2012-2013 parent student handbook
TRANSCRIPT
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and STUDENT CODE of CONDUCT
PARENT/STUDENT
HANDBOOK201
2-
2013
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FOUNDED IN 1998ResponsiveEd
is now one o
the largest charter school districts in Texas,with 50+ campuses across texas serving
over 7,200students in 2010, more than 80 percent of ResponsiveEd schools
earned the top academic ratings
given by the texaseducation agency.
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WELCOME
DearStudentsandParents,
OnbehalfoftheCampusDirector,teachers,andotherschoolstaff,welcome!Wewishthisyeartobeanespeciallyproductiveexperienceforeachstudent.Forthistohappen,weallhavetoworktogether:students,parents,andstaff.ThisParent/StudentHandbook(Handbook)isdesignedtohelpusaccomplishthatgoal.
ThisHandbookcontainsinformationthatbothstudentsandparentsneedforreferenceduringtheschoolyear.ThroughoutthisHandbookyouwillnoticesymbolsthatindicatewhetherapolicyappliesonlytostudentsatcertaingradelevels.[E]appliestogradesK5,[M]appliestogrades68,and[H]
appliestogrades912.Ifthereisnosymbolnexttoastatement,thenitappliestoALLSTUDENTS.Wehaveattemptedtomakethelanguageasstraightforwardaspossible;however,acoupleofwords
shouldbedefined.Pleasebeawarethatthetermparentisusedtorefertotheparent,legalguardian,orotherpersonwhohasagreedtoassumeaschoolrelatedresponsibilityforastudent.Also,thetermcampusisusedtorefertoschoolpropertyaswellasthegeographicareawithin300feetofschoolpropertyasmeasuredfromanypointontherealpropertyboundaryline.Thus,toprohibitanactivityoncampusistoprohibittheactivityonschoolpropertyandwithin300feetofschoolproperty.
ThisHandbookisdividedintosixsections.Thefirstsectionincludesgeneralinformationregardingschoolpolicyandprocedures.Thesecondsectionprovidesimportanthealthandsafetyinformation.Thethirdsectionprovidesinformationaboutacademicsandgrading.ThefourthsectionistheStudentCodeofConduct.BothstudentsandparentsneedtobefamiliarwiththeStudentCodeofConduct,whichisrequiredbystatelawandintendedtopromoteschoolsafetyandanatmosphereforlearning.Inadditiontoitsinclusioninthisdocument,itisalsopostedontheschoolwebsite.Thefifthsectionisespeciallyforparents,withinformationregardingparentalrights.Finally,thesixthsectioncontainsimportantnoticesregardingstudentinformation,computerresources,electroniccommunicationdevices,andtheschoolgrievancepolicy.
ThisHandbook,whichwasadoptedbytheBoardofTrusteesonMay24,2012,isdesignedtobeinharmonywithBoardPolicy.PleasebeawarethatthisHandbookisupdatedyearly,whilepolicyadoptionandrevisionmayoccurthroughouttheyear.ChangesinpolicythataffectHandbookprovisionswillbemadeavailabletostudentsandparentsthroughnewsletters,theschoolwebsite,andothercommunications.In
caseofconflictbetweenBoardPolicyandanyprovisionofthisHandbook,theprovisionthatwasmost
recentlyadoptedbytheBoardofTrusteeswillbefollowed.
PleasereviewthisentireHandbookandkeepitasreferenceduringthisschoolyear.Pleasetakethetimetolookovertheinformationprovided.IfyouhaveanyquestionsaboutthematerialinthisHandbook,pleasecontactyourCampusDirector.Understandingthisinformationwillassistyouinthepathtosuccess.Sincerely,CharlesCookSuperintendent
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
SectionI:GeneralPoliciesandProcedures
AttendancePolicy.................................................................1CellPhonesandOtherElectronicDevices................2ChangeofAddressorTelephoneNumber................3CheckAcceptancePolicy...................................................3ClosedCampus......................................................................3ClubsandOrganizations...................................................3ConferenceswithTeachers
andCampusDirector.................................................4Deliveries.................................................................................4DistributionofMaterialsorDocuments....................4DressCode...............................................................................4EnrollmentofNewStudents...........................................6Fees.............................................................................................7LeavingCampusduringtheSchoolDay.....................8
Lockers......................................................................................8LostandStolenItems.........................................................8Meals..........................................................................................8MessagesforStudents........................................................9NoticeofNonDiscrimination.........................................9ParkingRegulations[H]....................................................9
PledgeofAllegiance/MinuteofSilence...................10ReligiousExpression........................................................10RespectforAll.....................................................................10SchoolCalendar..................................................................11SchoolDaySchedule........................................................11
SchoolFacilitiesUse.........................................................11SchoolFunctions................................................................11SchoolSponsoredTrips..................................................11Skateboards..........................................................................11StudentSpeakersatSchoolEvents............................11Tardiness...............................................................................13Telephone..............................................................................13TransferswithintheResponsiveEd
CommunityofSchools............................................13Transportation....................................................................14UseofStudentsImage/Information.........................15Visitors....................................................................................15Withdrawals.........................................................................15
SectionII:HealthandSafety
InformationAsbestosManagementPlan..........................................16
BacterialMeningitis..........................................................16ChildAbuseReportingandInvestigations.............17CommunicableDiseases.................................................18DyslexiaandRelatedDisorders..................................18EmergencyMedicalTreatment...................................18FireandDisasterDrills....................................................18
HealthCareAppointments............................................18IllnessduringSchoolHours..........................................18Immunizations....................................................................18Injuries/AccidentInsurance.........................................20InterrogationsandSearches.........................................20
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LawEnforcementAgencies...........................................20MedicationPolicies...........................................................21PhysicalRestraint.............................................................22
SurveillanceCameras/VideoRecordings...............22
SectionIII:AcademicsandGrading
ClassRank/TopTenPercent[H]................................23ClassificationofStudents[H].......................................23CollegeDays[H].................................................................23CollegeRequirements[H].............................................24CreditbyExamination[H].............................................24
GraduationExpenses[H]...............................................24GraduationPrograms[H]..............................................24GraduationRequirements[H].....................................25HonorGraduateCertificate[H]...................................25PhysicalEducation............................................................25PromotionRequirements[E][M]..............................26
ReportCards........................................................................26SpecialNeedsStudents...................................................26StateAssessments.............................................................27StudentSuccessTeam.....................................................29Textbooks.............................................................................29Transcripts...........................................................................29Tutorials................................................................................29
Valedictorian/Salutatorian[H]...................................29
SectionIV:StudentCodeofConductPreface....................................................................................31ResponsibilitiesofStaff,Parents, andStudents...............................................................32
Jurisdiction...........................................................................32CodeofConductViolations...........................................33OffensesandConsequences..........................................38
Conferences,Hearings,andAppeals.........................40SuspensionProcess...........................................................40ExpulsionProcess..............................................................40Suspension/ExpulsionRequirements forSpecialEducation...............................................41EmergencyRemoval.........................................................41PlacementofStudentswithDisabilities..................41
SectionV:
Parental
Rights
SurveysandActivities.....................................................42RequestingProfessionalQualifications ofTeachersandStaff...............................................42
AppendixAnnualNoticeofParentandStudentRights (AnnualFERPAConfidentialityNotice)..........43ComputerResources,WebLearningTools,
andNetworkServicesAcceptable UseGuidelines............................................................46ElectronicCommunicationDevice CommitmentPolicy.................................................49StudentorParentComplaintsandConcerns........49
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ResponsiveEducationSolutionsNoticeofAppeal:ClassCreditAttn:SuperintendentP.O.Box292730Lewisville,Texas75029
TheappealwillthenbeplacedontheagendaofthenextregularlyscheduledBoardmeeting.TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallinformthestudentorparentofthedate,time,andplaceofthemeeting.
ExcusedandUnexcusedAbsences
Thefollowingabsencesareconsidered
excusedabsences:1. personalillnessesthatdonotexceed
threeconsecutivedays(Illnessesthatextendbeyondthreedayswillrequirea
doctor'snote.);2. familyemergency;3. observingreligiousholydays;4. juvenilecourtproceedingdocumentedby
aprobationofficer;5. appearingatagovernmentalofficeto
completepaperworkrequiredinconnectionwiththestudentsapplicationforUnitedStatescitizenship;
6. takingpartinstudentsUnitedStatesnaturalizationoathceremony;
7. documentedhealthcareappointment,ifthestudentbeginsclassesorreturnsto
schoolonthesamedayastheappointment;8. servingasanelectionclerk;9. requiredscreening,diagnosis,and
treatmentforMedicaideligiblestudents;10. documentedcollegevisitbyajunioror
seniorstudent(seeCollegeDays[H],p.23);or
11. temporaryabsenceresultingfromanycauseacceptabletotheCampusDirector.
Anyabsencenotlistedabovewillbe
consideredanunexcusedabsence.Examplesof
unexcusedabsencesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,classcuts,cartrouble,oversleeping,personalbusiness,vacation,etc.
RequiredDocumentationofAbsences
Whenastudentmustbeabsentfromschool,it
istheparentsresponsibilitytocalltheschoolofficeeachdaytoexplainthereasonforthestudentsabsence.Uponreturningtoschool,the
studentmustbringanotetotheschooloffice,signedbytheparent,whichdescribesthereasonfortheabsence.Inordertoexcusetheabsence,thenotemust:
1. besubmittedtotheschoolofficewithintwoschooldaysofthestudentsreturnto
school,and2. describeanacceptablereasonfortheabsence(seeExcusedandUnexcusedAbsencesp.2).
NotificationtoParents
Theschoolwillnotifytheparentbymail
whenthestudentisabsentfromschool,withoutexcuse,onthreedaysorpartsofdayswithinafourweekperiod.Thenoticewillinformtheparentof,amongotherthings,theneedforaconferencebetweentheparentandthe
AttendanceOfficer/CampusDirectortodiscusstheabsences.
DriversLicenseAttendanceVerification
Toobtainorrenewadriverslicense,astudentunder18yearsofagemustannuallyprovidetotheTexasDepartmentofPublicSafetyaformobtainedfromtheschoolverifyingthatthestudenthasmetthe90percentattendancerequirementforthesemesterprecedingthedateofapplication.EligiblestudentscanobtaintherequiredVerificationofEnrollment(VOE)form
fromtheschooloffice.TheschoolwillissueaVOEformforany
transferstudentthatistransferringwithnomorethanthreeabsencesfortheprevioussixweeks.
CellPhonesandOtherElectronicDevices
Possessionanduseofcellphones,computers,andotherdevicescapableofelectroniccommunicationsatschoolisaprivilegenotaright.Possessionanduseofsuchdevicesatschoolor
schoolrelatedeventsoractivitiesshallbesubjecttoschoolapprovalandregulations.Anysuchdevicesmaybeconfiscated,poweredonandsearchedbyschoolofficialsifthereisareasonablecausetobelievethatthedeviceshavebeenusedinthetransmissionorreceptionofcommunicationsprohibitedbylaw,policy,orregulation(seeTelecommunicationsorOtherElectronicDevices,p.37).
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ChangeofAddressorTelephoneNumber
Whentheaddressortelephonenumberofa
studenthasbeenchanged,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttonotifytheschooloffice
immediately.Proofofresidencyatthenewaddressmayberequired.
CheckAcceptancePolicy
Allpersonalcheckswrittentotheschoolmustincludethecurrentaddressandphonenumberoftheaccountholder.Theaccountholdersnameshouldalsobelegibleandprintedonthecheck.
Intheeventthatacheckwrittentotheschool
isreturnedunpaidbythebank,theaccountholderagreesthattheschoolmaycollectareturncheck
feeof$30plusapplicablesalestax.Theschoolmaycontractwithacollectioncompanyinanefforttoredeemreturnedchecks.Theuseofacheckforpaymentistheaccountholdersacknowledgementandacceptanceofthispolicyanditsterms.
ClosedCampus
Theschooloperatesontheclosedcampusconcept.Specifically,thismeansthatstudentsarenotallowedtoleavecampusforanyreasonduring
theschoolday,includingduringmealperiods,withoutfirstobtainingpermissionfromtheschooloffice(seeLeavingCampusduringtheSchoolDay,p.8).
ClubsandOrganizations
Participationinschoolsponsoredactivitiesisanexcellentwayforastudenttodeveloptalents,receiveindividualrecognition,andbuildstrongfriendshipswithotherstudents;participation,however,isaprivilege,notaright.
Allstudentsareencouragedtoparticipateandtakeanactivepartinstudentclubsandorganizations.
Eligibility
Eligibilityforparticipationinmanyofthese
activitiesisgovernedbystatelawandtherulesoftheUniversityInterscholasticLeague(UIL)a
statewideassociationoverseeinginterdistrictcompetition.Ifastudentisinvolvedinanacademic,athletic,ormusicactivitygovernedbyUIL,thestudentandparentareexpectedtoknowandfollowallrulesoftheUILorganization.
Thefollowingrequirementsapplytoallextracurricularactivities:1. Astudentwhoreceivesattheendofa
gradingperiodagradebelow80inanyacademicclassotherthananAdvancedPlacementorInternationalBaccalaureatecourse;oranhonorsordualcreditcourseinEnglishlanguagearts,mathematics,science,socialstudies,economics,oralanguageotherthanEnglishmaynotparticipateinextracurricularactivitiesforatleastthreeschoolweeks.Studentsenrolledinhonorsmusthaveagradeof
70orhigherattheendofagradingperiodforeligibilitypurposesonly.2. Astudentwithdisabilitieswhofailsto
meetthestandardsintheindividualizededucationprogram(IEP)maynotparticipateforatleastthreeschoolweeks.
3. Anineligiblestudentmaypracticeorrehearse.
4. Astudentregainseligibilityafterthesevencalendardaywaitingperiodhasendedfollowingagradingperiodorthethreeschoolweekevaluationperiod
whentheCampusDirectorandteachersdeterminethatthestudenthasearnedapassinggrade(80orabove)inallclasses,otherthanthosethatareexempted.
5. Onlystudentsenrolledfulltimeattheschoolmayparticipateinschoolrecognizedclubsandorganizations.
6. Writtenparentalpermissionisrequiredinorderforastudenttoparticipateinanyclubororganizationthatisnotrequiredforaparticularcourseordoesnotresultinacademiccredit.
Code
of
Conduct
Sponsorsofstudentclubsandorganizations
mayestablishstandardsofbehaviorincludingconsequencesformisbehaviorthatarestricterthanthoseforstudentsingeneral.Ifaviolationisalsoaviolationofschoolrules,theconsequencesspecifiedbytheStudentCodeofConductorbylocalpolicywillapplyinadditiontoany
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consequencesspecifiedbytheorganizationsstandardsofbehavior.
Forastudenttobeeligibletoserveasaclub
ororganizationofficer,heorshemustbepassinginallsubjects.Unsatisfactoryconductwhilein
officeand/orfailuretorendersatisfactoryserviceshallbeconsideredgroundsforremovalfromsaidoffice.RemovalfromofficeshallbeatthediscretionofthestaffsponsoroftheclubororganizationwiththeapprovaloftheCampusDirector.
NewClubsorOrganizations
Studentsdesiringtoformanewclubor
organizationshallsubmitawrittenrequesttotheCampusDirectorattheschooloffice,containingthefollowingmandatoryelements:
1.
astatementoftheclubsororganizationspurposes,goals,andactivities;2. signaturesofaminimumof10students
whowishtoparticipateintheclubororganization;
3. ifparticipationintheclubororganizationisnotrequiredforaparticularcourseordoesnotresultinacademiccredit,writtenparentalpermissionofeachstudentsignatorytoparticipateintheclubororganization;
4. writtenagreementofateacherwhohasagreedtoserveasthestaffsponsorfor
theclubororganization;5. adescriptionofanyfundingorotherassistancereceivedfrom,oraffiliationwith,anynonstudentgroups;and
6. ascheduleofitsproposedmeetingtimes.Fundraising
TheCampusDirectormustapproveanyplan
oractivityusedbyaclubororganizationformakingmoney.Onlyactivitiesthatraisemoneythroughpaymentofadmissionsorwherevalueisreceivedformoneypaidmaybeconducted.No
advertisingwillbesoldwithouttheapprovaloftheCampusDirector.
Meetings
Onlyschoolrecognizedstudentclubsand
organizationsarepermittedtomeetonschoolpropertyduringnoninstructionaltime.
Yearbook
Onlyschoolrecognizedclubsand
organizationswillbefeaturedintheyearbook.
ConferenceswithTeachersand
CampusDirector
BecausetheCampusDirectorandteachers
arebusyservingstudentsduringtheschoolday,theyareunabletoaccommodateunscheduledtelephonecallsorinpersonconferences.WhenparentsfeelitadvisabletocontacttheCampusDirectororteacherspersonally,theyareencouragedtoleavetheirtelephonenumberswiththeschoolofficeinorderthattheCampusDirectororteachermayreturnthecalllater.Personalconferencesarewelcomeifatelephoneconversationdoesnotproveadequate.To
scheduleaninpersonconferencewiththeCampusDirectororateacheratamutuallyconvenienttime,pleasecalltheschoolofficeforanappointment.ParentsmayalsocommunicatewiththeCampusDirectorandteachersviaemailregardingschoolrelatedbusiness.
Deliveries
Packagessuchasflowers,balloons,etc.,shouldnotbedeliveredtotheschoolforstudents.Thesewillnotbedeliveredtotheclassroom.
Distributionof
Materials
or
Documents
Onlypublicationsrelatingtoschoolsponsoredactivitiesorschoolrecognizedclubsandorganizationsmaybepostedordistributed.Thepublication,aswellasthetimeandlocationofitspostingordistribution,mustbesubmittedtotheCampusDirectorforreviewandapproval.
DressCode
Theschooldresscodeisestablishedtoteachgroomingandhygiene,topreventdisruption,andtominimizesafetyhazards.Studentsandparentsmaydetermineastudentspersonaldressandgroomingstandards,providedthattheycomplywiththisdresscode.
Inordertomaintainanorderlyenvironment,allstudentsshallberequiredtomeettheminimumexpectationsoftheschooldresscode.
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Dressandclothingthatundulyattractstheattentionofotherstudentsoftenprecipitatecommentsand/orotherreactionsthataredisruptive.
Safety,generalhealth,andhygienearefactors
thatarealsoconsideredintheestablishmentofthisdresscode.Theprovisionsofthisdresscodeshallbeenforcedequallywithregardtoallstudentstowhomtheprovisionsapply.
Thefollowingcriteriaforastudentspersonaldressandgroomingstandardsprovidetheminimumrequirements.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforadditionaldresscoderequirements.
SchoolUniforms
TheBoardofTrusteeshasdeterminedthatschooluniformsimprovethelearningenvironmentattheschool.Assuch,eachschoolhasbeenauthorizedtoadoptrulesthatrequirestudentstowearschooluniforms.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforinformationregardingwhethertheschoolrequiresschooluniformsand,ifso,theapplicableguidelines.
Exemption
Wherestudentsarerequiredtowearschool
uniforms,parentsmaychoosetoexempttheir
studentfromtherequirementtowearuniformsbyprovidingawrittenrequesttotheCampusDirectorattheschooloffice,statingabonafidereligiousorphilosophicalobjectiontotherequirement.
GeneralCriteria
Astudentspersonaldressandgrooming
standardsshallnot:1. leadschoolstafftoreasonablybelieve
thatsuchdressorgroomingwilldisrupt,interferewith,disturb,ordetractfrom
schoolactivities;or2. createahealthorotherhazardtothestudentssafetyortothesafetyofothers.
SpecificCriteria
1. Clothingcontainingoffensiveslogans,symbols,orothersuggestiveorcontroversialdesignsisnotallowed.
2. Clothingdepictingdrugs,alcohol,tobaccoproducts,orviolenceisnotallowed.
3. Startling,unusual,orimmodestattireofanysortisnotallowed.Fadsinhairstyles,clothing,oranythingdesignedtoattractattentiontotheindividualortodisrupttheorderlyconductoftheclassroomorcampusisnotallowed.
4.
Hairistobecleanandwellgroomed.Unusualcoloring(e.g.,red,blue,purple,etc.)orexcessivehairstyles(e.g.,tails,designs,puffs,etc.)arenotallowed.
5. Words,symbols,ordesignsshavedinhair(includingfacialhairandeyebrows)arenotallowed.
6. Clothingandotherarticlesthatareconsideredgangrelatedarenotallowed.
7. Extremelybaggyclothingisnotallowed.Pants,shorts,etc.,arenottobewornbelowthewaistlineandshouldbe
appropriatelysized.8. Shortsmaybeworn,butmustreachatleastfingertiplength.Tightfittingshortsorshortshortsarenotallowed.
9. Tongueringsandvisiblebodypiercings,otherthanearrings,arenotallowed.Danglingearringsarenotallowed.Spacersinplaceofpiercedearringsarenotallowed.Nogaugesmaybeworninpiercedears.
10. Visibletattoosandbodyartarenotallowed.
11. Cutoffs,boxershorts,pajamabottoms,bikeshorts,shortleggingsasoutergarments,etc.,arenotallowed.
12. Hats,scarves,bandanas,haircoverings,sweatbands,orhoodedshirtsarenotallowedexceptundercircumstancesdesignatedbytheCampusDirector.
13. Torn,ripped,orcutclothingisnotallowed.
14. Trenchcoatsanddustersarenotallowed.15. Grillsortemporarydecorationsonteeth
arenotallowed.16. Chains,handcuffs,jewelry,oraccessories
thatsuggestweaponryarenotallowed.
17.Studentsaretowearappropriateshoesorsandalsatalltimes.Houseshoesandshoeswithwheelsarenotallowed.
18. Excessivemakeupisnotallowed.
Boys:AdditionalGuidelines1. Shirtsaretohavesleeves.2. Mustaches,beards,andotherfacialhair
mustbekeptneatandtrimmed.
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Girls:AdditionalGuidelines1. Apparelthatistootightortooshortto
preventmodestyisnotallowed.2. Lowcutapparelisnotallowed.3. Girlsaretowearsufficient
undergarments.
4.
Thefollowingareunacceptable:clothingdesignedwithshoulderstrapslessthanthreeincheswide,baremidriffs,halters,orbarebacks.
EnforcementProcedures
Ifthestudentsdressorgroomingis
inappropriateorobjectionableundertheseprovisions,theCampusDirectorordesigneeshallrequestthestudenttomakeappropriatecorrections.Ifthestudentrefuses,theCampusDirectorordesigneeshallnotifythestudents
parentandrequestthattheparentmakethenecessarycorrection.Ifboththestudentandparentrefuse,theCampusDirectorshalltakeappropriatedisciplinaryaction,includingremovalfromschooluntilthestudentisincompliancewiththedresscode.DecisionsoftheCampusDirectorordesigneeregardingdressandgroomingareconsideredfinal.Failuretocomplywiththedresscodewillresultindisciplinaryaction.
EnrollmentofNewStudents
Admissionandenrollmentofstudentsshallbeopentoanypersonwhoiseligibleforadmissionbasedonlawfulcriteriaidentifiedintheschoolscharter,e.g.,qualifyingresidencyanddisciplinaryhistory.Thetotalnumberofstudentsenrolledintheschoolshallnotexceedthenumberofstudentsapprovedintheschoolscharterorsubsequentamendments.Applicationsforadmissionshallbeduebyareasonabledeadlinetobeseteachyearbytheschooli.e.,thecloseoftheopenenrollmentperiod.Lottery
(NotApplicable
to
Premier
High
Schools)
Ifthenumberofeligibleapplicantsdoesnot
exceedthenumberofvacancies,thenalleligibleapplicantswhohavetimelyappliedduringtheopenenrollmentperiodwillbeofferedadmission.Iftherearemoreeligibleapplicantsthanavailablespacesinaclass/grade/school,thenalotterywillbeconductedatatimesetbytheschooleachyear.Aname(ornumberassignedtoaname)willbe
drawnforeachvacancythatexists,andeachapplicantwhosename(ornumber)isdrawnwillbeofferedadmission.Theremainingnameswillthenbedrawnandplacedonawaitinglistintheorderinwhichtheyweredrawn.
Notificationofadmissionwillbemadebytelephone,email,orU.S.PostalService.Failureofaparenttorespondwithin48hoursofthedateofthetelephonecalloremail,orwithinthreebusinessdaysofapostmarkedletter,willforfeithisorherpositioninthelottery.Parentsshouldcalltheschoolimmediatelyuponreceiptofthenoticeinordertopreservetheirstudentspositioninthelottery.
Ifavacancyarisesbeforethecommencementoftheschoolyear,theindividualonthewaitinglistwiththelowestnumberassignmentwillbe
offeredadmissionandthenremovedfromthewaitinglist.Ifanapplicationisreceivedaftertheopenenrollmentperiodhaspassed,theapplicantsnamewillbeaddedtothewaitinglistbehindthenamesoftheeligibleapplicantswhotimelyapplied.Exceptions
Federalguidelinespermittheschooltoexemptfromthelotteryprocessstudentswhoarealreadyadmittedunderthecharter,siblingsofstudentsalreadyadmittedunderthecharter,and
childrenofthechartersfounders,teachers,andstaff.
ResidencyInformation
Tobeeligibleforcontinuedenrollmentintheschool,theparentmustshowproofofresidencyatthetimeofenrollment.Failuretocomplywiththisrequirementwillresultintheimmediateinitiationofprocedurestoexcludestudentsfromenrollment.
Residencymaybeverifiedthrough
observation,documentation,andothermeans,including,butnotlimitedto:1. arecentlypaidrentreceipt,2. acurrentleaseagreement,3. themostrecenttaxreceiptindicating
homeownership,4. acurrentutilitybillindicatingtheaddress
andnameoftheresidenceoccupiers,5. mailingaddressesoftheresidence
occupiers,
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6. visualinspectionoftheresidence,7. interviewswithpersonswithrelevant
information,or8. buildingpermitsissuedtoaparentonor
beforeSeptember1stoftheschoolyearinwhichadmissionissought(permitswill
serveasevidenceofresidencyfortheschoolyearinwhichadmissionissoughtonly).
Falsificationofresidenceonanenrollment
formisacriminaloffense.DisciplinaryHistory
Asprovidedintheschoolscharter,theschool
mayexcludeastudentfromadmissionwhohasadocumentedhistoryofacriminaloffense,juvenilecourtadjudication,ordisciplineproblemsunder
SubchapterA,Chapter37,oftheTexasEducationCode.TheschoolshallexcludeastudentfromadmissionwhohasadocumentedhistoryofanoffenselistedinSection37.007(a),(d),or(e)oftheTexasEducationCode.Assuch,ifitislaterdiscoveredthatthestudentfailedtodiscloseadocumentedhistoryofacriminaloffense,juvenilecourtadjudication,ordisqualifyingdisciplineproblems,theschoolwillimmediatelyinitiateprocedurestoexcludethestudentfromadmission.
StudentInformation
Anystudentadmittedtotheschoolmusthaverecordssuchasreportcardand/ortranscriptfromthepreviousschoolattendedtoverifyhisorheracademicstanding.Verificationofresidencyandcurrentimmunizationrecordsarealsorequired.EverystudentenrollingintheschoolforthefirsttimemustpresentdocumentationofimmunizationsasrequiredbytheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices.
Nolaterthan30daysafterenrollingintheschool,theparentandschooldistrictinwhichthe
studentwaspreviouslyenrolledshallfurnishrecordswhichverifytheidentityofthestudent.Theserecordsmayincludethestudentsbirthcertificateoracopyofthestudentsschoolrecordsfromthemostrecentlyattendedschool.
Theschoolforwardsastudentsrecordson
requesttoaschoolinwhichastudentseeksorintendstoenrollwithoutthenecessityoftheparentsconsent.
ProvidingFalseInformation
ApersonwhoknowinglyfalsifiesinformationonaformrequiredforenrollmentofastudentintheschoolmaybeguiltyofanoffenseunderSection37.10oftheTexasPenalCode.
NonDiscrimination
Itisthepolicyoftheschooltoprohibitdiscriminationinstudentadmissiononthebasisofsex,nationalorigin,ethnicity,religion,disability,academic,artistic,orathleticability,orthedistrictthestudentwouldotherwiseattendinaccordancewiththeTexasEducationCode.
Fees
Materialsthatarepartofthebasic
educationalprogramareprovidedwithstateandlocalfundsatnochargetoastudent.Astudent,however,isexpectedtoprovidehisorherownpencils,paper,pens,erasers,notebooks,calculators,headsets,etc.,andmayberequiredtopaycertainotherfeesordeposits,includingpaymentof:
1 afeeformaterialsforaclassprojectthatthestudentwillkeep,ifthefeedoesnotexceedthecostofmaterials;
2. membershipduesinvoluntarystudentclubsororganizationsandadmissionfeestoextracurricularactivities;
3. asecuritydepositforthereturnofmaterials,supplies,orequipment;4. afeeforpersonalphysicaleducationand
athleticequipmentandapparel,althoughastudentmayprovidethestudentsownequipmentorapparelifitmeetsreasonablerequirementsandstandardsrelatingtohealthandsafety;
5. afeeforvoluntarilypurchaseditems,suchasstudentpublications,classrings,pictures,yearbooks,graduationannouncements,etc.;
6. afeeforvoluntarystudenthealthandaccidentbenefitplan;7. areasonablefee,nottoexceedtheactualannualmaintenancecost,fortheuseofmusicalinstrumentsanduniformsownedorrentedbytheschool;
8. afeeforitemsofpersonalapparelusedinextracurricularactivitiesthatbecomethepropertyofthestudent;
9. aparkingfee;10. afeeforastudentidentificationcard;
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11. afeeforadrivertrainingcourse,nottoexceedtheactualcostperstudentintheprogramforthecurrentschoolyear;
12. afeeforanoptionalcourseofferedforcreditthatrequirestheuseoffacilitiesnotavailableoncampusorthe
employmentofaneducatorwhoisnotpartoftheschoolsregularstaff;13. afeeforsummerschoolcoursesthatare
offeredtuitionfreeduringtheregularschoolyear;
14. areasonablefeefortransportationofastudentwholiveswithintwomilesofthecampus;
15. areasonablefee,nottoexceed$50,forcostsassociatedwithaneducationalprogramofferedoutsideofregularschoolhoursthroughwhichastudentwhowasabsentfromclassreceivesinstruction
voluntarilyforthepurposeofmakingupthemissedinstructionandmeetingthelevelofattendancerequiredforclasscredit,solongasthefeewouldnotcreateafinancialhardshipordiscouragethestudentfromattendingtheprogram;
16. afeeforlost,damaged,oroverduetextbooks,librarybooks,technologicalequipment,andacademiccurriculummaterials;or
17. afeespecificallypermittedbyanyotherstatute.
RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforadditionalinformationregardingtheamountandmethodofcollectingspecificfees.
LeavingCampusduringtheSchoolDay
Astudentwhowillneedtoleavecampusduringthedaymustsubmitanotetotheschoolofficefromhisorherparentwhichprovidesthefollowinginformation:
1. studentsname,2. reasonforstudentsneedtoleave
campus,
3. timestudentwillneedtobegonefromcampus,4. phonenumberwhereparentmaybe
reachedtoconfirmparentspermission,5. parentsname,and6. parentssignature.Nostudentwillbepermittedtoleavecampus
beforetheschoolofficeconfirmsthestudents
needtoleavecampuswiththestudentsparentbyphone.
Studentswhofailtocheckin/outbefore
leavingand/orreturningtocampuswillbeconsideredtruantfromanyinstructionalhours
missed.Studentswillnotbeallowedtoleaveinthe
custodyofanypersonnotnamedontheStudentRegistrationCard.Photoidentificationisrequired.
Doctorsappointmentsshouldbescheduled,if
possible,attimeswhenthestudentwillnotmissinstructionaltime.
Lockers
Ifprovided,lockersremainunderthejurisdictionoftheschoolevenwhenassignedtoanindividualstudent.Theschoolreservestherighttoinspectalllockers.Astudenthasfullresponsibilityforthesecurityofthelockerandisresponsibleformakingcertainthatitislockedandthatthecombinationisnotavailabletoothers.Lockersearchesmaybeconductedatanytime,whetherornotthestudentispresent.ThedecisiontoassignlockersrestswiththeCampusDirector.
LostandStolenItems
Allarticles,includingbooks,foundoncampus
shouldbetakentotheschooloffice.Allarticlesnotclaimedattheendoftheschoolyearwillbedisposedofthroughproperchannels.Studentsarenottobringelectronicentertainmentdevicesandotherpersonalitemstoschool.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforlostorstolenitems.
Meals
TheschoolservesbreakfastorbreakfastandlunchthroughparticipationintheNational
BreakfastandSchoolLunchProgram.TexasDepartmentofAgriculture(TDA)andUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)guidelinesarefollowedtomeetthenutritionalneedsforallstudents.Menus
Menusmaybeobtainedattheschooloffice.
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PaymentforMeals
Studentsareencouragedtopurchasemeals
fromtheschoolinadvance.Paymentsmaybemadetothestudentsaccountweekly,monthly,oryearly.Seetheschoolofficeforacceptable
methodsforpayment.StateMandatedNutritionGuidelines
TDApolicyplacesstrictlimitsonanyfoodor
drinkprovidedorsoldtostudents,otherthanthroughtheschoolsFoodandNutritionServices.Elementaryschoolstudentsmaynothaveaccesstocandyoranyotherfoodofminimalnutritionalvalueduringtheschoolday.Middleschoolandhighschoolstudentsalsohaverestrictionsduringmealperiods.Thespecificpolicymaybeobtainedattheschoolofficeoronlineat
www.agr.state.tx.us.
FreeandReducedCostMeals
Theschoolsendsapplicationsforfreeor
reducedcostmealstothestudentshomeatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.Applicationsmustbecomplete,listingallmembersofthehouseholdandfamilyincome.Shouldthefamilyincomestatuschange,assistancemayberequestedatanytimeduringtheschoolyear.Onlyoneapplicationforeachhouseholdisrequired.Completedapplicationsshouldbereturnedtotheschool
office.
MessagesforStudents
Itisnotpossibletoreceiveanddelivertelephonemessagesand/orsuppliestostudentswithoutinterruptingclassesandinterferingwiththelearningenvironmentthattheschoolstaffworkssohardtomaintain.Inthecaseofanemergency,theschoolofficeshouldbecontactedforassistance.
NoticeofNonDiscrimination
Theschool,asanequalopportunity
educationalproviderandemployer,doesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,nationalorigin,disability,and/orageineducationalprogramsoractivitiesthatitoperatesorinemploymentdecisions.TheschoolisrequiredbyTitleVIandTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,TitleIXoftheEducationAmendments
of1972,Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,andtheAgeDiscriminationActof1975,asamended,aswellasBoardPolicynottodiscriminateinsuchamanner(notallprohibitedbasesapplytoallprograms).
ParkingRegulations[H]
Beingabletobringavehicleoncampusisaprivilege.Theschoolisnotresponsiblefordamagetoavehiclethatoccurswhileitisoncampus.Astudenthasfullresponsibilityforthesecurityofhisorhervehicleandmustmakecertainthatitislockedandthatthekeysarenotgiventoothers.Permissionisrequiredforanystudentwhofindsitnecessarytogotohisorhervehicleduringtheschoolday.
Vehiclesparkedoncampusareunderthejurisdictionoftheschool.Schoolofficialsmaysearchanyvehicleanytimethereisreasonablecausetodoso,withorwithoutthepresenceofthestudent.Acopyofstudentsdriverslicenseandinsurancemustbeonfileintheschooloffice.ParkingFee
Studentswhodrivetocampusmustparkin
designatedstudentparkingareas.Studentsmayberequiredtopurchaseaparkingstickerfromtheschoolofficeeachyear.Ifrequired,thefailureto
purchaseaparkingstickerwillbeconsideredaparkinginfractionandwillresultinappropriatedisciplinaryaction.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforadditionalinformation.
OperationofMotorVehiclesonCampus
Anylaworordinanceregulatingtrafficona
publichighwayorstreetalsoappliestotheoperationofavehicleoncampus.Inadditiontopotentialcitycitationsforviolationofmotorvehicletrafficlawsorordinances,studentswillreceiveawarningandreferraltotheCampus
Directorsofficeforthefollowingviolations:1. parkinginafirelane,2. failuretoparkinadesignatedstudent
parkingarea,3. jumping(drivingover)acurb,4. doubleparking,5. parkinginahandicappedspaceor
walkway,6. parkinginacrosswalkorramp,
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7. ignoringinstructionsfromschoolstaffmonitoringtheparkinglot,or
8. parkingonawatersprinkler.
Astudentwhohashadparkingprivilegesrevokedmayhavehisorhercartowedatthe
studentsexpense.
PledgeofAllegiance/MinuteofSilence
Asrequiredbystatelaw,eachschoolday,studentswillrecitethePledgeofAllegiancetotheUnitedStatesflagandthePledgeofAllegiancetotheTexasflag.ParentsmaysubmitawrittenrequesttotheCampusDirectorattheschoolofficetoexcusetheirstudentfromrecitingapledge.
Oneminuteofsilencewillfollowrecitationof
thepledges.Duringtheoneminuteperiod,each
studentmaychoosetoreflect,pray,meditate,orengageinanyothersilentactivitythatisnotlikelytointerferewithordistractothers.Statelawdoesnotallowstudentstobeexcusedfromparticipationintherequiredminuteofsilence.
ReligiousExpression
StudentExpressionofReligiousViewpoints
Theschoolshalltreatastudentsvoluntary
expressionofareligiousviewpoint,ifany,onanotherwisepermissiblesubjectinthesamemanner
theschooltreatsastudentsvoluntaryexpressionofasecularorotherviewpointonanotherwisepermissiblesubjectandmaynotdiscriminateagainstthestudentbasedonareligiousviewpointexpressedbythestudentonanotherwisepermissiblesubject.ReligiousExpressioninClassAssignments
Studentsmayexpressthestudentsbeliefs
aboutreligioninhomework,artwork,andotherwrittenandoralassignmentsfreefromdiscriminationbasedonthereligiouscontentof
thestudentssubmission.Homeworkandclassroomworkshallbejudgedbyordinaryacademicstandardsofsubstanceandrelevanceandagainstotherlegitimatepedagogicalconcernsidentifiedbytheschool.Studentsmaynotbepenalizedorrewardedonaccountofreligiouscontent.Ifateachersassignmentinvolveswritingapoem,theworkofastudentwhosubmitsapoemintheformofaprayer(forexample,a
psalm)shouldbejudgedonthebasisofacademicstandards,includingliteraryquality,andnotpenalizedorrewardedonaccountofitsreligiouscontent.FreedomtoOrganizeReligiousGroupsand
Activities
Studentsmayorganizeprayergroups,
religiousclubs,seeyouatthepolegatherings,andotherreligiousgatheringsbefore,during,andafterschooltothesameextentthatstudentsarepermittedtoorganizeothernoncurricularstudentactivitiesandgroups.Religiousgroupsmustbegiventhesameaccesstoschoolfacilitiesforassemblingasisgiventoothernoncurriculargroups,withoutdiscriminationbasedonthereligiouscontentofthegroupsexpression.Ifstudentgroupsthatmeetfornonreligious
activitiesarepermittedtoadvertiseorannouncethegroupsmeetings,forexample,byadvertisinginastudentnewspaper,puttingupposters,makingannouncementsonastudentactivitiesbulletinboardorpublicaddresssystem,orhandingoutleaflets,schoolauthoritiesmaynotdiscriminateagainstgroupsthatmeetforprayerorotherreligiousspeech.Schoolauthoritiesmaydisclaimsponsorshipofnoncurriculargroupsandevents,providedtheyadministerthedisclaimerinamannerthatdoesnotfavorordisfavorgroupsthatmeettoengageinprayerorotherreligiousspeech.
PrayerEachstudenthasanabsoluterightto
individually,voluntarily,andsilentlyprayormeditateinschoolinamannerthatdoesnotdisrupttheinstructionalorotheractivitiesoftheschool.Theschoolwillnotrequire,encourage,orcoerceastudenttoengageinorrefrainfromsuchprayerormeditationduringanyschoolactivity.
RespectforAll
Theschoolhasadiversestudentpopulationandstrivestomaintainanenvironmentofrespectandacceptance.Studentsmustnotengageinharassingbehaviorsmotivatedbyethnicity,gender,color,religion,nationalorigin,ordisabilitydirectedtowardanotherstudent.
Studentsareexpectedtotreatotherstudentsandschoolstaffwithcourtesyandrespect,to
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avoidanybehaviorsknowntobeoffensive,andtostopthesebehaviorswhenaskedortoldtostop.
SchoolCalendar
Theschooloperatesaccordingtotheannually
Boardadoptedschoolcalendar.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforproceduresrelatingtotheannouncementofschoolclosingsintheeventofbadweather.Holidaysmaybeusedasschoolmakeupdaysfordayslostduetobadweather.Thelatestchangestothecalendarwillbeavailableontheschoolwebsite.
SchoolDaySchedule
RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforinformationregardingtheschooldayscheduleandwhethersupervisionofstudentsbeforeor
afterschoolisavailable.
SchoolFacilitiesUse
Certainareasofthecampuswillbeaccessibletostudentsbeforeandafterschoolforspecificpurposes.Studentsarerequiredtoremainintheareawheretheiractivityisscheduledtotakeplace.Unlesstheschoolstaffmemberoverseeingtheactivitygivespermission,astudentwillnotbepermittedtogotoanotherareaofthecampus.Unlessinvolvedinanactivityunderthesupervisionofschoolstaff,studentsmustleave
campusonceschoolisdismissed.
SchoolFunctions
Studentsareheldresponsiblefortheirconductwhileinattendanceatanyschoolfunction.Astudentwhoisoncampusorinattendanceatanyschoolfunctionatanyplace,nightorday,issubjecttoallregulationsoftheschoolandwillbegovernedaccordingly.Studentidentificationcardsmayberequiredtoattendsomeschoolfunctions.
SchoolSponsored
Trips
Manyschoolsponsoredtripsaremadeeach
yearforthevariousactivitiesinwhichstudentsparticipate.Thefollowingregulationsgoverntripssponsoredbytheschool:
1. Studentsmissingschoolwhenonaschoolsponsoredtriparenotcountedabsent,butarerequiredtomakeupthe
workmissed.Arrangementsshouldbemadewitheachteacherformakeupworkbeforethetripismade.
2. Studentsmusttaketheresponsibilityofobservingallsafetyrules.
3. StudentsmakingaschoolsponsoredtripareunderthesupervisionofasponsorandareexpectedtofollowtheschoolStudentCodeofConductanddresscode.
4. Studentsmaynotmissanyclassmorethan10timeswithintheschoolyear,unlesstheyareparticipatingincompetitionbeyondthedistrictlevel.
Skateboards
Studentsarenotpermittedtousetheirskateboards,scooters,and/orrollerbladesoncampusatanytime.Ifastudentisusinganyof
theaboveinstrumentsasameansoftransportationtoorfromschool,heorshemustwalkandcarrytheskateboard,scooter,and/orrollerbladeswhileoncampus.Skateboards,scooters,orrollerbladesshouldbekeptinalocker,orotherdesignatedplaceapprovedbyateacherortheCampusDirector,untiltheendoftheschoolday.
StudentSpeakersatSchoolEvents
StudentSpeakersatNonGraduationEvents
Theschoolherebycreatesalimitedpublicforumforstudentspeakersatallschooleventsatwhichastudentistopubliclyspeak.Foreachspeaker,theschoolshallsetamaximumtimelimitreasonableandappropriatetotheoccasion.Studentspeakersshallintroduce:
1. athleticeventsdesignatedbytheschool;2. openingannouncementsandgreetingsfor
theschoolday;and/or3. anyadditionaleventsdesignatedbythe
school,whichmayinclude,withoutlimitation,assemblies,andpeprallies.
Theforumshallbelimitedinthemannerprovidedbythissection.
Onlythosestudentsinthehighesttwogradelevelsoftheschoolandwhoholdoneofthefollowingpositionsofhonorbasedonneutralcriteriaareeligibletousethelimitedpublicforum:studentcouncilofficers,classofficersofthehighestgradelevelintheschool,captainsof
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theschoolssportsteams,andotherstudentsholdingpositionsofhonorastheschoolmaydesignate.
Aneligiblestudentshallbenotifiedofthe
studentseligibility,andastudentwhowishesto
participateasanintroducingspeakershallsubmitthestudentsnametotheschoolofficeduringanannouncedperiodofnotlessthanthreedays.Theannouncedperiodmaybeatthebeginningoftheschoolyear,attheendoftheprecedingschoolyearsostudentspeakersareinplaceforthenewyear,or,iftheselectionprocesswillberepeatedeachsemester,atthebeginningofeachsemesterorattheendoftheprecedingsemestersospeakersareinplaceforthenextsemester.Thenamesofthevolunteeringstudentspeakersshallberandomlydrawnuntilallnameshavebeenselected,andthenamesshallbelistedintheorder
drawn.Eachselectedstudentwillbematchedchronologicallytotheeventforwhichthestudentwillbegivingtheintroduction.Eachstudentmayspeakforoneweekatatimeforallintroductionsofeventsthatweek,orrotateaftereachspeakingevent,orotherwiseasdeterminedbytheschool.Thelistofstudentspeakersshallbechronologicallyrepeatedasneeded,inthesameorder.Theschoolmayrepeattheselectionprocesseachsemesterratherthanonceayear.
Thesubjectofthestudentintroductionsmustberelatedtothepurposeoftheeventandtothe
purposeofmarkingtheopeningoftheevent,honoringtheoccasion,theparticipants,andthoseinattendance,bringingtheaudiencetoorder,andfocusingtheaudienceonthepurposeoftheevent.Thesubjectmustbedesignated,astudentmuststayonthesubject,andthestudentmaynotengageinobscene,vulgar,offensivelylewd,orindecentspeech.
Foraslongasthereisaneedtodispelconfusionoverthenonsponsorshipofthestudentsspeech,ateacheventinwhichastudentwilldeliveranintroduction,adisclaimershallbe
statedinwrittenororalform,orboth,suchas,Thestudentgivingtheintroductionforthiseventisavolunteeringstudentselectedonneutralcriteriatointroducetheevent.Thecontentoftheintroductionistheprivateexpressionofthestudentanddoesnotreflecttheendorsement,sponsorship,position,orexpressionoftheschool.
Certainstudentswhohaveattainedspecialpositionsofhonorintheschoolhavetraditionallyaddressedschoolaudiencesfromtimetotimeasatangentialcomponentoftheirachievedpositionsofhonor,suchasthecaptainsofvarioussportsteams,studentcouncilofficers,classofficers,
homecomingkingsandqueens,promkingsandqueens,andthelike,andhaveattainedtheirpositionsbasedonneutralcriteria.Nothinginthispolicyeliminatesthecontinuationofthepracticeofhavingthesestudents,irrespectiveofgradelevel,addressschoolaudiencesinthenormalcourseoftheirrespectivepositions.Theschoolshallcreatealimitedpublicforumforthespeakersandshalltreatastudentsvoluntaryexpressionofareligiousviewpoint,ifany,onanotherwisepermissiblesubjectinthesamemannertheschooltreatsastudentsvoluntaryexpressionofasecularorotherviewpointonanotherwise
permissiblesubjectandmaynotdiscriminateagainstthestudentbasedonareligiousviewpointexpressedbythestudentonanotherwisepermissiblesubject.StudentSpeakersatGraduation
Theschoolherebycreatesalimitedpublic
forumconsistingofanopportunityforastudenttospeaktobegingraduationceremoniesandanotherstudenttospeaktoendgraduationceremonies.Foreachspeaker,theschoolshallsetamaximumtimelimitreasonableandappropriate
totheoccasion.Theforumshallbelimitedinthemanner
providedbythissection.
Onlystudentswhoaregraduatingandwhoholdoneofthefollowingneutralcriteriapositionsofhonorshallbeeligibletousethelimitedpublicforum:studentcouncilofficers,classofficersofthegraduatingclass,thetopthreeacademicallyrankedgraduates,orashorterorlongerlistofstudentleadersastheschoolmaydesignate.Astudentwhowillotherwisehaveaspeakingrole
inthegraduationceremoniesisineligibletogivetheopeningandclosingremarks.Thenamesoftheeligiblevolunteeringstudentswillberandomlydrawn.Thefirstnamedrawnwillgivetheopeningandthesecondnamedrawnwillgivetheclosing.
Thetopicoftheopeningandclosingremarksmustberelatedtothepurposeofthegraduationceremonyandtothepurposeofmarkingthe
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openingandclosingoftheevent,honoringtheoccasion,theparticipants,andthoseinattendance,bringingtheaudiencetoorder,andfocusingtheaudienceonthepurposeoftheevent.
Inadditiontothestudentsgivingtheopening
andclosingremarks,certainotherstudentswhohaveattainedspecialpositionsofhonorbasedonneutralcriteria,including,withoutlimitation,thevaledictorian,willhavespeakingrolesatgraduationceremonies.Foreachspeaker,theschoolshallsetamaximumtimelimitreasonableandappropriatetotheoccasionandtothepositionheldbythespeaker.Forthispurpose,theschoolcreatesalimitedpublicforumforthesestudentstodelivertheaddresses.Thesubjectoftheaddressesmustberelatedtothepurposeofthegraduationceremony,markingandhonoringtheoccasion,honoringtheparticipantsandthose
inattendance,andthestudentsperspectiveonpurpose,achievement,life,school,graduation,andlookingforwardtothefuture.
Thesubjectmustbedesignatedforeachstudentspeaker,thestudentmuststayonthesubject,andthestudentmaynotengageinobscene,vulgar,offensivelylewd,orindecentspeech.Theschoolshalltreatastudentsvoluntaryexpressionofareligiousviewpoint,ifany,onanotherwisepermissiblesubjectinthesamemannertheschooltreatsastudentsvoluntaryexpressionofasecularorother
viewpointonanotherwisepermissiblesubjectandmaynotdiscriminateagainstthestudentbasedonareligiousviewpointexpressedbythestudentonanotherwisepermissiblesubject.
Awrittendisclaimershallbeprintedinthegraduationprogramthatstates:
Thestudentswhowillbespeakingatthegraduationceremonywereselectedbasedonneutralcriteriatodelivermessagesofthestudentsownchoices.Thecontentofeachstudentspeakers
messageistheprivateexpressionoftheindividualstudentanddoesnotreflectanypositionorexpressionoftheschool;theschoolsemployees,administration,orboardoftrustees;ortheviewsofanyothergraduate.Thecontentsofthesemessageswerepreparedbythestudentvolunteers,andtheschoolrefrainedfromanyinteractionwithstudentspeakers
regardingthestudentspeakersviewpointsonpermissiblesubjects.
Tardiness
Studentswhoarelatetoclassaredesignated
tardyandwillbeassigneddisciplinaryconsequencesiftheyaretardy,withoutanacceptableexcuse,onfourormoredayswithinaperiodof45rollingschooldays.Egregioustardinesse.g.,arrivingtoschoolafterattendancehasbeentakenwillbeclassifiedasanabsenceforthepurposeofcompulsoryattendanceenforcementifunexcused.
Nearlyalltardinessisavoidableandis
excusableonlyincasesofillnessoremergency.Togetanexcusedtardyslip,thestudentsparentmustreporttotheschoolofficetheemergency
whichcausedthedelay.
Telephone
Becauseofthetremendousamountofessentialbusinessthatmustbetransactedovertheschoolofficetelephones,studentsarerequestednottoaskforuseofthetelephoneexceptinemergencies.Theschoolofficestaffwilldelivermessagesincasesofemergency.Notollcallsfromofficetelephonesaretobemadebystudents.
Transferswithin
the
ResponsiveEd
CommunityofSchools
Parentsofstudentsunder18yearsofageandstudents18yearsofageandoldermayrequestatransfertoanotherResponsiveEdcommunityschooloperatedunderthesamecharterbysubmittingaStudentTransferRequestFormtotheCampusDirectorattheschooloffice.AStudentTransferRequestFormmaybeobtainedattheschooloffice.TransferWindow
Transferrequestsareacceptedannuallyinthe
schoolofficeandmustbereceivedduringthetransferwindowforconsideration.ThetransferwindowbeginsonthesecondTuesdayinFebruaryuntilthesecondTuesdayinMay.
Ingeneral,transferrequestswillnotbeconsideredoutsidethetransferwindowexceptfor
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newResponsiveEdemployeeswithintheirfirstmonthofemploymentandthosewhomoveduringthecourseoftheschoolyear.TheCampusDirectorreservestherighttomakeexceptionsinextenuatingsituations.
NotificationofthedecisionforatransferrequestwillbecommunicatedinwritingbyJune15.
Theschoolmaydelayadecisionwhentheschooldeterminesadelayisnecessarytoproperlyconsiderrelevantinformationandoperationalneeds.
ConsiderationsofTransferRequest
UponreceiptoftheStudentTransferRequest
Form,theCampusDirectorsofthesendingand
receivingschoolswillconsiderthefollowingfactorswhenapprovingtransfers:1. overcrowdingatthesendingand
receivingschools;2. sizeofthesendingandreceivingschools;3. lengthoftimeforwhichthetransferis
requested(Thestudentmustintendtoremainforthefullyear.);
4. studentattendancehistory;5. studentdisciplinehistory;6. studentacademicperformance;7. whetherthestudentisachildofa
ResponsiveEdemployee;and
8.
extenuatingcircumstancesasdeterminedonacasebycasebasis.LengthofApprovedTransfers
Onceatransferisgranted,thestudentwill
transferasafulltimestudenttotherequestedschool.Theparentmayelectaonetimeoptiontorequestatransferreturningtothestudent'ssendingschoolattheendofthesemester(Grades912)ortheendoftheyear(Grades18).
ReasonsforTransferRevocation
Anapprovedtransferrequestisaprivilege.ThesetransfersmayberevokedbythereceivingCampusDirectorforanyofthefollowingreasons:
1. studentbecomesadisruptiontoschooloperations;
2. studentbecomesadetrimenttothelearningofotherstudents;
3. studenthaspersistentdisciplinaryorattendanceproblems;
4. lackofparentalcooperationandsupport;5. changesinthefacilityand/or
instructionalcapacityatthereceivingschool;
6. falsificationofresidence,transfer,orenrollmentdocuments;or
7.
otherrelevantfactorsasdeterminedbytheCampusDirector.
Onceatransferisrevoked,thestudentmustreturntohisorhersendingschool.ExceptwhendeemednecessarybytheCampusDirector,nofurthertransferrequestwillbegrantedforthisstudent.
Appeals
Decisionsregardingstudenttransfersmaybeappealedinaccordancewiththeschoolgrievance
procedure(seeStudentorParentComplaintsandConcerns,p.49).
Transportation
Studentswhoparticipateinschoolsponsoredtripsmayberequiredtorideaschoolvehicle(i.e.,avehicledrivenforschoolrelatedbusinessorowned,leased,orrentedbytheschool).TheCampusDirector,however,maymakeanexceptioniftheparentpersonallyrequeststhatthestudentbepermittedtoridewiththeparent,oriftheparentpresentspriortothedayofthe
scheduledtripawrittenrequestthatthestudentbepermittedtoridewithanadultdesignatedbytheparent.
Ridingaschoolvehicleisaprivilege.School
vehicledrivershavetheauthoritytomaintaindisciplineandrequireseatingcharts.Whenridingaschoolvehicle,studentsareheldtobehavioralstandardsestablishedinthisHandbookandtheStudentCodeofConduct.Studentsmust:
1. followthedriversdirectionsatalltimes;2. enterandleavethevehicleinanorderly
manner;
3. keepfeet,books,instrumentcases,andotherobjectsoutoftheaisle;4. notdefacethevehicleoritsequipment;5. notputhead,hands,arms,legs,orany
objectoutofanywindow;and6. waitforthedriverssignalinorderto
leaveorcrossinfrontofthevehicle.
Onlydesignatedstudentsareallowedtorideinthevehicle.Studentsmayneitherridethe
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SECTIONII
HEALTHANDSAFETYINFORMATION
Studentsafetyoncampusandatschoolrelatedeventsisahighpriorityoftheschool.
Althoughtheschoolhasimplementedsafetyprocedures,thecooperationofstudentsisessentialtoensureschoolsafety.Astudentshould:
1. avoidconductthatislikelytoputthestudentorotherstudentsatrisk;
2. followthebehavioralstandardsinthisHandbook,includingtheStudentCodeofConduct,aswellasanyadditionalrulesforbehaviorandsafetysetbytheCampusDirector,teachers,orschoolstaff;
3. remainalerttoandpromptlyreporttoschoolstaffsafetyhazards,suchas
intrudersoncampusandthreatsmadebyanypersontowardastudentorschoolstaff;
4. knowemergencyevacuationroutesandsignals;and
5. immediatelyfollowtheinstructionsofschoolstaffwhoareoverseeingthewelfareofstudents.
AsbestosManagementPlan
TheschoolhaseveryfacilityinspectedforasbestosbeforeusebyalicensedAsbestosHazardEmergencyResponseAct(AHERA)inspector.AnAsbestosManagementPlaniscreatedfortheschoolinaccordancetofederalregulationsbyAHERA.ParentsmayviewtheAsbestosManagementPlanbycontactingtheschooloffice.
BacterialMeningitisWhatismeningitis?
Meningitisisaninflammationofthecovering
ofthebrainandspinalcord.Itcanbecausedby
viruses,parasites,fungi,andbacteria.Viralmeningitisismostcommonandtheleastserious.Bacterialmeningitisisthemostcommonformofseriousbacterialinfectionwiththepotentialforserious,longtermcomplications.Itisanuncommondisease,butrequiresurgenttreatmentwithantibioticstopreventpermanentdamageordeath.
Whatarethesymptoms?
Someonewithmeningitiswillbecomeveryill.Theillnessmaydevelopoveroneortwodays,butitcanalsorapidlyprogressinamatterofhours.Noteveryonewithmeningitiswillhavethesamesymptoms.
Studentsandadultswithmeningitismayhave
asevereheadache,hightemperature,vomiting,sensitivitytobrightlights,neckstiffnessorjointpains,anddrowsinessorconfusion.Inbothstudentsandadults,theremaybearashoftiny,redpurplespots.Thesecanoccuranywhereonthebody.
Thediagnosisofbacterialmeningitisisbased
onacombinationofsymptomsandlaboratoryresults.Howseriousisbacterialmeningitis?
Ifitisdiagnosedearlyandtreatedpromptly,
themajorityofpeoplemakeacompleterecovery.Insomecasesitcanbefatalorapersonmaybeleftwithapermanentdisability.Howisbacterialmeningitisspread?
Fortunately,noneofthebacteriathatcause
meningitisareascontagiousasdiseaseslikethecommoncoldortheflu,andtheyarenotspreadbycasualcontactorbysimplybreathingtheairwhereapersonwithmeningitishasbeen.Thegermslivenaturallyinthebackofournosesandthroats,buttheydonotliveforlongoutsidethebody.Theyarespreadwhenpeopleexchangesaliva(suchasbykissingandsharingdrinkingcontainers,utensils,orcigarettes).
Thegermdoesnotcausemeningitisinmost
people.Instead,mostpeoplebecomecarriersofthegermfordays,weeks,orevenmonths.Thebacteriararelyovercomethebodysimmunesystemandcausemeningitisoranotherseriousillness.
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Howcanbacterialmeningitisbeprevented?
Studentsshouldnotsharefood,drinks,
utensils,toothbrushes,orcigarettes.Studentsshouldlimitthenumberofpersonstheykiss.Whiletherearevaccinesforsomeotherstrainsof
bacterialmeningitis,theyareusedonlyinspecialcircumstances.Theseincludeadiseaseoutbreakinacommunityorforpeopletravelingtoacountrywherethereisahighriskofgettingthedisease.Also,avaccineisrecommendedbysomegroupsforcollegestudents,particularlyfreshmenlivingindormsorresidencehalls.Thevaccineissafeandeffective(8590percent).Itcancausemildsideeffects,suchasrednessandpainattheinjectionsitelastinguptotwodays.Immunitydevelopswithinseventotendaysafterthevaccineisgivenandlastsforuptofiveyears.
What
should
students
do
if
they
think
they
or
a
friendmighthavebacterialmeningitis?
Studentsshouldseekpromptmedical
attention.Wherecanstudentsgetmoreinformation?
Afamilydoctorandthestaffatthelocalor
regionalhealthdepartmentofficeareexcellentsourcesforinformationonallcommunicablediseases.ParentsandstudentsmayalsocallthelocalhealthdepartmentorRegionalTexas
DepartmentofHealthofficetoaskaboutmeningococcalvaccine.AdditionalinformationmayalsobefoundatwebsitesfortheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(http://www.cdc.gov)andtheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices(http://www.dshs.state.tx.us).
ChildAbuseReportingandInvestigationsReportingProcedures
StudentswhobelievetheyarethesubjectsofsexualabuseorothermaltreatmentshouldreporttheincidentimmediatelytoateacherortheCampusDirector.
Ifaparenthascausetobelievethatastudent
hasbeenormaybeabusedorneglectedatschool,theparentshallimmediatelynotifytheCampusDirectorattheschoolandmakeanoralreportto
ChildProtectiveServicesat1.800.252.5400orthelocalPoliceDepartmentat911.
AparentmayalsocalltheschoolsCrisis
AbusePreventionHotlineat972.316.4530forassistance.
CounselingServicesStudentsaffectedbysexualabuseorother
maltreatmentwillbereferredtoacounselor,asocialworker,oranothermentalhealthprofessional.
AdditionalInformation
Additionalinformationregardingsexual
abuseandothermaltreatmentofchildren,includingpreventiontechniquesandknowledgeof
likelywarningsignsindicatingthatachildmaybeavictimofsexualabuseorothermaltreatment,maybefoundatthefollowingTexasEducationAgencywebsite:http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index.aspx?id=2820.
StaffTraining
Allmembersoftheschoolstaffaretrainedannuallyinchildabuseawarenessandreportingprocedures.
StudentInterviewsatSchool
Theschoolcooperateswithofficialchildabuseinvestigatorsasrequiredbylaw.TheschoolmaynotinterferewithaninvestigationofareportofchildabuseorneglectconductedbytheTexasDepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServices(DFPS).Theschoolshallpermittheinvestigatortoconducttherequiredinterviewwiththestudentatanyreasonabletimeattheschool.Theschoolmaynotrequiretheinvestigatortopermitschoolstafftobepresentatastudentinterviewconductedatschool.
Notification
of
Parents
Investigationsatschoolmaybeconductedbyauthorizedlawenforcementorstateagencieswithoutpriornotificationorconsentofthestudentsparentsifnecessary.
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CommunicableDiseases
Toprotectotherstudentsfromcontagiousillnesses,studentsinfectedwithcertaindiseasesarenotallowedtocometoschoolwhilecontagious.Parentsofastudentwitha
communicableorcontagiousdiseaseshouldphonetheschoolofficesothatotherstudentswhomighthavebeenexposedtothediseasecanbealerted.
DyslexiaandRelatedDisorders
Fromtimetotime,studentsmaybetestedand,whereappropriate,treatedfordyslexiaandrelateddisordersinaccordancewithprograms,rules,andstandardsapprovedbytheState.Parentswillbenotifiedshouldtheschooldetermineaneedtoidentifyorassesstheir
studentfordyslexiaandrelateddisorders.
EmergencyMedicalTreatment
Ifastudenthasamedicalemergencyatschooloraschoolrelatedactivityandtheparentcannotbereached,schoolstaffwillseekemergencymedicaltreatmentunlesstheparenthaspreviouslyprovidedawrittenstatementdenyingthisauthorization.Therefore,parentsareaskedeachyeartocompleteanEmergencyCareConsentForm,whichincludesinformationabouttheirstudentsallergiestomedications,etc.
Parentsshouldkeepemergencycareinformationcurrent(e.g.,nameofdoctor,emergencyphonenumbers,allergies,etc.).Pleasecontacttheschoolofficetoupdateanyinformation.
FireandDisasterDrills
Firedrillsareconductedfortwopurposes:1. totrainstudentstoleavethebuilding
orderlyandquicklyincaseofanemergencyalarm,and
2. toteachselfcontrolintimesofemergency.
Whenthefirealarmissounded,allstudents
shouldimmediatelywalkoutoftheroomandproceedtothedesignatedexit.Theyshouldwalkinanorderlymanner,withnotalkingorpushing.Whenthestudentsreachthesafetyzonedesignatedbytheteacher,theyshouldfacethebuildingbutremaininline.
Inadditiontofiredrills,disasterdrillsmayalsobeconducted.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforspecificproceduresrelatingtofireanddisasterdrills.
HealthCareAppointments
Astudentmaybeexcusedforatemporary
absenceresultingfromavisittohealthcareprofessionalsifthatstudentbeginsclassesorreturnstoschoolonthesamedayoftheappointment.Anotefromthehealthcareprofessionalmustbeprovidedtotheschoolofficeuponreturnofthestudenttoschool.Studentswhoseabsencesareexcusedforthesereasonsmaynotbepenalizedforthatabsenceandwillbecountedasifthestudentattendedschoolforattendancepurposes.Thestudentwillbeallowedareasonabletimetomakeupthemissedschool
work.
IllnessduringSchoolHours
Astudentwhobecomesillduringschoolhoursistoreporttotheteacher,whowillthensendhimorhertotheschooloffice.Thestudentsparentwillbecontacted.Nostudentisallowedtogohomewithouttheparentbeingnotified.Studentsarenottocallparentsfrompayphonesorcellphonesaskingtogohome;suchcallsaretobemadefromtheschoolofficebyschoolstaff.
Studentsshouldstayhomefromschoolduetoillnessifanyofthefollowingarepresent:
1. feverof100degreesFahrenheitorhigherinthepast24hours;
2. vomitingand/ordiarrheainthepast24hours;
3. itchy,redeyeswithdischarge;4. unknownrash;5. ringworm(untiltreatmenthasbeen
started);6. headliceornits;or7. jaundice.
Toprotectstudentsatschool,studentsassessedwithanyofthesignsandsymptomslistedabovewillbesenthome.
Immunizations
TheStateofTexasrequiresthateverychildinthestatebeimmunizedagainstvaccinepreventablediseasescausedbyinfectiousagents
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inaccordancewithanestablishedimmunizationschedule.
Todeterminethespecificnumberofdoses
thatarerequiredforyourstudent,pleaseread20122013TexasMinimumStateVaccine
RequirementsforStudents.ThisdocumentandmoreinformationaboutschoolvaccinerequirementsareavailableattheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices(DSHS)ImmunizationBranchwebsite:www.ImmunizeTexas.com(clickontheSchoolRequirementslink,thenMainPagelink).
Proofofimmunizationmaybepersonal
recordsfromalicensedphysicianorpublichealthclinicwithasignatureorrubberstampvalidation.
ProvisionalEnrollment
Astudentcanbeenrolledprovisionallyfornomorethan30daysifheorshetransfersfromoneTexasschooltoanother,andisawaitingthetransferoftheimmunizationrecord.
Astudentmaybeenrolledprovisionallyifthe
studenthasanimmunizationrecordthatindicatesthestudenthasreceivedatleastonedoseofeachspecifiedageappropriaterequiredvaccine.Toremainenrolled,thestudentmustcompletetherequiredsubsequentdosesineachvaccineseriesonscheduleandasrapidlyasismedicallyfeasible
andprovideacceptableevidenceofvaccinationtotheschool.Theschoolshallreviewtheimmunizationstatusofaprovisionallyenrolledstudentevery30daystoensurecontinuedcomplianceincompletingtherequireddosesofvaccination.If,attheendofthe30dayperiod,astudenthasnotreceivedasubsequentdoseofvaccine,thenthestudentisnotincomplianceandtheschoolshallexcludethestudentfromschoolattendanceuntiltherequireddoseisadministered.
ExclusionsfromImmunizationRequirements
Exclusionsfromimmunizationrequirementsareallowableonanindividualbasisfor:
1. medicalreasons;2. reasonsofconscience,includinga
religiousbelief;and3. activedutywiththearmedforcesofthe
UnitedStates.
Toclaimanexclusionformedicalreasons,thestudentmustpresentastatementsignedbythestudent'sphysician(M.D.orD.O.),dulyregisteredandlicensedtopracticemedicineintheUnitedStateswhohasexaminedthestudent,inwhichitisstatedthat,inthephysician'sopinion,the
vaccinerequiredismedicallycontraindicatedorposesasignificantrisktothehealthandwellbeingofthestudentoranymemberofthestudent'shousehold.Unlessitiswritteninthestatementthatalifelongconditionexists,theexemptionstatementisvalidforonlyoneyearfromthedatesignedbythephysician.
Toclaimanexclusionforreasonsof
conscience,includingareligiousbelief,asignedDSHSaffidavitmustbepresentedbythestudentsparent,statingthatthestudent'sparentdeclinesvaccinationsforreasonsofconscience,including
becauseoftheperson'sreligiousbeliefs.Theaffidavitwillbevalidforatwoyearperiod.Informationforobtaininganaffidavitforexclusionfromimmunizationrequirementsisavailableatwww.ImmunizeTexas.com(clickontheSchoolRequirementslink,thenMainPagelink).TheofficialDSHSaffidavitformmustbenotarizedandsubmittedtotheschooloffice.Theformmustbesubmittedwithin90daysfromthedateitisnotarized.TheschoolwillacceptonlyofficialaffidavitformsdevelopedandissuedbytheDSHS.Nootherformsorreproductionswillbeallowed.Thestudentwhohasnotreceivedthe
requiredimmunizationsforreasonsofconscience,includingreligiousbeliefs,maybeexcludedfromschoolintimesofemergencyorepidemicdeclaredbythecommissionerofpublichealth.
Toclaimanexclusionforarmedforces,the
studentmustprovethatheorsheisservingonactivedutywiththearmedforcesoftheUnitedStates.
ImmunizationRecordsReporting
Theschoolsrecordofastudents
immunizationhistory,whileprivateinmostinstances,maybeinspectedbytheTexasEducationAgency,localhealthdepartments,andtheDSHSandtransferredtootherschoolsassociatedwiththetransferofthestudenttothoseschools.
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Injuries/AccidentInsurance
Theschoolisnotresponsibleformedicalcostsassociatedwithastudentsinjury.Atthebeginningofeachschoolyear,theschooldoesmakeavailable,however,anoptional,lowcost
studentaccidentinsuranceprogramtoassistparentsinmeetingmedicalexpenses.Aparentwhodesirescoverageforhisorherstudentwillberesponsibleforpayinginsurancepremiumsandsubmittingclaims.
InterrogationsandSearches
Studentsshallnotplace,keep,ormaintainanyarticleormaterialprohibitedbyschoolpolicyorthatwouldleadschoolofficialstoreasonablybelievethatitwouldcauseasubstantialdisruptionatschoolorataschoolsponsoredor
schoolrelatedfunction.CampusDirectorsandteachershavetherighttoquestionstudentsregardingtheirconductortheconductofothers.
Schoolstaffmaysearchastudentsouter
clothing,pockets,orpropertybyestablishingreasonablesuspicionorsecuringthestudentsvoluntaryconsent.However,consentobtainedthroughthreatofcontactingparentsorthepoliceauthoritiesisnotconsideredtobevoluntarilygiven.
Studentlockers,desks/offices,backpacks,
vehiclesparkedoncampus,andanyotherareathatisownedorjointlycontrolledbytheschool,areunderthejurisdictionoftheschool.Assuch,theymaybesearchedanytimethereisreasonablecausetobelievethattheycontainarticlesormaterialsprohibitedbyschoolpolicy,withorwithoutthepresenceofthestudent.Theparentwillbenotifiedifanyprohibiteditemsarefoundinthestudentspossession.
RandomDrugSearches[M][H]
Inordertoensureadrugfreelearning
environment,theschoolconductsrandomdrugsearchesoftheschoolfacilities.Theschoolmayusetraineddogstoalertschoolofficialstothepresenceofprohibitedorillegalitems,includingdrugsandalcohol.Atanytime,traineddogsmaybeusedaroundlockersandtheareasaroundvehiclesparkedoncampus.Searchesofclassrooms,commonareas,orstudentbelongingsmayalsobeconductedbytraineddogswhen
studentsarenotpresent.Aniteminaclassroom,alocker,oravehicletowhichatraineddogalertsmaybesearchedbyschoolofficials.
LawEnforcementAgencies
Proceduresfor
Law
Enforcement
Interviews
Thefollowingproceduresshallbefollowedwhenlawenforcementofficersandotherlawfulauthoritieswanttoquestionorinterviewastudentattheschool:
1. Theschoolshallverifyandrecordtheidentityoftheofficialandrequestanexplanationoftheneedtoquestionorinterviewthestudentatschool.
2. Theschoolshallmakereasonableeffortstonotifythestudentsparent.
3. Unlessprohibitedbylaworwhenthestudenthasbeenarrestedortakenintopolicecustody,aschoolstaffmembershallbepresentduringthequestioningorinterview.
Whentheinvestigationinvolvesallegationsof
childabuse,specialrulesapply(seeChildAbuseReportingandInvestigations,p.17).
ProceduresforAssumingCustodyofStudent
Theschoolshallpermitastudenttobetakenintocustody:
1. pursuanttoanorderofthejuvenilecourt;2. pursuanttothelawsofarrest;3. byalawenforcementofficerifthereis
probablecausetobelievethestudenthasengagedinconductthatviolatesapenallaw,delinquentconductorconductinneedofsupervision,orconductthatviolatesaconditionofprobationimposedbythejuvenilecourt;
4. byaprobationofficerifthereisprobablecausetobelievethestudenthasviolatedaconditionofprobationimposedbythejuvenilecourt;
5. pursuanttoaproperlyissueddirectivetoapprehend;or6. byanauthorizedrepresentativeofthe
TexasDepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServices(DFPS),alawenforcementofficer,orajuvenileprobationofficer,withoutacourtorder,undertheconditionssetoutinSection262.104oftheTexasFamilyCoderelatingtothestudentsphysicalhealthorsafety.
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MedicationPolicies
AllMedication
Medicationshouldbeadministeredathome
wheneverpossible.Theschoolmustreceivea
writtenrequestfromtheparenttoadministermedicationduringschoolhours(includingacetaminophen,aspirin,ibuprofen,etc.).Thisrequestmustbesubmittedannuallyandisactiveonlyforthecurrentschoolyear.
Allmedicationsmustbepresentedinan
originalcontainer,beproperlylabeled,andmustbecheckedintotheschoolofficeuponarrivaloncampus.FailuretocomplywiththemedicationpolicywillresultinaCodeofConductviolation.
Parentsmayprovidenomorethanatwo
weekssupplyofmedicationatatime,excludinginhalers.Pleasenotethatmostpharmacieswillprovidefamilieswithanextraempty,butlabeled,containerforuseatschool.
PrescriptionMedication
Prescriptionmedicationadministeredduring
schoolhoursmustbeprescribedbyaphysicianoradvancednursepractitioner(ANP)andfilledbyapharmacistlicensedintheStateofTexas.
Prescriptionmedicationlabelsmustinclude
thestudentsnameandinstructions,andbeclearlylegible.WritteninstructionsfromaphysicianorANP
arerequiredandmustincludethefollowinginformation:
1. nameofthestudent,2. nameofthemedication,3. reasonthemedicationisbeinggiven,4. specificamounttobegiven,5. timethemedicationistobegiven,and6. themethodusedtoadministerthe
medication.
ChangestodailymedicationsrequirewritteninstructionfromthephysicianorANPandwrittenpermissionfromtheparent.Parentsareresponsibleforadvisingtheschoolofficethatamedicationhasbeendiscontinued.
AsthmaandAnaphylaxisMedication
Asthmaandanaphylaxisarelifethreatening
conditions,andstudentswiththoseconditionsmaybeallowedtopossessandselfadministerprescriptionmedicationsforthoseconditions
duringtheschooldayoratschoolrelatedevents.StudentpossessionandselfadministrationofasthmaoranaphylaxismedicationatschoolrequirethestudenttodemonstratehisorherabilitytoselfadministerthemedicationforthephysicianorlicensedhealthcareproviderandtheCampusDirector.Requirementsalsoincludewrittenauthorizationfromthestudentsparentandphysicianorotherlicensedhealthcareprovideronfileintheschoolofficeindicatingthestudentiscapableofindependentlyadministeringhisorherownasthmaoremergencyanaphylaxismedication.Withthesesafeguardsinplace,the
studentmaypossessandselfadministerhisorherprescribedmedicationathisorherdiscretionduringschoolhoursoratschoolrelatedevents.
Writtenauthorizationstoselfadministerasthmaoranaphylaxismedicationshouldbeupdatedannuallyunlessotherwiseindicatedbythephysician.
Medicationinastudentspossessionmustbeinanoriginalcontainerwithaprescriptionlabel.Pleasenotethatmostpharmacieswillplacealabelontheinhalerdeviseuponrequest.
DiabetesManagement
Studentswithdiabetesmaypossessequipmentandmedicationusedinthetreatmentofdiabetesduringtheschooldayandatschoolrelatedeventsgivencertainconditions.AccordingtoTexasHealthandSafetyCodeChapter168,adiabetesmanagementandtreatmentplanmustbedevelopedandimplementedbythestudentsparentandthephysicianresponsibleforthestudentsdiabetestreatment.Thisplanmustevaluatethestudentsabilitytomanagediabetes
andhisorherlevelofunderstandingofdiabetesandmustbesignedbytheparentandphysicianresponsibleforthestudentsdiabetestreatment.Anindividualhealthplanmustbeimplementedbytheschoolandmustincorporatecomponentsofthestudentsdiabetesmanagementandtreatmentplan.Inaccordancewiththestudentsindividualizedhealthplan,whichincorporatesthediabetesmanagementandtreatmentplansignedbytheparentandphysicianthatindicatesthe
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studentsabilitytomanagediabetesandhisorherlevelofunderstandingofdiabetes,aschoolshallpermitastudenttoattendtothemanagementandcareofhisorherdiabetes,whichmayinclude:
1. performingbloodglucoselevelchecks;2. administeringinsulin;3.
treatinghypoglycemiaandhyperglycemia;
4. possessingnecessarymonitoringandtreatmentequipmentdesignedfordiabetescare;and
5. attendingtothemanagementofhisorherdiabetesintheclassroom,inanyareaoftheschoolgrounds,oratanyschoolrelatedactivity.
PhysicalRestraint
Schoolstaffmay,withinthescopeoftheir
duties,useandapplyphysicalrestrainttoastudentthattheyreasonablybelieveisnecessaryinorderto:
1. protectaperson,includingthepersonusingphysicalrestraint,fromphysicalinjury;
2. obtainpossessionofaweaponorotherdangerousobject;
3. protectpropertyfromseriousdamage;4. removefromaspecificlocationastudent
refusingalawfulcommandofschoolstaff,includingaclassroomorotherschoolproperty,inordertorestoreorderor
imposedisciplinarymeasures;5. restrainanirrationalstudent;or6. preventstudentfromfleeingwhenfleeing
wouldputotherstudentsorothersindanger.
SurveillanceCameras/Video
Recordings
Forsafetypurposes,includingthemaintenanceoforderanddiscipline,surveillancecamerasmaybeusedtomonitorstudentbehaviorinclassrooms,onschoolvehicles,andschool
commonareas.Videorecordingsmaybereviewedroutinelytodocumentstudentmisconductandusedbyschoolstaffwheninvestigatinganincident.TapesandothervideorecordingswillnotbeavailableforparentviewingduetotheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA).
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SECTIONIII
ACADEMICSANDGRADING
ClassRank/TopTenPercent[H]
Finalclassrankwillbedeterminedattheendofthefifthsixweeksofthesenioryear.
Studentswhoareinthetop10percentoftheirgraduatingclassareeligibleforautomaticadmissiontoanypublicuniversityinTexasunderadmissionspolicies.
Tobeeligibleforautomaticadmission,astudentmust:
1. graduateinthetop10percentofhisorherclass;
2. graduateontheRecommendedorDistinguishedProgram;
3. enrollincollegenomorethantwoyearsaftergraduatingfromhighschool;and
4. submitanapplicationtoaTexaspublicuniversityforadmissionbeforetheinstitution'sapplicationdeadline(checkwiththeuniversityregardingspecificdeadlines).
Studentsadmittedthroughthisroutemaystill
berequiredtoprovideAmericanCollegeTest(ACT)orScholasticAptitudeTest(SAT)scores,althoughthesescoresarenotusedforadmissionspurposes.StudentsmustalsotaketheTexasHigherEducationAssessment(THEA)test,unlessexemptedfromthetestrequirement.CheckwiththeadmissionsofficeregardingTHEA,SAT,andACTrequirements.
Afterastudentisadmitted,theuniversitymayreviewthestudent'shighschoolrecordstodetermineifthestudentispreparedforcollegelevelwork.Astudentwhoneedsadditionalpreparationmayberequiredtotakeadevelopmental,enrichment,ororientationcourseduringthesemesterpriortothefirstsemesterofcollege.
Admissiontoauniversitydoesnotguaranteeacceptanceintoaparticularcollegeofstudyordepartment.Rememberthatstudentsmaynotbeadmittedeveniftheyareeligibleiftheydonotmeettheadmissiondeadline.
ClassificationofStudents[H]
Theclassificationofastudentdependsuponthenumberofunitsearnedandnotuponthenumberofyearsspentinhighschool.
StudentswhoenteredGrade9duringthe20062007schoolyearareclassifiedbasedontheseunitsofcredit:
Sophomore: 6unitsofcredit Junior: 13unitsofcredit Senior: 19unitsofcredit
StudentswhoenteredGrade9duringthe
20072008schoolyearareclassifiedbasedontheseunitsofcredit:
Sophomore: 7unitsofcredit Junior: 13unitsofcredit Senior: 19unitsofcredit
CollegeDays[H]
Highschoolstudentswhomeetthefollowingcriteriawillbeallowedtohavetwoexcuseddaysofabsenceforacollegevisitduringtheirjunioryearandtwoexcuseddaysofabsenceforacollegevisitduringtheirsenioryear:
1. ThestudentmusthavepassedtherequiredpartsoftheTAKStestforthepreviousyear.
2. Thestudentmustbeontracktograduateontime.
3. Thestudentmustbeclassifiedasajuniororseniorbaseduponcreditsearned.
4. Thestudentmustbepassingallcoursework.
5. Thestudentmusthavenotruancyorotherattendanceproblems.
Studentsmustsubmitawrittenrequesttothe
schoolofficeatleasttwodayspriortothedayrequestedforacollegevisitsothateligibilitycriteriaforanexcuseddayofabsencecanbeverifiedandapprovalgrantedpriortothestudentparticipatinginacollegevisit.Approvalwillnotbegrantedforacollegevisitonadaywhenmajorexamsarescheduled,andnopartialdayswillbeapproved.
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Thestudentwillberequiredtomakeupanyworkmissed,butwillnotbechargedwithanabsenceifofficialdocumentationofthevisitisreceivedbytheschoolofficewithinoneweek.Officialdocumentationwillbe:
1. aletteronthecollegeofficialletterheadgivingthestudentsname,date,andreasonforvisit;and
2. anofficialvisitationformfromthecollegedatedwithstudentnameandsignedbyacollegeofficial.
Ifthecollegevisitcannotbemadeonthedate
specifiedontheapprovedwrittenrequest,anewrequestmustbesubmittedforconsideration.
CollegeRequirements[H]
MostcollegesrequireeithertheAmerican
CollegeTest(ACT)ortheScholasticAptitudeTest(SAT)foradmission.Studentsareencouragedtotalkwithschoolstaffduringtheirjunioryeartodeterminetheappropriateexamtotake,asentranceexamsareusuallytakenattheendofthejunioryear.PriortoenrollmentinaTexaspubliccollegeoruniversity,moststudentsmustalsotakeanassessmenttest,suchastheTexasHigherEducationAssessment(THEA)test.
CreditbyExamination[H]
IfaStudent
Has
Prior
Instruction
Astudentwhohaspreviouslytakenacourse
orsubjectbutdidnotreceivecreditforitmay,incircumstancesdeterminedbytheteacher,CampusDirector,orAttendanceCommittee,bepermittedtoearncreditbypassinganexamontheessentialknowledgeandskillsdefinedforthatcourseorsubject.Priorinstructionmayinclude,forexample,incompletecourseworkduetoafailedcourseorexcessiveabsences,anonaccreditedpublicorprivateschool,correspondencecourses,orindependentstudy
supervisedbyateacher.TheCampusDirectorwilldetermineifthestudentcantakeanexamforthepurposeofrecoveringlossofcreditinaparticularsubjectorcourse.Ifapprovalisgranted,thestudentmustscoreatleast70ontheexamtoreceivecreditforthecourseorsubject.TheAttendanceCommitteemayalsoofferastudentwithexcessiveabsencesanopportunitytorecovercreditforacoursebypassinganexam.
IfaStudentHasNotHadPriorInstruction
Astudentwillbepermittedtotakeanexamto
earncreditforanacademiccourseforwhichthestudenthashadnopriorinstruction.Astudentwillearncreditwithapassingscoreofatleast90
ontheexam.
GraduationExpenses[H]
Becausestudentsandparentswillincurgraduationexpensessuchasthepurchaseofinvitations,seniorring,capandgown,seniorpictures,etc.bothstudentsandparentsshouldmonitorprogresstowardcompletionofallrequirementsforgraduation.
GraduationPrograms[H]
AllstudentsenteringGrade9duringthe20072008schoolyearandthereafterarerequiredtoenrollintheRecommendedHighSchoolProgramorDistinguishedAchievementHighSchoolProgram.
MinimumHighSchoolProgram
AstudentmaybepermittedtotaketheMinimumHighSchoolProgramiftheparentandCampusDirectoragreeinwriting,signedbyeachparty,thatthestudentshouldbepermittedtotakecoursesundertheMinimumHighSchoolProgram
andthestudent:1. isatleast16yearsofage;2. hascompletedtwocreditsrequiredfor
graduationineachsubjectofthefoundationcurriculum;or
3. hasfailedtobepromotedtothetenthgradeoneormoretimesasdeterminedbytheschool.
Astudenthastherighttoreenrollinthe
RecommendedHighSchoolProgramatanytime.CreditRequirements
StudentswhoenteredGrade9duringthe
20072008schoolyearandthereaftermustmeetthefollowingcreditrequirementsforgraduation:
1. Minimum 22credits2. Recommended 26credits3. Distinguished 26credits
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StudentswhoenteredGrade9duringthe20042005,20052006,or20062007schoolyearmustmeetthefollowingcreditrequirementsforgraduation:
1. Minimum 22credits2. Recommended 24credits3.
Distinguished 24credits
GraduationRequirements[H]
Toreceiveahighschooldiplomafromtheschool,astudentmustsuccessfullycompletetherequirednumberofcredits,passastatewideexitlevelexam,andmeetallattendancerequirements.Thegrade11exitleveltest,requiredforstudentsingrade11,coversEnglishlanguagearts,mathematics,science,andsocialstudiesandrequiresknowledgeofAlgebraI,Geometry,Biology,IntegratedPhysicsandChemistry,English
III,andUnitedStatesHistory.
StudentswithDisabilities
UpontherecommendationoftheAdmission,
Review,andDismissal(ARD)Committee,astudentwithdisabilitieswhoisreceivingspecialeducationservicesmaybepermittedtograduateundertheprovisionsofhisorherIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP).
Astudentwhoreceivesspecialeducationservicesandhascompletedfouryearsofhigh
school,buthasnotmettherequirementsofhisorherIEP,mayparticipateingraduationceremoniesandreceiveacertificateofattendance.Evenifthestudentparticipatesingraduationceremoniestoreceivethecertificateofattendance,heorshemayremainenrolledtocompletetheIEPandearnhisorherhighschooldiploma;however,thestudentwillonlybeallowedtoparticipateinonegraduationceremony.
HonorGraduateCertificate[H]
Therecipientofthishonormust:
1. beenrolledinaminimumofthreeconsecutivecalendarsemesterspriortograduationandmeetstateandschoolattendancerequirements;
2. begraduatingundereithertheRecommendedorDistinguishedGraduationProgram;and
3. bethehighestrankinggraduatewiththehighestgradepointaverage(GPA)ofall
studentsmeetingtheaforementionedcriteriabutnotlessthanacumulative3.3GPA.Indetermininggradepointaverage,undernoconditionwilltheGPAberoundedup.
Allcalculationsforthishonorwillbeconductedattheendofthespringsemester(beforegraduation)eachschoolcalendaryear.Aneligiblestudentmusthaveattendedatleastoneofthecalendarsemestersduringtheschoolyearthatthehonorisgranted.
PhysicalEducation
RequirementsK8[E][M]
AllstudentsingradesK5mustengageinat
least135minutesofphysicalactivityeachweekas
partofthephysicaleducationcurriculum.Studentsingrades68mustengageinatleast135minutesofphysicalactivityeachweekforatleastfoursemestersduringthosegradelevelsaspartoftheschoolsphysicaleducation.
Requirements912[H]
Studentsarenowrequiredtocompleteonly
onecreditinphysicaleducation(P.E.)andarenolongerrequiredtocompletetheFoundationsofPersonalFitnesscourseaspartofthatcredit.StudentsmaycontinuetouseFoundationsof
PersonalFitnesstofulfillonehalf(.5)creditoftheironetotalcreditofphysicaleducationrequiredforgraduation.
PhysicalEducationExemption
Shorttermexemptionfromphysical
educationispossibleforstudentswhohavephysicalhandicaps,illnesses,orotherincapacitiesthataphysiciandeemssevereenoughtowarrantexemptionorsevereenoughtowarrantmodifiedactivityinsuchclasses.Eachcaseishandledonanindividualbasisasfollows:
1. Eachrequestforexemptionorformodifiedactivitymustbeaccompaniedbyaphysicianscertificate.Suchcertificatesarehonored,butmustberenewedeachyear.
2. Whenthecertificatewillallowmodifiedactivitiesinclass,thestudentshouldremaininphysicaleducationclass.Theteachersadjusttheactivitiesofthestudenttothedisability.
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3. Anexemptedstudentmaybeadmittedtoregularphysicaleducationactivitiesonlyuponpresentationofawrittenstatementfromthesamephysicianwhosignedtheoriginalexemption.
Physical
Education
Substitutions
[M]
[H]
Beginningwithenteringninthgradersinfall
2010,studentswhoreceivepriorapprovalcanearnamaximumoffourstatecreditsforphysicaleducationthroughsubstitutionofappropriateprivateorcommerciallysponsoredphysicalactivityprovidedthattheprogrammeetsschoolcriteria.QuestionsregardingtheprocessofyearlyapprovalshouldbeaddressedtotheCampusDirector.PhysicalFitnessAssessment
Exceptforstudentsforwhom,asaresultofdisabilityorotherconditionidentifiedinlaw,assessmentisinappropriate,theschoolwillassessthephysicalfitnessofstudentsannually.
PromotionRequirements[E][M]
Astudentmaybepromotedonthebasisofacademicachievementand/ordemonstratedproficiencyinthesubjectmatterofthecourseorgradelevel.Toearncreditinacourse,astudentmustreceiveagradeofatleast70and
successfullycompleteallassignedcoursework.Inaddition,atcertaingradelevelsastudentwithlimitedexceptionswillberequiredtopassthestatemandatedassessmenttest.
ReportCards
Astudentmaybepromotedonlyonthebasisofacademicachievementordemonstratedproficiencyinthesubjectmatterofthecourseorgradelevel.Toearncredit,astudentmustdemonstratemasteryongradelevelstandardsandmeetschoolrequirementsforattendance.In
addition,studentsatcertaingradelevelswillberequiredtopassthestatemandatedassessmenttestasafurtherrequirementforpromotion.
Gradingscalesareasfollows:1. A=90%to100%2. B=80%to89%3. C=70%to79%4. F=69%andbelow
Reportcardsofstudentgradesorperformanceandabsencesareissuedtoparentsatleastonceeverysixwee