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Produced
by: Levesta Taylor and Deborah Carter
Web Institute for Teachers, Summer 2001
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Produced
by: Levesta Taylor and Deborah Carter
Web Institute for Teachers, Summer 2001
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Student/Parent-Guardian Handbook Directory
Click the following Links to go to the topics below:
Crusaders all, now hear our call
And to the world proclaim
We're Kennedy, and let men see
We're proud of our great name;
No matter what the odds are or
How great the foe may be
With might and right we'll arm ourselves
And fight to victory.
We're Kennedy, we're tried and true
We hold our heads up high!
So give a cheer for the gold and blue
As we go marching by!
Words by Patrick J. Butler, 1965. Music adapted from John F. Kennedy's favorite
march "The Boys from Wexford," which was used as the theme in the
television production of "Profiles in Courage."
SCHOOL
COLORS
The school colors are royal blue and gold.
SCHOOL
EMBLEM
The school emblem is the Crusader.
SCHOOL
SLOGAN
"Gateway to Success"
PEOPLE TO KNOW
Principal, Dr. Fanchion L. Blumenberg
Mr. Oswaldo Alfaro, Assistant
Principal
Dr. Patrica Wakefield, Assistant Principal
Athletic Director/Special Projects Coordinator
/Technology Coordinator - Diane Williams
Admissions Dean - Paul Lyons
Dean Of Students - William Heyden
Dean Of Attendance - Corinne Marcello
Counselor (Seniors) - Ronald Cozzolino
Counselor(Seniors) Careers - Antoinette Tadin
Counselor (Juniors) - Charlotte Viero
Counselor (Sophomores) - Patricia Anderson
Counselor (Freshmen) - Esther Mandel
Counselor (Freshmen) - Jonathan Best
Programmers - Noreen Moynihan / Deborah Carter
Return To Top
PHONE NUMBERS TO
KNOW
Main Office 535-2325, 2326, 2327, 2328
Attendance Office 535-2329
Counseling Office 535-2330
Disciplinarian's Office 535-2325
Drivers Education Center 535-2083
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Community Representative - Judy Ollry
Community Representative - Michael Schmidt
Parent Representative - Diana Schmidt
Parent Representative - Geraldine Smith
Parent Representative - Joann Krueger
Parent Representative - Laura Gubanski
Parent Representative - Leslie Walter
Parent Representative - James Trenter
Teacher Representative - Adriana Olvera
Teacher Representative - Diane Williams
Student Representative - Tanisha Ross
Principal -Dr. Fanchion L. Blumenberg
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YOUR DIVISION TEACHER
Every day at Kennedy, you will meet for a 14-minute period with the person
who will probably be the most important person in your years in high school
-- your division teacher. This key person should be your everyday counselor,
problem solver, and morale builder.
Every day, the division teacher will take attendance and provide information
and communication concerning school activities, as well as answer questions
and read the daily bulletin. During the year the division teacher will help
to plan your course of study and determine the best program for you. The first
person you should consult when a problem arises is your division teacher.
Return To Top
The freshman counselors are located on the second floor and provide guidance
services to every student in the school. These services include assistance
with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational and
career information, study habits, tutoring, as well as assistance with home,
school, or social concerns, or any questions that a student would like to
discuss with a counselor.
Your counselor is here to help you develop your potential to its fullest,
to help you use all available services within the school, and to help you
know more about yourself so that you are better able to utilize your talents.
Ask your division teacher for the name of the counselor assigned to your division.
Return To Top
DEAN OF ATTENDANCE
The Attendance Office, located in Room 103, processes all information relating to attendance including absences, tardiness to school, cutting, truancy, and early dismissals from school. The Dean of Attendance develops strategies to monitor and encourage student attendance in order to help students acquire behavioral patterns necessary, not just in the school setting, but throughout life.
DEAN OF STUDENTS Return To Top
The Dean of Student, located in Room 1077, processes all acts
of student misconduct as designated by the Chicago Public Schools Uniform
Discipline Code. The policies and administrative procedures apply to actions
of students during school hours, before and after school, while on school
property, while traveling on vehicles funded by the Board of Education, at
all school sponsored events, and when the actions affect the mission of Kennedy
High School and the Chicago Public Schools. It is the intent of the Discipline
Office to encourage each student to modify behavior patterns to comply with
those policies set forth by the General Superintendent of Schools.
SCHOOL NURSE Return To Top
The school nurse is available for health counseling both individually and in groups. The nurse reviews health records for current physical exam and immunizations and follows up on students who have major health problems. The school nurse is also involved in staffing for students who are in special education, conducting health classes in sex education, and promoting preventive health practices through the gym department. The nurse's office is located in the SSC (Student Service Center)
The school social worker provides brief therapy and referrals to community
resources when personal problems affect the student's adjustment. This may
consist of assistance to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, confusions,
abuse, drugs, gangs, family problems, absenteeism, etc. The social worker
is a key member of the Crisis Intervention Team. The social worker conducts
the Social Assessment for Special Education Evaluations. The social worker
coordinates the Peer Mediation Program. The social worker's office is in the
SSC and the telephone number is 535-2325 ex. 112.
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The psychologist performs a number of functions within the school. The most familiar role is that of a diagnostician evaluating students for special education. In addition, the psychologist provides counseling for students and their families to help them deal with those stresses or problems which are significantly affecting their lives. Interventions in the school setting tend to be short-term so the psychologist also acts as a referral source for services available in the community. The psychologist's schedule at Kennedy will be posted at the beginning of the school year. The psychologist's office is Room 225.
There is a high correlation between student attendance and academic performance. Parents should realize that the number of absences a student incurs can directly affect the student's academic progress. The School Code of Illinois, Section 26-1 states: "Whoever has custody of any child between the ages of seven and sixteen years shall cause such child to attend some public school in the district wherein the child resides the entire time it is in session during the regular school term." THE BASIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REGULAR ATTENDANCE OF THE STUDENT LIES WITH THE STUDENT AND THE PARENT. The State Compulsory Attendance Law specifically states that the parent is obligated to see that the student is in school. For the protection of students and sincere concern for the family, the following attendance procedures will be strictly enforced:
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
No students are to be in the building prior to 7:00 A.M. All students are
to enter at the center door. STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LOITER IN THE LOCKER
AREAS. The school door is officially opened at 7:00 A.M., and the students
who begin at first period are to be in class and ready for work at 7:30 A.M.
Students arriving late for their first class must obtain a TARDY SLIP before going to class. Disciplinary action will be taken if tardiness is habitual. The tardy slip will state if a detention must be served. DETENTIONS must be served within a timely fashion. Excessive tardiness and unserved detentions will result in further disciplinary action.
TARDY-TO-CLASSReturn To Top
Classroom teachers are to close their doors when the tardy bell rings! All
students late to class are to secure a tardy slip first and then report to
class with it.
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EXCUSAL FROM CLASS
Students who are to be excused from one or more classes to participate in
an activity (field trip, dance, game, assembly, etc.) must secure the permission
of the teacher of the class to be missed 48 hours prior to the event. Official
forms or tickets of admission must be signed by the classroom teacher and
the parent. If a student is failing a class, frequently tardy or absent, or
missing assignments, a teacher may refuse to sign a student out.. If the student
does not receive the teacher's written excusal prior to missing the class,
the absence will be considered a 'cut' and processed as such. A 'cut' is defined
as an absence from an individual class without prior approval.
TRUANCY FROM SCHOOLReturn To Top
A "truant" is defined as a child subject to compulsory school attendance
who is absent without valid cause for a school day or portion of the school
day.
THE ILLINOIS STATE GOALS FOR LEARNING
BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCESReturn To Top
Science is the quest for objective truth. It provides a conceptual framework
for the understanding of natural phenomena and their causes and effects. The
purposes of the study of science are to develop students who are scientifically
literate, recognize that science is not value-free, are capable of making
ethical judgments regarding science and social issues, and understand that
technological growth is an outcome of scientific enterprise.
As a result of their schooling, students will have a working knowledge of:
o the concepts and basic vocabulary of biological, physical and environmental
sciences and their application to life and work in contemporary technological
society;
o the social and environmental implications and limitations of technological
development;
o the principles of scientific research and their application in simple research
projects;
o the processes, techniques, methods, equipment and available technology of
science.
SOCIAL SCIENCESReturn To Top
Social sciences provide students with an understanding of themselves and of
society, prepare them for citizenship in a democracy, and give them the basics
for understanding the complexity of the world community. Study of the humanities,
of which social sciences are a part, is necessary in order to preserve the
values of human dignity, justice, and representative processes. Social sciences
include anthropology, economics, geography, government, history, philosophy,
political science, psychology and sociology.
As a result of their schooling, students will be able to:
o understand and analyze comparative political and economic systems, with
an emphasis on the political and economic systems of the United States;
o understand and analyze events, trends, personalities, and movements shaping
the history of the world, the United States and Illinois;
o demonstrate a knowledge of the basic concepts of the social sciences and
how these help to interpret human behavior;
o demonstrate a knowledge of world geography with emphasis on that of the
United States;
o apply the skills and knowledge gained in the social sciences to decision
making in life situations.
FINE ARTSReturn To Top
The fine arts give students the means to express themselves creatively and
to respond to the artistic expression of others. As a record of human experience,
the fine arts provide distinctive ways of understanding society, history and
nature. The study of the fine arts includes visual art, music, drama and dance.
As a result of their schooling, students will be able to:
o understand the principal sensory, formal, technical and expressive qualities
of each of the arts.
o identify processes and tools required to produce visual art, music, drama
and dance;
o demonstrate the basic skills necessary to participate in the creation and/or
performance of one of the arts;
o identify significant works in the arts from major historical periods and
how they reflect societies, cultures and civilizations, past and present;
o describe the unique characteristics of each of the arts.
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Requirements for graduation for students who entered high school for the
first time before September 1997
Twenty-one units are required for graduation. One unit represents a year's
successful work in a subject. Each subject is .50 units per semester passed,
with the exception of Physical Education, which is .25 units per semester
passed.
| Subject | Annual Units |
| English | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 |
| Science | 1 |
| Math | 3 |
| Art (or Drafting) | 1 |
| Music | 1 |
| Physical Education | **2 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total | 21 |
**This includes one semester of Health required of freshmen.Return
To Top
Consumer Education is also required. This may be a separate course or part
of a longer course. A Proficiency Test is also available. Successful performance
on the test excuses students from the necessity of completing the state consumer
education requirement. The Minimum Proficiency Skills Test and the US. Constitution
Test must also be passed. Driver Education is offered as part of the sophomore
curriculum in Physical Education.
| Subject | Annual Units |
| English I, II, III, IV | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 |
| Science | 3 |
| Math | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 2 |
| World Languages | 2 |
| Physical Education | **2 |
| Career Education or ROTC | 2 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Student Advisory | 4 |
| Total | 24 |
**This includes one semester of Health required of freshmen.
***College-career pathways or advanced academic/fine arts optionsReturn
To Top
Requirements For Admission To Most Public Universities And Community Colleges In The State Of Illinois
| Subject | Annual Units |
| English | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Science (lab) | 3 |
| Foreign Lang., Art, Music, Vocational Education | 2 or more |
COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
College entrance requirements differ with each college. Students who plan
on continuing their education in colleges or universities should become acquainted
with specific entrance requirements of the school they hope to attend and
should choose high school subjects which will enable them to meet these requirements.
A library of college catalogs is maintained by the Counseling Department and
Media Center for the use of college-bound students.
The Counseling Department urges students to make inquiries concerning specific
college requirements even during their freshman and sophomore years. Minimum
requirements to most colleges and universities are:
1. Graduation from an accredited high school. At Kennedy 21 credits
are needed to graduate for students who entered high school for the first
time before September 1997. Students who entered high school for the first
time as of September 1997 will be required to have 24 credits to graduate.
2. High school work including at least four units in English (literature and
traditional writing courses), three units of mathematics*, two units of laboratory
science*, two units of fine arts (art, music, foreign language)* and three
units of social science.
*Add 1 to 2 units each for selective colleges.
3. Scholarship rank in the upper fifty percent of high school graduating class.
4. Above average test scores on national examinations such as the American
College Testing Program (ACT), or College Entrance Examination Board (SAT).
In addition, selective colleges look at the type of courses students take
such as Advanced Placement courses, honors level courses, etc., as well as
involvement in co-curricular activities which will demonstrate such qualities
as leadership ability, intellectual curiosity, and special abilities.
As you know, during the four years of high school, our youngsters are faced
with many decisions involving admission to college and the choice of a career.
To help our students make these decisions, we have installed a computerized
College/Career Center in the library. Here, a student will have access to
an information bank for several hundred colleges and universities about programs,
student body, admission requirements, majors and occupations.
COLLEGE PLACEMENT TESTS
College Entrance Examination Board tests may be taken at various times during
the school year.
The American College Test (ACT) is given in September, October, December,
February, April and June to juniors and seniors who are college-bound and
who wish to compete for Illinois State Scholarships. All students who are
college-bound should definitely plan to take the ACT. beginning in the spring
of 2001, all juniors take the ACT as part of the Praire State Achievement
Exams.
The SAT Achievements Tests may be required by some colleges and may be taken
in the spring of the junior year or the fall of the senior year.
All information and manuals regarding theses important tests are available
in the Counseling Office during the entire year. It is the student's responsibility
to pick up such materials and register for tests which the student must take.
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SCHOOL TESTING PROGRAM
Kennedy tests students in the spring of each year. The Test of Achievement
and Proficiency (TAP) is administered to freshmen and sophomores. TAP tests
student achievement in writing, reading, mathematics, using sources of information,
social studies, science, fine arts, and physical education. This is the citywide
testing program, and results will be available to students and parents.
In addition, the Illinois Student Assessment Test (ISAT) is given annually
to sophomores and juniors in compliance with the State of Illinois mandate
that all students be tested in areas of reading, mathematics, writing, sciences,
social sciences, fine arts, physical development and health. These ISAT tests
meet the assessment requirements of the 1985 legislation which required State
Goals for Learning to be identified and assessed in these fundamental areas
of learning. The results of these tests are to be compared statewide annually
and will be available to students and parents.
The PLAN test is given to all juniors and is a nationally-normed test. The
PLAN test is in preparation for the ACT test that most seniors take.
CASE, the Chicago Academic Standards Exams, are given in January and June
to test achievement in the core academic subjects.
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GRADING
A serious attempt is made at all times to evaluate in the best possible manner
the progress of students. The teachers will distribute grading criteria for
classes in September. Parents are expected to sign the forms and return them
via the student to the appropriate teachers.Return To
Top
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT OF STUDENT PROGRESS
Student progress reports are issued four times each year: November, January,
April and June. These grade reports are the permanent record of the student's
progress. Grade Report Pick-Up Days are scheduled for Thursday, November 15,
and Thursday, April 25. On these dates parents must pick up grade reports
at school, which will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teachers will be available
for short conferences between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
January and June mark the end of the semesters. This is the time that credit
is awarded in all classes. Students will be issued their grade reports during
division and will bring them home for their parents' inspection.
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REPORT OF UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESSReturn
To Top
Notices to parents of the possibility of student failure in a course if corrective
measures are not taken are issued the 5th, 15th, 25th and 35th weeks of the
school year.
Teachers, additionally, may send these at any time between marking periods
to parents of students who may need special attention.
Parents who would like a conference with the teacher as a result of the unsatisfactory
progress report are requested to call the counselor to make an appointment
so that a mutually agreeable time can be arranged. The counselor's telephone
number is listed in this handbook.
Promotion Requirements For High School Students Who Entered High School
for the First Time Before September 1997
o Promotion from 9th to 10th grade requires the successful completion of 5.0
units of credit.
o Promotion from 10th to 11th grade requires the successful completion of
10.5 units of credit.
o Promotion from 11th to 12th grade requires the successful completion of
15.5 units of credit.
Promotion Requirements for High School Students Who Entered High School for
the First Time in September 1997 and Subsequent Years
o High school students who do not meet the promotion criteria applicable to
their grade will be required to attend summer school. The promotion criteria
for high school students are:
- Minimum units of credits required for promotion from:
Grade 9: 5.0 units
Grade 10: 11.0 units
Grade 11: 18.0 units
- Minimum grade - equivalent scores in Reading and Mathematics on Tests of
Achievement and Proficiency (TAP): Grade 9: 8.0
- Minimum attendance requirement for Grade 9:
Not more than 20 days of unexcused absence, including absence caused by out-of-school
suspension.
Ninth grade students who do not meet these criteria and who fail to complete
the summer program will be retained in a freshman division.
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GRANTING OF CREDITReturn
To Top
1. Credit is granted for the successful completion of a subject. Most subjects
are granted .50 credits per semester of work completed with a D or better.
No credit is given for a subject in which an F is received.
2. A. For students who entered high school for the first time before September
1997, Physical Education earns .25 credits per semester passed. Physical Education
must be taken for both semesters each year the student is in school.
B. For students who entered high school for the first time in September 1997
and subsequent years, Physical Education earns .50 credits per semester passed.
Physical Education must be taken during the first two years of high school.
Twenty (20) weeks of health are taught as part of Physical Education 1 and
10 weeks of Driver Education are taught as part of Physical Education 2.
3. Credit can be granted only once in a subject, and the first grade received
is the only official grade.
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SERVICE LEARNING
The Service Learning program at John F. Kennedy High School consists of two
components. Students graduating in 2001 and beyond will be able to earn the
required 40 hours of community service and site based learning either as part
of a pre-approved "Extra-Curricular Group Project" or based upon
"Individual Student Experience". Each student must have documented
evidence of community service by creating with teacher supervision (1) a planning
activity prior to the service project and (2) a reflection/evaluation activity
following the project. Thus, the community service becomes service learning
when the student integrates instructional guidance with community service.
Students earn graduation credit for only the time spent on the actual service
project not for the planning nor reflection activities.
Students who do not submit a reflection exercise to the service learning coach
do not receive service learning hours on their high school transcript.Return
To Top
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Academic Excellence list is displayed two times a year in the showcase
bulletin board on the first floor to recognize students who are excelling
in their academic subjects. Students who have a 3.0 cumulative average (GPA)
and above in all subjects are placed on the Academic Excellence list. No D
or F grades are acceptable. A Quarterly Excellence list is also displayed
to recognize students whose grades are B or better in all subjects.
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HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework will be assigned and evaluated in all classes. Assignments will be
well-planned and challenging. Homework is a useful instruction tool for the
following reasons:
1. It helps develop independent learning habits.
2. It enables the student to practice the kind of thinking and analysis he/she
does in class prior to taking a test.
3. It allows the class to cover more material.
4. It helps to introduce the students to new material.
5. It is necessary in order for students to complete long-term assignments.
Students should keep a written record of all assignments in this handbook
and budget their time so they will be able to turn in all their assignments
on the date they are due. Also, it is the students' responsibility to get
assignments when they are absent.
Generally, homework will average approximately thirty minutes per day for
each subject. For most of our students, this means approximately two and one-half
hours of homework each day. Advanced Placement classes will require additional
study time.
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PROGRAMMING
Programming is done during the spring of each year. Student needs insofar
as graduation requirements are reviewed, and the student's interests are taken
into account as well. The division teacher, counselor, and the student participate
actively in this project. A parent's signature is required on the student's
confirmation form.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Certain subjects require minimum proficiencies before a student may advance
to higher level courses. More information will be distributed regarding specific
classes during programming.
FAILURESReturn
To Top
Students who fail a course make up the credit by attendance at summer school
and after school if funds are available. If the subject is required for graduation,
the course must be repeated. If it is not required, another subject may be
taken in its place.
SUMMER SCHOOLReturn
To Top
Courses taken in summer school for credit must meet North Central Association
guidelines as to hours completed before credit can be granted. Approved lists
are issued each year. Note: Students are not allowed to attend day and night
school at the same time.
All students are assessed a school fee of $70.00 which replaces some of the
fees students paid previously in their classes. Freshmen will be assessed
an additional $13.25 fee for a standardized scientific calculator required
in all math classes. The fee includes one yearbook, school newspaper, one
student handbook, postage, mailings, printing, and some classroom consumable
items. Classes and activities like band, drafting, CWT and OO, senior class
fee and graduation have additional fees because the Chicago Board of Education
does not provide the funds necessary to support an educational program such
as we have at Kennedy. The fee is to be paid by money order or certified check.
Cash or personal checks will not be accepted.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONSReturn To Top
A certificate of Child Health Examination, including a complete record of
immunization dates, must be presented upon entrance into ninth grade. A report
of a physical examination and the dates of all immunizations must be included.
Students who do not comply with the State Board of Education and Illinois
Department of Public Health regulations will be excluded from school until
they are in compliance. The same procedure applies to any student new to the
Chicago Public Schools.
ACCIDENTS Return To Top
Accidents must be reported to the Main Office. In the event the accident occurs during class, the teacher should arrange for the student to report to the nurse/attendance office.
PARENT CONFERENCES AND VISITORS
Parents are always welcome. If they wish to see a particular person, they should call in advance to assure the availability of that person. Counselors will make an appointment for a parent to see a teacher during the teacher's non-class period. Classes will not be interrupted for parent conferences. We do not encourage student visitors. No visitor will be allowed into the building without prior arrangements having been made through an Assistant Principal. No small children are allowed under any circumstances.
METAL DETECTORS
Students are subject to search with metal detectors. Visitors to Kennedy High
School may be subject to search with metal detectors also.
LOST AND FOUNDReturn
To Top
A lost-and-found is operated in the Library. Items found in classrooms, cafeteria,
and corridors should be turned in there. Owners of lost items should check
the lost and found before and after school.
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements are made in division. If for any reason, a student needs to
recheck an announcement, a daily bulletin is posted outside the Main Office.
Announcements are also placed on the electronic message board in the students'
lunchroom.
HALL PASSESReturn
To Top
NO student will be permitted in the halls without a pass. If you are on official
business, you must have an official school pass.
TELEPHONES
Public telephones are located on the first floor at both ends of the building.
Personal calls should be made before or after school. The public phones are
not to be used by students at other times during the day. NO PROVISIONS
EXIST FOR PAGING STUDENTS FOR INCOMING CALLS.Return
To Top
FOR STUDENT CONDUCT
BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE
Students at Kennedy are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects self-control and respect for others. Remember: your behavior should be that of a serious student who is a credit to your self, your family, and Kennedy.
CONDUCT TO AND FROM SCHOOLReturn
To Top
When you are on the street or on public transportation, you are in the public
eye and citizens are fully aware you are a student of Kennedy High School.
You are expected to behave in a manner that includes observation of all laws,
respect for the property of others, and showing courtesy and respect for others.
Additionally, you have your rights as a citizen and are encouraged to report
any violations of your rights to school authorities and the Police Department
so that your trip to and from school is enjoyable and safe.
RESPECT THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS
Remember the person or property of others is sacred. You have no right to
trespass or violate these rights.
1. Walk on the sidewalk. Respect the lawns, gardens and shrubbery of our neighbors.
2. Do not damage the property of others or loiter on porches or lawns.
3. Do not throw food, cans, bottles, wrappings or paper on our neighbors'
property or on the school campus.
DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOLReturn
To Top
1. Students are to depart from school within 4 minutes after their last class.
Do not loiter in the locker areas or building after school. Students who have
detention study are to bring books, coats, etc. with them and leave the building
immediately after detention study.
2. Students are reminded that they are not to loiter outside the building,
under the bridge or between the Kinzie-Kennedy buildings, or on the porch
or stairs of any part of the school building.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESReturn
To Top
Students are expected to behave in an exemplary manner and to show good sportsmanship.
Misconduct at school-sponsored events is subject to discipline code sanctions.
Teams or individual students who violate the ethics of competition or the
principles of good sportsmanship during a sports activity may be subject to
disciplinary action that can include barring from future participation as
spectators and/or participants.
STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students of Kennedy High School are expected to behave as responsible citizens.
Responsibility is necessary to freedom. In school, for example, in order to
be free to get an education, students must be free from others who would stand
in their way.
Responsible behavior means the following:
1. Respect for others' rights to their own opinion even if they disagree with
your own.
2. Respect for others' rights to speak and listen without interruption or
disruption.
3. Respect for others' rights to their own property.
4. Respect for others' rights to pursue their education in a setting free
of offensive language or immoral or illegal behavior.
5. Respect for others' rights to an education in a safe and secure environment.
6. Respect for reasonable rules that protect the rights of others.
Behavior contrary to the above will be disciplined according to the Uniform
Discipline Code.
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FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Students have freedom of speech under the law. However, at school, a student's freedom of speech does not include the freedom to be disruptive, libelous, abusive, vulgar, or insubordinate. Students must submit to the reasonable exercise of authority by school personnel.
Return To Top
DISCIPLINE
Kennedy follows the Chicago Public School System's Uniform Discipline Code.
Students receive a copy of the Uniform Discipline Code at the beginning of
the school year. It is to be brought home for parents' perusal. This Code
also applies to ALL AFTER SCHOOL FUNCTIONS. The following are some
of the violations of this code which will result in disciplinary action:
1. Failure to abide by the student dress standard.
2. Disruptive behavior--running, shouting, etc. in the classrooms or hall
areas.
3. Loitering.
4. Littering.
5. Smoking on school property.
6. Disrespect towards school personnel or fellow students.
7. Defying the authority of school personnel.
8. Distributing unauthorized publications.
9. Use of profane, obscene, indecent, immoral, or abusive language and/or
gestures. (This includes wearing apparel that bears objectionable printing)
10. Interference with the orderly school program through boycotts, sit-ins,
trespassing, or inciting disruptive acts of violence.
11. Disruptive behavior in school or on school grounds.
12. Gambling.
13. Fighting.
14. Forgery or alteration of school records.
15. Theft.
16. Pulling a false fire alarm.
17. Vandalism or graffiti*.
18. Use of coercion, force, or intimidation.**
19. Possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or beepers.
20. Possession of a weapon.
21. Displaying any other illegal behavior.
22. Wearing a hat, coat or sunglasses in the building.
23. Playing cards in the building.
24. Playing or having a radio, cassette tape player, CD player, telephone
or other electronic equipment.
25. Selling candy or other items from outside organizations in the school.
26. Bringing a skateboard, roller-skates, roller blades, or comic books to
school.
27. Throwing snowballs.
28. Possession of water balloons, water pistols, or using any container holding
liquid for the purpose of horseplay.
29. Sexual harassment.***
30. Failure to surrender your Kennedy ID Card to any Kennedy staff member
upon request.
31. Failure to display your Kennedy ID Card above the waist on the outside
of clothing
32. Wearing earrings (males) or other body piercing.Return
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*GRAFFITIReturn
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Marking on or vandalizing the property of others is a crime. It indicates
that the student who participates in such activity lacks self-control, is
motivated by peer pressure, and lacks training in respect for the property
of others. Persons who engage in writing on any available space are not 'artists';
they are vandals, and vandals are criminals and will be dealt with as such.
The removal of graffiti is expensive and time consuming. Money that is spent
on the restoration of vandalized property is money that could have been used
for a more positive educational enterprise.
Students are not allowed to have in their possession any device or tool commonly
associated with defacing property with graffiti. These materials include,
but are not limited to, 'magic markers', spray paint, shoe polish or daubers,
to name a few. Students may only use such devices under the direction and
supervision of an art class teacher.
Anyone defacing school property will be automatically suspended and may be
required to pay for the clean-up and restoration of the defaced property.
The student will be subject to arrest by the police authorities as well.
**GANG-INTIMIDATION
See Chicago Public Schools' Uniform Discipline Code.
***SEXUAL HARASSMENTReturn
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Any unwanted, uninvited or unwelcome behavior or comments directed at a person
because of his/her sex could be considered sexual harassment. If a student
feels he/she has been a victim of sexual harassment, the first step is to
make it clear to the harassed that you don't like his/her actions or words.
If the harassment does not stop, report it to your counselor. If the harassment
continues, you and/or your counselor should notify the disciplinarian.
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Students are not allowed to bring radios, beepers, pagers, tape players, mini--stereos,
laser pointers, electronic games, telephones or related materials to school.
To do so may result in disciplinary action.
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DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURE
A referral to the Disciplinarian is a last resort after the teacher has exhausted
all other preventive measures. The seriousness of a referral to the Disciplinarian
speaks for itself, and the case will be dealt with rapidly, firmly, and as
fairly as possible. The following procedures will be used.
1. A referral will be made to the Disciplinarian for the student on a Misconduct
Report form by the staff member.
2. Serious acts will result in the student being immediately brought to the
Disciplinarian.
3. The Disciplinarian will conduct a hearing with the student. At this time
the disciplinary action will be determined according to the guidelines in
the Uniform Discipline Code. Disciplinary actions may include the following:
a. Parent Conference request.
b. In-School Suspension.
c. Out-of-School Suspension.
d. Police notification.
e. Placement in an alternative school.
f. Expulsion for up to two years from all Chicago Public Schools.
In addition, provisions of the Illinois Criminal Code are applicable to illegal
behavior.
NOTE: During any Out-of-School Suspension, the student may not attend class,
participate in school activities/sports, or visit the school grounds. Students
found on the premises may be arrested for trespassing. Any Out-of-School Suspension
is counted as a day's absence. In-School Suspension is counted as a day of
attendance.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONReturn To Top
In-School Suspension is served in Room 100 under the supervision of a teacher. Students attend their regular classes the periods not scheduled as In House Suspension time.
FIRE DRILLSReturn To Top
Fire drills are regularly scheduled so that all will know what to do in case of an emergency. When the fire alarm sounds, everyone must evacuate the building as quickly as possible using the nearest exit. You may not go to your locker for your coat. Walk fast--don't run. Remain with your class and under your teacher's supervision until notified to return to the school building. At the close of drills, you are to return to the same class unless instructed otherwise. All students on field trips must practice bus evacuation.
TORNADO/DISASTER DRILL
During a tornado/disaster drill, doors should remain open. The students will, with the teacher's instructions, leave their classes in double file and proceed up along the inside walls away from all doors and windows. Students must be quiet and orderly. A long recall bell is the signal to return to class.
Kennedy High School has a closed campus. Students are not allowed
to leave the building during lunch periods. In the Kennedy lunchroom, students
can purchase or bring a lunch from home. To assure the proper maintenance
of the facilities and help maintain order, the following list of rules must
be observed by all students. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.
1. This is your lunchroom; only you, wearing your color-coded ID, will receive
lunch service.
2. Food is to be eaten only in your lunchroom area. Food may not be transported
from one section of the lunchroom to another.
3. All tables must be left clean and chairs properly placed.
4. Trays must be removed as soon as you finish eating. Everyone at the table
is responsible for the cleanliness of the table and the immediate area. Don't
forget that the lunchroom may be used for study and should remain clean and
orderly.
5. Food or drink purchased outside the building may not be brought into the
building ("Fast Food" e.g. McDonalds). Bag lunches from home are
permitted. No glass containers are permitted.
6. You may not go to your locker in the middle of the period. If you need
a book to study, you must go to your locker at the beginning of the period
and bring your things with you to the lunchroom.
7. Students are to eat in their assigned section only and are not to walk
around.
8. Throwing of objects is prohibited in the cafeteria.
9. Any objects dropped on the floor must be picked up.
10. Students are not to sit on the lunch tables.Return
To Top
DETENTION STUDYReturn To Top
Detention studies are penalty periods requiring students to stay in school
under teacher supervision for periods of time outside the student's normal
schedule (i.e., before 1st p;period, Saturday mornings).. Detention studies
are assigned for the purpose of correcting minor offenses or tardiness to
school.
Students are reminded of the following when being assigned to a detention:
1. Students must be on time or they will not be admitted to the study.
2. Students must present a detention study form and his/her ID. to the detention
study teacher in order to be admitted.
3. Textbooks or study materials are required.
4. Talking or misconduct will result in the student not receiving credit for
attending.
5. Dress standard must be obseved. Failure to do detentions will result in
Out-of-School Suspension.
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LOCKS AND LOCKERS
Lockers will be assigned to students by division. Your assigned locker is
the only one you may occupy. This locker, which is the property of Kennedy
High School, is loaned to you. School officials reserve the right to search
a student's locker if they deem it necessary in order to maintain the integrity
of the school environment and health and welfare of the school population.
This locker search includes both school and physical education lockers. The
school can assume no responsibility for the contents of any locker. Authorized
locks may be purchased at student registration.
In the interest of security, the following guidelines have been established:
1. Corridor and gym lockers may be secured only with an official J.F.K. lock.
2. Lock combinations should never be given to anyone.
3. Do not store anything in another student's locker.
4. Do not store money or valuables in your locker.
5. Be sure you securely lock your locker each time you leave it.
6. Students are permitted to go to their lockers only during passing periods.
7. Keep lockers clean and well organized.
8. Do not use tape on locker surfaces.
9. Anything missing from the locker should be reported by filing a Missing
Article Report in the Security Office located in Room 104.
LOCKER ROOM POLICYReturn
To Top
1. Gym lockers are provided for students taking P.E.
2. Students should not bring unnecessary items to the P.E. room.
3. It is the student's responsibility to purchase a J.F.K. gym lock and bring
it with the student daily. Nothing should be left in a locker that is not
secured with an official Kennedy lock.
4. Any locks on lockers any period other than the student's P.E. period will
be cut off. Each period, different students are using the lockers. Therefore,
if a student leaves the student's lock on a locker, the next person would
not be able to use it.
5. Anything missing from the locker should be reported by filing a Missing
Article Report in the Security Office located in Room 104.
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GYM UNIFORMS
Gym uniforms are mandatory to participate in and pass physical education.
The uniform should be taken home regularly to be laundered.
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PHYSICAL
EDUCATION POOL RULES
1. Students swimming must bring their own swim cap, swim suit, towel and lock.
2. Students must take a shower before entering the pool.
3. Everyone must wear a swim cap.
4. Do not enter the pool until your teacher directs you to do so.
5. No running in the pool area.
6. No street shoes on the pool deck.
7. No gum, food or drinks in the locker rooms or in the pool area.
8. No horseplay in the pool.
9. Do not leave the pool area without permission.
10. T-shirts are not allowed in the pool.
11. No diving without teacher's permission.
12. Swim only in your designated area.
13. No shoving, pushing or dunking is allowed.
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TEXTBOOKS
At the beginning of the year, students are supplied with text bo
ks for all of their classes. The books remain in their possession for the duration of the class in most cases. When the books are issued, each student fills out a book card noting the book number. These books become the student's responsibility. The books must be returned in good condition to the respective teachers at the end of the year. If lost, books must be paid for before other texts will be issued to the student. Debt cards will be issued for all unreturned books. All debts must be paid. Nonpayment of debts may result in delayed receipt of grades or programs.
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IDENTIFICATION
CARDS (ID. CARDS)
To insure the safety of all students at Kennedy and to prevent trespassers
from entering the building, all students and staff must wear photo ID. cards
at all times. This rule will be strictly enforced.
1. All students will be issued a photo identification card during the first
week of school.
2. Students must display their I.D. cards on the front outside of their clothing
between the shoulders at the chest area.
3. Students attempting to enter the building without a card (lost, stolen,
replaced, or forgotten) will be given the option of purchasing a new one for
$3.00, or purchasing a temporary ID. card for $1.00.
4. The ID. card is necessary to enter the building, enter classes, to check
out library materials, to enter the lunch line in the lunchroom, to participate
in co-curricular activities, etc.
5. Students are to surrender their ID. cards to any staff member upon demand.
Failure to do so is an act of insubordination.
6. Students will be subject to disciplinary action for using someone else's
ID.
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STUDENT PARKING
Students are not permitted to park in the staff parking lot or on any Chicago
Public School property around the Kennedy - Kinzie complex. Students who park
their cars on the streets around the school are expected to obey all traffic
laws and posted signs. Many of the streets around the school have restricted
parking regulations.
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STUDENT DRESS
STANDARD
In accordance with the resolution regarding school uniform or Student Dress
Standard policy by the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees, Kennedy High
School
...has a legitimate goal of eliminating gang related activities...and providing
the children who attend Chicago Public Schools with a safe environment within
which to learn; and...has a legitimate goal to instill discipline and create
positive educational environment...has a legitimate goal of eliminating competition
concerning dress and de-emphasizing the socioeconomic differences of students
to promote a more effective climate for learning and...a student's dress 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...
The Local School Council has determined that Kennedy High School shall establish
and enforce a student dress standard effective September 1996. Kennedy High
School will have a student dress standard rather than a school uniform. Rather
than have a specific uniform to be purchased from one source, a student dress
standard was developed specifying the general appearance desired with clothing
that could be purchased from a variety of ordinary discount and department
stores.
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THE KENNEDY STUDENT DRESS STANDARD IS:
1. Shirt or blouse shall be white, long or short sleeve, with a collar. No
emblems or logos are permitted. Undershirts worn under the shirt must be white.
Shirts or blouses must be buttoned (excluding top button). When wearing a
short-sleeved shirt or blouse, undershirts must also be short sleeved.
2. No identified gang symbols are permitted. (The ultimate authority in determining
if a symbol, etc. represents gang affiliation will be the Dean of Discipline,
the Chicago Police officers assigned to the school or the principal's designee.)
3. Trousers, slacks or skirt--navy blue (no jeans or sweat pants, jogging
or spandex, etc.)
4. Skirt length should be no shorter than two inches above the knee.
5. Solid white or navy blue sweat shirts or sweaters with no hoods or pockets
may be worn (right side out) over the collared shirt, with the collar out
and showing, if the student is cold during the winter months.
6. Shorts--no more than two inches above the knee (To be worn only after official
notice from the administration--bulletin and P.A. announcement)
7. No gym shoes allowed that signify any type of gang affiliation. (The ultimate
authority in determining if a symbol, etc. represents gang affiliation will
be the Dean of Discipline, the Chicago Police Officers assigned to the school
or the principal's designee)
8. Whatever shoes a student chooses to wear, both must be the same color.
Gym shoes must be either white, black or white and black. No other colors
on the shoes are permitted, including color of laces which can only be white
or black. Laces must be tied.
9. Socks can be white, black or navy blue with both being the same color.
Female students may wear hosiery, tights, etc. which must be neutral, flesh
tone, white, black or navy blue, and both legs must be the same color.
10. Hair colors shall be limited to natural shades. Styles should be appropriate
and not distract from the learning process.
11. Earrings, studs, etc. shall be limited to one per ear for females only.
No other body piercing/jewelry is allowed for either males or females. Students
will not be allowed to wear thread, sticks, etc. in newly pierced ears during
school hours. No adhesive bandages will be allowed on earlobes.
12. No head coverings are to be worn inside the building, including scarves,
headbands and sweatbands. Other items to hold hair in place shall be in a
color consistent with the rest of the dress standard.
13. Ties or neck scarves, if desired, shall be of a color consistent with
the dress standard in either white or blue.
14. Belts or suspenders must be black or navy blue. Excessively large buckles,
studs or other adornments which could be used as a weapon or construed as
gang insignia are not permitted.
15. Key chains, wallet chains, etc. must not be excessively large.
16. Clothing should be a normal fit without being excessively loose or baggy.
17. Opaque book bags are to be left in lockers and may not be carried around
the school. However, clear, untinted, see-through book bags may be used and
carried during the school day.
18. The administration reserves the right to evaluate individual cases for
safety, security and appropriateness.
19. Any parent or guardian may appeal any part of this dress standard on behalf
of the student. Appeals are to be in writing and discussed with the principal's
designee.
20. Violations of the Kennedy Dress Standard will be handled in accordance
with the Uniform Discipline Code of the Chicago Public Schools, Group 2-5.
21. Under some conditions certain students may have designated elements of
the student dress waived. If a waiver from the student dress standard is requested
for a team, club or organization, the group's sponsor must file an application
with the Dean of Discipline. This application must be filed a minimum of two
school days before its effective date. Any student not adhering to the John
F. Kennedy Student Dress Standard must have an approved dress standard waiver
on file in the discipline office or they will be adjudged a violator of school
rules and regulations. Return To Top
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JOHN F. KENNEDY
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
o Has Over 27,000 Books
o Subscribes To Over 90 Magazines And Newspapers
o Has Four Computers Programmed To Assist Students With Body Awareness, Career
Exploration, and College Planning
o Has Special Collections Of Career, College, And Foreign Language Books Circulates
All Books And Materials
o Has Filmstrips, Film Loops, Microfiche, Microfilm, Recordings, Slides, Sound
Filmstrips, Transparencies, and Videotapes
o Has A Copy Machine For Convenience Of Students
o Has Project Inform Which Links Students With Other Libraries And Prepares
Them To Use Electronic Information Resources In Their School, Community College
Or University.
o Has Internet Access.Return To Top
CO-CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
There are numerous sports activities, clubs and organizations in which students
may participate. Announcements of the meeting place and time are made in the
daily bulletin and on the electronic message board in the lunch room.
For most sports, you must try out for the team and meet specific academic
requirements. The tryout dates and times are announced in the daily bulletin
and on the electronic message board in the lunch room. All coaches and team
members must adhere to the IHSA Athletic Eligibility Rules.
| . | Clubs |
.
|
Sports |
.
|
| Academic Decathlon | Cheerleaders |
Music Orchestra |
Baseball - Boys Soph and Varsity |
Basketball - Boys |
| African-American Club | Chess Club | Inspirational Choir | Baseball - Boys Soph Varsity |
Bowling - Boys & Girls |
| The Arab-American Club | Drama Club | PTSA (Parent-Teacher-Student Association) | Cross Country - Boys & Girls | Football - Boys Soph Varsity |
| 180 Club | FFA | Newspaper | Golf - Boys | Soccer - Boys Soph Varsity |
| Future Teachers of America | History Fair | Pom-Pon | Soccer - Girls Soph Varsity |
Softball - Girls & 16" Boys Soph Varsity |
| Homecoming Committee | Italian Club | Polish Heritage Club | Tennis - Boys & Girls | Track - Boys & Girls |
| Swimming - Boys & Girls | LASO (Latin American Student Organization) | Stage Crew |
Volleyball - Boys Soph Varsity |
Wrestling - Varsity |
| Peer Mediation | National Honor Society | Student Council | Weight Lifting Club | |
|
Unity Diversity Club |
Debate Team | Yearbook - Invictus | American Red Cross |
STUDENT
RECORDS
PERMANENT RECORD
Your permanent record (PRC) is the school's official record
of you. Information on this card includes your entire academic and attendance
records, your activities, your rank in class, and test scores (EXPLORE, PLAN,
PSAE, ACT, tap). It is this record that follows you when you enter an institution
of higher learning and when you request recommendations for employment and
scholarships. The importance of your high school record cannot be overestimated.
INSPECTION OF STUDENT RECORDS
Student records refer to any written or recorded information, maintained by
the school, by which a student may be individually identified. Information
maintained by a staff member for individual use is not considered a part of
the Student Record. The Student's Record consists of a permanent record and
a temporary record.
Parents or guardians have the opportunity to see, obtain copies, correct,
and limit the release of their child's student records. When a child reaches
the age of eighteen, all rights discussed below will belong to him or her.
I. Seeing and Copying Student Records
Parents have the right to inspect all records kept on their child, including
discipline reports, psychological reports, "child studies", health
files, grade reports, and any reports sent to the school from outside agencies.
A written request for the inspection of records must be sent to the school
fifteen days before the date of the inspection. Forms for requesting an inspection
are available at the school. A friend, relative, or lawyer may accompany a
parent to inspect the records. A staff member will be present to interpret
the information contained in these records. Parents also have the right to
copy any of their child's records, and the school may charge for the cost
of copying unless a parent cannot afford to pay. In some cases, it may be
necessary to obtain copies from the central offices of the Board of Education.
In this event, the principal will arrange for copies to be sent to you.
II. Challenging the Contents of School Records
If parents feel that information contained in their child's records (other
than grades) is inaccurate, misleading, irrelevant, or that it invades the
child's privacy, a request may be made to correct this information you are
challenging. If the school official does not make the correction you request,
you have the right to an informal meeting with the principal or other staff
within fifteen days of making a written request. This request should list
the particular records you want to correct and your reasons. If the challenge
is not resolved by the informal meeting, formal procedures may be initiated
in accordance with Rules and Regulations to Govern School Students Records,
Article IX Sections 9.03 and 9.04. If a request for correction is denied,
parents have the right to place a statement in their child's file explaining
the parents' view of the records.
III. Release of Student Records
The school will release Student Records to an official of another school in
which the student has enrolled or intends to enroll. The official or student
must make a written request to release the Records. When a child transfers
to another school district, parents have the right to inspect and correct
the student records prior to the release of the records to the new school
district.
IV. Maintenance of School Records
Student Permanent Records and Medical Files will be maintained for a period
of sixty years after the student has transferred, graduated, or permanently
withdrawn from school. Student temporary records will be maintained for one
year from the year the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws
from school.
