Community Unit District No. 2
Serena High School
Student Handbook
2016 - 2017
2015-2016Table of Contents
Welcome...... 6
Mission Statement...... 7
Philosophy and Objectives...... 7
Board of Education...... 8
Faculty and Staff...... 8
Office Personnel...... 8
Extracurricular Positions...... 9
Class Sponsors...... 9
General Information
The School and Its Purpose...... 10
Homework and Its Purpose...... 10
Preparing for College...... 11
Stay In School...... 11
Non-Discrimination Policy...... 12
Class Period Time Schedules...... 13
Inclement Weather Procedures...... 14
Dealing with School Problems...... 14,15
Student Information
Advisory Period…………………………………………………………………………………………………..15
Accident Insurance...... 15
Activity Fee...... 15
After School Events/Activities…………………………………………………………………………………..16
Assembly Programs...... 16
Attendance...... 16-17
Five-Day Rule...... 17-18
Excused Absences...... 18
Unexcused Absences...... 18
Make-up Work...... 18
Book-bags and Backpacks...... 18
Care of Students with Diabetes…………………………………………………………………………………18
Cellular Phones...... 18
Class Officers...... 18-19
Class Rings...... 19
Closed Campus...... 19
College Days...... 19
Conferring with Students...... 19
Dances...... 19
Directory Information...... 19
Discipline...... 20
Saturday School………………………………………………………………………………………………….21
Detention...... 21
In-School Suspension...... 21
Out-of-School Suspension...... 21
Expulsion...... 21
Reciprocal Reporting System...... 21,22
Dress Code...... 22
Drivers Education...... 22
Driving and Parking...... 22,23
Fire Drills...... 23
Serena High School Building Evacuation Routes...... 23-24
Final Exams…………………………………………………………………………………………………..24-26
Fund Raising...... 26
Indian Valley Vocational Center...... 26
Prevention and response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harrassment...... 26-27
Compliant Managers…………………………………………………………………………………………….27
Illegal Substances...... 28
Illinois Valley Community College...... 28
Lockers...... 28
Lost and Found...... 28
Lunch Periods...... 28-29
Medications to Students...... 29
Musical Instrument Rental...... 29,30
Off-Campus/Junior College Classes...... 30
Physical Education...... 30
Report Cards and Grading System...... 30
School Day...... 30-31
Signs and Posters...... 31
Spectator Bus...... 31
Telephones...... 31
Textbooks and Supplies...... 31
Tornado Drills/Severe Weather...... 31
Vision Screening...... 31
Visitors...... 31
Academics…………………………………………………………………………………………………31
Academic Letter Award...... 32
Articulation Credit...... 32
Ceremonies...... 32
Faculty Honors...... 32
Figuring Averages...... 32
Grading Scale...... 32
Graduation Requirements...... 32-33
Class Rank...... 33-34
Honor Roll...... 34
Transfer Students...... 34
Valedictorian and Salutatorian...... 34
Extra Curricular Activities
Academic Bowl...... 34
Art Club...... 34
Computer Club...... 34-35
Drama Club...... 35
FFA...... 35
National Honor Society...... 35-36
Pep Band...... 36
Positive Image...... 36
SADD...... 36
Student Council...... 36
Athletics
Athletic Awards...... 36-38
Athletic Code...... 38-41
Eligibility-School and IHSA...... 41-42
Administrative Rule/Procedures
Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities...... 42-43
Equal Educational Opportunities...... 43
School Visitation Rights Act...... 43
Special Education Services...... 43
Medicaid Reimbursement...... 43
Notification of Rights under the School Records Act of 1975...... 43-47
Community Relations
Uniform Grievance Procedure...... 47-48
Business and Non-Instructional Operation
Waiver of Student Fees...... 48
Students
Student Attendance...... 48-51
Student Discipline...... 51-54
Student Sexual Harassment...... 54-55
Certificate of Completion...... 55
Veterans of WWII and Korean Conflict...... 55
Early Dismissal Policy...... 55
Students’ Conduct...... 55-56
Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs...... 56
Student Appearance...... 56-57
Safe School Zone...... 57
Gang Affiliation...... 57
Search and Seizure...... 57-58
Random Drug Testing...... 58
Athletic Fees...... 59
Immunizations/Physical Examinations...... 59-61
Internet Acceptable Use Policy...... 62-63
Lunch Program...... 63-65
Monthly Income Chart...... 64-65
Notice of Rights Concerning a Student’s School Records...... 67
Notice to Parents/Guardians of Students Enrolled in Family Life and Sex Education Classes...... 68
Superintendent’s Letter Regarding Activity Fee...... 69
Forms
Application for Fee Waiver...... 70
Asthma, Epinephrine Self-Administration Notice...... 71
Medication Authorization Form...... 72
Epinephrine, Diabetes Medication Self-Administration Form...... 73
Asthma Self-Administration Form...... 74
Parental Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment...... 75
Pre-Arranged Vacation Form...... 76
Motor Vehicle Registration Form...... 78
Schedules
2015-16 CUSD #2 Calendar...... 80
2015-16 Dismissal Schedule...... 82
2015-16 Grade Reporting Schedule...... 84
Welcome to Serena High School!
The faculty and staff of Serena High School extend a warm welcome to all students for the 2015-16school year.The community is proud of the accomplishments of our students and continues to expect nothing but the best from those students.The student’s time here will befilled with opportunities for learning and service.Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many academic and athletic activities offered.Serena High School provides an equal opportunity to all students regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or disability condition.
This handbook has been designed to help students become better acquainted with the policies and procedures of Serena High School. These policies and procedures are established to ensure a quality education for students. While many students are familiar with the policies, procedures and general operation of the school, it is very important that they review this handbook. New students should review this handbook carefully. If students have further questions, they should contact the office or consult any staff member.
Each teacher at Serena High School will have different requirements and expectations. It is up to students to adjust to the teacher and do what is expected. If students are to receive the respect of others, they must first behave in a manner that will justify receiving it. In addition, students should keep in mind that this is their building. Treat it with care so that Serena High School’s proud traditions can carry on in the generations of students that follow.
The Serena High School faculty and staff are here to create an environment where all students are afforded the best opportunity to learn. It is essential that students, teachers, and parents work together to ensure success. With a combined effort, this will be a successful school year.
I would like to wish all students the best of luck for a successful 2015-16 school year. Go Huskers!
Sincerely,
Steve Hanson
Principal, Serena High School
Mission Statement
Our mission is to cultivate students’ abilities to live well as: functioning members of society;informed citizens of our community, our country, and the world; responsible members of families; and self-directed, lifelong learners.
Philosophy and Objectives
The concern of Community Unit School District No. 2 is the development of its students, through adolescence and adulthood:as functioning members of society, as informed citizens of the community and the country, as responsible members of families, and as self-directed, lifelong learners in a fast-changing world. In short, our duty is to cultivate the students’ abilities to live well.
As the school district is a product of society, then it must administer to society, both through maintenance and through improvement of societal standards. The school, in choosing its course, must make decisions as to what is maintained and what is altered, choosing only those objectives which it realistically may achieve, with the welfare of the students always the underlying factor.
In fulfilling these philosophical aims, school personnel and community members interact to implement the following objectives:
1. The students are encouraged to develop basic skills and concepts in academics, trades, fine arts, and health in order to prepare them for professional success and personal satisfaction.
2. The students are encouraged to develop creative and critical thinking abilities in order that they may resolve individual, family, community, and world problems.
3. The students are encouraged to develop communication skills that will enable them to interact meaningfully with fellow members of society.
4. The students are encouraged to develop self-governing skills that will enhance their ability to promote our democratic social system.
The primary responsibility for implementation of these objectives rests with the teachers, who are supported by the administration, Board of Education, parents, other school personnel, and community members.The administration supervises and evaluates teacher and student performance according to Board of Education policies and State requirements.Society, in turn, must provide encouragement and financial support.Without such support, society’s needs cannot be met.
Board Of Education
Neal Rosengren...... President
Dave Myer...... Vice President
Bob DeBolt, Don McNelis, Susan McNelis, Randy Murley, Renee Thompson...... Members
Faculty and Staff
Marty Felesena...... District Superintendent
Steve Hanson...... Principal
Amber Grenda...... Guidance Counselor
Jennifer Leonard...... District Social Worker
Gina Schock...... District Psychologist
Andy Allen...... Media Center Director
Chad Baker...... Mathematics
Julie Brown...... English, AP English
Dean Derango...... Health, Physical Ed., Athletic Director
Dana Flahaven…………………………………………………………………………………Special Education
Jeremy Foreman...... Physical Education
Lauren Hohenberger...... English
Jennifer Hoppis...... Business/Technology Education, Vocational Director
David Hughes...... Mathematics
Kathy Hughes...... Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Jeremy Jenkins...... Social Studies, Dean of Students
James Jobst...... Drivers Ed/Social Studies
Chad Mahler...... Agriculture, Industrial Arts
Genie Marshall...... Classroom Aide / Computer Lab Aide
Christine McMahon...... Spanish
Brad McGill…………………………………………………………………………………………Social Studies
Aubrey Mikos…………………………………………………………………………………………….…Biology
Geoffrey Pierce...... Instrumental Music
Angela Pippenger…………………………………………………………………………………………..English
Kara Rutherford...... Special Education
Deanna Stropoli...... Classroom Aide
Brent Thomas...... Special Education
Christine Thorsen...... Vocal Music
Julie Timm...... Library Clerk
Miranda Zahn ...... Art
Amy Zulfer...... Classroom Aide
Office Personnel
Marci Glade...... High School Secretary
Malinda Vatland...... District Bookkeeper
Lisa McNelis...... ….Superintendent’s Secretary
School Phones: (815) 496-2361, (815) 792-8441
Extra-Curricular Positions
Athletic Director...... Dean Derango
Soccer ...... Dean Derango, Head Coach; Chris Gunier, Asst. Coach
Volleyball ...... Katy Severson, Head Coach; Kelly Friestad, Asst. Coach
Boys Basketball ...... Dain Twait, Head Coach
Boys Basketball...... Art Bohlmann, Asst. Coach
Girls Basketball ...... Jeremy Jenkins, Head Coach
Girls Basketball...... Chris Gunier, Asst. Coach
Spirit Squad...... Amy Zulfer Head Coach
Baseball ...... Chad Baker, Head Coach; Jeremy Foreman, Asst. Coach
Softball ...... Megan Thomas, Head Coach; Jenna Keigley, Asst. Coach
Academic Bowl...... Brent Thomas
Adventures in Awareness...... TBA
Art Club ...... Miranda Zahn
Art Show Director...... Miranda Zahn
Computer Club ...... Jennifer Hoppis
Drama Club ...... TBA
Music Performance ...... Geoff Pierce, Christine Thorsen
National Honor Society ...... Aubrey Mikos
Newsline...... Jennifer Hoppis
Peer Tutors...... Amber Grenda
Pep/Jazz/Marching Band ...... Geoff Pierce
Positive Image...... TBA
SADD...... Julie Brown
Student Council ...... Jeremy Jenkins
Track………………………………………………………………………………....Brent Thomas Head Coach
Track…………………………………………………………………………………Shelley Grogan Asst. Coach
Vocational Director...... Jennifer Hoppis
Class Sponsors
Senior Class / Junior Class / Sophomore Class Freshmen ClassDean Derango / Lauren Hohenberger / Julie Brown Christine McMahon
Dave Hughes / Jennifer Hoppis / Chad Mahler Annie Frasco
Jeremy Foreman / Kathy Hughes / Aubrey Mikos ?
The School and Its Purpose
American schools exist for numerous reasons. The staff and administration of Serena High School believe that the following goals denote some of the reasons. The list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
Schools exist to:
1.Provide students an opportunity to develop communication skills that allow for meaningful interaction with others in society.
2.Provide students with the programs and service necessary to develop a sense of personal worth, pride, and usefulness through personal achievement.
3.Provide students with opportunities to develop their creative abilities.
4.Provide students with experiences necessary to encourage the development of the basic skills necessary to prepare them for professional success and personal satisfaction.
5.Provide students opportunities to become familiar with the world of work.
6.Provide students with an opportunity to develop an appreciation of our national and cultural heritage and democratic ideals.
7.Provide students with an environment that fosters self-direction and self-discipline.
8.Provide students an opportunity to develop positive attitudes about health and safety practices; attitudes that may lead to a longer, fuller life.
9.Provide students an opportunity to learn about and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment.
10.Provide students an opportunity to develop creative and critical thinking abilities that allow them to cope with individual, family, community and worldproblems.
Note to Parents:
Homework and Its Purpose
Homework is as much a part of the American school system as English, reading, science, math or social studies. Homework is a vital learning tool. It allows the student to prepare for discussion, to study for tests, and to complete assignments that are part of his/her evaluation. Homework also teaches self-discipline and time management; two skills necessary for success in higher education and in job performance.
As your son or daughter progresses through school, he/she will become more involved with homework. Often the assignments can be completed wholly or in part during study hall or, in some cases, toward the end of a class period. A student who uses time wisely may be able to reduce the amount of after-school time required to complete homework.
You can help their son or daughter with homework by
1.establishing a regularly-scheduled "homework time."
2.providing a peaceful, quiet work area with good lighting, furniture and materials.
3.limiting TV watching during homework time.
If your child has yet to reach the grade level where homework becomes a part of the learning process, you can still help him/her by talking about schoolwork. This helps encourage the child to begin thinking about school when at home, and homework will seem more natural when it begins.
Note to Students:
Preparing For College
High school gives you a chance, perhaps for the first time in your life, to choose many of the subjects you study. Which subjects should you take?
Answering this important question is hard. The Illinois Board of Higher Education would like to help you by offering the following advice:
Either the subjects you take in high school will increase your chances for education and jobs after high school— or they will reduce those chances. That is why your choices now are very important.
At this time in your life, you cannot be sure what your future career will be. The American economy is changing. New kinds of jobs are created every day. Some jobs are disappearing. Some jobs will require more and more education.
What is the best way to prepare for this changing future? Take subjects that will give you as many future choices as possible. Do not cut yourself short. Take subjects that will keep increasing your communication and computational skills. Take subjects that will broaden your technical skills.
Do you think you might like to go to college? Here’s more advice—especially if you think you’d like to get a bachelor’s degree:
There are over 180 colleges and universities in Illinois alone. Each decides for itself how it will select high school graduates for admission. Admission requirements vary from one college to another. You must contact each one to find out what its specific requirements are. Admission requirements also are changing.
The Illinois State Board of Education has established guidelines for admission to state universities.The following are the high school subjects that constitute a minimum preparation for baccalaureate degree programs at both state universities and junior colleges:
▪four years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature.).
▪three years of mathematics (algebra I, geometry, and algebra II). Four years is highly recommended.
▪three years of social studies (World, history, U.S. history, Government, and social studies are required).
▪three years of science (these must be laboratory sciences). Four years is recommended.
▪two years of electives in foreign language, music, art, or vocational education (foreign language is required by many).
Finally, ask for help and advice from your teachers, your counselor, your principal, and your parents. These people know the most about you and can help you with individual advice based upon your abilities and interests.
Stay in School
One problem today in our society is the number of out-of-work, out-of-school youth. Most “dropouts” in today’s society end up in low-paying jobs. The majority of youth who drop out of school are unable to find decent employment.Industrial progress over the years has created many new jobs requiring more education and more skills. A large percentage of our unskilled jobs will disappear in the next decade.
If you are thinking about dropping out of school, or, worse yet, staying in school but doing nothing, now is the time for you to consider what you would like your life to be. Your job now is to prepare for the years ahead! Your life after school will be spent in full-time work of some kind, so build a strong foundation now. You may have to sacrifice thousands of dollars that could be yours if you do not prepare yourself while in school to qualify for a good job.
No matter what you plan to do, a high school education will prove its value repeatedly, as a good educational background enriches your life in many ways.Remember, better jobs require a good education. This fact is becoming more and more evident because more people are finishing high school today.So stay in school and do your best!
Non-Discrimination Policy -- Title IX
It is the policy of the Board of Education, Community Unit School District No. 2 not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 education amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to any of the following administrators:
Joe Landers, Principal
Harding Grade School
1643 N. 40th Rd.
Earlville, Illinois 60518
Phone: 815-792-8216
Randy Goodbred, Principal
Sheridan Grade School
P.O. Box 328
Sheridan, Illinois 60551
Phone: 815-496-2002
Aaron Rios, Principal
Serena Grade School
P.O. Box 107
Serena, Illinois 60549
Phone: 815-496-9250
Steve Hanson, Principal
Serena High School
P.O. Box 107
Serena, Illinois 60549
Phone: 815-496-2361 or 815-792-8441
Amber Grenda, Guidance Counselor
Serena High School