We strongly encourage parents and students to review the following information. These are the most common questions that are asked during the course of the school year.

Please note these are common general questions and are not meant to be all inclusive of the many guidelines and policies for our school and district. View the CCSD59 Family Reference Guide for complete information.

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Holmes Handbook

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GETTING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

What are the school hours/bell schedule for Holmes?

Please click here to see information on the school hours and bell schedule.

What do I need to know about absence, attendance and tardiness?

No students should be in the building before 7:30 A.M. except by special permission.

School begins at 7:45 A.M. Students who are not in their homeroom/first period class when the bell rings will be considered tardy and must obtain a tardy slip from the main office. Students will receive a tardy slip and are required to make up missed time during lunch in the Lunch Reflection Room. Multiple instances of tardiness will result in parent contact and/or student disciplinary action.

Parents must call in all absences to the school office at 847-472-3893 by 8:15 A.M. each day a student is absent. A phone recorder will be available to accept short phone messages if a parent wishes to report a student absence before the school office opens.

If a call is not received, a parent will be contacted at home or at work. We greatly appreciate efforts made by parents to complete these calls as early as possible, and before 8:15 A.M. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached and we suspect the possibility of truancy, the local police department may be contacted.

Excessive absences may prevent students from being included in student activities. On the day a student is absent, participation/attendance at after school/evening activities is not allowed without an administratorʼs permission.

If a student is going to be absent for two or more days, parents may call to request assignments be collected.

Please click here to see information in the Family Reference Guide about attendance.

Where do I drop off my child and/or park?

Parents/guardians dropping off or picking up students from school should do so in the pick-up/drop off area in front of the school. Parents/guardians are not allowed to pull in the west parking lot to drop off students, nor should they pull into the circle drive directly in front of the school building while buses are present.

Parents/guardians that need to pick up a student during the school day must come into the building to sign their child out. Parents/guardians do not need to sign students in if they are arriving late; the student can sign themselves in.

Parents/guardians are not allowed to pick up students other than their own without written permission from that student’s parents.

What if my child bikes or walks to school?

With the heavy volume of traffic located around Holmes Junior High, we strongly suggest that students who walk or ride bikes should travel in groups of two and three if at all possible.

After any evening activity, or anytime after dark, we strongly suggest that parents pick up their children personally unless they live within sight of the school. Students who attend Holmes school activities at night are prohibited from walking to any of the local restaurants or snack shops after the activity, unless accompanied by a parent.

When students leave the building after the regular school day, they must go directly home and not plan to return to school to ride the activity bus, or watch a game. The closeness of snack shops in the area creates a very hazardous situation. We do not want students crossing Golf Road, except when directed by their parents – and then only at the traffic lights. Students who ignore these requests will be excluded from participation in activities.

Where can my child keep a backpack?

Backpacks are not to be used in classrooms. Students may use them only for transporting belongings to and from school and must be stored except for this purpose.

What do I do if my child needs an early dismissal?

If it should be necessary for a student to be dismissed from school early, a request must be written by the parent stating the time and reason for the early dismissal. All requests must be presented to the office when students enter the building in the morning. The office will issue an early dismissal pass for the student to present to teachers. Parents must come to the office to sign their children out of school before picking them up for departure.

Where can I find Announcements and Events?

Both the District website and the Holmes Junior High website provide both students and families with a wealth of information. Important dates, events and the school calendar can be found on these webpages, and families and families are encouraged to become familiar with them.

Additionally, Holmes Junior High has a student News Crew that presents a Morning News Announcement program every morning. It is through these announcements that students will learn when tryouts for specific sports are scheduled, what activities are coming up, where and when specific clubs will meet and much more. Posters throughout the building will also provide information concerning upcoming events, dances, or other activities.

Last, but not least, Holmes provides additional announcements and reminders just prior to the dismissal bell each day. Students are encouraged to pay attention to these announcements so they can be informed about events and activities that are of interest to them.

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IMPORTANT SCHOOL POLICIES

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL POLICY ON BULLYING?

he purpose of this policy is to promote consistency of approach and to create a climate in which all types of bullying are regarded as unacceptable. We wish to create a learning community in which relationships are based on mutual respect. All members of our school community have the right to enjoy their learning and leisure time free from any form of bullying or harassment. District 59 will not tolerate unkind actions or remarks, even if they lack malicious intent. We expect students, staff, and parents to support this policy by reporting all incidents of bullying. All allegations of bullying are investigated and documented by building administrators or their designee.

Bullying
Bullying is defined as physical, psychological or verbal attack(s) against an individual or group of individuals by a person or group of persons, causing, or potentially causing

• Physical harm
• Psychological harm
• Lasting emotional distress
• An imbalance of power
• Exclusion of the victim(s) from participation in, and/or enjoyment of any program or activity offered or sponsored by the school district

Bullying may be an isolated incident but is more often a series of incidents occurring over a period of time. Bullying takes various forms, including, but not limited to, harassment, threats, intimidation, spreading rumors, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, humiliation, causing social or psychological isolation, extortion, destruction of property, or retaliation for alleging an act of bullying. It can occur in person, in writing, and online.

Bullying can be addressed in many ways, including but not limited to, restorative justice, mediation, behavior agreements, punitive measures, supports, and interventions.

Cyberbullying
“Cyberbullying” is considered a form of bullying and is defined as the use of e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms, pagers, cell phones, or other forms of information technology to bully, harass, embarrass, threaten, or intimidate someone. Students who engage in such activity on school grounds or who engage in such activity off campus and create a material disruption of school operations shall be subject to penalties for bullying and harassment as well as possible criminal penalties. Students’ home and personal Internet use can have an impact on the school and on other students. If a student’s personal Internet expression – such as a threatening message to another student or a violent website – creates a likelihood of material disruption of the school’s operations, that student may face school discipline and criminal penalties.

Social Conflict
Social conflict differs from bullying in that social conflict is a disagreement between two people or two groups that can possibly involve accusations, name calling, and loud, emotionally-driven arguing. Social conflict also differs from bullying because

• There is not an imbalance of power
• The conflict is likely not repeated
• There is not lasting distress, physical harm, or psychological harm
• Social conflict is expected to occur because we do not always agree with others, and we see situations from different perspectives.

Social conflict can be addressed in many ways, including but not limited to, restorative chats, mediation, behavior agreements, and/or other forms of conflict resolution.

Please view the district’s entire policy about bullying and student behavior here.

What do I need to know about the school dress code?

Studentsʼ dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching and learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency.

Specifically, the following is prohibited at school or at school-sponsored events:

• Clothing which displays or implies, with words or graphics, any of the following:
  • The use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal substances
  • Sexual, vulgar, lewd, or indecent meanings or connotations
  • Identification with a gang or with any group whose purpose or effect is to interfere with the operation of the school or school activities or with the safety and security of students and staff
  • Depiction of violence in any form
• Coats, jackets, caps, bandanas and hats- except when arriving at or departing from school, or attending after school activities

• Clothing/accessories that may damage school property or be readily used as a weapon

In addition:

• Students should be covered from shoulder to mid-thigh with solid material at all times
• Undergarments should never be showing
• Pants must be at waist level and tank tops must cover area above and below shoulder
• Skirts and shorts must be worn at a reasonable length (no shorter than an arms length when arms and fingers are fully extended at sides of the body)

Students may be warned or asked to change objectionable clothing. Students who repeatedly do not comply with the student appearance policy are subject to further disciplinary action.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO WEAR ANY IDENTIFICATION?

Students are expected to wear and have their school ID visible at all times. IDs should always be intact with all information visible. ID badges are necessary to board buses, purchase lunches with lunch accounts, use LRC computers, check out library books, and attend extra curricular activities.

Students must show their ID badges to any staff member if requested.

Students not possessing their ID badge must notify their homeroom teacher and receive a temporary ID. The temporary ID will be needed for lunch and to ride the bus. If a temporary ID is requested in the cafeteria during a lunch period, the student will serve a lunch detention after obtaining his or her food. If lost, new IDs are available in the office.

What is the policy on cell phones for students?

Cell phone use is not permitted in the school. Cell phones are allowed in school under the condition that the phone will be kept in the locker and turned off.

Phone use can occur before or after school hours outside the school building. If a phone is found with the student during the school day, or the student operates the phone during the school day, the phone will be confiscated and placed in the school safe until the end of the day. Repeated offenses will result in having a parent come to school to retrieve their student’s phone.

Loss of a cell phone usually occurs because the phone has not been securely locked in the student’s locker, as required. The school cannot be responsible for items lost due to student negligence.

Parents are asked to help us enforce this policy and are also asked to refrain from calling or texting their child during the school day while classes are in session.

If a student really needs to make a call during the school day, a teacher can give permission to use the classroom phone. Students can also use the office phone in some instances. Students may also use their own cell phone outside of the school after 3:00 P.M..

What is the school policy on lockers?

Each student is issued a hall locker and gym locker. It is important to remember:

• • • Lockers remain the property of the school and can be inspected at any time by teachers or administrators
    • Students may only go to their locker before school, before and after their lunch/study period, and after school
    • Lockers are used only for storing books, clothing, and items necessary for school- money and other valuables should never be left in lockers
    • Lockers are to be kept clean and orderly, and students will be held responsible for any damage to locks or lockers
    • Students are required to keep their lockers locked at all times
    • No decorations are allowed on the outside of the locker
    • Students should never share their locker combination with others, nor are they allowed to switch lockers

What if I need to bring my child an item that was forgotten?

To keep classroom interruptions to a minimum, paging of students is done only during 5th, 6th, and 7th passing periods. If students forget something at home and are expecting it to be delivered to school, it is the student’s responsibility to check in the office to see if it has arrived. Anything left in the office at the end of the day will be put in lost and found.

Students who must leave school due to an appointment should bring a note to the office or have a parent call. Students will not be dismissed from class until a parent or guardian has arrived to pick up the student.

What if my child will need to take medications at school?

For medication to be administered during the school day, a written order from the physician, detailing medication, dosage, and time intervals to be given must be on file. The required form to be used for both the parent and physician is available at the school office and is called the Medication Authorization Form, available on this page.

Non-prescription drugs also require a written order from the physician. Documented permission from the parent or guardian must also be on file in the school health office to permit the child to receive medication during school hours.

With the exception of asthma medication to be self-administered by the student, all medications must be delivered personally by the parent to a school representative in a container, properly labeled by a pharmacy or a physician.

The district reserves the right to reject any request for the administration of medication in the school. Students in possession of prescription or non-prescription medications in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

Important Information about Asthma Medication

A student may possess and self-administer asthma medication on school grounds, at school activities, while under the supervision of school personnel, or before and after normal school activities, when:

• The medication has been prescribed by a physician, a physician’s assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse possessing the proper authority to prescribe medication
• The student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) have provided the school nurse with written authorization for the self-administration of medication and a written statement from the student’s physician, physician assistant or advance practice registered nurse that states the following:’
  • The name and purpose of the medication
  • The prescribed dosage
  • The time or times at which or special circumstances under which the medication is to be administered
• The student or guardian(s) have signed and submitted the district’s “Hold Harmless and Indemnity Agreement for the Self-Administration of Asthma Medication” form, available on this page.

How does the school utilize security cameras?

As part of the District’s ongoing efforts to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students and staff, the District has placed security cameras in public areas, both inside and outside the school. The following outlines the purpose of the security cameras:

• • • Providing a deterrent for inappropriate behavior by students
    • Provide information to assist the investigation into student misconduct
    • Provide information for managing, preventing, and disciplining inappropriate student behavior
    • Provide information to assist in the prevention of student violence, bullying, and vandalism

WHEN CAN I EXPECT REPORT CARDS?

Student report cards are issued at the end of each quarter. Progress reports will be issued halfway through each quarter. Report cards for the first, second, and third quarter as well as all progress reports, will be posted electronically to Skyward Family Access. Fourth quarter report cards will be mailed on the final day of school.

As these dates are subject to change depending on school closings for inclement weather, please refer to the school calendar for the most up to date information on end of grading periods and report card distribution.

Families and students have the ability to access student grades any time through Skyward Family Access. Students and parents/guardians can sign in using the username and password given to them at the beginning of the school year.

How do I get information concerning the identification of registered sex offenders?

Visit the Illinois Sex Offender Information website.

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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

What do the abbreviations on the school’s sports calendar mean?

Please see a list of commonly used abbreviations here.

What information does the school need for my child to be eligible to play sports?

No student can try out or participate in any extra-curricular sport or activity without:

• A current physical examination on file in the school nurse’s office. Click here for a copy of the form.
• The completed and current Interscholastic Athletics Participation Requirements, Parent and Student and Proof of Health Insurance form, available on this page.

These forms must be on file one week prior to any tryout date. No forms will be accepted on the day of the tryout.

What general information do I need to know about extracurricular activities?

Beginning approximately the second week of school and extending to the second to the last week of school, after school clubs and activities are held during the “Activity Period.” The Activity Period begins at 3:15 P.M. and ends at 4:15 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Late buses are provided for students that participate in any after school activity, with the exception of games or meets, which often extend later than the Activity Period. The late buses usually leave Holmes between 4:30 and 4:40 P.M.

Students participating in sports activities will receive a schedule from their coach. This schedule will contain all the information regarding game times and locations. Any questions regarding games should be directed to the individual coach as the school office often does not have detailed information about each game.

What clubs or activities are available, and how does my child join?

View the Clubs, Intramural Sports, General and Tryout Activities for more information.

What sports are available, and how does my child join?

To view a list of athletic contest away games sites, click here. You can view the available options for students below.

• Interscholastic Sports Page

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PARENT/GUARDIAN VOLUNTEERING

CAN I VOLUNTEER AT SCHOOL?

Research in the area of parent/guardian involvement shows that parent participation is one of the greatest indicators of student success.

Please consider volunteering for at least one activity at our school! We have many opportunities from joining committees to supervising events to organizing at home projects, as well as serving on our PTO Board. We need your help!

Holmes Junior High is a great place for our students to learn. However, it is through our numerous special activities that our students are afforded the opportunity to make great connections with other students and our staff. These special activities would not be possible without the support from our parent volunteers. It sends a great message to your student when you show an interest in their education through volunteering. Please consider joining our volunteer group today, and help us to improve the quality of your student’s educational experience at Holmes Junior High!