II. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Focus on
Preparation and the Well-Rounded Educational Experience
Prometheus teachers and
administrators believe strongly in the value of educational excellence
beyond the classroom. Prometheus High School provides an environment where
students learn to set and implement goals for present and future successes.
Prometheus High School
commits itself to the highest standards of the educational experience with
emphasis on the preparation for success in post secondary careers. The
teachers and administrators of Prometheus High School understand that career
opportunity must be made to the students through a progressive method of
preparation to meet the needs of a competitive global environment. This
preparation is a synthesis of the academic balance of arts and sciences,
rich and varied extracurricular activities, and community involvement that
both enriches our school and the community it serves.
Commitment
to the Community
Prometheus High School
actively works with the organization and business communities of Olympus,
Illinois in order to provide “real world” education experiences. In
addition, we initiate community improvement projects where student
volunteers serve the community in various functions as well as participate
in state and local activities. Instilling and cultivating civic and
community pride has long been a valued tradition at Prometheus High School.
Prometheus High School offers to the community the full resources of the
school buildings for community activities. The are a number of post-high
school “continuing education” courses as well as athletic activities
available to the local community. The use of the Prometheus High School
buildings serves a vital role in our commitment to broadening the
opportunities available to all members of the community.
III. ATTENDANCE POLICY
Supportive Services
Prometheus High School asks the community to support student school
attendance. There must be made all attempts to help “at risk” students by
consultation or direct intervention. Prometheus High School views the loss
of any student from its midst as a tragedy for the school and for the
community.
The
following support services may be offered to a student who has an attendance
problem:
·
Parent-teacher conferences
·
Principal-parent conferences
·
Teacher-student conferences
·
Principal-student conferences
·
Counseling services by school counselors, psychologists,
social workers, and community outreach workers
·
Alternative educational programs
·
Support services offered in cooperation with community
agencies
General Guidelines of Attendance Policy (Urbana School District 116)
1. All
absences, except absences due to personal illness or death in the immediate
family as defined in the policy, are to be recorded and treated as unexcused
unless approval for the absence is obtained prior to its occurrence.
Procedures for requesting that an absence be classified as excused are
outlined in numbers two through four following.
2.
Requests for classifying an anticipated absence as excused must be filed
with the building principal at least five (5) school days prior to the
absence.
3. The
request must be filed in writing using the approved form designed for the
purpose. The request filed using this form is not complete without a
parental signature, teachers' signatures, and an administrative signature.
Forms for filing this request are available in all school offices.
4. Upon
receipt of the request, the principal will classify the anticipated absence
as either "approved" or "unapproved". The criteria for making this
determination will include the following: recommendations from teachers,
previous attendance record, and reasons(s) for the anticipated absence.
Notification of the classification will be sent to the parent and teachers
involved prior to the anticipated absence.
5. Work
missed because of an excused absence may be made up for credit; work missed
because of an unexcused absence may not be made up and will result in a "O"
for the day(s) missed. Work made up from an excused absence must be
completed immediately after returning to school. The student will be allowed
one day to make up work for each day of excused absence unless other
previous arrangements have been made with the teacher.
Procedures for Reporting Excused Absence
When a student is absent because of illness, observance of a religious
holiday, death in the immediate family, or an emergency in the immediate
family, these procedures are to be followed: The parent or guardian is to
call the school attendance office (principal's office in schools other than
the middle school and high school) on the morning of the first day of the
absence. The parent is to indicate the reason for the absence and the
estimated duration of the absence. In special cases where absence is over an
extended time or is frequent, the principal may request reasons in writing
from the parent and/or a statement from a physician
All absences, regardless of reason, that are not reported by phone will be
recorded as unexcused. Written statements are also accepted.
Truancy
Truancy is defined as unexcused absence for any school day or portion
thereof.
Habitual or chronic truancy is defined as unexcused absences totaling 10% or
more of the previous 180 regular attendance days. Notification will be given
to parents prior to student absence reaching the 10% level.
Schools will utilize supportive services and other school resources in an
attempt to correct the truant behavior of students who are approaching a
chronic truancy classification.
If the positive measures provided by the school fail to correct the behavior
of a student, a chronic truancy report will be made to the Truant Officer at
the Regional Office of Education, who will take appropriate action against
the parents or the student, whichever is indicated by the situation.
Excused Absences
The acceptable reasons for absence are illness of the student or illness in
his/her immediate family, family emergency, observance of religious
holidays, death in the immediate family, and such situations beyond the
control of the student. If a child is not well, he/she should stay at home
for his/her own sake and in consideration of his/her classmates. When it is
necessary for a student to be absent, the parents/guardians are required to
call the attendance office on the first day of absence. Students who are out
of school because of illness may be requested to present a medical excuse
upon their return to school.
If it is necessary for a student to be absent for reasons other than
illness, a parent's/guardian's written request may be accepted by school
authorities as a justifiable reason for an absence. At such times, the
written request must be submitted prior to the absence.
When a student wishes to be excused from school for reasons other than the
above, the parent/guardian must call to explain the reason for the proposed
absence. The principal will give approval if the reason for the absence is
valid.
Excused Absences - Excused Absence Guidelines
Parents will be allowed to excuse a student from any class up to seven (7)
times per semester.
1. Acceptable Reasons for Excused Absences:
a.
Illness of the student.
b.
Unavoidable accident or emergency.
c.
Anticipated absences with prior Dean Approval.
2. Absences To Which This Seven (7) Day Policy Does
Not Apply Are:
a.
School Field Trips.
b.
Religious Leaves.
c.
Medical Appointments/Hospital Stay (proof necessary).
d.
Funerals for family members.
e.
Court appointments.
f.
Counselor/Dean/Administrator/Social Worker/Special Needs Conferences.
g.
Serious/Critical illness of student/family member.
h.
Sabbaticals/extended excused absences (i.e. family related with guardian)
with prior administrative/dean approval.
3. On
the 8th excused absence (and all absences thereafter), proof of the nature
of that absence (which may include a doctor's note) will be required.
Without the necessary proof, the absence is automatically unexcused and the
student will not receive credit for work missed.
4.
Without providing proof, future absences (after the seven (7) times from any
class) will not allow make-up work credit and therefore will jeopardize the
student's semester grade. In other words, after the seven (7) days of
excused absences from any class (without the necessary proof), the student
will receive credit for work only if he/she is in
attendance.
NOTE: Students may request all work missed, but will
receive no credit.
5.
Prospective days will be pro-rated for students transferring to Prometheus
High School from another school district during a particular semester
a.
Every attempt will be made to inform parents/guardians of incoming
students of our attendance policy.
Unexcused Absences
Any student who is absent without an excused absence is considered truant.
A "truant" is defined as a child subject to compulsory school attendance and
who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or
portion thereof.
"Chronic or habitual truant" shall be defined as a child subject to
compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such
attendance for 10% or more of the previous 180 attendance days.
"Truant minor" is defined as a chronic truant to whom supportive services,
including prevention, diagnostic, intervention and remedial services,
alternative programs and other school and community resources have been
provided and have failed to result in the cessation of chronic truancy or
have been offered and refused.
IV. DRESS CODE
“School boards may establish
uniform policies for all or some schools under their jurisdiction, when
‘necessary to maintain the orderly process of a school function or prevent
endangerment of student health or safety.’ Grace period allowed for, during
which students who have not purchased uniforms or dress-code compliant
clothes will not be disciplined. Policy also must allow for procedure by
which board will help or accommodate for ‘student from an indigent family in
complying with an applicable school uniform or dress code policy.’ Parental
opt-out on religious grounds allowed for.”
(Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/10-22.25b.)
Prometheus High School believes that neat,
orderly, and clean dress and grooming are important factors in maintaining a
school environment conducive to learning and participation in school and
school-related activities.
Students will be expected to keep
themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed at all times while at school and
school related activities.
While local school board
and the courts have recognized a student’s
right to freedom of expression with respect to the manner of dress and
grooming, Prometheus High School
reserves the right to restrict a student’s dress and grooming when the dress
and grooming is detrimental to the standards expected at Prometheus High
School. Any form of dress which is considered contrary to good hygiene,
is a distraction or disruptive, is detrimental to the standards of this
school, or is a danger to the health or safety of the student will not be
permitted.
General Guidelines
1. Offensive or sexually suggestive
slogans/pictures will not be permitted.
2. A reference to alcohol, tobacco, and
other drugs on clothing is not permitted.
3. Shoes must be worn at all times.
4. Hats, headbands, and bandannas may not
be worn or carried into class.
5. Students should be clothed from shoulder
to mid thigh.
6. The length of the shirt/blouse should
not allow the midriff to be exposed. No halter-tops, or tube tops will be
permitted.
7. Tank tops worn by either sex are not
permitted (straps must be at least three fingers wide) or are tops with
plunging necklines or armholes.
8. No exposed undergarments.
9. Piercing will be of the ears only, and
other body piercing are not permitted to be worn on school grounds.
These guides are intended only to illustrate what is unacceptable and are
not meant to list all types of dress and grooming that are contrary to the
District’s expected standards. As a general guideline, student dress should
be clean, safe, and non-disruptive to the educational process as determined
by the administration, the courts, and the State of Illinois. (Paris High
School)
V. DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Possession, use and
distribution of illegal drugs, alcohol and look-alike drugs are prohibited
from the school grounds and any off campus school activities at all times.
Possession of related paraphernalia and being under the influence of illegal
drugs or alcohol while on school grounds will also be in violation of this
policy.
At Prometheus
High School, the staff believes in giving students ever chance to succeed.
We take a very strict but fair approach to discipline when dealing with drug
related matters. Any students found to be in violation of this policy will
be treated equally.
For a first
violation students will be given a five day suspension and will be recommend
to an appropriate drug addiction counseling program based on the severity of
the drugs found.
In accordance
with state law, students found in possession of illegal drugs will be turned
over to the local police department.
If a student is
found with drugs or alcohol on school property a second time they will be
subject to expulsion.
Tobacco
Smoking,
and the use of smokeless tobacco, is prohibited on school grounds at all
times.
VI. DISCIPLINE POLICY
The purpose of the school discipline policy is to create a safe learning
environment and develop respect for self, property and others. Any student
found in violation with the discipline policy will be punished according to
the outline below.
1. Students
are not permitted to possess, sell, or furnish any weapon real or fake, or
dangerous object on campus or at any school event.
1st
Offense:
The student
will be arrested, suspended and recommended for expulsion.
2. Students
are not permitted to possess or be under the influence of any controlled
substance, alcoholic beverage, or known intoxicant, or have on their person
any controlled substance “look alike,” or paraphernalia .
1st
Offense:
The police
shall be notified, student may be arrested or cited and suspended, a parent
conference required, and student recommended to seek outside professional
counseling.
2nd
Offense:
The police
shall be notified, student arrested and suspended, student and parent
counseled, and recommended for expulsion.
3. Smoking,
possession, and/or use of tobacco in any form, and possession of lighters or
matches are not permitted on campus or at any school function at any time.
1st
Offense:
Student will
be warned. After school detention will be assigned. Products will be
confiscated and the parent contacted..
2nd
Offense:
Suspension and
parent contacted.
4. Students
are not permitted to have in their possession and/or ignite firecrackers,
M-80's, or other related explosives or flammable materials on campus or at
any school function. Stinkbombs and “poppers” are prohibited.
1st
Offense:
The student
will be suspended, and a parent conference will be required. Police will be
notified.
2nd
Offense: Expulsion
considered.
5. Radios, CD
players, beepers, VCR recorders, camcorders, tape recorders, and other
electronic equipment are not to be visible or heard in classrooms during
school hours without the approval of the school administrators or the
teacher of a particular class. Laser pens/pointers are prohibited unless
prior administrative approval has been made. The school is not responsible
for lost or theft of personal property.
1st
Offense:
Items will be
confiscated and not returned until the end of the school day.
2nd
Offense:
Items
confiscated will only be released to a parent. Student may be suspended for
defiance.
6.
Cell
phones are not to be visible, heard, or used in the classroom.
Cell phones must be turned off when entering a classroom and may not be out
on a desk or seen during class time. This includes but is a not limited to;
accepting calls, making calls, text messages, taking photos or videos.
1st
Offense:
Student will
be warned. Cell phone may be confiscated and returned at the school’s
convenience.
2nd
Offense:
Student will
be handled per classroom management plan. Student may be referred to the
Assistant Principal/Guidance Office.
3rd
Offense:
Student will
be referred to the Assistant Principal/Guidance Office. Student may be
suspended.
7. Assault
will not be permitted on campus or at any school function at any time. State
law strictly prohibits hazing, harassment, or extortion of other students.
1st
Offense:
Suspension and
parent conference. The student may be arrested and recommended for
expulsion.
8. Fighting,
attempting to cause harm or verbal threats will not be permitted on campus
or at any school function at any time. If a student continues to fight after
attempts have been made to stop him/her, places a staff member in a
potentially harmful situation or causes an injury requiring medical
attention, the student may be suspended as the first consequence.
1st
Offense:
The students
involved will be suspended, and a parent conference required. Students may
be cited.
2nd
Offense:
The student
will be suspended and harsher punishment may be considered. Students may be
cited.
9.
Unauthorized automobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, or other motorized vehicles
may not be ridden on the school grounds at any time.
1st
Offense:
Student may be
suspended, cited, and parent conference held.
10. Students
are not permitted to deface, damage, destroy, or steal school property or
personal property. Students shall not possess any form of graffiti tool
(this would include but not be limited to spray paint, unauthorized markers,
scribes and postal and other blank stickers).
1st
Offense:
The student
will be required to replace or repair, and the parents and/or police
notified. Student may be suspended. Student may be cited.
2nd
Offense:
The student
will be suspended and parent conference required. Replace and repair damage.
Student may be cited.
11.
Disrespect, defiance toward school personnel, lying, forgery and gambling
will not be tolerated on campus or at any school activity.
1st
Offense:
The student
will be counseled, may be suspended and parent conference required.
2nd
Offense:
The student
will be suspended and a parent conference required.
3rd
Offense:
The student
will be suspended and a parent conference required.
12. Committing
an obscene act or engaging in profanity or vulgarity toward other students
or school personnel will not be tolerated on campus. Possession of
pornography is prohibited.
1st
Offense:
Counselor
referral and parent conference. Student may be suspended. May receive
citation.
2nd
Offense:
Student will
be suspended and a parent conference required. Possible recommendation for
expulsion.
13. It is the
policy of Prometheus High School to provide an educational environment free
of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal,
visual, or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment
as defined and otherwise prohibited by the state and federal statutes.
1st
Offense:
Student
counseled and parent notified. The student may be suspended or considered
for expulsion depending on the severity of the incident.
2nd
Offense:
Student will
be suspended and a parent conference required. Student will be considered
for expulsion.
14.
While on
campus or at any school-sponsored event,
students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that will neither
adversely affect the instructional program nor violate reasonable and
acceptable standards of cleanliness, safety or appropriateness as judged by
the principal and administration of Prometheus High School.
1st
Offense:
Warning and
issuance of notice.
2nd
Offense:
Warning. May
be sent home to change. Assigned detention.
3rd
Offense:
Sent home to
change and assignment of suspension. Parent notified by mail.
VII. GRADING POLICY
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Courses are figured using the following scale.
A (100 – 90%) – 4 points B (89 – 80%) – 3
points C (79 – 70%) – 2 points
D (69 – 60%) – 1 point F (59 – 0%) – 0
points
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses are figured using the
following scale.
A (100 – 90%) – 5 points B (89 – 80%) – 4
points C (79 – 70%) – 3 points
D (69 – 60%) – 2 point F (59 – 0%) – 0
points
Class Rank
Class
rank for students with grade point averages greater than 4.0 will be
calculated so as to negate the advantage of enrolling in a study hall. These
students will have GPA’s based on five academic classes per semester.
See the Guidance Office for more detailed information.
Honor Roll and High
Honors
A GPA of 3.00 is required to
be placed on honor roll. A GPA of 3.75 is required for High Honors.
National Honors Society
Juniors and seniors who have
a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher are academically eligible for National
Honors Society. To be admitted to NHS a student must be considered to be of
good character with a clean discipline record. The student must also possess
good leadership skills. This does not imply that the student has to be
involved in student activities, but there must be evidence that the student
has the ability to lead.
Cheating and Plagiarism
- Any work submitted by students must be their
own. Any work that is someone else’s must be identified and
appropriate credit given.
- All students found to be in violation of this
policy will be treated equally.
- If a student is found to be in violation of
this policy, they will receive a failing grade for the plagiarized
work or the assignment cheated on. If found to be in violation of
this policy a second time they will receive a failing grade for the
course and be reprimanded by the administration.
VIII. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
24 credits are required for
graduation from Prometheus High School. Students will not be allowed to
participate in graduation ceremonies until all graduation
requirements have been completed.
Completion of the following courses with a D or better:
English Department
|
English 9 |
1 Credit |
|
English 10 |
1 Credit |
|
English 11 |
1 Credit |
Mathematics Department
Math elective may be a computer programming course.
|
Algebra |
1 Credit |
|
Geometry |
1 Credit |
|
Math Elective |
1 Credit |
Civics Department
Social Sciences elective may be a history, government,
psychology, sociology, economics or geography course.
|
Us History |
1 Credit |
|
American Government |
1/2 Credit |
|
Social Sciences Elective |
1/2 Credit |
Students must also pass a constitution exam with a
grade of 76% or better to be eligible for graduation.
Science Department
|
Physical Science – 9th Grade |
1 Credit |
|
Biology or Chemistry |
1 Credit |
Fine Arts Department
|
Fine Arts Course |
1 Credit |
Physical Education Department
|
Physical Education |
2 Credits |
|
Health |
½ Credit |
|
Consumer Education |
½ Credit |
|
Physical Education Elective |
1 Credit |
Seniors who are short on credits may apply for a
maximum of 3 correspondence courses through the Guidance office.
IX. SAMPLE FOUR YEAR PLANS
9th
GRADE
|
Vocational |
State College or University Bound |
Highly Competitive University Bound |
|
English 100 |
English 100 |
English 101 |
|
Pre-Algebra |
Algebra I |
Honors Algebra |
|
US
History |
US
History |
US
History |
|
Unified Sciences |
Intro
Biology/Chemistry |
Honors Intro Biology/Chemistry |
|
Physical Education |
Physical Education |
Physical Education |
|
Fine
Arts |
Fine
Arts |
Fine
Arts |
10th
GRADE
|
Vocational |
State College or University Bound |
Highly Competitive University Bound |
|
English 200 |
English 200 |
English 201 |
|
General Algebra |
Geometry |
Honors Advanced Algebra 2 |
|
American Government/Social Sciences Elective |
American Government/Social Sciences Elective |
American Government/Social Sciences Elective |
|
Earth
Science |
Intro
to Physics |
Advanced Biology/Chemistry AP |
|
Physical Education |
Physical Education |
Physical Education |
|
Vocational Studies |
Foreign Language |
Foreign Language |
11th
GRADE
|
Vocational |
State College or University Bound |
Highly Competitive University Bound |
|
English 300 |
English 301 |
English 302 |
|
Geometry |
Advanced Algebra 2 |
Honors Pre-Calculus |
|
Elective |
Foreign Language |
Foreign Language |
|
Vocational Studies |
Intro
to Physics |
Advanced Biology/Chemistry AP |
|
Health/Consumer Ed |
Health/Consumer Ed |
Health/Consumer Ed |
|
Driver’s Ed |
Driver’s Ed |
Driver’s Ed |
12th
GRADE
|
Vocational |
State College or University Bound |
Highly Competitive University Bound |
|
Elective |
English 401 |
English 402 |
|
Elective |
Pre-Calculus |
AP
Calculus |
|
Physical Education Elective |
Physical Education Elective |
Physical Education Elective |
|
Elective |
Physics |
Physics |
|
Vocational Studies |
Elective |
Science Project/Independent Study |
|
Vocational Studies |
Elective |
Foreign Language |
X. STAFF DIRECTORY
Administration
Principal: J. Levi Beerup
jlbeeru@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9020
Assistant Principal: Robert Blackburn
rkblack@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9019
Civics
Department
Department Head: Jade Inman
jninman@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9010
Neal Murray
nrmurra@phs.k12.il.edu
Tom Ponce
tmponce@phs.k12.il.edu
Aaron Calvert
amcalve@phs.k12.il.edu
Jared
Bruening
jrbruen@phs.k12.il.edu
Mathematics Department
Department Head: Kim Hansen
kbhanse@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9314
English
and Foreign Language Department
Department Head: Rachael Molenda
ramolen@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9012
Science
Department
Department Head: Cyndi Liebovich
caliebo@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9005
Fine
Arts and Music Department
Department Head: Julie Rotharmel
jmrotha@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9011
Physical Education Department
Department Head: Jason Raad
jrraad@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9055
Athletic Director: Patrick Allen
pkallen@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9040
Assistant Athletic Director: Pat Burns
pwburns@phs.k12.il.edu
Dan Mariner
dpmarin@phs.k12.il.edu
Amanda
Chrisos
Amchri2@phs.k12.il.edu
Family
and Consumer Sciences: Amanda Chrisos
amchris@phs.k12.il.edu
Jane Smith
jasmith@phs.k12.il.edu
Amber Johnson
amjohns@phs.k12.il.edu
Lisa Williams
liwilli@phs.k12.il.edu
Special
Education Department
Department Head: Melissa Schussele
mrschus@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9063
Vocational and Technology Department
Department Head: Tim Taylor
tttaylo@phs.k12.il.edu
(847)
555-9051
Driver’s Education
Course Administrator: Tom Ponce
tmponce@phs.k12.il.edu
XI. GUIDANCE OFFICE
The guidance office at Prometheus High School is open to every student and
parent. The guidance counselors are here to assist students in planning for
the future and helping to develop a schedule that will help them in
achieving their post-secondary goals. All counselors are also adequately
qualified to help students with the emotional turmoil of their high schools
years. Students may sign up to see a counselor in the guidance office.
Passes to see the counselor will be sent to the student during their daily
schedule as time permits. It is imperative that students listen to the
daily announcements and check the Guidance display case and bulletin board
for important information on college representatives, testing dates,
financial aid and scholarships, and other important details.
Prometheus High School is staffed with eight guidance counselors assigned to
work with the students. Students are assigned counselors based on the
beginning letter of their last name. This counselor will be responsible for
following the students' credit accumulation, advising courses appropriate to
their post-secondary plans, and making their schedules throughout their four
years at Prometheus High School. Students may see any counselor preferred
or available when dealing with other issues.
The guidance office also provides a wide variety of career planning
resources. To take advantage of the programs and resources available in the
Career Center simply sign up to see a counselor.
Career Center Recourses and Services
Service
Learning
Prerequisite: none
Eligibility: 10, 11,
12
Credit: 2
Term: 1 Semester
Students spend half of their day taking
classes at school and half of their day at a service-learning site.
Students can earn up to 4 credits a year. Service learning sites
include, but are not limited to, day care, grade schools, auto shops,
newspapers, and office positions.
Career
Internship
Prerequisite: none
Eligibility: 11, 12
Credit: 2
Term: 1 Semester
Students can apply for a variety of
internships through the Career Center. These internships are
structured to help students make a smooth transition to the work place.&nbs
