Walther Lutheran High School Family Handbook

General Information

Walther.com: Walther maintains an official web site which contains important information for students, parents, alumni and the community at large. It also contains pertinent links to other sites, including school closings, Edline, educational resources, etc.

ACCESS AND RIGHTS TO RECORDS: Walther follows strict rules, many set by state and federal law, for the access and release of records. Parents with questions about WLHS policies or the content of student records should call the Registrar. A 24-hour notice is required for review of student records. Information in student records is considered private. The records may be used only by educational officials unless a parent gives written permission.

Rules for access and release of records that apply to all WLHS students in all situations are:

Parents or guardians will be granted access to any and all information in their children's permanent records. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, Walther will provide (upon request) a non-custodial parent with access to their student’s academic records and other school related information. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a copy of any court order prohibiting the release of information to the non-custodial parent.

Parents may have materials copied in student records.

A student below age 18 will be granted access to any and all information in his or her own permanent records only with the consent of a parent or guardian.

School officials will be present when records are reviewed.

When a student reaches age 18, marries, graduates from secondary school or enters the military, all rights and privileges regarding student records previously accorded to parents will be granted to that student, unless the student is judged incompetent by a court of law.

Parents have the right to challenge any entry, except grades, in the school's student records on the basis of accuracy, relevance and/or propriety. A written request for a hearing must be submitted to the Registrar and must specify the entry or entries to be challenged and the basis of the challenge.

No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefit or make as a condition of employment, credit or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under the Illinois Record Act of 1975 or the Rules and Regulations to govern School Student Records.

ACCESS TO BUILDING: Students are to remain in the cafeteria until the 7:45 a.m. bell rings. Only students under teacher supervision are permitted on the second floor before the 7:45 a.m. bell. At 3:00 p.m., all students on the school grounds must be under the direct supervision of a teacher/coach or in a supervised study area. If a student must remain in the school building beyond the normal educational school hours, a parent or guardian must provide the principal with a written note of explanation including the expected dates and length of time that the student will remain after school. The principal reserves the right to accept or deny this request.

AFTER SCHOOL RULES: Walther provides after school supervision from 3:00 - 5:00 pm as a service to parents who cannot arrange rides or pick-up their students at 2:45 pm when school is dismissed for the day. This is not provided as a recreational activity. If a student must remain in the school building beyond 3:00 p.m., a parent or guardian must provide the principal with a written note of explanation including the expected dates and length of time that the student will remain after school. The principal reserves the right to accept or deny this request. Once approved, the student will then be issued an “After School” ID which must be produced on a daily basis in order to gain admission into after school supervision. There is a $5 replacement cost.

The following rules will apply during the supervision period:

1. At 3:00 pm, students waiting for rides need to be seated in the cafeteria and REMAIN seated unless using the vending machines.
   
2. Students under supervision are not to leave the cafeteria after 3:00 pm unless a pass is given by the After School Supervisor to proceed to another part of the school building.
   
3. Dismissal will be through the cafeteria doors ONLY. Students must arrange for their rides to pick them up from the parking lot.
   
4. School rules apply during the after school hours.
   
5. Students waiting for rides are not to leave the building. If a student leaves the building, he/she may not return.
   
6. The After School Supervisor has the right to ask anyone to leave or deny permission for after school use.
   
7. At 5:00 pm, students will be excused from the building.

BACKPACKS: Backpacks are defined as anything worn on the back. Backpacks are to be stored in student lockers during the school day. They are not allowed in the hallways or classrooms during the school day.

CELL PHONES: Will be taken from students if they are used upon arrival at school, during the school day, and after the school day before 3:00 pm. Cell phones are to be powered off upon arrival on Walther’s campus. Cell phones must be stored out of sight and in the “off” node (not able to transmit or receive communication). Modes of operation such as silent, vibrating, text messaging or alarm will not be considered “off” mode.

The cafeteria is a designated area for cell phone use after 3:00 pm. Students are not to use their cell phones in the parking lot before or after school. In emergency situations the school office phones may be used.

Students who violate the cell phone policy will have their phone subject to confiscation by school authorities. Confiscated phones will be returned to a parent after a period of one week, upon payment of a $50 fine and following a parent conference with the Principal or the Principal’s designee. Student cell phones in the school’s possession longer than one month will be recycled. There will be no school investigation of loss of a cell phone for any reason.

CHAPEL SERVICES: In harmony with the Christian atmosphere of our school, homeroom devotions are conducted four days a week. One day a week, usually on Wednesday, a longer service is conducted in the gym or at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Worship of the Triune God is an integral part of the purpose and program of our school. Enrollment at Walther indicates a willingness on the student's part to participate, at least to the extent of being present and reverent, during worship.

EDLINE: Through a link on Walther’s web page (www.walther.com) parents and students are able to obtain weekly up-to-date information about student course performance including assignments, grades, discipline, attendance, club and sport activity. Students and parents will be given secure access codes to obtain this information.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: Radios, televisions, tape players, CD players, electronic games or other electronic equipment are not to be used at school during classroom hours. Headphones, earbuds, etc. are to be removed upon entry into the building and may only be used in designated areas before and after school. Electronic pagers (“beepers”) may not be brought to school. It is understood that pagers are subject to seizure by the school and will not be returned.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING: Walther rarely closes because of weather or other emergencies. In an emergency, the school may be closed early, after 1:00 p.m. or all day. Should the school close, news of the closing may be reported on a taped telephone message at (708) 344-0404. Information will also be available on WGN Radio, AM 720, through the Emergency School Closing Center and on the school’s website, www.walther.com.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

FAX MACHINE: The school’s fax machine is for official school office use only. Student homework is NOT to be sent to school via fax.

FIRE DRILLS, TORNADO ALERTS: When the alarm sounds for a fire or a fire drill, students are to remain quiet to maintain order and insure safety. Students will walk to the nearest exit; leave books and other personal property behind; clear access to the building for fire fighting and other safety equipment; and return to the building as soon as they are asked to return.

When the tornado alarm is received, students will be instructed over the public address system to proceed in a quiet manner to a secure designated place.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Students may bring their own lunch or purchase food in the cafeteria. The use of outside food sources is discouraged during scheduled lunch periods. Food and beverages purchased in the cafeteria are to be consumed in the cafeteria only, including those purchased from vending machines after school. Eating and drinking of any food or beverage in the halls, classrooms, and gym area is not allowed. Teachers and administrators reserve the right to confiscate the food or beverage taken outside of the cafeteria.

HALL PASSES: Academic Planners contain the student hall passes. Passes are issued by a teacher or staff member. Students are not to be in the hallways without a pass. Passes are issued for a 4 minute time period only. Misuse of the pass, such as loitering in the halls or causing a disturbance is not allowed.

LOST BOOKS: Lost books are turned in to the Student Service Office. Students may be called to the office to retrieve lost books if their name is written in the book. Notebooks, workbooks, and folders which cannot be identified and which do not have a student name in them will be recycled.

MAINTAINING PROPERTY: Any student guilty of malicious or deliberate destruction or defacement of school property will be held responsible. No posters, streamers, etc, are to be pasted to any plastered walls without permission from the school office. Locker posters are allowed upon approval from the School Office personnel. Only masking tape should be used for fastening. At no time should cellophane tape be used. Ample provision has been made for disposal of refuse, and there is no excuse for the appearance of any sort of litter in the halls.

PASSING PERIODS: Four minutes are allowed between periods for passage from one class to another. The importance of quiet for classes in session and the need for safety in crowded halls, makes it necessary for all students to refrain from running, pushing, and making a disturbance.

PUBLIC AFFECTION: Students are expected to exercise restraint in displaying affection toward one another. When a staff member observes students who are not exercising restraint in displaying affection, the staff member will request the students to stop. Students are expected to abide by the request of the staff member. Failure to comply with a request may result in referral to the Principal’s designee in charge of discipline. Upon referral the Principal’s designee will confer with the students, may contact the students’ parents or legal guardians, and may initiate further disciplinary action.

SMOKING: According to state law, smoking by students is not permitted on the school premises or adjacent property at any time, nor is smoking permitted at any place where an activity is sponsored by the school or an organization of the school. Students should not bring smoking materials to school; they will be confiscated.

STUDENT INSURANCE: As part of the Walther family, all students have insurance coverage, provided under the blanket policy maintained by the school, for school hours and while participating in school activities. The cost of this insurance is collected as part of the Student Services Fee. This insurance is intended as a supplement to your personal insurance. To make a claim on the school accident insurance after bills have been presented to your personal insurance, an accident claim form is available from the School Office. Each year the insurance agency also provides the opportunity for parents to purchase additional insurance for their student.

STUDY HALLS: Students are REQUIRED to bring materials to study, i.e. text or other books, workbooks, newspapers, appropriate periodicals, and other materials. Library time will be available during some study periods.

The following Study Hall Rules will apply:

• Study halls are in student schedules to help improve their grades. This will only happen however, if students use this time constructively and quietly.
• Students should bring study material to each study period each day. It is advisable to bring more work than the student thinks he/she can finish.
• Unless a student is getting an “A” in all classes, he/she shouldn’t maintain the position that they “don’t have any homework.” A student can always read a magazine or newspaper in study hall.
• Magazines or newspapers should not be used to start a discussion at the table.
• Washroom passes will be given only in cases of emergency. Students should ask for these sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. If requests become frequent, they will be denied.
• Students in the library may ask to use one of the computers. Students with homework requiring computers will get priority. Word processing will take precedence over web surfing.
• Students need to respect their fellow students’ right to a quiet study atmosphere.
• Students are requested to pick up any paper around the table or desk and to push in the chairs before leaving.
• Consumption of food or beverage is not permitted during study hall.

TELEPHONE MESSAGES: Please do not ask to have a student released from class to speak on the phone. Please arrange all matters ahead of time with your student. In case of emergency, the Student Service Clerk will take a message and, at an appropriate time, notify the student. Messages will only be accepted from a parent or guardian.

TEXTBOOKS: The high school curriculum demands specific texts that seem to increase in price with each new edition. In an effort to help control costs, Walther operates a rental program for textbooks. The fee may change annually and will be published five months prior to the beginning of the school year. Books will be distributed by the teachers in their classrooms on the first day of school. At the conclusion of the semester (for 1 semester classes) or the school year (for 2 semester classes), books will be collected by the teachers. Damage to books will result in a fine. If books are not returned on the appropriate book return dates established by the teachers, final report card and/or transcripts will be withheld until the books are returned or the replacement cost of the books has been paid.

VISITOR PASSES FOR ADULTS: Visitors, including parents and alumni, must begin their visits to the school grounds or the school building by providing personal identification, signing up, and obtaining visitors’ badges through the Student Services Office. No visitors’ passes will be issued to school-age persons and current students may not bring guests to school except as outlined above.

VISITOR PASSES FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENT: Student visitor passes will, normally, be granted only to students who profess a desire to attend Walther Lutheran High School. Arrangements to bring a visitor to school must be made through the admissions’ offices at least one day in advance of the planned visit.

The visitor's parent must call and speak to the appropriate admission’s office concerning enrollment at Walther before he/she is allowed to visit. The visitor must bring a note from his/her parent stating:

1. that they give permission for their student to visit Walther,
2. that they are considering enrollment at Walther,
3. and include a phone number where they may be reached during the day.

All visitors must obtain a visitors badge from the Student Services Office upon arrival at Walther

Visitors may be denied admittance due to scheduling or interference with the educational climate of the school.

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