Each elementary school in District 96 has its own Parent-Teacher Association. The purpose of these organizations is to carry on constructive work for better parenthood, better homes, better schools, and better communities. All parents are invited to attend the regular meetings and to become members.

In the junior high school Parent-Teacher Association all parents or guardians of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are considered members.

Collection Of Money For Gifts Or Other Purposes

Money should never be collected by pupils for any purpose without first checking with the teacher and/or the building principal.

Parents are asked to cooperate with this policy by not arranging for collection of money for any purpose without the approval of the principal. While educators do not wish to discourage the generous impulses of children, the giving of gifts to teachers should be simple and spontaneous without any pressure from any source. Teachers cooperate with this policy by opening gifts in private and thanking children individually and privately.

School Fees

District 96 charges an annual school fee to assist in the furnishing of textbooks and other materials. There is a standard fee established for each grade. The amount of the fee will be announced prior to the opening of the school year.

The fee may be waived for parents/guardians who are unable to pay. Requests for a fee waiver should be submitted in writing to the Assistant Superintendent. Verified income at or below federal free lunch program eligibility standards shall be used as the criterion for inability to pay. (Ref.: ILLINOIS SCHOOL CODE, Chapter 12, paragraph 10-20.3).

Waivers may also be granted to families experiencing extenuating circumstances such as a verifiable significant loss of income due to severe illness or injury or unusual expenses such as fire, flood or storm damage; or other similar emergency situations that may be decided on a case-by-case basis.

For students who enter or leave during the school year, school fee payments will be prorated on a quarterly basis.

Extra fees may be assessed for other purposes during the school year, i.e., field trips, yearbooks, Junior High athletic participation as three examples.

Free Lunch Program

Under certain provisions of the Federal and Illinois State Free Lunch Program, children whose families have a gross income at or below levels indicated in the current guidelines are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch. Free lunch applications and current guidelines are available in the school district business office or through each building principal's office.

School Parties

It is customary in District 96 Schools to limit parties during the school year to those which will not interfere with the educational program. Refreshments may be served.

Parents are asked not to send cake, cookies, toys or any type of treat on a child's birthday or on holidays throughout the school year. Although the desire to supply these treats may be motivated by a very commendable attitude on the part of the parents, they lead to many obvious difficulties should the practice become general and be repeated many times during the year.

Invitations to parties held outside of school may be distributed at school only if each child in the group has been invited.

Lost And Found

A lost and found department is maintained in each building, but often articles and clothing are left unclaimed. For this reason, parents are requested to mark clothing and school equipment with name tapes or ink. Parents and children should check at school for lost articles.

  Personal Property

The school district does not assume nor provide insurance coverage for personal property. It is suggested that students do not bring expensive, personal items to school. Items such as musical instruments should be kept in a secure place.

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