Administrative Procedure - Eligibility for Participation in Extracurricular Activities Extra Curricular Code of Conduct

PHILOSOPHY
School District 41 offers a variety of extracurricular programs to provide additional opportunities to students.  Participation in these activities is highly encouraged but remains a privilege.  Students choosing to participate in these activities bear the responsibility of representing their school both in the community and at school.  These extended responsibilities include holding students who choose to participate to a higher standard of conduct as a condition of participation.  The goals of an extracurricular program encompass development ofhealthy living habits, discipline, leadership, teamwork, citizenship skills and respect for structure, rules and responsibilities.  Individual initiative, character and teamwork will be enhanced when there is team cooperation with established procedures.  We believe this Code will help make participation in our extracurricular program a strong and enduring learning experience.  District 41 staff remains committed to developing the whole child.

 Prohibited Substances:  include the following:

• All alcoholic beverages
• All controlled substances, except when prescribed for the student by a licensed physician
• Cannabis
• Any “look-alike” substance
• Any drug paraphernalia, such as but not limited to, pipes, one-hitters, rolling papers, or any device or item which contains residue of an illegal substance
• Any “performance-enhancing” drug not prescribed by a physician.
• Any substance used to achieve an altered mental state or “high.”
• Any tobacco products

Under the Influence:  Any student who has consumed or used any amount of any prohibited substance will be considered under the influence.  Being under the influence includes, but is not limited to, the emission of the odor of any of these substances, such as having alcohol on the breath, or any impairment of normal functioning, such as slurred speech, inability to walk properly or dilated pupils.

Possession:  Possession means having any knowledge of, and any control over, an item.  Control includes, but is not limited to, having access to an item in a school locker, personal effects, a vehicle, or other place where the item is located.  It is not necessary that a student intended to control the item.  A student may acquire knowledge of an item visually, by being told about the item, or through other sensory perception.  A student’s knowledge will be determined based on the surrounding circumstances, not just the student’s statements.  For example, “forgetting” that an item is in one’s locker, personal effects, or vehicle does not constitute a lack of knowledge. 

Delivery:  Delivery means a transfer, or attempted transfer, of possession or control to another person whether or not the substance or item is in that person’s immediate presence.  Delivery includes, but is not limited to, any gift, exchange, sale or other transfer with or without payment or other consideration.

Look-alike:  a “look-alike” is any substance or item which is not, but reasonably appears to be, or is represented to be, the real substance or item.  Examples include, but are not limited to: (a) a toy gun which is very difficult to distinguish, except upon close examination, from an actual gun; (b) a green leafy plant material, which is not, but is claimed, believed or intended to appear to be marijuana; and (c) a white powdered substance which is not, but is claimed, believed or intended to appear to be a toxic chemical or biological agent.

PROHIBITED MISCONDUCT

Violations of the Code that are not related to a student’s attendance at school or participation in a school activity or event are limited to incidents of misconduct verified by District 41 staff, law enforcement agencies or an admission of guilt.  Direct reports from law enforcement agencies of illegal activity will be investigated.  Anonymous or secondhand reports of possible violations generally will not be investigated absent substantive confirming information.  A Code violation is verified if, by the information available, it appears more likely than not that a Code violation has occurred.

The consequences of misconduct in violation of thisCode are separate from and in addition to those assigned for violating school rules, school district policies and the law.  The Code in no way limits the authority of the administration or the Board of Education to impose other or additional consequences in accord with school rules and district policies.

Any student who represents himself/herself to District 41 staff as having a substance abuse problem will have full practice and participation privileges as long as the following conditions are deemed satisfied by the school administration:

1. admission of the abuse is not initiated by the student as a means of escaping disciplinary action;
2. the student and parent(s) receive counseling, the cost of which is to be paid solely by the parent(s);
3. the student and parent(s) provide proof of their successful completion of such counseling; and
4. the student does not violate any of the Code rules after he/she admits to abuse.

PROCEDURES

The following procedures generally will be followed in enforcing the Extracurricular Code:

1. Upon completion of an investigation, information about an incident is given to the Principal.
2. The appropriate administrator will interview the student and a parent will be notified.
3. The Principal will schedule a hearing within three (3) school days of the completion of the investigation of the misconduct before the Review Board*.  Parent(s) or guardian(s), students and other appropriate school staff will be invited to participate in the hearing.
4. The Review Board will consider all the relevant information and apply consistent and reasonable consequences appropriate to the circumstances, including prohibiting the student’s participation in practices and rehearsals.
5. The student or his/her parent or guardian may request a review of the Review Board’s decision by the Principal.  This request must be made in writing to the Principal within five (5) school days of the student’s receipt of the Assistant Principal’s decision and must articulate the reason(s) that a review should be granted. 
6. The Principal will determine if the decision should be upheld, reversed or modified.  The Principal’s decision is final.

*The Review Board is comprised of the guidance counselor, coach, club/activities sponsor, social worker, or other school personnel that are appropriate.

Students and their parents/guardians must return this signed form before a student is eligible to participate in District 41 extra-curricular activities.

I have read and understand the rules that apply to my participation in extra-curricular activities.  I understand that in order to participate in athletic teams and other extra-curricular activities sponsored by District 41, I must follow the rules and expectations explained in the District’s extra-curricular code of conduct.

_____________________________________________________
Student Name (printed)

I have read and understand the rules that apply to my student’s participation in extra-curricular activities.  I understand that the opportunity to participate in such activities is a privilege, and not a right, and that my student must adhere to the expectations outlined in the extra-curricular code as a condition of participation.

_____________________________
Parent Name (printed)

___________________________
Parent Signature                                                           Date

Reviewed: February 27, 2006
Adopted: May 15, 2006
Revisions Adopted: September 15, 2008