Welcome to the Marie Sklodowska Curie Metro High School!
School Policies
1. Attendance 2. School ID
3. Student Misbehavior 4. Student Dress and Hygiene Code
5. Locker Usage 6. Confidentiality Information
  1. Attendance


    2. The School Code of Illinois, Chapter 122, Illinois Revised Statutes, Section 26-1, provides that any child between the ages of 7-16 shall attend school in the district wherein the child resides, with the exception of those attending a private or parochial school. Section 26-2 provides that any child below 7 or over 16 who is enrolled in any grade between first and twelfth grade shall attend school.

    Absences
    There are only four acceptable causes of absence(s):
    • Illness
    • Death in the immediate family
    • Family emergency
    • Observation of religious holidays Students may never partially attend school or be around school when they are officially marked absent. Reinstatement A note from home is required after each absence. (Reinstatements will be given after three absences.) Students who return to school without a note are sent to the respective attendance facilitator.

    Truancy
    A "truant" is defined in Section 26-2a as a child subject to compulsory school attendance who is absent without a valid cause. Students must attend ALL CLASSES each day, except when ill or officially excused and parents are aware. Any person who has custody or control of a child subject to compulsory attendance who knowingly or willfully permits the child to persist in truancy, if convicted, is guilty of a Class “C” misdemeanor and may be subject to up to 30 days of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500. Any person who willfully induces or attempts to induce any child to be absent from school for three consecutive school days, if convicted, is guilty of a Class “C” misdemeanor. After five and ten days of unexcused absences, a notice will be sent by the school to the parent/guardian. These are State Attendance Laws and are in effect for the school year.

    Students who arrive after their first class of the day has begun shall be marked tardy to school. Students who are in the building but arrive late to their first class of the day due to a discipline or an attendance conference initiated by an authorized school official are not marked tardy to school.

    Students must be in the building and in the classroom before the tardy bell rings. If the tardy bell has rung, students must have a time-stamped tardy pass from the computer located on each floor in order to be admitted in class/division. Students use the time-stamped admission Slip to enter class.

    Attendance Policy

    Class Attendance
    1. Students who have unexcused absences in 10% of the classes in a particular course during the period for which a unit of credit is earned shall earn no grade higher than a B in the course.
    2. Students who have unexcused absences in l5% of the classes in a particular course during the period for which a unit of credit is earned shall earn no grade higher than a C in the course.
    3. Students who have unexcused absences in 20% or more of the classes in a particular course during the period for which a unit of credit is earned shall not pass the course and shall receive no credit towards promotion.
    All Students are expected to:
    1. ATTEND school and class EVERY school day throughout the entire school year
    2. ARRIVE to school and to every class BEFORE the second bell sounds
    3. BE SEATED in the classroom before the second bell sounds
    Students who fail to attend school will be dropped if:
    1. The student is absent for more than 18 DAYS
    Students who are absent from school must:
    1. Bring a note from home and have each teacher sign the note. The note is to be given to the division teacher after all signatures are obtained.
    2. Obtain a REINSTATEMENT from the attendance office if absent for 3 DAYS or more.
    Excused Absences(Must not exceed more than 18 days)
    Students who are absent for the following reasons may be marked excused absence if:
    1. The student was given WRITTEN NOTICE BY A DOCTOR not to attend school
    2. DEATH in the immediate family (mother, father, sister, brother)
    3. RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY supported by documentation
    4. FAMILY EMERGENCY approved by an attendance facilitator
    Parent Responsibility
    1. Assume RESPONSIBILITY for your child’s prompt and regular compliance with all attendance rules and procedures
    2. ATTEND all requested conferences
    Detention/Suspension
    1. Students will be assigned to SATURDAY DETENTION electronically for every fifth class cut (each cut will equal 1/2 day absence)
    2. Students will be assigned to AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION electronically for every fifth tardy to school and/or tardy to class
    3. Failure to serve detention will result in SUSPENSION one to five days and a PARENT CONFERENCE (WILL NOT BE RE-SCHEDULED)


    Hall Sweeps
    Random hall sweeps will be conducted. Any student caught in a hall sweep will receive a CLASS CUT for that period (accumulated cuts will result in detention).

    Early Dismissal Procedures
    Students who require early dismissal for a doctor’s appointment or other reason should report directly to the Attendance Office. Every effort should be made to schedule doctors’ appointments, etc., after school, on weekends, or on holidays. NO EARLY DISMISSAL WILL BE GIVEN WITHOUT A HOME CONTACT. If a parent cannot be contacted, the request for early dismissal will be denied. Whenever possible, a parent should pick up a sick or injured student. EARLY DISMISSALS WILL NOT BE GIVEN BEFORE 4TH PERIOD.

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  2. School ID


    3. Identification/Entry to School
    • An ID card must be presented to any school staff member or any person of authority who asks to see the ID card.
    • Students must present their ID cards when entering the school. Entry is allowed only at the Northwest Pulaski or the Arts Center doors.
    STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR AND VISIBLY DISPLAY THEIR CURIE IDENTIFICATION CARD IMPRINTED WITH A PHOTO AND CURRENT PROGRAM WHILE IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING OR ON THE IMMEDIATE CAMPUS (CURIE SCHOOL PROPERTY). ID’s may be temporarily removed only during physical education classes or shop classes when working with power tools.

    Failure to Have ID Card Upon Entry to Building
    If the permanent ID is lost or misplaced, the student must proceed directly to the I-West Focal Point and purchase a TEMPORARY ID. The Curie computer is programmed to identify the number of times a student fails to have his/her ID card when coming to school. Temporary ID’s cost $1.00. Students must display or replace the missing permanent ID as quickly as possible. Only five temporary ID’s will be allowed during each school quarter. After the fifth temporary ID, the student will be suspended until he/she presents or replaces the permanent ID.

    Rules for Wearing the ID Card
    • Cards must be visible at all times.
    • Cards must be worn on a school-issued neck chain.
    • Cards must be positioned with the picture side displayed.
    • Cards are to be worn no lower than mid-chest level.
    • Temporary ID’s must also be displayed according to the current date and the above rules.
    • ID cards may not be defaced or have graffiti written on them. Gang-related graffiti will be treated as gang activity.
    • Damaged cards must be replaced at student’s expense.
    • Students with an orange card will not be allowed to leave the building for lunch.


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  3. Student Misbehavior: Uniform Discipline Code


    4. The Chicago Public Schools Uniform Discipline Code is the guide that schools use in administering sanctions for student misbehavior. The UDC is distributed to Curie students in October of each school year. The UDC lists six groups of student misconduct and the minimum/maximum disciplinary actions that may be imposed. Parents and students should be aware that schools may not exceed the penalties that are listed in the UDC. In addition to these sanctions, provisions of the Illinois Criminal Code are applicable to illegal behavior. Repeated acts of misconduct from groups three, four, and five of the UDC will result in expulsion/alternative placement procedures being initiated against the student, Any act of misconduct from group six will result in mandatory expulsion procedures being initiated against the student.

    • Alcohol/Drugs
      Students are forbidden to process or to carry any alcoholic beverage or illegal drugs in the school, on campus, or at school-sponsored activities or within the “SAFE SCHOOL ZONE”. Students are not to enter the building if under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.


    • Beepers (Electronic Paging Devices)/Cellular Telephones
      It is against the law for students to be in possession of an electronic paging device in school or on school property. All such devices will be confiscated and the student may be suspended as per the UDC book. Headphones worn/seen in this building will be CONFISCATED.
      Upon detailed written explanation from a parent or legal guardian, the principal may authorize a student to possess a cellular telephone for medical or other family emergencies or for any other good cause.
      1. A cellular telephone permission form must be on file with the student’s year-level Dean before bringing a cellular telephone to school.
      2. See the form for details) A new form must be submitted each school year and a copy of the form must be in the student’s possession while carrying the cellular telephone.

    • Public Telephones
      Students are not allowed to use public telephones during class time.


    • Birthday Celebrations
      The school has a policy that NO BALLOONS may be carried inside the building or outside of the building on school grounds. Birthday celebrations should not embarrass or burden the person whose birthday is being celebrated nor cause a commotion or disruption. No negotiations -- period.


    • Skateboards, radios, TV’s
      Skateboards, radios, TV’s, etc., are not allowed in school. Any such items will be confiscated.


    • Conflicts
      Students may not bother -- give “hard looks’, call names, touch, challenge, intimidate, or strike -- anyone else. Students who are bothered should not do the same to the other individual but should report the situation to a teacher and/or to the Dean’s Office. BULLYING AND/OR INTIMIDATION OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. STUDENT MISBEHAVIOR.


    A HATE CRIME IS A FELONY!
    A person commits a HATE CRIME when the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disability (including HIV status) is used to rationalize an illegal activity. A person commits a crime by performing any of the following acts: assault or aggravated assault, battery or aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to real property, trespass to vehicle, misdemeanor theft, mob action, disorderly conduct, and telephone harassment. The City of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, and the Board of Education will not tolerate hate crimes and! or bigotry. The school will protect each student’s rights. REMEMBER: DON’T TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS. TAKE THE PROBLEM TO THE DEAN’S OFFICE.

    Defiance of Authority

    Students are required to obey written and verbal directives of all authorized school personnel including administrators, teachers, counselors, teacher aides, security personnel, lunchroom personnel, etc. Any student who defiantly challenges or simply ignores such authority shall be considered insubordinate.

    Drugs/Alcohol (See Alcohol)

    Fighting
    Fighting of any sort in the school or on campus is a serious offense and will not be tolerated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Fireworks Students are forbidden to possess or carry firecrackers or fireworks of any sort in the school, on campus, or at school-sponsored activities.

    Gambling
    Gambling of any sort is against the law and is prohibited in the school and on the campus. This includes card playing, dice, coin pitching, etc.

    Gang/Club Representing
    Students may not advertise membership in any group that is not sanctioned by Curie High School. This includes any gang, club, fraternity, sorority, party crew, and tagging crew.

    The usual methods of representing are:
    • Wearing certain clothing, colors, initials, logos, number of earrings, symbols, insignias, group haircuts, headbands, or any signs that are identified by the police as gang related. This includes bandanas worn in hair by girls.
    • Giving hand gestures or other signals.
    • Having graffiti in notebooks, folders, or books. Unsanctioned groups may not meet, pledge, nor haze in school or on school property. Students are encouraged not to belong to any unsanctioned group because so many act like gangs. Any student who feels bothered, harassed, or intimidated should report this to the Dean’s Office for resolution, which may include police action. Students may request complete anonymity.
    • Earrings — Male students may not wear earrings or any temporary substitute in school, on grounds, or at school-sponsored activities. Females and males may not wear earrings on other body parts, such as the nose, stomach, tongue, eyebrow, chin, etc. Federal courts have upheld the school’s policy as an anti-gang measure.


    Hallway Violations/Violation of Lunch Time Procedures
    Except during passing times, no student may be in the hallways without an official pass. Students are not to be in the building before or after their official school day as indicated on their ID card unless they are under supervision of school personnel. TO GO TO A LOCKER DURING CLASS PERIODS, ONLY A TARDY SLIP WILL BE HONORED.

    Hallway violations include the following:
    • Being in the hallway and/or out of assigned class without a valid pass or tardy slip
    • Entering the building before students first class of the day
    • Remaining in school more than 10 minutes after students last class of the day
    • Entering locker during a class period (with or without a pass)
    • Entering locker during the passing period JUST BEFORE DIVISION
    • Entering a lunchroom during periods other than the one assigned to the student
    • Walking through or being in the TEACHERS’ PARKING LOT
    • Using a forged, fraudulent, or out-of-date tardy slip
    • Having a belligerent attitude; failure to cooperate; refusal to recognize school
      • authority
    • Using an unauthorized building entrance
    • Using a stolen pass or illegal use of a pass

    Hats
    Students may not wear hats, headbands, or any other headgear in the school building for reasons of courtesy and possible gang representing.
    • Senior and “Buddy” hats may be worn in the building (prior permission from the Dean’s Office is required) but not in any classroom when the teacher objects.
    • Students who are permitted to wear hats (seniors, buddies) must wear them forward only — not backwards or to either side.

    Laser Pointers
    Possession of a laser beam pointer on school grounds is prohibited. Consequences will follow according to the Uniform Discipline Code.

    Loitering/Ball Playing
    Loitering/ball playing and Frisbee throwing are not allowed at any time.

    Markers (See Vandalism) Parking/Parking Violations
    Student parking is limited to seniors who have a 3.5 average or better. Student parking permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. No other students may park in the student parking lot. Unauthorized vehicles are subject to a ticket and/or towing.

    Radios and Other Disturbing Devices
    All audio devices are prohibited in school or on the campus. Their presence is disturbing and presents security problems. Personal radios, tape recorders, televisions, and cameras may not be brought to school. SUCH ITEMS WILL BE CONFISCATED.

    Smoking
    Smoking is a violation of both the City of Chicago and the Board of Education rules and is not permitted anywhere within the school building or anywhere on the outdoor campus.

    Snowballs
    Students are forbidden to throw or be in possession of snowballs in the school or on the campus.

    Student Messages
    Emergencies and all personal messages must be delivered in person by the legal guardian only. Phone messages cannot be delivered to students, nor will students be brought to the phone.

    Trespassing
    A student who is suspended is legally obligated to remain at home under parental supervision during school hours. Suspended students who are in school or anywhere on campus may be legally classified as trespassers. Further, non other than parents on legitimate school business and authorized visitors, are subject to arrest. All visitors must obtain a visitor’s pass in the main office in order to be legitimately present in the school building. Former students are discouraged from visiting their teachers any time other than at the end of the school day. Such visitors should call before coming to school. All visitors must have an official door pass before going to the Main Office.

    Tricks (Halloween)
    Students are forbidden to throw, spray, or be in possession of raw eggs, shaving cream, aerosol paints, and other type “tricks” in school or on the campus.

    Vandalism, Theft, Damaging School Property, Tampering with Records or Equipment
    Students are to show proper respect for both public and private property. Graffiti to the building will not be tolerated; all acts of theft or vandalism are inexcusable. School records are legal documents and must not be altered by students. Students may not carry, possess, or have in their lockers any graffiti paraphernalia. This includes paint (other than water paint as part of art supplies), spray paint, markers, shoe polish, or any other material that can be used to produce graffiti.

    Weapons
    Students are forbidden to possess or carry weapons of any sort in the school, on campus, or at school-sponsored activities. Rug cutters are considered weapons by the police. Chains, spiked neck and wrist bands are also considered weapons and cannot be worn in or around the school.

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  4. Student Dress and Hygiene Code


    5. Curie’s policy is in accord with legal guidelines, which allow enforcement of rule that PROHIBIT UNHEALTHY, OBSCENE OR SERIOUSLY DISTRACTIVE CLOTHING OR GROOMING.

    THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED IN THE CLASSROOM:
    • Short shorts (see “Dresses” below). Blue Jean (hip-huggers)
    • Bare midriff and backs
    • See through clothing
    • Revealing sleeveless and low neckline types of clothing
    • Uncovered white underwear (including both T-shirts and athletic shirts) and tank tops
    • Revealing halters and uncovered tube tops
    • Noticeably torn or dirty clothing
    • Bare feet
    • Thong-type sandals
    • Clothing with obscene pictures or lettering
    • Outer garments (any garment that can be considered out-of-doors wear, i.e., jackets, including warm-up jackets, coats, oversized flannel sweatshirts)
    • Sunglasses
    • Dresses, skirts, shorts, etc., which are shorter than fingertip length when standing at attention
    • Wearing of gang clothing or paraphernalia

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  5. Focal Point Locker Usage


    6. The rules and guidelines for locker usage attempt to keep students’ belongings safe and secure. Despite the best efforts of students, security, and faculty, however, thefts do occur.

    The following rules will reduce these thefts:
    • Students are permitted to go to their lockers only during passing periods in order to keep would-be thieves out of the locker area.


    • Only a locker partner (who is issued a locker by the counselor) may use the assigned locker. Locker combinations should NOT be shared with any other individual.


    • ONLY HEAVY DUTY LOCKS MAY BE USED ON FOCAL POINT LOCKERS.


    • Lockers can be easily broken into if they are NOT PROPERLY CLOSED. Lockers should be shut tightly on top, in the middle, and at the BOTTOM. Any student whose locker is not working properly should request a different one from his/her counselor.


    • Students should NEVER place money or expensive items in their lockers. Valuables should be left at home: only essential amounts of money should be brought to school and should not be left in the locker. A good rule to follow is NEVER LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR LOCKER THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE!


    • The school assumes no responsibility if a theft occurs. STUDENTS USE LOCKERS AT THEIR OWN RISK should not bring expensive coats, jackets, jewelry, etc., to school. There will be no reimbursement for stolen property.


    • ANY STUDENT WHO STEALS OR IS IN POSSESSION OF LOST! STOLEN/MISLAID PROPERTY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL AND MAY BE ARRESTED. The law requires that anyone who finds another’s property MUST attempt to find the rightful owner. Items which are found should be turned in to the LOST AND FOUND (in the Deans Office). Property which is not claimed in six months may be given to the finder.


    • Students must be careful with their belongings and NEVER leave property UNATTENDED, especially in lunchrooms, locker rooms, or classrooms.


    • If a theft occurs, students should complete a theft report in the Dean’s Office, Room 169. The theft will be investigated by the police officers.


    • The only locks which may be used are the heavy duty Curie master locks, which students purchase from the Curie bookstore.


    • Students who witness a theft are requested to inform the nearest counselor, teacher, a police officer, or the Deans. INFORMANTS’ IDENTITIES ARE NOT MADE KNOWN.


    • LET’S ALL COOPERATE TO MAKE CURIE A THEFT-FREE SCHOOL!

    Physical Education Locker Usage Rules:
    • The only locks which should be used are the heavy duty locks which students purchase from the Curie Bookstore. Key locks should be avoided.


    • Only one person may occupy a locker. Students may not share lockers and should not give combinations to anyone.


    • Lockers may be used only during a student’s gym period. Lockers must be emptied at the end of your gym class and the lock removed.


    • Everyone must leave the locker room at the end of the period. No one is allowed in the locker room during periods other than an assigned gym period. Violators are subject to suspension with parent notification.


    • All lockers should be locked at all times. Students who leave a locker unlocked during class time will be reported to the dean. Students should not bring money, jewelry, cameras, or expensive articles into the locker rooms.


    • A “lost and found” is in the towel cage. Lost locks are also kept in the cage.


    • The school is not responsible for articles brought into the locker room.


    • Writing on lockers or any part of the locker rooms is considered defacement of school property. This is a serious offense and will be treated as such.


    • Stealing is a criminal offense and will be reported to the police.


    • Any student in possession of stolen property will be arrested and suspended from school.


    • Students should not leave any articles unattended for even a second.


    • Students should not leave anything in the locker overnight. The Park District uses the lockers, and the locker room is unsupervised and open to the public during evenings and on weekends.


    • All students must mark gym shirts, gym shorts, and gym shoes with their last name and first initial in permanent ink. Any article of gym clothing that has been altered or has another student’s name on it will be confiscated, and the student will be referred to the Dean for investigation of thievery.

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  6. Confidentiality Information


    7. This document provides information regarding parental rights in the area of confidentiality of student records. Under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois School Student Records Act, parents have certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student, or former student, who has reached the age of eighteen, or upon graduation from secondary school, marriage or entry into the military service, which ever comes first or unless the parent or the Department of Children and Family Services continues as the student’s guardian beyond the age of eighteen.

    Permanent records, which include identifying information and grades, must be kept by the school district for a minimum of sixty years. Temporary records, including disciplinary records and other information, are to be maintained for not less than five years after a student’s transfer, graduation or permanent withdrawal from the school, but may be deleted with prior notice to the parent when the records are inaccurate or no longer relevant.

    • Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and copy all of the student’s education records maintained by the school unless the parent is prohibited by an order of protection from obtaining those records. Parents have the right to review and copy records proposed to be destroyed by the school, The school may not charge to search for or retrieve information, although it may charge a fee to copy records not to exceed $35 per page. No parent or student shall be denied a copy of school student records due to their inability to bear the cost of copying.


    • Parents and eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading (with the exception of academic grades) through an informal conference at the local school. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to request a formal hearing by submitting a written request to the Chief Specialized Services Officer, Chicago Public Schools, Office of Specialized Services, 125 S. Clark Street, suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60603. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to place a statement with record documenting on contested information in the record. The parent(s) may appeal the school districts decision to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Division Supervisor for the Division of Accountability, 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 14300, Chicago, Illinois 60601.


    • Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student before releasing any information from the student’s record. However, the law allows the school to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:


      • District employees who have a legitimate interest in the student


      • School to which a student is transferring upon request of parent or school


      • Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions


      • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student


      • Groups conducting studies where the student’s identity is not disclosed


      • Accrediting organizations (i.e. colleges, universities)


      • Individuals who have obtained court orders with notice


      • Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies


      • State and Local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law


    A school may also disclose, without consent, “directory” type information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, awards and dates of attendance. Prior to the release of this “directory” type information, parent or eligible student must have the opportunity to request that the school not release this information.

    Pursuant to “The No Child Left Behind Act”, school districts must provide high school students’ names, addresses and telephone numbers to military recruiters or military institutions of higher learning upon request, unless a student or their parent chooses not to have this information released without consent. If a parent or student does not wish to have this information released, they may withhold consent to release of this information by sending a written objection to the Office of High School Development, Chicago Public Schools, 125 S. Clark Street, Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60603.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recently modified the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information regarding the implementation of the privacy requirements of the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act” of 1996 (“HIPAA”). Pursuant to this Ruling, the Board may be required to adopt certain procedures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of student health records, including disseminating notices and in certain situations, receiving written consents.”

    No person for any reason may condition the granting or withholding of any of the parent(s) or their child’s rights, privileges or benefits because the parent(s) may refuse to release to that individual their child’s temporary student record. No person may make as a condition of the parent(s) or their child’s employment the release of their child’s temporary records.

    For a more detailed statement of your rights under these laws or technical assistance, or if you have questions about your rights regarding school records, you may contact the principal or his/her designee.

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