O’FALLON TOWNSHIP

HIGH SCHOOL

2023-24
STUDENT HANDBOOK

Smiley Campus—618-632-3507
600 South Smiley
O’Fallon, IL 62269

Milburn Campus—618-622-9647
650 Milburn School Road
O’Fallon, IL 62269

www.oths.us

This handbook belongs to:

___________________________

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 PLEASE READ THIS HANDBOOK CAREFULLY AND KEEP IT FOR REFERENCE
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
ALPHABETICAL REFERENCE GUIDE

Academic Policies 34 Drop Outs 23

Advanced Placement® (AP®): 35 Dual Credit Courses 38
After School 19 Dual Enrollment 38
Alcohol and Other Drugs 19 Due Process for Students 19
Allergy Awareness 9, 29 Early Bird 38
Alternative Classroom (ACR) 50 Early Graduation Option 38
Alternative Credit Courses 36 Electronic Devices 50
Athletic Program 45 Eligibility Guidelines (Extra- 46
Curriculars)
Attendance Hotlines/Procedures 4 Email for Students 11
Attendance Policy 20 Emergency Drills 11
Auditing Procedure 35 Emergency Notification 12
Balloons 22 English Language Learners 12
Blankets 22 Equal Educational Opportunities 5, 38
Board of Education Policies 9 Expulsion 19
Book Rental Plan 9 Exterior Doors 24
Bullying 22, 26 Extra-Curricular Information 45
Bus Conduct 22 Extra-Curricular Regulations 24, 46
Bus Transportation 9 Failure to Report to Office 24
Cafeteria Account Balance Policy 9 False Reports 24
Cafeteria Free and Reduced Lunch 9 Fan Bus 24
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices 51 Family Educational Rights and 12
Privacy Act (FERPA)
Cheating (Academic Integrity) 34 Fees 12
Class Load 35 Field Trips/Competitions 12
Class Rank 36 Fighting 24
Class Suspension 17 Final Exams 38
Clubs/Organizations 46 Food and Candy Sales 13
Code of Conduct 47 Forging Notes, Passes, Calls 25
College Days 22 Gambling 25
College Entrance Requirements 36 Gangs 25
Contacting Teachers 9 Gender Equity See Title IX
Course Placement and Change of Level 36 General Information 9
CPR/AED 10 General Policies and Procedures 17
Credit for Alternative Courses 36 Government Proficiency Test 39
Credit Policy 37 Grade Point Average and Rank 39
Credit Recovery 37 Grade Reports 39
Daily Schedule 6 Grading Scale 39
Dances 23 Graduation Ceremony 40
Delayed Enrollment 37 Graduation Requirements 40
Deliveries 23 Grievance Procedures 13
Disabilities 10 Gross Disrespect 25
Discipline 17 Hallway/Common Area Conduct 25
Display of Affection 23 Hallway Pass Information 26
Disruption or Disorder 23 Handbook Disclaimer 5
Dress Code 23 Hazardous Material Mgmt. Plan 13
Driver Education 37 Home School Credits 40
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Honor Roll 40 School Resource Officer/Questioning 14
Honors Classes 40 Searches 14
Honors Upon Graduation 40 Security Cameras 15
IDs - Identification Tags 26 Semester Grades 43
IHSA Eligibility 46 Sexual Harassment/Intimidation 31
In Loco Parentis 13 Single Period Absences 22
Incomplete Grades 41 Sitting in Halls 31
Instructional Materials 41 Skateboarding 31
Instructional Media Center (IMC) 53 Skipping/Missing School in Groups 31
Insubordination 26 Skipping School/Cutting Classes 31
Internet Contract/Comp. Violations 52 Smoking/Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping 31
Internet Use Policy 50 Social Networking 32
Intolerance of Diversity 26 Special Education Classes 43
Lab Assistants 41 Special Education Discipline 11
Leaving School 27 Special Education Services 10
Letters of Recommendation 41 Staff Offering Support 11
Library See IMC State Seal of Biliteracy 43
Locker Information 13 Stealing 32
Locker Locations 7 Student Accidents 15
Locker Policy 27 Student ID Cards 15
Loss of Class Credit 19 Student ID Policies/Procedures 26
Lost and Found 14 Student Online Personal Protection Act 15
Lunch Period Policy 27 Student Records 15
Make-Up Assignments 27 Student Regulations Introduction 16
Medication 28 Student to Teacher Communication 17
Mission Statement 5 Study Hall 32
Multi-tiered System of Supports 10 Suicide Prevention 5
NCAA Eligibility 41 Summer School 44
Nurse 29 Suspension 18
OTHS Administration 4 Tardiness 32
OTHS Equipment Use Policy 55 Tardy Procedures and Penalties 32
OTHS Expectations/School Compact 8 Technology Use Policy 50
Paper Online Tutoring 5 Teen Dating Violence 16
Parental Disability Accommodations 14 Threats 32
Parking 30 Title I Parent Involvement Policy 44
Penalty Hours 17 Title IX 16
Personal Property 14 Transcripts 44
Pesticides Management Policy 14 Transfer Grades 44
Physical Education 42 Trespassing 33
Physical Education Medical Exemption 42 Truancy 21
Physicals 29, 46 Turn It In 44
Posters 14 Unauthorized Areas on Campus 33
Profanity 30 Vandalism 33
Profanity to Teachers/Staff 30 Visible Student ID Policies 26
Public Health Threat 14 Visitors 33
Restrictions on Enrollment 42 Weapons or Look-Alike Weapons 33
Retaking Classes 42 Website/Skyward 16
Rules and Regulations 19 Withdrawal From School and Not 45
Enrolling in another School
Schedule Changes 43 Withholding of Privileges 18
School Loyalty Song 57
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 ATTENDANCE HOTLINES/PROCEDURES

PHONE CALL - Please give the following information within 35 seconds:

1. The person calling and your relationship to the student.
2. The student's name and grade.
3. Why the student is absent and how long he/she will be out.
NOTE: If the student has been or will be out 2 or more school days, and you are requesting
homework, please call the Attendance Office by 10:00 a.m.

ELECTRONICALLY - Use the Attendance link in Family Access to enter an absence request for your student.
1. Click Enter Absent Request.
2. Select Add Request.
3. Enter the Start Date and Time and the End Date and Time.
4. Click the drop-down list to select a Reason why your student will be absent.
5. If desired, enter a Comment.
6. Click Save. Note that the Status is pending and awaiting approval from the attendance office. You
also have the capability to Edit the record, as well as to Delete the request.

To speak to someone in the Attendance Office, please call the Milburn or Smiley Campus and dial the
appropriate extension:

MILBURN CAMPUS: 618-622-9647

Freshmen Mrs. Kris Keller Ext. 5204

SMILEY CAMPUS: 618-632-3507

Sophomores Mrs. Barbara Quintal Ext. 5212
Juniors Mrs. Mercedes Ziegler Ext. 5620
Seniors Mrs. Kelly Morrell Ext. 5206

All Special Services Mrs. Amanda Downard Ext. 5205

OTHS ADMINISTRATION

Superintendent Dr. Darcy G. Benway Ext. 5660

Principal Mr. Rich Bickel Ext. 5585
Director of Athletics and Activities Mr. Cory Patton Ext. 5553
Director of Finance and Operations Mr. Travis Schmale Ext. 5594
Director of Special Services Ms. Tiffany Schneider Ext. 5639
Director of Academics and Special Projects Dr. Beth Shackelford Ext. 5501

Milburn Campus 622-9647

Vice Principal Mrs. Twana Dollison Ext. 5550
Vice Principal Mr. Randy Dickenson Ext. 5223
Assistant Principal - Special Services Mrs. Megan McNichols Ext. 5222

Smiley Campus 632-3507

Assistant Principal - Sophomore Class Dr. Kimberly Coley Ext. 5644
Assistant Principal - Junior Class Mr. Dan Howe Ext. 5221
Assistant Principal - Senior Class Mr. Corey Wallis Ext. 5217

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 MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of O’Fallon Township High School is to access the talents of community, family, and staff to provide a positive
environment that maximizes the potential of students to become informed decision makers, engaged, life-long learners,
and responsible citizens in an ever-changing and diverse society.

E4 = Excellence in Education for Every student Every day

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Per Board of Education Policy 7:10, equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without
regard to color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity,
status of being homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, 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 School Board policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a
discrimination grievance by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.
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 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 (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10) and,
thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8).

HANDBOOK DISCLAIMER
This handbook is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student. Rather, it is intended to describe the
school, its current practices, procedures, rules and regulations.
The handbook is part of Board Policy may be amended/updated during the year with Board approval.
References made to individual Board Policies in the handbook represent only a summary of said policies. Complete Board policies
are available to the public on the district web site at www.oths.us or in the District Office located at 600 S. Smiley Street, O’Fallon,
IL.

MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act provides a definition of homeless children and youth
to be used by state and local educational agencies (LEAs). It represents children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate
nighttime abode are eligible for McKinney-Vento services. Children or youth living in motels, transitional housing, shelters,
the street, cars, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations may be eligible for McKinney-Vento services.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following groups: Doubled-up Children: Living with another family due to lack of a
permanent residence. Children in shelters: Including transitional living programs. Children living in motels: Due to lack of
alternative adequate living situations. Migratory children: If accommodations are not fit for habitation. Runaways: Children
who left home and live in a shelter or inadequate accommodations, even if parents and guardians are willing to provide a
home. Lockouts: Children whose parents or guardians will not permit them to live at home. For more information, please
click the following link: https://www.oths.us/Page/8069.

PAPER ONLINE TUTORING

All OTHS students have access to free online tutoring support from Paper. Through the website or app, students will be
connected with one of Paper's content-specific tutors within seconds through a live text chat. Students can also submit
writing assignments for review and feedback, receive assistance with college applications and resume writing, and get
help with preparing for college entrance exams. Paper provides support in multiple languages and tutors are available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit www.oths.us/paper for more information.

SUICIDE PREVENTION
See Board Policy 7:290
Link: OTHS Social Work Resources
Link: Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741

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 DAILY SCHEDULE

MILBURN CAMPUS
DOORS TO THE BUILDING OPEN AT 7:00 A.M.

7:30 a.m. — 8:25 a.m. First Period (Pledge of Allegiance)

8:30 a.m. — 9:25 a.m. Second Period
9:30 a.m. — 10:25 a.m. Third Period
10:30 a.m. — 11:25 a.m. Fourth Period/Advisory/Lunch*
11:30 a.m. — 12:25 p.m. Fifth Period/Lunch 5A/Advisory 5B*
12:30 p.m. — 1:25 p.m. Sixth Period
1:30 p.m. — 2:25 p.m. Seventh Period

*4th Hour *5th Hour

4A 10:30-10:55 5A 11:30-11:55
4B 11:00-11:25 5B 12:00-12:25

5 minutes are allowed for passing from class to class.

SMILEY CAMPUS
DOORS TO THE BUILDING OPEN AT 6:30 A.M.

7:00 a.m. — 7:55 a.m. Early Bird

8:00 a.m. — 8:55 a.m. First Period (Pledge of Allegiance)
9:00 a.m. — 9:55 a.m. Second Period
10:00 a.m. — 10:55 a.m. Third Period/Advisory 3A/Lunch 3B*
11:00 a.m. — 11:55 a.m. Fourth Period/Advisory/Lunch*
12:00 p.m. — 12:55 p.m. Fifth Period/Advisory/Lunch*
1:00 p.m. — 1:55 p.m. Sixth Period
2:00 p.m. — 2:55 p.m. Seventh Period

*3rd Hour *4th Hour *5th Hour

3A 10:00-10:25 4A 11:00-11:25 5A 12:00-12:25
3B 10:30-10:55 4B 11:30-11:55 5B 12:30-12:55

5 minutes are allowed for passing from class to class.

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 LOCKER LOCATIONS

MILBURN CAMPUS LOCKER LOCATIONS

A001 – A209 1400 Hall (A)

B001 – B193 2400 Hall (B)
C001 – C206 1500 Hall (C)
D001 – D201 2500 Hall (D)

SMILEY CAMPUS LOCKER LOCATIONS

A500 – A554 Walk of Fame Hall

B100 – B152 Blue Mile (East)
B153 – B158 Blue Mile (West)
B500 – B571 Blue Mile (West)
C500 – C574 Cafeteria Hall
C900 – C953 1100 Hall
0100 – 0500 1000 Hall
1100 – 1645 100 Hall
2100 – 2104 200 Hall (Central)
2500 – 2584 200 Hall
2900 – 2970 200 Hall (East)
3100 – 3186 300 Hall
3900 – 3948 300 Hall (East)
4100 – 4633 400 Hall
5100 – 5564 500 Hall
6100 – 6602 600 Hall (Central)
6603 – 6684 600 Hall (North)
7100 – 7544 700 Hall
8100 – 8227 800 Hall (South)
8228 – 8271 800 Hall (North)
8500 – 8588 800 Hall (South)
8589 – 8672 800 Hall (North)
9100 – 9577 900 Hall

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 OTHS EXPECTATIONS
STUDENT, PARENT, STAFF SCHOOL COMPACT

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND OURSELVES:

We expect students . . .
• To achieve to the best of their abilities. High school success is all about effort. With effort,
all students can successfully complete a high school program at OTHS that will prepare them
for their post high school endeavors.
• To consider school their first priority. Social life, extra-curricular activities, and jobs are
important outlets for students. High school is a once in a life-time experience. Participation
in extra-curricular activities is encouraged; however, academic achievement should be the
top priority of students.
• To attend every class, to walk in prepared, and to complete every assignment. Students must
take responsibility for their education. Fundamental to high school success is regular
attendance and class preparation.
• To be aware of and to conform to disciplinary policies and school procedures. The School
Handbook is based in law, common sense, and the community’s standard of reasonable and
respectful behavior. Students should be familiar with the handbook and know what is
expected of them.
• In the interest of school safety for the school community, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY
SOMETHING.

We expect parents/guardians . . .
• To support, encourage, and supervise their student’s school effort. Parents need to be
involved in their student’s education. Research shows that student academic achievement is
directly correlated to parental involvement.
• To ask questions about and follow up on their student’s progress and problems. Parents can
readily check their student’s grades via Skyward. When contacting the school to address
questions or concerns, please contact the teacher, coach or sponsor before contacting the
administration. If your concerns are not adequately addressed at the first level, the
administration welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with parents in the best
interest of the student.
• To be informed about and aware of the discipline code, school policies, school activities, and
school issues. The District provides many resources to assist parents with information about
OTHS. Much of this information can be found on the District’s website www.oths.us. The
faculty and administration seek parental support in creating independent and responsible
students.
• To be our partners. A strong school-parent partnership is an essential element in promoting
student success.

We expect our administration and instructional staff. . .

• To treat our students with commitment, respect, devotion, and integrity.
• To research and present the best instructional material and methods possible, with emphasis
on connecting learning to real life, making students active learners, and preparing them for
productive futures.
• To offer a variety of quality extra-curricular programs, engaging student talents and interests.
• To welcome and accept input, ideas, and suggestions in an effort to continue to improve
OTHS.
• To work collaboratively with students and families to create a partnership to maximize the
potential for every student.

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

ALLERGY AWARENESS: (Board of Education Policy 7:285) School attendance may increase a student’s risk
of exposure to allergens that could trigger a food-allergic reaction. A food allergy is an adverse reaction to a
food protein mediated by the immune system which immediately reacts causing the release of histamine and
other inflammatory chemicals and mediators. While it is not possible for the District to completely eliminate
the risks of exposure to allergens when a student is at school, a Food Allergy Management Program using a
cooperative effort among students’ families, staff members, and students helps the District reduce these risks
and provide accommodations and proper treatment for allergic reactions. Please be respectful of your fellow
students when making choices about bringing items from home that may cause an allergic reaction. Students
having severe allergies should contact the nurse.

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES: All Board of Education Policies are available on the OTHS District #203
website: www.oths.us

BOOK RENTAL: (Board of Education Policy 4:140) The school rents textbooks to students. If books are lost
or damaged beyond ordinary wear, students will be charged the price of the book in accordance with Board
Policy. Books turned in after the instructor has collected them will be subject to a $25 restocking fee.
Privileges are subject to be withheld until all fees are cleared.

BUS TRANSPORTATION: (Board of Education Policy 4:110) Students who live more than a mile and one-
half from school may ride the school bus to and from school. Illinois Central Bus Company is responsible for
implementing student transportation for OTHS District #203. Questions regarding bus routes, bus eligibility,
pick-up points, times for various bus locations, etc., may be answered by accessing the OTHS website or by
contacting the O’Fallon office of the bus company with whom the district contracts. Students must ride the
bus to which they are assigned. Student ID cards will designate bus service and the ID must be presented to
the bus driver upon request. Students who participate in extra-curricular activities before or after school, or
students attending early bird classes, must provide their own transportation. Extra-curricular activity buses
will be provided at the conclusion of each school day to transport 9 th grade students from the Milburn Campus
to the Smiley Campus. Students are expected to maintain appropriate conduct on the bus pursuant to Board
of Education Policy 7:220. Unauthorized riding of any bus may result in disciplinary penalties. (See Bus
Conduct, page 22.) No non-OTHS student is allowed to be on any bus at any time.

CAFETERIA ACCOUNT BALANCE POLICY: Students with a zero or negative balance on their lunch
account will have a restriction placed on their account. The restriction will consist of the following:

1. The student will be provided with a daily lunch meal (specialty lines, a la carte items, and/or
additional items are not permitted.)
2. Students will be charged their regular paid/reduced lunch rate for the meals.

The restriction will be removed once the student establishes a positive balance. Parents/guardians may view
balances and lunch items purchased online through their Skyward account. Privileges are subject to be
withheld until all fees are cleared.

CAFETERIA FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH OPTIONS: OTHS participates in the National School Lunch and
Breakfast Program. Free or reduced priced meals are available to those who qualify. Please contact the
Business Office to apply. Reimbursable school meals are part of the district’s School Wellness Policy (Board
Policy 6:50).

CONTACTING TEACHERS: Parents/guardians should contact teachers directly with any questions,
compliments or concerns they have about a class.
• The most effective way to reach teachers is through e-mail. Parents/guardians may e-mail teachers
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 through the Teacher and Staff Directory page located on the OTHS website.
• Teachers and administrators also have voice mail, but receiving voice mail is less immediate and less
direct. Parents/guardians may call a teacher at the high school number (Smiley Campus—618-632-
3507 or Milburn Campus—618-622-9647) and be connected to the teacher’s voice mail if the teacher
is unavailable. Teachers cannot interrupt their classes to conduct personal conferences.
• Meetings on campus will occur by appointment only.

CPR/AED: Several district personnel have received training in AED/CPR. The Illinois High School Association
website has an informative video on hands-only CPR and use of AED’s. All are encouraged to view it at
http://www.ihsa.org/Resources/SportsMedicine/CPRTraining.aspx

DISABILITIES / SPECIAL SERVICES - IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENTS: (Board of Education Policy

6:120) Students may be referred to the Director of Special Services for a full case study evaluation to
determine eligibility for special services. Written referrals to the Director of Special Services may be made by
faculty members (SOS Team) or parents/guardians. An initial screening of student data is completed by the
director and appropriate staff members and, if a referral is indicated, a Child Review Team (CRT) meeting will
be held to determine the components of the full case study evaluation. A full case study evaluation may
include psychological assessment, academic assessment, social-developmental history, as well as other
pertinent information required to make an appropriate determination for eligibility for special services. Upon
completion of the full case study evaluation, a CRT meeting will be convened to discuss the evaluation results
and to determine eligibility. If a determination of eligibility is made and services are indicated, then an
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be written to establish placement and services required.
• SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES - O’Fallon Township High School District #203 is committed to
the free, appropriate, public education in the least restrictive environment for all students with
disabilities through the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 who live with their
parent(s)/guardian(s) within district boundaries and who may be eligible for special education and/or
related services. Therefore, specific policies and procedures have been established concerning the
identification, evaluation, and educational placement of students with disabilities. Those who have
questions about these policies and procedures are encouraged to speak to a school building
administrator or to contact the District’s Director of Special Education at 618-632-3507 for further
information.
• SECTION 504 POLICY STATEMENT (Board of Education Policy 6:120): Students may be
eligible for services under the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 even though
these services are not received under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The school district has specific responsibilities under the Rehabilitation Act, which include the
responsibility to identify, evaluate, and, if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504,
to afford access to appropriate educational services. A student who may need special services or
programs within the intent of Section 504 is one who meets the following criteria:
• Has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
(major life activities such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing,
hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, communicating, thinking, the operation of a
major bodily function, eating, bending, sleeping, lifting, reading, standing, and
concentrating);
• Has a record of such impairment; or
• Is regarded as having an impairment.
Upon determination of eligibility for 504 services, a 504 Plan will be written to document the
appropriate accommodations based on each individual student's needs.

Due process rights of students with disabilities and their parents/guardians under Section 504 will be
enforced. The Director of Special Services is the coordinator of Section 504 Activities for the district.

• MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS - MTSS is a process designed to help schools focus on

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 high quality interventions that are matched to student needs and monitored on a frequent basis. The
information gained from an MTSS process is used by school personnel and parents/guardians to adapt
instruction and to make decisions regarding the student’s educational program. The MTSS process is
initiated through the Staff Offering Support (SOS) Team at each building.

• STAFF OFFERING SUPPORT - The aim of the Staff Offering Support Team is to identify students
who are struggling and connect them with the services available to them in school or in the community.
At times, students bring personal issues with them to school. The weight of some of these issues can
make it difficult to concentrate on academic and social responsibilities.
› The Staff Offering Support Program is: A school-based prevention, early intervention, and
support program for students who are having difficulty being successful in school due to
academics, behavior, attendance, or health issues. A core team consisting of:
▪ Administrators
▪ School Psychologist
▪ Teachers
▪ Social workers
▪ Nurse
▪ Guidance Counselors
▪ Other identified school personnel
› A core team who
▪ Works with referred/identified students to implement school-based strategies
▪ Connects students and families to community resources
▪ Makes referrals for special education or 504 Plans when progress has not been shown
following interventions
› For additional information, please contact Mrs. Twana Dollison, Milburn Vice-Principal or Ms.
Tiffany Schneider, Director of Special Services.

• SPECIAL EDUCATION – DISCIPLINE

A special education student may be suspended under this policy regardless of whether the student’s
gross disobedience or misconduct is related to his or her handicapping condition as defined by Article
14 of The School Code of Illinois. If exclusion of a special education student is warranted because of
the student’s physical danger to himself/herself, other students, staff, or school property, the student
may be temporarily excluded from school.
A special education student may not be expelled from school if the student’s particular act of gross
disobedience or misconduct is, or results from, a behavior or a condition defined as an exceptional
characteristic in Article 14 of The School Code of Illinois. Any special education student whose gross
misconduct or disobedience is unrelated to, or does not result from, his handicapping condition, as
defined by Article 14 of The School Code of Illinois, may be expelled pursuant to this policy.

EMAIL FOR STUDENTS: All OTHS students will receive an OTHS email address for their school
use. Students are expected to check this email account daily as official OTHS communications will be sent to
the student’s OTHS email account. Students are responsible for the information and communications sent to,
and received from, their OTHS email account.

EMERGENCY DRILLS: OTHS has a crisis plan that is posted in each classroom. Periodically, OTHS conducts
drills to be sure that the students and faculty are prepared for an emergency. They are as follows:
Disaster (Tornado and others): An alert will be given over the intercom system. Students are to move
rapidly, but orderly, to their assigned places. Students are not to leave the building during a disaster drill.
Fire: The fire alarm will sound throughout the building. Faculty and staff should utilize the “Hide” option
of their Run-Hide-Fight training with their students and await further instructions/notification.
Intruder: An alert will be given over the intercom system. Students are to follow the directions from their
teachers.
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EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION: School closing due to inclement weather and other emergency notifications
will be posted on the OTHS web site at www.oths.us. School closing will also be announced on television
stations KMOV Channel 4, KSDK Channel 5, and FOX Channel 2. In addition, parents/guardians will typically
receive emergency notifications, school closing notification, and other important information via the district’s
computerized notification calling system. It is important that parents/guardians keep telephone contact
information current with the District.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS: District 203 students may participate in the St. Clair County Regional
Office of Education English Language Learners Program (ELL). If a second language is indicated for a particular
student, they may be given the WIDA screener to see if they qualify for the program. The ELL is housed at
the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education (ROE) from 8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Participating students
will be provided transportation to the ROE in the morning, and returned to their home campus for the
afternoon. Students will receive credit towards graduation for passed courses in the ELL Program. Please
contact the guidance department for further information.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA): (Board Policies 7:15 and 7:340) The
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy interests of
students. It affords parents the right to access and amend their children's education records, and gives them
some control over the disclosure of the information in these records. FERPA generally prevents an education
agency or institution from sharing student records, or personally identifiable information in these records,
without the written consent of a parent. See Student Records (Page 15).

FEES: A current listing of registration, driver education, parking, and extra-curricular fees can be found on
the OTHS website.

• Students will not be permitted to attend school dances, nor will they be approved to attend other
school dances, if the student has any outstanding fees as listed in the student’s Skyward account.
• Driver Education course fees must be paid in full before a student will be scheduled for behind the
wheel instruction.
• The distribution of graduation tickets will be impacted if the student has any outstanding fees as listed
in the student’s Skyward account.
• The athletic/marching band/show choir participation fee must be paid before a student can participate
in the respective sport/activity.
• All fees listed in the student Skyward account must be cleared before a student is able to purchase
an OTHS parking pass.

FIELD TRIPS / COMPETITIONS: Students must obtain parent/guardian permission and be academically
eligible and in good discipline standing in order to travel on any school trips scheduled during the school day.
On these trips, school rules apply at all times. Any student involved in a disciplinary issue will be subject to
disciplinary action and may lose trip privileges. Field Trip/Competition privileges will be revoked pursuant to
withholding of privileges on page 18.

Students will be held responsible for any missed class work and must make arrangements with their teachers
in advance of the scheduled absence. The teachers will determine if missed work is to be completed prior to
the absence, on the day of the absence, or upon the student’s return to class.

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in class field trips, but are not required to do so. If a student
elects to stay in school, the student may be required to complete an alternate assignment in lieu of the field
trip. Any student not attending the field trip should report to study hall during that class period. All medication
required for field trips must be cleared through the Nurse’s Office. The administration of medication must
adhere to the school medication policy (page 28).

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FOOD/CANDY/MISC. SALES: All sales on the campus of OTHS must be fundraisers that are sponsored by
an OTHS team, club, or activity. Individual students are not allowed to sell food, candy, or other items at
school for their personal profit or non-OTHS fundraisers. Students violating this policy will be subject to
disciplinary consequences.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES: Student grievances should be communicated to school authorities in the

following manner:
1. The student or parents/guardians is encouraged to discuss the matter with the staff member with
whom they have the grievance.
2. If this does not resolve the issue, the matter should be directed to the appropriate Vice/Assistant
Principal, Athletic Director, or Director of Special Services, then to the Principal, and then to the
Superintendent. If the grievance is against the Principal, the Superintendent should be contacted after
talking with the Principal. If the grievance is against the Superintendent, the grievant should contact
the Board of Education after speaking with the Superintendent.
3. The student or parent/guardian may file a formal grievance with the Superintendent (Board of Education
Policy 2:260) and may submit a written request to the Superintendent asking permission to speak of
the matter to the Board of Education.
4. The preceding procedural actions should be taken before going through the judicial system.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN: Asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) are

present in our school. Most of the material is confined to the boiler room and heating pipes. In accordance
with the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, an accredited inspector and management planner
have completed a review of the locations, quantities, and friability of the asbestos-containing materials and
have prepared an assessment and response action plan to reduce exposure to asbestos fibers. A major
removal project was completed July 8, 1993 and certified by the Capital Development Board. A copy of the
asbestos management plan for our school, which includes the inspection report, is located in the District
Office. The plan is available to the public for inspection without cost or restriction within 5 working days after
receiving a written request for inspection. Hours of availability and a copy of the form, "Request for Inspection
of Management Plan," will be provided upon request. Should a request be made for a copy of the report, the
school district is allowed to charge a reasonable fee to make copies of the plan.

IN LOCO PARENTIS: In loco parentis, which means “in place of a parent” or “instead of a parent,” refers
to situations in which someone other than a biological parent acts in a parental capacity. Administrators and
teachers fall under the in loco parentis doctrine for students while the students are under their care.

School Districts have an obligation to maintain discipline and order in schools pursuant to Illinois School
Code. Both the in loco parentis doctrine and the Illinois School Code allow the District to search students
and/or to interview students when there is a reasonable suspicion that school rules and/or the law have been
violated, and/or when there is a risk to school safety. Administrators and teachers are not required to contact
parents/guardians in advance of the search or interview.

INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA CENTER (Library): See page 53.

LOCKER INFORMATION: A locker number is found on each student's daily schedule. At the Milburn
Campus, students must furnish their own combination locks and provide the combination to the Main Office.
At the Smiley Campus, students will be given a key or combination. If students lose a key, they should order
another from the Main Office (additional cost of $15.00). While the key is being made, students must ask a
secretary in the Main Office to open the locker. If a student does not return the locker key at the end of the
year, the charge is $15.00. Students who repeatedly lose or forget keys may be assigned a combination
locker. Individual lockers are provided for security. Lockers are school property and subject to searches. For
security reasons, students are not to share lockers. Lockers are to be cleaned out before leaving school for
summer. Remove all contents and graffiti. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. A fine
will be assessed to any student whose locker must be cleaned by custodial staff. Privileges are subject to be
13
withheld until all fees are cleared. (See Locker Locations, page 7. See Locker Policy, page 27).

LOST AND FOUND: Any student who finds an article should turn it in to the Main Office where it may be
claimed with proper identification. All unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization or disposed
of as otherwise appropriate.
PARENTAL DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS: In accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), parents/guardians needing accommodations or auxiliary aids in order
to participate in parent conferences, school programs and Board of Education meetings should contact the
school administration in advance to determine whether the accommodation can be procured.
PERSONAL PROPERTY:
• School is not the place for valuable personal items. These items become easy targets for theft. The
district is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of personal items.
• Students are solely responsible for safekeeping of personal items. Students must carefully secure their
belongings. Students should not leave any personal property items unattended. Students should not
leave lockers unlocked and should not share lockers with others.
• For specific information regarding the use of personal electronic devices and cell phones, see page 51.
PESTICIDES MANAGEMENT: OTHS has an Integrated Pest Management practice which follows Board of
Education Policy 4:160 and incorporates building maintenance, sanitation, physical barriers and, as a last
resort, the safest and most effective means of pesticide. Board of Education Policy 4:160 requires that public
schools notify parents/guardians at least 48 hours prior to the application of pesticides on school property.
Excluded from this notification requirement are disinfectants, sanitizers, and insecticide and rodenticide baits.
Although we have no intention of spraying or fogging with pesticides during the school day when students
are in attendance, parents/guardians may register to be contacted prior to any pesticide application. To
register, contact the main office. In the event of an extreme emergency where pesticides must be used
immediately, parents/guardians will be notified via the District’s calling system.
POSTERS: A poster/flyer must be approved by the club sponsor (if applicable) before it may be displayed.
Non-school group posters are not allowed.
PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT: If there is a local, regional, national or global health threat that may potentially
impact the safety or well-being of students and staff, OTHS will consider the guidance and/or legislation of
public health officials and/or governing bodies.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER/POLICE OFFICER QUESTIONING/INTERVIEWING (Board of
Education Policy 7:140): Where acting on their own initiative and authority to further a proper educational
environment at the school or at the request of school personnel (as opposed to acting upon the request of
outside law enforcement authorities), police officers who are investigating a school related incident or any
incident which may have potential consequences for the safety of the students or employees at the school
may legally interview students without obtaining permission from parents/guardians.
• Police officers have the legal authority to question/interview students who may be witness to an
incident, the police do not need to notify parents/guardians; however, effort will be made to notify
the parent/guardian in compliance with the law should a student become a suspect for criminal
charges.
• Police have the legal authority to remove a student from school.

SEARCHES: Per Board of Education Policy 7:140, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable
searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. Students have
no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places. Police may be involved in these searches. Student
personal effects may include, but are not limited to, clothing, purses, backpacks, and vehicles on school
property. Such searches may include all student personal property on field trips and on other off-campus
school activities. A search may include a metal detector wand or other metal detector device maintained by
the School District. Any student attempting to avoid the detection process or refusing to submit to detection
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screening will be considered grounds for disciplinary action and reasonable cause for a search of the person
and associated belongings.

SECURITY CAMERAS: Security cameras, both inside and outside our school buildings, allow the District to
monitor the campuses, buses, and parking lots. Privacy laws prohibit the viewing of security camera video by
unauthorized personnel.

STUDENT ACCIDENTS: Students are responsible for reporting all accidents that occur on campus or at
away events or contests to the supervising teacher or coach as soon as allowable. The teacher or coach will
be responsible for filing an incident report with the school nurse. The district does not provide student health
insurance. Medical claims are the responsibility of the student and guardian.

STUDENT ID CARDS: Students are required to wear a current student ID and school-appropriate, break-
away lanyard to gain entrance into the building and at all times during the school day. (See ID
Policies/Procedures, page 26).

STUDENT ONLINE PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT (SOPPA) School districts throughout the State of
Illinois contract with different educational technology vendors for beneficial K-12 purposes such as providing
personalized learning and innovative educational technologies, and increasing efficiency in school operations.

Under Illinois’ Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA (105 ILCS 85/), educational technology
vendors and other entities that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile
applications that are designed, marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes are referred to in SOPPA
as operators. SOPPA is intended to ensure that student data collected by operators is protected, and it requires
those vendors, as well as school districts and the Ill. State Board of Education, to take a number of actions to
protect online student data.

Depending upon the particular educational technology being used, our District may need to collect different
types of student data, which is then shared with educational technology vendors through their online sites,
services, and/or applications. Under SOPPA, educational technology vendors are prohibited from selling or
renting a student’s information or from engaging in targeted advertising using a student’s information. Such
vendors may only disclose student data for K-12 school purposes and other limited purposes permitted under
the law. Additional information on SOPPA including vendor agreements can be accessed through the District’s
website at www.oths.us

STUDENT RECORDS: (Board of Education Policy 7:340) O'Fallon Township High School adheres to The
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA (Board of Education Policy 7:15), and the Illinois Student
Records Act regarding the confidentiality of student information provided. OTHS may disclose appropriately
designated directory information without written consent, unless a parent/guardian has advised the District to
the contrary in accordance with District procedures. Parents/guardians should contact the Main Office if they
wish to keep this information confidential, if they wish to deny access of student information to military
recruiters, and/or if they do not want the student’s photograph used for any district publications or media
release. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include this type of information
from the student’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• A playbill showing the student’s role in a drama production
• The annual yearbook
• Student teachers videotaping their lessons for their licensure requirements
• Teachers live streaming or video recording lessons for students learning at home
• Honor Roll or other recognition lists
• Graduation programs
• Sports activity sheets, such as wrestling, showing weight and height of team members
• Web Pages

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Parents/guardians also have the right to inspect their student’s records, to challenge the contents, and to limit
parental consent to certain designated records. Parents/guardians have the right to request that a school
correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the
record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school
still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with
the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

The Principal is the official custodian of the student records. If parents/guardians wish to review their student's
records, they may do so by calling the Principal’s Office and setting up an appointment.

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE: See Board Policy 7:185.

TITLE IX: (Board Policy 2:265) 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:
1. A District employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation
in unwelcome sexual conduct; or
2. 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
3. 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.

For Title IX questions or concerns, please contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Darcy G. Benway, at
[email protected] or (618) 632-3507.

WEBSITE (www.oths.us) OTHS has a website through which the district provides a multitude of information
for our students, their families, and the community. The website may contain a picture or video of students,
or may list students’ names as participants in activities. If parents/guardians have concerns about this
procedure and/or wishes that their student be excluded from these kinds of announcements, please download
a photo exclusion form from the website and submit the completed form to the Main Office.

One of the features of the OTHS website is Skyward. Parents and guardians have access to their student’s
grades, attendance, fee balances and a variety of other student records and information through Skyward.
Each parent or guardian will receive an activation code within the first month of school to access Skyward.
Once an account has been activated, the account remains active while the student is enrolled at OTHS. If the
activation code is not received or is lost, a new activation code can be obtained by contacting the Main Office.

STUDENT REGULATIONS

INTRODUCTION

Students at O'Fallon Township High School are expected to respect the rights of other students and to behave
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appropriately while attending school, extra-curricular events and activities, and/or engaging in online
platforms. Students are expected to be tolerant and considerate of others’ differences as every person is
unique. All students have a right to a free and appropriate public education. However, attending public school
is subject to compliance with the laws of Illinois and regulations of the O'Fallon Township High School Board
of Education. The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective discipline practices that: (1)
ensure the safety and dignity of students and staff; (2) maintain a positive, weapons-free, and drug-free
learning environment; (3) keep school property and the property of others secure; (4) address the causes of
a student’s misbehavior and provide opportunities for all individuals involved in an incident to participate in
its resolution; and (5) teach students positive behavioral skills to become independent, self-disciplined citizens
in the school community and society.

STUDENT TO TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Teachers are responsible for the management of their classes. Teachers have the authority to implement and
enforce any reasonable rules necessary to produce acceptable conduct in their classes.

Students are encouraged to directly communicate with teachers before or after class if there are any issues
of concern. If the student is not able to resolve his or her concern with the teacher, the student should speak
with their Assistant Principal or Vice Principal. Typically, respectful communication will result in resolution of
any issues or concerns.

The administration and faculty encourage students to discuss any issues or concerns with them. It is best to
work through the issues early rather than waiting until the issues grow into a larger problem.
GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

In our society, we all have rules to follow and responsibilities to fulfill. At OTHS when students fail to follow
rules or make poor decisions, consequences may be imposed. OTHS uses a discipline system which includes
warnings, study hall assignments, penalty hours, ACR-Alternative Classroom (in-school suspension),
withholding of privileges, suspension, and expulsion. The intent of the District’s disciplinary policies is to
change behaviors in an effort to provide a positive and enriching educational environment.

Policies, administrative procedures, and school rules are listed on the next several pages of this handbook. It
is impossible for the administration to anticipate every circumstance. Therefore, the administration will act
on situations not covered in the handbook in order to serve the best interest of the school and the students.

DISCIPLINE
(Board of Education Policy 7:190)

CONFERENCE/WARNING: A conference/warning occurs to notify a student and possibly his/her

parents/guardians that he/she is in violation of a school policy and repeated action may result in additional
consequences.

PENALTY HOURS: Penalty hours as used in this section refers to situations where the students may be
assigned to Lunch Detention or, in rare cases, assigned to a study hall. Penalty hours are served through
attending lunch/advisory detentions. All school rules are in effect during penalty hours. Students who are
asked to leave for misbehavior or who are tardy will receive additional disciplinary consequences.

OTHS ALTERNATIVE CLASSROOM (ACR): The ACR is an in-school placement program designed to
improve the behavior of students. It provides another layer of discipline that may be used prior to an out-of-
school suspension. (See page 50).

CLASS SUSPENSION: If a teacher sends a student from a class for misbehavior, the student must report
17
immediately to the Attendance Office. A student suspended from school or an individual class will receive
equivalent credit for work completed for their classes from the time of the suspension. Suspended students
are responsible for requesting classwork from their teachers and completing their classwork while
suspended. All requested classwork will be available to the student and will be due the day that the student
returns to class and/or school. Students are required to turn in any projects due and make up any tests
missed during their suspension immediately upon their return to class and/or school.

1st offense = 1 to 3 school days suspension from class depending on the severity of offense. A
notice will be mailed home to the parent/guardian.
2nd offense = 1 to 3 school days suspension from class or a suspension from class for the remainder
of that semester, depending upon the severity of the offense.
A parent/guardian-teacher contact must be made after a student has been suspended
from class for the second time.
3rd offense = Potential suspension from class for the remainder of the semester and assigned to a
required alternative instructional setting. A parent/guardian-administrator contact
will be made at the third offense.

Depending on the severity of the misbehavior, a student may be assigned to an alternative instructional setting
on the first offense.

If the alternative setting is not successful in remediating the behavior, the student may be referred for a
Disciplinary Review Hearing.

SUSPENSION: (Board of Education Policy 7:200) A suspension prohibits a student from attending school,
being on campus, or attending school activities, either on or off campus, during the period of suspension. A
student suspended from school or an individual class will receive equivalent credit for work completed for their
classes from the time of the suspension. Suspended students are responsible for requesting classwork from
their teachers and completing their classwork while suspended. All requested classwork will be available to
the student and will be due the day that the student returns to class and/or school. Students are required to
turn in any projects due and make up any tests missed during their suspension immediately upon their return
to class and/or school. A re-engagement conference may be required for the student’s re-entry.

Extracurricular/activity attendance privileges will be revoked pursuant to “Withholding of Privileges” as outlined

below.

Immediate suspension may follow serious offenses including, but not limited to, alcohol, drugs, weapons,
pulling fire alarms, gross disrespect, near-fighting or fighting. Any of these offenses could result in a
Disciplinary Review Hearing before the Board of Education.

REVIEW OF SUSPENSIONS: Following a suspension for violation(s) of the Student Discipline Code, and upon
any subsequent suspension, a parent/guardian may request a Principal’s review of the suspension via email
to the principal. Upon request of the parent/guardian, a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the
Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board.

WITHHOLDING OF PRIVILEGES: (Board of Education Policy 7:190) This penalty may include, but is not
limited to, withholding or denying of the student’s attendance at activities, athletics, homecoming, prom,
and/or the graduation ceremony.
• For every six school days of accumulated suspension (6, 12, 18, etc.) during the entirety of the
student’s years of attendance at OTHS, the student will not be able to attend OTHS events for the
remainder of the semester in which the suspension days exceeding six (or multiples thereof) occurred
and the subsequent semester.

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 • Students engaging in gross disrespect, gross disobedience, gross misconduct, skipping/missing school
in groups, or excessive truancy may lose the privilege of participating in the OTHS Graduation
Ceremony.

EXPULSION: (Board of Education Policy 7:210) An expulsion prohibits a student from attending school, being
on campus, or attending school activities, either on or off campus, for up to two years, depending upon the
decision of the Board of Education.

LOSS OF CLASS CREDIT: Students who are not able to behave in a single class may be subject to removal
from that class if their continued presence substantially disrupts, impedes, or interferes with the operation of
the school/class. This penalty may be imposed for excessive class referrals for inappropriate or disruptive
behaviors. Parents/Guardians may request a hearing from the Board of Education as outlined in Board Policy
7:210.

DUE PROCESS FOR STUDENTS: The following procedures will be followed pertaining to student
suspension, expulsion, or loss of credit in a class or classes:
1. The student will be given oral notice of the rules, regulations or policies violated.
2. He/she will be given an explanation of the evidence and/or verification of the violation(s).
3. He/she will be given an opportunity to present any relevant explanations or accounts.
4. The student/parents/guardians will receive written confirmation of the penalty and their further rights.

Immediate suspension of a student without these procedural due process requirements is permissible only for
students whose presence poses a continuing danger to people and/or property, or presents an ongoing threat
of disrupting the academic process. In such cases, notice shall be provided as soon as possible.
RULES AND REGULATIONS

AFTER SCHOOL: Students may not stay in unsupervised areas of the building or campus after school or in
the evening. Students who loiter on campus during non-school hours are subject to disciplinary consequences.

All students dismissed prior to the end of the regular school day must be out of the halls promptly so that
classes are not disturbed. Students who are dismissed prior to the end of the regular school day, and do not
leave the halls promptly, may be assigned to study hall. At the conclusion of the regular school day, students
may stay for school meetings, supervised rehearsals, school events, may study in the IMC, or go to the
Academic Assistance Center.

Students waiting for rides must arrange to be picked up promptly after school or after an activity. Students
may not congregate in the lobby or any other common areas of the building unless supervised by a teacher,
coach or activity sponsor.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS: The District believes in a proactive approach to the problem of alcohol and
other drug use among students.

• EDUCATION - Providing information on the physical, social, and psychological effects of drug use is
primarily a function of elementary education. At the high school level, OTHS reinforces this
elementary learning through a review of the material during Health classes and extra-curricular
activities. In addition, students with suspected substance abuse problems are routinely referred to
our social workers for supportive counseling and treatment as appropriate.

• SUPERVISION - Administrators, faculty, and staff are present in the hallways before school, during
lunch and passing times. Hallways and common areas are monitored at all times throughout the
day.

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 • INSPECTION - Faculty and staff are obligated to refer to the administration or Nurse’s Office any
student who they suspect may be carrying alcohol/other drugs or appears to be under the influence
of alcohol or other drugs. These students may be subject to locker, book bag, purse, coat,
automobile, etc., searches under the supervision of an administrator and/or School Resource Officer.
Personnel have received special training to detect behaviors that suggest illegal drug use or
transactions. The buildings and the parking lots are routinely inspected by police dogs for drugs.

• ENFORCEMENT - The District’s behavior policy (Board of Education Policy 7:190) on drug and/or
alcohol related offenses is specific; the consequences are immediate. Possession, use, selling, and/or
being under the influence will result in disciplinary consequences and possible arrest, with a potential
recommendation to the Board of Education for a Disciplinary Review Hearing. These penalties apply
to on-campus and school sponsored off-campus activities. Students who participate in extra-
curricular activities are required to sign and abide by the rules of a code of conduct. The code of
conduct outlines strict substance use and abuse penalties for both on campus or out of school
activities. (Also, see page 47.)

This section relates to illegal drugs/look-alike drugs including alcohol, illegal performance-enhancing drugs,
other legal or illegal health-endangering or drug imitating compounds, misuse of prescription or non-
prescription drugs (possession, use, distribution, or sale).

If a student exhibits behaviors that indicate he/she may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs,
he/she will be referred to the Nurse’s Office, social worker or administrator. School personnel may conduct a
physical assessment including a standard field sobriety test. The school professionals have the ability to
perform a saliva or portable breathalyzer test for the presence of alcohol. If any test or assessment is positive
for alcohol or other drugs, or the parent/guardian and student refuse the tests, there may be disciplinary
consequences. Parent/guardian notification upon conclusion of an administrative review.

Any student who comes to school or to any school activity, either on or off campus, already under the influence
of or having consumed or taken either alcohol or other drugs, but not having the illegal substance on his/her
person, will receive disciplinary consequences, and the incident may be turned over to the police for
appropriate action.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Consequences:

The consequences will be in effect for behaviors that occur not only during school hours, but also on campus
at any time and at any off-campus activities officially involving OTHS students:
1. Parent/guardian notification upon conclusion of an administrative review.
2. Disciplinary consequences may include a 10-day suspension with a potential Disciplinary Review
Hearing before the Board of Education, which could potentially result in expulsion.
3. Police contact and charges filed when appropriate.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia:

• 1st offense = Up to 3-day suspension
• 2nd offense = Up to 10-day suspension and a Disciplinary Review Hearing before the Board
of Education which may potentially result in expulsion.

ATTENDANCE: (Board Policy 7:70) The process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction,
classroom participation, learning experiences, and study in order for students to reach their educational
potential. Students with poor attendance risk losing class credit.

All students are required to attend all classes, advisory periods, and study halls except in cases of illness or
emergencies. The following procedures regarding attendance apply:
1. All students more than 5 minutes late to any class must report to the Attendance Office for a pass to
class. Tardy and/or skipping penalties may apply.
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 2. Students who miss more than 25 minutes of a class period will be counted as absent for that class
and must report to the Attendance Office.
3. One-period absences may result in disciplinary consequences.
4. When a student withdraws from OTHS and re-enters without attending another high school, his/her
previous record of attendance will apply.

Parents/guardians should contact the OTHS 24-hour phone line to report an absence: 618-632-3507. Please
provide the following information within the 35 seconds allotted for a recorded message:
1. The person calling and his/her relationship to the student.
2. The student's name and grade.
3. Why the student is absent and how long he/she will be out.

The phone line has a caller I.D. unit with name and number to confirm the caller. Parents/guardians requesting
homework for students who will be absent 2 or more school days should call the Attendance Office by 10:00
a.m. The Attendance Office will also accept a parent/guardian note on the day the student returns.

A parent or guardian must contact the school about each absence. Parents/guardians are encouraged to
provide documentation for any absences. The absences outlined for the reasons listed below will not count
against the student’s absence totals, however, will require official third-party documentation to support the
absence. Students will have an opportunity to make up any schoolwork, including exams, for these absences.
If documentation is not provided, the absence will count toward truancy:
• Illness or medical excuse (documentation for mental health absences is not required)
• Observance of a religious holiday
• Death in immediate family
• Family emergency and/or circumstance which cause reasonable concern for the safety or
health of the student
• Approved college visit or other approved educational experience

Mental Health Absences: Students may utilize 5 mental health days per school year and should be identified
as such when reporting the absence to the attendance office. Per Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/26-1), a
mental health absence does not count toward a student’s absence totals nor does it require a medical note.
Students shall be given the opportunity to make up schoolwork missed per the OTHS make-up work policy.

Absences: Any absence will count toward truancy unless documented per the previous section. Skipping
class or classes will count toward truancy. Absences resulting from suspension will not count toward truancy.
OTHS will keep students and parents/guardians informed about semester attendance as it relates to truancy.
If students accumulate semester absences toward truancy, notification will be as follows:
• 5 days absent – Letter and phone call to parents/guardians.
• 7 days absent – Letter mailed home from district office stating time, date and location of
parent/guardian appearance at a local truancy review board.
• 9 days absent – Letter mailed from Regional Office of Education, if appropriate, stating date
and location of parent/guardian appearance at a regional truancy review board. Students will
not be able to attend OTHS events for the remainder of the current semester and the
subsequent semester. (Students participating in athletics/extracurriculars will be subject to
the Extracurricular Code of Conduct page 47. Students having 9 days of absences during any
semester of their junior or senior year will lose the privilege of participating in the OTHS
graduation ceremony. Students who have 9 days of absence will lose make-up privileges for
non-medical absences for the remainder of the semester.
• After 9 days absent toward truancy and an appearance before the Regional Truancy Review
Board, a petition may be filed with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney and both student and
parents/guardians may be held accountable in accordance with truancy laws.

Parents/guardians have the legal responsibility of ensuring that their student attends school regularly. A
21
parent/guardian who knowingly permits their student to miss school without valid reason or who gives false
information regarding the student’s absence is in violation of the law and may be referred to the States
Attorney Office.

Single Period Absences: Students absent for single class periods are subject to discipline as follows:
• 5 absences from the same class period = notify student and parent/guardian
• 9 absences from the same class period = lose make-up privileges for non-medical absences
for the remainder of the semester.

BALLOONS: Balloons are not allowed on campus during regular school hours.

BLANKETS: Due to safety concerns, blankets are not allowed during the school day at OTHS.

BULLYING: (Board of Education Policies 7:20, 7:180, 7:185, 7:190, and 2:265) Per the State of Illinois,
bullying, teen dating violence, intimidation, and harassment are not acceptable in any form and will not be
tolerated at school or any school-related activity. The School District will take disciplinary action against any
student who participates in such conduct or who retaliates against someone for reporting incidents of bullying,
teen dating violence, intimidation, or harassment. School bullies must be dealt with immediately and severely.
Bullying includes cyberbullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including
communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be
reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:
1. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or
property;
2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or
4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the
services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment,
threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation,
destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be
illustrative and non-exhaustive. Bullying may also be indirect, such as planned social isolation of a student by
other students and/or the spreading of rumors. The key unacceptable behavioral component is the attempt
to intimidate or humiliate. Bullying will not be tolerated.

OTHS will immediately address bullying behavior. Students and parents/guardians need to immediately inform
a teacher, guidance counselor, or social worker, and must inform a member of the administration of on-going
problem situations that may be bullying.

BUS CONDUCT: (Board of Education Policy 7:220) The contracted bus company uses audio and video
recordings on school buses while being used to transport students to and from school and school-sponsored
activities. Misbehavior or fighting on the bus may result in loss of bus privileges immediately and/or
permanently. School penalties may also be applied. Anyone receiving a bus conduct notice or creating a
disturbance on a bus may be penalized as follows:
1st offense = up to 5 school days bus suspension
2nd offense = up to 10 school days bus suspension
3rd offense and thereafter = up to 20 school days bus suspension

CELL PHONES: See page 51.

CHEATING: See Academic Integrity Policy, page 34.

COLLEGE DAYS: Students are allowed to attend college days and must present documentation from the
college proving attendance in order for the absences to be excused. Each day must be arranged in advance
22
and verified through the Attendance Office.

DANCES: School dances are for students of OTHS who are in good standing with regard to OTHS policies
and procedures. Students will not be allowed to attend school dances, nor will they be approved to attend
other school dances, if the student has any outstanding fees. Students are not permitted to re-enter the
dance after leaving. If an OTHS student is bringing a guest, then a guest request form must be completed
and turned into a Vice Principal or an Assistant Principal prior to buying a ticket for the dance. The minimum
grade level for all guests is the ninth grade and the maximum age is 20 years old. For a guest to enter a
dance, he/she must be accompanied by an OTHS student. All OTHS students must show their student ID to
be admitted into the dance and guests will be required to show a photo ID. OTHS students are responsible
for their guests. Misbehavior at a dance may result in removal from the dance and/or other disciplinary
penalties that may be applicable.

DELIVERIES: Food, flowers, gifts, etc. from outside businesses are not allowed to be ordered for delivery to
OTHS during the school day. A behavior referral may be issued and parents/guardians may be notified.

DISPLAY OF AFFECTION: The school hallways and campus are not the places for public displays of
affection. Such behavior is inappropriate for the school environment. A behavior referral may be issued and
parents/guardians may be notified.

DISRUPTION OR DISORDER: OTHS strives to create a positive learning environment for all students. We
will not allow disruption that negatively impacts the educational environment. In any such situation, individual
students, or groups of students, who do not obey a teacher, staff member, or any other person in authority,
may be penalized with a behavior referral, suspended, or expelled from school. District staff may use
reasonable force as needed to maintain the safety of other students and may remove a student from the
classroom for disruptive behavior.

DRESS CODE: Dress and appearance at school are a matter of personal taste, but student clothing which is
inappropriate, revealing, obscene, a safety hazard, or which disrupts the educational process will not be
permitted. The school has the right to determine appropriateness based upon community standards.

Unacceptable Attire During the School Day includes, but is not limited to:
1. Attire that creates a disruption to the school environment.
2. Attire that presents a safety risk.
3. Attire with:
(a) ads, representations, or slogans about unlawful products, alcohol, weapons, tobacco,
vapes, JUULs
(b) language/images associated with hate speech
(c) obscene, offensive or violent language/images
4. Tank tops, camisoles, spaghetti strap tops, strapless tops, sports bras, or exposed undergarments
5. Any hats, hoods and head coverings
6. Costumes, Halloween or other types, unless authorized by the administration

Consequences:
1st offense = Warning - Problem must be corrected. Note sent home.
2nd offense = 3 penalty hours
3rd offense = 3 penalty hours
4th offense = 1 day ACR

DROP OUTS: The district permits dropouts from the age of 17 to apply to the school district for status as a
truant and permits such persons to participate in the district’s program for truants. OTHS works directly with
the Regional Office of Education to provide resources.

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ELECTRONIC DEVICES: See page 50.

EXTERIOR DOORS: All exterior doors should be closed and locked at all times. Doors should never be
opened to allow anyone to enter the building. Students found opening a locked door to let anyone in the
building may be subject to consequences.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR REGULATIONS: All OTHS policies and rules will be in effect not only during school
hours, but also on campus at any time, and at any off-campus activities officially involving OTHS students.
(See page 45).

FAILURE TO REPORT TO OFFICE: Students dismissed from class due to discipline issues must report
directly to the Attendance Office. Also, students called to the Attendance Office, or any other office, by a
pass or over the intercom, must report immediately. Failure to report = 3 penalty hours

FALSE REPORTS: Any student fraudulently reporting another student for a violation of school policy may
be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension.

FAN BUS: Fan buses are occasionally provided for students to away athletic contests. The opportunity to
ride any fan bus is considered a privilege. Students will not be allowed to sign up for a fan bus if they have
had any of the following academic/discipline issues in the current school year:
• Are on the academic ineligibility list
• Have received either a day of ACR or an out-of-school suspension
• Have received either a major or a minor skip
• Have had bus discipline referrals
• Have outstanding fee or fine balance with the District
• Other serious discipline/behavioral issues
All fan bus lists will be reviewed by OTHS administrators for final approval. Any student creating a problem
on a fan bus will be subject to disciplinary action which may include exclusion from fan buses for the remainder
of the school year.

FIGHTING: OTHS faculty and staff are available to help students with any conflicts they may have with
other students. If a student feels there is potential for aggressive behavior, or a potential fight, he or she
should report that to school personnel. Aggressive verbal or physical behavior disrupts the educational
environment. Students will not be allowed to engage other students in this manner.

• Near Fight: Any aggressive verbal exchange, argument, or confrontation that creates a scene, calls
attention to itself, and/or threatens to erupt into a fight will not be tolerated. Students will not be
allowed to engage other students in this manner. A student involved in a near fight situation may
receive up to a 5 day suspension from school, depending on the situation.

• Fighting: Any intentional physical contact (hitting, slapping, punching, shoving, etc.) with another
student is considered fighting. Disciplinary consequences apply regardless of who starts the
altercation. Students are considered to be fighting if they make the first physical contact, as well as
if they return physical contact. This behavior endangers the students directly involved, as well as
innocent bystanders. Fighting of any kind or for any reason will not be allowed. Pursuant to Board
of Education Policy 5:230, district staff may use reasonable force to keep students, personnel, and
bystanders safe. Penalty procedures for students involved in a fight are as follows:

1. A student may receive a 3 to 10 day suspension from school or possibly be referred for a
Disciplinary Review Hearing before the Board of Education which may potentially result in an
expulsion, depending upon the situation and the student's previous discipline record.
2. Extracurricular/activity privileges will be revoked pursuant to “Withholding of Privileges” on page
18.
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 3. A student may be arrested.
4. Parents/guardians may be required to meet with the administration before the student is re-
admitted.
5. A student may be required to meet with the school counselor or social worker upon return to
campus.
6. A student may receive additional penalties if staff member instructions are not followed at the
scene of the fight. If a student physically contacts school personnel, the penalties will be more
severe.

• Fight Spectator: Students who stop to gather around a fight create a safety hazard and disturbance
to the educational process at OTHS. Students who become instigators, onlookers, attempt to record
a fight, or share images/videos of the incident, may be subject to disciplinary action including
suspension from school.

FORGING NOTES, PASSES AND PHONE CALLS: Any forged parent/guardian note, excuse, forged school
pass, or forged phone call will be penalized.
1st offense = 3 penalty hours
2nd offense = 1 day in ACR

GAMBLING: Gambling on school grounds is prohibited.

1st offense = warning and parent/guardian notified
2nd offense = 3 penalty hours

GANGS, SECRET SOCIETIES, FRATERNITIES OR SORORITIES: Any form of organized group activity
not approved by the school, hazing, or any action which is disruptive to the school environment in any way,
will not be allowed and may result in immediate suspension. Our assessment of gang symbols, graffiti, or
dress will be guided by law enforcement contacts and by current published materials about gangs. A second
incident may result in a Disciplinary Review Hearing before the Board of Education which may potentially
result in an expulsion. Any display of gang symbols, graffiti, etc. may result in disciplinary action and a
parent/guardian contact.

GROSS DISRESPECT/GROSS DISOBEDIENCE/GROSS MISCONDUCT:

Acts of gross disrespect/disobedience/misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action.
Examples include but are not limited to the following:
1. Disrespect and insubordination, such as verbal or physical threats or abuse or failure to comply with
a reasonable request, toward a teacher or other school employee
2. Intimidation or harassment of, or any attempt to intimidate/harass, school personnel or other
students
3. Repeated incidents of misbehavior, including repeated refusal to follow or to comply with schools
rules and procedures
4. Actual or attempted extortion
5. Any act, which threatens the health or safety of any member of the campus community or which
substantially disrupts, or threatens to substantially disrupt, the educational or disciplinary climate of
the school. This would potentially include incidents that occur outside of school and/or school
activities if there is a nexus to school.
6. Any sexually inappropriate activity
7. False reports/filing false reports

HALLWAY/COMMON AREA CONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and
orderly fashion when in the hallways and other common areas. Some behaviors that must not occur include,
but are not limited to: yelling, running, horseplay, foul language, inappropriate public displays of affection,
blocking hallways during passing periods, disrespect such as ignoring faculty/staff directives or repeating
misbehaviors day after day, loitering. Penalties for hallway/common area misbehavior, in any combination,
25
will be applied as follows:
1st offense = warning and parent/guardian notified
2nd offense = 3 penalty hours
3rd offense = ACR

HALLWAY PASSES: Students are not to be in the hallways during class periods unless they have a pass.
Students should not leave class without a pass.

IDs - IDENTIFICATION TAGS: All students are issued a school-supplied ID at the beginning of each
school year.

Visible ID Policy: While on the OTHS campus, from arrival to departure, all students must wear
one school-supplied ID and school appropriate, break-away lanyard around the neck and front side
of their body and on the outside of their clothing. The ID must be clearly visible at all times.

Forgotten or lost ID: Students who forget or lose their ID must take immediate action to obtain a
valid ID. If a student is on campus after classes start or in class without an ID, the student will be
sent to the Security Desk for a temporary or new ID. Penalties will apply as outlined below.

Temporary ID: A student may obtain 2 free temporary IDs each semester with no penalty (except
a tardy if the student arrives late to class.) All temporary IDs must be visibly displayed on the front
of the shirt. Once the semester’s 2-temporary limit is reached, students must purchase a new ID
each day they report to school without a valid ID.

Penalties: If a student is on campus before school or during school hours without an ID, the
following penalties apply:
A tardy if the student must leave class for an ID
1st referral = recorded as warning
2nd referral = 3 penalty hours
3rd referral = 1 day ACR

Related disciplinary action: Students who must be reminded repeatedly to wear their IDs or
reminded repeatedly to display them properly are subject to disciplinary action.

False IDs: Any student found wearing someone else’s ID, a false ID, a used temporary ID, or an ID
issued from another school will receive ACR. A student repeating this offense will face more serious
consequences.

Defaced IDs: IDs that are defaced or decorated in any way are unacceptable. Any ID on which a
student has affixed stickers, drawn, or cut is considered a defaced ID and will be confiscated. Students
will be required to purchase a replacement at the cost of $4.00.

ID costs: A replacement ID is $4.00 and should be paid upon issuance. Sold separately, an OTHS
cloth lanyard is $3.00, and a plastic lanyard is $1.00. Students may pre-purchase extra IDs.

INSUBORDINATION: Any student who does not promptly follow a teacher's or staff member's instruction
is subject to disciplinary consequences.

INTERNET USE POLICY: See page 50.

INTOLERANCE OF DIVERSITY/BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT: (Board

Policy 7:20 and 2:265) no person, including a District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate,
or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived: race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable
26
discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender-related identity or
expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being
homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; association with a person or
group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing
characteristic.

The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual, 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, stalking, sexual violence, causing
psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or
wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated
above.

LEAVING SCHOOL: OTHS is a closed campus during school hours. Once students arrive at school, they may
not leave the building unless they have been released by the nurse’s office and/or have received administrative
approval. Students may not leave school for lunch. Bus students who leave school for any unexcused reason
may not return to school to ride the bus home.

Consequences for leaving school during the school day may include, but are not limited to: penalty hours,
ACR, detentions, and/or suspensions.

LOCKER POLICY: Students may only use the locker they are assigned. Lockers are assigned to students
on an individual basis and are not to be shared among students. Locker sharing can result in overstuffed and
jammed lockers, property disputes, and other difficulties. Locker sharing, using any unassigned locker, and/or
tampering with the locker, may be subject to disciplinary consequences.

LUNCH PERIOD POLICY: An independent food service contractor caters the OTHS breakfast and lunch
program. Students may also bring lunches. Students are not allowed to leave school for lunch. Food from
outside businesses are not allowed to be ordered for delivery to OTHS during the school day. OTHS does not
allow parents/guardians or other visitors to eat lunch with students on campus.

Consequences for leaving school for lunch may include, but are not limited to: penalty hours, ACR, detentions,
and/or suspensions.

Acceptable places to be during lunch:

· Cafeteria and restrooms designated for lunch use
· IMC to study (must report at beginning of lunch period)
· All other locations require a pass

Unacceptable areas:
· All academic halls
· All restrooms other than those designated for lunch use
· All parking lots
· All unsupervised areas outside of building
· All gymnasiums

MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS:

• Absences: Students may make up the work missed and receive full credit. It is the student's
responsibility to present make-up work within a period of time equal to the number of school days
absent plus 1 day. For example, a student absent 3 school days should present make-up work within

27
 4 school days of his/her return to school. Please note that reports, assignments, tests, etc. announced
while the student was in attendance must be presented or completed on the first day back at school
or will be due as scheduled.

• Suspension: (See Suspension Policy on page 18) Suspended students may receive full credit for work
completed for their classes during the time of the suspension. Suspended students are responsible for
requesting classwork from their teachers and completing their classwork while suspended. All
requested classwork to be made up will be available to the student and will be due the day that the
student returns to class and/or school. Students are required to turn in any projects due and make up
any tests missed during their suspension immediately upon their return to class and/or school.

MEDICATION: (Board of Education Policy 7:270) Students are encouraged to arrange medication schedules
so that medication is taken at home. When that is not possible, medication must be presented to the Nurse.
All medications will be stored in the Nurse’s Office. No prescription or non-prescription medication may be
kept on the student’s person or in their locker at any time unless it is an inhaler or EpiPen® and meets the
requirements as defined below. Medication Permission Forms may be obtained from the Nurse’s Office or are
available online from the school website. The school reserves the right to verify any medication the student
has in his/her possession with the student’s physician. Misuse of prescription or non-prescription medication
may result in disciplinary action (See Alcohol and Other Drugs, page 19).

Prescription medication—long term: Medication should be in original prescription bottle indicating name
of the medication, the dosage and the prescribing physician. The parent/guardian and the physician need to
provide signed and dated notes permitting the student to take medication in the Nurse’s Office. Students may
keep their inhalers for asthma or (EpiPen®) on their person if the required consent forms are on file and they
have made appropriate arrangements with the Nurse’s Office.

Over-the-counter medication—short term given as needed: Medications should be in original

manufacturer’s packaging. Parents/guardians should provide a signed and dated OTHS Non-Prescription
Medication Permission Form permitting the student to take medication in the Nurse’s Office. Acetaminophen
(generic Tylenol) is kept in the health office and will be available to students with the signed and dated OTHS
Non-Prescription Medication Permission Form from their parents/guardians.

Administering Medicines to Students

Medication may not be taken during school hours or during school-related activities, including field trips, unless
it is deemed necessary by a licensed health care provider and the student’s parent/guardian. When applicable,
the parent/guardian should request the medication be dispensed to the student in accordance with the
district’s medication policy. (See MEDICATION, above)

No school district employee shall administer to any student, or supervise the self-administration of, any
prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed medication form is submitted to the
nurse’s office. Students shall not possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on
school grounds or at school-related functions, including field trips, without appropriate signed consent forms.

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students,
including administering medication.

Self-Administration of Medication
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 medication 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
28
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.

MODIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION: See Physical Education Medical Exemption on page 42.

NURSE: Students should stay home from school if they have a temperature of 100 degrees or greater. They
should remain at home until fever free, without medication, for 24 hours. A doctor’s note is required for the
absence to be medically excused. Any student who is ill may report to the Nurse’s Office with a pass from
his/her classroom teacher. Students who need to leave campus should contact their parent or guardian from
the Nurse’s Office. Any student who leaves school grounds without seeing the Nurse, an administrator, or the
Main Office will be counted as skipping. Inappropriate use of the Nurse’s Office can result in loss of privileges.
For information regarding medications, see page 28.

Dental Examination Requirements: All 9th grade students are to show proof of a completed dental
examination or dental waiver form by May 15th of their 9th grade year. The completed dental examination
form or dental waiver form, provided by ISBE/IDPH, must be turned into the nurse’s office by May 15 of a
student’s 9th grade year.

Physical Examination Requirements: The state of Illinois requires that all 9th graders and students new
to OTHS provide a DHS Illinois School Physical examination and complete immunization record no later than
October 15th of the current school year, or 30 calendar days after enrollment. Students will be excluded
from school if their records are not complete. After 5 days of students being excluded from school due to
immunization and/or physical examination non-compliance, the OTHS absence policy (see page 21) will be
implemented. Many transferring schools do not provide this information without specific request. Forms
must be filled out in entirety, including a health history to be completed and signed by a parent or guardian.
A physician’s assessment and signature is also required. Incomplete forms will be returned. Sports
physicals and Boy Scout physicals cannot be accepted as new student physicals or for 9th grade physicals.
Seniors must also have, and submit verification of, the meningococcal vaccine by October 15 of their senior
year or they will be excluded from school.
A complete list of required immunizations can be found at: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-
wellness/immunization.html

Sports Physicals: Are required prior to the start of the season every year. All physical forms are available
in the health office or from the school website.

Student Health Condition Protocols: OTHS has developed action plans to address student health
conditions including, but not limited to, Asthma, Diabetes, and Food Allergies. Protocols are available on the
Nurse’s webpage.

Illinois Eye Examinations: Students that have transferred from OUT OF STATE are required to provide
one of the following forms:
1. Illinois eye examination form completed within the last year
2. Illinois eye examination waiver, if criteria met

Allergy Awareness Policy: Reasonable accommodations will be made in the school environment to
minimize the risk of contact with substances that have the potential to cause an allergic reaction in students
or staff.
1. Students with allergies should contact the school Nurse for proper notification information.
2. Allergy and Food Allergy Action Plans and Asthma Action Plans are available online at the school
website.
3. Students with allergies may carry their Epi-Pens and/or inhalers on their person after the
parent/guardian has completed and submitted the proper consent forms to the nurse’s office.
29
Diabetic Students: Students with diabetes should make contact with the nurse’s office at registration.
• A Diabetic Management Plan signed by the parent/guardian and physician is required for diabetes
management during the school day. A form may be obtained from the school website or you may
use one provided by your physician’s office. The diabetic treatment plan will be utilized for medical
accommodations as part of a Section 504 Plan or IEP.
• Students are responsible for maintaining their own supplies.

Emergency Medications: OTHS stocks, in the nurse’s office, an EpiPen® and an opioid antagonist for
emergency use in the event of a severe allergic reaction or opioid overdose. The EpiPen® is not a substitute
for medication prescribed to a student.

Hearing/Vision Screening Formal Notification:

1. All students will participate in a hearing/vision screening program. This is not intended to be a
substitute for a complete examination by a physician.

PARKING: There is no student parking at the Milburn Campus during regular school hours. Student parking
is a privilege at OTHS. Parking privileges may be suspended or revoked if a student violates OTHS parking
policies. Students who drive to school at the Smiley Campus must comply with the following regulations.
Students and their parents or guardians are responsible for damages that may result from carelessness or
from violation of these policies. The district is not responsible for damage to vehicles while parked on district
property. Any car on school property is subject to be searched if deemed necessary.
1. All outstanding fees must be cleared in the Accounting Office before a parking permit can be
purchased.
2. All student parking spaces will be assigned by number.
3. All students who park in the school parking lots must register their car in the Attendance Office, where
a parking permit will be issued upon receipt of the parking fee (see the OTHS fee schedule on the
school website www.oths.us). Students must park in their assigned parking space number or will face
parking violation consequences and/or the possibility of their vehicle being towed off campus. The
parking permit is to be displayed on the rearview mirror, at all times.
4. In the event of a lost parking permit, students will be required to purchase a new one.
5. Students may not sit in parked cars on school grounds for any reason from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(All parking areas are “unauthorized areas” for students during the school day. See “Unauthorized
Areas”, page 33).
6. Students may not go to or leave in their cars during the school day unless they have a pass from the
Attendance Office.
7. Students who drive to school must park in their assigned numbered space between 6:30 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. on days school is in session.

Parking offenses:
1st offense = 3 penalty hours
2nd offense = 6 penalty hours, 10 school days off parking lot
3rd offense = 1 day ACR plus parking privileges revoked for 60 school days.
Automobile may be towed at owner’s expense.

Reckless or unsafe driving may be reported to the police and a complaint may be filed. Students who drive
carelessly or recklessly on campus will be reported to their parents and the school may administer disciplinary
consequences for gross misconduct.

PROFANITY: Profanity and vulgar language are offensive and inappropriate. Students who use this
language violate school rules. Disciplinary penalties may be applied.

PROFANITY TO TEACHERS/STAFF: Students who direct profanity personally at or to a teacher or staff

30
member may be suspended from school for 3 to 10 school days. If the incident occurs in the classroom, the
student may be removed permanently from the class if the behavior substantially disrupts, impedes, or
interferes with the operation of the school/class (See EXPULSION, Loss of Credit).

SEXUAL HARASSMENT/SEXUAL INTIMIDATION: Pursuant to Board of Education Policy 7:20, 7:180,

and 7:185, O'Fallon High School will not allow any student to be sexually harassed or sexually intimidated.
Students with concerns or complaints should see the administrators, nurse, counselor, teacher or complaint
managers as identified in the Board of Education Policy. A student or parent may file a formal grievance with
the Superintendent pursuant to Board Policy 2:260. Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, and other unwelcome verbal, physical, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature is sexual harassment.
• Sexual harassment includes sexual intimidation, which means any behavior, verbal or nonverbal,
which has the effect of subjecting members of either sex to humiliation, embarrassment, or
discomfort. Acts of sexual harassment or sexual intimidation may result in any or all of the following
actions:
1. Student(s) conference
2. Parental/guardian contact
3. Order to Cease and Desist Harassment Form
4. Disciplinary action

SITTING IN HALLS: Students are not permitted to sit on the floors in the hallways at any time unless
directed to do so by school personnel.

SKATEBOARDING: Skateboarding is prohibited on campus. Disciplinary penalties may be applied.

SKIPPING/MISSING SCHOOL IN GROUPS: Skipping school in groups is not the same as one student
skipping because it creates unique problems. Therefore, the penalty will not be the same but will be
determined by the circumstances surrounding the incident. This offense may result in suspension from school.
Specific penalties are:
1. Students may receive up to a 3-day suspension from school.
2. Potential loss of privileges as outlined on page 18.
3. Seniors may lose the privilege of participating in the graduation ceremony.

SKIPPING/MISSING SCHOOL OR SKIPPING CLASSES INDIVIDUALLY: Students are considered

"skipping" if they:
1. Miss 1 or more days of school without parental/guardian permission.
2. Leave school after the school day begins, without parent/guardian contact to the school in
advance, and without signing out.
3. Miss part or all of a class without permission in advance from the teacher or other school
official.
All classes missed for skipping are counted as absences toward truancy.
• For skipping 3 hours or more (“MAJOR SKIP”). Penalties for skipping 3 hours or more do not begin
over again at the semester:
1st offense = 6 penalty hours
2nd offense = 9 penalty hours
3rd offense or more = 2-day ACR, plus mandatory counseling with counselor/social worker
• For skipping 2 hours or less (“MINOR SKIP”). Penalties for skipping 2 hours or less do not begin over
again at the semester:
1st offense = 3 penalty hours
2nd offense = 6 penalty hours
3rd offense or more = 1 day ACR

SMOKING/ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES/VAPES: In compliance with Illinois School Code and Board of

31
Education Policies 7:190 and 8:30, tobacco use is prohibited on school property. No smoking or vaping will
be allowed in any part of the buildings or grounds of District #203. Therefore, no student shall have in his/her
possession tobacco or electronic cigarettes/vapes in any form.

Possession and/or use in any form:

1st offense = 1 day ACR
2nd offense or more = Up to 3 days of suspension

SOCIAL NETWORKING: OTHS is required to provide notification to the student and his or her parent or
guardian that the school may not request or require a student to provide a password or other related account
information in order to gain access to the student's accounts and/or profile on a social networking platform.
OTHS may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific
information about activity on the student's accounts and/or on a social networking platform 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 make a factual determination.

STEALING: Theft is criminal, and students who steal will be disciplined. Penalties may include the following:
1. Parental/guardian notification
2. Penalty hours, ACR, or suspension, depending on the severity of the offense.
3. Charges may be filed with the O’Fallon Police Department
4. Appointment with a social worker or counselor

STUDY HALL: Students are assigned to study halls for two common reasons:
1. As part of their regular schedule
2. After being reassigned from an academic class for disciplinary reasons

Study Hall Suspension:

1st offense = 1 day suspension from study hall, depending on the severity of the offense
2nd offense = 1 day ACR
3rd offense or more = 2 days ACR

TARDINESS: Students are marked tardy when they are not in their seats when the bell rings, and/or are in
violation of the teacher’s classroom tardy policies. If a student is late to class because he/she has been
detained by the office, by a previous teacher, by a late bus, documented medical appointment, etc., this will
not count as a tardy. Students must produce a pass as an excuse. Parent/guardian phone calls for arriving
late to school will not excuse a tardy.

Tardy Procedures and Penalties: The following steps will be taken in disciplining students with excessive
tardies to all classes: (cumulative per semester)
10 tardies = notify student and parent/guardian
15 tardies = 3 penalty hours
18 tardies = notify student and parent/guardian
20 tardies = 3 penalty hours
23 tardies = notify student and parent/guardian
25 tardies and every 5 tardies thereafter = 1 day ACR

Students going to class on a pass must arrive within 5 minutes of the time recorded on the pass or be counted
tardy. If the time difference is excessive, it may be counted as skipping. Any student sent to the Attendance
Office for a pass will be given a tardy.

THREATS: Verbal, written, and/or physical threats to any staff member or student will not be allowed. All
threats will be investigated, and police will be involved whenever necessary. All threats are subject to
disciplinary action and possible independent psychological evaluation. (Also see Gross Disrespect/Gross
Disobedience/Gross Misconduct, page 25).
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Large Scale Threats of Physical Harm: OTHS District #203 recognizes that large scale threats are of
significant concern for the school. Whether actual or intended as a prank, these threats represent a potential
danger to the safety and welfare of students and staff, and to the integrity of school property. These threats
disrupt the instructional program and learning environment, and also place significant demands on school
financial and personnel resources. These effects occur even when the threat proves to be false. No person
shall make or communicate by any means, whether verbal or non-verbal, any type of large scale threat to
students, staff, or to the OTHS buildings and grounds. Any student or employee who learns of such a threat
must immediately report this information to school authorities and/or law enforcement.

Making a terrorist threat is a crime under Illinois law. Any students or other person making such a threat shall
be reported to law enforcement for investigation or possible prosecution. Any student who makes a terrorist
threat or large scale threat faces the possibility of expulsion from school.

TRESPASSING: Any non-OTHS student on campus without a visitor’s pass or without permission from the
office is considered trespassing and subject to arrest. This includes ex-students, suspended or expelled
students, and adults. (See Visitors below)

UNAUTHORIZED AREAS ON CAMPUS: Any student in an unauthorized and/or unsupervised area may
receive the following penalties:
1st offense = 3 penalty hours
2nd offense = 1 day ACR
3rd offense = 2 days of ACR

VANDALISM: Intentional damage to the school building, its equipment, school grounds, or school property
is intolerable. Vandalism of vehicles on school grounds is a criminal offense with criminal consequences.
Vandalism of any kind related to any OTHS activity may result in restitution and/or criminal charges. Any act
of vandalism will be subject to the following penalties:
1. Restitution for damages in lieu of arrest, or restitution plus arrest, depending on circumstances,
and
2. Up to a 10 day suspension and may result in a Disciplinary Review Hearing before the Board of
Education which may potentially result in an expulsion

VISITORS: (Board Policy 8:30) All visitors to OTHS must have a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or
military ID to present at the security desk upon arrival at the building. The ID will be used to conduct a
background check. It is recommended that, in an effort to ensure immediate attention or service, contact be
made in advance to set up an appointment. Please contact the Main Office for assistance.
• The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on
school property or at a school event.
• No person on school property or at a school event shall threaten, harass, intimidate, or use
profane language toward an employee, student, Board Member, sports official, or any other
person.
• Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by Board Policy 8:30 may be ejected from school
property and may be denied future access to school buildings and/or events.
• All visitors must report directly to the security office to sign in and to receive visitors’ passes to
wear while they are on campus.
• Only OTHS graduates and former students who left in good standing may visit during the school
day, and then only by appointment.

WEAPONS OR LOOK-ALIKE WEAPONS: A student who is determined to have brought one of the following
objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable
relationship to school shall be subject to a Disciplinary Review Hearing before the Board of Education which
may potentially result in expulsion for a period of at least one calendar year but not more than two calendar
years:
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 1. A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, or weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the
United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 921), firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners
Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65/), or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of
1961 (720 ILCS 5/24-1).
2. A knife, billy club, brass knuckles, or other knuckle weapons regardless of their composition.
3. Any other object, if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including look-alikes of any
firearm as defined above.
The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon the prior request of an adult
supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts, and similar programs, whether or not school-
sponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
OTHS’ Philosophy of Academic Integrity
O’Fallon Township High School believes in creating an atmosphere of learning to foster honesty, responsibility,
and honor to establish an environment where academic integrity is the expectation. Honesty to one’s self,
academic work, and to others is a defining parameter of academic integrity. We believe honest educators and
learners are proud of individual initiative and accomplishments. Grades earned should accurately reflect the
initiative of one’s own efforts for the pursuit of academic excellence. All stakeholders within the OTHS
community have a responsibility to one another to promote, teach, and learn the components of academic
integrity. All learners must take personal responsibility for his/her education to capitalize on his/her
educational experience.

As an educational community, we believe honor is the defining parameter of academic integrity. Educators
and learners will respect the contribution, work, and thought of others through proper recognition.

Violations of Academic Integrity

Academic dishonesty refers to cheating, copying, plagiarizing, or otherwise representing the work of others as
one’s own through verbal, written, graphic, electronic, or other means.
The following list is to serve as a guide and is not all inclusive.
• Academic Dishonesty
o Using or transmitting material not permitted by the instructor during a test, including stored
information on electronic devices
o Copying answers from a student
o Submitting the same paper for two different classes
o Generating content using an Artificial Intelligence third-party service or site (AI/computer-
generated content) without proper attribution or authorization
o Allowing another student to copy an assignment that is to be done individually
o Allowing another student to copy answers during an exam
o Taking an exam or completing an assignment for another student
• Plagiarism
o Copying ideas or exact wording from published sources without indicating from where the
words or idea came
o Paraphrasing from sources without citing where the information originated
o Copying the work of another and submitting it as your own
o Having another person write the paper with and/or for you
• Digital Citizenship
o Failure to cite graphic, audio, or video file
o Copyright violations
o Illegal downloading

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Consequences for Academic Dishonesty
OTHS will keep an ongoing database of all cases of academic dishonesty that will span the duration of the
student’s high school tenure.
Academic Honesty Violations May Include, but are Not Limited to:
• A zero for a portion or for all of the assignment
• Parent/guardian notification and/or meeting with parents/guardians
• Suspension and potential recommendation to the Board of Education for a Disciplinary Review Hearing
• Notification to any faculty member writing a letter for college and/or academic purposes
• Removal from Academic Honor Organizations
• Removal from class with a failing grade applied

ADVANCED PLACEMENT® (AP®) COURSES: Students have the opportunity to potentially earn college
credit by enrolling in the Advanced Placement® (AP®) Courses offered at OTHS. Students must meet
academic criteria to enroll and are responsible for any fees associated with the class and exam. Earning
college credit is contingent upon a student’s score earned on the optional AP® Exam and the credit the higher
education institution awards for the scores earned. Colleges and Universities have varying practices for the
awarding of credit for AP® Coursework. Students are advised to research this information for the schools
they may wish to attend. Information on AP® Coursework is available from the guidance counselors and/or
instructors of the AP® Classes.

Parents can sign a parent override form to have his/her student placed in an AP® class. The student must
remain in the class until the end of the semester for which the override form has been signed. Contact the
guidance department for additional information.

AUDITING PROCEDURE: It is possible for a student to audit a class with approval of parent/guardian,
teacher, administrator, counselor. Auditing a class consists of taking the class but not receiving credit. The
following criteria must be met when auditing a class:
1. It must be a 6th class in the student's schedule and 4 of the 6 must be academic, GPA eligible courses.
2. There must be space in the class.
3. The student is expected to comply with all requirements of the class: attendance, discipline,
homework, tests, projects, etc.
4. If a student fails to meet any of the criteria, they will be dropped from the class.

CLASS LOAD: All freshman and sophomore students must enroll in a minimum of six classes plus advisory
per day. Junior students must enroll in a minimum of five classes plus advisory per day. Senior students who
are not involved in OTHS athletic or extracurricular activities for which eligibility must be maintained, may take
as few as four OTHS subjects (excluding IVS and credit recovery) plus advisory per day. Students taking
fewer than five OTHS subjects (excluding IVS and credit recovery) are not eligible to participate in
extracurriculars nor credit recovery.

Students participating in any extracurricular activity must adhere to eligibility guidelines.

Students electing to take a reduced class load must make sure they are meeting OTHS graduation
requirements. A reduced class load option is not available for students at risk of failing to meet graduation
requirements.

The beginning and end time for students involved in a reduced class load will not necessarily align with the
start or end time of the OTHS school day. The student schedule will vary depending upon the courses in
which the student in involved. The courses will run consecutively.

Students taking a reduced class load must provide their own transportation as they will not be allowed to
spend the hours before or after their assigned schedule on campus unless administrative approval is granted
in advance.
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CLASS RANK: Class rank will only be calculated for students enrolled in grades 9-12, working toward a high
school diploma, and taking a minimum of 3 GPA-bearing classes. Class rank is only calculated at the conclusion
of each semester.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: It is very important that students

planning to attend college begin the planning and researching of admission requirements early in their high
school career. Students should check entrance requirements of potential colleges and plan high school course
work and extracurriculars accordingly.

Most colleges or universities require a minimum of 15 units of academic credit and graduation from an
accredited high school for entrance. Many of the colleges most attended by OTHS graduates consider college
test scores, class rank/GPA, and have adopted the following course requirements as part of the admissions
process:
English 4 years
Mathematics 3 years (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
Social Studies 3 years (emphasizing history & government)
Science 3 years (laboratory sciences)
World Language 2 years (music or art may possibly substitute)

While the information above provides general guidelines, it is the responsibility of the student to check with
specific universities for academic and entrance requirements. Guidance counselors are available to assist in
this process.

COURSE PLACEMENT AND CHANGE OF LEVEL REQUEST: Students are placed in courses based on
historical data of past student performance. However, parents/guardians have the option to override the
placement of their student. If this is desired, a “Parent Request for Change of Level” form can be requested
through guidance and must be processed prior to the start of the semester. The student must meet with a
guidance counselor and the student/parent must agree to adhere to the requirements of the Change of Level
including:
• Student must remain in the course for the duration of the semester
• Student must learn, prior to the start of the course, any material/content for which he/she may be
deficient
Additional information and expectations are explained in the “Parent Request for Change of Level”
form. Students and families are expected to fully understand the contents of this override form and are
responsible to seek clarification for complete understanding of the form’s contents prior to signing the
form. The form is available on the guidance webpage.

CREDIT FOR ALTERNATIVE COURSES, PROGRAMS, AND COURSE SUBSTITUTION (Board Policy
6:310)
Enrollment in SWIC for 5th Year Students
A 5th year student can enroll at SWIC and earn credit toward high school graduation under the following
parameters:
1. The student must receive departmental chair approval
2. The student may take up to 4 classes at SWIC earning two credits toward graduation
3. The student must meet with and coordinate all course selections with his/her OTHS school
counselor

Virtual Learning, Distance Learning, Online Courses

A student may enroll in a virtual, distance, or online course if the student (a) has been expelled and so offered
by the Board of Education, (b) needs to engage in credit recovery for graduation (failed classes), (c) enrolls
in courses not offered at OTHS (as a 6th or 7th class or during the summer), (d) enrolls in OTHS created and
administered online courses, (e) enrolls in a virtual or online course during the summer, (f) is homebound due

36
to medical reasons and coordinates it through the OTHS homebound coordinator, and/or (g) as assigned by
the administration. Enrollment in virtual, distance, or online classes is allowable under Board Policy
6:310. Grades earned will not be weighted unless the course carries an official AP® designation. More
information can be found on the OTHS website.
Virtual classes taken during the fall or spring semester do not count toward current semester’s extra-curricular
eligibility. A virtual class (not credit recovery, but a complete course) taken during the fall, spring, or summer
semester will count toward the subsequent semester’s eligibility provided the course is completed by the OTHS
due dates.
CREDIT POLICY: One half (1/2) unit of credit is earned in courses that meet for one class period per day
for one semester. The total number of required credits for graduation is 21. Transfer credits must be from
an accredited educational institution.
Exceptions:
Driver Education 1/4 credit per quarter (9 weeks)
Lab Assistant 1/4 credit per semester
Technology Essentials 1/4 credit per quarter (9 weeks)
CREDIT RECOVERY: OTHS offers an in-house credit recovery program for students that have failed courses
and/or are at risk of graduating on time. Students must be enrolled in class load requirements as defined on
page 35 in the OTHS Handbook and are responsible for the course fees. Course selection and enrollment will
be coordinated with an OTHS Guidance Counselor.

Credit Recovery Classes do not count toward a student’s current semester extra-curricular weekly eligibility.
Credit Recovery Courses taken during the summer, and passed, would count toward credit earned toward the
spring semester and therefore count toward a student’s initial eligibility for the fall. All Credit Recovery Courses
are designated as pass/fail, do not have final exams, and are not calculated into a student’s GPA.

DELAYED ENROLLMENT: If a student has not been enrolled at a previous high school and wishes to enroll
at OTHS, the student can do so during the first 6 weeks of the semester. However, work must be made up
in an expedient manner. If a student wishes to enroll after the first 6 weeks and was not previously enrolled
at another school, he/she is allowed to audit the class and will not receive credit for the course. See Auditing
procedure on page 35.

DRIVER EDUCATION: The driving age in Illinois is 18, unless the applicant has passed a high school driver
education course. “The course of instruction required of each eligible student at the high school level shall
consist of a minimum of 30 clock hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 6 clock hours of behind-
the-wheel instruction in a dual control car on public roadways taught by a certified driver education
instructor.” Statutory Citation: 105 ILCS 5/27-24.2 “…At least 1 hour of observation time is required for each
hour of behind-the-wheel instruction (a total of 6 hours).” Administrative Rule: 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part
252.20(c)(3) A student not in attendance 30 hours (1800 minutes) of classroom, will be dropped from class
and their permit will be cancelled, with no refund.

To enroll in the Driver Education course at O’Fallon Township High School, a student must turn 15 before the
class is complete. “Each student must be enrolled in high school and receive a passing grade in at least
eight courses during the previous two semesters prior to enrolling in a driver education course. If a pupil is a
freshman, school districts may count passing grades from the last semester of the student’s eighth-grade
school year.” Statutory Citation: 105 ILCS 5/27-24.2 Administrative Rule: 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part 252.25(a)(1)

The state of Illinois requires multiple components to earn your Driver’s License. One component is each
student must have his/her permit for 9 months before he/she can obtain an Illinois Driver’s License. OTHS
will make every effort to place each student in Driver Education the quarter after he/she turns 15 years of age
if the student’s academic requirements have been met and there are openings in the Driver Education classes
being offered.
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DUAL CREDIT COURSES: Students can earn dual credit in a variety of courses through St. Louis University
and Southwestern Illinois College. Students must carry a recommended cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
(refer to course catalog for specific requirements per course), have written endorsement from the principal,
counselor, or school designee, and have teacher approval for each course. Students must complete the
registration paperwork (SWIC and SLU), meet the minimum testing or eligibility requirements (SWIC), apply
for an ID (SWIC), and pay tuition by the deadline (SLU) to be eligible to earn dual credit. Information on
Dual Credit Courses is available from the online course catalog or counselors and/or instructors of the dual
credit courses.

DUAL ENROLLMENT: OTHS offers a dual enrollment program, Running Start, with Southwestern Illinois
College (SWIC) for a maximum of 20 students per grade level. Eligible students must meet all qualifying
criteria (a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and a B or higher in Honors Geometry), attend OTHS during the second
semester of their sophomore year, and are selected during their sophomore year for enrollment in the program
their junior and senior year. If there are more than 20 students that apply, students will be ranked by
weighted GPA with the top 20 students being selected. Students participating in this program can be required
to return to OTHS when deemed appropriate. Participating students must understand they may encounter
conflicts with athletics/extracurriculars and will not receive the same level of OTHS communication/resources
as students that attend classes at OTHS.

Running Start Students can earn an associate’s degree by attending and completing all required courses at
SWIC. Graduation requirements for both institutions do vary, and both must be met to earn a diploma from
both institutions.

EARLY BIRD: Early Bird coursework may be an option for 10th – 12th grade students that wish to take
additional coursework or to shift their school day to begin and end one hour before the typical school day.
Early bird is on a request basis and not guaranteed. Students taking early bird must provide their own
transportation.

EARLY GRADUATION OPTION: A student must have met all graduation requirements to be a December
graduate in his/her senior year and will not be eligible for participation in spring semester extra-curricular
activities. The Board of Education at O’Fallon High School mandates that a student must complete a minimum
of 7 semesters of course work before graduating.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (Board of Education Policy 7:10): O’Fallon Township High
School is committed to equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students
without regard to color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental
disability, gender identity, status of being homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, 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 School Board policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a
discrimination grievance by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.

FINAL EXAMS: Final exams are scheduled to take place on the last 3 days of each semester and will count
as 10 percent of the course grade. A doctor's excuse or other third-party documentation, as approved in
advance by the administration, will be required for students to miss final exams. Snow/emergency days may
extend the school year, thereby delaying final exam dates. Families should not schedule appointments or
vacations for students during final exams. The schedule on exam days is as follows:
DAY ONE EXAMS DAY TWO EXAMS DAY THREE EXAMS
1st Hour Exams 7th Hour Exams 4th Hour Exams
2 Hour Exams
nd
6 Hour Exams
th
5th Hour Exams
3 Hour Exams
rd
Early Bird Exams
• If a student misses 1st Semester final exams, he/she will be expected to make up these exams no
38
 later than the first 3 school days of the second semester. Students will not be permitted to complete
1st Semester final exams before the scheduled exam period.
• If a student misses second semester final exams, he/she will be expected to make up these final
exams no later than the first week of summer school. Students will not be permitted to complete
second semester final exams before the scheduled exam period.
• P.E. students, students assigned to study hall as part of their regular schedule, and students with
advisory/lunch periods do not need to be present during that assigned hour. Students in study hall
because they have been put out of class or are serving penalty hours, must be present. Students are
not allowed to leave campus and then return back to campus after reporting to school on exam days.
No parent/guardian notes or parent/guardian phone calls will clear students for leaving and returning.

GOVERNMENT PROFICIENCY TEST: Students transferring to OTHS with credit for government-related
course work or with credit required by the state of Illinois for demonstrating the knowledge and understanding
of the United States Constitution, but not the Illinois constitution, should see their counselor regarding the
administration of an Illinois Constitution proficiency test.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE AND CLASS RANK: The weighted cumulative grade point average of students
at O'Fallon High School is calculated on all academic classes assigned a grade (A,B,C,D,F). Students are
ranked according to a weighted cumulative average within their graduating class. Class Rank can be found
in the gradebook feature of Skyward. Class rank is updated only at the conclusion of every semester.

Non-GPA Courses
Physical Education
Lab Assistant
OTHS Credit Recovery Courses

GRADE REPORTS: Student academic progress is accessible at any time through Skyward. If you need a
printed report, visit the Main Office.

GRADING SCALE: O’Fallon Township High School’s grading scale is as follows:

Grade Percentage Grade Percentage
A 93 – 100 C 73 - 76
A- 90 – 92 C- 70 - 72
B+ 87 – 89 D+ 67 - 69
B 83 – 86 D 63 - 66
B- 80 – 82 D- 60 - 62
C+ 77 – 79 F 59 and below
*A+ will no longer be used after Class of 2025 and is an honorary designation representing superior
achievement and does not carry additional grade point average weight above that awarded for a grade of A.

GRADE WEIGHTING CLASS OF 2024 AND 2025

Regular Honors/AP Regular Honors/AP Regular Honors/AP
Course Course Course Course Course Course
A+ 4.00 4.33 B- 2.67 3.00 D 1.00 1.33
A 4.00 4.33 C+ 2.33 2.67 D- .67 1.0
A- 3.67 4.00 C 2.00 2.33 F 0.00 0.00
B+ 3.33 3.67 C- 1.67 2.00
B 3.00 3.33 D+ 1.33 1.67

39
GRADE WEIGHTING CLASS OF 2026 AND BEYOND
Regular Honors/AP Regular Honors/AP Regular Honors/AP
Course Course Course Course Course Course
B- 2.67 3.67 D 1.00 2.00
A 4.00 5.00 C+ 2.33 3.33 D- 1.00 2.00
A- 3.67 4.67 C 2.00 3.00 F 0.00 0.00
B+ 3.33 4.33 C- 1.67 2.67
B 3.00 4.00 D+ 1.33 2.33

GRADUATION CEREMONY PARTICIPATION: Participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege

earned by students that have successfully met all graduation requirements, and behaved in accordance with
the expectations for acceptable student behavior as outlined in the student handbook. At any time deemed
necessary, a student’s participation may be denied as determined by the administration.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: In order to earn a diploma from O’Fallon Township High School, a student
must be enrolled in OTHS within the first 6 weeks of his/her final semester and earn a minimum of 2 academic
credits. In addition, a student must complete at least 7 semesters of course work, earn 21 units of credit,
pass the US and Illinois Constitution test, and successfully complete the following:
• 8 semesters of English: 4 of the 8 semesters must be writing intensive coursework. The academic
expectation is that a student will take at least one English course every semester
• 6 semesters of Mathematics: Must include 1 year of Algebra and 1 year with Geometry content.
• 5 semesters of Social Studies: Must include 2 semesters of United States History and either a semester
of Civics in the freshman year or a semester of Government in the sophomore, junior or senior year
• 4 semesters of Laboratory Science: 2 semesters life science and 2 semesters physical science
• 1 semester of Personal Finance or equivalent
• 1 semester of Health
• 2 semesters of electives from art, music, world language, or Career Tech Education
• 4 semesters of Physical Education. (See Exceptions: Physical Education page 42)

HOME SCHOOL CREDITS: O’Fallon High School will honor home school credits provided the credits have
been earned through an accredited home school program. In addition, the home school program must send
an official transcript, provided by an accredited home school agency, to OTHS once the classes are complete.
Contact the OTHS Registrar for more information.

HONOR ROLL: Honor Roll recognition is earned by students for academic achievement and is based on the
semester, weighted GPA. To be eligible for honor roll, a student must carry at least 3 GPA eligible subjects.
There are two tiers of recognition as follows:

Class of 2024 and 2025: Honor Roll for students earning a 3.300 to 3.799 and High Honor Roll for students
earning a 3.800 and above.

Class of 2026 and beyond: Honor Roll for students earning a 3.500 to 3.799 and High Honor Roll for students
earning a 3.800 and above.

HONORS CLASSES: O'Fallon Township High School offers honors classes for those students who qualify and
desire to participate. The following criteria are used to determine honors placement:
• Current Grades
• Placement Scores
• Teacher Recommendations
Parents can sign a parent override form to have his/her student placed in an honors class. The student must
remain in the class until the end of the semester for which the override form has been signed. Contact the

40
guidance department for additional information.

HONORS UPON GRADUATION: At the time of graduation, O’Fallon Township High School will assign honors
to those students who have distinguished themselves with superior academic performance during their high
school career. These honors include: summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude.
Students who are candidates for graduation with a weighted cumulative grade point average greater than or
equal to:
• 4.000 for all work completed will be recognized as “Summa Cum Laude”
• 3.900 for all work completed will be recognized as “Magna Cum Laude”
• 3.800 for all work completed will be recognized as “Cum Laude”
National Honor Society recognizes students who have a cumulative weighted grade point average greater than
or equal to 3.5 and who meet the service, leadership, and character requirements as indicated in Article IX of
the NHS Constitution. Students earning Cum Laude and/or National Honor Society recognition will be issued
a stole that must be returned at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony. Non-OTHS adornments, awards
and recognitions are per the discretion of the administration.

INCOMPLETE GRADES: Incomplete grades must be resolved within the following time frames following the
conclusion of a semester.
A. 6 weeks for a semester class
B. 3 weeks for a quarter class
Any exceptions require medical documentation.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: (Board Policy 6:210) Parents/Guardians have the right to inspect
instructional materials used as part of the curriculum and should contact the District Office if they wish to do
so. Students/Parents/Guardians may opt out of certain sensitive curricular content.
Students/Parents/Guardians should contact the classroom teacher to request an initiation of the opt-out
process.

LAB ASSISTANTS: If a student is a lab assistant, he/she must be enrolled in 4 GPA eligible classes in addition
to the course where he/she serves as the lab assistant (5 courses total). Note: A class assignment of a lab
assistant does not count toward extra-curricular eligibility.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Students often need recommendations from teachers, counselors, and
administrators for jobs, colleges, and scholarship applications. The student should personally make the
request of the teacher and provide the name, address, and any other information available for the writing of
the recommendation. When students request recommendations from teachers, they should provide a list of
the classes and/or a list of the sports and/or activities in which they have participated. Students should plan
ahead to allot a two-week window for the educator to write the letter. The teacher will submit the
recommendation in the format that is required.

NCAA ELIGIBILITY: NCAA eligibility is the sole responsibility of the student and parent/guardian. If a student
intends to play a competitive sport at a Division I or Division II college or university, it is the responsibility of the
student-athlete and their parent/guardian to:
1. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at www.eligibilitycenter.org. This process includes submitting ACT
scores directly to NCAA as well as submitting initial and final high school transcripts.
2. Communicate their interest to his/her Guidance Counselor for assistance with course selection*
3. Meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements per the NCAA website
4. Review OTHS course selections to make sure they are NCAA eligible. A software program, Core Course
GPA, is provided on the OTHS Athletic Department website to assist families with course selection.

*Course selection is a primary component of NCAA eligibility and should begin as early as freshman year.

Please note, not all courses at OTHS are NCAA approved. NCAA-approved courses are noted in the course
41
catalog within each department by the designation: NCAA

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Students are required to take 4 semesters of Physical Education and 1 semester
of Health to meet graduation requirements except in the following cases:
1. Every successfully completed semester of AFJROTC counts for 1 semester of PE exemption. If a
student successfully completes 4 semesters of AFJROTC, he/she has fulfilled the 2-year PE
requirement.
2. Every successfully completed Marching Band course and competition season counts for 1 semester of
PE exemption. If a student successfully completes 4 Marching Band semesters of coursework and
competition seasons, he/she has fulfilled the 2-year PE requirement.
3. A junior or senior that participates in and completes an inter-scholastic athletic program can be exempt
from 2 semesters of PE. A maximum of 1 semester of exemption can be earned during each of the
11th and 12th grade years, regardless of number of seasons and/or number of sports involved.
Seniors who lack sufficient course credits for graduation, who have failed a required course, who have
transferred into OTHS with deficient credits, or who lack credits due to other causes. This is a rare
exception and individually considered. Any student with a doctor’s excuse may substitute an academic
class during the semester that he/she has been excused. However, this does not satisfy the PE
requirement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION MEDICAL EXEMPTION: A physician’s note that restricts full participation in P.E.
must be turned in to the nurse’s office. A physician’s note that modifies the student’s activity level in P.E.
should be coordinated with the nurse and the instructor based on the current P.E. unit.

Under no circumstances will a student be allowed a medical exemption from PE and be allowed to participate
in extracurricular athletics or clubs having physical activity components.

If a student is enrolled in PE and has a doctor’s note excusing him/her from physical participation in the class
more than 25 school days, the student:
1. May remain in the class and receive a transcript designation pursuant to policy.
a. The student will not receive academic credit.
b. The student will satisfy 1 semester of PE requirement through non-physical participation and
observation if passing the class at the time of the medical exemption.
2. May withdraw from the class and receive a transcript designation pursuant to policy.
a. The student will not receive academic credit.
b. The student will not receive a PE requirement toward graduation.
c. The student will be assigned to a study hall or to a course of the student’s choosing,
dependent upon the timing of the withdrawal and availability of space in the desired course.
d. The student is expected to re-take the PE class.

RESTRICTIONS ON ENROLLMENT: (Board Policy 7:50) Re-enrollment shall be denied to any individual 19
years of age or above who has dropped out of school and who could not earn sufficient credits during the
normal school year(s) to graduate before his or her 21st birthday. Before being denied re-enrollment, the
District will offer the individual due process as required in cases of expulsion under policy 7:210, Expulsion
Procedures. A person denied re-enrollment will be offered counseling and be directed to alternative
educational programs, including adult education programs that lead to graduation or receipt of a GED diploma.
This section does not apply to students eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement Act or accommodation plans under the Rehabilitation Act, Section 504.

RETAKING CLASSES: A student may retake a full academic class to (1) increase their knowledge, (2)
improve their grade, or (3) to meet a prerequisite needed for another academic class. All classes taken will
be calculated in the student’s GPA, will appear on the student’s transcript, and credit assigned accordingly. A
student is not allowed to earn credit for the same class if he/she earned a passing grade both times unless
OTHS requires the student to repeat the course. When required by OTHS to repeat a class that was previously
42
passed, or if a student requests to repeat a class that was previously passed, the second time the credit is
earned, the credit will be counted as an elective credit.

SCHEDULE CHANGES/DROPPING COURSES:

A. For schedule change requests prior to the start of a semester, students must make an appointment
with their school counselor in advance of the first day of attendance. Schedule change requests are
subject to space availability for the requested course(s).
B. Schedule changes on or after the first day of attendance will only be permitted in the following
circumstances:
1. Lack of prerequisite
2. Scheduling error
3. Summer school adjustment
4. Graduation requirement deficiency
5. Student option to transfer from any teacher’s class if he/she has previously taken the
same class from that specific teacher and failed
6. Class cancellation due to insufficient enrollment
7. Teacher initiated change
8. Change required pursuant to IEP/504 or homebound needs
C. Schedule changes will not be granted at any time in the following circumstances:
1. Request to change lunch hour
2. Request for a different teacher
3. Request to change course level if the parent/guardian signed a Change of Level form
D. Requests to drop a course on or after the first day of attendance:
1. Students must make an appointment with their school counselor. The counselor will check to
ensure that dropping the course will not jeopardize graduation requirements.
2. A drop slip must be signed by both the teacher and the parent/guardian.
3. If the drop is approved, the student may be placed in study hall.
4. The deadline to withdraw from a course without the course reflecting on the student’s
transcript is within the first ten school days of a semester.
5. If a student withdraws from a course after ten days but within the first six weeks, they will
receive a “W” on their transcript. “W” grades are not included in calculating GPA.
6. If a student withdraws from a course after six weeks and is passing the course, they will
receive a “WP” on their transcript. “WP” grades are not included in calculating GPA.
7. If a student withdraws from a course after six weeks and is failing the course, they will receive
a “WF” on their transcript. “WF” grades are included in calculating GPA.
E. Course Level Changes
1. Teacher-initiated level changes may occur when deemed academically appropriate and
require permission from the department chairperson, school counselor, and parent/guardian.
2. Student-initiated level changes require an academic review with a school counselor, a signed
waiver on file, and must occur prior to the first day of attendance.

SEMESTER GRADES: Credits for passing grades are issued at the end of each semester. Progress
throughout the semester may be monitored by students and parents/guardians through Skyward. Semester
grades are determined by the following formula:
Semester Work = 90%
Semester Exam = 10%
Semester Grade = 100%
Note: Classes that meet for only nine weeks will also calculate the final exam as 10% of the course grade.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES: OTHS offers special education classes and resources to students meeting
special education eligibility.

STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY: OTHS students have the opportunity to test for the Illinois State Seal of
43
Biliteracy or Commendation toward Biliteracy. OTHS students take the STAMP assessment during the spring
semester and are responsible for the assessment fee of approximately $25. Students must meet proficiency
standards in both English and the target language. The Seal of Biliteracy and/or Seal of Commendation are
noted on the diploma and transcript. Questions should be directed to the World Language Chair, Mrs. Libby
Magee ([email protected]).

SUMMER SCHOOL: Summer school curricular offerings, as well as policies pertaining to summer school, are
determined during the spring semester. Summer School, when offered, is on a tuition basis.

TITLE I: - PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY (Board of Education Policy 6:170): O'Fallon Township
High School District #203 is committed to and encourages parent involvement in the Title One Program. Title
classes provide students with a more concentrated one-on-one setting in which they may increase their skills
and confidence. The Title One Program will involve parents through the following activities:
1. To inform parents, in writing, of the selection of their student to participate in Title One instruction and
to give parents specific information about the course(s) involved.
2. To conduct an annual meeting for all Title One parents to explain and to discuss the program. We know
parents want to know how they can best help their student, and we want to listen to parents and advise
them on how we can work collectively to help their student succeed.
3. To conduct parent/teacher conferences, report on each student's progress, or involve parents in helping
to continue successfully working with their student.
4. To conduct other parent involvement activities that may be timely and appropriate, such as phone
contacts, training activities for parents, parent surveys/questionnaires, and encourage Title parent
participation in all school parent opportunities applicable to them.
5. To ensure that district parents will be represented by several parent members at the community
outreach meetings contributing to school improvement initiatives.

TRANSCRIPTS: Official transcripts will be sent electronically using Docufide Sender®, via
Parchment™. eTranscripts are fully secure and FERPA compliant. A Student Records Release Form must be
on file at OTHS for official transcripts to be requested and sent. Release forms are part of the OTHS
registration process. Per the law, if a student is 18 years old, only the student may request a transcript.

A student may obtain an unofficial transcript via Parchment or request a paper copy from the Main Office or
the Guidance Office. Official transcripts may be requested through Parchment™ or from Guidance. Official
transcripts from Guidance will be sealed in an envelope. There is no transcript fee for enrolled students.
Parchment charges a transcript fee for alumni transcripts.

Most colleges and universities require a final transcript before the student can enroll for classes. Final
transcripts will be mailed after graduation from OTHS. Preference is to request through Parchment™;
however, a paper copy can be mailed from the Main Office in the summer if a "Final Transcript Release Form"
(available in Main Office or Guidance Office) is completed. Same signature requirements apply.

Note: If a student will be playing NCAA Division I or II sports in college, a transcript must be sent to NCAA in
addition to their college/university. Other athletic clearinghouses may also require a final transcript.

TRANSFER GRADES: Students who transfer from OTHS: Any student that transfers from OTHS after the
first ten school days of a semester, to attend another accredited high school, will receive the grade they were
earning at the time of withdrawal.

Students who transfer to OTHS: Transfer credits must be from an accredited high school or accredited home
school program. All transfer grades and credits will be converted to the grading system used at OTHS.

TURN IT IN: Student work may be required to be submitted for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for
the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com
44
reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of the Turnitin.com
service is subject to the Usage Policy posted on the Turnitin.com site.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL AND NOT ENROLLING IN ANOTHER SCHOOL: Students are
encouraged to stay actively enrolled in school and to earn a high school diploma. If a student elects to
withdraw from OTHS, and to not enroll in another school, he/she will receive a WP (Withdraw Passing) or a
WF (Withdraw Failing) based on the grade at the time of withdrawal. All WFs will be calculated into GPA.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR INFORMATION

Membership or participation in any extra-curricular activity is a privilege, not a right. Students are encouraged
to participate in extra-curricular activities as a part of their total education.

EVENT ATTENDANCE POLICY (See VISITORS)

General Rules
1. Only students from OTHS and the opposing school are allowed to attend the games/events by
themselves with a Student ID. Students are to watch the games/events from their respective school’s
side or designated location.
2. All attendees should be prepared to show IDs to school/security personnel.
3. Students from non-participating schools will be admitted with a parent/guardian. They will not be
admitted by themselves.
4. Jr. High/Middle School/elementary students will only be admitted with a parent/guardian, and must
remain in the company of that parent/guardian throughout the event.
5. Backpacks and bags are strictly prohibited. Any necessary bags are subject to search by
school/security personnel.

Students
1. Once in the stadium/gymnasium, students should find a seat.
2. There is no re-entry for students who leave the game/event.
3. Students should follow the directions of all staff and security at the game.
4. Students must have timely transportation at the end of the games/events

Event Conduct
1. The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on school
property or at a school event.
2. No person on school property or at a school event shall threaten, harass, intimidate, or use profane
language toward an employee, student, Board Member, sports official, or any other person.
3. Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by Board Policy 8:30 may be ejected from school
property and may be denied future access to school buildings and/or events.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM: The sports program at OTHS is well rounded and intended to appeal to the interests
of all students. All athletes must meet eligibility standards established by the Illinois High School Association
(IHSA). This includes having a current annual physical on file. OTHS is a member the Southwestern
Conference and the Illinois High School Association.

All students and parents/guardians must attend a sport specific meeting in order for the athlete to compete
in athletic contests.

The sports that are offered at OTHS can be found at the following link: http://www.othsathletics.us/

45
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: The following link outlines clubs and activities available to students at OTHS:
https://www.oths.us/Page/933

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES: Participation in extra-curricular activities is dependent upon course selection

and successful progress in those courses. In order for a student to be eligible to participate in any OTHS
school sponsored athletic or extra-curricular activity, a student must be passing 5 classes per week (regular
full credit classes). Any student-participant failing to meet these academic criteria will be academically
ineligible on a weekly basis until the specified academic criteria are met. If a student fails to pass 5 full credit
classes for the semester, he/she will be ineligible for the entire succeeding semester. In other words, a student
must earn 2.5 credits to be eligible for the following semester.

ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (IHSA) ELIGIBILITY: The complete set of IHSA By-laws and
Policies is available at www.ihsa.org.

PHYSICALS: All students participating in athletics, marching band and show choir must have a current
physical on file.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY REGULATIONS:

One of the major objectives of formal education is that of teaching citizenship and responsibility for one's
actions. The Board of Education, the Community, and the staff of O'Fallon Township High School believe this
to be of primary importance in today's society. Therefore, students representing OTHS in a public forum are
obligated to adhere to the following Code of Conduct with full knowledge of the consequences of their actions
that may be detrimental to themselves, their school, and their community.

The Code of Conduct will apply to all participants in all extra-curricular activities and will be enforced on a
year-round basis. Disciplinary consequences for violations when a student is out of season or during the
summer will be levied in the student's next period of competition or performance. The next period designation
is to be determined by a student's prior pattern of seasonal activity. Incoming freshmen, which, by definition,
have not established a pattern of extra-curricular activity, will be allowed to state their athletic or
organizational intentions when Code of Conduct infractions occur. Penalties shall be cumulative beginning
with and throughout the student's participation in extra-curricular activities while at O'Fallon Township High
School.

Any student representing OTHS may be suspended or dropped from any team or organization for any violation
or act, either in school or out-of-school, which violates the Code of Conduct. All participants will be expected
to sign and to conform to the Code of Conduct.

Application of the consequences involving Code of Conduct violations will be administered in both athletics
and extra-curricular activities independently and separately unless a student who violates the code is involved
in an activity and an interscholastic sport simultaneously. In this case, the consequence for the code infraction
will run concurrently. In situations when a student is involved in a competitive activity and a sport that occur
at different times during the school year, the student will serve his/her consequence at the time the respective
seasons commence. Once a student/athlete has successfully served the consequences in an activity and an
interscholastic sport, the code infraction will be considered adequately served.

Days of suspension for a Code violation will begin immediately the day that the Administration is notified of
the offense if the violation occurs during the season. If the violation occurs during the off-season, the days
of suspension will begin on the first day of the season or when the Administration is notified if the season has
already begun. When counting days of suspension, all days of the week will count (calendar days).

The participant must complete the activity for the consequences to be considered served which includes
attending practices. The student must start and finish the activity on the original starting and ending dates.

46
The Coach/Sponsor has the prerogative to remove the athlete from the team/activity due to a Code of Conduct
violation and in this case any remaining participation days will be counted towards the days of suspension.

Both in-season and out-of-season violations will carry over into the next sport season or participatory activity
in which the student is involved.

Under IHSA rule, which OTHS applies to all extracurricular activities, any student who transfers into or out of
District 203 must serve his/her remaining consequence prior to participation in a new school system. It is the
principal's obligation to identify Code violations for incoming or exiting students.

The coach/sponsor affected will be notified in writing of what disciplinary action has been taken against a
student in violation of the code.

Disciplinary action relating to the Code of Conduct imposed by a coach/sponsor will be written and submitted
to the Athletic Director.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The following guidelines are in effect during all the years a student attends O’Fallon High School, including
summer vacations. Penalties for Level I, II, and III shall be cumulative for each independent level beginning
with and throughout the student's participation in extra-curricular activities while at OTHS. The activities
governed by these regulations shall include all extra-curricular activities. The following violations and
consequences represent guidelines that will be followed. It should be noted that participation in extra-
curricular activities is a privilege, and each code of conduct violation will be considered based upon the specific
circumstances of the incident. Consequences will be administered accordingly. The Athletic Director and/or
Activities Director will be notified of all code of conduct violations and consequences.

Any student representing OTHS may be suspended or dropped from any team or organization for any violation
or act, either in school or out-of-school, which violates the Code of Conduct. All participants will be expected
to sign and to conform to the Code of Conduct.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS:
Depending upon the severity of the circumstance(s), disciplinary action may include suspension or removal
from any activity or program. Some examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to, gross
disrespect, gross misconduct, hazing, bullying, electronic/social media misuse, theft, or confrontation with a
school official, director, sponsor, participant from another school, or game/contest official, or law enforcement
officer.

I. LEVEL ONE - VIOLATIONS:

• Use or possession of a controlled substance.
• Use or possession of an alcoholic beverage.
• Hosting a party where under-age drinking or alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs are present.
• Other unacceptable behaviors (depending upon severity)

CONSEQUENCES:
A. Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for a period of 60 calendar days.
(See Buy Back Guidelines below)
B. Second Offense - Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for a period of one
(1) calendar year.
C. Third Offense - Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for the remainder of
his/her high school career.

BUY BACK GUIDELINES: When an infraction has been committed by a student/athlete in which a 60 day
47
athletic/activity suspension has been incurred, he or she will have the option to buy back ½ of the penalty
time under the condition that the athlete and his parent/guardian or legal guardian agree to enter and to
complete successfully an OTHS approved rehab program. (Under the 30 day suspension, the student shall be
suspended a minimum of 25% of the teams schedule) The funding for this program will be paid by the
parent/guardian or athlete and must be approved by the school administration. The scheduled appointments
with the substance abuse program must be adhered to or the 30 day reduction will be null and void. Any
absence or rescheduled appointment must have administrative approval. Any set appointment will take
precedent over any practice or game activity. The athlete must petition the administration to participate in
this buy back option.

II. LEVEL TWO - VIOLATIONS:

• Stealing or vandalizing community, school, or personal property.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Violations of the rules and regulations of District 203 that result in an out of school suspension greater
than 3 school days.
• Other unacceptable behaviors (depending upon severity)

CONSEQUENCES:
A. First Offense – Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for a period of ten (10)
calendar days with a minimum of a one game suspension.
B. Second Offense - Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for sixty (60)
calendar days. (See Buy Back Guidelines under Level I)
C. Third Offense - Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for a period of one (1)
calendar year.

III. LEVEL THREE – VIOLATIONS:

• Attendance at parties where under-age drinking of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs are
present.
• In a car where alcohol or illegal drugs are being transported.
• Other unacceptable behaviors (depending upon severity)

CONSEQUENCES:
A. First Offense – Probation: If the police report or if a participant states that he/she attended, but did
not use alcohol or drugs, the participant will be advised by coach, director, or sponsor not to attend
any similar functions again. Additional consequences may be determined by the coach/sponsor with
notification given to the Athletic Director and Activities Director.
B. Second Offense – Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for ten (10) calendar
days with a minimum of a one game suspension.
C. Third Offense – Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for a period of sixty
(60) calendar days (See Buy Back Guidelines under Level I).

IV. LEVEL FOUR - VIOLATIONS:

• Violations of rules and regulations of District 203 that result in a suspension of three or fewer days
per semester.
• Use or possession of any tobacco substance, e-cigarette, vape, or JUUL.
• Any Major Skip from class or school.
• Arrest for minor infractions.
• Other unacceptable behaviors (depending upon severity)

CONSEQUENCES:
A. First Offense – Participants will be suspended from Team/Activity for one game/performance.
B. Second Offense – Participant will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for a period of ten
(10) calendar days with a minimum of a one game suspension.
48
 C. If the violation occurs “out of season” then the one game suspension will carry over to the next sport
season or participatory activity in which the student is involved.

V. LEVEL FIVE - VIOLATIONS:

• Assignment to ACR

CONSEQUENCES:
A. First through fifth offense- Punishment will be by the coach/sponsor with notification given to the
Athletic Director
B. Sixth and subsequent offenses- Participants will be suspended from Team/Activity for one
game/performance.

- Please note that the student will be expected to be at practice or game on the day of ACR.
- ACR will be cumulative for each semester.

VI. LEVEL SIX - VIOLATIONS:

• Unexcused absences from a contest, performance, or practice.
• Misconduct at a practice, contest, performance, of on an athletic event or activity.
• Swearing or abusive language.
• Blatant disregard to the Head coaches’ or sponsors’ expectations of participation. (Game and practice)
• Other unacceptable behaviors (depending upon severity)

CONSEQUENCES:
A. First Offense- Disciplinary consequences will be by the coach/sponsor with notification given to the
Athletic Director.
B. Second Offense- Participants will be suspended from team/activity. Length of time will be determined
by the coach/sponsor with notification given to the Athletic Director.
C. Third Offense- Repeated offenses in this area will be referred to the Athletic Director’s office for
appropriate action or may be referred to the administration.

DUE PROCESS:
A student will be advised of the rule(s) violated and will be given the opportunity to respond to the violation(s).
The student and his/her parents/guardians will be advised by the administration of any disciplinary action
taken as a result of the violation(s).

SOUTHWESTERN CONFERENCE CODE OF CONDUCT:

By-Laws of the Southwestern Conference contain the following language related to student Code of
Conduct:
a. The Southwestern Conference prohibits students from participating in conference events
if the student is charged with a criminal felony offense or an offense which would be a
felony if committed by an adult, or a misdemeanor offense as listed in Section 24-1, 24-
3, or 24-3.1 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to weapons and firearms. The student shall
remain ineligible to participate in conference events until the criminal charge(s) are
adjudicated or dismissed.

b. A student convicted of a felony or adjudicated delinquent for an offense which would be

a felony if committed by an adult, or a misdemeanor offense as listed in Section 24-1, 24-
3 or 24-3.1, of the Criminal Code, pertaining to weapons and firearms shall be ineligible
to participate in Southwestern Conference events for a period of one calendar year from
the date of conviction.
As a member of the Southwestern Conference, OTHS includes the conference Code of Conduct standards as
part of the OTHS Code of Conduct.

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 ALTERNATIVE CLASSROOM (ACR)

The ACR is assigned as an alternative to out-of-school suspension, when appropriate. The student will be
required to work on classroom assignments while in ACR. Students will receive credit for all work done during
time spent in ACR.

RULES FOR ACR

1. The ACR schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. (Smiley Campus) and 7:30 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. (Milburn
Campus). A student not in ACR by the start time will receive a tardy and may be sent home on an
out-of-school suspension for that day and return to ACR the next day.
2. Students will not be assigned to ACR more than three (3) times per semester. After that limit has
been reached, out-of-school suspensions will replace ACR assignments.
• 1st ACR – Phone call to parent/guardian
• 2nd ACR – Request to meet with the parent/guardian
• 3rd ACR – Phone call to parent/guardian informing them of the student serving the last ACR
of the semester
3. The ACR supervisor will direct the student to complete class work assigned from his/her teachers
while in ACR. The ACR teacher will communicate with the regular teacher to get assignments for a
student assigned to ACR. The classroom teacher will provide the daily assignment or provide an
alternate assignment if it is not feasible for the student to do the regular class work. (Example: lab
or group activity). Makeup work will be returned to the classroom teacher by the ACR supervisor
when completed.
4. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in ACR unless permitted by the ACR
supervisor. Students are required to put their cell phones in a lock box as they enter ACR.
5. Students must use the seat or study carrel assigned by supervisor.
6. Students are not to talk or to interact in any way with any other student in ACR.
7. Students assigned to ACR will be given restroom breaks and will be escorted to the facilities by the
ACR supervisor.
8. Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria, escorted by the ACR supervisor, at a time when other students
are in regular classes.
9. Students will not be allowed to go to their locker or anywhere else during ACR time.
10. Students with an early bird class must attend early bird prior to their ACR assignment.
11. Administrators will make all referrals to the ACR.
12. Any student violating ACR rules may be given an out-of-school suspension and, if so, will be required
to return to ACR to complete that placement before being allowed to return to the regular classroom.
13. Any student who repeatedly violates ACR rules may lose the option to be assigned to ACR.

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Electronic Devices
Students may be responsible for repair and/or replacement cost for damage to OTHS electronic devices. All
school issued devices may be monitored by the District.

Internet and Network Use

O’Fallon Township High School is pleased to offer students access to the Internet and the District’s electronic
network. When used properly, these can be valuable educational tools contributing to life-long learning.

Electronic networks, including the Internet, are a part of the District’s instructional program and serve to
promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal,
defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. In addition, it is possible to purchase certain
goods and services via the Internet, which could result in unwanted financial obligations for which a student’s
parent or guardian would be liable.
50
While the District’s intent is to make Internet access available in order to further educational goals and
objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. The District utilizes filtering methods
and/or systems to regulate students’ Internet access; however, those methods do not guarantee compliance
with the District’s acceptable use policy. Student activity on the District’s network may be monitored. The
District believes that the benefits to students of having access to the Internet exceed any disadvantages.
Ultimately, parents and guardians play a vital role in supporting the District by encouraging their students to
act responsibly when using media and information sources.

Usage Guidelines
1. Access to District technology must be for the purpose of education or research and be consistent with
the educational objectives of the District.
2. The use of District technology is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation
of those privileges and/or discipline, up to expulsion, in the case of students.
3. Prohibited uses of school-provided Internet services include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. To access, submit, post, publish, transmit, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive,
obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material;
b. To violate any local, state, or federal statute;
c. To vandalize, damage, or disable the property of OTHS, another individual, and/or organization.
This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses;
d. To access another individual’s materials, information, or files without permission. This includes
the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a
personal nature;
e. To violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization
without permission;
f. To disrupt the educational process or to interfere with the rights of others at any time, either
during school days or after school hours;
g. To access any communication technology which enables communication with parties not
associated with OTHS;
h. To access any non-curricular Internet site, page, content, or application which is inappropriate for
an academic institution;
i. To engage in Cyber-bullying or any act of cyber aggression.
4. Network Etiquette-The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.
These include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others.
b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
c. Do not reveal personal information, including the addresses or telephone numbers, of students or
colleagues.
d. Recognize that e-mail and other electronic communications are not private. People who operate
the systems have access to such data. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will
be reported to the appropriate authorities.
e. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
O’Fallon Township High School makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the
Internet access it is providing. The School District is not responsible for any information that may be lost or
damaged, or become unavailable when using the network, or for any information that is retrieved or
transmitted via the Internet. Furthermore, the District will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges
or fees resulting from access to the Internet. The District will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature, or
quality of information stored on District storage devices, hard drives, or servers; nor for the accuracy, nature,
or quality of information gathered through District-provided Internet access. The District will not be
responsible for personal property used to access District computer or networks or for District-provided Internet
access.

USE OF CELL PHONES, HEADPHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Under limited circumstances, students may use their own electronic devices at school and may use such
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devices to access the District’s electronic network. O’Fallon Township High School is not responsible for the
information accessed on personal electronic devices and is not responsible for the cost of any data used by a
student while at school or for school purposes.

Cell phones, headphones, and other electronic devices may be in possession of students while on campus and
used during the following limited circumstances:
1. In the interest of student safety, headphones being worn by students must be at a volume that allows
for students to hear announcements and directives from adults.
2. Before school, during passing periods, and during a student’s assigned lunch period.
3. In a classroom after the student receives specific permission from the teacher.
The possession and use of cellular phones and acceptable electronic devices are subject to the following rules:
1. They must be kept out of sight and in an inconspicuous location at all times when a student does not
have permission to use them.
2. They must be turned off during academic periods unless the supervising teacher grants permission
for them to be used for educational purposes.
3. When devices are allowed, it should not be heard at any time and should be in silent mode or on
vibrate. In the IMC, talking on one’s device is prohibited.
4. They may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment or will
otherwise violate student conduct rules.
5. They may not be used for creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing indecent visual
depictions as defined in State law, i.e. sexting. Possession is prohibited regardless of whether the
depiction violates State law.
6. They may not be used in violation of any State or Federal law.
7. Students must comply anytime a request is made by school personnel to cease the use of any
electronic device.
8. Language about the volume of headphones as it relates to safety

1st Offense = Reported to administration and warning issued

2nd Offense and thereafter = Reported to administration and 3 penalty hours issued

This policy specifically prohibits the use of camera cellular phones, personal digital assistants, or any other
electronic or photographic device to take, transmit, or record pictures or other images in all restrooms, locker
rooms or other locations where students and staff “have a reasonable expectation of privacy.” Taking or
transmitting digital images during classroom activities, in the hallways, or in other common areas is also
prohibited without the express permission of the classroom teacher or administrator. Students caught
improperly using any telecommunication or electronic device to take or transmit digital images will face school
discipline, which may include expulsion. Abuse or misuse of these devices, especially camera phones, is strictly
prohibited. Using a camera, cell phone, or other device to create video or photographs of any school incident,
or potential incident that results in a disruption, or potential disruption, to the educational environment of the
school may result in serious disciplinary action.

OTHS assumes no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage to electronic devices and no effort will be made
to search for or retrieve them.

INTERNET CONTRACT/COMPUTER VIOLATIONS

Accessing non-academic sites detrimental to the academic environment

Offense # Consequence
1 Up to 1 day of ACR
2 Up to a 1 day suspension
3 Up to a 3 day suspension

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Letting Someone Use Your Username and Password
Offense # Consequence
1 Up to 1 day of ACR
2 Up to a 1 day suspension
3 Up to a 3 day suspension

Bypassing, or attempting to bypass, the OTHS Internet Filter

Offense # Consequence
1 Up to a 3 day suspension
2 Up to a 5 day suspension
3 Up to a 5 day suspension and removal of Internet
privileges for up to a year
View, or attempting to view, explicit and/or inappropriate websites
Offense # Consequence
1 Up to a 3 day suspension
2 Up to a 5 day suspension
3 Up to a 5 day suspension and removal of Internet
privileges for up to a year

Using someone else’s username and password or tampering with any user settings on an OTHS
device.
Offense # Consequence
1 Up to a 3 day suspension
2 Up to a 5 day suspension
3 Up to a 5 day suspension and removal of Internet
privileges for up to a year

INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA CENTER (IMC)

We desire that all students benefit from a physical and virtual IMC that supports their academic endeavors.

Milburn Campus Hours of Operation:

• Every School Day 7:00 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
• Milburn students may utilize the extended hours of the Smiley Campus IMC.

Smiley Campus Hours of Operation:

• Every School Day 6:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday Extended Hours 6:50 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

SERVICE OVERVIEW:
• Diverse physical and digital collections
• Color printer and copier, scanners, digital card readers, flex-use computers, Flip video cameras, digital
cameras, wireless printer, universal charging/data cables, headphone/microphone combos, flashdrives,
and TI-84 calculators for student use
• Charging lockers and device charging stations for student devices: The District is not responsible for
lost, stolen, or damaged devices resulting from use of a charging locker or station. Leaving an academic
class to charge or retrieve devices in lockers is not permitted.
• Official OTHS planners, a variety of school supplies, and earbuds for sale
• Study rooms available upon request
• Inter-library Loan within District #203 libraries and across Illinois and the U.S.
• Closed-captioned world news broadcasted throughout the school day
• Website: www.oths.us Click Instructional Media Center under Students.
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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR IMC USE:
1. If you need assistance, please see a staff member. The IMC staff is here to assist you. Remember
our slogan, “Just Ask!”
2. One’s ID serves as a loan card and must be visible at all times when in the IMC.
3. If using the IMC during an advisory period, a student's academic teacher must issue the advisory
pass, and the student must report to advisory and present the pass before reporting to the IMC
during the advisory period. A student's failure to report to advisory 2 or more times will result in
loss of the advisory pass privilege. A student on an advisory pass from an academic teacher must
be on task as assigned by the academic teacher.
4. Students may use the IMC during the first part of the lunch period but cannot go to the cafeteria
and then to the IMC. One may leave the IMC partway through one’s lunch period to go to the
cafeteria. We strongly encourage taking time to eat in the cafeteria.
5. Students are not permitted to leave the IMC 5 minutes or less prior to the bell during lunch, advisory,
or a free period.
6. Neither food nor drinks should be brought into the IMC. Open items will be removed. Drinking
water in a covered container is permissible at IMC tables but not in technology areas.
7. Students may utilize the IMC during scheduled free periods but must remain within the IMC for the
entire period unless other arrangements have been made with IMC staff upon arrival.
8. Taking pictures or video in the IMC is allowed only after permission is obtained from an IMC staff
member.
9. The IMC maintains an academic environment. A student whose behavior detracts from the IMC
environment will lose IMC privileges.
10.The IMC is a “Seen Not Heard Tech Zone” during its hours of operation. See #3 under Use of Cell
Phones, Headphones, & Other Electronic Devices.

CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:

Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, the loss of IMC privileges.

LOAN POLICY:

A. CHECK OUT POLICIES

1. Borrowing of IMC items requires a zero balance on one’s IMC account and a visible OTHS ID
(temporary ID acceptable).
2. Students should never check items out for other students; the borrower is always held accountable.
3. Print materials are checked out for 2 weeks and renewed for 2 weeks. Students may have up to 5
items checked out at one time.
4. Equipment is checked out for up to 3 school days and may be renewed upon the discretion of the IMC
staff.
5. When renewing, items must be present. See #7 for exceptions.
6. When a teacher is holding a student’s book for Great Books (GB), staff will renew the book, upon
request of the student, to avoid overdue fines. Note: GB and HGB students can only check out 1 copy
of any given title.
Note: Parents/Guardians maintain the right to restrict their student's access to material that circulates
via the IMC. Parents/Guardians can request restricted access by emailing [email protected] with their
student's name, ID#, and duration of the restriction.

B. OVERDUE PROCEDURES
· 1 day after the due date: Student begins receiving daily overdue notices via OTHS email account.
· 14 days after the due date: Student is notified to meet with an IMC staff member.
· 20 days after the due date: Item(s) are deemed lost and the student is charged for the item(s).
Note: Overdue notices are a courtesy. Returning items on time is ultimately the borrower’s responsibility.

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C. LOSS OR DAMAGE OF MATERIALS
• Students must pay for any borrowed IMC materials which are lost. If items are no longer available,
students must pay for a like replacement, which may cost more than the original. We will search
reputable sources for pricing.
• If the student finds the item and returns it in good condition, the student will be reimbursed if a
replacement has not already been purchased. If the item is returned after a replacement has been
purchased, the student will not receive reimbursement and can keep the item(s).
• If a student damages materials, the IMC Coordinator will make the decision to replace or refurbish the
item. In both cases, the borrower will be responsible for any cost incurred.

USE OF IMC PRINTERS AND COPIERS:

Students must pay for all print/copy jobs, unless the materials are required by the teacher. If a teacher
requires color printing, the teacher will notify the IMC of any color printing requirements. Prices are posted
near printers and copiers. Please pay for all materials at the help desk.

USE OF DATABASES AND OTHER DIGITAL RESOURCES

Parents/guardians and students accept responsibility to adhere to the terms and conditions required for use
of all databases and other digital resources offered by OTHS through the IMC.

INTER-LIBRARY LOAN:
OTHS students have inter-library loan privileges. As such, students will be held financially responsible, per
the lending library’s policies, for inter-library loan items that are lost, damaged, or overdue.

ACCESS TO IMC RESOURCES:

"Librarians and library governing bodies have a public and professional obligation to ensure that all members
of the community they serve have free, equal, and equitable access to the entire range of library resources,
regardless of content, approach, format, or amount of detail. This principle of library service applies equally
to all users, minors as well as adults. Lack of access to information can be harmful to minors. Librarians and
library governing bodies must uphold this principle in order to provide adequate and effective service to
minors." (American Library Association's Policy Manual: B.2 Intellectual Freedom, B.2.1.4 Access to Library
Resources and Services for Minors) As such, parents/guardians maintain the right and responsibility to govern
their student's access to OTHS library resources as well as inter-library loan materials. We encourage
parents/guardians to be actively aware of their student's resource selections.

OTHS EQUIPMENT USE POLICY

Students at O’Fallon Township High School are afforded the privilege of borrowing several types of equipment.
Equipment includes, but is not limited to, laptops and hotspots (with parental consent), video cameras, tablets,
notebooks, calculators, flashdrives, charging cables, and digital cameras.

Students utilizing any OTHS-provided equipment agree to the following:

1. Equipment will be in the borrowing student’s possession at all times and will not be lent to any friends,
family members, or other persons.
2. Equipment will be brought to class when instructed by a teacher.
3. Equipment will be used for assigned coursework and not personal use.
4. Video or pictures captured with borrowed equipment will not be posted to any location on the Internet
which is not affiliated with OTHS.
5. Before returning equipment, all files will be removed and equipment accessories will be returned in
the manner which they were provided.
6. Equipment will not be used for any activity that is illegal or inappropriate for an educational setting.
7. Equipment will not be used for activity that violates any school rules or policies or that will reflect
poorly on O’Fallon Township High School.
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 8. The borrowing student will assume responsibility for paying to replace the equipment or any of its
accessories which are lost or damaged. NOTE: Replacement charges could be several hundred dollars.
9. The borrowing student will return equipment to the designated area on the assigned date.
10. Equipment will not be physically altered in any way.
11. Security and system settings and monitoring programs will remain intact and will not be altered.

NOTE: Parents/Guardians maintain the right to restrict their student’s access to equipment that circulates.
Parents/Guardians can request restricted equipment access by emailing [email protected] with
their student’s name, ID#, and duration of the restriction.

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 “Loyalty" Song

We're loyal to you, O'Fallon High,

We're Gold and we're Blue, O'Fallon High,
We'll back you to stand
You're the best in the land
For we know you can stand
O'Fallon High Rah! Rah!
So toss in that ball, O'Fallon High
We're backing you all, O'Fallon High
Our team is the famed protector
Onward, for we expect a
Victory from you, O'Fallon High
From those broad green plains that nourish the land,
For honest labor and for learning we stand,
For unto you we pledge our heart and hand,
For you O'Fallon Township High.
Rah, Rah, rah rah rah
Rah, Rah, rah rah rah
Rah, Rah, rah rah rah
O-T-H-S!

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