Part V: Annual Notices

We provide annual notices to help students and families understand important rights, responsibilities, and legal protections. These notices summarize key requirements. Board policy and applicable law control if there is any conflict with this summary.

Families with questions about these notices should contact the school office first. The school may direct the question to the appropriate administrator, coordinator, liaison, or complaint manager.

1. Student Records and Privacy Rights

Student records are private and protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Illinois School Student Records Act, Board Policy 7:340, and related procedures.

Parents/guardians and eligible students have the right to inspect, review, and request correction of student records consistent with law and Board policy. An eligible student is generally a student who is 18 years old or attending a postsecondary institution.

Student records are not released without consent except as permitted by law. School officials may access student records when they have a legitimate educational or administrative need to do so.

Student records generally include permanent records and temporary records. Records are retained and destroyed according to FERPA, ISSRA, Board policy, and BPS101 records-retention procedures.

Families may request access to student records by contacting the school office.

References

  • Board Policy 7:340 – Student Records
  • FERPA
  • Illinois School Student Records Act

2. Directory Information and Military Recruiter / College Access

We may designate certain student information as directory information, as permitted by law and Board policy. Directory information may include information such as a student’s name, grade level, participation in school activities, honors, awards, or other information identified in Board policy or annual registration materials.

Parents/guardians and eligible students may opt out of the release of directory information through the annual registration process or by following BPS101 procedures.

Federal law requires high schools to provide certain student directory information to military recruiters and institutions of higher education unless a parent/guardian or eligible student opts out.

References

  • Board Policy 7:340 – Student Records
  • FERPA
  • Applicable federal military recruiter / higher education access requirements

3. Surveys, Physical Exams, Screenings, and Instructional Materials

Parents/guardians have rights related to certain surveys, physical examinations or screenings, and instructional materials under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment and Board policy.

These rights may include the right to inspect certain surveys or instructional materials, receive notice before certain surveys are administered, and opt a student out of certain activities when permitted by law.

These protections generally apply to surveys or evaluations involving sensitive topics such as political beliefs, mental or psychological problems, sexual behavior or attitudes, illegal or self-incriminating behavior, religious practices, privileged relationships, or income, except when income information is required to determine program eligibility.

Families with questions should contact the building principal.

References

  • Board Policy 7:15 – Student and Family Privacy Rights
  • Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

4. Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Equal Educational Opportunity

Our schools are committed to providing learning environments free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

All persons are protected from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, homelessness, immigration status, marital or parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.

Students, parents/guardians, or others who believe discrimination, harassment, or retaliation has occurred should report the concern to a teacher, counselor, principal, Complaint Manager, Title IX Coordinator, or other school official.

Retaliation against a person who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation is prohibited.

Contacts

Nondiscrimination / Title IX Coordinator
Steve Pearce, Assistant Superintendent
(630) 937-8830
steve.pearce@bps101.net

Complaint Manager
Kari Ruh, Director of Special Education
(630) 937-8836
kari.ruh@bps101.net

Complaint Manager
Anton Inglese, Deputy Superintendent
(630) 937-8833
anton.inglese@bps101.net

References

  • Board Policy 7:10 – Equal Educational Opportunities
  • Board Policy 7:20 – Harassment of Students Prohibited
  • Board Policy 2:260 – Uniform Grievance Procedure
  • Board Policy 2:265 – Title IX Grievance Procedure

5. Bullying, Intimidation, Harassment, and Teen Dating Violence

Our schools prohibit bullying, intimidation, harassment, and teen dating violence. These behaviors may be physical, verbal, social, electronic, written, or communicated through other means.

Students who experience or witness bullying, harassment, intimidation, teen dating violence, or retaliation should report the concern to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or other trusted staff member.

Reports may also be made through Safe2Help Illinois.

Safe2Help Illinois

References

  • Board Policy 7:180 – Prevention of Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
  • Board Policy 7:185 – Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
  • Board Policy 7:20 – Harassment of Students Prohibited
  • Board Policy 2:260 – Uniform Grievance Procedure

6. Homeless Students’ Rights

The McKinney-Vento Act protects students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include students living in shelters, motels, vehicles, temporary housing, or doubled-up with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons.

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to immediate enrollment, school stability, transportation when required, access to meals and fee waivers, and participation in school activities and services comparable to those available to other students.

Families who may qualify for McKinney-Vento support should contact the school office or the McKinney-Vento liaison.

 

McKinney-Vento Contacts

McKinney-Vento Liaison
Natalie Assell, Director of Student Services
(630) 937-8831
natalie.assell@bps101.net 

Amy Nelson, Community Outreach Coordinator
(630) 937-8836
amy.nelson@bps101.net 

References

  • Board Policy 6:140 – Education of Homeless Children
  • McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

7. Students with Disabilities

BPS101 schools provide services and protections for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Illinois law, and Board policy.

Students may be eligible for services through an Individualized Education Program, a Section 504 Plan, or other school-based supports. Eligibility, services, accommodations, and placement decisions are made through legally required team processes.

Parents/guardians have procedural rights, including rights related to evaluation, participation, access to records, independent educational evaluations, mediation, complaints, and due process.

Families with questions about special education or Section 504 should contact the building principal or student services staff.

References

  • Board Policy 6:120 – Education of Children with Disabilities
  • Board Policy 7:230 – Misconduct by Students with Disabilities
  • IDEA
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
  • Americans with Disabilities Act

8. English Learners

BPS101 schools identify and support students who are eligible for English Learner services. Families may receive information about screening, eligibility, placement, services, and progress toward English proficiency.

Parents/guardians with questions about English Learner services should contact the building principal or the staff member responsible for English Learner programming.

References

  • Board Policy 6:160 – English Learners
  • Applicable state and federal English Learner requirements

9. Health Examinations, Immunizations, Dental Exams, and Vision Exams

Illinois law requires certain health examinations, immunizations, dental examinations, and vision examinations for students at specified grade levels or upon entry to school.

Students may be excluded from school if required health records or immunizations are not provided, unless an exemption or other legal exception applies.

Families should contact the school health office with questions about required forms, deadlines, exemptions, or health-related supports.

References

  • Board Policy 7:100 – Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students
  • 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1

10. Medication at School

Medication may be administered at school only as permitted by Board policy and BPS101 procedures. Most medication must be kept in the health office and requires appropriate authorization.

Students may not carry medication unless authorized under Board policy, law, and school health procedures. Exceptions may apply for emergency medications or other legally protected health needs.

Families should contact the school health office before sending medication to school.

References

  • Board Policy 7:270 – Administering Medicines to Students
  • Board Policy 7:285 – Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program
  • Board Policy 7:280 – Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

11. Food Allergy Management and Anaphylaxis

BPS101 schools support students with life-threatening food allergies and other conditions that may cause anaphylaxis. Parents/guardians should notify the school health office of any life-threatening allergy or related medical need.

Schools may develop health plans, emergency action plans, or other supports consistent with Board policy, medical documentation, and applicable law.

References

  • Board Policy 7:285 – Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program
  • Board Policy 7:270 – Administering Medicines to Students

12. Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

Students with communicable or chronic infectious diseases are managed consistent with Board policy, public health guidance, student privacy laws, and school health procedures.

Families should contact the school health office when a student has a contagious illness or a health condition requiring support at school.

References

  • Board Policy 7:280 – Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

13. Concussion and Head Injury Information

Students suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury during athletics or school activities must be removed from participation and may return only as permitted under applicable concussion protocols, law, and required medical clearance procedures.

Families should report suspected concussions or head injuries to the school nurse, athletic trainer, coach, or administrator.

References

  • Board Policy 7:305 – Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries
  • Illinois Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act

14. Asbestos Management Notice

BPS101 maintains asbestos management plans as required by law. Management plans are available for review as required.

Families with questions about asbestos management should contact the school office or BPS101 facilities office.

References

  • Board Policy 4:160 – Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds
  • Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

15. Pesticide Application Notice

BPS101 provides notice of pesticide applications as required by law. Parents/guardians may request to be included on the school’s pesticide notification registry, if applicable.

Families with questions about pesticide notification should contact the school office or BPS101 facilities office.

References

  • Board Policy 4:160 – Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds
  • Applicable Illinois pesticide notification requirements

16. Sex Offender and Violent Offender Registry Notice

Families may access information about registered sex offenders and violent offenders against youth through public law enforcement registries.

BPS101 provides notice of these registries as required by law and Board policy.

References

  • Board Policy 4:175 – Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications
  • Illinois Sex Offender Registry
  • Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry

17. Mandated Reporter Notice

School employees are mandated reporters under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Staff must report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as required by law.

References

  • Board Policy 5:90 – Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
  • Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act

18. Educational Technology and Student Data Privacy

BPS101 uses educational technology tools to support teaching, learning, communication, operations, and student services. Student data is protected under the Student Online Personal Protection Act, FERPA, ISSRA, Board policy, and applicable agreements with educational technology vendors.

BPS101 maintains information about approved educational technology tools and student data protections as required by law.

References

  • Board Policy 7:345 – Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security
  • Student Online Personal Protection Act
  • FERPA
  • ISSRA

19. Internet Safety and Filtering

BPS101 provides filtered internet access consistent with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and Board policy. Students are expected to use BPS101 technology responsibly and consistent with school expectations.

Schools may teach students about safe, responsible, and appropriate online behavior, including digital citizenship, cyberbullying awareness, and appropriate interaction online.

References

  • Board Policy 6:235 – Access to Electronic Networks
  • Children’s Internet Protection Act

20. Instructional Materials and Curriculum Concerns

Parents/guardians may review instructional materials and raise concerns about curriculum, instructional materials, or programs consistent with Board policy and school procedures.

Concerns should generally begin with the teacher or building principal. Formal complaints may be submitted under Board policy.

References

  • Board Policy 6:260 – Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs
  • Board Policy 6:60 – Curriculum Content

21. Health, Family Life, and Sex Education Opt-Out Rights

Parents/guardians may have rights to review materials and excuse students from certain health, family life, or sex education instruction as permitted by Illinois law and Board policy.

Schools will provide information about applicable opt-out procedures when required.

References

  • Board Policy 6:60 – Curriculum Content
  • 105 ILCS 5/27-9.1 and related Illinois requirements

22. Student Fees and Fee Waivers

BPS101 may charge student fees as permitted by law and Board policy. Families who qualify may request fee waivers.

Information about fees, waivers, applications, and eligibility is provided through registration materials or the school office.

References

  • Board Policy 4:140 – Waiver of Student Fees

23. School Meals and Eligibility

Breakfast and lunch programs are available through BPS101 schools. Families may apply for free or reduced-price meals or other meal benefits according to applicable program rules.

Families should contact the school office or food service staff with questions about meal applications or eligibility.

References

  • Board Policy 4:130 – Free and Reduced-Price Food Services

24. Equal Access to School Activities

Students have equal access to school programs, services, athletics, activities, and extracurricular opportunities consistent with law, Board policy, eligibility requirements, and school procedures.

Students who need accommodations or support to participate should contact the building principal or student services staff.

References

  • Board Policy 7:10 – Equal Educational Opportunities
  • Board Policy 7:300 – Extracurricular Athletics
  • Board Policy 7:240 – Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities
Batavia Public School District 101