Home/School Relationship

MacNeal School prides itself on its involvement and communication with parents/guardians.  This partnership of home and school is critical for the success of each student.  In an effort to achieve this, several forms of communication have been put in place.

The most common and daily form of communication is the home/school log.  The log includes homework assignments given that day as well as behavioral data.  We request a parent/guardian to read and sign the log daily.  In addition, the parent/guardian is encouraged to write comments and ensure that the log returns with the student to school each day.  Logs or individual log sheets are always sent home, even on a day with early dismissal.  The school should be called immediately if a student arrives at home without a log.  Social Workers and psychologists are available by phone throughout the day and have confidential voice mail.  Messages for teachers and/or counselors will be taken during the day and phone calls returned before or after school.

For other school concerns, however, please note the following:

• Issues regarding daily transportation should be directed to the Academic Coordinators.  IEP meetings with referring school districts and moves between school districts should also be directed to the Academic Coordinators.
• For attendance issues and clinical concerns, calls should be directed to the Dean of Students.
• For issues regarding academic standards, approval of family vacations or concerns about school programming, please direct your call to the Principal.

After the enrollment of each student. A home/school team will be developed, consisting of the student’s social worker, psychologist, teacher, classroom counselor, and an intervention specialist.  Middle school, junior high, and high school students are generally part of this team.  Attention will be given to acquiring other resources as deemed necessary by the team.  The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) is utilized as the basic tool to build the framework of a treatment plan.

Home/school communication takes many forms, ranging from daily/weekly phone calls and daily home/school checklists to monthly meetings.

Please note that all MacNeal School faculty members are mandated reporters to the hotline of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.