Iredell ISD Student Handbook

PREFACE

To Students and Parents:

Welcome to school year 2007-2008!  Education is a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members are all working together will make this a successful year for our students.

The Iredell I.S.D. Student Handbook contains information students and parents are likely to need to ensure a successful school year.  The handbook is organized alphabetically by topic.  Throughout the handbook, the term "the student's parent" means parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.

Students and parents also need to be familiar with the Iredell I.S.D. Student Code of Conduct, which sets out the consequences for inappropriate behavior.  The Student Code of Conduct is required by state law and is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning.  This document may be found as an attachment bound with this handbook and posted on the bulletin boards in the elementary and high school buildings.

The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct adopted by the Board.  Please be aware that this document is updated annually, while policy adoption and revision is an ongoing process.  Changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be communicated by newsletters and other communications to students and parents.  These changes will generally supersede the provisions found in this handbook and made obsolete by newly adopted policy.

Please note that references to policy codes are included to help parents confirm current policy. A copy of the District's Policy Manual is available in the school office.

In case of conflict between a Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and provisions of student handbooks, provisions of policy or the Student Code of Conduct most recently adopted by the Board shall prevail.

We encourage parents to review the entire handbook with their children & 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 counselor, or the principal.  Also, please complete the return the parental acknowledgement, student directory information, release of information to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, and consent/opt-out forms so that we have a record of your choices.

Nondiscrimination Notice

Iredell I.S.D. 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.

Iredell I.S.D. will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

The Superintendent has been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements:

·        Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex:

·        Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability:

·        Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs:

Services for Students with Disabilities

Parents of students with learning difficulties or who may need special education services may request an evaluation for special education at any time.  For more information, contact the Superintendent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iredell Independent School District

P.O.Box 39

Iredell, Texas 76649

254/364-2411

Board of Education                                   Administration

Kristy Gephart - President                                Bryan Lee - Superintendent

Amy VanWinkle – Vice President                     Bill Kammerer – Administrative Assistant

Jim Bob Berry – Secretary                                Linda Hanshew – Business Manager

John McPeek – Member                                  Don Coffell - Athletic Director

Patrick Proffitt – Member                                 PEIMS Coordinator – Nancy Hanshew

Travis Griffin - Member

Ryan Scott – Member

Approved by the Iredell Independent School District Board of Education

This booklet contains a great deal of required and useful information for the students of the Iredell Schools.  Because it cannot be as personal a communication as we would like it to be, we address students not directly as “you” but rather as “the students”, “students”, or “children”.  Likewise, the term “the student’s parent” may refer to the parent, legal guardian, or the other person who has agreed to assume responsibility for the student.

The information in this handbook represents what the State of Texas, Board of Trustees, teachers, administrators, and Campus Improvement Committee feel is required or necessary for the students and their parents.

Each school has its own personality.  Each student, parent, teacher, and administrator of Iredell Schools should strive to help the school develop an even better school personality.

Should a student or parent have questions about the content of this handbook, he/she should direct their questions to the Administration.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Iredell Independent School District is to create an environment in which all our students will develop the skills and attitudes necessary to become responsible citizens equipped to cope with the demands of society.  We envision students who are goal oriented and who have a desire and commitment to succeed.  We envision students who will be prepared for the next appropriate step in their lives: college, vocational training, employment, and marketable skills.  Our mission is to develop a climate in which students become life long learners who are able to access information and make healthy decisions.  It is our intent to provide a school in which basic skills will be mastered and in which students will develop the facility for successful interaction in a diverse, complex society.  We think students in the Iredell School deserve the best, and we will work together to realize this dream.  A proper balance between individual rights and responsible behavior is essential if the District is to provide an education system which allows students to develop to their fullest potential.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

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

ASBESTOS

Iredell ISD is working hard to maintain compliance with federal & state regulation concerning asbestos.  Should you desire to review the asbestos management plan for your child’s school, a copy of the plan is available in the Superintendent’s office.  If you have any questions, about the plan or this federally mandated program, please contact the Superintendent at 254-364-2411

ASSEMBLIES

A Student’s conduct in assemblies must meet the same standard as in the classroom.  A student who is tardy or who does not abide by District rules of conduct during an assembly shall be subject to disciplinary action.

ATHLETICS

Each student participating in athletics in Iredell must have on file in the Administrator’s office an approval sheet by his/her parent or guardian.  Iredell I.S.D. is a member of the University Interscholastic League, and all requirements of the UIL will be strictly enforced and fulfilled.  Five of these requirements are:

·        Each athlete must accumulate 5 credits each year.

·        Each athlete must maintain a passing average in each subject during the school year.

·        Each athlete must pass a doctor’s physical examination.

·        Each athlete must have a signed statement from one of his/her parents stating that emergency first aid treatment can be rendered in case of an accident.

·        All students must comply with the rules and regulations of the coaches of the sports in which they participate.

Iredell Athletic Alcohol & Drug Policy

Any student caught (by an officer of the law) consuming or in possession of any illegal drug or alcoholic beverage will receive:

·        First Offense:  suspension of one contest (Basketball:  two games) and completion of 10 miles before being allowed to compete in any competition

·        All Other Offenses:  Discipline determined by committee consisting of Administration, Coaches, and one Teacher

“Swim Day”

Only those students who participated in a sport will be allowed to attend the Athletic Department’s year-end “swim day”.  Students must be passing to attend.

Iredell Athletic Attendance Policy

Students participating in a sport must be in attendance (during all classes) during the school day.  The following policy has been instituted:

·        In the spring, any student absent from school will not be allowed to participate in the next in-school athletic event.

·        During basketball, any student absent from school during the same week as an in-school basketball tournament will not be allowed to participate in the next in-school game.

***** “in-school” refers to any event that requires a student to miss any class-time

Exceptions are made if a student brings a note from a licensed physician or if the student attends a funeral (must notify the athletic department in advance).

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, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise legally exempt or excused.  A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her eighteenth birthday is required to attend each school day.  If a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, however, the District may revoke the student’s enrollment.  The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespass.

If kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students are assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program under state law, compulsory attendance applies to attendance in the reading program.  Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program as a result of the reading diagnosis test.

School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law.  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 and basic skills for ninth graders; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law & 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.

Attendance for Credit

To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.  A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit. 

 

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.  [See policy FEB.]

·        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.

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 note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.

If credit is lost because of excessive absences, 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.

If the committee allows for a student to regain credit, due to excesses absences, the District has provided the following method for a student to make-up work or regain credit:

·        Students must attend assigned hours of Summer School – the number of hours & the days to be attended will be determined by the attendance committee

·        Additionally, make-up-hours cost $5.00 per hour.  If the $5.00 per hour cannot be afforded, the student may work at the school (prior to the fulfillment of required summer school hours) for minimum wage (thereby earning enough money to pay the fee).

·        Graduating Seniors’ make-up-hours will be determined by the attendance committee on a case by case basis, but MUST be completed before graduation.

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

Driver License Attendance Verification

To obtain a driver license, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must annually provide to the Texas Department of Public Safety a form obtained from the school verifying that the student has met the 90 percent attendance requirement for the semester preceding the date of application.  The student can obtain this form at the campus office. 

Semester Exams

High School students (Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors) may be exempt from taking semester exams if they meet the following requirements:

·        Average is 90 or above, for the semester, AND has 3 or fewer absences

·        Average is 85 or above, for the semester, AND has 2 or fewer absences

·        Average is 80 or above, for the semester, AND has 1 or fewer absences

Any student with more than three absences or a semester average below 80 is required to take the semester exam.

AWARDS AND HONORS

For worthy achievement, awards may be offered in several special areas.

Honor Rolls, National Honor Society, and other honor students will be recognized in an award ceremony during the spring.

Any high school student who represents the school in Varsity District athletic competition for two (2) years will receive a letter jacket.

CAMPUS RESTRICTIONS

No student may leave campus for any reason without permission from either Mr. Lee or Mr. Kammerer.  Leaving campus without permission may result in the student’s suspension from school.

Iredell I.S.D. has a closed campus policy for lunch.

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

The District offers career and technology programs in Agriculture Science and Home Economics.  The District will take steps to ensure that a lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation in any educational and career and technology programs.

For Further information about these programs, please contact the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator at 254-364-2411.

CHEERLEADERS

A copy of the Cheerleader’s Handbook is given to all cheerleader candidates and is available in the front office.  For more information, please contact Debra Burns.

CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT / HIGHEST GPA

Valedictory and Salutatory awards will be grade averaged over the four years of high school.  Graduating seniors must have attended both his/her full Junior and Senior years in the Iredell I.S.D. to be eligible for these awards.  Graduating Juniors and foreign exchange students are not eligible for these awards.  The same two-year and average requirements pertain to 8th grade graduation.

Class ranking will be determined by averaging all semester grades, with the exception of V.A.C., M.O.C.T., Drivers Education, and P.E./Athletics, while in high school (9-12). The 4th and 5th six weeks grade will be used in the calculation of the average for the second semester of the Senior year (as well as the eighth grade year).

·        Advanced Placement classes will add 1.1% to the course grade, before averaging.

·        Resource Courses / Special Education modified courses will deduct .8% to the course grade, before averaging

·        Section 504 courses / 504 modified courses will deduct .9% of the course grade, before averaging.

Students who have declared their intent to graduate in three years shall be included in senior year ranking / grade average after they have completed 17 credits.  Once ranking has been calculated, no four-year graduate shall be displaced by the rank of a three-year graduate.  The three-year graduates' grade average shall be calculated separately and then added, at the appropriate levels, to the list and designated as a three-year graduate.

For two school years following their graduation, District graduates who ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas.  Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Under the Texas Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, students who complete the Recommended or Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) High School Program may earn financial credits in varying amounts to apply toward college tuition.  The amounts depend on the number of consecutive months in which the student completed graduation requirements & the number of early college credits earned and may be used at public or private higher education institutions within the state.  The counselor can provide additional information about meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.

Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions.

COLLEGE DAYS

Seniors are allowed two days during the school year to visit colleges & universities.  Students must bring back a signed statement from the college or university in order to validate the visit. 

Requests for taking college days must be made to either Mr. Lee or Mr. Kammerer prior to 1:00pm on the day before the visit is to take place.  This allows the student to obtain all work in advance of missing class.

No college visits may take place during the following times:

·        Within the last two weeks of the 1st or 2nd semester

·        The week before Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Spring Break

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES / CONDITIONS

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

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

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 AND CONCERNS

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 adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or Superintendent’s office.

In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the 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.

COMPUTER RESOURCES

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 a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Students and their parents should be aware that electronic communications—e-mail—using District computers are not private and may be monitored by District staff.

CONDUCT

Academic Dishonesty / Cheating / Plagiarism

Academic dishonesty—cheating or plagiarism—is not acceptable.  Cheating includes the copying of another student's work—homework, classwork, test answers, etc.—as one's own.  Plagiarism is the use of another person's original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author.  A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to loss of credit for the work in question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Applicability of School Rules

As required by law, the Board has 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 ill apply whenever the interest of the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with classes and school-sponsored activities.  The District has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Bullying or Taunting Behaviors

Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Such behaviors may include repeated teasing or ridicule, name-calling, threats, theft, gossip and rumors, or physical intimidation of any kind.  A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct.

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.  Corporal punishment will be governed by the following conditions:

·        The student will be told the reason for the corporal punishment.

·        Corporal punishment will only be given by a member of the administration.

·        The punishment will be administered in the presence of one other District professional employee and out of view of other students.

·        A record will be maintained of each instance of corporal punishment.

·        A parental consent form regarding corporal punishment is kept on file.  Any parent who objects to corporal punishment will be able to express those feelings to the school.

Disruptions

As identified by law, disruptions include the following:

·        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 an entrance to District property.

·        Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving District property without authorization from an administrator.

·        Disruption of classes or other school activities while on District property or on public property that is within 500 feet of District property.  Class disruption includes making 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.

Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, or Disability

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. 

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, counselor, or principal.

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 principal.  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.

The student or a parent may appeal the decision of the principal regarding the outcome of the investigation in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

Laser Pointers

Students are not permitted to possess or use laser pointers while on school property, while using District transportation, or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property.  Laser pointers will be confiscated and students will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Radios, CD Players, Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices and Games

Students are not permitted to use such items as cell phones, pagers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, electronic devices or games, or telecommunications devices with text messaging at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the administration. 

  • The term “at school” refers to anywhere on school grounds during the school day or at a school function.
  • The term “use” includes the ringing of the phone during an incoming call.  The student should turn the phone off so that it does not interfere with school instruction.

Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office.  The principal will determine whether to return the items at the end of the day for students to take home or whether parents will be contacted to pick up the items. 

Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.  For certain items, such as cell phones and pagers, in which a third party retains a legal right of ownership, an administrative fee may be charged. 

Pocket Knives

Students should not have pocket knives at school.  If a teacher takes up a pocket knife from a student, a parent must come to the school to claim the knife.

Sexual Harassment / Sexual Abuse

Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student or a District employee.  This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors.  All 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.

The District will notify the parents of all students involved in sexual harassment by students when the allegations are not minor, and will notify parents of any incident of sexual harassment or sexual abuse by an employee.  To the greatest extent possible, complaints will be treated as confidential.  Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation.

A complaint alleging sexual harassment by another student or sexual harassment or sexual abuse by a staff member may be presented by a student and/or parent in a conference with the principal or designee or with the Title IX coordinator.

The student or parent may appeal the decision regarding the outcome of the investigation in accordance with policy FNCJ(LOCAL).

Social Events

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

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

Violations of Law:

·        Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, and Weapons—Under state and federal law, a student is not allowed to possess, sell, give away, or use alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products, guns, or other weapons on school property or at a school-related or school-sanctioned activity, on or off school property.  Having one of these items in a privately owned vehicle that the student has driven to school and parked on District property is also prohibited.

·        Disruptive Activities—State law prohibits a student from participating in disruptive activities.  That includes acting alone or with others to:

·        Interfere with the movement of people in an exit, an entrance, or a hallway of a District building without authorization from an administrator.

·        Interfere with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.

·        Use force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.

·        Use force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

·        Interfere with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to District property.

·        Use force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving District property without authorization from an administrator.

·        Disrupt classes 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; entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with profane language or any misconduct.

·        Interfere with the transportation of students in District vehicles.

·        Gangs and Other Prohibited Organizations—Under state law, a student is prohibited from membership or involvement in a public school fraternity, sorority, secret society, or gang.

·        Hazing Activities—State law also prohibits a student from participating in any hazing activities.  A student is guilty of hazing when he or she takes direct hazing action; encourages or assists someone else to take action; recklessly permits such action; has knowledge of planned action or action that has occurred without reporting that knowledge in writing to a school official.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

The District permits high school students to take correspondence courses by mail or via the Internet for credit toward high school graduation.

A maximum of 2 credits may be earned through correspondence courses.

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling

Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn about course offerings, the graduation requirements of various programs, and early graduation procedures. 

To plan for the future, students should work closely with the counselor in order to take the high school courses that best prepare them for attendance at a college, university, or training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education.  The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and deadlines for application, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships. 

Personal Counseling

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse.  The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. 

Please note: The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent.  Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.

CREDIT BY EXAM

If a Student Has Taken the Co