Behavior & Discipline

This section of the handbook will assist in an understanding of behavior expectations and discipline in Woodridge School District 68. The principal of each school will gladly supply any details requested by parents. It is suggested that parents read the handbook carefully and keep it at hand for ready reference. Individual schools may also have additional standards/rules governing specific behaviors.

Grounds for disciplinary action, including those described more thoroughly in Board Policy 5365: Student Discipline, apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:

1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;
2. Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
4. Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including, but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.

Parents are encouraged to share with the District any questions or concerns. By working together we can achieve the best possible education for your child.

This statement is intended to promote a better understanding of the individual rights and unique responsibilities of students attending Woodridge School District 68. It has been prepared to assist in developing a respect for the reasonable exercise of rights and an understanding of appropriate responsibilities.

The rights and responsibilities outlined here are stated in general terms. A more detailed explanation of these rights and responsibilities is contained in the Board of Education Policy Manual. Copies of these manuals are available for public review on the district website and at the District Administrative Center.

Student Rights

Students have the right:

• To be protected by the Federal and State Constitutions and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a school setting.
• To ask questions and receive answers.
• To due process of the law. (For example: Students accused of breaking a rule must be given the opportunity to explain their side of the issue.)
• To freedom from discrimination based on sex, nationality, race, religion, economic or social conditions, physical or mental disability, actual or potential marital or parental status.
• To equal educational opportunities that meet their individual needs.
• To privacy regarding all personal and academic records pertaining to the student. These records may be inspected only by school officials, parents, and students, or as required by law.
• To have school rules and policies explained.

Student Responsibilities

Students have the responsibility:

• For good behavior and self-control in the school building, on the playground and on buses.
• To express their own ideas and opinions without interfering with the rights of others or being disruptive.
• To obey all school rules and school board regulations.
• Of not discriminating against teachers, administrators, other school personnel, or other students regardless of their sex, nationality or racial, religious, or social background.
• To treat others with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• To dress and groom themselves in a manner that does not present health and safety hazards or disrupt the educational process.
• To study, learn, and comply with class requirements to the best of their ability.
• To be punctual and present in the regular or assigned school program to the best of their ability.
• To respect the exercise of authority by school administrators, teachers, and supervisors in maintaining discipline and order in the school and at school-sponsored activities.
• To respect all school property as well as the property of other students such as lockers, desks, Chromebooks, books, personal items, etc.

Our district is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students. We believe that teaching positive behavior is just as important as academic instruction, and we aim to help students become responsible, self-disciplined members of our school community.

Prohibited Behaviors

To protect all students and staff, the following behaviors are not allowed:

• Tobacco, drugs, or alcohol use, possession, or distribution (including vapes, cannabis, look-alike drugs, and drug paraphernalia)
• Weapons or any item used or intended to cause harm
• Bullying, harassment, hazing, or aggressive behavior (including online or off-campus if it affects school)
• Sexual misconduct, including inappropriate touching or indecent exposure
• Inappropriate use of technology, such as taking unauthorized photos or sharing inappropriate content
• Academic dishonesty, such as cheating or using unauthorized help on assignments
• Vandalism, theft, or unauthorized entry onto school property
• Disruptive or defiant behavior toward staff or other students
• Gang activity or promotion
• False emergencies, including prank 911 calls or fake threats

See Board Policy 5365: Student Behavior for a comprehensive list of all prohibited behaviors.

Responses to Misbehavior

The school uses a range of interventions depending on the situation. These may include:

• Conversations with students and parents
• Removal from class or privileges
• In-school or after-school interventions
• Suspension (in-school or out-of-school) or, in rare cases, expulsion
• Restitution for damage or loss
• Referral to community service or alternative programs
• Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement

Whenever possible, the school focuses on non-exclusionary discipline, avoiding suspension or expulsion unless absolutely necessary. Corporal punishment is not allowed. See Board Policy 5365: Student Behavior for a comprehensive list of all disciplinary measures.

The schools and school district appreciate your partnership in supporting a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.

The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective discipline practices that: (1) ensure the safety and dignity of students and staff; (2) maintain a positive, weapons-free, and drug-free learning environment; (3) keep school property and the property of others secure; (4) address the causes of a student’s misbehavior and provide opportunities for all individuals involved in an incident to participate in its resolution; and (5) teach students positive behavioral skills to become independent, self-disciplined citizens in the school community and society.

This policy includes information about:

• When and where conduct rules apply
• Prohibited student conduct
• Disciplinary measures
• Isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint
• Weapons
• Re-engagement of returning students
• Required notices
• Delegation of authority
• Student handbook

Read more: Board Policy 5365: Student Behavior

In an effort to provide a safe environment which allows all students to learn, the Board and all employees of the District shall endeavor to insure that effective discipline is implemented in the District. Teachers and other certificated employees shall maintain discipline in the schools. The Board recognizes its responsibility to give reasonable support and assistance to employees with respect to the maintenance of discipline. Employees shall stress the development of discipline and self control on a daily basis. It shall be the responsibility of the employees to communicate to parents serious disciplinary problems and consult with parents regarding the solving of disciplinary problems.

Read more: Board Policy 4230: Maintaining Student Discipline

Woodridge School District 68 believes the basis of all learning starts with a firm conviction in the value of integrity. Dishonest behavior is a detriment to all educational goals. Academic dishonesty disgraces the students involved, their families, and their community. Such behavior should not be tolerated.

We recognize that cooperative learning is a beneficial instructional practice. When the practice is acceptable to the teacher, the teacher’s expectations must be clearly explained. If not clearly delineated as approved, the copying of academic work will be considered cheating.

Responsibilities

• Student: The student is the person most responsible for his / her own education. Under no circumstances should a student claim any work in part or whole that is not the student’s own. Unauthorized sharing of one’s work will not be tolerated.
• Parents: As partners in the educational process, parents must teach and support the ethical value of honesty. It is the parents’ responsibility to share in the enforcement of the school’s academic honesty policy.
• Teachers: Teachers are expected to perform their instructional responsibilities in such a manner as to minimize the potential for dishonesty. Teachers have an educational responsibility to clarify general and specific academic honesty expectations.

Definitions

Cheating occurs when a student obtains or assists others in obtaining credit for work that is not their own. Plagiarism is the act of appropriating the ideas, language, or work of another, and passing them off as one’s own product. Examples of cheating and/or plagiarism include but are not limited to the following:

• Copying from another student’s test or helping another student during a test.
• Providing or accepting information regarding specific test content.
• Submitting another person’s work as one’s own.
• Stealing copies of tests or answer keys.
• Copying another student’s homework, test, quiz, project, book report, assignment, or take home test.
• Allowing another student to copy a test, homework assignment, quiz, project, book report, assignment, or take home test.
• Presenting materials taken from sources, such as books, periodicals, newspapers, or the Internet without appropriate documentation.
• Using a writing service and/or generative artificial intelligence technology in place of original work unless specifically authorized by staff 
• Changing answers on a test, assignment, or project after grading.
• Changing grades in a grade book or altering a computer grading program.
• Using programmable calculators in a manner not specified by the teacher.

If a student or parent has a concern about whether a particular behavior is ethical, he or she should discuss the behavior with the teacher prior to taking such action.

Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

The disciplinary consequences that will result from not following the academic honesty principles, as outlined above, are to be immediately addressed by the teacher, student, parent, and principal.

A student's appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency. The District does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. The District also does not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or other characteristic or category protected under the Ill. Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/1-103(Q). Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance.

Appropriate dress and grooming shall be determined by the building principal in accordance with the regulations below:

1. Appropriate footwear must be worn.
2. The wearing of hats or hoods is prohibited in the building unless specifically permitted by the principal or his designee.
3. Bare midriffs, see-through garments, clothing which bares the chest, tube tops and halter tops are prohibited.
4. Skirts or shorts more than six inches above the knee are prohibited except for prescribed uniforms worn during Physical Education and school related athletic functions.
5. Obscene, profane language or provocative pictures on clothing or jewelry is prohibited.
6. Students are not to wear overcoats or out-of-door coats in classrooms or during class time unless specifically permitted by the principal or designee.
7. Students shall not wear any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other item which is evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.
8. Clothing which bears any message which is considered to be obscene; disrespectful of country, school or religion; or advertises alcoholic beverages, drugs and or tobacco shall be deemed inappropriate.
9. Sagged/baggy pants - the waistline of the pants is to be located at the hipbone of the student without undergarments visible.

Regulation 5330R
Administrative Adoption: October 25, 1999
Amended: January 25, 2010
Reviewed: November 25, 2024

Using or possessing an electronic paging device; using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules is prohibited.

Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone.

Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the building principal, all electronic devices must be kept powered off and out of sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.

For the safety and supervision of students in the absence of parent(s)/guardian(s), to maintain discipline and order in schools, and to provide for the health, safety and welfare of students and staff, school authorities are authorized to conduct searches of students and their personal effects, as well as District property.

Students should have no reasonable expectation of privacy in or on school property or related to equipment owned or controlled by the school or in their personal effects left in these places. Such inspections and searches may be conducted without notice to or the consent of the student without a search warrant.

This policy covers:

• Notification regarding student accounts or profiles on social networking websites
• Students and their personal effects
• School property
• Law enforcement and assistance
• Seizure of property

Read more: Board Policy 5310: Search and Seizure

The use of behavioral interventions should always respect the dignity and privacy of the student while promoting learning of more appropriate behaviors. Woodridge School District 68 uses a positive behavior intervention approach that is designed to support students with challenging behaviors in learning more effective and acceptable ways of behaving. This approach is based on first seeking to understand why problem or target behaviors are or are not occurring in certain situations by identifying the functional relationship between the target behavior and environmental events through a systematic process called a functional behavioral assessment (FBA).

As a consideration of special factors, the IEP team must determine whether a student’s behavior impedes his or her learning or the learning of others. In the event that a student’s behavior does impact his or her learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, along with other strategies, to address the target behavior. The IEP may include modifications, support for school personnel, and related services that are needed to address the behavioral goals. If the IEP team determines that a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) is needed, the BIP is included with the IEP and should be aligned to the IEP goals. While the use of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and BIP may be mandated in some instances, it is also a non-exclusionary disciplinary practice that can proactively support students with behavioral needs.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner while traveling as passengers in school district transportation vehicles. Regard for transportation property, respect for drivers, and consideration of the rights and welfare of others should govern pupil actions.

Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school related activity. Notice of electronic recordings shall be displayed on the exterior of the vehicle’s entrance door and front interior bulkhead in compliance with State law and the rules of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Read more: Board Policy 5380: Bus Conduct

The conduct code shall: (1) require participants in extracurricular activities to conduct themselves as good citizens and exemplars of their school at all times, including after school, on days when school is not in session, and whether on and off school property, (2) emphasize that hazing and bullying activities are strictly prohibited; and (3) notify participants that failure to abide by it could result in discipline, up to and including removal from the activity.

All coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities shall annually review the rules of conduct with participants and provide participants with a copy.

Read more: Board Policy 5385: Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities

No person, including a School District employee or agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived: race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic.

The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Read more: Board Policy 5020: Harassment of Students Prohibited

Woodridge School District 68 wants every student and staff member to feel safe, respected, and able to do their best. That’s why we do NOT allow discrimination or harassment based on a person’s race, skin color, or where they come from.

What counts as discrimination or harassment?

• Unfair treatment: Like punishing some students more harshly just because of their race, or not letting them join certain classes or activities for the same reason.
• Bullying or name-calling: Using racial slurs, making mean jokes, or saying hurtful things about someone’s background.
• Physical threats: Any type of racially motivated threats or attacks.
• Offensive symbols: Showing symbols that are meant to be hateful or racist.

What should you do if this happens?

• Speak up: If you see or experience discrimination or harassment, tell a trusted adult at school, like a teacher, counselor, or principal.
• Make a report: You can report it anonymously (without giving your name), but keep in mind that this might limit what actions the school can take.
• Bring support: You can bring someone you trust when making a report if that helps you feel more comfortable.

What will the school/district do?

• The school/district will investigate every report and take it seriously.
• If someone has broken this rule, they may face consequences like suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary actions (for students) or job-related consequences (for staff).
• No retaliation: It’s against the rules to get back at someone for reporting a problem.

What if it’s not fixed?

If you feel the school/district hasn’t handled the situation well, you can contact:

• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)
• U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights

Why this matters

Everyone deserves to feel safe and included at school. If you or someone you know is treated unfairly because of race, skin color, or background, it’s important to speak up.

Board Policy 7270: Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

At our schools, bullying of any kind, by any person, is unacceptable. All students should be free from worries about being bullied. Students who bully others must be taught other, appropriate ways of interacting with peers. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information concerning the School District’s anti-bullying program and to encourage you to help us identify students who are being bullied.

The School Board policy on bullying begins with this goals statement:

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors is an important District goal.

Bullying is defined as follows:

Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

1. Placing  the  student  in  reasonable  fear  of  harm  to  the  student’s  person  or property.
2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.
3. Substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance.
4. Substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Bullying, intimidation, and/or harassment may take various forms, including without limitation: threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

School staff members are to respond immediately and with compassion to a student who reports bullying or school violence. After evaluating the situation to determine if an immediate referral to the principal's office is needed, a staff member will give the student our form for reporting bullying (Regulation 5440R5: Report Form for Bullying and School Violence). Parents & guardians will be informed whenever their child is involved in a bullying report.

Staff members are also to provide their feedback and concerns specifically regarding locations that may be bullying "hot spots" needing additional supervision or monitoring or if there are any known bullies or targets of bullying in the building. Parents and guardians are asked to do the same thing. Please inform the school principal if you know of any bullying "hot spots" in or around our school, or if you are aware of a known bully or target of bullying.

Finally, staff members are to intervene immediately to stop a bullying incident. They will immediately contact building security and or law enforcement if the incident involves a weapon or other illegal activity.

Below are some of the signs that a young person could be subject to being bullied:

• Does not want to go to school and refuses to explain the reason
• Talks about not having any friends
• Has unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches, or abrasions
• Has unexplained damage to clothing, possessions, books, etc.
• Frequently loses money or possessions
• Loses interest in school and/or has declining grades
• Becomes withdrawn and/or has stress or depression symptoms

If you are aware or become aware of a student who you believe could be the subject of bullying conduct, please make a report to the principal or an administrator. The principal/administrator will:

1. Acknowledge and review your report.
2. Treat your report with privacy and respect.
3. Investigate your report. The school will not bring students who bully and those they bully into the same room to confront each other. All interviews will be private.
4. Take appropriate action that may include increased monitoring and supervision, restructuring schedules, additional resources, and disciplinary action for conduct code violations, among others, and provide you with feedback, if appropriate.

Reference: Regulation 5440R4

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important District goals. The District is committed to preventing bullying, intimidation and harassment in all of its forms, as well as educating students, staff and the public about the types of behaviors that could result in bullying, intimidation or harassment. It is the District’s goal to prevent and eliminate these disruptive behaviors before they rise to the level of bullying, intimidation or harassment, and to address these behaviors as soon as practicable.

Under State and federal law, bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, status of being homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:

1. During any school-sponsored education program or activity.
2. While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.
4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.

Read more: Board Policy 5440: Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student who is 11 to 19 years of age uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

Read more: Board Policy 5470: Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Students are prohibited from engaging in gang activity. Gang means any combination, confederation, alliance, network, conspiracy, understanding, or other similar conjoining of three or more persons with an established hierarchy that, through its membership or through the agency of any member, engages in a course or pattern of criminal activity. Drug distribution, burglary, theft, assaults, and weapon-related offenses are typically associated with established gangs.

No student shall engage in any gang activity, including but not limited to:

1. Wearing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other thing that are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang;
2. Committing any act or omission, or using any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (such as gestures or handshakes) showing membership or affiliation in a gang; and
3. Using any speech or committing any act or omission in furtherance of any gang or gang activity, including but not limited to: (a) soliciting others for membership in any gangs, (b) requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person, (c) committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies, (d) inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.

Students engaging in any gang-related activity may be subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions: 

1. Removal from extracurricular and athletic activities
2. Conference with parent(s)/guardian(s)
3. Referral to appropriate law enforcement agency
4. Suspension for up to 10 days
5. Expulsion not to exceed two calendar years

Regulation 5410
Administrative Adoption: October 25, 1999
Amended: January 12, 2026

Woodridge School District 68 is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. When behavior issues arise that significantly disrupt learning or pose a safety concern, suspension or expulsion may be considered. These actions are always taken seriously and follow clear procedures to ensure fairness.

In-School Suspension

Students may be assigned to an in-school suspension when necessary. This means the student remains at school, supervised by staff, and can complete classwork for full credit. Before in-school suspension is assigned, the student will be told what happened and have a chance to respond.

Out-of-School Suspension

A student may be temporarily removed from school for more serious incidents. When this happens:

• The student will first have a chance to hear the charges and share their side.
• Parents/guardians will be contacted, and a written notice will explain the reason, duration, and the student’s rights, including how to make up missed work.
• If the situation is urgent (e.g., safety is at risk), a student may be suspended immediately, and the notice will follow as soon as possible.
• For longer suspensions (4 or more school days), the school must show that other interventions were tried or weren’t suitable and explain how the suspension helps protect safety or reduce disruption.

Parents can request a review of the suspension by the Board or a designated hearing officer.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the most serious disciplinary action and may result in removal from school for up to two years. It is used only when absolutely necessary and follows a formal process:

• Families will receive written notice of a hearing, including the details of the incident and prior discipline history.
• A hearing will be held before the School Board or a hearing officer, where students and families may present evidence, call witnesses, and have legal representation if they choose.
• The Board’s final decision will include a detailed explanation of why the expulsion is necessary and what supports may be offered during the expulsion period.

Whenever possible, schools strive to use positive behavior supports and interventions before considering exclusionary measures like suspension or expulsion. Our goal is always to support student success while ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Read more: Board Policy 5370: Suspension and Expulsion Procedures