Student
Handbook
2006 - 2007
PREFACE
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2006–2007! Education is a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together will make this a successful year for our students.
The Morgan
Mill ISD Student Handbook contains information that both students and parents
are likely to need during the school year. The handbook is organized
alphabetically by topic. Please be aware that the term "the student's
parent" is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person
who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both
students and parents must be familiar with the Morgan Mill ISD Student Code of
Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an
atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this
handbook
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 as necessary,
while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Therefore,
any changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be made
available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.
These changes will generally supersede provisions found in this handbook that
have been made obsolete by newly adopted policy.
We encourage
parents to review the entire handbook with their child/children and 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 a teacher, the principal,
or Superintendent.
Morgan
Mill ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national
origin, 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. Dean
Edwards, Superintendent, has been designated to coordinate compliance with
these programs.
Attendance
Regular
school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her
education—to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day's learning
on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class
may result in serious disruption of a student's mastery of the instructional
materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid
unnecessary 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 in the following sections:
Compulsory Attendance
State law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 18 attend school and district-required tutorial sessions or applicable accelerated instruction programs unless the student is otherwise legally exempt or excused. School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction” by the state) assigned by the grade placement committee; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.
A court of law may also 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..
To receive
credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the
class is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the
class is offered cannot receive credit for the class unless the attendance
review committee finds that the absences are the result of extenuating
circumstances. In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for
the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines:
· All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for religious holy days and health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.
· A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled 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 reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best interest of the student.
·
The committee will consider the acceptability
and authenticity of documented reasons for the student's absences.
·
The committee will consider whether the absences
were for reasons over which the student or the student's parent could exercise
any control.
·
The committee 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 student or parent will be given an
opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences and
to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.
·
If a student is absent from school without an
excuse for 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the
same school year, or on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week
period, the parents and student are subject to prosecution according to Senate
Bill 1432. If a student is absent from school without an excuse for three days
or parts of days within a four-week period, the office will notify the parents
and a conference between the parent and the school will be required.
·
If credit is lost, the attendance committee will
decide how the student may regain credit. The student or parent may appeal the
committee’s decision to the board of trustees
by filing a written request with the Superintendent.
When a student must be absent from school,
the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note, signed by the parent that
describes the reason for the absence.
·
A student absent for any reason should promptly
make up specific assignments missed and/or complete additional in-depth study
assigned by the teacher. The student is responsible for obtaining and
completing the make-up work in a satisfactory manner within the time specified
by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time
allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
Class time is
important. Students who must leave school during the day must bring a note
from their parent that morning. Doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if
possible, at time when the student will not miss instructional time.
Awards and Honors
All
members of the eighth grade class will be considered for the academic honor of
Valedictorian and Salutatorian based on the grades of the first five six weeks
averages and any semester tests of the 8th grade. Transfer students
who have arrived before the end of the third six weeks period are also eligible.
The student with the highest academic average for the subjects listed below
will be the Valedictorian and the student with the second highest average will
be the Salutatorian. The subjects considered will be language arts, literature,
mathematics, science, history, and health/computer.
Bad Weather Days
and
The
condition of the roads throughout the school district is the determining factor
as to whether or not school must be dismissed. The Superintendent or designee
will check the roads before
Bicycles
Students
may use bicycles for school transportation. Students must park in the
designated area. Students arriving at school or leaving school on their bikes
are to push their bikes to the parking area and away from the parking area.
Drivers must watch carefully to avoid hitting a child during congested times.
Buying, Selling,
and Trading of Products at School
Buying, selling,
or trading of products is not permitted at
Change of Address and Telephone Numbers
Parents are encouraged to keep the office informed of any change
of address or telephone number, either by a note or by a phone call. It is
important that the school have up-to-date records on each student for emergency
purposes.
Classroom Expectations
Students
are responsible for conducting themselves properly, in a manner appropriate for
their age and level of maturity. Students’ responsibilities for achieving a
positive learning environment in the classroom include:
- Attending all classes -- daily
and on time.
- Being prepared for each class
with appropriate materials and completed assignments.
- Refraining from physical
contact and violations of the Code of Student Conduct and always
exercising self-discipline.
- Using appropriate language.
- Showing courtesy and respect toward
others.
- Being appropriately dressed
and groomed.
- Obeying all school rules,
including safety rules.
- Cooperating with all teachers
and staff.
Communicable Diseases
To protect
other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain
diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. The school nurse
or the office can provide information from the Texas Department of Health
regarding these diseases. Some common communicable diseases include chicken
pox, hepatitis A, impetigo, infectious mononucleosis, ringworm, rubella,
typhoid fever, common cold with fever, fifth disease, head lice, influenza,
measles, mumps, bacterial meningitis, pinkeye, scabies, tuberculosis, and
whooping cough.
Parents of
a student with a communicable or contagious disease should phone the school office
so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be
alerted.
Bacterial Meningitis
State law
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, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most
common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of
serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications.
It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to
prevent permanent damage or death.
What are
the 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, high
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 anywhere on the body.
The
diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and
laboratory results.
How
serious is bacterial meningitis?
If it is
diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete
recovery. In some cases, it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent
disability.
How is
bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately,
none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like
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 back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for
long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by
kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ
does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers
of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the
body's immune system and cause 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 kiss. 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 living
in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent).
It can cause mild side effects, such 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.
What
should 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 your local
health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about
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 Texas Department of
Health, http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/.
Complaints by Students/Parents
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has a standard complaint procedure. In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern 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.
Conferences --
Parent-Teacher
Students and parents may expect teachers to request a
conference if (1) the student is not maintaining passing grades or achieving
the expected level of performance, (2) the student presents any other problem
to the teacher, or (3) in any case the teacher considers necessary.
The district encourages a student or parent who wants
information or wants to raise a question or concern to confer with the
appropriate teacher. A parent who wishes to confer with a teacher may call the
office for an appointment during the teacher’s conference period or request the
teacher call the parent during a conference period or at another mutually
convenient time.
Computer and Internet Usage
To prepare
students for an increasingly computerized society, the district has made a
substantial investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use
of these resources is restricted to students working under a teacher's
supervision and for approved purposes only. Students and their parents will be
asked to sign an Acceptable Use Policy each year (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
parents should be aware that electronic communications—e-mail—using district
computers are not private and shall be monitored by district staff.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal
punishment—spanking or paddling the student—may be used as a discipline
management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the district's
policy. The following guidelines will be used:
·
The
student is told the reason corporal punishment is being given.
·
Corporal
punishment may be given by the Superintendent, principal, teacher, or coach.
·
The
instrument to be used shall be approved by the Superintendent.
·
Corporal
punishment shall be done in the presence of one other district professional
employee out of the view of other students.
A record
of each incident of corporal punishment shall be maintained.
Credit by Exam—If
a Student Has Not Completed the Grade
A student
will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic grade for
which the student has no prior instruction. The dates on which exams are
scheduled during the 2006-2007 school year include the last full week of June.
The passing score required to earn credit on an exam is 90. If a student plans
to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the school no later
than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The district will not honor a
request by a parent to administer a test purchased by the parent from a State
Board–approved university on a date other than the published dates.
Discipline
When imposing discipline, school personnel shall adhere to
the following general guidelines:
·
Discipline shall be
administered when necessary to protect students, school employees, visitors,
school property, and to maintain essential order and discipline.
·
Students shall be
treated fairly and equitably. Discipline may be based on a careful assessment
of the circumstances of each case. Factors to consider shall include: (1)
seriousness of the offense, (2) student’s age, (3) frequency of the misconduct,
(4) student’s attitude, (5) potential effect of the misconduct on the school
environment, (6) requirements of Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code, (7)
the Student Code of Conduct, and (8) the campus rules outlined in the student
campus handbook.
Discipline management techniques may be used alone or in
combination and may include, but are not limited to, oral correction,
parent-teacher conferences, detention, assigned school duties other than class
tasks, withdrawal of privileges, suspension, referral to legal authorities, time
out, removal to an Alternative Education
Program, and expulsion.
Removal of a
Student by a Teacher
A teacher may send a student to the Superintendent or designee
in order to maintain effective discipline in the classroom or on the campus.
The Superintendent or designee shall respond by employing appropriate
discipline management techniques consistent with the Student Code of Conduct. A
teacher may formally remove a student from class whose behavior has been
documented by the teacher to: (1) repeatedly interfere with classroom learning
and other interventions have failed to correct the misbehavior and/or (2) the
student’s behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that the teacher cannot
communicate effectively with other students in the class. Routine teacher
referrals differ from formal removal in that a Student Code of Conduct
violation report is not required nor is the Superintendent or designee required
to send a copy of the report to the student’s parents.
Investigation
of Misconduct
Administrators have the right and responsibility to
interview/question any student and student witness regarding his/her conduct or
the conduct of others and may do so without notifying parents/guardians. If the
student is believed to have violated a rule that may require an assignment to a
discipline alternative education program, expulsion, or a referral to law
enforcement, the administrator shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the
student’s parent/guardian.
Suspension or
Removal to Alternative Education Programs
Students may be suspended or removed to an alternative
educational program if:
- The
student’s presence in the classroom presents a danger of physical harm to
the student or others.
- The
student has engaged in serious or persistent misbehavior that violates the
Student Code of Conduct.
In this supervised setting, the student
receives assignments in each course to the extent possible, with little or no
opportunity for social interaction with peers. Before placing a student in an
alternative education program, the administrator shall consider reasonable
alternatives. If the administrator determines that this is the most appropriate
alternative, no other disciplinary action needs to precede such placement; an
informal conference shall be held to advise the student of the conduct with
which he/she is charged and give the student an opportunity to respond to the
charges. A student’s parent shall be notified of the placement by telephone or
other reasonable means as soon as possible.
Out-of-School
Suspension
A student may be suspended for a period not to exceed three
days in succession with no limit on occurrences if the administrator
determines: (1) the student’s presence in the classroom presents a danger of
physical harm to the student or others, (2) the student has engaged in
serious/persistent misbehavior or has violated other policies/rules outlined in
the Student Code of Conduct, (3) the student engages in conduct that warrants
an assignment to the Alternative Education Program.
Before suspending a student, the administrator shall
conduct an informal conference and advise the student of the conduct with which
he/she is being charged and give the student an opportunity to respond to the
charges. Before suspending a student, the administrator shall consider
reasonable alternatives. If the administrator determines a suspension is the
most appropriate alternative, no other disciplinary action need precede the
suspension. A student’s parent/guardian shall be notified of the suspension by
telephone or other reasonable means as soon as possible. The parent/guardian of the student who is
being suspended shall be advised that it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide adequate
supervision for the student during the period of the suspension.
Students with disabilities may be suspended from school in
the same manner as non-disabled students for a period not to exceed three (3)
consecutive school days or removed to in-school suspension for a period not to
exceed ten cumulative school days and which result in a change in placement.
Students with disabilities may not be removed from class for more than ten
cumulative school days without ARD/Section 504 committee action. A student
suspended from his/her regular classes will complete the assignments for the
period of suspension as outlined in the Board policy and in the student campus
handbook.
Any restrictions on participation in school-sponsored or
school-related extracurricular and non-curricular activities will be in
accordance with the Extra-Curricular Activities Student Code of Conduct and/or
determined by the Superintendent or designee.
Expulsion
A student shall be expelled from school for offenses
committed on school property, or while attending a school-sponsored or
school-related activity on or off school property as defined/listed in Section
37.007 of the Texas Education Code and Level IV of the Student Code of Conduct.
The Board’s designee/District Level Hearing Committee shall
schedule/notify (in writing)/provide the student/parent/guardian with a due
process hearing within seven (7) school days from the date of the offense. At
the hearing, the student is afforded proper due process (right to prior notice
of the charges, right to adult representation, opportunity to testify, present
evidence and witness, and cross-examine witnesses presented by the school). If
the district makes a good-faith effort to inform the student and the student’s
parent/guardian of the time and place of the hearing, the district may hold the
hearing regardless of whether the student, the student’s parent, or another
adult representing the student attends.
The hearing committee shall set the terms of the expulsion
based on the law(s), the seriousness of the offense, and other relevant
factors. A student withdrawing from the district after violating a Level IV
mandatory offense but before the expulsion hearing takes place will be given
notice when or where the hearing will be conducted. If the student returns
during the current or next school year, he/she will be expelled according to
the terms of the expulsion order.
District Code of Conduct and Discipline
All students are entitled to enjoy the basic rights of
citizenship recognized and protected by law for persons of their age and
maturity. The school shall foster a climate of mutual respect for the rights of
others. Each student is expected to respect the rights and privileges of other
students, teachers, and district staff. Students shall exercise their rights in
a responsible manner in compliance with rules established for the orderly
conduct of the district’s educational mission. The district’s rules of conduct
and discipline are established to achieve and
maintain order in the school. Students who violate the rights of others or who
violate district or school rules shall be subject to disciplinary measures
designed to correct the misconduct and to promote adherence by all students to
the responsibilities of citizens in the school community.
In order for students to take advantage of available
learning opportunities and to be productive members of our campus community,
each student is expected to:
- Demonstrate
courtesy – even when others do not.
- Behave
in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.
- Attend
all classes, regularly and on time.
- Prepare
for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.
- Meet district
standards of grooming and dress.
- Obey
all campus and classroom rules.
- Respect
the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and staff.
- Respect
the property of others, including district property and facilities.
- Cooperate
with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and
discipline.
- Avoid
violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Applicability of School Rules
As
required by law, the district has developed and adopted a Student Code of
Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and establishes standards of
acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of
the standards. Students need to be familiar with the standards set out in the
Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.
To achieve
the best possible learning environment for all students, the Student Code of
Conduct and other campus rules of behavior will apply whenever the interest of
the district is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or
independent of classes and school-sponsored activities. The district has
disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of
Conduct. Procedures and discipline will apply to the following:
- During the regular school day
or while a student is using district transportation.
- Within 300 feet of school
property.
- While a student is in
attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location.
- When retaliation against a school
employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or
location.
- When a student commits a
felony, as described by Texas Education Code 37.006.
- When criminal mischief is
committed on or off school property or at a school-related event.
Students at school or school-related activities are
prohibited from:
- Cheating
or copying the work of others.
- Throwing
objects that may cause bodily injury or damage property.
- Leaving
school grounds or school-sponsored events without permission.
- Directing
profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward other students.
- Insubordinations,
such as disobeying directives from school personnel or failing to adhere
to school policies, rules, and regulations.
- Being
disrespectful or directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures
toward teachers, other school employees, or visitors.
- Playing
with matches or fire, or committing arson, or possessing fireworks of any
kind, smoke or stink bombs, or any other pyrotechnic device.
- Stealing
from students, staff, or the school.
- Damaging
or vandalizing property owned by the district, other students, or district
employees.
- Disobeying
school rules about conduct on school buses.
- Fighting,
committing physical abuse, or threatening physical abuse.
- Committing
extortion, coercion, or blackmail; that is, obtaining money or other
objects of value from an unwilling person, or forcing an individual to act
through the use of force or threat of force.
- Name-calling,
ethnic or racial slurs, or derogatory statements that school officials
have reasonable cause to believe will substantially disrupt the school
program or incite violence.
- Engaging
in inappropriate physical or sexual conduct.
- Assaulting
a teacher or other individual.
- Selling,
giving, or delivering to another person or possessing, using, or being
under the influence of: marijuana or a controlled substance; a dangerous
drug; glue that can be abused, aerosol paint, or other volatile chemical;
or an alcoholic beverage.
- Bringing
a firearm to school. Federal and state law requires expulsion for this
conduct. Possessing razors, switchblades, box cutters, chains, or any
other object used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury to
another person.
- Smoking
or using tobacco products.
- Hazing.
- Behaving
in any way that disrupts the school environment or educational process,
including failure to adhere to the district dress code.
- Possession
of a paging device or cellular telephone without prior permission from a
teacher or administrator.
- Engaging
in any conduct constituting felony criminal mischief as defined by law.
- Membership
or participation in any secret society, fraternity, sorority, or gang.
- Engaging
in unruly, disruptive, or abusive behavior that seriously interferes with
the teacher’s communication with students or with the ability of students
to learn.
- Possessing
air guns, BB guns, mace or pepper spray, and possessing or selling “look
alike” weapons.
- Making
bomb threats, false threats, hoaxes, or accusations regarding school
safety.
Disruptions
In order to protect student safety and sustain an educational program free from disruption, state law
permits the district to take action against any
person—student or non-student—who:
- Interference
with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district
building without authorization from an administrator.
- Interference with an authorized activity
by seizing control of all or part of a building.
- Use
of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in
an authorized assembly.
- Use
of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.
- Interference
with the movement of people at an exit or entrance to district property.
- Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property.
· 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 loud 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 profane language or any misconduct.
- Interference
with the transportation of students in district vehicles.
Distribution of Published Materials or
Documents
School Materials
Publications
prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed with prior approval
by the Superintendent, principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include
school posters, brochures, murals, etc.
All school
publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, principal, or
Superintendent.
Nonschool Materials
Unless an
individual obtains specific prior approval from the administration, written
materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters,
or other visual or auditory materials over which the school does not exercise
control may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed at school. To be
considered, any nonschool material must include the name of the sponsoring person
or organization. The decision regarding approval will be made in two school
days.
The
student may appeal the administration’s decision. Any student who posts
material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without this
approval will be removed.
The
requestor may appeal the Superintendent or designee's decision in accordance
with policy.
Dress Code
There is a
close relationship between high standards of dignity and pride and proper
grooming. Personal appearance is important. The student and parents share in
the responsibility for proper grooming of the student.
The district’s
dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline,
prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority.
Students should be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat and
that will not be a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. Modesty
should be the dominant feature in all clothing. The school shall have the right
to ask students to change their attire if it is of such a nature that it
provokes unfavorable comment, or if it leads school officials to believe such
dress and grooming will disrupt, interfere with, or detract from school
activities.
The district
prohibits any clothing or grooming that in the administration’s judgment may
reasonably be expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal
school operations. The district prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings that
are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene or that advertises or depicts tobacco
products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under
policy.
Guidelines
for appropriate school dress shall include, but not be limited to the
following:
- Boys are not allowed to wear
earrings.
- Body piercing (other than
ears) is prohibited.
- Hair should be clean and neat.
- Undergarments should not be
visible at any time.
- All clothing shall be worn as
it is designed to be worn.
- Clothing should be appropriately
sized.
- No excessively baggy or
skintight clothing will be permitted.
- Apparel should not create a
health or other hazard to the student’s safety or the safety of others.
Please
note: The dress and grooming guidelines set out above are not an exhaustive
list. Other dress and grooming issues that may occur will be addressed by the
school as needed. Students should wear
clothing and footwear that will allow them to participate in any activity that
they may be called upon to do during the course of a normal school day.
Drop-Off and
Pick-Up Points
Parents
who bring their child/children to school and pick them up after school are to
use the front entrance and parking area. Do not block the flow of traffic and
do not drive through the area where students are entering and leaving the
playground. Please watch for the children. Lower your speed while on school
grounds. The road located to the side of the office is meant for delivery
trucks only; it is not for regular
traffic use. Under no circumstances should a running vehicle be left unattended
in the parking lot.
Fees
Materials
that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and
local funds at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to
provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be
required to pay certain other fees including:
·
Costs for materials for a class project that the
student will keep.
·
Personal physical education and athletic
equipment and apparel.
·
Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications,
yearbooks, etc.
·
Musical instrument rental and uniform
maintenance when uniforms are provided by the district.
·
Personal apparel used in extracurricular
activities that becomes the property of the student.
·
Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books
or textbooks.
Any
required fee may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay.
Application for such a waiver may be made to the Superintendent.
Emergency Medical
Treatment and Information
If a
student has a medical 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, etc. Therefore, 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 school nurse or office to update any information.
Extracurricular
Activities
Participation
in school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop
talents, 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 interdistrict competition. The following requirements
apply to all extracurricular activities:
·
A student who receives a grade below 70 in any
academic class at the end of a grading period may not participate in
extracurricular activities for at least 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 ineligible student may practice or
rehearse.
·
A student who misses a class because of
participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an
unexcused absence.
Please
note: Sponsors of performing groups such as the
band, choir, cheerleading, and drill and athletic teams may establish standards
of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—that 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.
Freedom From
Discrimination
The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from harassment and that their welfare is best served when they can work free from discrimination. Students must not engage in harassment behaviors motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, or disability directed toward another student. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.
The district has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, age, or disability. Prohibited harassment, in general 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; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance.
Examples of prohibited discrimination may include, but are not limited to, derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; bullying, threatening, or intimidating conduct; name-calling or slurs, taunting, teasing or rumors; aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property. Examples of prohibited sexual harassment may include touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.
Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer
does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably
construed as sexual in nature. However,
all romantic and inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual
relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if
consensual.
The district
encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent
harassment in any form in the public schools. Students and/or parents are
encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the expectations in
this area with a teacher, principal, Superintendent, or designee. A student who
believes he or she has been harassed by another student or by a district
employee is encouraged to report the incident to the administration. The
allegations will be investigated and addressed. A substantiated complaint
against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature
of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct.
Fund-Raising
Student
clubs or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising
drives for approved school purposes. Except as approved by the Superintendent,
fund-raising is not permitted on school property.
Health-Related Matters
Physical
Activity for Students in Elementary Grades
The district
ensures that students in the elementary grades engage in at least 30 minutes of
physical activity per day or 135 minutes per week to meet state requirements. The
district offers regular physical activity to students in middle and junior high
school.
Other
Health-Related Matters
- The
district has adopted policies and implemented procedures to comply with
agency and food service guidelines for restricting student access to
vending machines. Foods
of minimal nutritional value are prohibited during the school day.
- The district and its staff
strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by
students and others on school property or at school-sponsored or
school-related activities.
- The
district applies only pest control products that comply with state and
federal guidelines. Except in an
emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before application.