Table of Content= s

PREFACE

To Students and Pare= nts:

Welcome to school ye= ar 2008–2009! Education is= a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together can make this a wonderfully successful year for our students.

The Deweyville ISD S= tudent Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to = use, the handbook is divided into two sections:

Section I—REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATIO= N FOR PARENTS—with notices tha= t the district must provide to all parents, as well as other information to assist you in responding to school-related issues. We encourage you to take some time= to closely review this section of the handbook; and

Section II—INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND P= ARENTS—organized alphabetically by topic for qu= ick access when searching for information on a specific issue.

Please be aware that= the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the paren= t, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.

Both students and pa= rents should become familiar with the Deweyville ISD Student Code of Conduct= , which is a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school saf= ety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this handbook and is available in the principal’s office.

The Student Handbook= is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct= . Please be aware that the handbook = is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy or ot= her rules that affect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.

In case of conflict = between board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of the Student Handbook, the provisions of board policy or the Student Code of Conduct= that were most recently adopted by the board are to be followed.=

After reading throug= h the entire handbook with your child, keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact the principal. =

Also, please complet= e and return to your child’s campus the following required forms included in this handbook:

1. &n= bsp; Parental Acknowledgment Form;

2. Student Directory Information Form;<= /span>

3. Release of&nbs= p; Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Learni= ng Forms; and

4. Consent/Opt-Out Forms.

Please note that ref= erences to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy. A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office= or online at www.esc5.net/dewisd.

SECTION I:&n= bsp; REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the Deweyville ISD Student Handbook includes several notices that the district = is required to provide to you, as well as other information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

In its efforts to pr= omote nondiscrimination, Deweyville ISD does not discriminate on the basis of rac= e, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs= , in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title= IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The following distri= ct staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:

· Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex: Rick Summers, Superintendent, 746-2731

· Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disabili= ty: Rick Summers, Superintendent, 746-2731.

· All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent or campus principal.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Working Together

Both experience and = research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement in this partnersh= ip may include:

· Encouragin= g your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.

· Ensuring t= hat your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and come= s to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the acad= emic programs, including special programs, offered in the district.

· Discussing= with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.

· Reviewing = the requirements of the graduation programs with your child, if your child is entering ninth grade.

· Monitoring= your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling and Academic Programs.]

· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-pers= on conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences.]

· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policies at GKG and contact the campus principal

· Participat= ing in campus parent organizations. Contact the campus principal.

· Serving as= a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning commit= tees, assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve stud= ent achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact the campus principal.=

· Serving on= the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies at BDF, EHAA, FFA, a= nd information in this handbook at Sc= hool Health Advisory Council and contact the school nurse.]

· Attending = board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies at BE and BED for mo= re information.]

PARENTAL RIGHTS

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student = Rights

Your child will not = be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:

· Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.<= /o:p>

· Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.

· Sexual beh= avior or attitudes.

· Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

· Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.

· Relationsh= ips privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

· Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.

· Income, ex= cept when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to recei= ve financial assistance under such a program.

You will be able to = inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see poli= cy EF (LEGAL).]

“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activ= ities

As a parent, you hav= e a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:

· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal informa= tion gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.

· Any non-em= ergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or requir= ed under state law. [See policie= s EF and FFAA.]

Displaying a Student’s Artwork and Proj= ects

As a parent, you hav= e a right to provide consent before the district can display your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs taken by your child, and the like on= the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication.

Requesting Professional Qualifications of Tea= chers and Staff

You may request info= rmation regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing crite= ria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provision= al status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of = the certification or degree. You = also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.<= /p>

Reviewing Instructional Materials

As a parent, you hav= e a right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that h= ave been administered to your child.

Inspecting Surveys

As a parent, you may= inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.

Accessing Student Records

You may review your child’s student records. These records include:

· Attendance records,

· Test score= s,

· Grades,

· Disciplina= ry records,

· Counseling records,

· Psychologi= cal records,

· Applicatio= ns for admission,

· Health and immunization information,

· Other medi= cal records,

· Teacher and counselor evaluations,

· Reports of behavioral patterns, and

· State asse= ssment instruments that have been administered to your child.

[See Student Records]

Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student

As a parent, you may= grant or deny any written request from the district to make a video or voice recording of your child. Stat= e law, however, permits the school to make a video or voice recording without pare= ntal permission for the following circumstances:

· When it is= to be used for school safety;

· When it re= lates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extra-curricular activity; o= r

· When it re= lates to media coverage of the school.

Removing a Student Temporarily from the Class= room

You may remove your = child temporarily from the classroom if an instructional activity in which your c= hild is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot b= e for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy g= rade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Ed= ucation Agency.

Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges = to the U.S. and Texas Flags

As a parent, you may= request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not a= llow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of silen= ce or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance<= /b> and A Minute of Silence and po= licy EC(LEGAL).]

Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of= the Declaration of Independence

You may request that= your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grad= es 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independen= ce during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. = [See policy EHBK (LEGAL).]

Requesting Notices of Certain Student Miscond= uct

A non-custodial pare= nt may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the sch= ool year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to = your child’s misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. [See policy FO (LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.]

Requesting Transfers for Your Child

As a parent, you hav= e a right:

·        To request= the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the superintendent to have been a victim of bullying as the t= erm is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the superintendent for informa= tion. [See policy FDB.]

·        To request= the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if yo= ur child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerou= s or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at scho= ol or on school grounds. [See po= licy FDD (LOCAL).]

·        To request= the transfer of your child to another campus if your child has been the victim = of a sexual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policies FDD (LEGAL) and (LOC= AL).]

Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple = Birth Siblings

As a parent, if your children are multiple birth siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) assigned= to the same grade and campus, you may request that they be placed either in the same classroom or in separate classrooms.&= nbsp; Your written request must be submitted no later than the 14th day af= ter the enrollment of your children. [See FDB (LEGAL).]

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Parents of Students with Disabilities

Parents of students = with learning difficulties or who may need special education services may reques= t an evaluation for special education at any time. For more information, see Special = Programs and contact Cindy Garriott at 746-7702.

Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education

If a child is experi= encing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to le= arn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. = This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral f= or a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be consid= ered for tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention. The implementat= ion of Response to Intervention has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to meet the needs of all struggling students.

At any time, a paren= t is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time= , the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If the evaluation is needed, the p= arent will be notified and asked to provide informed written consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date = the district receives the written consent.&nbs= p; The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.

If the district dete= rmines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent wit= h a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of his or her rights if the parent disagr= ees with the district. Additional= ly, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards—Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilit= ies.

The designated perso= n to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or= a referral for evaluation for special education is Cindy Garriott at 746-7702= .

If a student is rece= iving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, = the parent or guardian may request that any other student residing in the house= hold be transferred to the same campus, if the appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus.   [See policy FDB(LOCAL).]

Services for Title I Participants

The Parent Involveme= nt Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is Darryl Dans and may be contacted at 746-7701.=

Student Records

Both federal and sta= te laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attendin= g an institution of postsecondary education.

Virtually all inform= ation pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:

·        The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless the scho= ol is given a copy of a court order terminating parental rights or the right to access a student’s education records. Federal law requires that, as soon= as a student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, control of the records goe= s to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the records, however, if the student is a depend= ent for tax purposes.

·        District s= taff members who have what federal law refers to as a “legitimate educatio= nal interest” in a student’s records. “Legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records includes working with the stud= ent; considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or = an individualized education program for a student with disabilities; compiling statistical data; or investigating or evaluating programs. Such persons would include school officials (such as board members, the superintendent, administrators, and principals); school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff); a person or company with whom the distr= ict has contracted to provide a particular service (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, = or therapist); a parent or student serving on a school committee; or a parent = or student assisting a school official or staff in the performance of his or h= er duties.

·        Various governmental agencies.

·        Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.<= /p>
·        A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends = to enroll or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.

Release to any other= person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as ap= propriate.

The principal is cus= todian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The superintendent is the custodia= n of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.=

Records may be inspe= cted by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. If circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review th= ese records. The records custodia= n or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpreta= tion of the records. The address o= f the superintendent’s office is P.O. Box 408, Deweyville, TX 77614.

A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. A request to correct a student’s record should be submitted to the camp= us principal. The request must c= learly identify the part of the record that should be corrected and include an explanation of how the information in the record is inaccurate. If the district denies the request= to amend the records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing. If the records are n= ot amended as a result of the hearing, the parent or eligible student has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record.= Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process found in policy FNG(LOCAL). [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences and St= udent or Parent Complaints and Concerns for an overview of the process.]=

Copies of student re= cords are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free = or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge = upon written request of the parent.

The district’s= policy regarding student records found at FL(LOCAL) is available from the principa= l’s or superintendent’s office.

The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records do not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as a teacher’s personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

Please note:

Parents or eligible = students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The complain= t may be mailed to:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202= -5901

Directory Information<= /h4>
The law permits the = district to designate certain personal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

However, release of a student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This object= ion must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of your child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Stud= ent Information” included in this handbook.]

Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes

The district often n= eeds to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes: student’s name, address, tel= ephone listing, E-mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, honors and aw= ards received, dates of attendance, grade level, most recent school previously attended, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, wei= ght and height (if a member of an athletic team), and enrollment status. <= /o:p>

For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child’= s directory information. This information= will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.
Unless you object to= the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school wi= ll not need to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed above.

Release of = Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education

The district is requ= ired by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institut= ion of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form has been attached for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.<= /p>
Bacterial Meningitis

State law specifical= ly requires the district to provide the following information:

·        What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, paras= ites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most c= ommon form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-te= rm complications. It is an uncom= mon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.

·        What are t= he symptoms?

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.

Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, hi= gh temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhe= re on the body.

The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.

·        How seriou= s is bacterial meningitis?

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some ca= ses it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.

·        How is bac= terial meningitis spread?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases li= ke the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the ba= ck of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchan= ge saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carrie= rs of the germ for days, weeks, or even months.&= nbsp; The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and caus= e meningitis or another serious illness.

·        How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you ki= ss.

While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen livi= ng in dorms or residence halls. = The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, su= ch as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to = ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.<= /span>

·        What shoul= d you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?

You should seek prompt medical attention.

·        Where can = you get more information?

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call y= our local health department or Regional Department of State Health Services off= ice to ask about a meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov, and the Department of State Health Services, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.

SECTION II:&= nbsp; INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Topics in this secti= on of the handbook contain important information on academics, school activities,= and school operations and requirements. Take a moment with your child to become familiar with the various is= sues addressed in this section. It= is conveniently organized in alphabetical order to serve as a quick-reference = when you or your child has a question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact your child’s campus principal.

ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE

Regular school atten= dance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materi= als; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unneces= sary absences. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below:

Compulsory Attendance

State law requires t= hat a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applic= able accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>

A student who volunt= arily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to attend each school day until the end of the school year and is subject to compulsory attendance laws, if the student is under 21 years old. In addition, if a student 18 or ol= der has more than five unexcused absences in a semester the district may revoke= the student’s enrollment. T= he student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing. [See FEA]

State law requires attendance in an accelerated reading instruction program when kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students are assigned to such a program. Parents will be notified in writin= g if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program as a result of the reading diagnosis test.

School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permissio= n from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction” by the st= ate) assigned by a grade placement committee and basic skills for ninth graders;= or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.

A court of law may a= lso impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may= be filed in court if the student:

·        Is absent = from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or

·        Is absent = on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.

If the student is ov= er age 18, the student’s parents shall not be subject to penalties as a resu= lt of their child’s violation of state compulsory attendance law. [See FEA(LEGAL)]

Attendance for Credit

To receive credit in= a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attend= s at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may receive credit for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by the principal that allows the student to fulfill the instructional requirements= for the class. If a student is in= volved in a criminal or juvenile court proceeding, the approval of the judge presi= ding over the case will also be required before the student receives credit for = the class.

If a student attends= less than 75 percent of the days a class is offered or has not completed a plan approved by the principal, then the student will be referred to the attenda= nce review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances f= or the absences and how the student can regain credit, if appropriate. [See policies at FEC]

In determining wheth= er there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee w= ill use the following guidelines:

·        All absenc= es will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the requir= ed percentage of days. If makeup= work is completed, absences for religious holy days and documented health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose. [See policies at FEB.]<= /span>

·        A transfer= or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enro= lled in the district. For a student transferring into the district after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered.

·        In reachin= g a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to en= sure that it is in the best interest of the student.

·        The commit= tee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for = the student’s absences.

·        The commit= tee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student = or the student’s parent could exercise any control.

·        The commit= tee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades = in the course or subject.

·        The studen= t or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the commi= ttee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.

The student or paren= t may appeal the committee’s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the superintendent in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL= ).

The actual number of= days a student must be in attendance in order to receive credit will depend on whe= ther the class is for a full semester or for a full year.

Parent’s Note After An Absence

When a student must = be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must b= ring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even= with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 1= 8 or older. Notes for absences mus= t be sent to school with student no later than 3 days after the absence, or the absence will be counted as unexcused.

Doctor’s Note After An Absence for Illn= ess

Upon return to schoo= l, a student absent for more than 4 consecutive days because of a personal illne= ss must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness= or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. Notes for absences must be sent to school with student no later than 3 days after the absence, or the absence = will be counted as unexcused. [See= FEC (LOCAL).]

Driver License Attendance Verification
To obtain a driver l= icense, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must provide to the Texas Departmen= t of Public Safety a form obtained from the school verifying that the student has met the 90 percent attendance requirement for the semester preceding the da= te of application. The student c= an obtain this form at the high school office.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The school counselor provides students’ and parents’ information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Students are recogni= zed for various accomplishments each year. Merit awards, perfect attendance, and honor roll awards are presente= d on each campus. Other individual awards are presented on each campus. For more information on awards tha= t are presented on your child’s campus you may contact the campus office.

BULLYING

Bullying occurs when= a student or group of students directs written or verbal expressions or physi= cal conduct against another student and the behavior results in harm to the stu= dent or the student’s property, places a student in fear of harm to himsel= f or his property, or is so severe that it creates an intimidating, threatening = or abusive educational environment.

This type of behavio= r is NOT tolerated by the DISD. The bo= ard has established policies and procedures to prohibit bullying and to respond= to reports of bullying. [See FFI= (LOCAL).]

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

The district offers = career and technology programs in family and consumer science, vocational agricult= ure, business education, and technology applications. Admission to these programs is bas= ed on pre-requisites and student interest.

Deweyville I.S.D. wi= ll take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier = to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

CLASS RANK / TOP FIFTEEN PERCENT / HIGHEST RA= NKING STUDENT

Senior grades shall = be averaged at the end of the 5^th six weeks to determine the valedictorian and salutatorian. The basis of this selection shall be the grades earned all four years of high school.

The top 15% of the g= raduating class will be designated as Honor Graduates.

Students and parents= should contact the counselor for further information about the application process= and deadlines.

[For further informa= tion, see policies at EIC.]

CLASS SCHEDULES

Class schedules for = each campus are available at campus offices.

COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Usually student or p= arent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For= those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG (LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’= ;s or superintendent’s office.

In general, the stud= ent or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the conc= ern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.

COMPUTER RESOURCES

To prepare students = for an increasingly technological society, the district has made an investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these computer resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only. Stude= nts and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Students and their p= arents should be aware that E-mail using district computers is not private and wil= l be monitored by district staff. = [For additional information, see policies at CQ.]

CONDUCT

Applicability of School Rules

As required by law, = the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—= ;and consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary auth= ority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be fam= iliar with the standards set out in the = Student Code of Conduct, as we= ll as campus and classroom rules.

To achieve the best = possible learning environment for all students, the Student Code of Conduct and ot= her campus rules will apply whenever the interest of the district is involved, whether on or off school grounds, in conjunction with classes and school-sponsored activities. =

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment&= #8212;spanking or paddling the student—may be used as a discipline management techni= que in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and po= licy FO (LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual.

Disruptions

As identified by law, disruptions include the following:

·        Interferen= ce with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization from an administrator.

·        Interferen= ce with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building= .

·        Use of for= ce, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.

·        Use of for= ce, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

·        Interferen= ce with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property.=

·        Use of for= ce, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leavi= ng district property without authorization from an administrator.

·        Disruption= of classes or other school activities while on district property or on public property that is within 500 feet of district property. Class disruption includes making l= oud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or = any misconduct.

·        Interferen= ce with the transportation of students in vehicles owned or operated by the district.

Radios, CD Players, iPods, Blackberries, Digi= tal Cameras, Lasers, Other Electronic Devices and Games, and Cell Phones
Students are not per= mitted to possess such items as pagers, radios, CD players, iPods, Blackberries, lasers, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, electronic device= s or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the princip= al. Without such permission, teachers = will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine wheth= er to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pic= k up the items.

For safety purposes,= the district permits students to possess cell phones; however, cell phones must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing. The use of cell phones in locker rooms or restroom areas at any time while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event is strictly prohibited.

Any disciplinary act= ion will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and may include confiscation of the device. Cell phones which have been confiscated will be held in campus offic= es until a parent or legal guardian can come to the school to pick up the devi= ce. The school will charge the owner a= $15 administrative fee that will be paid by a parent or legal guardian before t= he release of certain telecommunications devices [See policy FNCE.]=

Students who are assigned to ISS or DAEP, or ha= ve been suspended or expelled from school are not eligible to attend practices= , or any school-sponsored activities on ANY campus, whether home or away, on the day(s) of the assignment.

Social Events

School rules apply t= o all school social events. Guests attending these events are expected to observe the same rules as students, = and a student inviting a guest will share responsibility for the conduct of his= or her guest. =

A student attending = a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the event; anyone leaving before the official end of the event will not be readmitted.=

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS

To protect other stu= dents from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. If a parent suspects that his or h= er child has a contagious disease, the parent should contact the school nurse = or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease= can be alerted.

The school nurse or = the principal’s office can provide information from the Department of Sta= te Health Services regarding these diseases.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

The district permits= high school students to take correspondence courses—by mail or via the Internet—for credit toward high school graduation.<= /p>
[For further informa= tion, see policies at EEJC.]

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling

Students and their p= arents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to le= arn more about course offerings, graduation requirements, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, stud= ents in grades five through eleven will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next school year and other information that will h= elp them make the most of academic and vocational opportunities.

To plan for the futu= re, each student should work closely with the counselor in order to enroll in the hi= gh school courses that best prepare him/her for attendance at a college, unive= rsity, or training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education. The counselor can = also provide information about entrance exams and application deadlines, as well= as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.&= nbsp;

Personal Counseling

The school counselor= is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, includ= ing such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also make availa= ble information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with = the counselor should make a request through a classroom teacher.

Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment<= /h3>
The school will not = conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special educatio= n purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports= .

[For more informatio= n, refer to FFE(LEGAL) and FFG(EXHIBIT).]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course

A student who has pr= eviously taken a course or subject—but did not receive credit for it—may= , in circumstances determined by the teacher, counselor, principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for that course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course or excessive absences, home-schooling, correspondence courses, or independent study supervised by a teacher.
The counselor or pri= ncipal would determine if the student could take an exam for this purpose. If approval is granted, the studen= t must score at least 70 on the exam to receive credit for the course or subject.<= o:p>

The attendance review committee may also offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam.

A student may not us= e this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.

[For further informa= tion, see the counselor and policies EEJA.]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course

A student will be pe= rmitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which the student= has had no prior instruction. The= dates on which exams are scheduled during the 2008–2009 school year include= the last full week of August, November, and April.

A student will earn = credit with a passing score of at least 90 on the exam.

If a student plans t= o take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later = than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The district will honor a request = by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates, but o= nly if the district agrees to administer a test other than the one chosen by the district, in which case the parent must purchase a test from a university approved by the State Board of Education. [For further information, see EEJ= B (LOCAL).]

DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, = AND RETALIATION

The district believe= s that all students learn best in an environment free from dating violence, discri= mination, harassment, and retaliation and that their welfare is best served when they= are free from this prohibited conduct while attending school. Students are expected to treat oth= er students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid behavio= rs known to be offensive; and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.

The board has establ= ished policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate a= nd offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, color, religio= n, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> [See policy FFH]

Dating Violence

Dating violence occu= rs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the ot= her person in the relationship.   This type of conduct is considered harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s abilit= y to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates = an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance.

Examples of dating v= iolence against a student may include, but are not limited to, physical or sexual assaults, name-calling, put-downs, threats to hurt the student or the student’s family members or members of the student’s household, destroying property belonging to the student, threats to commit suicide or homicide if the student ends the relationship, attempts to isolate the stud= ent from friends and family, stalking, or encouraging others to engage in these behaviors.

Discrimination

Discrimination is de= fined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, = that it negatively affects the student.

Harassment

Harassment, in gener= al terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office.

Examples of harassme= nt may include, but are not limited to, offensive or derogatory language directed = at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need = for accommodation; threatening or intimidating conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment of= a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissib= le physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual.=

Examples of prohibit= ed sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advance= s; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.

Retaliation

Retaliation of a stu= dent occurs when a student receives threats from another student or an employee = or when an employee imposes an unjustified punishment or unwarranted grade reduction. Retaliation does n= ot include petty slights and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that are justified by a student’s poor academic performance in the classroom.

Retaliation against = a person who makes a good faith report of discrimination or harassment, including da= ting violence, is prohibited. A pe= rson who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate = with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline. Retaliation again= st a person who is participating in an investigation of alleged discrimination or harassment is also prohibited.

Reporting Procedures

Any student who beli= eves that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment,= or retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other district employee.&nbs= p; The report may be made by the student’s parent. See policy FFH= (LOCAL) for the appropriate districts officials to whom to make a report.

Investigation of Report

To the extent possib= le, the district will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosu= res may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated. The district will notify the paren= ts of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct by an adult associated with the district.

In the event prohibi= ted conduct involves another student, the district will notify the parents of t= he student alleged to have experienced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy.<= o:p>

If the district̵= 7;s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint was not unlawful. <= /p>
A student or parent = who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG (LOCAL).

DISCRIMINATION

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

DISTANCE LEARNING

Distance learning wi= ll be available during the 2008-09 school year.&= nbsp; For more information contact the high school counselor at 746-2685.<= o:p>

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUME= NTS

School Materials

Publications prepare= d by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, flyers, school newspapers, etc.

The yearbook is avai= lable for purchase to students.

All school publicati= ons are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.

Non-school Materials...from students

Students must obtain= prior approval from the campus principal before posting, circulating, or distribu= ting written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tape= s, posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any non-school material must include the name of the sponsoring person or organization. The decision regarding approval wi= ll be made in two school days.

A student may appeal= a principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG (LOCAL). Any student who posts non-school material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.&n= bsp; Materials displayed without the principal’s approval will be removed.

Non-school Materials...from others

Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual = or auditory materials not sponsored by the district or by a district-affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any dist= rict premises by any district employee or by persons or groups not associated wi= th the district, except as permitted by policies at GKDA. To be considered for distribution,= any non-school material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the campus principal for prior review. The campus principal will approve = or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may a= ppeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate district complaint policy. [See policies at DGBA, FNG, or GF.= ]

Prior review will no= t be required for:

·        Distributi= on of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours.

·        Distributi= on of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting he= ld after school hours in accordance with policy GKD (LOCAL) or a non-curriculu= m-related student group meeting held in accordance with FNAB (LOCAL).

·        Distributi= on for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law.

All non-school mater= ials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following the event at which the materials are distributed.

DRESS AND GROOMING

The district’s= dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. STUDENTS WILL BE IN DRESS CODE= AT ALL SCHOOL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FIELD TRIPS, STUDENT COUNCIL TRIPS, LUNCHEONS, AWARDS CEREMONIES, AND SPORTING EVENTS. FAILURE TO MEET SCHOOL DRESS CODE STANDARDS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION. Students and parents may deter= mine a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the following:

1.  &= nbsp;      Head coverings are not to be worn in the buildings, unless specified by a doctor= . This includes hats and caps.<= /o:p>

2.  &= nbsp;      With the exception of the first non-collar button, shirts must be buttoned at all times, unless an appropriate undershirt is worn. Dresses, blouses and shirts design= ed and made without sleeves are permitted as long as the strap is at least 1 &frac= 12; “wide and covers all undergarments.&= nbsp; Anything less than 1½ “ is prohibited unless worn with appropriate shirt. Alteration (cutting of sleeves) of shirts or sweatshirts is not permitted. Fishnets and bare midriffs are not allowed to be worn by boys or girls. If a student raises his/her arms and midriff shows, then the top is = too short and cannot be worn to school.

3.  &= nbsp;      Shoes are to be worn at all times. = Bare feet are not acceptable. Taps, cleats, or any type of metal, plastic, or rubber devices attached to the so= les or other parts of the shoes (including “Heelies”), which might cause damage to floors or create disturbances due to noise, is not to be worn. House slippers are not allowed.

4.  &= nbsp;      Hair should be brushed, combed, and clean at all times and not worn in pins or curlers. The hair of men is n= ot to extend below the shirt collar, the eyebrows, or the ears. Men are not to wear ponytails. Hairstyles that cause a distractio= n are prohibited. Dyed hair must be= of a normal hair color.

5.  &= nbsp;      Items of apparel that are not designed to be worn as outer clothing shall not be = worn as outer clothing, regardless of color.&nb= sp; Underclothing must be worn under outerwear. Underclothing should not be direct= ly visible under outer clothing (bra straps and other underwear should not be = seen at all).

6.  &= nbsp;      Shorts, pants, skirts and dresses must be no shorter than the top of the knee. Pants, skirts and shorts must be w= orn at the natural waistline.

7.  &= nbsp;      Clothing must not be overly tight or revealing.&nbs= p; Skirts and dresses, which are slit up the sides, may be defined as revealing, and cannot be slit higher than the top of the knee. Halter tops, midriffs, cropped top= s, or any type of clothing with a bare back or which is unduly transparent is not permitted. Shirts must be long enough to cover midriffs with the arms extended above the head. No visible cleavage is allowed. Students are not allowed to wear clothing that has revealing “holes” cut or torn into them (this includes jeans).

8.         No pajama pants = or tops are permitted.

9.  &= nbsp;      An item of clothing is not permitted if it has on it profanity or foul languag= e or implication of in-appropriate language/graphics, or is otherwise actually or potentially disruptive to the educational process as reasonably determined = by the principal or his/her designee, including but not limited to items of clothing that portray, advertise, or advocate obscenity, violence, tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

10.  =      Writing, scarification (cutting) or drawing on any part of the body is not permitted= .

11.  =      Earrings that portray, advertise or advocate obscenity, violence, tobacco, alcohol, = or drugs will not be permitted.

12.  =      Body piercing will not be allowed except for earrings in the ears of female stud= ents (this includes belly rings and tongue rings.) Male students are not allowed to w= ear earrings.

13.  =      Male students must be clean-shaven. Male students are not permitted to wear beards, goatees, and extreme sideburns b= elow the ear lobe. Mustaches, if w= orn, must be neatly trimmed so as not to extend beyond the upper lip.=

14.  =      All tattoos are to be covered either with clothing or other means necessary to cover them (Band-Aids).

15.  =      All spiked jewelry, which includes but is not limited to, collars, bracelets and necklaces. =

16.  =      Any clothing item or accessory that can be used as a weapon will not be permitt= ed (wallet chains).

17.  =      STUDENTS MUST BE IN FULL, FORMAL ATTI= RE FOR PROM, INCLUDING DRESS SHIRT, SLACKS, AND DRESS SHOES.=

·        Special exceptions are made for homecoming, jingle bell ball, and prom. Please contact the high school cam= pus for more information.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Participation in school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop tale= nts, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.

Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing inter-district competition. The following requirements apply t= o all extracurricular activities:

·        A student = who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than an advanced placement or international baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or a foreign language—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at lea= st three school weeks.

·        A student = with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks.

·        An ineligi= ble student may practice or rehearse, unless they are in ISS, DAEP, suspended or expelled from school.

·        A student = is allowed in a school year up to 15 absences not related to post-district competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the board, are subject to th= ese restrictions.

·        An absence= for participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.

Please note: Sponsors of student clubs and perf= orming groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—th= at are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation= of school rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct= or by local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by = the organization’s standards of behavior.

[For further informa= tion, see policies at FM and FO.] <= o:p>

FEES

Materials that are p= art of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student. A studen= t, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, includ= ing:

·        Costs for materials for a class project that the student will keep.=

·        Membership= dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities.

·        Security deposits.

·        Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

·        Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc.

·        Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance.

·        Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the district.

·        Personal a= pparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student= .

·        Fees for l= ost, damaged, or overdue library books.

·        Fees for d= river training courses, if offered.

·        Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not available on district premises.

·        A fee for = costs of providing an educational program outside of regular school hours for a s= tudent who has lost credit because of absences and whose parent chooses the progra= m in order for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a district-provided request form.

Any required fee or = deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may = be made to the campus principal. [For further information, see policies at FP.= ]

FUND-RAISING

Fund-raising schedul= es for co-curricular and extra-curricular as well as school activities will be set during the first two weeks of each school year by sponsors and campus principals.

GRADUATION

Requirements for a Diploma

To receive a high sc= hool diploma from the district, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level exam.
The exit-level test, required for students in grade 11, covers English language arts, mathematic= s, science, and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I, Geometry, = Biology, Integrated Chemistry and Physics, English III, and early American and United States History, World History, and World Geography. A student who does not pass the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>

Graduation Programs

The district offers = the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade 9 are required to enroll in the Recommen= ded High School Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program. Permissi= on to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only if an agreement is reached among the student, the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation, and the counselor or appropriate administrator. [See policy EI= F (LEGAL).]

Students who entered= the ninth grade during the 2005–2006 school year must meet the following credit requirements for graduation:

·        Minimum Pr= ogram        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;     26 credits

·        Recommended Program      =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;         26 credits

·        Advanced/D= istinguished Achievement Program    =           26 credits

Students who entered= the ninth grade during the 2006–2007 school year must meet the following credit requirements for graduation:

·        Minimum Pr= ogram        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;     26 credits

·        Recommended Program      =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;         26 credits

·        Advanced/D= istinguished Achievement Program    =           26 credits

Beginning with the 2007–2008 school year, a student entering the ninth grade must meet t= he following credit requirements for graduation:

·        Minimum Pr= ogram        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;     26 credits

·        Recommended Program      =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;         26 credits

·        Advanced/D= istinguished Achievement Program    =           26 credits

Please be aware that= not all courses are offered at every secondary campus in the district. A student who wants to take a cour= se not offered at his or her regular campus should contact the counselor about a transfer or other alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students request a transfer for those students to take a course in the required curriculum other than fine arts or career and technology, the district will offer the course for the following year eithe= r by teleconference or at the school from which the transfers were requested.

Certificates of Coursework Completion

A certificate of cou= rsework completion will not be issued to a senior student who successfully completes state and local credit requirements for graduation but fails to perform satisfactorily on the exit-level tests.

Students with Disabilities

Upon the recommendat= ion of the admission, review, and dismissal committee, a student with disabilities= may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her individualized education program (IEP).

A student who receiv= es special education services and has completed four years of high school, but= has not met the requirements of his or her IEP, may participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance. Even if the student participates in graduation ceremonies to receive the certificate of attendance, he or she m= ay remain enrolled to complete the IEP and earn his or her high school diploma; however, the student will only be allowed to participate in one graduation ceremony. <= /p>
[See FMH (LEGAL)]

Graduation Activities

Graduation activitie= s will include:

·        Graduation ceremony

·        Project Graduation

Graduation Speakers

Graduating students = will be given an opportunity to provide opening and closing remarks during the graduation ceremony. Only tho= se students who have been asked by administration will be eligible to give the= se remarks; however, if the student was assigned to disciplinary placement at = any time during the spring semester, he or she will not be eligible to speak at graduation.

Students eligible to= give the opening and closing remarks will be notified by the principal and given= an opportunity to volunteer. In = the event there are more eligible students volunteering than there are speaking roles at the graduation ceremony, the names of all eligible students who vo= lunteered shall be randomly drawn. The student whose name is drawn first will give the opening remarks and the stu= dent whose name is drawn second will give the closing remarks.=

In addition to the o= pening and closing remarks, the valedictorian and salutatorian may also have speak= ing roles at the graduation ceremony.

[For student speaker= s at other school events, see STUDENT SPEAKERS.]

[See FNA (LOCAL).]

Graduation Expenses

Because students and= parents will incur expenses in order to participate in the traditions of graduation—such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and senior picture—both student and parent should monitor progr= ess toward completion of all requirements for graduation. The expenses often are incurred in= the junior year or first semester of the senior year. [See Student Fees.]

State Scholarships and Grants

·        Under the = Texas Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, students who complete the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement High School Program may e= arn financial credits in varying amounts to apply toward college tuition. The amounts depend on the number of consecutive months in which the student completed graduation requirements a= nd the number of early college credits earned and may be used at public or pri= vate higher education institutions within the state. The counselor can provide addition= al information about meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.

·        Students w= ho have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Progr= am may be eligible under the T.E.X.A.S. Grant Program for tuition and fees to = Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to priv= ate institutions. [For further information, see the principal or counselor and policy EJ (LEGAL).]

HARASSMENT

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation]

HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS

Physical Activity for Students in Elementary = and Middle School

In accordance with p= olicies at EHAB, EHAC, [and FFA], the district will ensure that students in kindergarten through grade 5 engag= e in moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day or 1= 35 minutes per week. =

Students in middle s= chool shall engage in [30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per d= ay for at least four semesters OR at least 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity within a two-week period for at least four semesters].

For additional infor= mation on the district’s requirements and programs regarding elementary and middle school student physical activity requirements, please see the princi= pal.

Physical Fitness Assessment

Annually, the distri= ct will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3–12. At the end of the school year, a p= arent may submit a written request to campus principals, PE teachers, or coaches = to obtain the results of his/her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year.

Vending Machines

The district has ado= pted policies and implemented procedures to comply with state and federal food service guidelines for restricting student access to vending machines. For more information regarding the= se policies and guidelines see the Food Services Director or campus principal. [See policies at CO and FFA.]

Other Health-Related Matters

Tobacco Prohibited=

The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tob= acco products by students and others on school property and at school-sponsored = and school-related activities. [S= ee the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]

Asbestos Management Plan

The district’s Asbestos Management Plan, designed to be in compliance with state and federal regulations, is available in the superintendent’s o= ffice. If you have any questions, please contact Rick Summers.

Pes= t Man= agement Plan

The district applies only pest control products that comply with state and fede= ral guidelines. Except in an emer= gency, signs will be posted 48 hours before application. Parents who want to be notified pr= ior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact the campus principal.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

For more information= on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Ho= meless Children and Youths, Cindy Garriott, at 746-7705.

HOMEWORK

The purpose of homew= ork is to enhance the classroom experiences. Homework shall not be punitive.&nbs= p; For homework to be effective students, parents, and teachers must wo= rk together to provide an opportunity for success. Homework should represent independ= ent practice and independent study related to a concept taught through direct instruction. Homework should = be evaluated in a timely manner and students should be provided with specific feedback on their performance of the assigned task. Homework is part of the six weeks grade.

IMMUNIZATION

A student must be fu= lly immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or stateme= nt that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized.= For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district.&nb= sp; This form may be obtained by writing the DSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347= ; or online at h= ttps://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. The form must be notarized and sub= mitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exempt= ion for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided f= or each student.

The immunizations re= quired are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanu= s, pertussis, poliomyelitis (polio), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox). The school nur= se can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-= validated history of illness required by the Department of State Health Services. Proof of immunization may be estab= lished by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with = a signature or rubber-stamp validation.

If a student should = not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certifi= cate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required poses a significant risk to the health and well-being= of the student or member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed y= early unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. [For further information, see poli= cy FFAB (LEGAL) and the Department of State Health Services Web site: http://ww= w.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm.]

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Questioning of Students

When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a studen= t at school, the principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circu= mstances:

·        The princi= pal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and a= sk for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at scho= ol.

·        The princi= pal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.

·        The princi= pal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.

Students Taken Into Custody

State law requires t= he district to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:

·        To comply = with an order of the juvenile court.

·        To comply = with the laws of arrest.

·        By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision.=

·        By a proba= tion officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court.

·        By an auth= orized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family = Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety.

·        To comply = with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.=

Before a student is = released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the princi= pal will verify the officer’s identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student.

The principal will immediately notify the superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to notify= the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the princi= pal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not hav= e the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.

Notification of Law Violations

The district is requ= ired by state law to notify:

·        All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising= a student who has been arrested or referred to the juvenile court for any fel= ony offense or for certain misdemeanors.

·        All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student= who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offe= nse or certain misdemeanors.

[For further informa= tion, see policy GRA (LEGAL).]

MAKEUP WORK

Routine and In-depth Makeup Work Assignments<= /a>

For any class missed= , the teacher may assign the student makeup work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual studen= t in mastering the essential knowledge and skills, or in meeting subject or cour= se requirements.

A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the ma= keup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher.= Make-up work should be turned in o= n the basis of days missed (one day absent=3Done day for make-up work to be turned in). On the first day after an absence of more than three days, a student shall arrange a schedule for tur= ning in make-up work with the teacher. [For further information, see policy EIAB (LOCAL).]

A student who does n= ot make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a gra= de of zero for the assignment.

A student will be pe= rmitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign = a late penalty to any long-term project in accordance with time lines approved by = the principal and previously communicated to students.

DAEP or In-school Suspension Makeup Work<= /h3>
A student removed to= a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) during the school year wi= ll have an opportunity to complete, before the beginning of the next school ye= ar, coursework needed to fulfill the student’s high school graduation requirements. The district may provide the opportunity to complete the coursework through an alternative method, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FOCA (LEGAL).]

A student removed fr= om the regular classroom to in-school suspension or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal = from the regular classroom. The di= strict may provide the opportunity by any method available, including a correspond= ence course, distance learning, or summer school. [See policy FEA (LEGAL).]

Students and their p= arents are encouraged to discuss options with the teacher or counselor to ensure t= he student completes all work required for the course or grade level.

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

District employees w= ill not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:

·        Only autho= rized employees, in accordance with policies at FFAC, may administer:<= /span>

·        Prescripti= on medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.

·        Prescripti= on medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a regist= ered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.

·        Nonprescri= ption medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the pa= rent along with a written request.

·        Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan = for a student with disabilities.

·        In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:

·        In accorda= nce with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor; an= d

·        When the p= arent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.

A student with asthm= a or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related eve= nts only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a ph= ysician or other licensed health-care provider.&nb= sp; The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-= care provider (including the school nurse) the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.

If the student has b= een prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, = the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse and/or princi= pal.

In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal = for information. [See policy FFAF= (LEGAL).]

Psychotropic Drugs

A psychotropic drug = is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or a= s a component of a medication. It= is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and= is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.

Teachers and other d= istrict employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with = the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they a= re not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a regis= tered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [For further information, see poli= cies at FFAC.]

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS=

Students desiring to participate in the UIL athletic program shall submit a statement from a physician licensed to practice in Texas indicating that the student has been examined and is physically able to participate in the athletic program. This examination is required for the first year of middle school competition and the first year of high school competition. In other years, students shall com= plete a medical appraisal form. Stu= dents may be required to have a physical examination based on answers to the appraisal form.

The district may pro= vide additional screening as district and community resources permit. Parents of students identified thr= ough any screening programs as needing treatment or further examination shall be advised of the need and referred to appropriate health agencies. The student’s health record = shall include a statement of the referral and any follow-up contact that may be d= one.

PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE=

Each school day, stu= dents will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written reque= st to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge.

One minute of silenc= e will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others.&nbs= p; [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more information.]

PRAYER

Each student has a r= ight to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a man= ner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not encourage, req= uire, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditati= on during any school activity.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

A student will be pr= omoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a stud= ent must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.

Students in pre-kind= ergarten and kindergarten shall not be retained without parental consent. With parental consent, six-year-old students determined by the school not to be developmentally ready for first grade may be assigned to a grade as deemed appropriate by the school.<= /o:p>

To be promoted from = one grade level to the next in grades 1 through 5, a student shall attain for t= he year an overall average of 70 or above.&nb= sp; The overall average shall be derived by averaging the final numerical score for language arts, math, social studies, and science. In addition, a student shall attai= n an average of 70 or above in language arts and mathematics. In pre-kindergarten and kindergart= en promotion is based on using assessment methods other than numerical scores. Approval of the campus promotion-retention is based on using assessment methods other than numeric= al scores. Approval of the campus promotion-retention committee is required for retention of a student.<= /o:p>

On the middle school= campus, students shall be promoted on the basis of academic achievement. To be promoted from one grade leve= l to the next, a student shall attain for the year an overall average of 70 or a= bove in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition, the student shall att= ain an average of 70 or above in language arts and mathematics. Approval by the campus promotion-retention committee is required for retention of a student.<= /o:p>

Students in high sch= ool must attain an average of 70 or above in each class per semester in order to earn credits for classes. Students must earn a total of 26 c= redits in order to graduate from high school.&nbs= p; For more information on graduation requirements contact the high sch= ool counselor at 746-2685.

A grade placement co= mmittee shall be comprised of principal, counselor, and student’s teachers to determine the basis of the student’s individual strengths and weaknesses. Students grades in other subjects, TAKS scores, and attendance will also play a role in determining whether the student will be placed into the next grade.

In addition, at cert= ain grade levels a student—with limited exceptions—will be required= to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any= day between January 1 and April 15 and is a Texas resident during the week that the TAKS is administered the first time.=

·        In order t= o be promoted to grade 4, students must perform satisfactorily on the reading section of the grade 3 assessment in English or Spanish.<= /p>
·        In order t= o be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform satisfactori= ly on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5 assessment in Englis= h or Spanish.

·        In order t= o be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactori= ly on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 8 assessment in Englis= h.

Parents of a student= in grade 3, 5, or 8 who does not perform satisfactorily on his or her exams wi= ll be notified that their child will participate in special instructional prog= rams designed to improve performance. Such students will have two additional opportunities to take the test. If a student fails a se= cond time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee,= the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional spec= ial instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however,= the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be pro= moted, based on standards previously established by the district, the decision of = the committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policies at EIE.]<= /span>

Certain studentsR= 12;some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the prin= cipal, counselor, or special education director.

A Personal Graduatio= n Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student in a middle school or beyond who did= not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment or is determined by t= he district as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan will, among other items, identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruct= ion program for the student. [For additional information, see the campus counselor and policy EIF(LEGAL).]

RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.<= /p>
A student who will n= eed to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student = will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the superintenden= t or principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a stud= ent will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.

If a student becomes= ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teach= er before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home= and will notify the student’s parent.

REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENC= ES

Report cards with ea= ch student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject= are issued to parents at least once every 6 weeks.

At the end of the fi= rst three weeks of a grading period, parents will be given a written progress report = if their child’s performance in any course is 74 or below. If the student receives a grade low= er than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent = will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject.

Teachers follow grad= ing guidelines that have been approved by the superintendent and campus princip= als, and are designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for t= he grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the board determines that the grade was arbitrary = or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy. [See policy E= IA (LOCAL).]

Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is = not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal= in accordance with FNG (LOCAL).

The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required fo= r a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.

Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within 3 days.

RETALIATION

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation]

SAFETY

Student safety on ca= mpus and at school-related events is a high priority of the district. Although the district has implemen= ted safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensuring sch= ool safety. A student should:

·        Avoid cond= uct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.

·        Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct= , as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principa= l, teachers, or bus drivers.

·        Remain ale= rt to and promptly report to a teacher or the principal any safety hazards, such = as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member.

·        Know emerg= ency evacuation routes and signals.

·        Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

Accident Insurance

Soon after the schoo= l year begins, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to t= heir child.

Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies

From time to time, s= tudents, teachers, and other district employees will participate in drills of emerge= ncy procedures. When the announce= ment is made students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Information

If a student has a m= edical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school would need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, and information about allergies to medications, foods, insect bites, etc. The= refore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the sch= ool nurse to update any information that the nurse or the teacher needs to know= .

Emergency School-Closing Information

The Deweyville I.S.D= . will announce emergency closings via television and radio stations and school notices when possible. Local = radio stations utilized are KOGT (AM 1600) and KFDM (FM 87.7). News stations that regularly broad= cast school information are KFDM (Channel 6), KBTV4 (Channel 4) and KBMT (Channel 12).

SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS
Many colleges requir= e either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encou= raged to talk with the counselor early during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to take; these exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. (Prior to enroll= ment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take a standardized test, = such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA]).

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Use by Students before and after School
Certain areas of the= school will be accessible to students before and after school for specific purposes. Students are requir= ed to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place.

Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to another area of the building or campus.

After dismissal of s= chool in the afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under the supervision of a teacher, students must leave campus immediately.

Conduct Before and After School

Teachers and adminis= trators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activit= ies on district premises and at school-sponsored events off district premises, = such as play rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, and special study gr= oups or tutorials. Students are su= bject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and wi= ll be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct= or any stricter standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants.

Use of Hallways during Class Time

Loitering or standin= g in the halls during class is not permitted. During class time, students must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Fa= ilure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the = Student Code of Conduct.

Cafeteria Services

The district partici= pates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial need. Information about a student’s participation is confidential. See the Food Services Director, Shirlene Hryhorchuk, or campus offices to apply.

The district follows= the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal nutritional value b= eing served or sold on school premises during the school day. [For more information, see policy = CO (LEGAL).]

Library

The library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available = for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. The library is open for independent student use during the school day or with a teacher’s permission.

Meetings of Non-curriculum-Related Groups=

Student-organized, student-led non-curriculum-related groups are permitted to meet during the hours designated by the principal before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements of policy FNAB (LOCAL).

A list of these grou= ps is available in the principal’s office.

SEARCHES

In the interest of p= romoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools are safe and drug free, district officials may from time to time conduct searches. Such searches are conducted withou= t a warrant and as permitted by law.

Students’ Desks and Lockers

Students’ desk= s and lockers are school property and remain under the control and jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.

Students are fully responsible for the security and contents of their assigned desks and lockers. Students must be cer= tain that their lockers are locked, and that the combinations are not available = to others.

Searches of desks or= lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by policy, whether or not a studen= t is present.

The parent will be n= otified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk or locker.

Vehicles on Campus

Vehicles parked on s= chool property are under the jurisdiction of the school. School officials may search any ve= hicle any time there is reasonable cause to do so, with or without the permission= of the student. A student has fu= ll responsibility for the security and content of his or her vehicle and must = make certain that it is locked and that the keys are not given to others. [See also the Student Code of Conduct= .]

Trained Dogs

The district will use trained dogs to alert school officials to the presence of prohibited or ill= egal items, including drugs and alcohol. &= nbsp; At any time, trained dogs may be used around lockers and the areas around vehicles parked on school property.= Searches of classrooms, common areas, or student belongings may also= be conducted by trained dogs when students are not present. An item in a classroom, a locker, = or a vehicle to which a trained dog alerts may be searched by school officials.<= o:p>

Metal Detectors

Metal detectors are available on each campus and may be used to locate contraband items or those which are not allowed on school premises.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students, bilin= gual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dysl= exic students, and students with disabilities.&= nbsp; The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibili= ty requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations. A studen= t or parent with questions about these programs should contact their child’= ;s campus.

STEROIDS

State law prohibits = students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids ar= e for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.=

Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of = an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.

Students participati= ng in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. More information on the UIL testing program may by found on the UIL Web site at http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/health/steroid_information.html.<= o:p>

STUDENT SPEAKERS

The district provides students the opportunity to speak at certain school functions. A student wh= o is eligible and wishes to speak at a school event should submit a written copy= of their speech to be approved by the campus principal.

As determined by the principal, students who have been selected for special honors, such as capt= ain of an athletic team, student council officers, leaders of school-sponsored organizations, homecoming king or queen, or prom king or queen may also add= ress school audiences at designated events.

[See FNA (LOCAL)]

SUMMER SCHOOL

At this time, the De= weyville I.S.D. does not offer summer school for credits lost. Enrichment programs are offered for students in grades 3-5.

TAKS (TEXAS= ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)

In addition to routi= ne tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will ta= ke state-mandated tests (such as TAKS: the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in the following subjects:

·        Mathematic= s, annually in grades 3–11

·        Reading, annually in grades 3–9

·        Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7

·        English la= nguage arts in grades 10 and 11

·        Social stu= dies in grades 8, 10, and 11

·        Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11

·        Any other subject and grade required by federal law

·        Students in grade 3 are REQUIRED to pass the reading TAKS test, while students in grade= s 5 and 8 are REQUIRED to pass TAKS tests in reading and math to be promoted to= the next grade level. Students wi= ll be given 3 opportunities to take and pass the tests. If after the third attempt they are still unsuccessful, a committee composed of the child’s teacher(s), principal and parents may be formed in order to decide the best placement f= or the child.

·        TAKS tutor= ials will start being held after school during the second semester of school. Students who are struggling with T= AKS objectives will be required to attend these tutorials. Transportation will be provided by Deweyville I.S.D. if your child needs to attend these tutorial sessions.

Deweyville ISD = has been approved to participate in the Optional Flexible Year Program

(SB346). See your ca= mpus principal for details.

[See policy EKB (LEG= AL).]

TARDINESS

Tardiness is defined= as arrival to class after commencement of class, but less than 15 minutes has passed. Arrival of more than = 15 minutes of the class period has expired shall be regarded as an absence. For an unexcused tardy, a teacher = may impose appropriate sanctions under the teacher’s discipline plan, including denial of academic credit for the day’s work if a grade was taken for all other members of the class.&= nbsp; Students receiving three unexcused tardies during any six weeks grad= ing period will be assigned after-school detention (one hour after the regular school day ends for each respective campus). After-school detention will then be assigned for each tardy incurred after the initial three.   Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

TEXTBOOKS

State-approved textb= ooks are provided to students free of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by the stude= nt, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. A student who is issued a damaged = book should report the damage to the teacher.&n= bsp; Any student failing to return a book issued by the school loses the right to free textbooks and records will be held until the book is returned= or paid for by the parent.

TRANSFERS

[See Other Parental Rights, and Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education, for other trans= fer options.]

TRANSPORTATION

School-Sponsored Trips

Students who partici= pate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent makes a written req= uest that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.

Buses and Other School Vehicles

The district makes s= chool bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provi= ded at no cost to students. Bus rout= es and any subsequent changes are posted at the school.

A parent may also de= signate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off location for his or her child. The designated facility or residen= ce must be on an approved stop on an approved route. For information on bus routes and = stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may contact t= he Transportation Department at 746-3600.

See the Student Code of Conduct= for provisions regarding transportation to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

Students are expecte= d to assist district staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and t= hat transportation is provided safely. When riding in district vehicles, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct= . Students must:
School Bus Conduct
For minor infractions of bus conduct rules, prior to sending a bus conduct report to the building principal, parents shall receive an initial letter directly from the bus driver indicating specific rules violated. The parents shall be asked to spea= k to their child about bus behavior and return the signed letter to the bus driv= er the following day. If this ac= tion does not correct the bus violation, the bus driver shall submit a formal bus conduct report to the principal.

When a principal receives a bus report, the principal generally has a conference with those involved, investigating the details of the reported incident. A copy of the disci= pline report is sent home to the parent. Repeated offenses may necessitate that more severe disciplinary acti= on be taken. As a parent, your attitude concerning bus behavior will have an influence on whether your chi= ld obeys the rules or gets into difficulties on the bus. Parents can help their children be= come aware of the rules and the necessity for following them.<= /p>

Students shall observe the following school bus rules of conduct.

        &= nbsp;    1.     The bus driver is= in full charge of the bus and riders. Pupils must obey the driver promptly. Disobedience and disrespect shall = not be tolerated.

        &= nbsp;    2.     The bus driver has authority to enforce school policy while the student is in sight of the bus driver at the bus stop or while walking to and from the bus.

  &nb= sp;          3.     The use of obscen= e or profane speech or gestures is prohibited.

        &= nbsp;    4.     The possession of alcoholic beverages or dangerous drugs is not allowed.

  &nb= sp;          5.     The use or posses= sion of tobacco products is not allowed.

  &nb= sp;          6.     The possession of= a knife or any dangerous instrument if prohibited.

  &nb= sp;          7.     Every student rid= ing a bus will be assigned a seat by the driver on a

route. Sponsors on every trip will assign seats including extracurricular.<= o:p>

        &= nbsp;    8.     When a student re= ceives a warning or suspension notice, he/she must have this notice signed by parents/guardian and return it to the bus driver on the next dates the student’s rides the route.

        &= nbsp;    9.     Students who do n= ot return the signed notice to the bus driver shall be referred to the building principal.

  &nb= sp;        10.     In the event the warning notice has been lost, the parent must write a

  &nb= sp;            =       note to this effect and send it to the driver by the student.<= /p>
  &nb= sp;        11.     Infractions on th= e bus shall be dealt with through the Discipline

Management Plan. Serious or repeated rule infractions may be grounds for suspension or bus riding privileges by building principals.

  &nb= sp;

Rules for Loading the Bus

  &nb= sp;          1.  &= nbsp; Be at designated school bus stop on time.&nbs= p; The driver cannot wait for late pupils.

  &nb= sp;          2.     Pupils shall wait= off the road for the bus.

        &= nbsp;    3.     Do not move towar= d or attempt to enter the bus until the bus comes to a complete stop.=

        &= nbsp;    4.     Students shall en= ter the bus only when the driver is present and has given permission.

  &nb= sp;          5.     Students must loa= d and unload from the front door only.

6.   &n= bsp;        Before a p= upil may ride a bus home other than the regularly assigned bus, a written request from the student's parents must be submitted to the school office for appro= val. This approval must be presented to the driver before boarding the bus. Howe= ver, if this causes

  &nbs= p;      overcrowding, permission may be denied. Standees are not allowed. In emergency conditions drivers may permit students to ride the bus or overcrowded bus.

Rules for Students while on the Bus

        &= nbsp;    1.     General behavior = rules for the classroom shall be followed on the bus. Students are permitted to c= arry on normal conversation.

        &= nbsp;    2.     Students must sit= down in their assigned seat as soon as they get on the bus.

        &= nbsp;    3.     Students are responsible for any vandalism they commit while on the bus. The driver may assign or change seating arrangements at any time.

        &= nbsp;    4.     Students must kee= p all parts of their bodies inside the bus and their feet on the floor.

  &nb= sp;          5.     Keep aisle clear = of books, packages, band instruments, etc.

  &nb= sp;          6.     Do not throw anyt= hing on or out of the bus.

  &nb= sp;          7.     Do not eat or dri= nk while on the bus. (Cans, bott= les, and cups are not

  &nb= sp;            =       allowed on the bus unless they are part of a lunch container).

  &nb= sp;          8.     All students must remain seated while the bus is in motion.

        &= nbsp;    9.     Students shall no= t talk with the driver while the bus is in motion except when necessary.

  &nb= sp;        10.     Students must be absolutely quiet while the bus is approaching and

  &nb= sp;            =       stopped at a railroad crossing.

        &= nbsp; 11.     In the event of a= road emergency, students must remain in the bus unless directed by the driver to leave the bus and then students shall follow the instructions of the driver= .

Rules after Unloading from Bus

  &nb= sp;          1.     Cross the road in= front of the bus only after checking traffic and after

  &nb= sp;            =       receiving a signal from the driver to proceed.

  &nb= sp;          2.     Do not attempt to reboard the bus after leaving it.

  &nb= sp;          3.     Be alert for dang= er signals from the driver.

  &nb= sp;          4.     The driver is not permitted to let students get off the bus at any place
  &nb= sp;            =       other than their regular bus stop, at home, or at school unless he/she=

receives proper authorization from the school o= ffice upon written request from the parent.

        &= nbsp;    5.     The bus emergency= door is not to be used except by direction of the bus driver.<= /p>
School-Sponsored Trips

        &= nbsp;    1.     All the above rul= es and regulations apply to any school-sponsored trip, with the exception of certa= in extra-curricular trips.

        &= nbsp;    2.     Students will be assigned seats by the sponsor of the activity even      for extracurricular activities.

  &nb= sp;          3.     The bus driver is charged with the full responsibility for the safe

  &nb= sp;            =       operation of the bus while on extra trips and is to follow an assigned

  &nb= sp;            =       route for the trip.

        &= nbsp;    4.     The driver shall = expect the full cooperation and assistance of both assigned sponsors and students while in route. The sponsor is responsible for the behavior of students.

        &= nbsp;    5.     The bus emergency= door is not to be used except by direction of the bus driver.<= /p>
Consequences

  &nb= sp;          1.     One bus conduct r= eport shall result in a warning status unless action

  &nb= sp;            =       violates the Student Code of Conduct.

  &nb= sp;          2.     Two bus conduct r= eports shall result in a probationary status in

  &nb= sp;            =       addition to disciplinary action deemed appropriate by campus

  &nb= sp;            =       administrator.

        &= nbsp;    3.     Three bus conduct reports during the school year shall result in the loss of bus privileges f= or five school days.

        &= nbsp;    4.     A fourth bus cond= uct report may result in the student being suspended from bus services for twen= ty school days. If the suspension occurs during the last six weeks of school, the suspension will continue in= to the next school year until all days of the 6 weeks suspension have been ser= ved.

5.      =       Five bus r= eports shall result in the student being suspended for the remainder of the school year. If the suspension occurs during the last six weeks of school, the suspension will continue into the = next school year until all days of the 6 weeks suspension have been served.=

  &nb= sp;          6.     In the case of se= rious misconduct that endangers the safety of other

  &nb= sp;            =       passengers or the driver, the driver shall have the authority to put the

  &nb= sp;            =       student off the bus or to call for law enforcement assistance; the

  &nb= sp;            =       principal and parents shall be notified of the situation as soon as=

  &nb= sp;            =       possible. The student shall not be provided = bus service again until a

  &nb= sp;            =       conference involving all persons listed above has been held.

Deweyville ISD has placed video cameras on its buses. The purpose is to prov= ide safety for your child and the drive. Our goal is to get your child to and from school in the safest possi= ble manner. If your child follows= the bus rules, he/she will be effected. The principal and Director of Transportation may use the videotape in disciplinary matters.

Offenses that fall under the Zero Tolerance cat= egory, will be addressed utilizing Zero Tolerance punishment guidelines. These guidelines will supersede the above-mentioned punishment guidelines as necessary.

VANDALISM

The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction a= nd upkeep of school facilities. = To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended—both this year and for years to come—littering, defaci= ng, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay f= or damages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct= .

VIDEO CAMERAS

For safety purposes,= video/audio equipment may be used to monitor student behavior on buses and in common ar= eas on campus. Students will not = be told when the equipment is being used.

The principal will r= eview the video/audio recordings routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance w= ith the Student Code of Conduct.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

General Visitors

Parents and others a= re welcome to visit district schools. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must first report to the principal’s office and must comply with all applicable district policies and procedures.

Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and only so long as their duration or frequency does = not interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.

All visitors are exp= ected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behav= ior will not be permitted.

Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students

Deweyville I.S.D. participates in Career Day, which is usually held during the spring in Beaumont, TX. Representatives from colleges and universities and other higher education institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters present information to interested students.

WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

A student under 18 m= ay be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. The parent may obta= in a withdrawal form from the principal’s office.

On the student’= ;s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library rec= ord; to the clinic for health records; to the counselor for the last report card= and