General Information
- General Information
- Course Information and Academic Progress
- Educational Opportunities
- Parking Information
- Emergency Plan
General Information
- School Day
- Activity Pass
- Assignment Notebooks
- Bulletin Boards/Signs/Posters
- Cafeteria
- Computer Lab
- Electronic Devices
- Fees/Fee Waivers/Fines
- ID Cards
- Library
- Lockers
- Lost and Found Articles
- New Panel
- Search and Seizure
- School Resource Projects
- Standard is Excellence
- Student Records
- Telephone
- Trespass
- Visitors
School Day
Students are not allowed in the building before 7:45 a.m. on a normal school day, unless they are enrolled in zero hour or are under the direct supervision of a staff member. Students must exit the building by 3:25 p.m., unless they are participating in an organized school-sponsored activity or meeting with a teacher.
Activity Pass
Assignment Notebooks
As part of our effort to promote study skills as a vehicle for student success, Sycamore High School will provide assignment notebooks for all students. At the high school level, it is our position that students must take on more ownership with their learning and homework responsibilities. Cell phones can also be used to assist with organization with teacher approval.
The assignment notebook also contains the High School Handbook. It is the responsibility of each student to read and understand the Sycamore High School Handbook. Replacement Handbooks can be purchased for $5.
Bulletin Boards/Signs/Posters
Bulletin boards and tack strips are for the purpose of displaying school information to all students. The passing or posting of bills, signs, or posters is not permitted in the building or on the school grounds at any time without an administrator’s stamp of approval. It is the responsibility of each group to take down all information after a posted event.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the school’s health program. A well-balanced breakfast and lunch is offered at a reasonable price set by the vendor contracted by the Sycamore School District. See table below
Status | Breakfast | Lunch |
Free | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Reduced | $0.30 | $0.40 |
Regular | $1.50 | $2.70 |
Money can be deposited into a student’s meal account before school in the cafeteria. Parents may also deposit funds to their student’s account via credit card on the school website.
Students are required to show their valid I.D. card when purchasing lunch. If students lose their I.D., a new one can be purchased for $2 in the Attendance Office. If students don’t enter with an ID, they may be assigned a consequence. Free or reduced breakfasts and lunches are available to families who qualify. Forms for this program are distributed during registration and are also available in the Main Office.
Students are required to:
- Deposit all lunch litter in wastebaskets.
- Leave the table and the floor in a clean condition.
- Refrain from taking food or beverages into the hallways or classrooms.
- Abstain from horseplay and/or throwing of objects, including food.
Violations of cafeteria policy may result in loss of cafeteria privileges (AEP Lunch) or other disciplinary consequences.
Students with lunch balances that are negative by more than $5.00 will not be able to purchase any food or drink items until the lunch account is brought back into the positive. Parents may go onto MySchoolBucks from the District’s Webstore and setup their student’s lunch account. Parents then have the option to choose a low-threshold amount in which an email will be sent once their student’s lunch balance reaches that amount.
Parents have the ability to go online on Sycamore School District’s website, www.syc427.org and apply for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program. Those steps are listed below:
- Click into the “Parents” tab on the home page and select “Lunch Information”. The results are immediate, and the parents can see their eligibility status.
- The form has to be printed and brought into the secretary of their student’s home school building.
- Also provided for parents on the same page of the website is a “Fee Waiver” form for those who qualify for “Free” meals. This form is to be completed and turned in with their application results at the same time.
Computer Lab
Students may obtain a pass from a classroom teacher to go to the computer lab during their study hall period. Students must sign in to indicate that they are in attendance. While using the computer lab, students are required to:
- Respect lab equipment (computers, monitors printers chairs, tables, etc.).
- Respect other students and the lab staff.
- Refrain from bringing any food or drink into the lab.
- Request permission before leaving the lab.
- Use the computers in an authorized manner.
Violations of computer lab policy may result in loss of lab privileges or other disciplinary consequences.
Electronic Devices
Students have the privilege to use student-owned cell phones, iPods, tablets, laptop computers, electronic readers, and any other electronic devices while on school property. School property includes the school building, parking lots and grounds, and school-owned vehicles. Usage of these devices is allowed in classrooms at the discretion of the teacher. This usage is a privilege, and these privileges can be revoked if the teacher/administrator deems it necessary. If its usage distracts from the educational environment, school staff may confiscate an electronic device. If the school provides access to their WiFi, all school rules apply to transmission and usage of all devices, including personal.
Fees/Fee Waivers/Fines
Student fees are required of all students. Fees for workbooks, magazines, paper, paperbacks, and other similar items that are required by teachers are class specific and will be in addition to the normal student fees. There may be additional fees assessed for lab and/or supplemental materials. All fees are approved yearly by the Board of Education.
Fee Guidelines
- Per Public Act 86-195 and IL School Code 10-20.13, the Sycamore School District will waive all fees assessed by the district on children whose parents are unable to afford them, including, but not limited to, children eligible for free lunch or breakfast under the “Community School Lunch Program” and extenuating circumstances, such as very significant loss of income due to severe illness or injury in the family; unusual expenses as fire, flood, or storm damage; or similar emergency situations that the district determines should be included in this policy.
- Driver Education fees are required at the time of registration.
- A combination padlock is needed for physical education class.
- An activity ticket is optional. Students purchasing activity tickets should pay for them at the time other fees are paid.
- Athletic fees are required for all athletes.
- Parking permits are required for all senior, juniors, and eligible sophomores who choose to park on campus or in designated parking areas.
Fines will be determined by teachers at the end of either the semester or the year. Students may be fined for excessive damage or wear of textbooks, lost textbooks, damaged or lost uniforms, and other similar items. For lost textbooks and other items, the full replacement cost will be required of the student. In the case of unpaid fines/fees, student privileges, including parking on campus, participation in activities/athletics, participation in graduation/senior activities, and the receiving of a diploma may be withheld until all fees/fines are paid in full.
ID Cards
Students are required to carry school identification cards at all times. I.D. cards must be presented upon entering the school building and upon request by any school personnel. Failure to present an I.D. upon request may result in disciplinary measures. I.D. cards will be used to make purchases in the cafeteria, check materials out of the library, and for attendance at school functions. If students lose their I.D., they can pick up one free one in the Attendance Office. A $2 fee will be charged for any additional I.D.’s.
Students may not use I.D. cards from previous school years for any school-related purpose. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, purchasing school lunch, entering school functions, checking materials out of the library, and identifying a student to school personnel. If students attempt to use expired I.D. cards for school-related purposes, the cards will be confiscated and disciplinary action may result.
Library
Students may obtain a pass from a classroom teacher to go to the library during their study hall period. Students must sign in to indicate that they are in attendance. Occasionally, it may be necessary to close the library for a special event or to accommodate classes that need to use the resources during the class period. While using the library, students are required to:
- Respect library materials (books, newspapers, microfilm, etc.) and facilities (tables, chairs, computers, copiers, etc.).
- Respect other students and the library staff.
- Refrain from bringing any food or drink into the library.
- Request permission before leaving the library.
- Use the computers in an authorized manner.
Violations of library policy may result in loss of library privileges or other disciplinary consequences.
Lockers
Lockers for coats, backpacks and books shall be assigned to all students by the Main Office. Students are responsible and accountable for all contents in their lockers, including textbooks and any other school materials. Students must leave their hats, coats, and book bags in their lockers during the school day. All lockers are expected to be kept clean and orderly. For the protection of the student and the neatness of the building, all lockers must be kept closed and locked when not in use. The school is not liable for lost or stolen items.
Students should use only their own locker and not share with other students. Problems with lockers must be reported to the main office immediately. Damage to locks and catches is destruction of school property, and defacing lockers is prohibited. Restitution and fines may be imposed for the expense of cleaning, repairing, or replacing damaged lockers. Both physical education and hall lockers are the possession of the school district and are SUBJECT TO SEARCH BY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS OR DESIGNATED PERSONNEL (see Section I.A.13).
Lost and Found Articles
New Panel
Search and Seizure
The Illinois General Assembly has found that students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in the school setting. To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities may inspect and search individuals, places and areas (such as lockers, desks, parking lots, and vehicles, etc.), other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school, and personal effects left in those places and areas. These searches may be conducted without notice or consent of the student, and without a search warrant.
School authorities may request the assistance of law enforcement officials for the purpose of conducting these inspections and searches for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials. This includes searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs. If a search conducted in accordance with the above provisions produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law, city ordinance, or the school’s policies or rules, such evidence may be seized by school authorities, and disciplinary actions may be taken. School authorities may also turn over such evidence to law enforcement authorities.
School Resource Projects
As part of our on-going partnership with the Sycamore Police Department, a School Resource Officer (SRO) will be made available for use by all schools in the Sycamore School District. The SRO is a sworn law enforcement officer who is assigned to a school on a long-term basis. The SRO is specifically trained in and performs three main functions: law enforcement officer, law-related counselor, and law-related educator. In addition, the SRO works in collaboration with the school and the community as a resource. School administration empowers the SRO, as a staff member, to enforce all district procedures and state/local laws.
Standard is Excellence
Student Records
As specified in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students and parents have a right to review, object to, or challenge certain material placed in a student’s records. Those rights are also set forth in the school board policy manual. Student records will be destroyed five years after graduation.
Telephone
Trespass
Visitors
While every attempt is made to be cordial and helpful to those visitors who have business in the school, it is important that Sycamore High School maintain a safe environment for all members of the school community. In addition, it is a goal to minimize disruption to the educational process.
Adult Visitor Procedure
Adult visitors should enter through the main entrance (E2) and will be required to show Driver’s License or State ID to security personnel at the front desk in the main foyer. All visitors must secure and wear a visitor’s badge during their stay on campus. Visitors should checkout with security personnel at the front desk before exiting through the main entrance (E2).
Student Visitor Procedure
Student visitors and/or student guests are not allowed to come to Sycamore High School during the school day. Student visitors may be disruptive to the educational process. Exceptions to this policy might stem from curricular matters, such as pre-arranged student exchanges. Such exchanges must be conducted through school organizations and pre-approved by administration.
Course Information and Academic Progress
- Counseling
- Registration Procedure
- Graduation Requirements
- Course Recommendations for College Bound Students and Student-Athletes
- Course Load
- Criteria for Schedule Change
- Adding Courses
- Dropping Courses
- Academic Standing
- Study Halls
- Driver’s Education
- Dual Credit
- Semester Exam Policy and Schedule
- Grading System
- Grade Point Average
- Honor Roll
- Class Rank
- Parent Portal, Progress Reports, Report Cards
- Make-Up Work
- Incompletes
- Independent Study
- Online Learning
- Auditing
- National Honor Society
Counseling
Counseling services are provided to help each student realize his/her potential through the school’s continuous, planned program that is designed to meet the developmental needs of each student. A comprehensive guidance program is provided to aid students in understanding the variety, depth, and breadth of personal experience, the opportunities available, and the choices and alternatives open to them by helping them recognize, interpret, and act upon their personal resources and strengths.
Students may consult with the guidance counselors on individual problems concerning school courses and curriculum selection, schedule changes, failures, extra-curricular activities, interpretation of test results, remedial work, vocational selection, home and school adjustment, personal issues, college selection, job opportunities, scholarships and financial aid, information about the armed services, and/or other similar issues. Parents are encouraged to avail themselves of these services by appointment.
Registration Procedure
The state of Illinois requires new students to present their birth certificate at the time they register at Sycamore High School. A new student must also present two forms of documentation, and parent photo I.D., as proof of Sycamore Community Unit School District residency.
Pre-registration for all high school students will be held during second semester. Guidance personnel will hold group conferences for all students for the purpose of presenting curriculum offerings and to explain the registration procedure. Following the group presentations, the students will have several days to confer with parents, counselors, and teachers regarding their proposed classes for the following year. A teacher recommendation is required in core classes in order for students to advance to the next course.
Graduation Requirements
Total credits required: 20
1 credit = 2 semesters
Eight semesters of high school work are required, including the following:
- English - 4 years (including a semester of Speech)
- Mathematics - 3 years
- Science - 2 years
- Social Studies 2½ years (including 1 year of World Cultures, 1 year of American History, and a semester of Government)
- Consumer Economics - 1 semester
- World Language, Art, Music or Vocational - 1 year
- Physical Education - 4 years (including a semester of Health and a ½ semester of Driver Education)
As of September 9, 2016, the College Board’s SAT with essay will fulfill the requirement in Section 2-3.64a-5 of the School Code that students take the state assessment in order to receive a regular high school diploma, unless eligible to take the alternative assessment or otherwise exempt from testing. Section 2-3.64a-5 of the School Code also requires that scores on the SAT must be placed on the student’s permanent record and entered on the student’s transcript.
Course Recommendations for College Bound Students and Student-Athletes
(These requirements are subject to change. Please check with your counselor to ensure you are on track)
NCAA-DIVISION I
-
(All enrolling after 8/2016)
- Required courses – 16 core courses
- 10 core courses must be complete before the start of the 7th semester.
- 16 Core Courses
- English – 4 years
- Mathematics – 3 Years (Algebra I or higher)
- Natural /Physical Science – 2 years (1 year of lab)
- 1 additional year of English, Mathematics, or Natural/Physical Science
- Social Science – 2 years
- 4 years of additional courses (from any above area, world language, or comparative religion/philosophy)
- SAT/ACT Scores and GPA
- The NCAA uses a sliding scale for test scores and GPA. This sliding scale can be found at http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Quick_Reference_Sheet.pdf
• The SAT score used by the NCAA is a sum of the critical reading and math sections, the writing section is not used.
• The ACT score used by the NCAA is a sum of the English, mathematics, reading, and science sections.
THESE ARE THE STANDARDS FOR THOSE ENROLLING IN COLLEGE AFTER
AUGUST 1, 2016. Those enrolling before August 1, 2016 can go to http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Quick_Reference_Sheet.pdf
NCAA-DIVISION II
(All enrolling after 8/2013)
Required course – 16 core courses
16 Core Courses
• English – 3 years
• Mathematics – 2 years (Algebra I or higher)
• Natural/Physical Science – 2 years (1 year of lab)
• 3 additional years of English, Mathematics, or Natural/Physical Science
• Social Science – 2 years
• 4 years of additional courses (from any above area, world language, or comparative religion/philosophy)
SAT/ACT Scores and GPA
• SAT score of 820 or ACT 68
• Minimum GPA is 2.0
• The SAT score used by the NCAA is a sum of the critical reading and math sections, the writing section is not used.
• The ACT score used by the NCAA is a sum of the English, mathematics, reading, and science sections.
THESE ARE THE STANDARDS FOR THOSE ENROLLING IN COLLEGE AFTER
AUGUST 1, 2013. Those enrolling before August 1, 2013 can go to http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Quick_Reference_Sheet.pdf
Course Load
Students are required to be enrolled in four or more courses per semester, plus physical education (unless excused from P.E. by a physician with the excuse on file in the School Nurse’s Office). Students are expected to complete a course once they have registered for it because they have made a commitment both to themselves and to the school. Involvement in extra-curricular activities and athletics, provision for adequate study time, and the possibility of employment should all be seriously considered when planning the student’s course load.
See Section III.A.14 for information regarding part-time student status.
Criteria for Schedule Change
- Errors such as enrolling in a course previously taken or resulting from data processing
- Failure in a prerequisite course and/or in a semester or year-long course
- Successful completion of summer school courses
- Scheduling conflicts
- Teacher/counselor/administrator initiated change.
Except for the reasons listed above, there will be NO CHANGES AFTER CLASSES BEGIN.
Adding Courses
Dropping Courses
“Dropping” is a student’s withdrawal from a course after the first day of the school semester. The student will receive a “W,” which does not affect grade point average. If, after talking it over with the instructor, a student finds that he/she must drop a course, he/she should see his/her counselor. Written permission from a parent is required to drop a course. If a course is dropped after the fourth week of the semester, the student may receive an “F” as a semester grade, and that grade will be recorded in the student’s permanent record. Students who withdraw from school or drop from non-attendance will receive “F’s” for semester grades.
Academic Standing
Class standings are classified as follows:
- Freshman - Completed 8th grade
- Sophomore - 5 credits
- Junior - 10 credits
- Senior - 15 credits
Students will be promoted upon completion of each credit benchmark. Early graduation is an option. Students should monitor this process through their guidance counselor. A deadline to apply is September 15th of each school year.
Study Halls
Students may only register for one study hall unless they have the recommendation/approval of their guidance counselor. Students are to bring sufficient schoolwork and materials to the study hall to keep them productively occupied the full period. Permission to leave study hall to go to lockers, the restroom, etc., will not be granted except in rare cases, and then only with teacher permission. Truancy or unexcused abscesses from study halls will result in disciplinary consequences.
Driver’s Education
The Sycamore School District shall provide the classroom driver education course for each public and non-public high school resident of the school district who either has received a passing grade in at least eight courses during the previous two semesters or has received a waiver of that requirement from the county superintendent of schools. In addition, students must have achieved sophomore standing or be freshman that have signed up for summer school.
In accordance with Public Act 94-0916, the following restrictions on student driver’s licenses will apply:
- In order to receive a driver’s license or instruction permit, applicants under the age of 18 must be enrolled in high school or college, a GED program, or be receiving home instruction.
- A driver’s license or instruction permit shall be cancelled if a student under the age of 18 drops out of school.
Dual Credit
Semester Exam Policy and Schedule
Sycamore High School supports the administration of final exams at the end of each semester. Semester final exams reinforce important objectives and stress the synthesis and connection of all information and concepts. Departments will weigh these final exams as 20% of the total semester grade. A special final exam schedule is developed to create larger blocks of time (75 minutes) for these exams. Due to the serious nature of final exams, students are not permitted to enter the final exam testing sites after the exam has begun. Absences other than illness must be submitted in writing one week prior to exams and must be approved by administration.
With the exception of Physical Education courses and study halls, all teachers are expected to give a final exam in all classes on the day and at the time scheduled. Exceptions may be made in some instances. If this occurs, teachers will provide written notification to parents and students. Students are to remain in the classroom for the entire time scheduled; no students should be allowed to leave the room during the exam time, except for emergency situations. Students will not have to attend study halls or PE classes during scheduled exam times. The cafeteria, library and computer lab will be available to students at these times. Buses will depart 10 minutes after each day’s last exam.
Exam Schedule
All students will be required to take 1st & 2nd semester final exams
Day 1
- 8:15 - 9:30 AM - 1 period EXAM
- 9:40 - 10:55 AM - 2 period EXAM
- 11:05 AM - 12:20 PM - 3 period EXAM
Day 2
- 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM - 4/5 or 5/6 period EXAM
- 9:40 - 10:55 AM - 6/7 or 7/8 period EXAM
- 11:05 - 12:20 - 0 period EXAM
Day 3
- 8:15 - 9:30 AM - 9 period EXAM
- 9:40 - 10:55 AM - 10 period EXAM
Grading System
Grade Point Average
Non-Weighted Grade Point Average
Sycamore High School uses a 4.0 grade point system. This means that grades in classes are given “grade points” as follows:
A = 4.0; B = 3.0; C = 2.0; D = 1.0: F = 0.
This system is utilized for the following purposes:
- To determine honor roll.
- To report to colleges and other post-high school organizations through posting on a student’s official transcript.
Weighted Grade Point Average
- Please see class catalog for specific classes and the weighting.
- The purpose of the weighted grade point system is to determine class rank. Valedictorian and salutatorian will be determined using the weighted GPA and will be computed at the conclusion of all eight semesters of high school. Also, initial eligibility for National Honor Society will utilize the students’ weighted grade point average.
Honor Roll
An Honor Roll is published at the end of each semester. There are two classifications, which are based on grade point average. Students with a grade point average of 3.75 or above are included on the High Honor Roll. Students with a grade point average between 3.00 and 3.74 are included on the Honor Roll. Any student receiving a grade of C- or lower in any class will not be considered for the Honor Roll.
Class Rank
Parent Portal, Progress Reports, Report Cards
The Parent Portal has been made available to track academic progress online. Please access the district’s website at www.syc427.org and click on the link to the Parent Portal. Sycamore High School will no longer mail home progress reports and quarter grades because those grades are always available on the portal. If you do not have computer/internet access, please contact the high school for assistance in monitoring academic progress. Semester report cards will continue to be mailed home.
Make-Up Work
Students will receive no credit for any class missed until work is made up, regardless of the reason for the absence. The responsibility for make-up work should be a cooperative effort between the student and the teacher. For the ordinary short absence, the work should be completed within a maximum of one day for every one day of absence, with this time allowance beginning on the day a student returns to class. For an extended illness, the student may be allowed a longer time for making up the work, but the time given should NOT exceed a nine week period. Serious illnesses will be an exception.
Incompletes
Incompletes are placed on report cards when students who have excused absences have not had sufficient time to submit make-up work before the end of the grading period. A student has two weeks after the end of the grading period to complete the make-up work (unless an extenuating circumstance exists and an extension is approved through the guidance office). If a student receives a grade of “incomplete” and does not complete the make-up work within two weeks of the end of the grading period, the grade will be changed to an “F.”
Independent Study
Online Learning is a computer-based program that is offered as an option to SHS students as an opportunity to take a course that is not offered at SHS.
- Intervention: Students may be eligible to enroll if they are at least a second year student in high school and have failed a required class. There are periods during the regular school day as well as after-school opportunities if a student qualifies for this program.
- Other Options: Online learning opportunities are also available to students seeking an alternate learning experience.
Students should contact the guidance department for more information.
Online Learning
Auditing
National Honor Society
Membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) is open to juniors and seniors with a weighted 3.5 GPA used to determine students who qualify to apply. Students who apply for membership are evaluated by the faculty at large and by a faculty committee chosen by NHS advisors. Selection is based upon leadership, service, character, and scholarship – the principles of this honorary organization. Throughout the school year, NHS works to promote and to recognize scholarship at Sycamore High School.
Educational Opportunities
- Correspondence/Online Learning Credit
- Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC)
- Phoenix
- Optional Education
- Transitional Education and Regional Safe Schools Program
Correspondence/Online Learning Credit
Sycamore High School cooperates with a variety of accredited organizations in offering correspondence courses. A student enrolled in a correspondence course may receive high school credit for work completed, provided:
- The course is taken through an institution accredited by AdvancED accreditation agency.
- The student assumes responsibility for all fees.
- The building principal approves the course in advance.
Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC)
Sycamore High School is a member of the Kishwaukee Education Consortium and therefore has access to several specialized programs for students. Vocational classes and the manufacturing academy are available at various sites throughout the county for students who are interested in particular fields. They can receive the training necessary to prepare them for employment in these fields after graduation. ELL programs are also available through the Consortium.
Phoenix
This program is designed for at-risk students who need a more structured environment. Its intention is to assist students having difficulty in math, reading (English), and/or study skills and raising their level of competence in order to return to the regular program. Students must be recommended for this program and receive administrative approval to attend due to significant tuition costs.
Optional Education
Optional Education is designed for students who find it difficult to succeed during the regular school day due to extenuating circumstances such as pregnancy, parenthood, necessary job requirements, etc. Only juniors and seniors are eligible for this program, and this program is seen as a “last resort” for students in order to obtain needed credit for graduation. Due to significant tuition costs, students must be recommended for this program and must receive administrative approval to attend. Students must maintain employment as a part of the optional education program.
Transitional Education and Regional Safe Schools Program
Parking Information
Parking Regulations
Parking on Sycamore High School property is a privilege offered to eligible students. It is the student’s responsibility to know, understand and obey all parking regulations.
Illinois law states:
- Drivers 18 and younger are prohibited from using wireless phones (with or without hands-free devices) while driving.
- All drivers are prohibited from text messaging and related activities such as emailing and Internet use.
- Motorists are prohibited from use of cellular phones in school zones.
Sycamore High School parking regulations are as follows:
- By entering school property or designated school parking areas, the person driving any vehicle is deemed to consent to complete search of the vehicle by school officials or police.
- All eligible students wishing to park in designated school parking areas during the school day must purchase and correctly display a parking tag.
- Parking tags are not required during weekends, evenings, or school holidays.
- Obey all sign regulations and courteously follow parking and driving directions provided by school personnel.
- Do not sit in or on parked cars; do not loiter in parking areas.
- The speed limit on school grounds is 15 miles per hour. Careless, reckless or hazardous driving will not be tolerated.
- Students are advised to keep their vehicles locked at all times.
- The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, and/or damaged property.
- Once school buses begin to depart from bus turnaround, no cars are allowed to cut in between buses or to pass buses on school grounds.
- Only authorized vehicles or persons may use handicapped stalls.
- A designated area is assigned for motorcycles and scooters. The purchase of a permit is required but display of the permit is not required.
- Parking is permitted only in authorized parking stalls between white lines. Parking is specifically prohibited in the following areas: staff spots, visitor spots, reserved spots, the Salem Lutheran Church parking lot, and areas that are not designated as parking spots.
- Park head-in only; backing into parking stalls is not permitted.
- Do not park in yellow areas or fire zones.
- Cost of permit is prorated by quarter.
Parking Violations
The school administration reserves the right to tow, at owner’s expense, any car that is in violation of parking regulations, including the lack of (or non-display of) parking tags.
Students parking on campus without a parking tag may receive disciplinary action ranging from one full day in the Alternative Education Program to loss of parking privileges for the following year.
Parking violations will be processed in the following manner:
- First Violation: Warning letter sent to the parent or guardian at the home address indicating that a violation has occurred and that a second violation will result in a $10 fine. There is no warning given for a vehicle without a parking tag. In this case, a $10 fine will apply for the 1st violation, and a $20 fine will apply for each additional violation.
- Second Violation: A ticket will be issued with a fine of $10. A warning letter will be sent to the parent or guardian at the home address indicating that a third violation will result in a $20 fine.
- Third Violation: A ticket will be issued with a fine of $20. A building administrator or designee will warn the student that a fourth violation will result in the loss of parking privileges for the remainder of the year. A letter will be sent to the parent or guardian at the home address indicating that this is the final warning.
- Fourth Violation: Loss of parking privileges occurs. A sticker is placed on the car.
- Fifth Violation: Will result in a city situation.
- Further Violations may result in losing parking privileges.
Emergency Plan
Emergency Procedures
For the health and safety of students and staff, fire and disaster drills are conducted periodically. Safety information and procedures are communicated to students via staff members. Students and staff should proceed quickly and in an orderly manner to designated areas, where student attendance will be taken.
In the event that the building would need to be evacuated for other reasons, students and staff will receive instruction as to the specific procedures for such evacuation. Students should proceed directly to the specified areas without stopping at lockers.
It is a very serious offense to tamper with the fire alarm and fire equipment. Tampering with fire alarms or fire equipment will result in a referral to the Sycamore Police Department.
Weather-Related Events
Threatening weather conditions are monitored and, when necessary, personnel are placed on alert. During the school year, the school district website (www.syc427.org), radio stations WLBK-AM (1360), WSQR (1560), and WNIU-FM (89.5) are utilized to announce school closings and other pertinent information. Every attempt to announce school closings by 6:30 a.m. will be made, but this is not guaranteed.