Munster High proposes new handbook rules on attendance, AI, dress code and extracurriculars

Munster High administrators presented a package of handbook revisions they recommended for the 2025–26 school year, covering attendance rules, academic dishonesty policies tied to artificial intelligence, dress-code changes, extracurricular offerings and other student conduct provisions.

Principal Nolan summarized the changes, saying most were language clarifications or updates required by state law. He said the handbook now distinguishes attendance standards for dances (90 percent) and for field trips that require students to miss class (94 percent, the state benchmark). "We felt like [94 percent] was a pretty high bar for some of our students," Nolan said, adding the lower 90 percent bar was intended to avoid excluding students from dances that are important community events.

The handbook adds detailed guidance on academic integrity and AI. Nolan said the policy "at default prohibits the use of AI in the classroom, but does allow for two additional policy placements for teachers depending on the class or the assignment" and that an "honor statement" will require students to attest when they have not used barred tools on a given assignment. The proposed process includes local detection tools, department chair review and a required meeting with student and parents before administrative discipline is recorded.

Administrators also proposed reverting to a no-hats/head coverings policy in school buildings with an explicit exemption for religious headwear, citing security and identification concerns. The handbook creates a tiered consequence system for violations of the co-curricular/extracurricular pledge, clarifies eligibility processes tied to state-required forms (overnight field trips, sudden cardiac arrest protocol, physical exams) and adds new clubs and activities, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and an Italian culture club. The athletic department will add girls flag football at varsity and junior-varsity levels for the coming fall.

The board asked clarifying questions about the attendance thresholds and AI enforcement. Nolan said administrators had discussed methods to avoid punishing students who missed school due to widespread illness or one-time events and will permit administrative discretion in those cases. Board members praised the district’s proactive approach on AI and on using social workers and the Munster Police Department to provide interventions for students cited for alcohol, tobacco or drug violations.

The handbook revisions will return to the board for formal action at the July meeting; Nolan asked board members to send any additional edits (including typographical fixes) before that agenda deadline.

If approved later this summer, the changes will take effect for the 2025–26 school year and administrators said they plan training for teachers on implementing the AI and discipline components.