives of an IEP, if applicable; and (viii) information pertaining to parent/guardian rights.

If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact your school office.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are offered first trimester to all students and second trimester by request of the family or the teacher. The school will share information about how to schedule a parent-teacher conference.

The Illinois School Visitation Rights Act permits employed parents/guardians, who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict, the right to an allotment of time during the school year to attend necessary educational or behavioral conferences at their child’s school. The school can provide a letter documenting the time the school visitation began and ended for the parent/guardian to submit to his/her employer.

Parent-Teacher Councils

Each school has a parent-teacher organization coordinated through a district council that supports programs and issues of value to the students and education in general. All parents and teachers are encouraged to be active members of their school’s organization. Information about parent-teacher organization meetings and plans can be obtained by contacting the school office.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 8:95  (Parental Involvement)

A strong educational program is a responsibility shared between the school and home. Parents who understand their rights and responsibilities in regard to the education of their child contribute to a strong educational system. Parents have the right to:

• Understand the curricular goals set for their child’s grade level;
• Receive information regarding their child’s progress in school on a regular basis and in a manner that is understandable;
• Gain access to their child’s school records and to expect that the information contained therein is confidential;
• Receive notification of any special problems that their child might be having in school;
• Participate in planning a special-education program that their child might need;
• Remove their child from a specific aspect of the curriculum that they feel is contradictory to their basic religious or ethical beliefs;
• Visit their child’s school and become acquainted with the academic and extracurricular program;
• Comment, question, or make suggestions about any aspect of the school program that they feel deserves or requires special attention;
• Attend and/or request an educational or behavioral conference related to their child;
• Request and receive a copy of the School Visitation Rights Act.

Personal Appearance

A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. The district does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance.

Pest Control and Herbicide Applications

Illinois law requires schools to adopt an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan and notify staff, students, and parents prior to certain types of pest-control applications.

Integrated Pest Management emphasizes inspection and communication within the school. The focus of the program is to identify and eliminate conditions in the school that could cause pests to be a problem. Applications of pest-control materials are made only when necessary to eliminate a pest problem. Regular spraying is not part of the program, but does involve use of nontoxic control methods such as sticky traps and baits. If it becomes necessary to use any pest-control products other than traps or baits, notice will be posted two business days prior to the application. The only exception to the two-day notice would be if there is an immediate threat to health or property. Then notice will be posted as soon as practicable. The district will establish a registry in each school for those who wish to be notified of certain pesticides and/or herbicide applications. Each school has its own registry. If you wish to be placed on the list to receive written notification prior to the applications of any pest-control materials subject to the notification requirements, please call the school or schools that your child or children attend, and ask for a copy of the request form from each. Once you receive the form(s), please complete and return it to the appropriate school.

The district has contracted with Anderson Pest Control to provide IPM services. Anderson has had IPM programs in place in schools since 1991. For information regarding CCSD 89’s pest management program, contact Ron Henson, Buildings and Grounds at (630) 469-8900, ext. 4302, or contact Anderson Pest Solution directly at (630) 834-3300.

Physical Education

Physical education classes are provided for every child in kindergarten through eighth grade. Students must have gym shoes with their names written in them for these classes. Glen Crest students wear gym uniforms.

Student participation is required by state law unless excluded by a physician’s statement. Students will be excluded from physical education until they are medically cleared to full participate in all activities.

Notes from parents are acceptable as a short-term excuse from student physical education activities (not to exceed three days). If children are excused from physical education activities, they will also be excluded from recess. At the middle school, if a child is medically excused with a parent or physician’s note, they are excluded from interscholastic participation.

Requests by parents for longer-term exclusions for religious practices such as fasting will be determined on an individual basis. (Board Policy 7:260 Exemption from Physical Education) In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request.

A student in seventh or eighth grade may submit a written request to the principal requesting to be excused from physical education courses because of the student’s ongoing participation in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program. The principal will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.

Students with an Individualized Education Program may also be excused from physical education courses for reasons stated in Board Policy 7:260.

Special activities in physical education will be provided for a student whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practices Act, prevents his or her participation in the physical-education course.

State law prohibits the district from honoring parental excuses based upon a student’s participation in athletic training, activities, or competitions conducted outside the district.

Promotion/Retention

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 6:280 (Grading and Promotion)

CCSD 89 shall encourage and assist each student to meet or exceed state and local standards. Progress shall be measured by successful academic achievement as delineated in Board Regulation 6:280-R (Promotion or Retention of Students). Criteria that is not related to academic achievement shall not be considered in determining whether to promote or retain a student, but may be used in determining whether to accelerate a student beyond the next higher grade level.

Psychological Testing

A psychologist is available to provide expertise in the diagnosis and correction of special problems involving learning and the adjustment of the student to the school community. If a student is recommended for special testing, parental support and cooperation are necessary.

Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) Eligibility

PUNS is a database of Illinois children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who want or need services through Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities. In order for your child with a documented intellectual disability to be added to the database, the guardian must complete registration for the “PUNS List” with their local Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency. Residents of CCSD 89 should follow the directions online at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=41131 or connect with: 

Service Inc. of Illinois (Area E)

Developmental Disability Services

1919 South Highland Ave., Suite A #230
Lombard, IL 60148

Phone: (630) 425-2350

Once registered, ISC will conduct an annual update with the child's parent to plan for future service needs.  It is important to register your child with a documented intellectual disability as early as possible as a person in the category of "planning for services" so there is no delay in acquiring the necessary services when the person turns 18 years of age.  CCSD 89's PUNS Liaison is Katie Kreller, Director of Student Services. Kreller can be reached at (630) 545-3515 or kkreller@ccsd89.org.  

Privacy Rights for Students and Families

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 7:15 (Student and Family Privacy Rights)

Surveys

All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other instrument used to collect personal information from students, must advance or relate to the district’s educational objectives as identified in School Board Policy 6:10 (Educational Philosophy), or assist students’ career choices. This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified and regardless of who created the survey.

Surveys Created by a Third Party

Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation created by a third party to a student, the student’s parents/guardians may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request.

This section applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a district official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions. 

Survey Requesting Personal Information

School officials and staff members shall not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the district) containing one or more of the following items:

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
• Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
• Sex behavior or attitudes.
• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
• Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships.
• Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
• Income, other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program, or for receiving financial assistance under such program.

The student’s parents/guardians may: (1) inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or (2) refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in the activity described above. The school shall not penalize any student whose parents/guardians exercised this option.

Instructional Material

Parents/guardians may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child’s educational curriculum within a reasonable time of their request.

The term “instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

Physical Exams or Screenings

No school official or staff member shall subject a student to a non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as a condition of school attendance. The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening.

The above paragraph does not apply to any physical examination or screening that:

• Is permitted or required by an applicable state law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parental notification.
• Is administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.).
• Is otherwise authorized by Board policy.

Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information Is Prohibited

No school official or staff member shall market or sell personal information concerning students (or otherwise provide that information to others for that purpose). The term “personal information” means individually identifiable information including: (1) a student or parent’s first and last name, (2) a home or other physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town), (3) a telephone number, (4) a Social Security identification number or (5) driver’s license number or state identification card.

The above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) have consented; or (2) the collection, disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students is for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:

• College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment.
• Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products.
• Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.
• Tests and assessments to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments.
• The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities.
• Student recognition programs.

Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s “personal information” to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards.

Notification of Rights and Procedures

The superintendent shall notify students’ parents/guardians of:

• This policy, as well as its availability upon request from the general administration office.
• How to opt their child or ward out of participation in activities as provided in this policy.
• The approximate dates during the school year when a survey requesting personal information, as described above, is scheduled or expected to be scheduled.
• How to request access to any survey or other material described in this policy.

This notification shall be given to parents/guardians at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change in this policy.

The rights provided to parents/guardians in this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor.

Report Cards

Performance reports, or report cards, are sent home at the end of each trimester to indicate a child’s general progress. Parents seeking more specific information during a year can arrange a conference with the teacher.

Safety

The district is deeply concerned with the safety of every child. Safety rules and procedures should be taught and practiced both at home and school to prevent accidents. Parents are asked to urge their children to walk with friends and go directly to and from school or home. Parents are asked to follow the school’s traffic and parking regulations for safety reasons and set a good example. The only children permitted on the playground during school hours are those who attend the school.

Safety Drills

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 4:170 (Safety)

Safety drills will occur at times established by the Board. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three evacuation drills, a minimum of one severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one law enforcement drill to address an active-shooter incident, and a minimum of one bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. Drills will not be preceded by a warning to the students.

Service Animals

Service animals, including dogs and miniature horses, individually trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a student with a disability are permitted to accompany a student at all school functions, whether in or outside the classroom. The service animal must be properly vaccinated and in compliance with any local licensing/registration requirements for the type of animal.

Sex Equity

No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities. If you feel that you have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, please contact the District’s Non-Discrimination Coordinator, Courtney Magliano.

Sexual Harassment

Per Board Policy 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), sexual harassment of students of any kind and in any form 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:

• Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or makes such conduct of a student’s academic status; or
• Has the purpose effect of:
  • Substantially interfering with a student’s educational environment;
  • Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment;
  • Depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or
  • Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student.

The terms “intimidation”, “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 experiences, teasing relating to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities.

The CCSD 89 Board of Education provides a uniform grievance procedure (Board Policy 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure, 2:265 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure) for any individual who alleges a violation of this policy. Further information regarding this policy can be found on the district website, www.ccsd89.org/board The Title IX coordinator for CCSD 89 is Courtney Magliano, who can be reached at cmagliano@ccsd89.org or (630) 469-8900.

Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure

Sexual harassment affects a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from sexual harassment is an important district goal. The district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, and it complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106) concerning everyone in the district’s education programs and activities, including applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and third parties.

Sexual harassment as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sexual Harassment) is prohibited. Any person, including a district employee or agent, or student, engages in Title IX Sexual Harassment whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of an individual’s sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

• A district employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or
• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the district’s educational program or activity; or
• Sexual assault as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1092(f)(6)(A)(v), dating violence as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(10), domestic violence as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(8), or stalking as defined in 34 U.S.C. §12291(a)(30).

Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities, rape, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion.

Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.

Education program or activity includes locations, events, or circumstances where the district has substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which alleged sexual harassment occurs.

Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint means a document filed by a complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a respondent and requesting that the district investigate the allegation. Respondent means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of the conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.

Supportive measures mean non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the complainant or the respondent before or after the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint or where no Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint has been filed.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response

The superintendent or designee will ensure that the district prevents and responds to allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment as follows:

• Ensures that the district’s comprehensive health education program in Board policy 6:60, (Curriculum Content), incorporates (a) age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention programs in grades preschool through 12, and (b) age-appropriate education about the warning signs, recognition, dangers, and prevention of teen dating violence in grades 7-12.
• 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).
• Incorporates education and training for school staff pursuant to policy 5:100 (Staff Development Program), and as recommended by the superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, principal, assistant principal, or a Complaint Manager.
• Notifies applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and collective bargaining units of this policy and contact information for the Title IX Coordinator by, at a minimum, prominently displaying them on the district’s website, if any, and in each handbook made available to such persons.

Making a Report

A person who wishes to make a report under this Title IX Sexual Harassment grievance procedure may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator, Nondiscrimination Coordinator, principal, assistant principal, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. A person who wishes to make a report may choose to report to a person of the same gender.

School employees shall respond to incidents of sexual harassment by promptly making or forwarding the report to the Title IX Coordinator. An employee who fails to promptly make or forward a report may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

Title IX Coordinator: Courtney Magliano, 22W600 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 cmagliano@ccsd89.org (630) 469-8900

Processing and Reviewing a Report or Complaint

Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator and/or designee will promptly contact the complainant to: (1) discuss the availability of supportive measures, (2) consider the complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures, (3) inform the complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment complaint, and (4) explain to the complainant the process for filing a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint. Further, the Title IX Coordinator will analyze the report to identify and determine whether there is another or an additional appropriate method(s) for processing and reviewing it. For any report received, the Title IX Coordinator shall review Board policies 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure); 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited); 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting); 5:120, (Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest); 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited); 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment); 7:185 (Teen Dating Violence Prohibited); and 7:190 (Student Behavior), to determine if the allegations in the report require further action.

Reports of alleged sexual harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the district’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational program or activity that is productive, respectful, and free of sexual harassment.

Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Grievance Process

When a Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint is filed, the Title IX Coordinator will investigate it or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation. The superintendent or designee shall implement procedures to ensure that all Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaints are processed and reviewed according to a Title IX grievance process that fully complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45. The district’s grievance process shall, at a minimum:

• Treat complainants and respondents equitably by providing remedies to a complainant where the respondent is determined to be responsible for sexual harassment, and by following a grievance process that complies with 34 C.F.R. §106.45 before the imposition of any disciplinary sanctions or other actions against a respondent.
• Require an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence – including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence – and provide that credibility determinations may not be based on a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or witness.
• Require that any individual designated by the district as a Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decision-maker, or any person designated by the district to facilitate an informal resolution process:
  • Not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.
  • Receive training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the district’s education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process (including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes, as applicable), and how to serve impartially.
• Require that any individual designated by the district as an investigator receiving training on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
• Require that any individual designated by the district as a decision-maker receive training on issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant.
• Include a presumption that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process.
• Include reasonably prompt timeframes for conclusion of the grievance process.
• Describe the range of possible disciplinary sanctions and remedies the district may implement following any determination of responsibility.
• Base all decisions upon the preponderance of evidence standard.
• Include the procedures and permissible bases for the complainant and respondent to appeal.
• Describe the range of supportive measures available to complainants and respondents.
• Not require, allow, rely upon, or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege, unless the person holding such privilege has waived the privilege.

Enforcement

Any district employee who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any third party who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any district student who is determined, at the conclusion of the grievance process, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with student behavior policies. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding sexual harassment will likewise be subject to disciplinary action. This policy does not increase or diminish the ability of the district or the parties to exercise any other rights under existing law.

Retaliation Prohibited

The district prohibits any form of retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, has made a report or complaint, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in a proceeding under this policy. Any person should report claims of retaliation using Board policy 2:260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure).

Any person who retaliates against others for reporting or complaining of violations of this policy or for participating in any manner under this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students.

Sex Offender Notification Law

The Sex Offender Registration Act requires public or private elementary and secondary schools to notify the parents of children attending the school that information about sex offenders is available to the public. Parents may obtain information on registered sex offenders living within the school district boundaries by accessing the Illinois State Police website at www.isp.state.il.us/sor

Special Services

CCSD 89 provides additional support for students in several areas, including, but not limited to: speech correction, remedial reading and math, learning and behavioral disabilities, and English Learners (EL). Special services are also available from a school social worker. If a parent feels his/her child qualifies for these special services and is not receiving them, the child’s teacher or principal should be contacted.

Home/hospital services are provided to a student when a licensed medical physician determines that the student, due to a medical condition, will be out of school for a minimum of two consecutive weeks of school (10 days) or more, or on an ongoing intermittent basis (Board Policy 6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction). The goal of home/hospital instruction is to afford the student experiences equivalent to those afforded to other students at the same grade level and are designed to enable the student to return to the classroom. Thus, the substance or content of the instruction, generally academic, is to enable the student to remain synchronized with the other students in his or her class.

The district is a member of the Cooperative Association for Special Education (C.A.S.E.). CCSD 89’s Director of Student Services is Katie Kreller. She can be reached at (630) 469-8900 or 22W600 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn. Information about CCSD 89’s special services can be obtained from the building principal.

Sports Attire Modifications for Interscholastic Teams

The district allows a student to modify his or her athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion or his or her cultural values or modesty preferences. A student is not required to receive prior approval of the school for such modification.

Suicide Prevention

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness are important Board goals. You can learn more about the district’s work to increase awareness and prevention of depression and suicide in Board Policy 7:290 (Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention) at www.ccsd89.org/board

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) can be reached at (800) 273-8255. The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741. Safe2Help Illinois can be reached by calling (844) 4-SAFEIL, texting SAFE2 (72332), or emailing HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com.

Summer School

CCSD 89 summer school is offered if grant funds are available. Students are identified based on academic need in math and reading.

Testing and Evaluation

The CCSD 89 assessment program aids in the evaluation and improvement of teaching and learning. Assessments measure achievement, readiness, speech and language, gross and fine motor skills, hearing, and vision.

Test results indicate a student’s ability, achievement, or growth. Tests are one measure of academic, physical, or social development. They become useful only when considered in relation to a student’s overall performance in and out of school. 

Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

Student academic achievement is measured by classroom-based and district assessments. A comprehensive system of local assessments - tied to the CCSD 89 instructional resources - measures how students progress toward achieving grade level learning expectations and the Illinois Learning Standards. The Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) Test is administered in grades K-8.  This is a nationally recognized test of academic achievement. The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is given to all second- and fourth-grade students. This nationally-recognized test measures student ability in verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal reasoning skills.

Eighth-grade PreACT testing

In eighth grade, students may take the PreACT or PSAT. This test may be used in placing students in high school classes.

State Standardized Tests

In addition to local tests, the State of Illinois requires that students take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (an assessment of in reading and math) in grades 3-8, as well as the Illinois Science Assessment in grades 5 and 8, to measure students’ proficiency with the Illinois Learning Standards.

Preschool Screening

The district conducts a preschool screening four times a year for children ages 2 years, 10 months to 5 years old. Preschool screening is for early discovery of potential learning problems and the identification of students who may be eligible for preschool speech or special education. The teacher, counselor, and/or principal are available to discuss testing results with parents.

Vision and Hearing Screening

Vision screening is performed on all preschool, kindergarten, second-, fourth- and eighth-grade students. Hearing screening is performed on all preschool, kindergarten, first-, second- and third-grade students. In addition, vision and hearing are screened on all students with an IEP, foster children, by request from a teacher or parent, and on all new transfer students. Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months.

Uniform Grievance Procedure

A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member should notify any District Complaint Manager if he or she believes that the Board of Education, its employees, or its agents have violated his or her rights guaranteed by the state or federal Constitution, state or federal statute, or Board policy, or have a complaint regarding any one of the following:

• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., excluding Title IX sexual harassment complaints governed by policy 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §791 et seq.
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq.
• Equal Employment Opportunities Act (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act), 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq.
• Sexual harassment prohibited by the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, 5 ILCS 430/70-5(a); Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/; and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq. (Title IX sexual harassment complaints are addressed under policy 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure)
• Breastfeeding accommodations for students, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.60
• Bullying, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7
• Misuse of funds received for services to improve educational opportunities for educationally disadvantaged or deprived children
• Curriculum, instructional materials, and/or programs
• Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, 820 ILCS 180/
• Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, 820 ILCS 112/
• Provision of services to homeless students
• Illinois Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174/
• Misuse of genetic information prohibited by the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act, 410 ILCS 513/; and Titles I and II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq.
• Employee Credit Privacy Act, 820 ILCS 70/
• The Complaint Manager will first attempt to resolve complaints without resorting to this grievance procedure. If a formal complaint is filed under this policy, the Complaint Manager will address the complaint promptly and equitably. A student and/or parent/guardian filing a complaint under this policy may forego any informal suggestions and/or attempts to resolve it and may proceed directly to this grievance procedure. The Complaint Manager will not require a student or parent/guardian complaining of any form of harassment to attempt to resolve allegations directly with the accused (or the accused's parents/guardians); this includes mediation.

Right to Pursue Other Remedies Not Impaired

The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed under this policy shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies, e.g., criminal complaints, civil actions, etc. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies and use of this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the pursuit of other remedies. If a person is pursuing another remedy subject to a complaint under this policy, the district will continue with a simultaneous investigation under this policy.

Deadlines

All deadlines under this policy may be extended by the Complaint Manager as he or she deems appropriate. As used in this policy, school business days means days on which the district's main office is open.

Filing a Complaint

A person (hereinafter complainant) who wishes to avail him or herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with any District Complaint Manager. The complainant shall not be required to file a complaint with a particular Complaint Manager and may request a Complaint Manager of the same gender. The Complaint Manager may request the complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint or require a meeting with a student's parent(s)/guardian(s). The Complaint Manager shall assist the complainant as needed.

For any complaint alleging bullying and/or cyberbullying of students, the Complaint Manager shall process and review the complaint according to Board policy 7:180 (Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment), in addition to any response required the Uniform Grievance Policy. For any complaint alleging sexual harassment or other violation of Board policy 5:20 (Workplace Harassment Prohibited), the Complaint Manager shall process and review the complaint according to that policy, in addition to any response required by this policy.

Investigation Process

The Complaint Manager will investigate the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation on his or her behalf. The Complaint Manager shall ensure both parties have an equal opportunity to present evidence during an investigation. If the complainant is a student under 18 years of age, the Complaint Manager will notify his or her parents/guardians that they may attend any investigatory meetings in which their child is involved. The complaint and identity of the complainant will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or any collective bargaining agreement, (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or  (3) as authorized by the complainant.

The identity of any student witnesses will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or any collective bargaining agreement, (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the parent/guardian of the student witness, or by the student if the student is 18 years of age or older.

The Complaint Manager will inform, at regular intervals, the person(s) filing a complaint under this policy about the status of the investigation. Within 30 school business days after the date the complaint was filed, the Complaint Manager shall file a written report of his or her findings with the superintendent. The Complaint Manager may request an extension of time.

The superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints.

If a complaint contains allegations involving the superintendent or Board member(s), the written report shall be filed directly with the Board, which will make a decision in accordance with paragraph four of the following section of this policy.

Decision and Appeal

Within five school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager's report, the superintendent shall mail his or her written decision to the complainant and the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, and/or personal delivery as well as to the Complaint Manager. All decisions shall be based upon the preponderance of evidence standard.

Within 10 school business days after receiving the superintendent's decision, the complainant or the accused may appeal the decision to the Board by making a written request to the Complaint Manager. The Complaint Manager shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the Board.

Within 30 school business days after an appeal of the superintendent’s decision, the Board shall affirm, reverse, or amend the superintendent’s decision or direct the superintendent to gather additional information. Within five school business days after the Board’s decision, the superintendent shall inform the complainant and the accused of the Board’s action.

For complaints containing allegations involving the superintendent or Board member(s), within 30 school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s or outside investigator’s report, the Board shall mail its written decision to the complainant and the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, and/or personal delivery as well as to the Complaint Manager. This policy shall not be construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the superintendent or Board. The failure to strictly follow the timelines in this grievance procedure shall not prejudice any party.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: Maureen Jones, 22W600 Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 mjones@ccsd89.org

Complaint Managers: Maureen Jones, 22W600 Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 mjones@ccsd89.org

Dr. Jill Kingsfield, 22W600 Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 jkingsfield@ccsd89.org

Unsafe School Choice Option

Per CCSD 89 Board Policy 8:20 (Community Use of School Facilities)

The unsafe school choice option allows students to transfer to another district school or to a public charter school within the district. The unsafe school choice option is available to: (1) all students attending a persistently dangerous school, as defined by state law and identified by the Illinois State Board of Education; and (2) any student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense that occurred on school grounds during regular school hours or during a school-sponsored event.

Use of School Buildings and Grounds

The basic purpose of the school building and grounds is to serve student academic and recreational needs, including school-sponsored events held outside of the regular school day. Individuals and recognized groups within the community may also use school property for approved activities. The district provides equal access to scouts and other designated youth groups to use its facilities. Information about building availability and fees can be obtained from the principal. Illinois State Law prohibits the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs in all public school buildings and on school grounds at all times.

Vandalism

Citizens are urged to immediately notify the school principal about any damage to the school building and/or grounds and give the identity of the vandals, if possible. The Board of Education, acting upon recommendations from school officials, will determine whether punitive or court action should be taken. In all cases where school property is damaged by students, parents and guardians will be held responsible for replacement or repair of damaged or defaced property.

Visitors to School

Parents/guardians of students currently enrolled at a CCSD 89 school may visit their child’s school during the day when students are in class. Parents are encouraged to limit their visits to school in order to minimize disruptions to the learning environment.

Visits by non-parents and volunteers may be permitted with approval of the principal. School district employees may request any person entering a building or on school grounds to identify him/herself and the purpose of the visit. Visitors must comply with all check-in procedures including, but not limited to: providing identification, having an identification card scanned, a background check, signing a visitor’s log, and/or wearing a visitor’s lanyard badge/sticker. When leaving the school, visitors must return their lanyard visitor badge and their identification will be returned. On those occasions when large groups of parents and friends are invited onto school property, visitors may not be required to sign in but must follow school officials’ instructions.

Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Visitors may not enter any room where students are present or approach students on school grounds without the prior approval of the principal or his/her designee. In all cases, the principal or his/her designee may exclude or restrict visits when they deem it appropriate.

Generally, individuals wishing to visit a school should contact the school at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors must contact the school principal 24 hours in advance of a classroom visit. Visitors may be escorted. When visits occur while school is in session, visitors to a classroom should confine their questions and inquiries to a time when the teacher does not have direct responsibilities to the students.

It is prohibited by law to commit criminal damage to school property, to vandalize school property, or to distribute/deliver written or printed solicitation within 1,000 feet of school property for the purpose of inviting students to an event in which a significant purpose is to commit or solicit illegal acts or will otherwise be held in or around abandoned buildings.

Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Recess/Recreation

Weather permitting, students have outside recess/recreation at lunch time. Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather depend upon the temperature and the wind chill factor. Students will have outdoor recess as long as the “feels like” temperature is greater than 10 degrees as measured on www.weather.com. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. Coat, snow pants, boots, hat or hood, gloves or mittens are a must for playing in the snow. Conversely, students will not go outside if it is too hot. Decisions to stay indoors during hot weather depend upon the temperature and the heat index. Students will remain indoors if the “feels like” temperature is 100 degrees or greater.