Student/Parent Handbook & Policies

Student/Parent Handbook 2020-2021: Disciplinary Code

Attendance at Alleman High School should be considered as a privilege and not a right; as with any privilege, there are responsibilities. It is the responsibility of every student to be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations of Alleman High School and by being a member of the student body you are agreeing to abide by those same rules. Students should conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times whether they are in or out of school. It is the responsibility of every student to be a good citizen, and a good Christian at all times. Serious violation of either civil or church law is sufficient grounds for disciplinary action which may include suspension and/or expulsion in addition to appropriate consequences if the student is also involved in athletic or extra-curricular activities. The Administration reserves the right to impose the penalty set forth in this code for such other offenses which it determines to be of equivalent gravity to those which are enumerated within this code.

Lookouts will be included in any disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Administration.

All students involved in extracurricular activities will be governed by this disciplinary code along with their athletic/organizational policy. Please refer to the pages on the “Alleman Athletic/Cheerleader Code” and Extracurricular Activities (pages 46 & 56).

I. GRAVE OFFENSES
In any situation regarding possession or use of a misdemeanor drug, the Administration will follow the action steps listed below. However, in any situation involving a felony drug, Administrative response will be upgraded to the next level. For example, first time possession of a felony drug will be dealt with in the same manner as a second violation. Any student selling/distributing illegal drugs will be subject to dismissal and police will be notified.

The use, possession, sale or transfer of alcohol, illegal drugs, any controlled substance, or any controlled substance analog in school or on school property or at a school sponsored activity or at activities in which Alleman High School is participating, or coming to any of these places under the influence of such drugs, alcohol, controlled substances or controlled substance analogs. [“Controlled substance analog” or “analog” means a substance that has a chemical structure similar to that of a controlled substance or that was specifically designed to produce an effect substantially similar to that of a controlled substance. (720 ILCS 570/402)]

RESULTS:

  1. The Student is immediately removed from the class or event.

  2. Parent is notified at once. Parent(s) either:

    (a) Come at once for a conference with the Assistant Principal, the Principal and the Student.

    (b) Arrange for the student to be picked up after the student has had a conference with the administration and any other school personnel deemed necessary. In this event, a conference with the parents and the administration will be scheduled at a later date.

  3. Student is placed on out-of-school suspension for a minimum of five (5) days

  4. If at any time, a student is the subject of an active police investigation, the student will be ineligible from all extra-curricular activities until the completion of the investigation.

  5. The student is not allowed to attend school sponsored activities/athletic events for a period of nine (9) weeks. (Principal may waive this suspension).

VOLUNTARY ADMISSION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Voluntary admission, in writing to the Principal or Assistant Principal, by a student of an infraction involving substance abuse will result in the consequence being reduced by half. The purpose of this provision is to encourage the student to accept responsibility for his/her actions/decisions. The voluntary admission may NOT be used if the rule infraction is already known to the Principal and/or Assistant Principal. This provision may be used only once during a high school career and for a first offense only.

A SECOND VIOLATION while in high school will result in a five day out-of-school suspension and mandatory participation in a formal evaluation and subsequent prescribed treatment by a local substance abuse agency counselor at the family’s expense. Contact with the agency by the parents must be made within twenty-four hours of the notification. The prescribed program must be followed to its conclusion or the school retains the option of convening a meeting of the Retention Committee with the possibility of recommendation for expulsion. Consequence #4 (above) is also included.

A THIRD VIOLATION WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL: If, in the opinion of the Alleman High School administration, a student admits to, or is involved with, the use or possession of any form of alcohol or illegally controlled substances, the student shall be suspended out of school until the next regularly scheduled board meeting at which time the student will be recommended for expulsion.

Possession of, use of, or remaining present where there is underage use of alcohol, illegal drugs, any controlled substance, or any controlled substance analog off of school property at a non-school function. [“Controlled substance analog” or “analog” means a substance that has a chemical structure similar to that of a controlled substance or that was specifically designed to produce an effect substantially similar to that of a controlled substance. (720 ILCS 570/402)]

The use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is a major potential problem for all high school students. The following Alleman High School policy on alcohol and drug usage is established to not only reduce alcohol and drug usage, but also provide recommendations for rehabilitation when appropriate. A student's prior disciplinary record could affect the Administration's response to this major offense.

RESULTS:

It is the responsibility of the student to inform parents of this infraction.

  1. FIRST OFFENSE: In the event of Alleman involvement, students will be required to complete 10 hours of community service if they are discovered possessing, using, or remaining in the presence of illegal drugs, including underage use of alcohol, off of school property at a non-school function. The term “Alleman involvement” means events which are planned at school or at a school function or which brings public discredit to Alleman.

The Assistant Principal will determine whether a particular event brings public discredit to the school. The Assistant Principal will determine the length of time the student has to complete the community service. The Assistant Principal is to receive written confirmation of the completed community service including the name and phone number of a person to contact for verification purposes.

Suspensions may be part of the consequences.

VOLUNTARY ADMISSION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Voluntary admission, in writing to the Principal or Assistant Principal, by a student of an infraction involving substance abuse will result in the consequence being reduced by half. The purpose of this provision is to encourage the student to accept responsibility for his/her actions/decisions. The voluntary admission may NOT be used if the rule infraction is already known to Principal and/or Assistant Principal. This provision may be used only once during a high school career and for a first offense only.

A SECOND VIOLATION while in high school will result in twenty (20) hours of community service from an organization on a list pre-approved by the administration. The Assistant Principal is to receive written confirmation of the completed community service including the name and phone number of a person to contact for verification purposes. The service hours must be completed within four weeks of the second violation otherwise the Administration reserves the right to assess further consequences. Suspension from school may be part of the consequences.

A THIRD VIOLATION while in high school results in a five day out-of-school suspension and a mandatory reevaluation by a local substance abuse agency counselor at parental expense. Any subsequent prescribed treatment program must be completed or a meeting of the Retention Committee will be convened with the possibility of recommendation for expulsion. Contact with the agency by the parents must be made within twenty-four (24) hours of the notification. Parents’ refusal for treatment shall result in the implementation of the school disciplinary code.

Gangs:
Wearing, using, distributing, displaying or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other item which is commonly associated with membership in or affiliation with any gang or cult is not permitted under any circumstances. A student who engages in any such action will cease doing so immediately or will be required to withdraw from Alleman High School.

GRAVE OFFENSES FLAGRANT IN NATURE
Any act damaging or threatening to a person's health and safety.

  1. Theft.

  2. Use or possession of any type of tobacco or nicotine, including e-cigarettes, nicotine-delivering substances, chemicals or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect or nicotine substances, and any other “tobacco innovation”.

  3. Vandalism

  4. Sale/distribution of illegal drugs.

  5. Possession of a weapon such as a firearm, knife (including pocket knife), clubs or nunchakus, mace, any facsimile of a weapon (toy gun), explosives or inflammables, any type of ammunition, slingshot is prohibited. The item will be confiscated and the student will be immediately suspended pending the completion of an administrative review of the events.

Major Offenses:
Inappropriate behaviors deemed serious by the Administration, such as but not restricted to:

  1. Unexcused absence from Class, Study, etc.

  2. Defacing School or Personal Property.

  3. Fighting - In cases where the aggressor or provoker can be clearly determined, the Administration reserves the right to assign different consequences.

  4. Insubordination/Disrespect

  5. Leaving School Grounds without Administrative permission during the scheduled school day.

  6. Immoral and/or Unethical Actions and/or Behavior.

  7. Cheating and/or plagiarism (see page 16).

  8. Possession of matches/lighter.

  9. Verbal/written harassment and/or physical intimidation.

  10. Forgery/Deception/Misrepresentation.

  11. Tampering with school computers/equipment.

  12. Violation of the Internet Use Policy.

RESULTS:

  1. Conference with Assistant Principal and/or Discipline Committee.

  2. Notification of Parent by phone, mail or in person.

  3. Confiscation of any tobacco or nicotine product including e-cigarettes.

  4. Suspension and/or expulsion.

  5. Suspension from participation in athletic events and other extracurricular organizations.

  6. No credit will be given for class work missed during an unexcused absence. In exceptional cases, the Principal may grant permission to make-up tests/projects that are a major part of a student's grade.

  7. Police or other proper authorities may be called, and financial restitution made.

In the case of a violation of school rules, some student organizations have their own by-laws that govern student discipline within that organization. In such an event, the by-laws of the organization will determine the appropriate discipline and the student’s standing within the organization.  Discipline for all other clubs/activities will be handled as outlined on pages 48-49.

The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any and all regulations for just cause at his or her discretion.

II. MINOR OFFENSES:
Inappropriate behaviors deemed minor by the Administration, such as but not restricted to:

  1. Running into and/or pushing students

  2. Unexcused tardiness to school/class, etc.

  3. Failure to report for classroom detention.

  4. Using improper or vulgar language (written, oral, or gestured).

  5. Unauthorized parking of car.

  6. Being out of class/study, etc. without permission.

  7. Improper attire.

  8. Food/drink in unauthorized areas of the building.

  9. Unauthorized use during the school day of electronic devices including smart watches. These devices will be confiscated. First offense will be a warning. Subsequent offenses will result in the item(s) being confiscated and not returned until the end of the school year.

  10. Gum Chewing.

  11. Candy in classrooms.

  12. Sharing lockers.

  13. Inappropriate public displays of affection.

  14. Possessing "toys" that are a disruption to the school day. These will be confiscated and not returned until the end of the school year.

  15. In the halls during class time without a pass signed by a teacher, administrator, or staff member.

  16. Gym bags, book bags, and backpacks are not allowed in classrooms unless given permission by the classroom teacher. 

Consequences:

  1. Notifying parent(s)/guardian(s) by classroom teacher and assistant principal or assistant principal.

  2. Disciplinary conference with classroom teacher and assistant principal or assistant principal.

  3. Withholding of privileges.

  4. Temporary removal from the classroom for student conference.

  5. Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

  6. The Assistant Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised if student is removed from the classroom for disciplinary reasons.

  7. Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of personal property that was used to violate this policy or school disciplinary rules.

  8. A Retention Committee Hearing

  9. Out of School Suspension. Administration shall limit the number and duration of out-of-school suspensions to the greatest extent possible and, when reasonable, shall consider forms of non-exclusionary discipline before using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions.

Cell phones
MUST be turned off and kept out of sight in back pack or cinch bag during school hours while on school grounds.  

  • First Offense - The cell phone will be taken from the student and kept in teacher’s desk or turned into the office.  The student will be able to pick up the phone from the teacher or Assistant Principal at the end of the school day. Parents will be notified by email by teacher.

  • Second Offense - The cell phone will be taken from the student and turned into the office. The parents will be notified by the Assistant Principal. The student will be able to pick up the phone from the Assistant Principal at the end of the school day. Parents will be notified by phone.

  • Third Offense - If a student violates the cell phone policy for a third time, a conference will be scheduled with the student and/or the parents. Parents will be required to retrieve the phone from the office.  The student will not be allowed to bring the phone to school.

  • Failure to abide by the cell phone policy can result in suspension.

A WORK DETENTION may be assigned at the discretion of the Administration.

A detention may be rescheduled only for serious reasons. The detention must be rescheduled no later than noon on the day of the assigned detention and may be rescheduled only once. Students who are absent from school on the date of a work detention will automatically have their detention rescheduled for the next available detention date. Failure to attend the rescheduled date will result in an out of school suspension. 

Alleman High School actively seeks to provide a supportive, caring environment that is safe from all forms of intimidation, including bullying. In doing so, the school follows the guidelines established in Diocesan policy D-147.