WEAPONS/DANGEROUS OBJECTS

Possession or use of explosives, firearms, knives (including pocket knives), other dangerous weapons or instruments as well as look-alike weapons or instruments shall be prohibited on school buses, in school buildings, on school grounds, or while attending all other school sponsored activities in which LHS/VHHS is a participant.  If any of the above items are found, the items will be confiscated and students found to be in violation of this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with Article 13-A of the Illinois School Code.
The board may expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis.  A student who is determined to have brought a weapon to school, any school sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year, except that the expulsion period may be modified by the board on a case by case basis.  For purposes of this Section, the term “weapon” means possession, use, control or transfer or storage of any object which may be used to cause bodily harm, including but not limited to a weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 or the Firearm Owners Identification Act, use of  weapon as defined in  Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code, knives, guns, firearms, rifles, shotguns, brass knuckles, billy clubs, or “look-alikes” thereof.  Such items as baseball bats, pipes, bottles, locks, sticks, pencils, and pens may be considered weapons if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm.  Expulsion or suspension shall be construed in a manner consistent with the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  A student who is subject to suspension or expulsion as provided in this Section may be eligible for a transfer to an alternative school program in accordance with Article 13-A of the Illinois School Code.  The provisions of this subsection (d) apply in all school districts, including special charter districts and districts organized under Article 34.