Dear District 97 Families,
District 97 is committed to creating a positive learning environment that is equitable, inclusive and focused on the whole child. Behavior education involves proactively teaching positive behaviors to create the conditions that make every classroom and school a positive place to learn.
In District 97 we are focused on developing a school environment that is both preventative and instructional when it comes to dealing with student behavior. Our practices focus on a positive approach to solving student behaviors that are not in line with our behavior expectations. Discipline is not punishment, but an opportunity to teach. The key to creating a safe and supportive learning community is developing a systematic approach to support positive behavior that involves families, students, school staff and community. Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions document for a more in-depth look at the district’s philosophical approach to student discipline and behavior.
The revised District 97 Effective Student Behavior Handbook is designed to provide information about policies, procedures and practices related to student behavior, and to help students and families prepare for a successful school experience. It also provides notifications required by state and federal law.
This handbook was developed over the course of three years through the collaboration and extensive research of a team of teachers, social workers and administrators. This team engaged select middle school students, parents, teachers and administrators to receive feedback, which informed many of the revisions in the final document.
The Effective Student Behavior Handbook is an essential resource as we work in partnership to ensure your child has a successful school year. Parents and guardians play a vital role in the education of their children. Throughout the school year, please spend some time together to share and discuss this important information. The 2020-2021 revised student behavior handbook is available in electronic format on the website at https://www.op97.org/student-and-administrative-services/student-behavior, as well as on each school’s website. Hard copies of the handbook are available upon request in each school office.
As always, we look forward to working in partnership with you to make this a productive school year for your child.
Sincerely,
Felicia Starks Turner, Ed. D.
Associate Superintendent of Education