2019–2020 ResponsiveEd Texas PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK · Responsive Education Solutions® Notice...

2019–2020ResponsiveEd®–Texas

PARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOKandStudentCodeofConduct

AdoptedbytheBoardofTrustees–August2019

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WELCOMEDearStudentsandParents,OnbehalfoftheCampusDirector,teachers,andotherschoolstaff,welcome!Wewishthis

yeartobeanespeciallyproductiveexperienceforeachstudent.Forthistohappen,weallhavetoworktogether:students,parents,andstaff.ThisParent/StudentHandbook(“Handbook”)isdesignedtohelpusaccomplishthatgoal.ThisHandbookcontainsinformationthatbothstudentsandparentsneedforreference

duringtheschoolyear.ThroughoutthisHandbook,youwillnoticesymbolsthatindicatewhetherapolicyappliesonlytostudentsatcertaingradelevels.“[E]”appliestogradesK–5,“[M]”appliestogrades6–8,and“[H]”appliestogrades9–12.Ifthereisnosymbolnexttoastatement,thenitappliestoALLSTUDENTS.Wehaveattemptedtomakethelanguageasstraightforwardaspossible;however,a

coupleofwordsshouldbedefined.Pleasebeawarethattheterm“parent”isusedtorefertotheparent,legalguardian,orotherpersonwhohasagreedtoassumeaschool-relatedresponsibilityforastudent.Also,theterm“campus”isusedtorefertoschoolpropertyaswellasthegeographicareawithin300feetofschoolpropertyasmeasuredfromanypointontherealpropertyboundaryline.Thus,toprohibitanactivityon“campus”istoprohibittheactivityonschoolpropertyandwithin300feetofschoolproperty.ThisHandbookisdividedintosixsections.Thefirstsectionincludesgeneralinformation

regardingschoolpolicyandprocedures.Thesecondsectionprovidesimportanthealthandsafetyinformation.Thethirdsectionprovidesinformationaboutacademicsandgrading.ThefourthsectionistheStudentCodeofConduct.BothstudentsandparentsneedtobefamiliarwiththeStudentCodeofConduct,whichisrequiredbystatelawandintendedtopromoteschoolsafetyandanatmosphereforlearning.Inadditiontoitsinclusioninthisdocument,itisalsopostedontheschoolwebsite.Thefifthsectionisespeciallyforparents,withinformationregardingparentalrights.Finally,thesixthsectioncontainsimportantnoticesregardingstudentinformation,computerresources,electroniccommunicationdevices,andtheschoolgrievancepolicy.PleasebeawarethatthisHandbookisupdatedyearly,whilepolicyadoptionandrevision

mayoccurthroughouttheyear.ChangesinpolicythataffectHandbookprovisionswillbemadeavailabletostudentsandparentsthroughnewsletters,theschoolwebsite,andothercommunications.IncaseofconflictbetweenBoardPolicyandanyprovisionofthisHandbook,theprovisionthatwasmostrecentlyadoptedbytheBoardofTrusteeswillbefollowed.PleasereviewthisentireHandbookandkeepitasreferenceduringthisschoolyear.

Pleasetakethetimetolookovertheinformationprovided.IfyouhaveanyquestionsaboutthematerialinthisHandbook,pleasecontactyourCampusDirector.Understandingthisinformationwillassistyouinthepathtosuccess.

Sincerely,CharlesCookSuperintendent

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

SectionI:GeneralPoliciesandProceduresAttendancePolicy.............................................................1Before-andAfter-SchoolCarePrograms..................3CareerandTechnicalEduation

(CTE)Programs.........................................................3CellPhonesandOtherElectronicDevices................3ChangeofAddressorTelephoneNumber................3CheckAcceptancePolicy................................................4ClosedCampus...................................................................4ClubsandOrganizations.................................................4ConferencesWithTeachers

andCampusDirector...............................................5Deliveries.............................................................................5DistributionofMaterialsorDocuments...................5DressCode...........................................................................5EnrollmentofNewStudents.........................................7Fees........................................................................................8LeavingCampusDuringtheSchoolDay....................9Lockers.................................................................................9LostandStolenItems......................................................9Meals.....................................................................................9MessagesforStudents..................................................10NoticeofNon-Discrimination....................................10ParkingRegulations[H]...............................................11PledgeofAllegiance/MinuteofSilence..................11ReligiousExpression.....................................................11RespectforAll.................................................................12SchoolCalendar..............................................................12School-DaySchedule.....................................................12SchoolFacilitiesUse......................................................12SchoolFunctions............................................................12School-SponsoredTrips...............................................12Skateboards.....................................................................13StudentSpeakersatSchoolEvents..........................13Tardiness..........................................................................15

Telephone.........................................................................15TransfersWithintheResponsiveEd

CommunityofSchools..........................................15Transportation................................................................16UseofStudent’sImage/Information.......................16Visitors...............................................................................16Withdrawals.....................................................................17

SectionII:HealthandSafetyInformationAsbestosManagementPlan........................................19BacterialMeningitis.......................................................19ChildAbuseandOtherMaltreatment

ReportingandInvestigations.............................20ChildrenofMilitaryFamilies......................................21Cold/Heat/OzoneGuidelines.....................................21ContagiousDiseases/Conditions..............................22Doctor’sNoteAfteranAbsence

forIllness..................................................................22EmergencyMedicalTreatment.................................22Fire,Lock-Down,andDisasterDrills.......................22FoodAllergies..................................................................22HeadLice...........................................................................23HealthcareAppointments...........................................23HealthScreenings...........................................................23HomelessStudents........................................................23IllnessDuringSchoolHours.......................................23Immunizations................................................................24Injuries/AccidentInsurance.......................................25InvestigationsandSearches.......................................25LawEnforcementAgencies.........................................26MedicationPolicies........................................................26MentalHealthService...................................................28PestControlInformation.............................................28PhysicalRestraint..........................................................28PrivateServiceProvidersonCampus.....................28Seizures.............................................................................29

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ServiceAnimals..............................................................29SubstanceAbusePrevention

andIntervention....................................................29SurveillanceCameras/VideoRecordings..............29ThreatAssessmentandSafeandSupportive

SchoolTeam............................................................29

SectionIII:AcademicsandGradingClassRank/TopTenPercent[H]..............................31GradeLevelClassification[H]....................................31CollegeDays[H].............................................................32CollegeRequirements[H]...........................................32CreditRecovery..............................................................33CreditbyExamination[H]..........................................33GraduationExpenses[H]............................................34GraduationPrograms[H]............................................34ParticipationinGraduationCeremony...................35AssessmentGraduationRequirements.................35AwardingofCredit[H].................................................36CollegeandCareerTransitionsCourse[H]...........36100%CollegeAcceptance[H]....................................36DistanceLearning[H]...................................................37PhysicalEducation........................................................37PromotionRequirements[E][M].............................37RequirementsforMiddleSchool

Grades6–8...............................................................37CriteriaforPre-APorHonorLevelCourses..........38ReportCards....................................................................38Bilingual/ESLServices.................................................38StudentsWhoHaveLearningDifficulties

orWhoNeedSpecialEducationorSection504Services.......................................38

ServicesforTitleIParticipants.................................40StateAssessments.........................................................40StudentSuccessTeam..................................................41Dual-CreditProgram.....................................................41

Transcripts[H]................................................................41Tutorials............................................................................41HonorGraduateCertificates[H]...............................41Valedictorian/Salutatorian[H]..................................42AddendumA....................................................................43AddendumB....................................................................44

SectionIV:StudentCodeofConductPreface...............................................................................45ResponsibilitiesofStaff,Parents,

andStudents............................................................45Jurisdiction.......................................................................46CodeofConductViolations.........................................47OffensesandConsequences........................................52Conferences,Hearings,andAppeals........................55SuspensionProcess.......................................................55ExpulsionProcess..........................................................56Suspension/ExpulsionRequirements

forSpecialEducation............................................56EmergencyRemoval......................................................56PlacementofStudentswithDisabilities.................57

SectionV:ParentalRightsSurveysandActivities..................................................59RequestingProfessionalQualifications

ofTeachersandStaff.............................................59

AppendixAnnualNoticeofParentandStudentRights

(AnnualFERPAConfidentialityNotice).........61ComputerResources,WebLearningTools,

andNetworkServicesAcceptableUseGuidelines.........................................................64

ElectronicCommunicationDeviceCommitmentPolicy..............................................67

StudentorParentComplaintsandConcerns........67

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SECTIONI:GENERALPOLICIESANDPROCEDURES

AttendancePolicyRegularschoolattendanceisessentialforthe

studenttomakethemostofhisorhereducation—tobenefitfromteacher-supervisedactivities,tobuildeachday’slearningonthatofthepreviousday,andtogrowasanindividual.Absencesfromclassmayresultinaseriousdisruptionofastudent’smasteryoftheinstructionalmaterials;therefore,thestudentandparentshouldmakeeveryefforttoavoidunnecessaryabsences.

CompulsoryAttendanceThestatecompulsoryattendancelawrequires

thatstudentsatleast6yearsofage,andthosewhohavenotyetreachedtheir19thbirthdayattendschoolandschool-requiredtutorialsessionsunlessthestudentisotherwiselegallyexemptedorexcused.Schoolstaffmustinvestigateandreportviolationsofthestatecompulsoryattendancelaw.Astudentabsentfromschoolwithoutpermissionfromanyclass,fromrequiredspecialprograms(suchasbasicskillsforninthgraders),orfromrequiredtutorialswillbeconsidered"truant”andsubjecttodisciplinaryaction.Note,Kindergartenstudentsarerequiredtoattendschoolandaresubjecttocompulsoryattendancerequirementsaslongastheyremainenrolled.Truancymayalsoresultinassessmentof

penaltiesbyacourtoflawfortheparent.Statelawrequiresthattheschoolapplytruancypreventionmeasuresifthestudentisabsent,withoutexcuse,onthreeormoredaysorpartsofdayswithinafour-weekperiod.Ifastudentisabsent,withoutexcuse,on10ormoredaysorpartsofdayswithinasixmonthperiodinthesameschoolyear,andthoseabsencesareverifiedbythecampusasunexcused,students12yearsandoldermaybereferredtotruancycourt.Further,statelawpermitstheschooltofileacomplaintagainstparentscontributingtononattendanceregardlessoftheirchild’sage.PleaserefertoTexasEducationCode(TEC)25andtheTexasFamilyCode65formoredetails.Astudentwhovoluntarilyattendsorenrolls

afterhisorher19thbirthdayisrequiredtoattendeachschoolday.Ifastudent19yearsofageor

olderhasmorethanfiveunexcusedabsencesinasemester,theschoolmayrevokethestudent’senrollment,exceptthattheschoolmaynotrevoketheenrollmentonadayonwhichthestudentisphysicallypresentatschool.Thestudent’spresenceonschoolpropertythereafterwouldbeunauthorizedandmaybeconsideredtrespassing.NoticetoParents:UnderTEC§25.095(a),you

areherebynotifiedthatifastudentisabsentfromschoolontenormoredaysorpartsofdayswithinasix-monthperiodinthesameschoolyear,thestudent’sparentissubjecttoprosecutionunderTEC§25.093;andthestudentissubjecttoreferraltoatruancycourtfortruantconductunderTexasFamilyCode§65.003(a).

AttendanceforCreditToreceivecreditinaclass,astudentmust

attendatleast90percentofthedaystheclassisoffered.Thesedaysincludebothexcusedandunexcusedabsences.Astudentwhoattendsfewerthan90percentofthedaystheclassisofferedmaybereferredtotheAttendanceCommitteetodeterminewhetherthereareextenuatingcircumstancesfortheabsencesandhowthestudentcanregaincredit.Indeterminingwhethertherewereextenuating

circumstancesfortheabsences,theAttendanceCommitteewillusethefollowingguidelines:1. Allabsenceswillbereviewed,withspecial

considerationgivenforreligiousholydays,documentedhealthcareappointmentsforwhichroutinemake-upworkhasbeencompleted,andotherspecialcircumstancesasdefinedbytheTEC.

2. Forastudenttransferringintotheschoolafterschoolbegins,includingamigrantstudent,onlythoseabsencesafterenrollmentwillbeconsidered.

3. Inreachingconsensusaboutastudent’sabsences,thecommitteewillattempttoensurethatitsdecisionisinthebestinterestofthestudent.

4. Thecommitteewillconsiderwhethertheabsenceswereforreasonsoverwhichthestudentorparentcouldexercisecontrol.

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5. Thecommitteewillconsidertheacceptabilityandauthenticityofdocumentationexpressingreasonsforthestudent’sabsences.

6. Thecommitteewillconsidertheextenttowhichthestudenthascompletedallassignments,masteredtheessentialknowledgeandskills,andmaintainedpassinggradesinthecourseorsubject.

7. Thestudent,parent,orotherrepresentativewillbegivenanopportunitytopresentanyinformationtothecommitteeabouttheabsencesandtodiscusswaystoearnorregaincredit.

Ifcreditislostbecauseofexcessiveabsences,theAttendanceCommitteewilldecidehowthestudentmayregaincredit.Thestudentorparentmayappealthecommittee’sdecisiontotheBoardofTrusteesbyfilingawrittenrequestwiththeSuperintendent.Theappealnoticemustbepostmarkedtothefollowingaddresswithin30daysfollowingthelastdayofinstructioninthesemesterforwhichcreditwasdenied:

ResponsiveEducationSolutions®NoticeofAppeal:ClassCreditAttn:SuperintendentP.O.Box292730Lewisville,Texas75029

TheappealwillthenbeplacedontheagendaofthenextregularlyscheduledBoardmeeting.TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallinformthestudentorparentofthedate,time,andplaceofthemeeting.

ExcusedandUnexcusedAbsencesThefollowingabsencesareconsideredexcused

absences:1. personalillnessesthatdonotexceedthree

consecutivedays(Illnessesthatextendbeyondthreedayswillrequireadoctor'snote.);

2. familyemergency;3. observingreligiousholydays;4. juvenilecourtproceedingdocumentedbya

probationofficer;5. appearingatagovernmentalofficeto

completepaperworkrequiredinconnectionwiththestudent’sapplicationforUnitedStatescitizenship;

6. takingpartinstudent’sUnitedStatesnaturalizationoathceremony;

7. documentedhealthcareappointment,ifthestudentbeginsclassesorreturnstoschoolonthesamedayastheappointment,includingabsencesforrecognizedservicesforstudentsdiagnosedwithautismspectrumdisorders

8. servingasanelectionclerk;9. requiredscreening,diagnosis,and

treatmentforMedicaid-eligiblestudents;10. documentedcollegevisitbyajunioror

seniorstudent(see“CollegeDays[H],”p.32);

11. astudent’svisitwithaparent,stepparent,orlegalguardianwhohasbeencalledtodutyfor,isonleavefrom,orimmediatelyreturnedfromcertaindeployments(uptofive(5)days);

12. forstudentsintheconservatorshipofthestatewhoneedtoattendanactivityrequiredunderacourt-orderedserviceplan;oranyothercourt-orderedactivity,provideditisnotpracticabletoschedulethestudent’sparticipationintheactivityoutsideschoolhours;or

13. temporaryabsenceresultingfromanycauseacceptabletotheCampusDirector.

Forreligiousholydays,requiredcourtappearances,activitiesrelatedtocitizenship,andservicesasanelectionclerk,onedayoftraveltothesiteandonedaytravelfromthesiteshallalsobeexcused.Anyabsencenotlistedabovewillbeconsidered

anunexcusedabsence.Examplesofunexcusedabsencesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,classcuts,cartrouble,oversleeping,personalbusiness,vacation,etc.

RequiredDocumentationofAbsencesWhenastudentmustbeabsentfromschool,itis

theparent’sresponsibilitytocalltheschoolofficeeachdaytoexplainthereasonforthestudent’sabsence.Uponreturningtoschool,thestudentmustbringanotetotheschooloffice,signedbytheparent,whichdescribesthereasonfortheabsence.Inordertoexcusetheabsence,thenotemust:1. besubmittedtotheschoolofficewithin

threeschooldaysofthestudent’sreturntoschool,and

2. describeanacceptablereasonfortheabsence(see“ExcusedandUnexcusedAbsences”p.2).

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NotificationtoParentsTheschoolwillnotifytheparentbymailwhen

thestudentisabsentfromschool,withoutexcuse,onthreedaysorpartsofdayswithinafour-weekperiod.Thenoticewillinformtheparentof,amongotherthings,thattheirstudentissubjecttotruancypreventionmeasures,remindtheparentoftheirresponsibilitytomonitortheirstudent’sattendance,andtorequestaparentconferencebetweentheparentandtheAttendanceOfficer/CampusDirectortodiscusstheabsences.

Driver’sLicenseAttendanceVerificationToobtainorrenewadriver’slicense,astudent

under18yearsofagemustannuallyprovidetotheTexasDepartmentofPublicSafetyaformobtainedfromtheschoolverifyingthatthestudenthasmetthe90percentattendancerequirementforthesemesterprecedingthedateofapplication.EligiblestudentscanobtaintherequiredVerificationofEnrollment(“VOE”)formfromtheschooloffice.TheschoolwillissueaVOEformforany

transferstudentthatistransferringwithnomorethanthreeabsencesfortheprevioussixweeks.

Before-andAfter-SchoolCareProgramsBefore-andAfter-SchoolCareProgramsmaybe

providedonacampusbycampusbasis.Feesfortheseprogramsmayvarydependingonthenumberofparticipantsandneed.Finesorpenaltiesmaybeimposedfornotadheringtomandatedtimesfordrop-offorpick-upofyourchild.Atthediscretionofthecampusdirector,suchservicesmayberevokedforhabitualabuseofearlydrop-offorlatepick-up.Continualabuseofmandatedprogramtimesmaybeconsideredasneglectandthusmaybetreatedassuch.StudentswhoarenotenrolledinanAfter-

SchoolCareProgramandwhoseparentsaremorethan15minuteslateforpickupmaybeplacedintheAfter-CareProgramforappropriatesupervisionandtheparentschargedthedailyratefortheservice.

CareerandTechnicalEducation(CTE)ProgramsTheschooloffersacomprehensiveprogram

thatisdesignedtopreparestudentstobe

successfulwhethertheychoosetopursuehighereducation,technicalortradeschool,ortoentertheworkforceaftercompletingtheirhighschooleducation.Courseofferingsandcontentarecontinuouslymonitoredtoensurethatprogramsarecurrentwithtoday’stechnologyandarerelevanttotherequirementsoftoday’semployer;Admissiontotheseprogramsisbasedoninterestandaptitude,ageappropriateness,academicachievement,stateandlocalpolicy,classspaceavailable,andanycourseprerequisites.Itisthepolicyoftheschoolnottodiscriminate

onthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,orhandicapinitscareerandtechnicaleducationprograms,servicesoractivitiesasrequiredbyTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,asamended;TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972;andSection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,asamended.Theschoolwilltakestepstoassurethatlackof

Englishskillswillnotbeabarriertoadmissionandparticipationinalleducationalandvocationalprograms.Foradditionalinformationaboutyourrightsorgrievanceprocedures,pleasecontacttheHumanResourcesdepartmentatourhomeofficebycalling(972)316-3663,orcontacttheTitleIXCoordinatorortheSection504Coordinator,whosecontactinformationissetforthintheNoticeofNon-Discriminationsection.

CellPhonesandOtherElectronicDevicesPossessionofcellphones,computers,andother

devicescapableofelectroniccommunicationsatschoolisaprivilege,notaright.Possessionanduseofsuchdevicesatschoolorschool-relatedeventsoractivitiesshallbesubjecttoschoolapprovalandregulations.Anysuchdevicesmaybeconfiscated,poweredon,andsearchedbyschoolofficialsifthereisareasonablecausetobelievethatthedeviceshavebeenusedinthetransmissionorreceptionofcommunicationsprohibitedbylaw,policy,orregulation(see“ElectronicCommunicationDeviceCommitmentPolicy,”p.67).

ChangeofAddressorTelephoneNumberWhentheaddressortelephonenumberofa

studenthasbeenchanged,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttonotifytheschooloffice

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immediately.Proofofresidencyatthenewaddressmayberequired.

CheckAcceptancePolicyAllpersonalcheckswrittentotheschoolmust

includethecurrentaddressandphonenumberoftheaccountholder.Theaccountholder’snameshouldalsobelegibleandprintedonthecheck.Intheeventthatacheckwrittentotheschoolis

returnedunpaidbythebank,theaccountholderagreesthattheschoolmaycollectareturncheckfeeof$30plusapplicablesalestax.Theschoolmaycontractwithacollectioncompanyinanefforttoredeemreturnedchecks.Theuseofacheckforpaymentistheaccountholder’sacknowledgementandacceptanceofthispolicyanditsterms.

ClosedCampusTheschooloperatesontheclosedcampus

concept.Specifically,thismeansthatstudentsarenotallowedtoleavecampusforanyreasonduringtheschoolday,includingduringmealperiods,withoutfirstobtainingpermissionfromtheschooloffice(see“LeavingCampusduringtheSchoolDay,”p.9).

ClubsandOrganizationsParticipationinschool-sponsoredactivitiesis

anexcellentwayforastudenttodeveloptalents,receiveindividualrecognition,andbuildstrongfriendshipswithotherstudents;participation,however,isaprivilege,notaright.Allstudentsareencouragedtoparticipateand

takeanactivepartinstudentclubsandorganizations.

EligibilityEligibilityforparticipationinmanyofthese

activitiesisgovernedbystatelawandtherulesoftheUniversityInterscholasticLeague(“UIL”)—astatewideassociationoverseeinginter-districtcompetitionorotherorganizationsofferingcompetitiveopportunitiesforextracurricularactivities.Ifastudentisinvolvedinanacademic,athletic,ormusicactivitygovernedbyUIL,thestudentandparentareexpectedtoknowandfollowallrulesoftheUILorganization.Thefollowingrequirementsapplytoall

extracurricularactivities:

1. Astudentwhoreceivesattheendofagradingperiodagradebelow70inanyacademicclass—otherthananAdvancedPlacementorInternationalBaccalaureatecourse;oranhonorsordual-creditcourseinEnglishlanguagearts,mathematics,science,socialstudies,economics,oralanguageotherthanEnglish—maynotparticipateinextracurricularactivitiesforatleastthreeschoolweeks.Studentsenrolledinhonorsmusthaveagradeof70orhigherattheendofagradingperiodforeligibilitypurposesonly.Weightedgradesmaybeusedfordeterminationofmeetingthepassinggraderequirement.Forexample,APclassesmaybeweighteddifferently.Assuch,apassinggradeinanAPcoursemayactuallybeslightlybelow70beforetheweightingisapplied.Thiscircumstancewillbeexaminedandapprovedbythecampusdirectorforpurposesofeligibilityforschoolactivities.

2. Anineligiblestudentmaypracticeorrehearse.3. Astudentregainseligibilityafteratleast

threeweeksofineligibilitywhentheCampusDirectorandteachersdeterminethatthestudenthasearnedapassinggrade(70orabove)inallclasses,otherthanthosethatareexempted.

4. Onlystudentsenrolledfulltimeattheschoolmayparticipateinschool-recognizedclubsandorganizationsunlessthestudentisenrolledatanotherResponsiveEd®campuswithinthesamecharterandisapprovedforparticipationbythehostcampusdirector.Thisprovisionisgovernedbytherulesofparticipationofthevariousleaguesorcompetitionsandbythediscretionofcampusdirectors.Studentsatthehostcampusshouldnotbedisplacedbystudentsfromothercampuses.

5. Writtenparentalpermissionandallothermedical,insurance,release,andotherformsdeemedappropriatebyResponsiveEducationSolutions,thelocalcampus,andgoverningorganizationsarerequiredinorderforastudenttoparticipateinanyclubororganizationthatisnotrequiredforaparticularcourseordoesnotresultinacademiccredit.

CodeofConductSponsorsofstudentclubsandorganizations

mayestablishstandardsofbehavior—including

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consequencesformisbehavior—thatarestricterthanthoseforstudentsingeneral.Ifaviolationisalsoaviolationofschoolrules,theconsequencesspecifiedbythe“StudentCodeofConduct”orbylocalpolicywillapplyinadditiontoanyconsequencesspecifiedbytheorganization’sstandardsofbehavior.Forastudenttobeeligibletoserveasaclubor

organizationofficer,heorshemustbepassinginallsubjects.Unsatisfactoryconductwhileinofficeand/orfailuretorendersatisfactoryserviceshallbeconsideredgroundsforremovalfromsaidoffice.RemovalfromofficeshallbeatthediscretionofthestaffsponsoroftheclubororganizationwiththeapprovaloftheCampusDirector.

NewClubsorOrganizationsStudentsdesiringtoformanewclubor

organizationshallsubmitawrittenrequesttotheCampusDirectorattheschooloffice,containingthefollowingmandatoryelements:1. astatementoftheclub’sororganization’s

purposes,goals,andactivities;2. signaturesofaminimumof10studentswho

wishtoparticipateintheclubororganization;3. ifparticipationintheclubororganizationis

notrequiredforaparticularcourseordoesnotresultinacademiccredit,writtenparentalpermissionofeachstudentsignatorytoparticipateintheclubororganization;

4. writtenagreementofateacherwhohasagreedtoserveasthestaffsponsorfortheclubororganization;

5. adescriptionofanyfundingorotherassistancereceivedfrom,oraffiliationwith,anynonstudentgroups;and

6. ascheduleofitsproposedmeetingtimes.

FundraisingTheCampusDirectormustapproveanyplanor

activityusedbyaclubororganizationformakingmoney.Onlyactivitiesthatraisemoneythroughpaymentofadmissionsorwherevalueisreceivedformoneypaidmaybeconducted.NoadvertisingwillbesoldwithouttheapprovaloftheCampusDirector.

MeetingsOnlyschool-recognizedstudentclubsand

organizationsarepermittedtomeetonschoolpropertyduringnon-instructionaltime.

YearbookOnlyschool-recognizedclubsandorganizations

willbefeaturedintheyearbook.

ConferencesWithTeachersandCampusDirectorBecausetheCampusDirectorandteachersare

busyservingstudentsduringtheschoolday,theyareunabletoaccommodateunscheduledtelephonecallsorin-personconferences.WhenparentsfeelitadvisabletocontacttheCampusDirectororteacherspersonally,theyareencouragedtoleavetheirtelephonenumberswiththeschoolofficeinorderthattheCampusDirectororteachermayreturnthecalllater.Personalconferencesarewelcomeifatelephoneconversationdoesnotproveadequate.Toscheduleanin-personconferencewiththeCampusDirectororateacheratamutuallyconvenienttime,pleasecalltheschoolofficeforanappointment.ParentsmayalsocommunicatewiththeCampusDirectorandteachersviae-mailregardingschool-relatedbusiness.

DeliveriesPackagessuchasflowers,balloons,etc.,should

notbedeliveredtotheschoolforstudents.Thesewillnotbedeliveredtotheclassroom.

DistributionofMaterialsorDocumentsOnlypublicationsrelatingtoschool-sponsored

activitiesorschool-recognizedclubsandorganizationsmaybepostedordistributed.Thepublication,aswellasthetimeandlocationofitspostingordistribution,mustbesubmittedtotheCampusDirectorforreviewandapproval.

DressCodeTheschooldresscodeisestablishedtoteach

groomingandhygiene,topreventdisruption,andtominimizesafetyhazards.Studentsandparentsmaydetermineastudent’spersonaldressandgroomingstandards,providedthattheycomplywiththisdresscode.Inordertomaintainanorderlyenvironment,all

studentsshallberequiredtomeettheminimumexpectationsoftheschooldresscode.Dressand

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clothingthatundulyattractstheattentionofotherstudentsoftenprecipitatecommentsand/orotherreactionsthataredisruptive.Safety,generalhealth,andhygienearefactors

thatarealsoconsideredintheestablishmentofthisdresscode.Theprovisionsofthisdresscodeshallbeenforcedequallywithregardtoallstudentstowhomtheprovisionsapply.Thefollowingcriteriaforastudent’spersonal

dressandgroomingstandardsprovidetheminimumrequirements.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforadditionaldresscoderequirements.

SchoolUniformsTheBoardofTrusteeshasdeterminedthat

schooluniformsimprovethelearningenvironmentattheschool.Assuch,eachschoolhasbeenauthorizedtoadoptrulesthatrequirestudentstowearschooluniforms.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforinformationregardingwhethertheschoolrequiresschooluniformsand,ifso,theapplicableguidelines.

ExemptionWherestudentsarerequiredtowearschool

uniforms,parentsmaychoosetoexempttheirstudentfromtherequirementtowearuniformsbyprovidingawrittenrequesttotheCampusDirectorattheschooloffice,statingabonafidereligiousorphilosophicalobjectiontotherequirement.

GeneralCriteriaAstudent’spersonaldressandgrooming

standardsshallnot:1. leadschoolstafftoreasonablybelievethat

suchdressorgroomingwilldisrupt,interferewith,disturb,ordetractfromschoolactivities;or

2. createahealthorotherhazardtothestudent’ssafetyortothesafetyofothers.

SpecificCriteria1. Clothingcontainingprintedmessagesor

designs,exceptforsmalllogosonshirtsandshirtsthatpromoteschoolclubs,activities,organizationsteams,or“schoolspirit”approvedbytheCampusDirector,isnotallowed.

2. Clothingdepictingdrugs,alcohol,tobaccoproducts,orviolenceisnotallowed.

3. Startling,unusual,orimmodestattireofanysortisnotallowed.Fadsinhairstyles,clothing,oranythingdesignedtoattractattentiontotheindividualortodisrupttheorderlyconductoftheclassroomorcampusisnotallowed.

4. Hairistobecleanandwell-groomed.Hairstylesandhaircolorsthataredistractingtothelearningenvironmentarenotallowed.

5. Words,symbols,ordesignsshavedinhair(includingfacialhairandeyebrows)clothing,tattoos,andotherarticlesthatareconsidered“gang-related”arenotallowed.

6. Extremelybaggyclothingisnotallowed.Pants,shorts,etc.,arenottobewornbelowthewaistlineandshouldbeappropriatelysized.

7. Shortsmaybeworn,butmustreachatleastfingertiplength.Tight-fittingshortsor“shortshorts”arenotallowed.

8. Tongueringsandvisiblebodypiercings,otherthanearrings,arenotallowed.Danglingearringsarenotallowed.

9. Visibletattoosandbodyartarenotallowed.10. Cutoffs,boxershorts,pajamabottoms,bike

shorts,shortleggingsasoutergarments,etc.,arenotallowed.

11. Hats,scarves,bandanas,haircoverings,sweatbands,orhoodedshirtsarenotallowedexceptundercircumstancesdesignatedbytheCampusDirector.

12. Torn,ripped,orcutclothingisnotallowed.13. Trenchcoatsanddustersarenotallowed.14. Grillsortemporarydecorationsonteethare

notallowed.15. Chains,handcuffs,jewelry,oraccessories

thatsuggestweaponryarenotallowed.16. Studentsaretowearappropriateshoesor

sandalsatalltimes.Houseshoesandshoeswithwheelsarenotallowed.

17. Excessivemakeupisnotallowed.

Boys:AdditionalGuidelines1. Shirtsaretohavesleeves.2. Mustaches,beards,andotherfacialhair

mustbekeptneatandtrimmed.Girls:AdditionalGuidelines1. Apparelthatistootightortooshortto

preventmodestyisnotallowed.2. Low-cutapparelisnotallowed.

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3. Girlsaretowearsufficientundergarments.4. Thefollowingareunacceptable:clothing

designedwithshoulderstrapslessthanthreeincheswide,baremidriffs,halters,orbarebacks.

EnforcementProceduresIfthestudent’sdressorgroomingis

inappropriateorobjectionableundertheseprovisions,theCampusDirectorordesigneeshallrequestthestudenttomakeappropriatecorrections.Ifthestudentrefuses,theCampusDirectorordesigneeshallnotifythestudent’sparentandrequestthattheparentmakethenecessarycorrection.Ifboththestudentandparentrefuse,theCampusDirectorshalltakeappropriatedisciplinaryaction,includingremovalfromschooluntilthestudentisincompliancewiththedresscode.DecisionsoftheCampusDirectorordesigneeregardingdressandgroomingareconsideredfinal.Failuretocomplywiththedresscodewillresultindisciplinaryaction.

EnrollmentofNewStudentsAdmissionandenrollmentofstudentsshallbe

opentoanypersonwhoiseligibleforadmissionbasedonlawfulcriteriaidentifiedintheschool’scharter,e.g.,qualifyingresidencyanddisciplinaryhistory.Thetotalnumberofstudentsenrolledintheschoolshallnotexceedthenumberofstudentsapprovedintheschool’scharterorsubsequentamendments.Applicationsforadmissionshallbeduebyareasonabledeadlinetobeseteachyearbytheschool—i.e.,thecloseofthe“open-enrollmentperiod.”

LotteryIfthenumberofeligibleapplicantsdoesnot

exceedthenumberofvacancies,thenalleligibleapplicantswhohaveappliedduringthedesignatedopen-enrollmentperiodwillbeofferedadmission.Iftherearemoreeligibleapplicantsthanavailablespacesinaclass/grade/school,thenalotterywillbeconductedatatimesetbytheschooleachyear.Aname(ornumberassignedtoaname)willbedrawnforeachvacancythatexists,andeachapplicantwhosename(ornumber)isdrawnwillbeofferedadmission.Theremainingnameswillthenbedrawnandplacedonawaitinglistintheorderinwhichtheyweredrawn.

Notificationofadmissionwillbemadebytelephone,e-mail,orU.S.PostalService.Failureofaparenttorespondwithin48hoursofthedateofthetelephonecallore-mail,orwithinthreebusinessdaysofapost-markedletter,willforfeithisorherpositioninthelottery.Parentsshouldcalltheschoolimmediatelyuponreceiptofthenoticeinordertopreservetheirstudent’spositioninthelottery.Ifavacancyarisesbeforethecommencementof

theschoolyear,theindividualonthewaitinglistforthecurrentyearwiththelowestnumberassignmentwillbeofferedadmissionandthenremovedfromthewaitinglist.Ifanapplicationisreceivedaftertheopen-enrollmentperiodhaspassed,theapplicant’snamewillbeaddedtothewaitinglistbehindthenamesoftheeligibleapplicantswhotimelyapplied.

ExceptionsFederalguidelinespermittheschoolto

exemptfromthelotteryprocesseligiblestudentswhoarealreadyadmittedunderthecharter,eligiblesiblingsofstudentsalreadyadmittedunderthecharter,andeligiblechildrenofthecharter’sfounders,teachers,andstaff,regardlessofwhetherthechildrenofthecharter’sfounders,teachers,orstaffresideinthegeographicareaservedbytheschool

ResidencyInformationTobeeligibleforcontinuedenrollmentinthe

school,theparentmustshowproofofresidencyatthetimeofenrollment.Failuretocomplywiththisrequirementwillresultintheimmediateinitiationofprocedurestoexcludestudentsfromenrollment.Residencymaybeverifiedthroughobservation,

documentation,andothermeans,including,butnotlimitedto:1. arecentlypaidrentreceipt,2. acurrentleaseagreement,3. themostrecenttaxreceiptindicatinghome

ownership,4. acurrentutilitybillindicatingtheaddress

andnameoftheresidenceoccupiers,5. mailingaddressesoftheresidenceoccupiers,6. visualinspectionoftheresidence,7. interviewswithpersonswithrelevant

information,or8. buildingpermitsissuedtoaparentonor

beforeSeptember1stoftheschoolyearin

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whichadmissionissought(permitswillserveasevidenceofresidencyfortheschoolyearinwhichadmissionissoughtonly).

Falsificationofresidenceonanenrollmentformisacriminaloffense.

DisciplinaryHistoryAsprovidedintheschool’scharter,theschool

mayexcludeastudentfromadmissionwhohasadocumentedhistoryofacriminaloffense,juvenilecourtadjudication,ordisciplineproblemsunderSubchapterA,Chapter37,oftheTEC.TheschoolshallexcludeastudentfromadmissionwhohasadocumentedhistoryofanoffenselistedinSection37.007(a)and(d)oftheTEC.Assuch,ifitislaterdiscoveredthatthestudentfailedtodiscloseadocumentedhistoryofacriminaloffense,juvenilecourtadjudication,ordisqualifyingdisciplineproblems,theschoolwillimmediatelyinitiateprocedurestoexcludethestudentfromadmission.

StudentInformationAnystudentadmittedtotheschoolmusthave

recordssuchasreportcardand/ortranscriptfromthepreviousschoolattendedtoverifyhisorheracademicstanding.Verificationofresidencyandcurrentimmunizationrecordsarealsorequired.EverystudentenrollingintheschoolforthefirsttimemustpresentdocumentationofimmunizationsasrequiredbytheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices.Nolaterthan30daysafterenrollinginthe

school,theparentandschooldistrictinwhichthestudentwaspreviouslyenrolledshallfurnishrecordswhichverifytheidentityofthestudent.Theserecordsmayincludethestudent’sbirthcertificateoracopyofthestudent’sschoolrecordsfromthemostrecentlyattendedschool.Theschoolforwardsastudent’srecordson

requesttoaschoolinwhichastudentseeksorintendstoenrollwithoutthenecessityoftheparent’sconsent.

ProvidingFalseInformationApersonwhoknowinglyfalsifiesinformation

onaformrequiredforenrollmentofastudentintheschoolmaybeguiltyofanoffenseunderSection37.10oftheTexasPenalCode.

Non-DiscriminationItisthepolicyoftheschooltoprohibit

discriminationinstudentadmissiononthebasis

ofsex,nationalorigin,ethnicity,religion,disability,academic,artistic,orathleticability,orthedistrictthestudentwouldotherwiseattendinaccordancewiththeTEC.

FeesMaterialsthatarepartofthebasiceducational

programareprovidedwithstateandlocalfundsatnochargetoastudent.Astudent,however,isexpectedtoprovidehisorherownpencils,paper,pens,erasers,notebooks,calculators,headsets,etc.,andmayberequiredtopaycertainotherfeesordeposits,includingpaymentof:

1. afeeformaterialsforaclassprojectthatthestudentwillkeep,ifthefeedoesnotexceedthecostofmaterials;

2. membershipduesinvoluntarystudentclubsororganizationsandadmissionfeestoextracurricularactivities;

3. asecuritydepositforthereturnofmaterials,supplies,orequipment;

4. afeeforpersonalphysicaleducationandathleticequipmentandapparel,althoughastudentmayprovidethestudent’sownequipmentorapparelifitmeetsreasonablerequirementsandstandardsrelatingtohealthandsafety;

5. afeeforvoluntarilypurchaseditems,suchasstudentpublications,classrings,pictures,yearbooks,graduationannouncements,etc.;

6. afeeforvoluntarystudenthealthandaccidentbenefitplan;

7. areasonablefee,nottoexceedtheactualannualmaintenancecost,fortheuseofmusicalinstrumentsanduniformsownedorrentedbytheschool;

8. afeeforitemsofpersonalapparelusedinextracurricularactivitiesthatbecomethepropertyofthestudent;

9. aparkingfee;10. afeeforastudentidentificationcard;11. afeeforadrivertrainingcourse,notto

exceedtheactualcostperstudentintheprogramforthecurrentschoolyear;

12. afeeforanoptionalcourseofferedforcreditthatrequirestheuseoffacilitiesnotavailableoncampusortheemploymentofaneducatorwhoisnotpartoftheschool’sregularstaff;

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13. afeeforsummerschoolcoursesthatareofferedtuition-freeduringtheregularschoolyear;

14. areasonablefeefortransportationofastudentwholiveswithintwomilesofthecampus;

15. areasonablefee,nottoexceed$50,forcostsassociatedwithaneducationalprogramofferedoutsideofregularschoolhoursthroughwhichastudentwhowasabsentfromclassreceivesinstructionvoluntarilyforthepurposeofmakingupthemissedinstructionandmeetingthelevelofattendancerequiredforclasscredit,solongasthefeewouldnotcreateafinancialhardshipordiscouragethestudentfromattendingtheprogram;

16. afeeforlost,damaged,oroverduetextbooks,librarybooks,technologicalequipment,andacademiccurriculummaterials;or

17. afeespecificallypermittedbyanyotherstatute.

RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforadditionalinformationregardingtheamountandmethodofcollectingspecificfees.

LeavingCampusDuringtheSchoolDayAstudentwhowillneedtoleavecampusduring

thedaymustsubmitanotetotheschoolofficefromhisorherparentwhichprovidesthefollowinginformation:1. student’sname,2. reasonforstudent’sneedtoleavecampus,3. timestudentwillneedtobegonefrom

campus,4. phonenumberwhereparentmaybereached

toconfirmparent’spermission,5. parent’sname,and6. parent’ssignature.Nostudentwillbepermittedtoleavecampus

beforetheschoolofficeconfirmsthestudent’sneedtoleavecampuswiththestudent’sparentbyphone.Studentswhofailtocheckin/outbeforeleaving

and/orreturningtocampuswillbeconsideredtruantfromanyinstructionalhoursmissed.

StudentswillnotbeallowedtoleaveinthecustodyofanypersonnotnamedontheStudentRegistrationCard.Photoidentificationisrequired.Doctor’sappointmentsshouldbescheduled,if

possible,attimeswhenthestudentwillnotmissinstructionaltime.

LockersIfprovided,lockersremainunderthejurisdiction

oftheschoolevenwhenassignedtoanindividualstudent.Theschoolreservestherighttoinspectalllockers.Astudenthasfullresponsibilityforthesecurityofthelockerandisresponsibleformakingcertainthatitislockedandthatthecombinationisnotavailabletoothers.Lockersearchesmaybeconductedatanytime,whetherornotthestudentispresent.ThedecisiontoassignlockersrestswiththeCampusDirector.

LostandStolenItemsAllarticles,includingbooks,foundoncampus

shouldbetakentotheschooloffice.Allarticlesnotclaimedattheendoftheschoolyearwillbedisposedofthroughproperchannels.Studentsarenottobringelectronicentertainmentdevicesandotherpersonalitemstoschool.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforlostorstolenitems.

MealsTheschoolservesbreakfastorbreakfastand

lunchthroughparticipationintheNationalBreakfastandSchoolLunchProgram.TexasDepartmentofAgriculture(“TDA”)andUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture(“USDA”)guidelinesarefollowedtomeetthenutritionalneedsforallstudents.

MenusMenusmaybeobtainedattheschooloffice.

State-MandatedNutritionGuidelinesTDApolicyplacesstrictlimitsonanyfoodor

drinkprovidedorsoldtostudents,otherthanthroughtheschool’sFoodandNutritionServices.Elementaryschoolstudentsmaynothaveaccesstocandyoranyotherfoodofminimalnutritionalvalueduringtheschoolday.Middleschoolandhighschoolstudentsalsohaverestrictionsduringmealperiods.Thespecificpolicymaybeobtained

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attheschoolofficeoronlineathttps://texasagriculture.gov/.

FreeandReduced-CostMealsTheschoolsendsapplicationsforfreeorreduced

costmealstothestudent’shomeatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.Applicationsmustbecomplete,listingallmembersofthehouseholdandfamilyincome.Shouldthefamilyincomestatuschange,assistancemayberequestedatanytimeduringtheschoolyear.Onlyoneapplicationforeachhouseholdisrequired.Completedapplicationsshouldbereturnedtotheschooloffice.

MealChargePolicyAllstudentswillpayformealsatthedistrict’s

publishedstandardrateeachday.Astudentwillbeallowedtochargeamaximumofthree(3)mealstotheiraccountafterthebalancereacheszero.Onceastudenthaschargedthosethreemealshe/shewillnotbeallowedtochargelunchmeal.However,he/shewillbeofferedadesignatedlunchalternative.

LunchApplicationParentsandfamiliesareencouragedtoapply

forfreeorreducedpricelunchesfortheirchild.Freeandreducedlunchapplicationsareavailableatthefrontdeskoronlineatwww.lunchapplication.com.BreakfastMealPrice:Paid$1.75/Reduced$0.30LunchMealPrice:Paid$3.00/Reduced$0.40

OnlinePaymentSystemK12PaymentCenterisaquickandeasy

paymentsystemforyourstudent’smealsand/orschoolfees.Parentscandeposittomultiplestudents’accountswithonesinglepayment.

Parents/Guardiansareresponsibleformealpaymenttothecampus.Noticesoflowordeficitbalanceswillbesenttoparents/guardiansatregularintervalsduringtheschoolyear.

Allschoolcafeteriaspossesscomputerizedpointofsale/cashregistersystemsthatmaintainrecordsofallmoniesdepositedandspentforeachstudentandsaidrecordsareavailablebysettingupanaccountatwww.k12paymentcenter.com.

Students/Parents/GuardiansMealsmustbepaidforinadvancevia

www.k12paymentcenter.com.Fundsshouldbe

maintainedinaccountstominimizethepossibilitythatachildmaybewithoutmealmoneyonanygivenday.Anyremainingfundsforaparticularstudentwillbecarriedovertothenextschoolyear.

RefundsSubmitawritten/e-mailrequesttoobtaina

refundforwithdrawnand/orgraduatingstudents.

MessagesforStudentsItisnotpossibletoreceiveanddeliver

telephonemessagesand/orsuppliestostudentswithoutinterruptingclassesandinterferingwiththelearningenvironmentthattheschoolstaffworkssohardtomaintain.Inthecaseofanemergency,theschoolofficeshouldbecontactedforassistance.

NoticeofNon-DiscriminationTheschool,asanequalopportunityeducational

providerandemployer,doesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,nationalorigin,disability,age,oranyotherbasisprohibitedbylaw,ineducationalprogramsoractivities,includingvocationalandcareertechnology(“CTE”)programs.ResponsiveEdanditsschoolscomplywithTitleVIandTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,asamended;TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972;TitleIIoftheAmericanwithDisabilitiesActof1990(“ADA”),asamended,whichincorporatesandexpandsupontherequirementsofSection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,asamended;theAgeDiscriminationActof1975,asamended;andanyotherlegally-protectedclassificationorstatusprotectedbylaw.Questionsorconcernsaboutcompliancewith

thesefederalprogramsshouldbebroughttotheattentionofthefollowingpersonsdesignatedasbeingresponsibleforcoordinatingcompliancewiththeserequirements:TitleIXCoordinator,forconcernsregarding

discriminationonthebasisofsexis:RosalindaGonzalez,1301WatersRidge,Lewisville.TX75057;(972)316-3663,[email protected]/Section504Coordinator;forconcerns

regardingdiscriminationonthebasisofdisability:SuzanBrown,ExecutiveDirector,Special

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EducaionServices,1301WatersRidge,Lewisville.TX75057;(972)316-3663,Forallotherconcernsregardingdiscrimination:

[email protected]

ParkingRegulations[H]Beingabletobringavehicleoncampusisa

privilege.Theschoolisnotresponsiblefordamagetoavehiclethatoccurswhileitisoncampus.Astudenthasfullresponsibilityforthesecurityofhisorhervehicleandmustmakecertainthatitislockedandthatthekeysarenotgiventoothers.Permissionisrequiredforanystudentwhofindsitnecessarytogotohisorhervehicleduringtheschoolday.Vehiclesparkedoncampusareunderthe

jurisdictionoftheschool.Schoolofficialsmaysearchanyvehicleanytimethereisreasonablecausetodoso,withorwithoutthepresenceofthestudent.Acopyofthestudent’sdriver’slicenseandinsurancemustbeonfileintheschooloffice.

ParkingFeeStudentswhodrivetocampusmustparkin

designatedstudentparkingareas.Studentsmayberequiredtopurchaseaparkingstickerfromtheschoolofficeeachyear.Ifrequired,thefailuretopurchaseaparkingstickerwillbeconsideredaparkinginfractionandwillresultinappropriatedisciplinaryaction.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforadditionalinformation.

OperationofMotorVehiclesonCampusAnylaworordinanceregulatingtrafficona

publichighwayorstreetalsoappliestotheoperationofavehicleoncampus.Inadditiontopotentialcitycitationsforviolationofmotorvehicletrafficlawsorordinances,studentswillreceiveawarningandreferraltotheCampusDirector’sofficeforthefollowingviolations:1. parkinginafirelane,2. failuretoparkinadesignatedstudent

parkingarea,3. jumping(drivingover)acurb,4. doubleparking,5. parkinginahandicappedspaceorwalkway,6. parkinginacrosswalkorramp,7. ignoringinstructionsfromschoolstaff

monitoringtheparkinglot,or8. parkingonawatersprinkler.

Astudentwhohashadparkingprivilegesrevokedmayhavehisorhercartowedatthestudent’sexpense.Allstudentswishingtoexercisetheirrighttodrive/parkamotorvehicleoncampuswillberequiredtosubmitavehicleidentificationformeachschoolyearwhichwillremainonfileinthecampusoffice.

PledgeofAllegiance/MinuteofSilenceAsrequiredbystatelaw,eachschoolday,

studentswillrecitethePledgeofAllegiancetotheUnitedStatesflagandthePledgeofAllegiancetotheTexasflag.ParentsmaysubmitawrittenrequesttotheCampusDirectorattheschoolofficetoexcusetheirstudentfromrecitingapledge.Oneminuteofsilencewillfollowrecitationof

thepledges.Duringtheone-minuteperiod,eachstudentmaychoosetoreflect,pray,meditate,orengageinanyothersilentactivitythatisnotlikelytointerferewithordistractothers.Statelawdoesnotallowstudentstobeexcusedfromparticipationintherequiredminuteofsilence.Inaddition,statelawrequiresthattheschool

providesfortheobservanceofoneminuteofsilenceatthebeginningofthefirstclassperiodwhenSeptember11fallsonaregularschooldayinremembranceofthosewholosttheirlivesonSeptember11,2001.

ReligiousExpression

StudentExpressionofReligiousViewpointsTheschoolshalltreatastudent’svoluntary

expressionofareligiousviewpoint,ifany,onanotherwisepermissiblesubjectinthesamemannertheschooltreatsastudent’svoluntaryexpressionofasecularorotherviewpointonanotherwisepermissiblesubjectandmaynotdiscriminateagainstthestudentbasedonareligiousviewpointexpressedbythestudentonanotherwisepermissiblesubject.

ReligiousExpressioninClassAssignmentsStudentsmayexpressthestudents’beliefsabout

religioninhomework,artwork,andotherwrittenandoralassignmentsfreefromdiscriminationbasedonthereligiouscontentofthestudents’submission.Homeworkandclassroomworkshallbejudgedbyordinaryacademicstandardsof

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substanceandrelevanceandagainstotherlegitimatepedagogicalconcernsidentifiedbytheschool.Studentsmaynotbepenalizedorrewardedonaccountofreligiouscontent.Ifateacher’sassignmentinvolveswritingapoem,theworkofastudentwhosubmitsapoemintheformofaprayer(forexample,apsalm)shouldbejudgedonthebasisofacademicstandards,includingliteraryquality,andnotpenalizedorrewardedonaccountofitsreligiouscontent.

FreedomtoOrganizeReligiousGroupsandActivitiesStudentsmayorganizeprayergroups,religious

clubs,“seeyouatthepole”gatherings,andotherreligiousgatheringsbefore,during,andafterschooltothesameextentthatstudentsarepermittedtoorganizeothernon-curricularstudentactivitiesandgroups.Religiousgroupsmustbegiventhesameaccesstoschoolfacilitiesforassemblingasisgiventoothernon-curriculargroups,withoutdiscriminationbasedonthereligiouscontentofthegroup’sexpression.Ifstudentgroupsthatmeetfornonreligiousactivitiesarepermittedtoadvertiseorannouncethegroups’meetings,forexample,byadvertisinginastudentnewspaper,puttingupposters,makingannouncementsonastudentactivitiesbulletinboardorpublicaddresssystem,orhandingoutleaflets,schoolauthoritiesmaynotdiscriminateagainstgroupsthatmeetforprayerorotherreligiousspeech.Schoolauthoritiesmaydisclaimsponsorshipofnon-curriculargroupsandevents,providedtheyadministerthedisclaimerinamannerthatdoesnotfavorordisfavorgroupsthatmeettoengageinprayerorotherreligiousspeech.

PrayerEachstudenthasanabsoluterightto

individually,voluntarily,andsilentlyprayormeditateinschoolinamannerthatdoesnotdisrupttheinstructionalorotheractivitiesoftheschool.Theschoolwillnotrequire,encourage,orcoerceastudenttoengageinorrefrainfromsuchprayerormeditationduringanyschoolactivity.

RespectforAllTheschoolhasadiversestudentpopulationand

strivestomaintainanenvironmentofrespectandacceptance.Studentsmustnotengageinharassingbehaviorsmotivatedbyethnicity,gender,color,religion,nationalorigin,ordisabilitydirectedtowardanotherstudent.

Studentsareexpectedtotreatotherstudentsandschoolstaffwithcourtesyandrespect,toavoidanybehaviorsknowntobeoffensive,andtostopthesebehaviorswhenaskedortoldtostop.

SchoolCalendarTheschooloperatesaccordingtotheannually

Board-adoptedschoolcalendar.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforproceduresrelatingtotheannouncementofschoolclosingsintheeventofbadweather.Holidaysmaybeusedasschoolmake-updaysfordayslostduetobadweather.Thelatestchangestothecalendarwillbeavailableontheschoolwebsite.

School-DayScheduleRefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementfor

informationregardingtheschool-dayscheduleandwhethersupervisionofstudentsbeforeorafterschoolisavailable.

SchoolFacilitiesUseCertainareasofthecampuswillbeaccessibleto

studentsbeforeandafterschoolforspecificpurposes.Studentsarerequiredtoremainintheareawheretheiractivityisscheduledtotakeplace.Unlesstheschoolstaffmemberoverseeingtheactivitygivespermission,astudentwillnotbepermittedtogotoanotherareaofthecampus.Unlessinvolvedinanactivityunderthesupervisionofschoolstaff,studentsmustleavecampusonceschoolisdismissed.

SchoolFunctionsStudentsareheldresponsiblefortheirconduct

whileinattendanceatanyschoolfunction.Astudentwhoisoncampusorinattendanceatanyschoolfunctionatanyplace,nightorday,issubjecttoallregulationsoftheschoolandwillbegovernedaccordingly.Studentidentificationcardsmayberequiredtoattendsomeschoolfunctions.

School-SponsoredTripsManyschool-sponsoredtripsaremadeeach

yearforthevariousactivitiesinwhichstudentsparticipate.Thefollowingregulationsgoverntripssponsoredbytheschool:

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1. Studentsmissingschoolwhenonaschool-sponsoredtriparenotcountedabsent,butarerequiredtomakeuptheworkmissed.Arrangementsshouldbemadewitheachteacherformake-upworkbeforethetripismade.

2. Studentsmusttaketheresponsibilityofobservingallsafetyrules.

3. Studentsmakingaschool-sponsoredtripareunderthesupervisionofasponsorandareexpectedtofollowtheschoolStudentCodeofConductanddresscode.

4. Studentsmaynotmissanyclassmorethan10timeswithintheschoolyear,unlesstheyareparticipatingincompetitionbeyondthedistrictlevel.

SkateboardsStudentsarenotpermittedtousetheir

skateboards,scooters,and/orrollerbladesoncampusatanytime.Ifastudentisusinganyoftheaboveinstrumentsasameansoftransportationtoorfromschool,heorshemustwalkandcarrytheskateboard,scooter,and/orrollerbladeswhileoncampus.Skateboards,scooters,orrollerbladesshouldbekeptinalockerorotherdesignatedplaceapprovedbyateacherortheCampusDirectoruntiltheendoftheschoolday.

StudentSpeakersatSchoolEvents

StudentSpeakersatNon-GraduationEventsTheschoolherebycreatesalimitedpublic

forumforstudentspeakersatallschooleventsatwhichastudentistopubliclyspeak.Foreachspeaker,theschoolshallsetamaximumtimelimitreasonableandappropriatetotheoccasion.Studentspeakersshallintroduce:1. athleticeventsdesignatedbytheschool;2. openingannouncementsandgreetingsfor

theschoolday;and/or3. anyadditionaleventsdesignatedbythe

school,whichmayinclude,withoutlimitation,assemblies,andpeprallies.

Theforumshallbelimitedinthemannerprovidedbythissection.

Onlythosestudentsinthehighesttwogradelevelsoftheschoolandwhoholdoneofthefollowingpositionsofhonorbasedonneutralcriteriaareeligibletousethelimitedpublicforum:studentcouncilofficers,classofficersofthehighestgradelevelintheschool,captainsoftheschool’ssportsteams,andotherstudentsholdingpositionsofhonorastheschoolmaydesignate.Aneligiblestudentshallbenotifiedofthe

student’seligibility,andastudentwhowishestoparticipateasanintroducingspeakershallsubmitthestudent’snametotheschoolofficeduringanannouncedperiodofnotlessthanthreedays.Theannouncedperiodmaybeatthebeginningoftheschoolyear,attheendoftheprecedingschoolyearsostudentspeakersareinplaceforthenewyear,or,iftheselectionprocesswillberepeatedeachsemester,atthebeginningofeachsemester,orattheendoftheprecedingsemester,sospeakersareinplaceforthenextsemester.Thenamesofthevolunteeringstudentspeakersshallberandomlydrawnuntilallnameshavebeenselected,andthenamesshallbelistedintheorderdrawn.Eachselectedstudentwillbematchedchronologicallytotheeventforwhichthestudentwillbegivingtheintroduction.Eachstudentmayspeakforoneweekatatimeforallintroductionsofeventsthatweek,rotateaftereachspeakingevent,orotherwiseasdeterminedbytheschool.Thelistofstudentspeakersshallbechronologicallyrepeatedasneeded,inthesameorder.Theschoolmayrepeattheselectionprocesseachsemesterratherthanonceayear.Thesubjectofthestudentintroductionsmust

berelatedtothepurposeoftheeventandtothepurposeofmarkingtheopeningoftheevent,honoringtheoccasion,theparticipants,andthoseinattendance,bringingtheaudiencetoorder,andfocusingtheaudienceonthepurposeoftheevent.Thesubjectmustbedesignated,astudentmuststayonthesubject,andthestudentmaynotengageinobscene,vulgar,offensivelylewd,orindecentspeech.Foraslongasthereisaneedtodispelconfusion

overthenon-sponsorshipofthestudent’sspeechateacheventinwhichastudentwilldeliveranintroduction,adisclaimershallbestatedinwrittenororalform,orboth,suchas,

The student giving the introductionforthiseventisavolunteeringstudentselected on neutral criteria tointroducetheevent.Thecontentoftheintroductionistheprivateexpressionof

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the student and does not reflect theendorsement,sponsorship,position,orexpressionoftheschool.

Certainstudentswhohaveattainedspecialpositionsofhonorintheschoolhavetraditionallyaddressedschoolaudiencesfromtimetotimeasatangentialcomponentoftheirachievedpositionsofhonor,suchasthecaptainsofvarioussportsteams,studentcouncilofficers,classofficers,homecomingkingsandqueens,promkingsandqueens,andthelike,andhaveattainedtheirpositionsbasedonneutralcriteria.Nothinginthispolicyeliminatesthecontinuationofthepracticeofhavingthesestudents,irrespectiveofgradelevel,addressschoolaudiencesinthenormalcourseoftheirrespectivepositions.Theschoolshallcreatealimitedpublicforumforthespeakersandshalltreatastudent’svoluntaryexpressionofareligiousviewpoint,ifany,onanotherwisepermissiblesubjectinthesamemannertheschooltreatsastudent’svoluntaryexpressionofasecularorotherviewpointonanotherwisepermissiblesubjectandmaynotdiscriminateagainstthestudentbasedonareligiousviewpointexpressedbythestudentonanotherwisepermissiblesubject.

StudentSpeakersatGraduationTheschoolherebycreatesalimitedpublic

forumconsistingofanopportunityforastudenttospeaktobegingraduationceremoniesandanotherstudenttospeaktoendgraduationceremonies.Foreachspeaker,theschoolshallsetamaximumtimelimitreasonableandappropriatetotheoccasion.Theforumshallbelimitedinthemanner

providedbythissection.Onlystudentswhoaregraduatingandwhohold

oneofthefollowingneutralcriteriapositionsofhonorshallbeeligibletousethelimitedpublicforum:studentcouncilofficers,classofficersofthegraduatingclass,thetopthreeacademicallyrankedgraduates,orashorterorlongerlistofstudentleadersastheschoolmaydesignate.Astudentwhowillotherwisehaveaspeakingroleinthegraduationceremoniesisineligibletogivetheopeningandclosingremarks.Thenamesoftheeligiblevolunteeringstudentswillberandomlydrawn.Thefirstnamedrawnwillgivetheopeningandthesecondnamedrawnwillgivetheclosing.Thetopicoftheopeningandclosingremarks

mustberelatedtothepurposeofthegraduation

ceremonyandtothepurposeofmarkingtheopeningandclosingoftheevent,honoringtheoccasion,theparticipants,andthoseinattendance,bringingtheaudiencetoorder,andfocusingtheaudienceonthepurposeoftheevent.Inadditiontothestudentsgivingtheopening

andclosingremarks,certainotherstudentswhohaveattainedspecialpositionsofhonorbasedonneutralcriteria,including,withoutlimitation,thevaledictorian,willhavespeakingrolesatgraduationceremonies.Foreachspeaker,theschoolshallsetamaximumtimelimitreasonableandappropriatetotheoccasionandtothepositionheldbythespeaker.Forthispurpose,theschoolcreatesalimitedpublicforumforthesestudentstodelivertheaddresses.Thesubjectoftheaddressesmustberelatedtothepurposeofthegraduationceremony,markingandhonoringtheoccasion,honoringtheparticipantsandthoseinattendance,andthestudent’sperspectiveonpurpose,achievement,life,school,graduation,andlookingforwardtothefuture.Thesubjectmustbedesignatedforeachstudent

speaker,thestudentmuststayonthesubject,andthestudentmaynotengageinobscene,vulgar,offensivelylewd,orindecentspeech.Theschoolshalltreatastudent’svoluntaryexpressionofareligiousviewpoint,ifany,onanotherwisepermissiblesubjectinthesamemannertheschooltreatsastudent’svoluntaryexpressionofasecularorotherviewpointonanotherwisepermissiblesubjectandmaynotdiscriminateagainstthestudentbasedonareligiousviewpointexpressedbythestudentonanotherwisepermissiblesubject.Awrittendisclaimershallbeprintedinthe

graduationprogramthatstates:The studentswhowill be speaking at

the graduation ceremony were selectedbased on neutral criteria to delivermessagesofthestudents’ownchoices.Thecontentofeachstudentspeaker’smessageistheprivateexpressionoftheindividualstudentanddoesnotreflectanypositionor expression of the school; the school’semployees, administration, or board oftrustees; or the views of any othergraduate.Thecontentsofthesemessageswerepreparedbythestudentvolunteers,and the school refrained from anyinteraction with student speakersregarding the student speakers’viewpointsonpermissiblesubjects.

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TardinessStudentswhoarelatetoclassaredesignated

tardyandwillbeassigneddisciplinaryconsequencesiftheyaretardy,withoutanacceptableexcuse,onfourormoredayswithinaperiodof45rollingschooldays.Egregioustardiness—e.g.,arrivingtoschoolafterattendancehasbeentaken—willbeclassifiedasanabsenceforthepurposeofcompulsoryattendanceenforcementifunexcused.Nearlyalltardinessisavoidableandis

excusableonlyincasesofillnessoremergency.Togetanexcusedtardyslip,thestudent’sparentmustreporttotheschoolofficetheemergencywhichcausedthedelay.

TelephoneBecauseofthetremendousamountofessential

businessthatmustbetransactedovertheschoolofficetelephones,studentsarerequestednottoaskforuseofthetelephoneexceptinemergencies.Theschoolofficestaffwilldelivermessagesincasesofemergency.Notollcallsfromofficetelephonesaretobemadebystudents.

TransfersWithintheResponsiveEdCommunityofSchoolsParentsofstudentsunder18yearsofageand

students18yearsofageandoldermayrequestatransfertoanotherResponsiveEdcommunityschooloperatedunderthesamecharterbysubmittinga“StudentTransferRequestForm”totheCampusDirectorattheschooloffice.A“StudentTransferRequestForm”maybeobtainedattheschooloffice.

TransferWindowTransferrequestsareacceptedannuallyinthe

schoolofficeandmustbereceivedduringthetransferwindowforconsideration.Thetransferwindowcoincideswiththeestablishedopen-enrollmentperiodforeachyear.Ingeneral,transferrequestswillnotbe

consideredoutsidethetransferwindowexceptfornewResponsiveEdemployeeswithintheirfirstmonthofemploymentandthosewhomoveduringthecourseoftheschoolyear.TheCampusDirectorreservestherighttomakeexceptionsinextenuatingsituations.

NotificationofthedecisionforatransferrequestwillbecommunicatedinwritingbyMarch1.Theschoolmaydelayadecisionwhentheschool

determinesadelayisnecessarytoproperlyconsiderrelevantinformationandoperationalneeds.

ConsiderationsofTransferRequestUponreceiptofthe“StudentTransferRequest

Form,”theCampusDirectorsofthesendingandreceivingschoolswillconsiderthefollowingfactorswhenapprovingtransfers:1. overcrowdingatthesendingandreceiving

schools;2. sizeofthesendingandreceivingschools;3. lengthoftimeforwhichthetransferis

requested(Thestudentmustintendtoremainforthefullyear.);

4. studentattendancehistory;5. studentdisciplinehistory;6. studentacademicperformance;(i.e.,students

mustbepassingallsubjects/courses)7. whetherthestudentisachildofa

ResponsiveEdemployee;and8. theexistenceandextentofawaitinglistat

thereceivingschool;and9. extenuatingcircumstancesasdeterminedon

acase-by-casebasis.Ifapproved,atransferstudentmayreceive

prioritystatus.

LengthofApprovedTransfersOnceatransferisgranted,thestudentwill

transferasafull-timestudenttotherequestedschool.Theparentmayelectaone-timeoptiontorequestatransferreturningtothestudent'ssendingschoolattheendofthesemester(Grades9–12)ortheendoftheyear(Grades1–8).

ReasonsforTransferRevocationAnapprovedtransferrequestisaprivilege.

ThesetransfersmayberevokedbythereceivingCampusDirectorforanyofthefollowingreasons:1. studentbecomesadisruptiontoschool

operations;2. studentbecomesadetrimenttothelearning

ofotherstudents;3. studenthaspersistentdisciplinaryor

attendanceproblems;4. lackofparentalcooperationandsupport;

—16—

5. changesinthefacilityand/orinstructionalcapacityatthereceivingschool;

6. falsificationofresidence,transfer,orenrollmentdocuments;or

7. otherrelevantfactorsasdeterminedbytheCampusDirector.

Onceatransferisrevoked,thestudentmustreturntohisorhersendingschool.ExceptwhendeemednecessarybytheCampusDirector,nofurthertransferrequestwillbegrantedforthisstudent.

AppealsDecisionsregardingstudenttransfersmaybe

appealedinaccordancewiththeschoolgrievanceprocedure(see“StudentorParentComplaintsandConcerns,”p.67).

TransportationStudentswhoparticipateinschool-sponsored

tripsmayberequiredtorideaschoolvehicle(i.e.,avehicledrivenforschool-relatedbusinessorowned,leased,orrentedbytheschool).TheCampusDirector,however,maymakeanexceptioniftheparentpersonallyrequeststhatthestudentbepermittedtoridewiththeparent,oriftheparentpresents—priortothedayofthescheduledtrip—awrittenrequestthatthestudentbepermittedtoridewithanadultdesignatedbytheparent.Ridingaschoolvehicleisaprivilege.School

vehicledrivershavetheauthoritytomaintaindisciplineandrequireseatingcharts.Whenridingaschoolvehicle,studentsareheldtobehavioralstandardsestablishedinthisHandbookandtheStudentCodeofConduct.Studentsmust:1. followthedriver’sdirectionsatalltimes;2. enterandleavethevehicleinanorderly

manner;3. keepfeet,books,instrumentcases,andother

objectsoutoftheaisle;4. notdefacethevehicleoritsequipment;5. notputhead,hands,arms,legs,oranyobject

outofanywindow;and6. waitforthedriver’ssignalinordertoleave

orcrossinfrontofthevehicle.Onlydesignatedstudentsareallowedtoridein

thevehicle.Studentsmayneitherridethevehicletoadifferentlocationnorhavefriendsridethevehicletoparticipateinafter-schoolactivities.

IfaspecialneedsstudentisreceivingbustransportationasaresultofanIndividualEducationPlan(“IEP”),theAdmissionReviewandDismissal(“ARD”)Committeewillhavethediscretionindeterminingappropriatedisciplinaryconsequences.

UseofStudent’sImage/InformationPhotographsofstudents(includingvideo

images)alongwithstudentnames,activities,honors,andachievementswillbeallowedforuseinofficialschoolprojectsandeventsunlessaparentspecificallyrequestsinwritingthatsuchusagebedenied.Individualstudentphotosforofficialcampusidentificationcardsmaybetakenasrequired.

DisplayingaStudent’sArtwork,Projects,Photos,andOtherOriginalWorkAsrecognitionofstudentachievement,the

schoolmaydisplayartwork,specialprojects,photographstakenbystudents,andotheroriginalworksoncampusandonschool-relatedwebsites,printedmaterials,video,orothermethodofcommunicationunlessaparentspecificallyrequestsinwritingthatsuchusagebedenied.

VisitorsParentsandothervisitorsarewelcometovisit

thecampus.Novisitorswillbeallowedinanypartofthebuildingwithoutfirstobtainingapprovalfromtheschooloffice.Theschoolwilltakethefollowingactionswhenthereisavisitorattheschool:1. Thevisitormustfirstreporttotheschool

office,andwillberequiredtofurnishaU.S.federalorstate-issuedphotoID.

2. Thevisitor’sinformationwillbestoredinanelectronicdatabasetodocumentvisitorstotheschool.Informationstoredintheelectronicdatabasemaybeusedonlyforthepurposeofschoolsecurity,andmaynotbesoldorotherwisedisseminatedtoathirdpartyforanypurpose.

3. TheschoolwillverifywhetherthevisitorisasexoffenderregisteredwiththecomputerizedcentraldatabasemaintainedbytheDepartmentofPublicSafetyoranyotherdatabaseaccessiblebytheschool.

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Visitorsidentifiedassexoffendersshallbeescortedbyschoolstaffatalltimesduringaschoolvisit.

4. Avisitorbadgewillbeissuedtothevisitoranddisplayedconspicuouslyduringthevisit.

VisitstoindividualclassroomsduringinstructionaltimearepermittedonlywithapprovaloftheCampusDirectorandteacher,andsuchvisitsarenotpermittediftheirdurationorfrequencyinterfereswiththedeliveryofinstructionordisruptsthenormalschoolenvironment.

WithdrawalsAstudentunder18maybewithdrawnfrom

schoolonlybyaparent.Theschoolrequestsnoticefromtheparentatleastthreedaysinadvancesothatrecordsanddocumentsmaybeprepared.Lessthanthreedays’noticemayresultinformsbeingmailed.Awithdrawalformmaybeobtainedfromtheschooloffice.Astudentwhois18yearsofageorolder,whois

married,orwhohasbeendeclaredbyacourttobeanemancipatedminor,maywithdrawwithoutparentalsignature.Inallcases,withdrawalformsmustbeappropriatelycompletedandsignedbeforewithdrawaliscomplete.Theschoolmayinitiatewithdrawalofastudent

fornon-attendanceif:1. thestudenthasbeenabsent10consecutive

schooldaysandrepeatedeffortsbytheschooltolocatethestudenthavebeenunsuccessful,or

2. thestudentis18yearsofageorolderhasmorethanfiveunexcusedabsencesinonesemester.

—18—

—19—

SECTIONII:HEALTHANDSAFETYINFORMATIONStudentsafetyoncampusandatschool-related

eventsisahighpriorityoftheschool.Althoughtheschoolhasimplementedsafetyprocedures,thecooperationofstudentsisessentialtoensureschoolsafety.Astudentshould:1. avoidconductthatislikelytoputthestudent

orotherstudentsatrisk;2. followthebehavioralstandardsinthis

Handbook,includingtheStudentCodeofConduct,aswellasanyadditionalrulesforbehaviorandsafetysetbytheCampusDirector,teachers,orschoolstaff;

3. remainalerttoandpromptlyreporttoschoolstaffsafetyhazards,suchasintrudersoncampusandthreatsmadebyanypersontowardastudentorschoolstaff;

4. knowemergencyevacuationroutesandsignals;and

5. immediatelyfollowtheinstructionsofschoolstaffwhoareoverseeingthewelfareofstudents.

6. makeanonymousreportsaboutschoolsafetyconcernsbycontactingtheExecutiveDirectorofSafetyandSecurityat(972)316-3663;[email protected]

AsbestosManagementPlanTheschoolhaseveryfacilityinspectedfor

asbestosbeforeusebyalicensedAsbestosHazardEmergencyResponseAct(“AHERA”)inspector.AnAsbestosManagementPlaniscreatedfortheschoolinaccordancetofederalregulationsbyAHERA.ParentsmayviewtheAsbestosManagementPlanbycontactingtheschooloffice.

BacterialMeningitis

Whatismeningitis?Meningitisisaninflammationofthecoveringof

thebrainandspinalcord.Itcanbecausedbyviruses,parasites,fungi,andbacteria.Viralmeningitisismostcommonandtheleastserious.Bacterialmeningitisisthemostcommonformofseriousbacterialinfectionwiththepotentialforserious,long-termcomplications.Itisanuncommondisease,

butrequiresurgenttreatmentwithantibioticstopreventpermanentdamageordeath.

Whatarethesymptoms?Someonewithmeningitiswillbecomeveryill.

Theillnessmaydevelopoveroneortwodays,butitcanalsorapidlyprogressinamatterofhours.Noteveryonewithmeningitiswillhavethesamesymptoms.Studentsandadultswithmeningitismayhavea

severeheadache,hightemperature,vomiting,sensitivitytobrightlights,neckstiffnessorjointpains,anddrowsinessorconfusion.Inbothstudentsandadults,theremaybearashoftiny,red-purplespots.Thesecanoccuranywhereonthebody.Thediagnosisofbacterialmeningitisisbasedon

acombinationofsymptomsandlaboratoryresults.

Howseriousisbacterialmeningitis?Ifitisdiagnosedearlyandtreatedpromptly,the

majorityofpeoplemakeacompleterecovery.Insomecasesitcanbefatalorapersonmaybeleftwithapermanentdisability.

Howisbacterialmeningitisspread?Fortunately,noneofthebacteriathatcause

meningitisareascontagiousasdiseaseslikethecommoncoldortheflu,andtheyarenotspreadbycasualcontactorbysimplybreathingtheairwhereapersonwithmeningitishasbeen.Thegermslivenaturallyinthebackofournosesandthroats,buttheydonotliveforlongoutsidethebody.Theyarespreadwhenpeopleexchangesaliva(suchasbykissingandsharingdrinkingcontainers,utensils,orcigarettes).Thegermdoesnotcausemeningitisinmost

people.Instead,mostpeoplebecomecarriersofthegermfordays,weeks,orevenmonths.Thebacteriararelyovercomethebody’simmunesystemandcausemeningitisoranotherseriousillness.

Howcanbacterialmeningitisbeprevented?Usinggoodhealthpracticessuchascovering

yourmouthandnosewhencoughingorsneezing,washingyourhandswithsoapandwater,canhelp

—20—

stopthespreadofthebacteria.Studentsshouldnotsharefood,drinks,utensils,toothbrushes,orcigarettes.Studentsshouldlimitthenumberofpersonstheykiss.Therearevaccinesavailabletoofferprotectionfromsomeofthebacteriathatcancausebacterialmeningitis.Thevaccinesaresafeandeffective(85–90%)andcancausemildsideeffects,suchasrednessandpainattheinjectionsitelastinguptotwodays.Immunitydevelopswithinseventotendaysafterthevaccineisgivenandlastsforuptofiveyears.TheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices

requiresatleastoneMeningococcalvaccine(MCV4)inGrade7.Onedoseofquadrivalentmeningococcalconjugatevaccineisrequiredonorafterthestudent’s11thbirthday.Ifastudentreceivedthevaccineat10yearsofage,thiswillsatisfythestate’srequirement.

Whatshouldstudentsdoiftheythinktheyorafriendmighthavebacterialmeningitis?Studentsshouldseekpromptmedicalattention.

Wherecanstudentsgetmoreinformation?Afamilydoctorandthestaffatthelocalor

regionalhealthdepartmentofficeareexcellentsourcesforinformationonallcommunicablediseases.ParentsandstudentsmayalsocallthelocalhealthdepartmentorRegionalTexasDepartmentofHealthofficetoaskaboutthemeningococcalvaccine.AdditionalinformationmayalsobefoundatthefollowingwebsitesfortheCentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionwww.cdc.govandtheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServiceswww.dshs.state.tx.us.

ChildAbuseandOtherMaltreatmentReportingandInvestigations

DistrictPlanThedistricthasestablishedaplanforaddressing

childabuse,sextrafficking,andothermaltreatmentofchildren,whichmaybeaccessedat:responsiveed.com/child-abuse-and-other-maltreatment.

ReportingProceduresApersonwhosuspectsthatachildisneglected,

beingabused,orisavictimofsextraffickinghasalegalresponsibilityunderstatelawtoreportsuchsuspectedabusetoChildProtectiveServicesat

1(800)252-5400orthelocalPoliceDepartmentat911.Studentswhobelievetheyarethesubjectsof

sexualabuseorothermaltreatmentshouldreporttheincidentimmediatelytoateacherortheCampusDirector.Ifaparenthascausetobelievethatastudent

hasbeenormaybeabusedorneglectedatschool,theparentshallimmediatelynotifytheCampusDirectorattheschoolandmakeanoralreporttoChildProtectiveServicesat1(800)252-5400orthelocalPoliceDepartmentat911.

CounselingServicesCounselingserviceswillbemadeavailablefor

studentsaffectedbysexualabuseorothermaltreatment.

AdditionalInformationAdditionalinformationregardingsexualabuse

andothermaltreatmentofchildren,includingpreventiontechniquesandknowledgeoflikelywarningsignsindicatingthatachildmaybeavictimofsexualabuseorothermaltreatment,maybefoundatthefollowingTexasEducationAgencywebsite:tea.texas.gov/index.aspx?id=2820.

StaffTrainingAllmembersoftheschoolstaffaretrained

annuallyinchildabuseawareness,childsexualabuse,trafficking,neglect,andothermaltreatmentofchildren,includingmaltreatmentofchildrenwithsignificantcognitivedisabilitiesandreportingprocedures.

StudentInterviewsatSchoolTheschoolcooperateswithofficialchildabuse

investigatorsasrequiredbylaw.TheschoolmaynotinterferewithaninvestigationofareportofchildabuseorneglectconductedbytheTexasDepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServices(“DFPS”).Theschoolshallpermittheinvestigatortoconducttherequiredinterviewwiththestudentatanyreasonabletimeattheschool.Theschoolmaynotrequiretheinvestigatortopermitschoolstafftobepresentatastudentinterviewconductedatschool.

NotificationofParentsInvestigationsatschoolmaybeconductedby

authorizedlawenforcementorstateagencieswithoutpriornotificationorconsentofthestudent’sparentsifnecessary.

—21—

ChildrenofMilitaryFamiliesChildrenofmilitaryfamilieswillbeprovided

flexibilityregardingcertainschoolrequirements,including:1. Immunizationrequirements;2. Gradelevel,course,oreducationalprogram

placement;3. Eligibilityrequirementsforparticipatingin

extracurricularactivities;and4. Graduationrequirements.Inaddition,absencesrelatedtoastudent

visitingwithhisorherparent,includingastepparentorlegalguardian,whohasbeencalledtoactivedutyfor,isonleavefrom,orisreturningfromadeploymentofatleastfourmonthswillbeexcusedbytheschool.Theschoolwillpermitnomorethanfiveexcusedabsencesperyearforthispurpose.Fortheabsencetobeexcused,theabsencemustoccurnoearlierthanthe60thdaybeforedeploymentornolaterthanthe30thdayaftertheparent’sreturnfromdeployment.

Cold/Heat/OzoneGuidelinesWeatherconditionscanposearisktothehealth

ofstudents.Thefollowingguidelinesareintendedtoassistwhenmakingdecisionsregardingoutsideactivitiesduringperiodsofhighheatorheatindex,whenthereisanozonewarningorwhenotheratmosphericconditionsposeahealthrisktostudents.Activityresultsinthelossofbodyfluids.Excessiveheatand/orhumidityincreasetheamountoffluidloss.Thebodyneedsacool-downperiodtoreadjustitselftothecoolertemperatureswithinthebuilding.Effortswillbemadetomakesurethatstudentsconsistentlydrinkfluidssotheydonotdehydrate.Ifastudentbecomesthirsty,heorsheisalreadyunder-hydrated.Fluidsareespeciallyimportantbeforeanyphysicalactivityorbeforeleavinganair-conditionedenvironment.Manymedicationsprescribedfortherapeuticpurposescanpotentiallyaffectheattolerance.Somestudentsonmedicationhaveanimpairedabilitytodissipateheatfromthebodyduetotheirmedicalconditions.Parentsshouldnotifytheschoolinwritingif

theydonotwanttheirchildrentogooutsideondaysotherthanthosementionedaboveforrecessoranyotheroutsideactivity.

HotTemperaturesWhenthetemperatureorheatindexrisesto95

degreesortheozonealertisorange,outdoorrecessoractivitiesshouldbelimitedto10minutes.Whenthetemperatureorheatindexrisesto

100ortheozonealertisredorpurplenooutsiderecessoractivitiesshouldbeallowed,exceptofnormaldismissalprocedures,butcautionwillbeusedduringdismissaltimetokeepexposuretoheatataminimum.Parentsareencouragedtodresschildrenin

cottonmaterial,loosefitting,lightweight,andlightcoloredclothes.Parentsareencouragedtoprovideabalanceddietincluding4to5servingsoffruitsandvegetablesdaily.Thesefoodsarenotonlynaturalsourcesofvitaminsandelectrolytes,butprovideadditionalwatertothebody.Totheextentpossiblescheduleswillbe

rearrangedsothatoutsideactivitiescanoccurinthemornings,whenthetemperatureiscooler.Discretionwillbeusedtodecreaseoutsideactivitieswhenseasonaltemperaturesandhumidityexceedthosenormalforthisarea.Vigilanceinhydratingstudentsbefore,during,andafteroutsideactivitieswillbeused.Effortswillbemadetoensurethatallstaff

membersareawareofthesigns,symptoms,andtreatmentproceduresforheat-relatedillnesses.Acool-downperiodoncethestudentsreturntothebuildingfromoutsideactivitieswillbeencouraged.Effortswillbemadetoensurethatstudentsare

awarethatmetalparts,includingswingchains,metalsslides,metalwheels,screws,andboltswillbehotandtoavoidthemasmuchaspossibleduringthistime.Duringthesetimesofheat,itisadvisedthat

studentsaretobekeptinsidethebuildingwhilewaitingforabus,daycarevan,orparentpick-up.

ColdTemperaturesDuringtimesofexcessivecoldweatherthe

followingprecautionsshouldbetaken:Whenthetemperatureorwindchillisator

below25degrees,nooutdoorrecessoractivitiesshouldbeallowed.Parentsareencouragedtodresschildreninappropriatecoldweatherclothing,includingdressinginlayersduringthecoldweathermonths.Ifstudentsdonothaveappropriate

outerwear,theywillbekeptindoors.

—22—

Effortswillbemadetoensurethatallstaffmembersareawareofthesigns,symptoms,andtreatmentproceduresforcold-relatedillnesses.Duringthesetimesofcold,itisadvisedthatstudentsaretobekeptinsidethebuildingwhilewaitingforabus,daycarevan,orparentpick-up.

ContagiousDiseases/ConditionsToprotectotherstudentsfromcontagious

illnesses,studentsinfectedwithcertaindiseasesarenotallowedtocometoschoolwhilecontagious.IfSchoolstaffsuspectsthatastudentmayhaveacontagiousdiseasebasedonsignsorsymptomsthestudenthas,staffwillexcludethestudentfromattendanceuntilallsuspicioussymptomsaregoneoruntilthechild’sphysiciandocumentsthatthestudentmayreturntoschool.Parentsofastudentwithacommunicableorcontagiousdiseaseshouldkeeptheirchildhomeandphonetheschoolofficesothatotherstudentswhomighthavebeenexposedtothediseasecanbealerted.Thedistrictisrequiredtoreportcertain

contagious(communicable)diseasesorillnessestotheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices(TDSHS)ortoourlocal/regionalhealthauthority.AlistofnotifiableconditionscanbefoundontheTDSHSwebsite.TheSchoolofficecanalsoprovideinformationfromTDSHSonthenotifiableconditions.

Doctor’sNoteAfteranAbsenceforIllnessUponreturntoschool,astudentabsentfor

morethan3consecutivedaysbecauseofpersonalillnessmustbringastatementfromadoctororhealthclinicverifyingtheillnessorconditionthatcausedthestudent’sextendedabsencefromschool.Otherwise,thestudent’sabsencemaybeconsideredunexcusedandifso,wouldbeinviolationofcompulsoryattendancelaws.

EmergencyMedicalTreatmentIfastudenthasamedicalemergencyatschool

oraschool-relatedactivityandtheparentcannotbereached,schoolstaffwillseekemergencymedicaltreatmentunlesstheparenthaspreviouslyprovidedawrittenstatementdenyingthisauthorization.Therefore,parentsareaskedeachyeartocompletean“EmergencyCareConsentForm,”whichincludesinformationabout

theirstudent’sallergiestomedications,etc.Parentsshouldkeepemergencycareinformationcurrent(e.g.,nameofdoctor,emergencyphonenumbers,allergies,etc.).AnupdatedStudentHealthFormwillberequiredatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.Pleaseinformtheschoolofficeofanychangesthatoccurduringtheschoolyear.Theparentand/orguardianisresponsibleforallincurredcostsrelatedtothestudent’semergencymedicaltreatment.

Fire,Lock-Down,andDisasterDrillsFiredrillsareconductedfortwopurposes:1. totrainstudentstoleavethebuilding

orderlyandquicklyincaseofanemergencyalarm,and

2. toteachself-controlintimesofemergency.Whenthefirealarmissounded,allstudents

shouldimmediatelywalkoutoftheroomandproceedtothedesignatedexit.Theyshouldwalkinanorderlymanner,withnotalkingorpushing.Whenthestudentsreachthesafetyzonedesignatedbytheteacher,theyshouldfacethebuildingbutremaininline.Inadditiontofiredrills,lock-downordisaster

drillswillalsobeconducted.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementforspecificproceduresrelatingtofireanddisasterdrills.

FoodAllergiesImmediatenotificationshouldbemadewhen

studentshavebeendiagnosedwithanallergythatcouldresultindangerousorpossiblelife-threateningreactionseitherbyinhalation,ingestion,orskincontactwithaparticularfood.Itisimportanttodisclosethefoodtowhichthestudentisallergicto,aswellasthenatureoftheallergicreaction.Pleasecontacttheschoolofficeifyourchildhasaknownfoodallergyorassoonaspossibleafteranydiagnosisofafoodallergy.Theparentofeachstudentenrolledinthe

schoolmustcompletetheschool’s“FoodAllergyForm.”Theschoolmayalsorequireinformationfromachild’sphysicianifthechildhasfoodallergies.Foodallergyinformationformswillbe

maintainedinthechild’sstudentrecords,andshallremainconfidential.Informationprovidedonfoodallergyinformationformsmaybedisclosedtoteachers,schoolcounselors,schoolnurses,and

—23—

otherappropriateschoolpersonnelonlytotheextentconsistentwithBoardpolicyandaspermissibleundertheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActof1974(“FERPA”).Thedistricthasdevelopedandannuallyreviews

afoodallergymanagementplan,basedontheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices’(DSHS)“GuidelinesfortheCareofStudentswithFoodAllergiesAt-RiskforAnaphylaxis.”Thecompletetextofthe“GuidelinesfortheCare

ofStudentswithFoodAllergiesAt-RiskforAnaphylaxis”canbefoundontheDSHSwebsiteatAllergiesandAnaphylaxis.ForadditionalinformationregardingFoodAllergyAdministrativeProceduresandGuidelines,pleasecontacttheDirectorofHealthServicesat(972)316-3663.

HeadLiceHeadlice,althoughnotanillnessoradisease,

areverycommonamongchildrenandarespreadveryeasilythroughhead-to-headcontactduringplay,sports,naptime,andwhenchildrensharethingslikebrushes,combs,hats,andheadphones.Ifcarefulobservationindicatesthatastudenthasheadlice,schoolstaffwillcontactthestudent’sparentorguardiantohavethempickedup.MoreinformationonheadlicecanbeobtainedfromtheTDSHSwebsite,www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/lice.shtm.Whenanelementarystudenthasheadlice,the

Schoolwillalsoprovidewrittennoticetothestudent’sparentandtheparentsofeachchildassignedtothesameclassroomasrequiredbystatelaw.

HealthcareAppointmentsAstudentmaybeexcusedforatemporary

absenceresultingfromavisittohealthcareprofessionalsifthatstudentbeginsclassesorreturnstoschoolonthesamedayoftheappointment.Anotefromthehealthcareprofessionalmustbeprovidedtotheschoolofficeuponreturnofthestudenttoschool.Studentswhoseabsencesareexcusedforthesereasonsmaynotbepenalizedforthatabsenceandwillbecountedasifthestudentattendedschoolforattendancepurposes.Thestudentwillbeallowedareasonabletimetomakeupthemissedschoolwork.

HealthScreeningsStudentsinmandatedgradesarerequired

understatelawtobescreenedforvisionandhearingdeficiencies,spinalcurvature,andType2diabetes.Forinformationonspinalscreeningbyanoutsideprofessional,pleasecontactcampuslevelhealthservicesstaff.Exemption:Astudentisexemptfromscreeningifthe

screeningconflictswiththetenetsandpracticesofarecognizedchurchorreligiousdenominationofwhichtheindividualisanadherentormember.Toqualifyfortheexemption,thestudent’sparentmustsubmittotheschoolofficeonorbeforethedayofthescreeningprocedureanaffidavitstatingtheobjectionstoscreening.

HomelessStudentsPleaseinformthedistrictifyouoryourchild

areexperiencinghomelessness.Districtstaffcanshareresourceswithyouthatmaybeabletoassistyouandyourfamily.Childrenexperiencinghomelessnesswillbe

providedflexibilitywithrespecttothefollowing:1. ProofofResidencyrequirements;2. ImmunizationRequirements;3. Educationprogramplacementinsomeinstances,suchasinabilitytoprovidepreviousacademicrecords;

4. Awardofpartialcredit;5. Eligibilityrequirementsforparticipationinextracurricularactivities;and

6. Reviewofgraduationrequirements.Formoreinformationonservicesforhomeless

students,contactthedistrict’sMcKinney-VentoHomelessLiaison,ColleenRandazzo,at(972)316-3663ext.291.

IllnessDuringSchoolHoursAstudentwhobecomesillduringschoolhours

istoreporttotheteacher,whowillthensendhimorhertotheschooloffice.Nostudentisallowedtogohomewithouttheparentbeingnotified.Studentsarenottocallparentsfromschoolphonesorcellphonesaskingtogohome;suchcallsaretobemadefromtheschoolofficebyschoolstaff.Aparent/guardianwillnotbecalledforeachclinicvisit.Aparent/guardianwillbe

—24—

notifiedbyphonecall,orclinicinformationformofthefollowingtypesofinjuriesorillnesses:1. HeadInjury–potentialfordelayed

repercussions/possibleconcussions2. Vomiting,Diarrhea,and/orFevergreater

than100.0degrees–potentialforacontagiouscondition/illness

3. IneffectiveMedicationregime–suchas,butnotlimitedto,asthmainhaler,diabetesmanagement,ADHD

4. Lifethreateningoccurrences5. Orthopedicinjuriesthatarenotrelieved

withrestandice6. Anyinjury/illnessdeemednecessarybythe

nurseWhenyourchildisill,pleasecontacttheschool

toletusknowheorshewon’tbeattendingthatday.Itisimportanttorememberthatschoolsarerequiredtoexcludestudentswithcertainillnessesfromschoolforperiodsoftimeasidentifiedinstaterules.Studentsshouldstayhomefromschoolduetoillnessifanyofthefollowingarepresent:1. feverof100degreesFahrenheitorhigherin

thepast24hours;2. vomitingand/ordiarrheainthepast24

hours;3. itchy,redeyeswithdischarge;4. unknownrash;5. ringworm(untiltreatmenthasbeen

started);6. liveheadliceor7. jaundice.Anupdatedlistofconditionsforwhichthe

schoolmustexcludestudentsforhealthreasonscanbeprovidedbytheschooloffice.Toprotectstudentsatschool,studentsassessedwithanyofthesignsandsymptomslistedabovewillbesenthome.

ImmunizationsAstudentmustbefullyimmunizedagainst

certaindiseasesormustpresentacertificateorstatementthat,formedicalreasonsorreasonsofconscience,includingareligiousbelief,thestudentwillnotbeimmunized.Forexemptionsbasedonreasonofconscience,ResponsiveEdcanhonoronlyofficialformsissuedbytheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices(TDSHS).ImmunizationBranch.Thisformmaybeobtained

bywritingtheTDSHSImmunizationBranch(MC1946),P.O.Box149347,Austin,TX78714-93447,oronlineatcorequest.dshs.texas.gov.Theformmustbenotarizedandsubmittedto

theSchoolofficewithin90daysofnotarization.Iftheparentisseekinganexemptionformorethanonestudentinthefamily,aseparateformmustbeprovidedforeachstudent.Theseformsexpireafter2years.Theimmunizationsrequiredare:diphtheria,

tetanus,andpertussis,measles,mumps,andrubella:polio;hepatitisA;hepatitisB;varicella(chickenpox);andmeningococcal(MCV4).Theschoolstaffcanprovideinformationonage-appropriatedosesoranacceptablephysician-validatedhistoryofillnessrequiredbytheTDSHS.Proofofimmunizationmaybeestablishedbypersonalrecordsfromalicensedphysicianorpublichealthclinicwithasignatureorrubber-stampvalidation.Ifastudentisnotimmunizedformedical

reasons,thestudentorparentmustpresentacertificatesignedbyaU.S.licensedphysicianstatingthatinthedoctor’sopinion,theimmunizationrequiredposesasignificantrisktothehealthandwell-beingofthestudentoramemberofthestudent’sfamilyorhousehold.Thiscertificatemustberenewedyearlyunlessthephysicianspecifiesalife-longcondition.

ProvisionalEnrollmentAstudentcanbeenrolledprovisionallyfor30

daysfromthefirstdayofattendanceonlyif:1. he/sheistransferringfromaTexasschooltoaTexasschool;

2. adependentofaparentwhoisActiveDutyMilitarywithavalidIDcard;or

3. thestudentishomelessordisplaced.Shouldonday30oftheprovisionalenrollment

anup-to-datecompliantimmunizationrecordisnotreceived,thenthestudentwillbeexcludedfromschoolandmarkedabsentuntiltherecordisprovided.Astudentmaybeenrolledprovisionallyifthe

studenthasanimmunizationrecordthatindicatesthestudenthasreceivedatleastonedoseofeachspecifiedage-appropriaterequiredvaccine.Toremainenrolled,thestudentmustcompletetherequiredsubsequentdosesineachvaccineseriesonscheduleandasrapidlyasismedicallyfeasibleandprovideacceptableevidenceofvaccinationtotheschool.Theschoolshallreviewtheimmunizationstatusofaprovisionallyenrolled

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studentevery30daystoensurecontinuedcomplianceincompletingtherequireddosesofvaccination.If,attheendofthe30-dayperiod,astudenthasnotreceivedasubsequentdoseofvaccine,thenthestudentisnotincomplianceandtheschoolshallexcludethestudentfromschoolattendanceuntiltherequireddoseisadministered.

ImmunizationRecordsReportingTheschool’srecordofastudent’simmunization

history,whileprivateinmostinstances,maybeinspectedbytheTexasEducationAgency,localhealthdepartments,andtheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServicesandtransferredtootherschoolsassociatedwiththetransferofthestudenttothoseschools.

Injuries/AccidentInsuranceTheschoolisnotresponsibleformedicalcosts

associatedwithastudent’sinjurynoristheschoolresponsibleformedicalcostsassociatedwithinjuriestoparents,visitors,orvolunteers.Atthebeginningofeachschoolyear,theschooldoesmakeavailable,however,anoptional,low-coststudentaccidentinsuranceprogramtoassistparentsinmeetingmedicalexpenses.Aparentwhodesirescoverageforhisorherstudentwillberesponsibleforpayinginsurancepremiumsandsubmittingclaims.

InvestigationsandSearchesStudentsshallnotplace,keep,ormaintainany

articleormaterialprohibitedbyschoolpolicyorthatwouldleadschoolofficialstoreasonablybelievethatitwouldcauseasubstantialdisruptionatschoolorataschool-sponsoredorschool-relatedfunction.CampusDirectorsandteachershavetherighttoquestionstudentsregardingtheirconductortheconductofothers.Intheinterestofpromotingstudentsafetyand

attemptingtoensurethattheschoolissafeanddrugfree,schooladministratorsmayfromtimetotimeconductsearches.Suchsearchesareconductedwithoutawarrantandaspermittedbylaw.Administrators,teachersandotherprofessional

personnelmayquestionastudentregardingthestudent’sownconductortheconductofotherstudents.Inthecontextofschooldiscipline,studentshavenoclaimtotherightnottoincriminatethemselves.

Schoolstaffmayconductsearchesofastudent’souterclothing,pockets,personalproperty/belongings(backpack,etc.)andvehiclesonschoolpropertyandpropertyunderschoolcontrolinaccordancewithlawandBoardpolicy.Searcheswillbeconductedbasedon(1)reasonablesuspicionor(2)securingthestudent’svoluntaryconsent.Consentobtainedthroughthreatofcontactingparentsorthepoliceauthoritiesisnotconsideredtobevoluntarilygiven.Unlessanemergencyorurgentcircumstancesexist,searchesshallbeconductedbythecampusdirectororassistantcampusdirector,orhisorherdesignee,andwithanotherstaffmemberpresentforthesearch. Ifavehiclesubjecttosearchislocked,the

studentwillbeaskedtounlockthevehicle.Ifthestudentrefuses,theschoolwillcontactthestudent’sparents.Iftheparentsalsorefusetopermitthevehicletobesearched,theschoolmaycontactlawenforcementofficials.Theschoolmaycontactlawenforcementevenifpermissiontosearchisgranted.Lockers,desks/offices,schoolprovided

technology,andotherschoolpropertyissubjecttosearchorinspectionatanytimewithoutnotice,andwithorwithoutthepresenceofthestudent.Studentsshouldhavenoexpectationofprivacyinschoolproperty.Studentsareresponsibleforanyitemfoundinschoolpropertythathasbeenprovidedtothestudentthatisprohibitedbylaw,schoolpolicy,ortheCodeofConduct.Studentsareresponsibleforprohibiteditems

foundintheirpossession,includingitemsintheirpersonalbelongingsorvehicle.Theparentwillbenotifiedifanyprohibiteditemsarefoundinthestudent’spossession.

RandomDrugSearches[M][H]Inordertoensureadrug-freelearning

environment,theschoolconductsrandomdrugsearchesoftheschoolfacilities.Theschoolmayuseorcontractforspeciallytraineddogstoalertschoolofficialstothepresenceofprohibitedorillegalitems,includingdrugsandalcohol.Caninevisitsmaybeunannounced.Thedogsshallnotbeaskedtoalertonstudents.Atanytime,traineddogsmaybeusedaroundlockersandtheareasaroundvehiclesparkedoncampus.Searchesofclassrooms,commonareas,orstudentbelongingsmayalsobeconductedbytraineddogswhenstudentsarenotpresent.Aniteminaclassroom,alocker,oravehicletowhichatraineddogalertsmaybesearchedbyschoolofficials.

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LawEnforcementAgencies

ProceduresforLawEnforcementInterviewsThefollowingproceduresshallbefollowed

whenlawenforcementofficersandotherlawfulauthoritieswanttoquestionorinterviewastudentattheschool:1. Theschoolshallverifyandrecordthe

identityoftheofficialandrequestanexplanationoftheneedtoquestionorinterviewthestudentatschool.

2. Theschoolshallmakereasonableeffortstonotifythestudent’sparent.

3. Unlessprohibitedbylaworwhenthestudenthasbeenarrestedortakenintopolicecustody,aschoolstaffmembershallbepresentduringthequestioningorinterview.

Whentheinvestigationinvolvesallegationsofchildabuse,specialrulesapply(see“ChildAbuseandOtherMaltreatmentReportingandInvestigations,”p.20).

ProceduresforAssumingCustodyofStudentTheschoolshallpermitastudenttobetaken

intocustody:1. pursuanttoanorderofthejuvenilecourt;2. pursuanttothelawsofarrest;3. byalawenforcementofficerifthereis

probablecausetobelievethestudenthasengagedinconductthatviolatesapenallaw,delinquentconductorconductinneedofsupervision,orconductthatviolatesaconditionofprobationimposedbythejuvenilecourt;

4. byaprobationofficerifthereisprobablecausetobelievethestudenthasviolatedaconditionofprobationimposedbythejuvenilecourt;

5. pursuanttoaproperlyissueddirectivetoapprehend;or

6. byanauthorizedrepresentativeoftheTexasDepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServices(“DFPS”),alawenforcementofficer,orajuvenileprobationofficer,withoutacourtorder,undertheconditionssetoutinSection262.104oftheTexasFamilyCoderelatingtothestudent’sphysicalhealthorsafety.

MedicationPolicies

AllMedicationMedicineAtSchool–NoTolerancePolicyResponsiveEducationSolutionshasa“no

tolerance”policyforstudentsinpossessionofmedicationofanykind,includingherbalsupplements,vitamins,andallover-the-countermedications,includingcoughdrops/lozenges.Allmedicationsmustbedeliveredandpickedupbyaparentorguardian.Studentsarenotallowedtodropoffortakehometheirmedication(s)fromtheschoolclinic.Allmedicationsaretobestoredinthefirstaidofficewiththeexceptionofprescribedmedicationsforthetreatmentofasthma,anaphylaxis,anddiabetes.Pleaseseethedesignatedhealthpersononyourcampusifyourchildhasoneoftheseconditions.Studentswithasthmaoranaphylaxismaycarry

prescribedinhalersormedications,providedwrittenauthorizationfromtheparentorguardianisgiventothecampus,aswellasawrittenstatementfromthestudent’sphysicianorlicensedhealthcareproviderstatingthatthestudenthasasthmaoranaphylaxisandiscapableofself-administeringtheprescribedmedication.Thecampusmayprovideyouwithaformifoneisneeded.Thephysicianmustalsoprovidewritteninformationofthenameandpurposeofthemedicationandtheprescribeddosage.Allmedicationsmustbeexaminedandapprovedbythedesignatedhealthpersonandmustalsohavetheprescriptionlabelonthemedication.Inaccordancewithastudent’sindividualhealth

planformanagementofdiabetes,astudentwithdiabeteswillbepermittedtopossessandusemonitoringandtreatmentsuppliesandequipmentwhileatschoolorataschool-relatedactivity.Allothermedicationsmustbestoredinthe

campusclinicintheoriginalcontainerclearlylabeledwiththestudent’sname.Failuretostoremedicationinthecampusclinicorfollowtheabovementionedproceduremayresultinseriousdisciplinaryaction.

MedicationGuidelines:1. Allmedicationmustbestoredintheclinic

exceptinspecialcircumstancesforastudentwithasthma,diabetes,oralifethreateningallergy.

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2. AllprescriptionmedicationMUSTbeintheoriginalcontainerwithpharmacyprescriptionlabel.Nomorethantwoweeks’supplyofmedicationinaprescriptionlabeledbottleshallbebroughttotheclinicatonetime.ALLprescriptionmedicationwillbecountedanddocumenteduponarrivaltotheclinic.

3. OverthecountermedicationMUSTbeintheoriginalcontainerwiththestudent’snameonthecontainer.Duetolimitedstorage,nomorethana30-countcontainershallbestoredintheclinic.Over-the-countermedicationsmaybeleftintheclinicduringtheentireschoolyearwithaparent’ssignature.Weareunabletostoreanymedicationattheschoolduringthesummerandwilldisposeofallmedicationleftintheclinicafterthelastdayofschool.

4. Over-the-countermedicationswillbegivenaccordingtothelabelonthepackageunlessotherwisedirectedbyaphysician.

5. Over-the-countermedicationswillnotbegivenformorethan5consecutiveschooldayswithoutaphysician’ssignature.

6.MedicationAdministrationFormmustbecompletewithparent’ssignature.

7. Medicationsaretobebroughttotheclinicbytheparentorguardian.Onlyanadultmaypickupmedicationsfromtheclinic.

8. Allprescriptionmedicationgivenover10dayswillrequireaphysician’ssignature.

9. Nomedicationcontainermaycontainmorethanone(1)typeofmedication.

10. Medicationsprescribedorrequestedtobegiventhree(3)timesperdayorlessarenottobegivenatschoolunlessitisdeterminedthataspecialneedexists.

11. AstudentMAYNOTsharemedicationwithanotherstudent.SiblingsMAYNOTsharemedication.

12. Campuspersonneldonotadministerdietaryorherbalsupplementsunlessrequiredbythestudent’sIEPorSection504planforastudentwithdisabilities.

PsychotropicDrugsApsychotropicdrugisasubstanceusedinthe

diagnosis,treatment,orpreventionofadiseaseorasacomponentofamedication.Itisintendedtohaveanalteringeffectonperception,emotion,or

behaviorandiscommonlydescribedasamood-orbehavior-alteringsubstance.Teachersandotherdistrictemployeesmay

discussastudent’sacademicprogressorbehaviorwiththestudent’sparentsoranotheremployeeasappropriate;however,theyarenotpermittedtorecommenduseofpsychotropicdrugs.

PrescriptionMedicationPrescriptionmedicationadministeredduring

schoolhoursmustbeprescribedbyaphysicianoradvancednursepractitioner(“ANP”)andfilledbyapharmacistlicensedintheStateofTexas.Prescriptionmedicationlabelsmustincludethe

student’snameandinstructions,andbeclearlylegible.WritteninstructionsfromaphysicianorANP

arerequiredandmustincludethefollowinginformation:1. nameofthestudent,2. nameofthemedication,3. reasonthemedicationisbeinggiven,4. specificamounttobegiven,5. timethemedicationistobegiven,and6. themethodusedtoadministerthe

medication.Changestodailymedicationsrequirewritten

instructionfromthephysicianorANPandwrittenpermissionfromtheparent.Parentsareresponsibleforadvisingtheschoolofficethatamedicationhasbeendiscontinued.

AsthmaandAnaphylaxisMedicationAsthmaandanaphylaxisarelife-threatening

conditions,andstudentswiththoseconditionsmaybeallowedtopossessandself-administerprescriptionmedicationsforthoseconditionsduringtheschooldayoratschool-relatedevents.Studentpossessionandself-administrationofasthmaoranaphylaxismedicationatschoolrequirethestudenttodemonstratehisorherabilitytoself-administerthemedicationforthephysicianorlicensedhealthcareproviderandtheCampusDirector.Requirementsalsoincludewrittenauthorizationfromthestudent’sparentandphysicianorotherlicensedhealthcareprovideronfileintheschoolofficeindicatingthestudentiscapableofindependentlyadministeringhisorherownasthmaoremergencyanaphylaxismedication.Withthesesafeguardsinplace,thestudentmaypossessandself-administerhisor

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herprescribedmedicationathisorherdiscretionduringschoolhoursoratschool-relatedevents.Writtenauthorizationstoself-administer

asthmaoranaphylaxismedicationshouldbeupdatedannuallyunlessotherwiseindicatedbythephysician.Medicationinastudent’spossessionmustbein

anoriginalcontainerwithaprescriptionlabel.Pleasenotethatmostpharmacieswillplacealabelontheinhalerdeviseuponrequest.

DiabetesManagementStudentswithdiabetesmaypossessequipment

andmedicationusedinthetreatmentofdiabetesduringtheschooldayandatschool-relatedeventsgivencertainconditions.AccordingtoTexasHealthandSafetyCodeChapter168,adiabetesmanagementandtreatmentplanmustbedevelopedandimplementedbythestudent’sparentandthephysicianresponsibleforthestudent’sdiabetestreatment.Thisplanmustevaluatethestudent’sabilitytomanagediabetesandhisorherlevelofunderstandingofdiabetesandmustbesignedbytheparentandphysicianresponsibleforthestudent’sdiabetestreatment.Anindividualhealthplanmustbeimplementedbytheschoolandmustincorporatecomponentsofthestudent’sdiabetesmanagementandtreatmentplan.Inaccordancewiththestudent’sindividualizedhealthplan,whichincorporatesthediabetesmanagementandtreatmentplansignedbytheparentandphysicianthatindicatesthestudent’sabilitytomanagediabetesandhisorherlevelofunderstandingofdiabetes,aschoolshallpermitastudenttoattendtothemanagementandcareofhisorherdiabetes,whichmayinclude:1. performingbloodglucoselevelchecks;2. administeringinsulin;3. treatinghypoglycemiaandhyperglycemia;4. possessingnecessarymonitoringand

treatmentequipmentdesignedfordiabetescare;and

5. attendingtothemanagementofhisorherdiabetesintheclassroom,inanyareaoftheschoolgrounds,oratanyschool-relatedactivity.

MentalHealthServiceThedistrictiscommittedtopartneringwith

parentstosupportthehealthymental,emotional,andbehavioraldevelopmentofitsstudents.Ifyouareconcernedaboutyourchild,pleaseaccessthe

followingWebsitesorcontacttheschoolformoreinformationrelatedtomentalhealthservicesandtofindmentalhealthservicesavailableinyourarea.texassuicideprevention.orgwww.dshs.state.tx.us/mhservices-search

PestControlInformationTheschoolperiodicallyappliespesticidesinside

schoolbuildingsandonschoolgrounds.Exceptinanemergency,signswillbeposted24hoursbeforeapplication.ParentswhowanttobenotifiedpriortopesticideapplicationmaycontacttheCampusDirectororschooloffice.

PhysicalRestraintSchoolstaffmay,withinthescopeoftheir

duties,useandapplyphysicalrestrainttoastudentthattheyreasonablybelieveisnecessaryinorderto:1. protectaperson,includingthepersonusing

physicalrestraint,fromphysicalinjury;2. obtainpossessionofaweaponorother

dangerousobject;3. protectpropertyfromseriousdamage;4. removefromaspecificlocationastudent

refusingalawfulcommandofschoolstaff,includingaclassroomorotherschoolproperty,inordertorestoreorderorimposedisciplinarymeasures;

5. restrainanirrationalstudent;or6. preventstudentfromfleeingwhenfleeingwouldputotherstudentsorothersindanger.

PrivateServiceProvidersOnCampusPrivateserviceprovidersarenotpermittedto

provideservicestostudentsonschoolcampusesduringtheschoolday.AprivateserviceproviderisaproviderthatisnotprovidingservicesaspartofastudentIEPorIAP,butratherhasbeenemployedorcontractedbyaparent,ataparent’soptionandexpense,toprovideservicestoastudent.Theprovidermaybeanagencyrepresentativeorindividualprovidingservicesonbehalfofparentsoranagencyforachildoradultstudent.Suchprovidersmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,tutors,psychologists,counselors,

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occupationaltherapists,educationaltherapists,physicaltherapists,nurses,andspeechtherapists.Anyrequestorinquiryforproviderstobe

permittedtobeoncampusduringtheschoolday,orifastudentisfrequentlyremovedduringtheschooldayforprivateproviderservices,shouldbesubmittedinwritingandsenttotheExecutiveDirectorofSpecialEducationandSection504ServicesforreviewbytheARD/IEPor504Committeeiftherequestisforastudentwithdisabilities.Forgeneraleducationstudents,requestsshouldbesenttotheRegionalDirectorforreview.Ifaparentorguardianremovesastudent

duringtheschoolday,orauthorizesanagencytoremoveastudentduringthedayforprivateproviderservices,timeawayfromschoolmustbeminimizedandshouldbe,totheextentpossible,providedbeforeandafterschoolsothestudentdoesnotmissinstructionaltime.

SeizuresToaddressthecareofastudentwithaseizure

disorderwhileatschoolorparticipatinginaschoolactivity,aparentmaysubmitaseizuremanagementplanandtreatmentplantotheschoolbeforethebeginningoftheschoolyearoruponenrollmentofthestudent,orassoonaspracticablefollowingadiagnosisofaseizuredisorderforthestudent.Theplanmustbedevelopedwiththeassistance

ofaphysicianandmustidentifythehealthcareservicesthestudentmayreceiveatschoolorwhileataschoolactivity;evaluatethestudent’sabilitytomanageandlevelofunderstandingoftheseizures;andbesignedbytheparentandthestudent’sphysician.

ServiceAnimalsAparentofastudentwhousesaservice/

assistanceanimalbecauseofthestudent’sdisabilitymustsubmitarequestinwritingtotheCampusDirectoratleast10businessdaysbeforebringingtheserviceanimaloncampus.Thewrittenrequestshouldcontainthefollowinginformation:

1. Thenameofthestudenthandler;2. Thetypeofserviceanimal(dogorother);3. Thenameoftheserviceanimal4. Abriefdescriptionofwhytheanimalisrequiredbecauseofadisability;

5. Abriefdescriptionoftheworkortasktheanimalhasbeentrainedtoperform.

SubstanceAbusePreventionandInterventionIfyouareworriedthatyourchildmaybeusing

orisindangerofexperimenting,using,orabusingillegaldrugsorotherprohibitedsubstances,pleasecontacttheschooloffice.Theschoolofficecanprovidealistofcommunityresourcesthatmaybeofassistancetoyou.TheTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServicesmaintainsinformationregardingchildren’smentalhealthandsubstanceabuseinterventionservicesonitsMentalHealthandSubstanceAbusewebsite:www.dshs.texas.gov/transition/mhsa.aspx.

SurveillanceCameras/VideoRecordingsForsafetypurposes,includingthemaintenance

oforderanddiscipline,surveillancecamerasmaybeusedtomonitorstudentbehaviorinclassrooms,onschoolvehicles,andschoolcommonareas.Videorecordingsmaybereviewedroutinelytodocumentstudentmisconductandusedbyschoolstaffwheninvestigatinganincident.TapesandothervideorecordingswillnotbeavailableforparentviewingduetotheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(“FERPA”).

ThreatAssessmentandSafeandSupportiveSchoolTeamThe[CampusDirector]willworkcloselywith

thecampusthreatassessmentsafeandsupportiveschoolteamtoimplementthedistrict’sthreatassessmentpolicyandprocedures,asrequiredbylaw,andshalltakeappropriatedisciplinaryactionundertheCodeofConduct.

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SECTIONIII:ACADEMICSANDGRADINGClassRank/TopTenPercent[H]Finalclassrankwillbedeterminedattheendof

thespringsemester(beforegraduation)eachschoolyear.Studentswhoareinthetop10percentoftheir

graduatingclass,orthevaledictorianofthestudent’shighschoolgraduatingclassinoneofthetwoschoolyearsprecedingtheacademicyearforwhichthestudentisseekingadmission,areeligibleforautomaticadmissiontomostpublicuniversitiesinTexasunderadmissionspolicies.Tobeeligibleforautomaticadmission,a

studentmust:1. Graduateinthetop10percentofhisorher

class;2. GraduateontheRecommended,

DistinguishedAchievementPlan,ortheFoundationHSPwithDistinguishedLevelofAchievement;

3. Enrollincollegenomorethantwoyearsaftergraduatingfromhighschool;and

4. SubmitanapplicationtoaTexaspublicuniversityforadmissionbeforetheinstitution'sapplicationdeadline(checkwiththeuniversityregardingspecificdeadlines).

StudentsadmittedthroughthisroutemaystillberequiredtoprovideAmericanCollegeTest(“ACT”)orScholasticAptitudeTest(“SAT”)scores.StudentsmayalsohavetotaketheTexasSuccessInitiativeAssessment(TSItest)unlessexemptedfromthetestrequirement.CheckwiththeadmissionsofficeregardingtheTSI,SAT,andACTrequirements.Afterastudentisadmitted,theuniversitymay

reviewthestudent'shighschoolrecordstodetermineifthestudentispreparedforcollege-levelwork.Astudentwhoneedsadditionalpreparationmayberequiredtotakeadevelopmentalcourseorinterventiontopreparethestudentforsuccessincollege-levelcourses.Admissiontoauniversitydoesnotguarantee

acceptanceintoaparticularcollegeofstudyordepartment.Rememberthatstudentsmaynotbeadmittedeveniftheyareeligible,iftheydonotmeettheadmissiondeadline.

GradeLevelClassification[H]Gradelevelclassificationofstudentsis

composedoftworequirements:• Unitsofcreditforeachgrade• Sequenceofcoursesforeachgradeandprerequisitesforeachcourseasdescribed:

Classof2018andthereafter(incomingfreshmenof2014–2015)areclassifiedbasedontheseunitsofcredit:• Sophomore: 7unitsofcredit• Junior: 13unitsofcredit• Senior: 19unitsofcredit

Grade9(Freshman)ü EnglishIü AlgebraIü BiologyorIPCü WorldGeographyü LanguageOtherThanEnglish(LOTE)1orLOTE2

ü PhysicalEducation(PE)(0.5credit)ü Electives(1.5credit)

Grade10(Sophomore)7+Creditsü EnglishIIü GeometryorMathModelsorAlgebraII(MathModelsmustbetakenbeforeAlgebraII.)

ü BiologyorIPCorChemistry(IfIPCistakeninfreshmanyear,Biologymustbetakeninsophomoreyear.IfIPCischosen,itmustbetakenbeforeChemistryandPhysics.)

ü WorldHistoryü LOTE2(mustbeinthesamelanguageasLOTE1)

ü CommunicationsApplications(Speech)(0.5credit)

ü PE(0.5credit)ü Electives(1.5or2credits)

Grade11(Junior)13+Creditsü EnglishIIIü GeometryorMathModelsorAlgebraII

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ü ChemistryorPhysicsorAstronomyorAquaticScienceorEnvironmentalSystems

ü U.S.HistorySince1877ü FineArts(1credit)ü CollegeandCareerTransitionsCourse(0.5credit)

ü Electives(1.5credits)

Grade12(Senior)19+Creditsü EnglishIVü AlgebraIIorPre-Calculusü PhysicsorAstronomyorAquaticScienceorEnvironmentalSystems

ü Government(0.5credit)ü Economics(0.5credit)ü CollegeandCareerTransitionsCourse(0.5credit)

ü Electives(0.5credit)ü CPRRequirementandanyadditionallocalcredits

Total26CreditsStudentscannotbeenrolledin2coursesin

thesamecontentareasimultaneouslywithoutapprovalfromtheVPofAcademicSystems.VariousResponsiveEdschoolbrandsmay

offeradditionalcoursesandhavemorestringentgraduationrequirementsthanthoselistedabove.RefertotheCampusHandbookSupplementfordetails.

CollegeDays[H]Highschoolstudentswhomeetthefollowing

criteriawillbeallowedtohavetwoexcuseddaysofabsenceforacollegeorArmedForcesvisitduringtheirjunioryearandtwoexcuseddaysofabsenceforacollegeorArmedForcesvisitduringtheirsenioryear:1. The studentmust have passed the required

partsoftheTAKS/EOCtestsforthepreviousyear.

2. Thestudentmustbeontracktograduateontime.

3. Thestudentmustbeclassifiedasajuniororseniorbaseduponcreditsearned.

4. Thestudentmustbepassingallcoursework.5. The studentmust have no truancy or other

attendanceproblems.

Studentsmust submit awritten request to theschool office at least two days prior to the dayrequested for a college visit so that eligibilitycriteria for an excused day of absence can beverifiedandapprovalgrantedpriortothestudentparticipatinginacollegevisit.Approvalwillnotbegranted for a college visit on a day when majorexamsare scheduled, andnopartial dayswill beapproved.The student will be required to make up any

work missed, but will not be charged with anabsence if official documentation of the visit isreceived by the school office within one week.Officialdocumentationwillbe:1. A letter on the college official letterhead

giving the student’s name, date, and reasonforvisit;and

2. An official visitation form from the collegedated with student name and signed by acollegeofficial.

If the college visit cannot bemade on the datespecifiedontheapprovedwrittenrequest,anewrequestmustbesubmittedforconsideration.

CollegeRequirements[H]Most colleges require either the American

CollegeTest(“ACT”)ortheScholasticAptitudeTest(“SAT”)foradmission.Studentsareencouragedtotalkwith school staff during their junior year todetermine the appropriate exam to take, asentranceexamsareusuallytakenattheendofthejunioryear.Prior toenrollment inaTexaspubliccollege or university,most studentsmayneed totakeanassessmenttest,suchastheTexasSuccessInitiativeAssessment(TSI).

TheACTThe ACT is a three-hour, multiple-choice test

measuring achievement in four areas: English,mathematics,reading,andsciencereasoning.Thewriting test which is optional measures skill inplanningandwritinganessay.Eachsub-testyieldsa score of 1–36. Averaging the four sub-testsproducesacompositescorethatalsoisreportedonascaleof1–36.

TheSATThe SAT (Reasoning Test) is a three-hour and

forty-five minute test of critical reading, writingand mathematical abilities administered by theCollegeBoard.Italsoincludesanoptionalessayfor

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the writing portion. Students will receive acombinedscoreintherangeof400–1600.

TheTSITheTSIisdesignedtomeasurecollege

readinessskillsintheareasofreading,writing,andmath.StudentsplanningtoenrollincollegelevelcourseworkmayneedtotaketheTSIwhichwillbeavailableinthemajorityofdistricthighschools.Texashighschoolstudentsplanningtoenrollin

collegecoursesthatcountforbothhighschoolandcollege credit under their school’s dual-credit orconcurrent enrollment program are required tomeet the program’s requirements. Theserequirements may include passing the TSI test.Consult your campus director for the district’sconcurrent enrollment policies and with yourcollegeadvisorsfortheiradmissionspolicies.Evenstudentswhowishtotakedual-creditcoursesortoconcurrentlyenrollinhighschoolandcollegemayneedtohaveTSIscorespriortoenrollingincollegecourses. TSI is not an admissions test. Itwill notlimitstudents’accesstocollege,butmaydeterminethatremedialcourseworkmustbetakenincollege.StudentsmaybeexemptfromtheTSItest iftheyscore sufficiently high on the ACT, SAT, or EOCtests.StudentsmustscoreatorabovethefollowingtobeexemptfromtheTSIAssessment:• ACT–compositescoreof23withaminimumof19onboththeEnglishandmathtests;or

• SAT–minimummathscoreof530andminimumEBRW(EvidenceBasedReadingandWriting)scoreof480;or

• STAAREndofCourse(EOC)–Checkwithcollegeadmissionsoffice.

Studentswhocompletecoursesandearncreditsthroughdual-creditprogramswillhavetotaketheappropriatestateassessments.

Non-citizen,In-stateTuitionatPublicPost-SecondaryInstitutionsinTexasEffectivesincefall2001,TexasLawHB1403

enablesimmigrantstudents,includingundocumented,toqualifyasTexasresidentsandpayin-statetuition.Thistuitionismuchlowerthanthetuitionpaidbyinternationalstudents.InAugust2005,thestateCongressapprovedanewlawSB1528thatexpandsthebenefitsofHB1403.ToqualifyunderSB1528,studentsmustmeetthefollowingfourprovisions:

• Graduatefromapublicorprivatehighschool,orreceiveaGED,inTexas;resideinTexasforatleastthe3yearsleadinguptohighschoolgraduationorreceivingaGED;

• ResideinTexasforthe12consecutivemonthsrightbeforethesemesterhe/sheisenrollingincollege;and

• Providetheinstitutionanaffidavitstatingthathe/shewillfileanapplicationtobecomeaU.S.permanentresidentassoonashe/sheiseligibletodoso.

• Otherrestrictionsmayapply.Checkwiththecounseloratyourhighschool.Thestudentmustbeeligibleforstateaid.

• CheckwithyourCampusDirectorformoreinformationonFinancialAidandScholarshipOpportunities.www.collegeforalltexans.com

CreditRecoveryAstudentwhohadpreviouslytakenacourse—

butdidnotreceivecreditforit—maybepermittedtoearncreditbypassinganexamontheessentialknowledgeandskillsdefinedforthatcourse.Priorinstructionmayinclude,forexample,incompletecourseworkduetoafailedcourseorexcessiveabsences,anon-accreditedpublicorprivateschool,correspondencecourses,orindependentstudysupervisedbyateacher.TheCampusDirectormustapprovethestudent’seligibilitytotakeanexam.Ifapprovalisgranted,thestudentmustscoreatleast70ontheexamtoreceivecreditforthecourse.Testingmaybeadministeredatanytimethroughouttheschoolyearandnodistrictapplicationisrequired.

CreditbyExamination[H]

WithoutPriorInstruction(Ifastudenthasnottakenthecourse)Astudentmaybepermittedtotakeanexamto

earncreditforanacademiccourseforwhichthestudenthashadnopriorinstruction.Astudentwillearncreditwithapassingscoreofatleast80ontheexam.Astudentmaynotattempttoearncreditbyexaminationforaspecifichighschoolcoursemorethantwotimes.Ifthestudentfailedtoearnthecredit,thestudentmustbeenrolledintheclasstocompletethecourse.Additionally,studentsarelimitedtotwocreditsbythisprocessperacademicyearandtheymusttakethe

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appropriateSTAAR/EOCtest.Testsareadministereduponsubmissionandapprovalofadistrictapplication.

GraduationExpenses[H]Becausestudentsandparentswillincur

graduationexpenses—suchasthepurchaseofinvitations,seniorring,capandgown,seniorpictures,etc.—bothstudentsandparentsshouldmonitorprogresstowardcompletionofallrequirementsforgraduation.

GraduationPrograms[H]

StudentsEnteringHighSchoolPriorto2014–2015Therearetwograduationplansavailableto

meetResponsiveEdgraduationrequirementsforstudentswhoenteredhighschoolpriortothe2014–2015schoolyear.ThosetwograduationplansaretheRecommendedHighSchoolProgram(RHSP)andtheDistinguishedAchievementProgram(DAP).[SEEADDENDUMAFORSPECIFICREQUIREMENTSOFEACHGRADUATIONPLAN]BoththeRHSPandtheDAPrequirecompletionof26creditstograduate.ResponsiveEdencouragesallstudentstotransitionfromhighschooltocollege.TheRHSPshouldbeconsideredforallstudentstohelpthemwiththeirtransition.TheDAPgoesbeyondtheRHSPrequiringadvancedschoolworkthatreflectscollegeorprofessional-levelskills.ToearntheDAPhonor,astudentmustcompletethreecreditsinthesameforeignlanguage,completespecificcoursesincorecontentareas,andcompleteacombinationoffour“advancedmeasures”.Astudentmaybepermittedtotakethe

MinimumHighSchoolProgram(MHSP)iftheparentandCampusDirectoragreeinwriting,signedbyeachparty,thatthestudentshouldbepermittedtotakecoursesundertheMinimumHighSchoolProgramandthestudent:1. Isatleast16yearsofage;2. Hascompletedtwocreditsrequiredfor

graduationineachsubjectofthefoundationcurriculum;or

3. Hasfailedtobepromotedtothetenthgradeoneormoretimesasdeterminedbytheschool.

Astudenthastherighttore-enrollintheRecommendedHighSchoolProgramorswitchtotheFoundationGraduationProgramatanytime.

StudentsEnteringHighSchool2014–2015andthereafterAnew,moreflexiblegraduationprogramthat

allowsstudentstopursuetheirinterestsisinplaceforstudentswhoenteredhighschool,beginninginthe2014–2015schoolyearandthereafter.[SEEADDENDUMBFORSPECIFICREQUIREMENTSOFEACHGRADUATIONPLAN]TheFoundationGraduationProgramincludesfourparts:1. A22creditFoundationprogramwhichisthe

coreofthenewTexashighschooldiploma2. Fiveendorsementoptionsthatallow

studentstofocusonarelatedseriesofcourses

3. AhigherperformancecategorycalledDistinguishedLevelofAchievement

4. PerformanceAcknowledgmentsthatnoteoutstandingachievement

Allincoming9thgraderswillbeenrolledundertheDistinguishedLevelofAchievementgraduationplanandmustselectanEndorsement.Endorsementsconsistofarelatedseriesofcoursesthataregroupedtogetherbyinterestorskillset.Theyprovidestudentswithin-depthknowledgeofasubjectarea.Studentscanchoosefromfiveendorsementareas:Science,Technology,EngineeringandMath(STEM);BusinessandIndustry;PublicService;ArtsandHumanities;orMultidisciplinaryStudies.TheavailabilityofendorsementswillvarybyResponsiveEdschoolbrandandlocation.Astudentmaybepermittedtotakethebasic

FoundationGraduationProgramwithoutEndorsementsand/orDistinguishedLevelsofAchievementonlyafter:1. Thestudent’ssophomoreyear;2. Thestudentandstudent’sparent(s)have

beenadvisedofthespecificbenefitsofgraduatingwithanendorsement,includingbutnotrestrictedacknowledgingthatgraduatingwithoutanendorsementmaynotsatisfytheadmissionrequirementsofmanyfour-yearuniversitiesorcolleges;

3. Thestudentandstudent’sparent(s)havesubmittedwrittenacknowledgementtotheCampusDirector,signedbyallparties,that

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thestudentshouldbepermittedtotakethebasicFoundationGraduationProgram;

AfterhavingsatisfiedtheabovecriteriatomovetotheFoundationGraduationProgramastudenthastheright—andisencouraged—topursueatanytimecourserequirementsnecessarytosatisfyanEndorsementand/orDistinguishedLevelofAchievement.

FoundationGraduationProgramTheFoundationGraduationProgram

DistinguishedLevelofAchievementallowsstudentstobestprepareforthetransitiontopost-highschooleducationorqualityworkforcetraining.Studentsmustchooseaplanandcoursesthatwillpreparethemforcollegeaccessandsuccess.Therefore,studentsenteringGrade9duringthe2014–2015schoolyearandthereaftershallbeenrolledintheFoundationDistinguishedLevelofAchievementgraduationprograminordertobebestpreparedforcollege.Itrequires26creditstoincludeatotaloffourcreditsinmath,includingAlgebraII;atotaloffourcreditsinscience;andsuccessfulcompletionofanendorsementinanareaofinterest.Furthermore,itwillalsoallowstudentstocompetefortheTop10%automaticadmissionseligibilityatmostTexasPublicUniversity.Apersonalgraduationplanwillbecompleted

foreachhighschoolstudent.GraduatingundertheFoundationGraduationProgramwillalsoprovideopportunitiestoearn“performanceacknowledgments”thatwillbeacknowledgedonastudent’stranscript.Performanceacknowledgmentsareawardedforoutstandingbilingualandbiliterateperformanceinadual-creditcourse;onanAPorIBexam;onthePSAT,ACT-Inspire,SAT,orACTexam,whicharenationalexams;orforearningastate,nationallyorinternationallyrecognizedlicenseorcertificate.Thecriteriaforearningtheseperformance

acknowledgmentsareprescribedbystaterules,andtheschoolscanprovidemoreinformationabouttheseacknowledgments.Astudentenrolledinhighschoolpriortothe2014–2015schoolyearhastheoptionofgraduatingundertheFoundationGraduationProgramratherthanthepreviousgraduatingprogramsthatwouldotherwisebeapplicabletothatstudent.(SEEADDENDUMSAandBFORSPECIFICREQUIREMENTSOFEACHGRADUATIONPLAN.)

ParticipationinGraduationCeremonyAstudentmayparticipateingraduation

ceremoniesandactivitiesonlywhenhe/shehassatisfactorilycompletedallrequiredcoursework/credit.Allrequiredcourseworkmustbecompleted3dayspriortothegraduationceremony.IfastudentlackscompletionoftheEOCtesting

requirement,theymayreturnduringthesummerschoolsessiontocompletethistestingrequirement.Ifthestudentwishestotakeadditionalcourses

inordertoobtainahighergraduationplan,theymaydosoduringthesummerschoolsession;howeverthisworkmustbecompletedduringthecurrentsummerschoolsession.Courseworkmustbecompletedtoeitherahalforfullcreditbytheendofthatcurrentsummersessionotherwisetheworkwillnotcarryovertotheupcomingyear.Participationinthegraduationceremonydoes

notconstitute“graduation”andthereceiptofadiploma.AllcourseworkandEOCrequirementsmustbemetbeforeadiplomawillbeissued.Noadditionalattireordecorationmaybeaddedtothecaporgown.Studentsthatdonothonorthisrequestwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateinthegraduationceremony.

AlumniSupportUponcompletingtheacademicrequirementsto

graduate,eachstudentisconsideredtobeamemberoftheResponsiveEdAlumniNetwork.NewgraduatesshouldvisittheAlumniNetworkwebsitehttps://responsiveed.com/alumnitolearnabouttheservicesandactivitiesprovidedforeachalumnimember.

AssessmentGraduationRequirementsAstudentwhohasfailedtheEnd-of-Course

(EOC)assessmentgraduationrequirementsfornomorethantwocoursesmayreceiveaTexashighschooldiplomaifthestudenthasqualifiedtograduatebymeansofanIndividualGraduationCommittee(IGC).AstudentmaynotgraduateunderanIGCifthestudentdidnottakeeachrequiredEOCassessmentoracommissioner-approvedsubstituteassessmentforeachcourseforwhichthereisanEOCassessment.

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InordertobeeligibleforgraduationthroughIGC,astudentmusthave:1. enteredGrade9in2011–2012schoolyear;2. successfullycompletedthecurriculum

requirementsforhighschoolgraduationapplicabletothestudentwhenthestudententeredGrade9;and

3. hasnotperformedsatisfactorilyonanassessmentinstrumentorapartofanassessmentinstrumentrequiredforhighschoolgraduation,includinganalternateassessmentinstrumentofferedunderSection39.025(c-1).

AwardingofCredit[H]Astudentmustearnaminimumaveragegrade

whichistheequivalentof70onascaleof100topassacourseandbeawardedcredit.CampusesthatutilizethePrecisionBasedMasteryLearningSystemrequirestudentstopassallUnittestsat90%orhigherforcoursecredit.Thedistricttypicallyawardscreditforafull-

credithighschoolcourseonasemester-by-semesterbasis.Ifastudentpassesonesemesterbutfailstheothersemester,creditshallbeawardedforthesemesterpassed.However,thedistrictreservestherighttoaveragethetwosemestersofafull-yearcourseandawardcreditfortheentirecourse,withapassinggrade,ifandwhendeemedappropriate.Thedistrict’sindividualizedprogramhascurriculummodulescomposedoffiveKnowledgeUnits®for½creditwhencompletedandpassed,1creditwhentenKnowledgeUnitshavebeencompletedandpassed.EligibilityforEnd-Of-CourseassessmentsisdeterminedbythecompletionofnineKnowledgeUnits—90%ofthecourse.Astudentmaynotearnmorethan10creditsinoneyearwithoutadministrativeapproval.Astudentmaynotearnmorethan2credits

duringthesummerschoolsession.

CollegeandCareerTransitionsCourse[H]Thedistricthasmadeacommitmenttoall

potentialhighschoolgraduatesandisworkingtoensurethateachgraduatingstudenthasthecapacityandconfirmationthatfutureopportunityisavailablethroughhighereducation.Tofurthertheendofpost-secondaryreadiness,all

graduatingjuniors(Grade11)andseniors(Grade12)willberequiredtocompleteone-halfcreditoftheCollegeandCareerTransitionsCourse(“CLTRGN”)orsomeapprovedalternativeequivalentaspartoftheirelectiverequirementspriortobeingconsideredeligibleforgraduation.

NavianceProgramStudentshaveaccesstoNavianceStudent.This

onlinetoolallowshighschoolstudentstoassesstheirinterestsandskills,accesscollegeandcareerinformation,communicateandapplytoinstitutionsofhigherlearning,andassembleaportfoliotobeusedintheirpathafterhighschool.RegionalCounselorsprovidesupportthroughouttheschoolyearandcontinuetobeavailabletostudentsduringtheircollegeyears.Pleasecontactyourcampusformoreinformation.

100%CollegeAcceptance[H]ResponsiveEducationSolutionsseeksgreater

opportunitiesforstudentsasthey transitiontoadulthood.Theabilitytogobeyondahighschooldiplomaandontocollegeadmissionisanimportantconsiderationforanygraduate.Eachgraduatingstudentmusthavethecapacityandconfirmationthatfutureopportunityisavailablethroughhighereducation.Therefore,eachgraduatingstudentfromaResponsiveEdcampuswillapplytoaninstitutionofhigherlearning.Theinstitutewillbeanauthenticandestablishedentitydesignedtoawardcreditsandoffercoursesofascholarlynature,i.e.,two-yearorfour-yearcolleges.SomeResponsiveEdschoolbrandsorlocationsmayhaveamorestringentexpectationforcollegeacceptances.Thecampusadministrationwillprovideresources

andassistancetostudentsduringthisprocess.Nostudentisrequiredtoattendaninstitutionofhigherlearningupongraduationfromhighschool.However,allstudentsmusthaveonfileintheschoolofficealetterorofficialdocumentofrecordthatconfirmsthestudenthasbeeninvitedandhasmetallcriteriatoattendtheinstitutionbeforetheyareeligibletoreceiveahighschooldiploma.Thedocumentedproofofadmissionmustoriginatefromthecollegeoruniversityofficialadmissionoradministrationdepartment.Thisdocumentationwillbeverifiedbythecampusadministrationbeforefinalapprovalofeligibilityfordiploma.www.applytexas.orgwww.commonapp.org

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DistanceLearning[H]AVirtualLearningProgramisavailablefor

studentsenrolledingrades3through12.PleasevisitResponsiveEducationSolutions’websitebelowtolearnmoreaboutourVirtualLearningProgram.https://responsiveed.com

PhysicalEducation

RequirementsK–8[E][M]AllstudentsingradesK–5mustengageinat

least135minutesofphysicalactivityeachweekaspartofthephysicaleducationcurriculum.Studentsingrades6–8mustengageinatleast135minutesofphysicalactivityeachweekforatleastfoursemestersduringthosegradelevelsaspartoftheschool’sphysicaleducation.

Requirements9–12[H]Studentsarerequiredtocompleteone(1)credit

inphysicaleducation(“P.E.”)andarenolongerrequiredtocompletetheFoundationsofPersonalFitness.StudentsmaycontinuetousetheFoundationscoursetofulfill(0.5)creditoftheironetotalcreditofphysicaleducationrequiredforgraduation.

PhysicalEducationExemptionShort-termexemptionfromphysicaleducation

ispossibleforstudentswhohavephysicalhandicaps,illnesses,orotherincapacitiesthataphysiciandeemssevereenoughtowarrantexemptionorsevereenoughtowarrantmodifiedactivityinsuchclasses.Eachcaseishandledonanindividualbasisasfollows:1. Eachrequestforexemptionorformodifiedactivitymustbeaccompaniedbyaphysician’scertificate.Suchcertificatesarehonored,butmustberenewedeachyear.

2. Whenthecertificatewillallowmodifiedactivitiesinclass,thestudentshouldremaininphysicaleducationclass.Theteachersadjusttheactivitiesofthestudenttothedisability.

3. Anexemptedstudentmaybeadmittedtoregularphysicaleducationactivitiesonlyuponpresentationofawrittenstatementfromthesamephysicianwhosignedtheoriginalexemption.

4. TheFoundationHSPallowsaphysicallyexemptstudenttosubstituteanacademicelectiveinELA,Math,Science,orSocialStudies.Thedecisionforthissubstitutionismadebythestudent’sARDcommittee,504committee,oradistrictapprovedgroupifnoneoftheabovegroupsareapplicable.

PhysicalEducationSubstitutions[M][H]Studentswhoreceivepriorapprovalcanearna

maximumoffourstatecreditsforphysicaleducationthroughsubstitutionofappropriateprivateorcommercially-sponsoredphysicalactivity,providedthattheprogrammeetsschoolcriteriaandisapprovedbytheCampusDirector.QuestionsregardingtheprocessofyearlyapprovalshouldbeaddressedtotheCampusDirector.

PhysicalFitnessAssessmentExceptforstudentsforwhom,asaresultof

disabilityorotherconditionidentifiedinlaw,assessmentisinappropriate,theschoolwillassessthephysicalfitnessofstudentsannually.

PromotionRequirements[E][M]Tobepromotedfromonegradeleveltothe

next,studentsshallobtainanoverallaverageof70oraboveinallfourcoresubjects(Math,ELA,ScienceandHistory).Inaddition,studentsmustreceiveaMetStandardscoreontheStateAssessmentfortheirgradelevel. Ifbothofthesecriteriaarenotmet,acommittee

leadbytheCampusDirectorwilldetermineifsummerschooland/orretentionisrequired.

RequirementsforMiddleSchool,Grades6–8

RequirementsforGradeAdvancement:Thefollowingcriteriawillbeusedtodetermine

ifastudentmaybeconsideredforgradeadvancement.MAPandstateassessmentscores,demonstrationofacademicproficiencyinallcoresubjects,aswellassocialreadinessandstudentmaturitywillbefactorsusedforconsideration.Thefinaldecisionforastudenttobypassagradewillbemadebyacommitteeconsistingoftheparent,teachers,andschooladministration.Sometypeofcreditforeachcorecoursemustbeearnedbythestudentwitheithermasteryoftestsand/or

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completionofKnowledgeUnits.Otherassessmentsmayberequiredbutwillbedeterminedonanindividualbasis.

DiagnosticReadingAssessment:AstudentinGrade7whodoesnothaveascore

forthestatewidereadingassessmentfromGrade6,orreceivedafailinggradeontheGrade6statereadingassessmentwillbeadministeredareadingdiagnosticexamduringthefirstsixweeksofschool.AdditionalreadinginstructionandinterventionwillbegiventoeachstudentinGrade7whodidnotmeetthepassingstandardontheGrade6stateassessmentinreading.Thisinterventionmaytakeplacebefore,after,orduringtheschoolday.

CriteriaforPre-APorHonorLevelCourses:Forschoolsofferinganacceleratedcoursetrack

inmathand/orreading,thefollowingcriteriaforplacementwillbeusedforstudentscompletingGrade6.AcommitteeledbytheCampusDirectorwillusepreviousMAPscores(High/HighAverage),teacherrecommendationsandSTAARresults(Master)torecommendstudentsforadvancedcourses.Studentsmustmeetsomeorallofthecriteriainordertobereviewedbythecommittee.Specificcriteriamayvarybyschoolbrand.Parentswillbecontactedwithcommitteerecommendations.

ReportCardsParentsmustbekeptinformedabouttheir

student'sgrades,overallperformance,andabsences.Therefore,reportcardswillbesenttoparentsatintervalscorrespondingwiththegradingperiodlengthusedatanygivenschool,typicallyrangingfromsix-weektonine-weekintervals.Parentsarerequestedtoscheduleaconferencewiththeirstudent’steacherifheorsheisnotmakingadequateprogress.Gradesissuedbyaclassroomteacherarefinalandmaynotbechangedunlessthegradeisarbitrary,erroneous,ornotconsistentwiththeschoolpolicyapplicabletothegrade,asdeterminedbytheBoardofTrustees.

Bilingual/ESLServicesTheschooloffersBilingualEducationand

EnglishasaSecondLanguage(ESL)servicestostudentswhoareEnglishLanguageLearners(ELLs).StudentswithaHomeLanguageSurveyindicatingalanguageotherthanEnglishforeitherthestudentand/orhomelanguageareassessedwithastate-approvedassessment.TheresultsofthatassessmentdetermineifastudentqualifiesforidentificationasanESLandwhetherornotBilingual/ESLservicesareoffered.ParentshavearighttoacceptordenyBilingual/ESLservices,butmaynotdenytheELidentification.

ThepurposeofboththeBilingualandESLprogramistoaddresstheaffective,linguistic,andcognitiveneedsofEnglishLearners.ThegoalofbilingualeducationprogramsistoenableEnglishLearnerstobecomecompetentinlistening,speaking,reading,andwritingintheEnglishlanguagethroughthedevelopmentofliteracyandacademicskillsintheprimarylanguageandEnglish.ThegoalofESLprogramsshallbetoenable

Englishlearnerstobecomecompetentinlistening,speaking,reading,andwritingintheEnglishlanguagethroughtheintegrateduseofsecondlanguageacquisitionmethods.TheESLprogramshallemphasizethemasteryofEnglishlanguageskills,aswellasmathematics,science,andsocialstudies,asintegralpartsoftheacademicgoalsforallstudentstoenableEnglishlearnerstoparticipateequitablyinschool.

StudentsWhoHaveLearningDifficultiesorWhoNeedSpecialEducationorSection504ServicesFor thosestudentswhoarehavingdifficulty in

theregularclassroom,allschooldistrictsandopenenrollmentcharterschoolsmustconsidertutorial,compensatory, and other academic or behaviorsupportservicesthatareavailabletoallstudents,including a process based on Response toIntervention(RtI).TheimplementationofRtIhasthe potential to have a positive impact on theabilityofdistrictsandcharterschoolstomeettheneedsofallstrugglingstudents. Ifastudentisexperiencinglearningdifficulties,

his or her parent may contact the individual(s)listed below to learn about the school’s overall

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generaleducationreferralorscreeningsystemforsupport services. This system links students to avariety of support options, including making areferralforaspecialeducationevaluationorforaSection504evaluationtodetermineifthestudentneedsspecificaids,accommodations,orservices.Aparent may request an evaluation for specialeducationorSection504servicesatanytime.

SpecialEducationReferralsIfaparentmakesawrittenrequestforaninitial

evaluationforspecialeducationservicestothedirectorofspecialeducationservicesoranadministrativeemployeeoftheschooldistrictoropenenrollmentcharterschool,thedistrictorcharterschoolmustrespondnolaterthan15schooldaysafterreceivingtherequest.Atthattime,thedistrictorcharterschoolmustgivetheparentapriorwrittennoticeofwhetheritagreestoorrefusestoevaluatethestudent,alongwithacopyoftheNoticeofProceduralSafeguards.Iftheschooldistrictorcharterschoolagreestoevaluatethestudent,itmustalsogivetheparenttheopportunitytogivewrittenconsentfortheevaluation.Pleasenotethatarequestforaspecial

educationevaluationmaybemadeverballyanddoesnotneedtobeinwriting.Districtsandcharterschoolsmuststillcomplywithallfederalpriorwrittennoticeandproceduralsafeguardrequirementsandtherequirementsforidentifying,locating,andevaluatingchildrenwhoaresuspectedofbeingachildwithadisabilityandinneedofspecialeducation.However,averbalrequestdoesnotrequirethedistrictorcharterschooltorespondwithinthe15-school-daytimeline. Ifthedistrictorcharterschooldecidesto

evaluatethestudent,itmustcompletethestudent’sinitialevaluationandevaluationreportnolaterthan45schooldaysfromthedayitreceivesaparent’swrittenconsenttoevaluatethestudent.However,ifthestudentisabsentfromschoolduringtheevaluationperiodforthreeormoreschooldays,theevaluationperiodwillbeextendedbythenumberofschooldaysequaltothenumberofschooldaysthatthestudentisabsent.

Thereisanexceptiontothe45-school-daytimeline.Ifadistrictorcharterschoolreceivesaparent’sconsentfortheinitialevaluationatleast35butlessthan45schooldaysbeforethelastinstructionaldayoftheschoolyear,itmust

completethewrittenreportandprovideacopyofthereporttotheparentbyJune30ofthatyear.However,ifthestudentisabsentfromschoolforthreeormoredaysduringtheevaluationperiod,theJune30duedatenolongerapplies.Instead,thegeneraltimelineof45schooldaysplusextensionsforabsencesofthreeormoredayswillapply. Uponcompletingtheevaluation,thedistrictor

charterschoolmustgivetheparentacopyoftheevaluationreportatnocost. Additionalinformationregardingspecial

educationisavailablefromthedistrictorcharterschoolina companiondocumenttitledParent’sGuidetotheAdmission,Review,andDismissalProcess.

ContactPersonforSpecialEducationReferralsThedesignatedpersontocontactregarding

optionsforachildexperiencinglearningdifficultiesorareferralforevaluationforspecialeducationservicesis:ContactPerson:SpecialEducationDirectorPhoneNumber:(972)316-3663

Section504ReferralsEachschooldistrictorcharterschoolmusthave

standards and procedures in place for theevaluation and placement of students in thedistrict’sorcharterschool’sSection504program.Districtsandcharterschoolsmustalsoimplementa system of procedural safeguards that includesnotice,anopportunityforaparentorguardiantoexamine relevant records, an impartial hearingwithanopportunityforparticipationbytheparentorguardianandrepresentationbycounsel,andareviewprocedure.

ContactPersonforSection504ReferralsThedesignatedpersontocontactregarding

optionsforastudentexperiencinglearningdifficultiesorregardingareferralforevaluationforSection504servicesis: ContactPerson:Section504ServicesDirector PhoneNumber:(972)316-3663

DyslexiaandRelatedDisordersThedistrict/charterschoolfollowstheState’s

DyslexiaHandbookregardingthescreening,identification,andtreatmentofstudentswithdyslexiaandotherrelateddisorders.Evaluation

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fordyslexiaandotherrelateddisordersmayberequestedbyparentsorschoolstaff.Contactthecampusadministratorformoreinformation.

AdditionalInformation Thefollowingwebsitesprovideinformationand

resourcesforstudentswithdisabilitiesandtheirfamilies. • LegalFrameworkfortheChild-CenteredSpecialEducationProcesshttps://fw.esc18.net/display/Webforms/ESC18-FW-LandingPage.aspx

• PartnersResourceNetworkhttps://prntexas.org/

• SpecialEducationInformationCenterhttps://www.spedtex.org/

• TexasProjectFirsthttps://www.texasprojectfirst.org/

• TexasDyslexiaHandbookhttps://tea.texas.gov/academics/dyslexia/

ServicesforTitleIParticipantsTheParentInvolvementCoordinatorwho

workswithparentsofstudentsparticipatinginTitleIprogramsistheCampusDirectorandmaybecontactedattheschool.

StateAssessments

Grades3–8[E][M]Studentsingrades3through8willtakestate-

mandatedtestsaswellasroutinetestingandothermeasuresofachievement:1. Mathematics,annuallyinGrades3–8;2. Reading,annuallyinGrades3–8;3. Writing,includingspellingandgrammar,in

Grades4and7;4. SocialStudiesinGrade8;5. ScienceinGrades5and8Certainstudents—somewithdisabilitiesand

somewithLimitedEnglishProficiency—maybeeligiblefordesignatedsupportduringtheSTAARtest.TheStudentSuccessInitiative(SSI)grade

advancementrequirementsapplytogrades5and8studentswhotaketheSTAARreadingandmathematicstests.Statelawrequiresastudentmayadvancetothenextgradelevel

onlybypassingthesetestsorbyunanimousdecisionofhisorhergradeplacementcommittee.

Grades9–12[H]STAARStudentsenteringGrade9beginningwiththe

2011–2012schoolyearwillberequiredtotakefive(5)End-of-Course(“EOC”)assessmentsduringhighschool.ThesestudentswilltakethefollowingEOCexams:1. EnglishI2. EnglishII3. AlgebraI4. Biology5. U.S.HistoryCertainstudents—somewithdisabilities

andsomewithLimitedEnglishProficiency—maybeeligibleforanaccommodatedversionoftheSTAARtest.

EXITLEVELTAKSStudentsinGrades11and12whowere

classifiedasGrade9priortothe2011–2012schoolyearwillnolongertaketheTexasAssessmentofKnowledgeandSkills(TAKS)ExitLeveltests.Beginningwiththe2017–2018schoolyear,theTexasAssessmentofKnowledgeandSkills(TAKS)assessmentswillnolongerbeadministered.StudentsforwhomTAKSisagraduation

requirement,includingformerTAASandTEAMSexaminees,maypursuethefollowingoptionstoreceiveaTexashighschooldiploma.1. Achievesatisfactoryperformanceonan

alternateassessment.ThealternateassessmentsallowedforTAKSareSAT,ACT,TSI,andSTAAR.FormerTAKS,TAAS,andTEAMSexamineesshouldtakeonlytheappropriatepartofthealternativeassessmentheorsheneedstofulfilltestinggraduationrequirements.MoreinformationisavailableintheTexasAdministrativeCode§101.4003.

2. RequestadistrictdecisionfromtheLocalGraduationCommittee(expires9/1/2019)

TexasEnglishLanguageProficiencyAssessmentSystem(“TELPAS”)TELPASassessestheEnglishlanguage

proficiencyofK–12ELLsinfourlanguage

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domains—listening,speaking,reading,andwriting.EnglishlanguageproficiencyassessmentsingradesK–12arefederallyrequiredtoevaluatetheprogressthatELLsmakeinbecomingproficientintheuseofacademicEnglish.TheassessmentcomponentsforgradesK–1and2–12differinthefollowingways:• GradesK–1:TELPASincludesholisticallyratedlistening,speaking,reading,andwritingassessmentsbasedonongoingclassroomobservationsandstudentinteractions.

• Grades2–12:TELPASincludesmultiple-choiceonlinereadingassessment,listeningandspeakingassessment,andholisticallyratedstudentwritingcollections.

StudentSuccessTeamTheStudentSuccessTeamisacampus-level

committeecomprisedoftheDirectorandotherkeypersonneloneachcampus.Committeemembersevaluatestudentacademicprogressbasedonvariousdiagnosticdata.Recommendationsforindividualaccommodationsand/ortoinitiatetheRTIprocessarethenmade.Allrequestsforspecialeducationscreening/testingbeginwiththiscommittee.

Dual-CreditProgramStudentsmayearndualcredit,i.e.,credittoward

highschoolandcollegesimultaneously,througheitherpartnershipswithneighboringcollegesorthroughvirtualcourses.StudentswhoearncreditthroughthisoptionwillstillhavetotaketheappropriateSTAAR/EOCtest.StudentsshouldcontacttheirCampusDirectorformoreinformation.

Transcripts[H]Thehighschooltranscriptisanofficialand

permanentrecordofastudent’sacademicperformanceduringhighschooland,insomecases,ofhighschoolcoursescompletedpriortohighschool(TEC§28.025(e)).Theschoolmaintainsascompleteasetof

recordsaspossibletoassistinstudentguidance.Theacademicachievementrecord(transcript)foreachstudentenrolledlistscompletepersonalstudentdataandgivescompletescholasticgrades.

Everystudentwhograduatesisentitledtotwofreetranscripts.Foradditionaltranscripts,pleasecontactthecampussecretary.

TutorialsStudentsareencouragedandmayberequired

toseeteachersfortutoringschedules,includingmandatorytutoringafterschooloronSaturday.Privatetutoringistheresponsibilityofthe

parent.Teachersarenotpermittedtotutortheirstudentsprivatelyforpay.

MandatoryTutorialsEachcampuswillimplementtheassignedand

prescribedtutorialprogram.Studentsidentifiedformandatorytutoring,eitherduringtheschoolweekoronSaturdays,mustattend.Failuretoparticipateappropriatelyinthetutoringsystemmaybegroundsfordisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingdismissalfromtheschool.

HonorGraduateCertificate[H]TheTexasEducationAgencyallowseachpublic

andaccreditednon-publichighschoolinTexasone"HonorGraduateCertificate."ThisCertificateshallbepresentedtothehighest-rankinggraduateintheseniorclass.Undernocircumstancesshouldastudentrankedlowerthan"highest"beawardedthishonor.Thehighest-rankinggraduateshouldreceiveaCertificateandadeclarationdocumentauthorizingthepresidentofanystate-supportedcollegeoruniversitytoprovideawaiverfortuitionasspecifiedinthelaw(TEC,§54.301).Somenon-state-supportedcollegesanduniversitiesmayalsorecognizethisawardandprovidethetuitionwaiver.Studentsshouldpresentthedeclarationdocumenttothecollegeoruniversityuponadmissionandretainthecertificateforpersonaluse.Therecipientofthishonormust:1. Beenrolledinaminimumofthree

consecutivecalendarsemesterspriortograduationandmeetstateandschoolattendancerequirements;

2. BegraduatingundertheRecommended,theDistinguishedAchievementPlan,ortheFoundationHSP,DistinguishedLevelofAchievement;

3. Bethehighest-rankinggraduatewiththehighestgradepointaverage(“GPA”)ofall

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studentsmeetingtheaforementionedcriteria.Indetermininggradepointaverage,undernoconditionwilltheGPAberoundedup.

4. HavetakenandpassedallstateEndofCourse(EOC)assessments.

Allcalculationsforthishonorwillbeconductedattheendofthespringsemester(beforegraduation)eachschoolcalendaryear.Aneligiblestudentmusthaveattendedatleastoneofthecalendarsemestersduringtheschoolyearthatthehonorisgranted.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian[H]Thefollowingistheselectionmethodto

determinethevaledictorianandsalutatorianfortheschool:1. Thestudentwhoisselectedasthehighest-

rankinggraduateeligibletoreceivetheHonorGraduateCertificatewillserveasvaledictorian,withthesecondhighest-rankinggraduateservingassalutatorian.

2. BoththevaledictorianandsalutatorianmusthavebeenenrolledintheResponsiveEdschoolfornolessthanthreeconsecutivecalendarsemesterswithnobreaksinenrollmentorallsemesterstheschoolhasbeenopened,iffewerthanthreeconsecutivecalendarsemesters.Inaddition,anadministrativecommitteewillreview,onacasebycasebasis,situationsthatmayariserelatingtotheenrollmentcriteria.Atypicalcommitteewouldconsistofthedistrictregistrar,VPofAcademics,DistrictDatarepresentative,BrandSuperintendentand/orRegionalDirector.Allcommitteedecisionswillbefinal.

3. Bythedateofgraduation,boththevaledictorianandsalutatorianmusthavemetallTexasStateGraduationrequirements,includingthepassingofallstateassessmentrequirements.AstudentqualifiedtograduateviaanIndividualizedGraduationCommittee(IGC)shallnotbeeligiblefor

valedictorian/salutatorianhonors.Inaddition,studentsseekingtobeconsideredforthishonorcannotutilizetheLOTEsubstitutionunlessdeemednecessarybythestudent’s504orARDcommittee.

4. ThestudentwiththehighestcumulativegradepointaveragegraduatingundertheRecommended,DistinguishedAchievementPlan,ortheFoundationHSP,DistinguishedLevelofAchievementwillbeselectedasvaledictorian,withthesecond-rankingstudentservingassalutatorian.UndernocircumstancewillastudentwithahigherGPAwhoisgraduatingundertheMinimumGraduationProgramortheFoundationHSPwithnoendorsementrankhigherthanastudentgraduatingundertheRecommended,DistinguishedAchievementPlan,ortheFoundationHSPDistinguishedLevelofAchievement.

5. InthecasewherenostudentsaregraduatingundertheRecommended,DistinguishedAchievementPlan,ortheFoundationHSPwithEndorsement,DistinguishedLevelofAchievement,thestudentwiththehighestcumulativegradepointaverageoutofallgraduatingseniorswillbeselectedvaledictorian,andthestudentwiththenexthighestGPAwillserveassalutatorian.Ifnoqualifyingstudenthasa3.0orhigherGPA,nohonorgraduatewillbeawarded.Valedictoriansandsalutatoriansgraduatingoutsideoftheseplanswillnotreceiveanhonorgraduatecertificate.

Allcalculationsforthishonorwillbeconductedattheendofthespringsemester(beforegraduation)eachschoolyear.Anystudentwantingtobeconsideredforthishonormusthavecompletedallcourseworktwoweekspriortograduation.Aneligiblestudentmusthaveattendedatleastoneofthecalendarsemestersduringtheschoolyearthatthehonorisgranted.GradePointAveragewillbecalculatedinaccordancewiththeexistingpolicyadoptedbytheBoardofTrustees.

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ADDENDUMAStudentsEnteringHighSchoolin2013–2014andPrior

MinimumHighSchoolProgram,RecommendedHighSchoolProgramAndDistinguishedAchievementProgram

CurriculumAreasMinimumHighSchoolProgram

(MHSP)

RecommendedHighSchoolProgram

(RHSP)

DistinguishedAchievement

Program(DAP)1English/LanguageArts 4 4 4Mathematics2 3 4 4Science3 2 4 4SocialStudies4 3 4 4PhysicalEducation5 1 1 1Speech6 0.5 0.5 0.5CollegeTransitions 0.5 0.5 0.5AcademicElective 1 0 0LanguagesotherthanEnglish(LOTE)7 0 2 3

FineArts8 1 1 1Electives 6 5 4TOTAL 22 26 26

1Effectivewiththefreshmanin2011–2012andbeyond,theDistinguishedAchievementProgram(DAP)recognizesstudentswhodemonstratelevelsofperformanceequivalenttothoseofcollegestudentsorworkdonebyprofessionalsintheareasofart,science,business,industry,orcommunityservice.

2ThemathematicsrequirementsforRHSPandDAPareAlgebraI,Geometry,andAlgebraII.ThefourthmathematicscreditforRHSPmaybeMathModelswithApplications;however,itmustbesuccessfullycompletedpriortoAlgebraII.MMAwillNOTcountasoneofthefourmathematicscreditsfortheDAP.ThefourthmathematicsclassforDAPmaybeselectedfromthefollowinglistaftermeetingcoursepre-requisitesandsuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraI,Geometry,andAlgebraII:Pre-Calculus,APStatistics,APCalculusAB,APCalculusBC,AdvancedQuantitativeReasoning,APComputerScience,IndependentStudyinMathematics,orconcurrentenrollmentinarelatedcollegecourse.

3FoursciencecoursesfortheRHSPorDAPmustbeselectedfromthefollowingareaswithnomorethanonecreditchosenfromeachoftheareastosatisfythisrequirement:• OnecreditmustbeaBiologycredit(BiologyorAPBiologyorIBBiology)• OnecreditmustbeaChemistrycredit(ChemistryorAPChemistryorIBChemistry)• OnecreditmustbeaPhysicscredit(Physics,APPhysics,PrinciplesofTechnologyorIBPhysics)• ThefourthsciencecreditforRHSPmaybeIPC;however,itmustbesuccessfullycompletedpriortochemistryandphysics.IPCwillnotcountasoneoffoursciencecreditsfortheDAP.

4CoursesmustincludeWorldGeographyStudies,WorldHistoryStudies,U.S.HistoryStudiessinceReconstruction,andU.S.GovernmentandEconomicswithEmphasisontheFreeEnterpriseSystemanditsBenefits.

5AstudentmayonlyearncreditforaspecificTEKS-basedPEcourseonetime(i.e.,nomorethanfourcreditstotal).StateBoardofEducationadministrativerulescontinuetoallowcertainsubstitutionsforTEKS-basedP.E.courses.Regardlessofwhichsubstitutionactivitiesastudentparticipatesin,thestudentmaynotearnmorethanatotaloffourcreditstowardgraduationforP.E.substitutions.

6OnlyCommunicationsApplicationsorProfessionalCommunicationsintheCareerandTechnologyProgram(CTE)meettheSpeechrequirement.

7ThreecreditsofthesamelanguagearerequiredfortheDAP,butonlytwocreditsofthesamelanguagearerequiredfortheRHSP.StudentswhosuccessfullycompleteLevelIofaforeignlanguageinGrade8willbeawardedonestategraduationcreditthatmaybecountedtowardtherequiredforeignlanguagecourses.Thisgraduationcreditwillcounttowardthe26totalcreditsneededforgraduation.

8OneFineArtscreditwhichmaybesatisfiedbyanycourseinChapter117,SubchapterCrelatingtotheTexasEssentialKnowledgeandSkillsforFineArts(i.e.,ArtI–IV,MusicI–IV,TheaterI–IV,DanceI–IV,etc.)isrequiredforgraduation.CareerandTechnicalEducation(CTEcourse)PrinciplesandElementsofFloralDesignisalsoanoptionforthefineartscreditforstudentsentering2012–2013andbeyond.Note:ForstudentswhoenteredGrade9in2010–2011orthereafter,andaregraduatingundertheMinimumHighSchoolProgram,oneFineArtscreditisrequired.

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ADDENDUMBStudentsEnteringHighSchoolin2014–2015andThereafter

FoundationGraduationProgram,Endorsements,andDistinguishedLevelofAchievement

CurriculumAreas FoundationGraduationProgram

FoundationGraduationProgramEndorsement(s)1

FoundationGraduationwith

DistinguishedLevelofAchievement2

English/LanguageArts 4 4 4Mathematics 3 4 4Science 3 4 4SocialStudies,includingEconomics 3 4 4

PhysicalEducation3 1 1 1Speech 0.5orDemonstrated

proficiency0.5orDemonstrated

proficiency0.5orDemonstrated

proficiencyCollegeTransitions 0.5 0.5 0.5LanguagesotherthanEnglish(LOTE)4 2 2 2

FineArts 1 1 1Electives 4 5 4TOTAL 22 26 26

1AvailableEndorsements:• Science,Technology,Engineering,andMath(STEM)• BusinessandIndustry• PublicServices• ArtsandHumanities• MultidisciplinaryStudiesAstudentmustspecifyuponenteringGrade9theendorsementheorshewishestopursue.

2InordertoobtaintheDistinguishedLevelofAchievementundertheFoundationGraduationProgram,whichwillbedenotedonastudent’s transcript and is a requirement to be considered for automatic admission purposes to a Texas four-year college oruniversity,astudentmustcompleteanendorsementandtakeAlgebraIIasoneofthefourmathematicscredits.

3AstudentwhoisunabletoparticipateinphysicalactivityduetoadisabilityorillnessmaybeabletosubstituteacourseinEnglishlanguagearts,mathematics,science,socialstudies,oranotherlocallydeterminedcredit-bearingcoursefortherequiredcreditofphysical education.Thisdeterminationwillbemadeby thestudent’s ARDcommittee,Section504committee,orothercampuscommittee,asapplicable.

4 Students are required to earn two credits in the same language other than English to graduate. A student may use computerprogramminglanguagesforthisrequirement.Inlimitedcircumstances,astudentmaybeabletosubstitutethisrequirementwithothercoursesas determinedbya district committeeauthorized by law tomake these decisions for thestudent. StudentswhosuccessfullycompleteLevelIofaforeignlanguageinGrade8willbeawardedonestategraduationcreditthatmaybecountedtowardtherequiredforeignlanguagecourses.Thisgraduationcreditwillcounttowardthetotalcreditsneededforgraduation.

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SECTIONIV:STUDENTCODEOFCONDUCT

PrefaceTofunctionproperly,educationmustprovide

anequallearningopportunityforallstudentsbyrecognizing,valuing,andaddressingtheindividualneedsofeverystudent.Inadditiontotheregularcurriculum,principlesandpracticesofgoodcitizenshipmustbetaughtandmodeledbytheschoolstaff.Thisincludesanappreciationfortherightsofothers.However,noschoolorschoolsystemcan

dischargetheseresponsibilitiesifitpermitsstudentstoactinanobjectionablemannerortodisregardrulesandregulationsadoptedforthebenefitofallpersons.TheschoolhasboththeresponsibilityandauthoritytoenforcetheStudentCodeofConduct,questionstudents,counselthem,andassigndisciplinewhendeemedappropriate.Studentsliveandfunction,asdoadults,inthe

generalcommunity.Ascitizens,studentsareentitledtooursociety’sbenefits;butascitizens,theyarealsosubjecttoitsnational,state,andlocallawsandrulesgoverningvariousaspectsoftheirconduct.Notalllawsareeasytofollow,norneedonenecessarilyagreewitheachandeverylaworrule.Oftenalaworaruleseemsunjustorinappropriate,butthelaworrulemustbeobeyed.Inmuchthesamemanner,studentsliveand

functioninasecondcommunityaswell—namely,theschoolcommunity.Educationconfersitsownbenefits,butit,too,requiresacceptanceofindividualresponsibilities.Itmustatthesametimehaveanorderlyandmanageableframeworkwithinwhichtooperate.Therulesandstandardssetforthinthis

Handbookapplytoconduct:1. onschoolpremisesoronschoolvehiclesor

involvingschoolproperty,2. offschoolpremiseswhichdirectlyaffects

otherstudentsortheschool,and3. atschoolfunctionsofanykind.ThisHandbookdoesnotdefinealltypesand

aspectsofstudentbehavior;however,theBoardofTrusteeshastheresponsibilitytosetforthpolicies,rules,andregulationstohelpeachstudentconducthimselforherselfinapropermannerasagoodcitizenoftheschoolcommunity.Ifchangesinstatelawbecomeeffectiveafterthe

printingofthisHandbook,thestatelawwillsupersedethelocalpolicy.TheBoardofTrusteesandtheSuperintendent

mayestablishwrittenpolicies,rules,andregulationsofgeneralapplicationgoverningstudentconductinallschools.Inaddition,eachCampusDirector,withinhisorherschool,mayestablishcertainrulesandregulationsnotinconsistentwiththoseestablishedbytheBoardandtheSuperintendent.Anyconductthatcausesorcreatesareasonable

likelihoodthatitwillcauseasubstantialdisruptioninormaterialinterferencewithanyschoolfunction,activity,orpurpose,orthatinterferesorcreatesareasonablelikelihoodthatitwillinterferewiththehealth,safety,orwell-beingortherightsofotherstudentsisprohibited.AteachermaysendastudenttotheCampus

Director’sofficetomaintaineffectivedisciplineintheclassroom.Inaddition,ateachermayremovefromclassastudent:1. whohasbeendocumentedbytheteacherto

repeatedlyinterferewiththeteacher’sabilitytocommunicateeffectivelywiththestudentsintheclassorwiththeabilityofthestudent’sclassmatestolearn;or

2. whosebehaviortheteacherdeterminesissounruly,disruptive,orabusivethatitseriouslyinterfereswiththeteacher’sabilitytocommunicateeffectivelywiththestudentsintheclassorwiththeabilityofthestudent’sclassmatestolearn.

TheBoardofTrusteeshasauthorizeddetention,in-schoolandout-of-schoolsuspension,andexpulsionasmethodsofdiscipliningstudents.TheBoardofTrusteeshasalsogivenauthoritytotheSuperintendentorhisdesigneetouseanyotherdisciplinaryactionswhich,inhisorherjudgment,isappropriatefortheviolation.

ResponsibilitiesofStaff,Parents,andStudentsEachmemberoftheschoolcommunitymust

fulfillcertainresponsibilitiesifapositivelearningenvironmentistobeachieved.Acooperative

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relationshipamongstaff,parent,andstudentrequiresthat:

SchoolStaff1. maintainanatmosphereconducivetogood

behavior;2. areinregularattendanceandontime,and

arepreparedtoperformtheirdutieswithappropriateworkingmaterials;

3. exhibitanattitudeofrespecttowardindividualsandpropertyandconductthemselvesinaresponsiblemanner;

4. planaflexiblecurriculumtomeettheneedsofallstudents;

5. promoteeffectivetraininganddisciplinebaseduponfairandimpartialtreatmentofallstudents;

6. encourageparentstokeepinregularcommunicationwiththeschoolandencourageparentalparticipationinschoolaffairs;

7. developacooperativeworkingrelationshipamongstaffandstudents;and

8. obeyschoolpoliciesandregulations.

Parents1. ensuretheirstudent’scompliancewith

schoolattendancerequirementsandpromptlyreportandexplainabsencesandtardiestotheschool;

2. assisttheirchildinbeingproperlyattired;3. takeanactiveinterestintheoverallschool

program;4. communicateregularlywiththeschool

concerningtheirstudent’sconductandprogress;

5. discussreportcardsandworkassignmentswiththeirstudent;

6. bringtotheattentionofschoolauthoritiesanyproblemorconditionthataffectstheirstudent;

7. maintainup-to-datehome,work,andemergencytelephonenumbersattheschool;

8. cooperatewiththeCampusDirectorandteachersintheireffortstoachieveandmaintainaqualityschoolsystem;and

9. providetransportationfortheirstudenttoandfrommandatorytutorialsandSaturdayschool.

Students1. attendallclassesdailyandontime;2. prepareforeachclass,takingappropriate

materialsandassignmentstoclass;3. meetschoolstandardsofgroomingand

dress;4. exhibitanattitudeofrespectandcourtesy

towardindividualsandproperty,andconductthemselvesinaresponsiblemanner,alwaysexercisingself-discipline;

5. refrainfrommakingprofane,insulting,threatening,orinflammatoryremarks;

6. refrainfromengagingindisruptiveconductorcheating;

7. obeyallschoolandclassroomrules;8. seekchangesinschoolpoliciesand

regulationsinanorderlyandresponsiblemannerthroughapprovedchannels;

9. respecttherightsandprivilegesofstudents,teachers,andotherstaffandvolunteers;

10. cooperatewithandassisttheschoolstaffinmaintainingsafety,order,anddiscipline;and

11. adheretotherequirementsoftheStudentCodeofConduct.

JurisdictionTheschoolmaydisciplineastudentforany

violationoftheStudentCodeofConductcommittedwhileastudentis:1. onschoolproperty;2. within300feetofschoolpropertyas

measuredfromanypointontherealpropertyboundaryline;

3. duringtheregularschoolday,includinglunchperiods,nomatterwhenorwhereittakesplace

4. attendinganyschool-relatedorschool-sponsoredactivitynomatterwhenorwhereittakesplace;includingwhilethestudentisintransittoandfromtheactivity;

5. onthepropertyofanotherschool;6. attendinganotherschool’sschool-sponsored

orschool-relatedactivity;or7. whenastudentengagesincyberbullying,as

providedinstatelaw;8. offschoolproperty,if

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a. theviolationcausesamaterialand/orsubstantialdisruptionatschool,or

b. itisreasonablyforeseeabletoschoolofficialsthattheviolationwillcauseamaterialand/orsubstantialdisruptionatschool.

TheschoolmayalsodisciplineastudentforanyoffenselistedinSections37.006(a)or37.007(a),(b),and(d)oftheTEC,nomatterwhenorwheretheoffensetakesplace.

CodeofConductViolations

AbuseActionsorthreatsofactionswhichconstitute

verbalorphysicalabuseofanyemployeeorvolunteeroftheschoolbyastudentoranyotherindividualwillnotbetolerated.Appropriatemeasuresnecessarytocorrectthesesituationsshallbetakenbytheschool,includingexpulsion.

AcademicDishonestyStudentsfoundtohaveengagedinacademic

dishonestyshallbesubjecttogradepenaltiesonassignmentsortestsanddisciplinarypenaltiesinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.Academicdishonestyincludescheatingor

copyingtheworkofanotherstudent;plagiarism;possessing,viewing,ordistributingpictures,textmessages,ore-mailsoftestcontentoranswerkeys;andunauthorizedcommunicationbetweenstudentsduringanexamination.Thedeterminationthatastudenthasengagedinacademicdishonestyshallbebasedonthejudgmentoftheclassroomteacherorothersupervisingprofessionalemployee,takingintoconsiderationwrittenmaterials,observation,orinformationfromstudents.

AlcoholicBeveragesAnystudentfoundtohavesold,given,delivered,

beeninpossessionof,orbeenundertheinfluenceofanyalcoholicbeveragewhileinschoolorwhileaparticipantinorspectatorofaschool-sponsoredevent,shallbesubjecttodisciplinarypenaltiesinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.An“alcoholicbeverage”meansanybeveragecontainingalcohol,includingwineorbeer.Astudentisconsidered“inpossession”ifheorshehascontactwiththealcoholregardlessoftheamountoftimeitisinthestudent’spossession.Ifastudentbecomesinpossessionofalcohol,heorsheneedsto

immediatelyinformanadultoncampus.Thesmellofalcoholdetectableonone’sbreathissufficientevidencetoindicatebeing“undertheinfluence.”

BomborTerroristicThreatsAnythreatofthistypewillnotbetolerated.A

studentmakingabomborterroristicthreatwillbesubjecttoexpulsionanddealtwithtothefullextentofthelaw.Theschoolwillnotifytheparentofeachstudentatthecampusiftheschoolreceivesabombthreatorterroristicthreatrelatingtoacampusorotherschoolfacilityatwhichstudentsarepresent.

ConductWhileRidinginSchoolVehiclesTheCampusDirectorshalltakestepsto

maintainacceptablestudentconductwhileridingaschoolvehicle.StudentswhofailtofollowthebehavioralstandardsdescribedinthisHandbook(see“Transportation,”p.16)maybedeniedtheprivilegeofschooltransportation.Parentalinvolvementwillbesoughtbeforeastudentisexcludedfromridingaschoolvehicle,exceptinsituationsinvolvingaflagrantviolation.Flagrantviolationsincludefighting,grossinsubordination,andotheractsthatmaycauseasafetyhazard.Itshouldbeunderstoodbyallthatthedriverhastheresponsibilityformaintainingorderinhisorherschoolvehicle.ItisthedutyoftheCampusDirector—notthedriver—toexcludeastudentfromridingaschoolvehicle.However,thedriverisnotprohibitedfromexercisingreasonablejudgmentinordertoprotectotherpassengersfrombodilyharm.

DisruptiveActivityInordertoprotectstudentsafetyandsustainan

educationalprogramfreefromdisruption,statelawpermitstheschooltotakeactionagainstanyperson—studentornon-student—who:1. interfereswiththemovementofpeopleinan

exit,anentrance,orahallwayofaschoolbuildingwithoutauthorizationfromtheCampusDirector;

2. interfereswithanauthorizedactivitybyseizingcontrolofallorpartofabuilding;

3. usesforce,violence,orthreatsinanattempttopreventparticipationinanauthorizedassembly;

4. usesforce,violence,orthreatstocausedisruptionduringanassembly;

5. interfereswiththemovementofpeopleatanexitoranentrancetoschoolproperty;

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6. usesforce,violence,orthreatsinanattempttopreventpeoplefromenteringorleavingschoolpropertywithoutauthorizationfromtheCampusDirector;

7. disruptstheconductofclassesorotherschoolactivitieswhileonschoolpropertyoronpublicpropertythatiswithin500feetofschoolproperty(disruptionincludesmakingloudnoises;enticing,attemptingtoentice,preventing,orattemptingtopreventastudentfromattendingarequiredclassorschoolactivity;enteringaclassroomwithouttheconsentofeithertheCampusDirectorortheteacherand,througheitheractsofmisconductortheuseofloudorprofanelanguage,disruptingclassactivities);or

8. interfereswiththetransportationofstudentsinschoolvehicles.

ElectronicEquipmentintheClassroomStudentsmayonlyuseaudiovisualorelectronic

equipmentintheclassroomwithpermissionoftheteacher.Theseitemsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,audioorvideotapingequipment.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforthedamage,loss,ortheftoftheseitems.

ExposureInappropriateexposureofbodyparts,even

withoutanysexualintent,isaseriousoffenseandwillbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction.

GamblingStudentsareforbiddentogambleinaschool

buildingoronschoolproperty.

Gang-FreeZones/GangActivityAnystudentfoundtohaveengagedinorganized

criminalactivity,gang-related,andothercriminalactswillbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction.Studentbehaviorconsideredtobe“gangrelated”willnotbetoleratedatschooloratanyschoolactivityregardlessofthelocationoftheactivity.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:articlesofclothing,handsigns,graffiti,andanyotherbehaviorsconsideredbytheadministrationtointerferewiththeeducationalprogramoftheschool.

HarassmentontheBasisofRace,Color,Religion,NationalOrigin,orDisabilityStudentsmustnotengageinharassingbehavior

directedtowardanotherstudent.

Studentsareexpectedtotreatotherstudentsandschoolstaffwithcourtesyandrespect,toavoidanybehaviorsknowntobeoffensive,andtostopthesebehaviorswhenaskedortoldtostop.Theschoolencouragesparentalandstudent

supportinitseffortstoaddressandpreventharassmentinanyforminschools.Studentsand/orparentsareencouragedtodiscusstheirquestionsorconcernsabouttheexpectationsinthisareawithateacherorwiththeirCampusDirector.Astudentwhobelievesheorshehasbeen

harassedbyanotherstudentorbyschoolstaffisencouragedtoreportinwritingtheincidenttotheCampusDirector.Theallegationswillbeinvestigatedandaddressed.Asubstantiatedcomplaintagainstastudentwillresultinappropriatedisciplinaryaction,accordingtothenatureoftheoffenseandtheStudentCodeofConduct.Thestudentoraparentmayappealthedecision

oftheCampusDirectorinaccordancewiththeschoolgrievanceprocedure(see“StudentorParentComplaintsandConcerns,”p.67).

HarmfulDrugsTheuseof“HarmfulDrugs”posesaserious

threattothephysical,psychological,andemotionalhealthofindividuals,theirfamilies,andtheircommunities.Inrecognitionofthisfact,theschoolenforcesthispolicy.Theterm“HarmfulDrugs”includes,butisnot

limitedto,allthosesubstancesconsideredtobemarijuana,dangerousdrugs,narcotics,depressants,stimulantsubstances,controlledsubstances,andsimulatedcontrolledsubstanceslistedinthestateandfederalcodescoveringthepossession,sale,anduseofsuchcontrolledsubstances,drugs,andnarcotics.Thetermalsoincludesallformsandspeciesoftheplantsubstanceknownasmarijuanaaswellasanyabusablechemicalsubstanceusedforinhalationsuchasglue,aerosolpaint,thinners,etc.AnystudentfoundtohavehadaHarmfulDrug

inhisorherpossession,orfoundtohavebeenundertheinfluencethereofwhileinschoolorwhileaparticipantinorspectatorataschool-sponsoredevent,shallbesubjecttodisciplinarypenaltiesinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.Astudentisconsidered“inpossession”ifheorshehascontactwithaHarmfulDrugregardlessoftheamountoftimeitisinthestudent’spossession.IfastudentbecomesinpossessionofaHarmfulDrug,heorsheneedstoimmediatelyinformanadultoncampus.Those

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studentsinvolvedinsellingordistributingaHarmfulDrugwhileinschoolorwhileaparticipantinorspectatorataschool-sponsoredeventwillbesubjecttodisciplinarypenaltiesinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.Othersanctionsmayincludecompletionofadrugrehabilitationprogramorreferralforprosecution.Astudentmaynotkeepinhisorherpossession

anymedication,evenmedicationforwhichheorshehasaprescription(see“MedicationPolicies,”p.26).FailuretocomplymayresultinLevelIIdiscipline.Theonlyexceptiontothispolicyisdoctor-prescribedasthmamedication(see“AsthmaandAnaphylaxisMedication,”p.27).

Hazing/Bullying/CyberbullyingTexasLawsprohibitstudentsfromengagingin,

encouraging,aiding,orassistinginhazingorbullying.Hazingisdefinedasanintentional,knowing,orrecklessact,onoroffcampus,byonepersonaloneoractingwithothers,directedagainstastudentforthepurposeofpledging,initiationinto,affiliationwith,holdingofficein,ormaintainingmembershipinastudentorganization,including 1. anytypeofphysicalbrutality; 2. anactivitythatsubjectsthestudenttoanunreasonableriskofharmorthatadverselyaffectsthestudent’smentalorphysicalhealth,suchassleepdeprivation,exposuretotheelements,confinementtosmallspaces,calisthenics,orconsumptionoffood,liquids,drugs,orothersubstances;

3. anyactivitythatinduces,causes,orrequiresthestudenttoperformadutyortaskthatviolatesthePenalCode;and

4. Coercingastudenttoconsumeadrugoralcoholicbeverageinanamountthatwouldleadareasonablepersontobelievethestudentisintoxicated.

Hazingwillnotbetoleratedbytheschool.Ifanincidentofhazingoccurs,disciplinaryconsequenceswillbehandledinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.Itisacriminaloffenseifapersonengagesinhazing;solicits,encourages,directs,aids,orattemptstoaidanotherinhazing;orhasfirsthandknowledgeofanincidentofhazingbeingplannedorhavingoccurredandfailstoreportthistotheCampusDirector. Theschoolprohibitsbullying,aswellas

retaliationagainstanyoneinvolvedinthecomplaintprocess.Bullyingisdefinedasasingle

significantactorpatternofactsbyoneormorestudentsdirectedatanotherstudentthatexploitsanimbalanceofpowerandinvolvesengaginginwrittenorverbalexpression,includingthroughelectronicmeansorphysicalconduct,thatinthejudgmentoftheCampusDirector,1. issufficientlysevere,persistent,orpervasive

enoughtocreateanintimidating,threatening,orabusiveeducationalenvironmentforthestudent,

2. hastheeffectorwillhavetheeffectofphysicallyharmingastudent,damagingastudent’sproperty,orplacesastudentinreasonableharmtotheirperson;or

3. substantiallydisruptstheeducationalprocess,theorderlyoperationofaclassroomorschool;or

4. infringesontherightsofthevictimatschool.Bullyingcanoccurthroughelectronicmethods,includingsocialmedia,textmessaging,andinternet-basedcommunicationtoolscalled“cyberbullying.”

Ifastudentbelievesthatheorshehasexperiencedbullyingorhaswitnessedbullyingofanotherstudent,itisimportantforthestudentorparenttoimmediatelynotifyateacher,schoolofficestaff,thecampusdirector,oranotherdistrictemployeeassoonaspossibletoobtainassistanceandintervention.Areportcanbemadeverbally,orinwriting,andcanbesubmittedanonymously.Theadministrationwillinvestigateanyallegationsofbullyingorotherrelatedmisconduct.Iftheresultsofaninvestigationindicatethat

bullyinghasoccurred,theadministrationwilltakeappropriateaction.Disciplinaryorotheractionmaybetakeneveniftheconductdidnotrisetothelevelofbullying.Thedistrictwillalsocontacttheparentofthevictimandofthestudentwhowasfoundtohaveengagedinthebullying.Availablecounselingoptionswillbeprovidedtotheindividuals,aswellastoanystudentswhohavebeenidentifiedaswitnessestothebullying.Tothegreatestextentpossible,theschoolwillrespecttheprivacyofthestudentsinvolvedinthereport,includingwitnesses,butlimiteddisclosuresmaybenecessarytoconducttheinvestigation.Thestudentorparentmayappealthedecision

regardingtheoutcomeoftheinvestigationinaccordancewithBoardPolicy.Anyretaliationagainstastudentwhoreportsan

incidentofbullyingisprohibited.

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Astudentfoundtohaveengagedin,encouraged,aided,assistedin,orhadknowledgeofandfailedtoreportahazingorbullyingincidentwillbesubjecttodiscipline.

InappropriateSexualConductInappropriatesexualconductencompassesany

inappropriate,indecent,oroffensiveactthatimpliesorinvolvescontactofasexualnature.

InsensitivitytoOthersInappropriateverbalorphysicalbehaviorthat

ismotivatedduetorace,ethnicity,culture,gender,ordisabilitieswillnotbetolerated.

InterferencewithSchoolActivitiesorDisciplineAnystudentwhoseconduct,whetherinclassor

out,materiallyandsubstantiallyinterfereswithschoolactivities,school-sponsoredfunctions(whetheronpublicorprivateproperty),orschooldiscipline,orinvadestherightsofschoolstafforotherstudents,shallbesubjecttodisciplinarypenaltiesinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.“Conduct”includes,butisnotlimitedto,the

followingactivities:1. preparing,circulating,orpresenting

petitions;2. displayingonorabouthisorherperson,

books,materials,lockerorvehicle,symbols,armbands,flags,pennants,signs,orotherdecorations;and

3. preparation,printing,publishing,ordistributinganyunauthorizedpublication,periodical,paper,pamphlet,magazine,orbook.

Lockers:SecurityandSearchLockers,ifprovidedbytheschool,are

purchased,furnished,andmaintainedbytheschoolandremainthepropertyoftheschool.ThedecisiontoassignlockersrestswiththeCampusDirector.Nochargesaremadefortheiruse.Itemsofnon-schoolnatureshouldnotbeplacedorkeptinlockersastheyaresubjecttoinspectionatanytimewithoutpriornoticetoorpermissionfromstudents.Astudenthasfullresponsibilityforthesecurityofthelockerandisresponsibleformakingcertainthatitislockedandthatthecombinationisnotavailabletoothers.Searchesof

lockersmaybeconductedatanytime,whetherornotthestudentispresent.Anystudentwhoshallplace,keep,ormaintain

anyarticleormaterialinaschool-ownedlockerthatisprohibitedbytheschoolorofanon-schoolnature,shallbesubjecttodiscipline.

SchoolPropertyAgoodcitizen,amongotherthings,takespride

inthecareofschoolproperty,realizingthattheappearanceofthebuildingandcampusisacreditordiscredittohimorherself,aswellastothestudentbodyingeneral.Anystudentfoundtohaveintentionally,

knowingly,orrecklesslydamagedordestroyedschoolpropertyshallberequiredtocompensatetheschoolforthefullextentofthedamageandshallbesubjecttodisciplinarymeasures.Studentsfoundtohaveintentionally,knowingly,orrecklesslydamagedordestroyedschoolpropertymayberefusedadmittancetoschoolorschool-sponsoredfunctionsuntilfullrestitutionhasbeenmadeforsuchdamages.

SelfDefenseTheprivilegeofself-defenseislimited.Aclaim

ofself-defenseintheuseofphysicalforcewillnotexemptastudentfromdisciplinewhen:1. thestudentprovokes,invites,orencourages

theuseofphysicalforcebyanotherperson;2. thestudenthasanopportunitytoavoid

physicalforceortoinformschoolstaffofthethreateneduseofforce;

3. thestudentusesphysicalforceaftertheotherpartyabandonsorattemptstoabandonafightorconfrontation;

4. thestudentdoesnotattempttowalkawayfromaconfrontation;or

5. thestudentdoesnotattempttogethelpfromschoolstaff.

SexualHarassmentStudentsmustnotengageinunwantedand

unwelcomeverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnaturedirectedtowardanotherstudentorschoolstaff.Thisprohibitionapplieswhethertheconductisbyword,gesture,oranyothersexualconduct,includingrequestsforsexualfavors.Allstudentsareexpectedtotreatotherstudentsandschoolstaffwithcourtesyandrespect,toavoidanybehaviorsknowntobeoffensive,andtostopthesebehaviorswhenaskedortoldtostop.

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Theschoolwillnotifytheparentsofallstudentsinvolvedinsexualharassmentbystudent(s)andwillnotifyparentsofanyincidentofsexualharassmentorsexualabusebyschoolstaff.Tothegreatestextentpossible,complaintswillbetreatedasconfidential.Limiteddisclosuremaybenecessarytocompleteathoroughinvestigation.Acomplaintallegingsexualharassmentby

anotherstudentorsexualharassmentorsexualabusebyschoolstaffmaybepresentedinwritingbyastudentand/orparentinaconferencewiththeCampusDirectorordesigneeorwiththeschoolTitleIXCoordinator.Studentswhobelievetheyarethesubjectsofsexualharassmentbyotherstudentsorschoolstaffshouldreporttheincidentimmediatelytoateacher,theCampusDirector,ortheTitleIXCoordinator.SchoolstaffmemberswhoreceivecomplaintsofsexualharassmentaretoreportthematterassoonaspracticallypossibletotheCampusDirector,theTitleIXCoordinator,orstaffwiththeauthoritytoundertakeinvestigationsofsexualharassmentcomplaints.Thename,officeaddress,andtelephone

numberoftheTitleIXCoordinatorisRosalindaGonzalez,1301WatersRidge,Lewisville,TX75057;(972)316-3663Thestudentorparentmayappealthedecision

regardingtheoutcomeoftheinvestigationinaccordancewithBoardPolicy.

SocialMediaResponsiveEducationSolutionssocialmedia

sitesareintendedtoserveasinformationaloutletsforthecommunity.Inaccurate,threateningand/orinappropriatepostsinvolvingResponsiveEdsocialmediaaccountsmaybereportedtotherelevantsocialmediaproviderandlawenforcementauthorities.ResponsiveEdstudentsinvolvedinsuchbehavioraresubjecttodisciplinaryaction.

TelecommunicationsorOtherElectronicDevicesStudentsareprohibitedfromusingany

telecommunicationdevices,includingcellularphonesorotherelectronicdevices(unlessotherwiseissuedbytheschoolforthepurposeofinstruction),withinaschoolbuildingbeforeorduringschoolhoursoronaschoolcampusduringschoolhours.Devicesaretoremainoffduringtheschoolday,includingduringalltesting.Devicesthatareonand/orcauseadisruptionduringthe

schooldaywillbeconfiscated.AnystudentrefusingtogivethedevicetoschoolstaffshallbesubjecttodisciplinarypenaltiesinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.Thecampusisnotresponsiblefordamagethatmayoccurtoaconfiscateddevicebeforeitispickedupbyastudentorparent.Onceadevicehasbeentakenup,thefollowingprocedurewillbeusedtoreturnthedevice.1. FirstConfiscation:Thedevicemaybepicked

upbythestudentorparentnoearlierthantheendoftheschoolday.Anadministrativefeeof$5willbechargedbeforethedevicecanbereturned.

2. SecondConfiscation:Thedevicemaybepickedupbythestudentorparentnoearlierthantheendoftheschoolday.Anadministrativefeeof$10willbechargedbeforethedevicecanbereturned.

3. ThirdandSubsequentConfiscations:Thedevicemaybepickedupbythestudentorparentnoearlierthantheendoftheschoolday.Anadministrativefeeof$15willbechargedperoccurrencebeforethedevicecanbereturned.

CampusDirectorsshallusediscretiontodeterminetheappropriateuseofphonesforstudentsparticipatinginextracurricularactivitieswhileonschoolpropertyorwhileattendingschool-sponsoredorschool-relatedactivitiesonoroffschoolproperty.AnydisciplinaryactionwillbeinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.Additionally,studentsarenotpermittedtopossesselectronicdevices(e.g.,electronicgames,iPod,mp3players,pagers,radios,cameras,etc.)atschool,unlesspriorpermissionhasbeenobtainedfromtheCampusDirector.Withoutsuchpermission,teacherswillcollecttheitemsandturnthemintotheCampusDirector’soffice.TheCampusDirectorwilldeterminewhethertoreturnitemstostudentsattheendofthedayortocontactparentstopickuptheitems.Sending,sharing,viewing,orpossessing

pictures,textmessages,e-mails,orothermaterialofasexualnatureinelectronicoranyotherformonacellphoneorotherelectronicdeviceisprohibitedanddealtwithtothefullextentofthelawandtheStudentCodeofConduct.Anyrecording,videoing,orphotographingofstudentsorstaffwithouttheperson’sexpressedpermissionisprohibited.

—52—

ThreatsOralorwrittenthreatstocauseharmorbodily

injurytoanotherstudent,anemployee,orschoolproperty,includingthreatsmadeusingtheInternetorotherelectronicresourcesatschoolwillnotbetolerated.

TobaccoMatches,lighters,etc.,arenotpermittedat

schooloratschool-relatedfunctions.Astudentisconsidered“inpossession”ifheorshehascontactwithtobaccoortobaccoproducts,regardlessoftheamountoftimeitisinthestudent’spossession.Ifastudentbecomesinpossessionoftobaccooratobaccoproduct,heorsheneedstoimmediatelyinformanadultoncampus.Smokingandusingsmokelesstobacco,

e-cigarette,electronicvapordevices,ortobaccoproductsarenotpermittedinschoolbuildings,vehicles,oronschoolproperty,300feetfromschoolproperty,oratschool-relatedorschool-sanctionedeventsoffschoolproperty.

WeaponsAstudentshallnotpossess,exhibit,useor

threatentoexhibitoruseanyfirearm,explosiveweapons,knife,ormaterialsthatcouldbeusedasaweapontoinflictphysicalharmordamagetopersonsorpropertyonschoolpropertyoratanyschool-relatedfunction,whetheronoroffschoolproperty.Astudentisconsidered“inpossession”ifheorshehascontactwithaweaponregardlessoftheamountoftimeitisinthestudent’spossession.Ifastudentbecomesinpossessionofaweapon,heorsheneedstoimmediatelyinformanadultoncampus.Weaponsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:1. Firearm:anydevicedesigned,made,or

adaptedtoexpelaprojectilethroughabarrelbyusingtheenergygeneratedbyanexplosionorburningsubstanceoranydevicereadilyconvertibletothatuse;

2. Knife:bladeorahandinstrumentdesignedtocutorstabanotherbybeingthrown,adagger,abowieknife,aswordoraspear;

3. Club:aninstrumentthatisspecificallydesigned,made,oradaptedforthepurposeofinflictingseriousbodilyinjuryordeathbystrikingapersonwiththeinstrument;

4. Explosiveweapon;5. Firearmsilencer;6. Knuckles(i.e.,brassknuckles);

7. Chemicaldispensingdevice(suchasmaceorpepperspray);

8. Zipgun;9. Anyobjectusedinawaythatthreatensto

inflictbodilyinjuryonanotherperson;10. Firearmammunition;11. Fireworksofanykind,smokeorstink

bombs,oranyotherpyrotechnicdevice;12. Chains;13. Razors(includingboxcutters);14. Pelletgun;15. BBgun;16. Stungun;17. Airgun;and18. Toysthatimitateweapons(“look-alikes”).

OffensesandConsequences

LevelI:MajorOffensesExamples(notinclusivelist):1. Beinginanunauthorizedarea2. Computersystemviolations3. Disrespectofschoolstaffandpersonsin

authority4. Failuretocompleteassignedhomework5. Failuretocomplywithdirectivesofschool

staff(insubordination)6. Failuretocomplywithschooldresscode

policies7. Failuretoleavecampuswithin30minutes

ofschooldismissal(unlessinvolvedinanactivityunderthesupervisionofschoolstaff)

8. Failuretoreportknownhazing,harassment,orbullyingofstudents

9. Hazing,harassment,orbullyingofstudents(verbal)

10. Inappropriatebehavior(notabusive,threatening,violent)

11. Inappropriatepublicdisplayofaffection12. Inappropriatephysicalcontactnotdefined

asaLevelII,LevelIII,orLevelIVoffense13. Insensitivitytoothers14. Parkinginfraction15. Persistenttardiness(tardy,withoutexcuse,

onfourormoredayswithinaperiodof45rollingschooldays)

—53—

16. Possessinganyelectronicdeviceswithoutpermission

17. Possessingmatches,lighters,etc.18. Skippingornotattendingclass,detention,

tutorialsessions,Saturdayschoolorextendedday

19. Usingaskateboard,scooter,and/orrollerbladeswhileoncampus

20. Usinganytelecommunicationsorotherelectronicdevices,withoutpermission,duringschoolhours

21. Vehicleoperationinfraction

AppropriateDisciplinaryActions:1. Behavioralcontractsorindividually

developedbehaviormanagementplans2. Classroommanagementtechniques3. Communityservice4. Cooling-offtimeor“time-out”5. CounselingbyteachersorCampusDirector6. Demerits7. Detention8. Feeforthereturnoftelecommunications

devicethathasbeenconfiscated9. In-schoolsuspensionupto30days10. Parentcontractstorestricthomeprivileges11. Parentobservationsinstudent’sclasses12. ParentconferencewithteacherorCampus

Director13. Peermediation14. Placementinanotherappropriate

classroom15. Restitution/restoration,ifapplicable16. Saturdayschool17. Seatingchangeswithintheclassroom18. Temporaryorpermanentconfiscationof

itemsthatareprohibitedand/ordisrupttheeducationalprocess

19. Withdrawalofprivileges,suchasparkingprivileges,participationinextracurricularactivities,eligibilityforseekingandholdinghonoraryoffices,membershipinschool-recognizedclubsororganizations,etc.

Disciplinaryactionsmaybeusedindividuallyorincombinationforanyoffense.Noemployeeoragentoftheschoolshallcause

corporalpunishmenttobeinflictedupona

studenttoreformunacceptableconductorasaconsequenceforunacceptableconduct.

LevelII:DiscretionarySuspensionExamples(notinclusivelist):1. Academicdishonesty2. Beingamemberof,pledgingtobecomea

memberof,joining,orsolicitinganotherpersontojoin,orpledgetobecomeamemberofaschoolfraternity,sorority,secretsociety,organg,asdefinedinTEC37.121

3. Bypassingofinternetblocksonschoolcomputersornetworkstoenterunapprovedsites

4. Causinganindividualtoactthroughtheuseoforthreatofforce(coercion)

5. Engaginginconductoncampusthatconstitutesdatingviolence,includingintentionaluseofphysical,sexual,verbal,oremotionalabusetoharm,threaten,intimidate,orcontrolanotherpersonwithwhomthestudenthasorhashadadatingrelationship

6. Engaginginconductthatconstitutessexualharassment(verbaland/orphysical)

7. Engaginginoffensiveconductofasexualnature(verbalorphysical)

8. Extortion/blackmail9. Failuretocomplywithconditionsofin-

schoolsuspensionplacement10. Failuretocomplywithschoolmedication

policies11. Falseaccusationofconductthatwould

constituteamisdemeanororfelony12. Falsificationofschoolrecords13. Fighting/mutualcombat14. Gambling15. Gangactivity(nonviolent)16. Hazing,harassment,orbullyingofstudents

(physical)17. Inappropriatebehavior(e.g.,violent;threat

ofbeingviolent;threatofself-harm;racially,ethnically,orculturallymotivatedactions)

18. Interferencewithschoolactivitiesordiscipline

19. Leavingclassroom,schoolproperty,orschool-sponsoredeventswithoutpermission

—54—

20. Makinganobscenegesture21. PersistentLevelIoffenses(twoLevelI

offenseswithinaperiodof45rollingschooldays)

22. Possessingammunition23. Possessingdrugparaphernalia24. Possessingorselling“look-alike”drugs25. Possessingorusingfireworksorother

explosivedevices26. Possessingorusingtobaccoortobacco

productsoritemssuchase-cigarettesorelectronicvaporizingdevices

27. Possessingprescriptiondrugs,givingaprescriptiondrugtoanotherstudent,orpossessingorbeingundertheinfluenceofanotherperson’sprescriptiondrug

28. Possessing,viewing,ordistributingpictures,textmessages,e-mails,orothermaterialofasexualorinappropriatenatureinanymediaformat,includingbutnotlimitedtocellphones

29. Postinginappropriateordisparagingremarks,pictures,videosorlinkstoanyResponsiveEd-managedsocialmediasite

30. Anyunauthorizedrecording,taping,orphotographingstudentsorstaff

31. Refusingtoallowstudentsearch32. Sexualharassment/sexualabusenot

definedasaLevelIIIorIVoffense33. Theft34. Threats(nonviolent/verbalorwritten),

includingthoseinitiatedthroughsocialmedia,orotherelectronicforms,madeoutsideofthecampussettingforactionorthreatofactiontobetakenwhileoncampus

35. Throwingobjectnotconsideredanillegalweaponthatcancausebodilyinjuryorpropertydamage

36. Unruly,disruptive,orabusivebehaviorthatinterfereswiththeteacher’sabilitytocommunicateeffectivelywiththestudentsintheclass

37. Useofprofanityorvulgar/offensivelanguage(orallyorinwriting)

38. UsingtheInternetorotherelectroniccommunicationstothreatenstudentsoremployees,orcausedisruptiontotheschoolprogram

39. Verbalorwrittenabuse(e.g.,namecalling,racialorethnicslurs,orderogatorystatementsthatmaydisrupttheschoolenvironment,etc.)

40. Willfuldestructionofschoolorpersonalpropertyand/orvandalism

41. Self-harm,includingbutnotlimitedtoseverescratching,branding,cutting,self-hitting,burning,andbiting

42. Makingfalseaccusationsorperpetratinghoaxesregardingschoolorstudentsafety

43. Possessingorsellingparaphernaliarelatedtoanyprohibitedsubstance

44. Possessingorselling“look-alike”drugsorattemptingtopassitemsoffasdrugsorprohibiteditems

45. Possessingorusinganyformoftobaccoortobaccoproductsoritemssuchase-cigarettesorelectronicvaporizingdevices,andsmokelesstobacco,includingchewingtobacco

46. Possessingorabusingover-the-counterdrugsinviolationofschoolpolicy

47. Refusingtoallowlawfulstudentsearch

AppropriateDisciplinaryActions:1. LevelIdisciplinarytechniques2. Out-of-schoolsuspensionforuptothree

daysDisciplinaryactionsmaybeusedindividually

orincombinationforanyoffense.

LevelIII:MandatorySuspensionandDiscretionaryExpulsionExamples(notinclusivelist):1. AnyoffenselistedinSections37.006(a)or

37.007(b)oftheTEC,nomatterwhenorwheretheoffensetakesplace

2. Burglaryofamotorvehicleoncampus3. Conductpunishableasafelonynotdefined

asaLevelIVoffense4. Criminalmischiefagainstschool,student,or

schoolstaff5. Deliberatedestructionofortamperingwith

schoolcomputerdataornetworks6. Disruptiveactivity(see“DisruptiveActivity,”

p.47)7. Gangactivity(violent)8. Inappropriateexposureofbodyparts

—55—

9. Inappropriatesexualconduct10. PersistentLevelIoffenses(fourLevelI

offenseswithinaperiodof45rollingschooldays)

11. PersistentLevelIIoffenses(twoLevelIIoffenseswithinaperiodof45rollingschooldays)

12. Possessingaknife,razor,boxcutter,orchain

13. Possessinganyobjectusedinawaythatthreatensorinflictsbodilyinjurytoanotherperson

14. Possessingalook-alikeweapon,includingwithoutlimitation,BBguns,CO2guns,airpistolsorrifles,pelletguns,oranyotherdevicedesignedtoappeartobeafirearmorotherweapon

15. Possessingastungun,mace,orpepperspray

16. Possessing,selling,distributing,orundertheinfluenceofaHarmfulDrug(see“HarmfulDrugs,”p.48)

17. Postinganyvulgar,grosslyinappropriateorillegalremarks,pictures,videosorlinksonanyResponsiveEd-managedsocialmediasite.

18. Settingorattemptingtosetafireonaschoolproperty(notarson)

19. Targetingsomeoneforbodilyharm20. Threats(violent/verbalorwritten)21. Engaginginbullyingthatencouragesa

studenttocommitorattempttocommitsuicide;inciteviolenceagainstastudentthroughgroupbullying;orreleaseorthreatenstoreleaseintimatevisualmaterialofaminororastudentwhois18yearsorolderwithoutthestudent’sconsent.

22. Possessing,selling,distributingorundertheinfluenceofalcohol(see“AlcoholicBeverages”p.47)

23. Threats(violent/verbalorwritten),includingthoseinitiatedthroughsocialmediaorotherelectronicforms,madeoutsideofthecampussettingforactionorthreatofactiontobetakenwhileoncampusortowardsanotherstudent.

AppropriateDisciplinaryActions:1. Out-of-schoolsuspensionforuptothreedays2. Expulsion

LevelIV:MandatoryExpulsionExamples(notinclusivelist):1. AnyoffenselistedinSection37.007(a)and

(d)oftheTEC,nomatterwhenorwheretheoffensetakesplace

2. Requiredtoregisterasasexoffender

AppropriateDisciplinaryActions:1. Expulsion

Conferences,Hearings,andAppealsAllstudentsareentitledtoconferences,hearings,

and/orappealsofdisciplinarymattersasprovidedbystateandfederallawandschoolpolicy.

SuspensionProcessInadditiontotheabovelistofStudentCodeof

Conductviolations,theCampusDirectorhastheauthoritytosuspendastudentforuptofivedaysforanyofthefollowingadditionalreasons:1. theneedtofurtherinvestigateanincident,2. arecommendationtoexpelthestudent,or3. anemergencyconstitutingendangermentto

healthorsafety.

PrerequisitestoSuspensionPriortosuspendingastudent,theCampus

Directormustattempttoholdaninformalconferencewiththestudentto:1. notifythestudentoftheaccusationsagainst

himorher,2. allowthestudenttorelatehisorherversion

oftheincident,and3. determinewhetherthestudent’sconduct

warrantssuspension.

NotificationtoParentsIftheCampusDirectordeterminesthestudent’s

conductwarrantssuspensionduringtheschoolday,theCampusDirectorwillmakereasonableefforttonotifythestudent’sparentsthatthestudenthasbeensuspendedbeforethestudentissenthome.TheCampusDirectorwillnotifyasuspendedstudent’sparentsoftheperiodofsuspension,thegroundsforthesuspension,andthetimeandplaceforanopportunitytoconferwiththeCampusDirector.

—56—

CreditduringSuspensionAstudentshallreceivecreditforworkmissed

duringtheperiodofsuspensionifthestudentmakesupworkmissedduringtheperiodofsuspensionwithinthesamenumberofschooldaysthestudentwasabsentonsuspension.

ExpulsionProcess

HearingStudentsallegedtohavecommittedan

expellableoffensewillreceiveahearingbeforetheCampusDirectorwithinareasonabletimefollowingtheallegedmisconduct.Priortothehearing,theschoolwillsendawrittennoticetothestudentandthestudent’sparents,including:1. thebasisfortheproposedexpulsion;2. thedate,time,andlocationofthehearing;

and3. therightofthestudent,atthehearing,to:

a. bepresent;b. beaccompaniedbyhisorherparents;c. berepresentedbyanyadult

representative,includinglegalcounsel;d. presentevidence,callwitnesses,and

testify;ande. beinformedoftheschool’sevidence.

Aftermakingagoodfaithefforttoinformthestudentandthestudent’sparentsofthetimeandplaceofthehearing,theschoolshallholdthehearingregardlessofwhetherthestudent,thestudent’sparents,oranotheradultrepresentingthestudentattends.TheCampusDirectorshallaudiorecordthehearing.

ExpulsionOrderWithinsevendaysfollowingthehearingon

expulsion,theCampusDirectorwillnotifythestudentandthestudent’sparentsinwritingofhisorherdecision.Iftheoutcomeoftheexpulsionhearingisthatthestudentwillbeexpelled,theCampusDirectorwillenteranexpulsionorderandprovideacopytothestudentandthestudent’sparentsspecifying:1. thelengthoftheexpulsion;2. theproceduresforre-admittanceattheend

oftheexpulsionperiod,ifapplicable;and3. therighttoappealtheCampusDirector’s

decision.

Thenoticeshallalsostatethatfailuretotimelyrequestsuchahearingconstitutesawaiveroffurtherrightsinthematter.

AppealsThestudentoraparentmayappealthedecision

oftheCampusDirectorinaccordancewiththeschoolgrievanceprocedure(see“StudentorParentComplaintsandConcerns,”p.67).Disciplineconsequenceswillnotbedeferred

pendingtheoutcomeofanappealofanexpulsion.

EffectofStudentWithdrawalIfastudentwithdrawsfromtheschoolbefore

theexpulsionhearingisconductedoranexpulsionorderisentered,theschoolmaycontinuewiththeproceedingsandenteranorder.Iftheschoolfailstoenteranexpulsionorderafterthestudentwithdraws,thenextdistrictinwhichthestudentenrollsmaycompletetheproceedingsandenteranorder.

NoCreditEarnedExceptwhenrequiredbylaw,studentswillnot

earnacademiccreditduringaperiodofexpulsion.

Suspension/ExpulsionRequirementsforSpecialEducationAstudentwithadisabilityshallnotbeexcluded

fromhisorhercurrentplacementpendingappealtotheBoardofTrusteesformorethantendayswithoutARDCommitteeactiontodetermineappropriateservicesintheinterim.Pendingappealtoaspecialeducationhearingofficer,unlesstheschoolandparentsagreeotherwise,astudentwithadisabilityshallremaininthepresenteducationsetting.

EmergencyRemovalIfaCampusDirectorreasonablybelievesa

student’sbehaviorissounruly,disruptive,orabusivethatitseriouslyinterfereswithateacher’sabilitytocommunicateeffectivelywithstudentsinaclass,withtheabilityofastudent’sclassmatestolearn,orwiththeoperationoftheschooloraschool-sponsoredactivity,theCampusDirectormayorderimmediateremovalofthestudent.ImmediatesuspensionmaybeimposedbyaCampusDirectorordesigneeiftheyreasonably

—57—

believesuchactionisnecessarytoprotectpersonsorpropertyfromeminentharm.Atthetimeofsuchanemergencyremoval,thestudentwillbegivenverbalnoticeofthereasonfortheactionandappropriatehearingswillbescheduledwithinareasonabletimeaftertheemergencyremoval.

PlacementofStudentswithDisabilitiesAlldisciplinaryactionsregardingstudentswith

disabilitiesshallbeconductedinaccordancewiththemostcurrentfederalandstatelaws.

—58—

—59—

SECTIONV:PARENTALRIGHTS

SurveysandActivitiesStudentswillnotberequiredtoparticipate

withoutparentalconsentinanysurvey,analysis,orevaluation—fundedinwholeorinpartbytheU.S.DepartmentofEducation—thatconcerns:1. politicalaffiliationsorbeliefsofthestudent

orthestudent’sparent;2. mentalorpsychologicalproblemsofthe

studentorthestudent’sfamily;3. sexualbehaviororattitudes;4. illegal,antisocial,self-incriminatingor

demeaningbehavior;5. criticalappraisalsofindividualswithwhom

thestudenthasaclosefamilyrelationship;6. relationshipsprivilegedunderlaw,suchas

relationshipswithlawyers,physiciansandministers;

7. religiouspractices,affiliations,orbeliefsofthestudentorparents;or

8. income,exceptwhentheinformationisrequiredbylawandwillbeusedtodeterminethestudent’seligibilitytoparticipateinaspecialprogramortoreceivefinancialassistanceundersuchaprogram.

Parentswillbeabletoinspectthesurveyorotherinstrumentandanyinstructionalmaterialsusedinconnectionwithsuchasurvey,analysis,orevaluation.

“OptingOut”ofSurveysandActivitiesParentshavearighttoreceivenoticeofanddeny

permissionfortheirstudent’sparticipationin:1. anysurveyconcerningtheprivate

informationlistedabove,regardlessoffunding;

2. schoolactivitiesinvolvingthecollection,disclosure,oruseofpersonalinformationgatheredfromtheirstudentforthepurposeofmarketingorsellingthatinformation;

3. anynon-emergency,invasivephysicalexamination,orscreeningrequiredasaconditionofattendance,administeredandscheduledbytheschoolinadvanceandnot

necessarytoprotecttheimmediatehealthandsafetyofthestudent(exceptionsarehearing,vision,orscoliosisscreenings,oranyphysicalexamorscreeningpermittedorrequiredunderstatelaw).

ExcusingaStudentfromRecitingaPortionoftheDeclarationofIndependenceParentsmayrequestthattheirstudentbe

excusedfromrecitationofaportionoftheDeclarationofIndependence.StatelawrequiresthatstudentsinsocialstudiesclassesinGrades3–12reciteaportionofthetextoftheDeclarationofIndependenceduringCelebrateFreedomWeekunless:1. theparentprovidesawrittenstatement

requestingthatthestudentbeexcused,2. theschooldeterminesthatthestudenthasa

conscientiousobjectiontotherecitation,or3. theparentisarepresentativeofaforeign

governmenttowhomtheUnitedStatesgovernmentextendsdiplomaticimmunity.

RequestingProfessionalQualificationsofTeachersandStaffParentsmayrequestinformationregardingthe

professionalqualificationsoftheirstudent’steachers,including:1. whetherateacherhasmetstatequalification

andlicensingcriteriaforthegradelevelsandsubjectareasinwhichtheteacherprovidesinstruction;

2. whethertheteacherhasanemergencypermitorotherprovisionalstatusforwhichstaterequirementshavebeenwaived;and

3. undergraduateandgraduatedegreemajors,graduatecertifications,andthefieldofstudyofthecertificationordegree.

Parentsalsohavetherighttorequestinformationaboutthequalificationsofanyparaprofessionalwhomayprovideservicestotheirstudent.

—60—

—61—

APPENDIX

AnnualNoticeofParentandStudentRights(AnnualFERPAConfidentialityNotice)TheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct

(“FERPA”)affordsparentsandstudentswhoare18yearsofageorolder(“eligiblestudents”)certainrightswithrespecttothestudent’seducationalrecords.Theserightsare:

TheRighttoInspectandReviewParentsoreligiblestudentshavetherightto

inspectandreviewthestudent’seducationalrecordswithin45daysofthedaytheschoolreceivesarequestforaccess.ParentsoreligiblestudentsshouldsubmittotheCampusDirectorawrittenrequestthatidentifiestherecord(s)theywishtoinspect.Theschoolwillmakearrangementsforaccessandnotifytheparentoreligiblestudentofthetimeandplacewheretherecordsmaybeinspected.Ifcircumstanceseffectivelypreventtheparentor

eligiblestudentfromexercisingtherighttoinspectandreviewthestudent’seducationalrecords,theschoolshallprovidetheparentoreligiblestudentwithacopyoftherecordsrequestedormakearrangementsfortheparentoreligiblestudenttoinspectandreviewtherequestedrecords.Theschoolshallnotdestroyanyeducational

recordsifthereisanoutstandingrequesttoinspectandreviewtherecordsunderthissection.Theschoolmaychargeafeeforacopyofaneducationrecordthatismadefortheparentoreligiblestudent,unlesstheimpositionofafeeeffectivelypreventsaparentoreligiblestudentfromexercisingtherighttoinspectandreviewthestudent’seducationrecords.Theschoolwillnotchargeafeetosearchforortoretrievethestudent’seducationalrecords.Ifthestudent’seducationalrecordscontain

informationonmorethanonestudent,theparentoreligiblestudentmayinspectandrevieworbeinformedofonlythespecificinformationaboutthatstudent.

TheRighttoSeekAmendmentoftheStudent’sEducationalRecordsParentsoreligiblestudentsmayasktheschoolto

amendarecordthattheybelieveisinaccurate,misleading,orinviolationofthestudent’sprivacy

rights.ParentsoreligiblestudentsshouldsubmittotheCampusDirectorawrittenrequestthatclearlyidentifiesthepartoftherecordtheywantchanged,andspecifieswhyitisinaccurate,misleading,orinviolationofthestudent’sprivacyrights.Theschoolwilldecidewhethertoamendtherecordasrequestedwithinareasonabletimeaftertheschoolreceivestherequest.Iftheschooldecidesnottoamendtherecordasrequestedbytheparentoreligiblestudent,theschoolwillnotifytheparentoreligiblestudentofthedecisionandadvisethemoftheirrighttoahearingtochallengethecontentofthestudent’seducationrecordsonthegroundsthattheinformationcontainedintheeducationalrecordsisinaccurate,misleading,orinviolationofthestudent’sprivacyrights.If,asaresultofthehearing,theschooldecides

thattheinformationisinaccurate,misleading,orotherwiseinviolationofthestudent’sprivacyrights,itshallamendtherecordaccordinglyandinformtheparentoreligiblestudentoftheamendmentinwriting.If,asaresultofthehearing,theschooldecidesthattheinformationintheeducationalrecordisnotinaccurate,misleading,orinviolationofthestudent’sprivacyrights,itshallinformtheparentoreligiblestudentoftherighttoplaceastatementintherecordcommentingonthecontestedinformationintherecordorstatingwhyheorshedisagreeswiththedecisionoftheschool,orboth.Iftheschoolplacesanamendedstatementinthestudent’seducationalrecords,theschoolisobligatedtomaintaintheamendedstatementwiththecontestedpartoftherecordforaslongastherecordismaintainedanddisclosethestatementwheneveritdisclosestheportionoftherecordtowhichthestatementrelates.

TheRighttoConsentPriortoDisclosureParentsoreligiblestudentshavetherightto

consenttodisclosuresofpersonallyidentifiableinformation(“PII”)containedinthestudent’seducationalrecords,excepttotheextentthatFERPAauthorizesdisclosurewithoutconsent.

DisclosurewithoutConsentOfficialswithLegitimateEducationalInterestsTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligible

—62—

studentifthedisclosureistoschoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterests.Aschoolofficialis:1. apersonemployedbytheschoolasa

CampusDirector,teacher,teacheraide/paraprofessional,orsupportstaffmember(includinghealthormedicalstaffandlawenforcementunitpersonnel);

2. apersonservingontheBoardofTrustees;3. avolunteerorcontractoroutsideofthe

schoolwhoperformsaninstitutionalserviceorfunctionforwhichtheschoolwouldotherwiseuseitsownemployeesandwhoisunderthedirectcontroloftheschoolwithrespecttotheuseandmaintenanceofpersonallyidentifiableinformationfromeducationrecords(e.g.,attorney,auditor,medicalconsultant,therapist,etc.);

4. aparentorstudentservingonanofficialcommittee(e.g.,disciplinarycommittee,grievancecommittee,etc.),or

5. aparent,student,orothervolunteerassistinganotherschoolofficialinperforminghisorhertasks.

6. apersonappointedtoserveonateamtosupportthedistrict’ssafeandsupportiveschoolprogram.

Aschoolofficialhasalegitimateeducationalinterestiftheofficialneedstoreviewaneducationalrecordinordertofulfillhisorherprofessionalresponsibility.

OfficialsofAnotherSchoolTheschoolmaydisclose—anddoessoupon

request—PIIcontainedinthestudent’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistoofficialsofanotherschool,schoolsystem,orinstitutionofpostsecondaryeducationwherethestudentseeksorintendstoenroll,orwherethestudentisalreadyenrolled,ifthedisclosureisforpurposesrelatedtothestudent’senrollmentortransfer.

FederalandStateProgramPurposesTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistoauthorizedrepresentativesof:1. theU.S.ComptrollerGeneral,2. theU.S.AttorneyGeneral,3. theU.S.SecretaryofEducation,or

4. Stateandlocaleducationalauthorities.Disclosuresunderthisprovisionmaybemadein

connectionwithanauditorevaluationofFederal-orState-supportededucationprograms,orfortheenforcementoforcompliancewithFederallegalrequirementsthatrelatetothoseprograms.TheseentitiesmaymakefurtherdisclosuresofPIItooutsideentitiesthataredesignatedbythemastheirauthorizedrepresentativestoconductanyaudit,evaluation,orenforcementorcomplianceactivityontheirbehalf.

FinancialAidTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureisinconnectionwithfinancialaidforwhichthestudenthasappliedorwhichthestudenthasreceived,iftheinformationisnecessarytodetermineeligibilityfortheaid,determinetheamountoftheaid,determinetheconditionsoftheaid,orenforcethetermsandconditionsoftheaid.

StateandLocalOfficialsTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistoStateandlocalofficialsorauthoritiestowhominformationisspecificallyallowedtobereportedordisclosedbyaStatestatutethatconcernsthejuvenilejusticesystemandthesystem’sabilitytoeffectivelyserve,priortoadjudication,thestudentwhoserecordswerereleased.

CertainStudiesTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistoorganizationsconductingstudiesfor,oronbehalfof,theschool,inorderto:1. develop,validate,oradministerpredictive

tests;2. administerstudentaidprograms;or3. improveinstruction.

AccreditingOrganizationsTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistoaccreditingorganizationstocarryouttheiraccreditingfunctions.

—63—

TaxPurposesTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistoparentsofaneligiblestudent,ifthestudentisadependentforIRStaxpurposes.

JudicialOrderorSubpoenaTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistocomplywithajudicialorderorlawfullyissuedsubpoena.

HealthandSafetyEmergencyTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentifthedisclosureistoappropriateofficialsinconnectionwithahealthorsafetyemergency.

DirectoryInformationTheschoolmaydisclosePIIcontainedinthe

student’seducationalrecordswithoutobtainingpriorwrittenconsentoftheparentoreligiblestudentiftheschoolhasdesignatedtheinformationas“directoryinformation.”Theschoolhasdesignatedthefollowing

categoriesofinformationasdirectoryinformationforthepurposeofdisclosurerelatingtoschool-sponsored/school-affiliatedpurposes:

1. student’sname;2. address;3. telephonelisting;4. electronicmailaddress;5. photographs(includingvideoimages);6. dateandplaceofbirth7. majorfieldofstudy8. datesofattendance;9. gradelevel;10. participationinofficiallyrecognized

activitiesandsports;11. weightandheightofmembersofathletic

teams12. degrees,honors,andawardsreceived13. themostrecenteducationalagencyor

institutionattended;and14. studentidentification(“ID”)number,user

ID,orotheruniquepersonalidentifierusedtocommunicateinelectronicsystems

thatcannotbeusedtoaccesseducationrecordswithoutaPIN,password,etc.Astudent’sSSN,inwholeorinpart,cannotbeusedforthispurpose.

School-sponsored/school-affiliatedpurposesarethoseevents/activitieswhichtheschoolconductsand/orsponsorstosupporttheschool’seducationalmission.Examplesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:1. extracurricularprogramsorevents(e.g.,

plays,sportingevents,graduationceremony,etc.),

2. publications(e.g.,newsletters,yearbook,etc.),

3. honorrollandotherrecognitionlists,and4. marketing(e.g.,videos,printmedia,

website,newspaper,etc.).Theschoolhasdesignatedthefollowing

categoriesofinformationasdirectoryinformationforthepurposeofdisclosuretomilitaryrecruitersandinstitutionsofhighereducation,butonlyforsecondarystudents:1. student’sname,2. address,and3. telephonelisting.Theschoolshallnotreleasedirectory

informationexceptforthepurposeindicatedabove,namely:1. disclosurerelatingtoschool-sponsored/

school-affiliatedpurposes;and2. disclosuretomilitaryrecruitersand

institutionsofhighereducation,butonlyforsecondarystudents.

Aparentoreligiblestudentmayoptoutofthereleaseofdirectoryinformationforeitherorbothofthesepurposesbysubmittingawrittenobjectiontotheschoolofficewithin15schooldaysafterreceivingthis“AnnualNoticeofParentandStudentRights(AnnualFERPAConfidentialityNotice).”Thedistrictrequiresthatfamilieslivingina

shelterforsurvivorsoffamilyviolenceortraffickingnotifydistrictpersonnelthatthestudentcurrentlyresidesinashelter.Familiesmaywanttooptoutofthereleaseofdirectoryinformationsothatthedistrictdoesnotreleaseanyinformationthatmightrevealthelocationofsuchashelter.

—64—

RecordsExceptfordisclosurestoschoolofficials,

disclosuresrelatedtosomejudicialordersorlawfullyissuedsubpoenas,disclosuresofdirectoryinformation,anddisclosurestotheparentoreligiblestudent,FERPArequirestheschooltorecordthedisclosure.Parentsoreligiblestudentshavearighttoinspectandreviewtherecordofdisclosures.

TheRighttoFileaComplaintParentsoreligiblestudentshavetherighttofile

acomplaintwiththeFamilyPolicyComplianceOfficeoftheU.S.DepartmentofEducation(“Office”)concerningallegedfailuresbytheschooltocomplywiththerequirementsofFERPA.Thename,address,andphonenumberoftheOfficethatadministersFERPAare:

FamilyPolicyComplianceOfficeU.S.DepartmentofEducation400MarylandAvenue,SW.Washington,D.C.20202Phone:1(800)872-5327

AcomplaintmustcontainspecificallegationsoffactgivingreasonablecausetobelievethataFERPAviolationhasoccurred.Acomplaintdoesnothavetoallegethataviolationisbasedontheschool’spolicyorpractice.TheOfficeinvestigatesatimelycomplaintfiled

byaparentoreligiblestudent,orconductsitsowninvestigationwhennocomplainthasbeenfiledoracomplainthasbeenwithdrawn,todeterminewhethertheschoolhasfailedtocomplywithFERPA.IftheOfficedeterminesthattheschoolhasfailedtocomplywithFERPA,itmayalsodeterminewhetherthefailuretocomplyisbasedontheschool’spolicyorpractice.Atimelycomplaintisdefinedasanallegationof

aFERPAviolationthatissubmittedtotheOfficewithin180daysofthedateoftheallegedviolationorofthedatethatthecomplainantkneworreasonablyshouldhaveknownoftheallegedviolation.TheOfficemayextendthetimelimitforgoodcauseshown.

AccesstoMedicalRecordsParentsareentitledtoaccesstheirstudent’s

medicalrecords.

ComputerResources,WebLearningTools,andNetworkServicesAcceptableUseGuidelines

ComputerResourcesTopreparestudentsforanincreasingly

computerizedsociety,theschoolhasmadeasubstantialinvestmentincomputertechnologyforinstructionalpurposes.Useofthoseresourcesisrestrictedtostudentsworkingunderateacher’ssupervisionandforapprovedpurposesonly.Studentswithaccesstoschoolcomputersandtheirparentsagreetofollowthefollowinguseragreementregardinguseoftheseresources.Violationsofthisagreementmayresultinwithdrawalofcomputerprivilegesandotherdisciplinaryaction.Electroniccommunicationssuchase-mailusingschoolcomputers,orschool-issuedemailaccounts,arenotprivateandmaybemonitoredbyschoolstaff.

TechnologyMissionStatementTheschooliscommittedtoutilizingthe

maximumpotentialoftechnologytoenhancestudentlearningandincreaseteachereffectivenessbyprovidingstudentswithtechnology-relatedexperiences.Recognizingtheever-changinginfluencesoftechnologyonallaspectsofourlives,theschoolisdedicatedtoprovidinganintegratedtechnologicalcurriculumforallstudentsandstaff.Studentswillhaveaccesstothetechnologynecessarytoproduce,manage,communicate,andretrieveinformationinanefficientmannerforeducationaluse.Intheattainmentofbothpresentandfuturegoals,theschoolwillprovideacontinuallyevolvingstaffdevelopmentprogramorientedtowardtheintegrationoftechnologyinareasofcurriculum.

InstructionalResourceTheschoolisproudtobringnetworkand

Internetaccesstoschoolstaffandstudents.TheschoolbelievestheInternetoffersmanydiverseanduniqueresourcestobothstudentsandstaff.Theschool’sgoalinprovidingthisservicetostaffandstudentsistopromoteeducationalexcellencebyfacilitatingresourcesharing,innovativeteaching,andcommunicationskills.TheInternetisaglobalelectronichighway

connectingthousandsofcomputersallovertheworld

—65—

andmillionsofindividualsubscribers.ServicesavailabletoourschoolInternetusersinclude:1. educationalopportunitiesandelectronic

fieldtrips,2. publicdomainsoftwareandshareware,3. accesstouniversitylibrariesandvarious

museums,4. onlineencyclopedias,5. accesstoresearchdatabases,6. accesstohundredsofreferencesources,7. onlinesubscriptionstoeducationaljournals,8. virtualclassroomsandlaboratory

simulations,and9. informationandnewsfromNASAandother

researchinstitutions.Throughtheschool,studentsandstaffhaveaccess

tonumerousresearchorientedandinstructionalresourcesviatheInternet.Onlineencyclopedias,professionaljournals,anddatabasesfilledwithtimelyinformationonthousandsoftopicsarejustafewoftheresourcesprovided.Computersattheschoolhavethetechnologynecessarytosupportstudentresearchandtopromoteacademicachievement.

StudentSafetyTheschoolisawarethatresourceswhichare

inappropriateornotdesignedforuseintheeducationalsettingmaybeaccessedontheInternet.Toprotectstudentsandstafffromsuchinappropriatematerial,theschool’sInternetaccessisfilteredwithoneofthehighestratedInternetfilteringsystemsavailable.However,usersmustrecognizethatitisimpossiblefortheschooltorestrictaccesstoallcontroversialmaterialandindividualsmustberesponsiblefortheirownactionsinnavigatingthenetwork.

ConsenttoUseTechnologyResourcesParentconsentisrequiredbeforeyourchildcan

usetechnologyresources,suchaswebsites,e-mail,andotherInternetbasedservicesrequiredtoprovideinstruction.Pleasebeadvisedthatsomeeducationalsoftwaretoolsmaycollectpersonalinformationaboutyourchild,consistingofitemssimilarto,orinclusiveof:(i)firstname;(ii)lastname;(iii)schoolassignedemailaddress;(iv)uniquestudentidentifier;and;(v)dateofbirth.Underthefederallawentitled,“Children’sOnlinePrivacyProtectionRule(COPPA),"somewebsitesmustprovideparentalnotificationandobtainverifiableparentalconsentbefore

collectingpersonalinformationfromchildren.However,thelawpermitstheschooltoobtainthisconsent,therebyeliminatingtheneedforeachwebsiteoperatortorequestparentalconsent.Inaddition,whileeveryreasonableeffortis

madebytheschooltopreventstudentexposuretoinappropriateonlinecontentwhenusingtechnologyresources,itisnotpossibletocompletelyeliminatetheriskofsuchexposure.Bysigningthe"AcknowledgmentFormand

AgreementtoAbidebytheParent/StudentHandbook,"youacknowledgetherequirementstouse,andtheassociatedrisksof,thesetechnologyresourcesandareprovidingparentalconsentforyourchildtoaccessandutilizeallnecessarytechnologyresources.

PurposeThepurposeofthispolicyistoensureschool-

levelcompliancewithallproceduresandregulationsregardingthelocalareanetworkandInternetusage.Allstudents,parents,teachers,administrators,andschoolstaffwhoobtaintheirInternetaccessthroughtheschoolareexpectedtousetheseservicesappropriately.

UserResponsibilities1. TheschoolisprovidingInternetresources

foreducationalpurposesonly.Student/staffuseofInternetresourcesmustberelatedtoanexpressededucationaland/oradministrativegoalorobjective.

2. TheuseoftheschoolInternetandcomputernetworkmustbeinsupportofeducationalgoals,research,andclassassignmentsandbeconsistentwiththeeducationalobjectivesoftheschool.

3. Usersmusthaveavalid,authorizedaccounttoaccessthenetwork,anduseonlythosecomputerresourcesthatareauthorized.Accountsmaybeusedonlyinaccordancewithauthorizedpurposes.

4. Individualaccountsmaybeusedonlybytheowneroftheaccountexceptwherespecificallyauthorizedbyschooladministrators.Inthecaseofclassaccounts,allusemustbeunderthesupervisionofthesponsoringteacher/supervisor.

5. Theuserisresponsibleforsafeguardingthecomputeraccount.Usersareexpectedtoprotectaccesstoaccountsbyperiodicallychangingthepasswordandkeepingit

—66—

confidential.Theymustrespecttheprivacyofothersbynottamperingwiththeirfiles,passwords,oraccounts.

PolicyTermsandConditionsAcceptableUseUsersaretoproperlyuseschoolnetwork

resourcesforeducationaland/oradministrativepurposes.Respectfulandresponsiblenetworketiquetteandbehaviorshouldbeinkeepingwiththeschool’smissionstatement.Studentsandstaffareexpresslyprohibitedfromaccessingobscene,profane,vulgar,orpornographicsitesormaterials.

Privileges

TheuseoftheInternetisaprivilege.Abusiveconductwillleadtotheprivilegebeingrevoked.

WarrantyTheschoolmakesnowarrantiesofanykind,

whetherexpressedorimplied,fortheserviceitisproviding.Theschoolwillnotberesponsibleforlossofdataresultingfromdelays,non-deliveries,misseddeliveries,viruses,orserviceinterruptionscausedbyitsownnegligenceorusererrorsoromissions.Opinions,advice,services,andallotherinformationexpressedbysystemusers,informationproviders,serviceproviders,orotherthirdpartyindividualsinthesystemarethoseoftheprovidersandnottheschool.Theschoolspecificallydeniesanyresponsibilityfortheaccuracyorqualityofinformationobtainedthroughtheschoolnetworkservices.

DisclaimerofLiabilityTheschoolshallnotbeliableforuser’s

inappropriateuseofelectroniccommunicationresourcesorviolationsofcopyrightrestrictions,user’smistakesornegligence,orcostsincurredbyusers.Theschoolshallnotberesponsibleforensuringtheaccuracy,ageappropriateness,orusabilityofanyinformationavailableontheInternet.

MonitoredUseElectronicmailtransmissionsandotheruseof

theelectroniccommunicationssystembystudentsandstaffshallnotbeconsideredconfidentialandmaybemonitoredatanytimebydesignatedschoolstafftoensureappropriateuseforeducationaloradministrativepurposes.Forgeryorattemptedforgeryofelectronicmailmessagesisprohibited.Onlyauthorizedschoolpersonnel

designatedbytheDirectorofTechnologyServices,mayread,delete,copy,ormodifytheelectronicmailofothersystemusers.Deliberateinterferencewiththeabilityofothersystemuserstosend/receiveelectronicmail,ortheuseofanotherperson’suserIDand/orpasswordisprohibited.Forgeryorattemptedforgerywillresultinthecancellationofsystemprivileges,aswellasotherappropriateconsequences.

VandalismVandalismisprohibitedandwillresultin

cancellationofprivilegesanddisciplinaryactioninaccordancewiththeCodeofConduct.Vandalismisdefinedasanymaliciousattempttoharm,disrupt,ordestroydataofanotheruseroftheschool’snetwork,oranyoftheagenciesorothernetworksthatareconnectedtotheInternet.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,theuploadingorcreatingofcomputerviruses.Anyoftheseactionsmaybeviewedasviolationsofschoolpolicy,administrativeregulationsand,possibly,ascriminalactivityunderapplicablestateandfederallaws.Usersmustrespecttheprivacyofotherusers.Userswillnotintentionallyseekinformationon,obtaincopiesof,ormodifyfiles,otherdata,orpasswordsbelongingtootherusers,orrepresentthemselvesasanotheruserunlessexplicitlyauthorizedtodosobythatuser.Deliberateattemptstodegradeordisruptsystemperformanceand/ordegrade,disrupt,orbypasssystemsecurityareviolationsofschoolpolicyandadministrativeregulationsandmayconstitutecriminalactivityunderapplicablestateandfederallaws.Theschoolwill,inaccordancewithschool

policy,cooperatewithlocal,state,orfederalofficialsinanyinvestigationconcerningorrelatingtomisuseoftheschool’snetwork.

NetworkEtiquetteTheuserisexpectedtoexhibitthefollowing

behavior:1. Bepolite(e.g.,anallcapsmessageimplies

shouting);2. Useappropriatelanguage;3. Maintainconfidentiallyoftheuser,

colleagues,andstudents;4. Respectcopyrightlaws;and5. Berespectfulinallaspectsofnetworkuse.

—67—

ConsequencesStudentsfoundtohaveviolatedschoolpolicies

andproceduresconcerninguseofschoolcomputersornetworksshallbesubjecttodisciplinarypenaltiesinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.

VandalismProhibitedAnymaliciousattempttoharmordestroy

schoolequipmentordataordataofanotheruseroftheschool’ssystem,oranyoftheagenciesorothernetworksthatareconnectedtotheInternetisprohibited.Deliberateattemptstodegradeordisruptsystemperformanceareviolationsofschoolpolicyandadministrativeregulationsandmayconstitutecriminalactivityunderapplicablestateandfederallaws.Suchprohibitedactivityincludes,butisnotlimitedto,theuploadingorcreatingofcomputerviruses.Vandalismasdefinedabovewillresultinthesuspensionofsystemuseprivilegesandwillrequirerestitutionforcostsassociatedwithsystemrestoration,aswellasotherappropriateconsequencesasallowedbyschoolpolicyandstateandfederallaw.Violationsoflawmayresultincriminal

prosecutionaswellasdisciplinaryactionbytheschool.

ElectronicCommunicationDeviceCommitmentPolicyElectroniccommunicationsatschoolandat

school-relatedfunctionsaresubjecttoregulationbytheschool.ThisElectronicCommunicationDevice

Commitmentpolicygrantsauthorityandpermissiontotheschooltoregulateelectroniccommunicationdeviceswhenthesedevicesarebroughttoand/orusedwhileonschoolpropertyorwhenattendingschoolrelatedfunctionsandevents.Suchcommunicationdevicesinclude,butarenotlimitedtocellphones,pagers,PDAs,andpocketcomputers.Theseregulationsaremadenecessaryinlightoftheuniqueopportunitiesthesedevicescreateforviolationsoflaw,schoolpolicies,andtoperpetrateconductdisruptiveofaneducationalenvironmentessentialtotheschool’seducationalprogram.Theseconcernsareexacerbatedbyelectronicsecurityprotectionsandthepersonalsizeofthesedeviceswhichareoftencarriedconcealedinpocketsandpurses.Therefore,allstudentswhowouldpossessor

usesuchdevicesonschoolpropertyoratschool-

relatedactivities,togetherwiththeirparent,agreetothefollowing:1. Thepossessionanduseofcellphones,

pagers,PDAs,andotherelectroniccommunicationdevicesbyastudentonschoolpropertyoratschool-relatedeventsisaprivilegeandnotaright.

2. Inconsiderationfortheprivilegetopossessandusesuchdevicesonschoolpropertyandatschool-relatedevents,theschoolisauthorizedandhasthestudent’sfullconsenttoconfiscate,poweronoroff,manipulateanddoallthingsnecessarytosearchhisorherdeviceandrecoverorinterceptcommunications(includingbutnotlimitedtotextmessaging)whenreasonablesuspicionexiststhatsuchdevicehasbeenusedtotransmitorreceivecommunicationsinviolationoflaw,theStudentCodeofConduct,schoolpolicy,orschoolregulation.

3. Anelectroniccommunicationdeviceusedorpossessedinviolationoflaw,theStudentCodeofConduct,schoolpolicy,orschoolregulationsissubjecttoconfiscationandmaycausethelossoftheprivilegetopossessandusesuchdevicesonschoolpropertyandatschool-relatedeventsforanindefiniteperiodoftime.

StudentorParentComplaintsandConcernsThepurposeofthispolicyistosecure,atthe

lowestpossibleadministrativelevel,promptandequitableresolutionofstudentorparentcomplaintsand/orconcerns.Usually,studentorparentcomplaintscanberesolvedsimplybyaninformalphonecallorconferencewiththeteacherorCampusDirectorwhoisthesubjectofthecomplaint.Generally,shouldthecomplaintinvolveaproblemwithateacher,thestudentorparentisexpectedtodiscussthematterwiththeteacherbeforerequestingaconferencewiththeCampusDirector.Forthosecomplaintsthatcannotbehandledinformally,theschoolhasadoptedthefollowinggrievancepolicy.Complaintsregardingcertaintopicsare

addressedbyspecificpoliciesorotherdocumentsthatmodifythiscomplaintprocessorrequireanalternativeprocess.

—68—

DefinitionsForthepurposesofthispolicy,“days”shall

meanregularschooldays.Forthepurposesofthispolicy,“parent”shall

meanapersonstandinginparentalrelation,butdoesnotincludeapersonastowhomtheparent-childrelationshiphasbeenterminatedorapersonnotentitledtopossessionoforaccesstoachildunderacourtorder.Exceptasprovidedbyfederallaw,allrightsofaparentunderEducationCodeTitle2andalleducationalrightsunderFamilyCode151.003(a)(10)shallbeexercisedbyastudentwhois18yearsofageorolderorwhosedisabilitiesofminorityhavebeenremovedforgeneralpurposesunderFamilyCodeChapter31,unlessthestudenthasbeendeterminedtobeincompetentorthestudent’srightshavebeenotherwiserestrictedbyacourtorder.

LevelOneAstudentorparentwhohasacomplaintthat

couldnotberesolvedinformallyshallrequestaconferencewiththeCampusDirectorbyfilingthecomplaintinwritingonaformprovidedbytheschool.Theformmustbefiledwiththeschoolofficewithinsevendaysofthetimethestudentorparentknew,orshouldhaveknown,oftheeventorseriesofeventsaboutwhichthestudentorparentiscomplaining.Copiesofanydocumentsthatsupportthecomplaintshouldbeattachedtothecomplaintform.Ifthestudentorparentdoesnothavecopiesofthesedocuments,theymaybepresentedattheLevelOneconference.AftertheLevelOneconference,nonewdocumentsmaybesubmittedunlessthestudentorparentdidnotknowthedocumentsexistedbeforetheLevelOneconference.Acomplaintformthatisincompleteinanymaterialwaymaybedismissed,butmaybere-filedwithalltherequestedinformationifthere-filingiswithinthedesignatedtimeforfilingacomplaint.TheCampusDirectorshallholdaconference

withthestudentorparentwithinsevendaysoftherequest.Theseven-daytimeframeforholdingtheLevelOneconferencemaybeextendedifmutuallyagreedtobyboththestudentorparentandtheCampusDirector.Anadultmayrepresentastudentatthisandanylevelofthecomplaint.TheCampusDirectorshallhavesevendays

followingtheLevelOneconferencewithinwhichtorespond.Announcementofadecisioninthestudent’sorparent’spresenceshallconstitutecommunicationofthedecision.

ShouldthecomplaintinvolveaproblemwiththeCampusDirector,thentheLevelOnecomplaintformshouldbesubmittedtotheRegionalDirectoratthefollowingaddress:

ResponsiveEducationSolutionsComplaint:LevelOneAttn:HumanResourcesDepartmentP.O.Box292730Lewisville,Texas75029

LevelTwoIftheoutcomeoftheLevelOneconferencewith

theCampusDirectorisnottothestudent’sorparent’ssatisfactionorthetimeforaresponsehasexpired,thestudentorparentmayappealtheLevelOnedecisiontotheRegionalDirectorbyfilingtheappealnoticeinwritingonaformprovidedbytheschool.Note:IntheeventthattheLevelOneconference

washeldbytheRegionalDirectorordesignee,theLevelTwoconferenceshallbeheldbyanotherRegionalDirectorordesignee.

TheappealnoticemustincludeacopyoftheLevelOnecomplaint,acopyoftheLevelOnedecisionbeingappealed(ifapplicable),andacopyofanydocumentspresentedattheLevelOneconference.Theappealnoticemustbepostmarkedtothe

followingaddresswithinsevendaysfollowingreceiptofaresponseor,ifnoresponseisreceived,withinsevendaysoftheresponsedeadline:

ResponsiveEducationSolutionsComplaint:LevelTwoAttn:HumanResourcesDepartmentP.O.Box292730Lewisville,Texas75029

TheRegionalDirectorordesigneeshallholdaconferencewiththestudentorparentwithinsevendaysoftheappealnotice.Theseven-daytimeframeforholdingtheLevelTwoconferencemaybeextendedifmutuallyagreedtobyboththestudentorparentandtheRegionalDirectorordesignee.TheRegionalDirectorordesigneeshallhave

sevendaysfollowingtheLevelTwoconferencewithinwhichtorespond.Announcementofadecisioninthestudent’sorparent’spresenceshallconstitutecommunicationofthedecision.

—69—

LevelThreeIftheoutcomeoftheLevelTwoconferencewith

theRegionalDirectorordesigneeisnottothestudent’sorparent’ssatisfactionorthetimeforaresponsehasexpired,thestudentorparentmayappealtheLevelTwodecisiontotheSuperintendentbyfilingtheappealnoticeinwritingonaformprovidedbytheschool.TheappealnoticemustincludeacopyoftheLevelOnecomplaint,acopyoftheLevelTwoappealnotice,acopyoftheLevelOneandLevelTwodecisionsbeingappealed(ifapplicable),andacopyofanydocumentspresentedattheLevelOneandLevelTwoconferences.Theappealnoticemustbepostmarkedtothe


ResponsiveEducationSolutionsComplaint:LevelThreeAttn:HumanResourcesDepartmentP.O.Box292730Lewisville,Texas75029

TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallholdaconferencewiththestudentorparentwithin14daysoftheappealnotice.The14-daytimeframeforholdingtheLevelThreeconferencemaybeextendedifmutuallyagreedtobyboththestudentorparentandtheSuperintendentordesignee.TheLevelThreeconferencemaybeheldviatelephoneorvideoconferenceatthediscretionoftheSuperintendent.TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallhave

sevendaysfollowingtheLevelThreeconferencewithinwhichtorespond.Announcementofadecisioninthestudent’sorparent’spresenceshallconstitutecommunicationofthedecision.

LevelFourIftheoutcomeoftheLevelThreeconference

withtheSuperintendentordesigneeisnottothestudent’sorparent’ssatisfactionorthetimeforaresponsehasexpired,thestudentorparentmayappealtheLevelThreedecisiontotheBoardofTrusteesbyfilingtheappealnoticeinwritingonaformprovidedbytheschool.TheappealnoticemustincludeacopyoftheLevelOnecomplaint;acopyoftheLevelTwoandLevelThreeappealnotices;acopyoftheLevelOne,LevelTwo,andLevelThreedecisionsbeingappealed(ifapplicable);andacopyofanydocuments

presentedattheLevelOne,LevelTwo,andLevelThreeconferences.Theappealnoticemustbepostmarkedtothe


ResponsiveEducationSolutionsComplaint:LevelFourAttn:HumanResourcesDepartmentP.O.Box292730Lewisville,Texas75029

TheappealwillthenbeplacedontheagendaofafutureBoardmeeting.TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallinformthestudentorparentofthedate,time,andplaceofthemeeting.TheBoardofTrusteesisnotrequiredto

considerdocumentationnotpreviouslysubmittedorissuesnotpreviouslypresented.Thepresidingofficermaysetreasonabletimelimits.TheBoardofTrusteesshallhearthecomplaintandmayrequestaresponsefromtheschool.TheschoolshallmakeanaudiotaperecordoftheLevelFourproceedingsbeforetheBoardofTrustees.TheBoardofTrusteesshallthenmakeandcommunicateitsdecisionorallyorinwritingatanytimeuptoandincludingthenextregularlyscheduledBoardmeeting.IfforanyreasontheBoardofTrusteesfailstoreachadecisionregardingthecomplaintbytheendofthenextregularlyscheduledBoardmeeting,thelackofaresponsebytheBoardofTrusteesupholdsthedecisionatLevelThree.Ifthecomplaintinvolvesconcernsorcharges

regardinganemployee,itshallbeheardbytheBoardofTrusteesinclosedmeetingunlesstheemployeetowhomthecomplaintpertainsrequeststhatitbeheardinpublic.

ConsolidationofComplaintsWhentheschooldetermines,initssole

discretion,thattwoormoreindividualcomplaintsaresufficientlysimilarinnatureandremedytopermittheirresolutionthroughoneproceeding,thecomplaintsmaybeconsolidated.

ModificationofProceduresTheSuperintendentmay,athissolediscretion,

modifythiscomplaintprocessorrequireanalternativeprocess,solongastheBoardofTrusteesretainsfinalauthoritytohearanddecidecomplaintsandconcernsbroughthereunder.

—70—

RESPONSIVEEDUCATIONSOLUTIONS®2019–2020Parent/StudentHandbook

AcknowledgmentFormandAgreementtoAbidebytheParent/StudentHandbook

DearParent,Theeffectiveschoolsresearchtellsusthatasafe,orderly,schoolisessentialtostudentlearning.The

importanceofthatkindofanenvironmenthasbeenalong-standingvalueofthisschool.Thatenvironmentpromotesapositiveschoolclimateandhighexpectationsforbothbehaviorandlearning.ThisHandbookispublishedtooutlinethoseexpectations.Wewanttoassureandprotecttherightsofall

studentstoasafe,orderly,andeducationallyefficientenvironment.Ifwecanfreetheschoolfromdisruptionsthatresultfrominappropriatebehaviorandappearance,weseektodoso.Wesolicityoursupportandcooperationinapartnershipwhichprovidesthebestpossiblelearningenvironmentforyourstudent.ThisHandbook,includingtheStudentCodeofConduct,hasbeendevelopedthroughthecooperativeefforts

ofourschoolcommunity.ItisextremelyimportantthatallstudentsareawareoftheexpectationsthattheschoolhasforthemandthateachparentencouragestheirstudenttoacceptandfollowthebehavioralstandardsoutlinedinthisHandbook.YoursignatureisrequestedtoacknowledgeyourreceiptofthisHandbookandyourcommitmenttoabide

bytheprovisionscontainedherein.

MYSIGNATUREINDICATESTHATIHAVERECEIVEDANDAGREETOABIDEBYTHEPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOK,INCLUDING,BUTNOTLIMITEDTO,THEFOLLOWINGPROVISIONSTHEREOF:1. STUDENTCODEOFCONDUCT(pp.45–57);2. COMPUTERRESOURCES,WEBLEARNINGTOOLS,ANDNETWORKSERVICESACCEPTABLEUSE

GUIDELINES(pp.64–67);AND3. ELECTRONICCOMMUNICATIONDEVICECOMMITMENTPOLICY(p.67).MYSIGNATUREFURTHERINDICATESTHATIUNDERSTANDTHATANYCAMPUSHANDBOOK

SUPPLEMENTIMAYRECEIVEISDESIGNEDTOBEINHARMONYWITHTHEPROVISIONSOFTHISPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOK.ASSUCH,IUNDERSTANDTHAT,INTHEEVENTOFACONFLICTBETWEENTHISPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOKANDANYPROVISIONOFANYCAMPUSHANDBOOKSUPPLEMENT,THISPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOKWILLBEFOLLOWED._______________________________________________________ _____________________________________ ______________StudentName School GradeLevel_______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________StudentSignature ParentSignature _______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________Date ParentE-mailAddress Pleaseremove/printthispage,signit,andkeepitforyourrecords.Thankyouforallowingourstafftheopportunitytopartnerwithyouintheeducationofyourchild.

PARENT/STUDENTCOPY

RESPONSIVEEDUCATIONSOLUTIONS®2019–2020Parent/StudentHandbook

AcknowledgmentFormandAgreementtoAbidebytheParent/StudentHandbook

DearParent,Theeffectiveschoolsresearchtellsusthatasafe,orderly,schoolisessentialtostudentlearning.The

importanceofthatkindofanenvironmenthasbeenalong-standingvalueofthisschool.Thatenvironmentpromotesapositiveschoolclimateandhighexpectationsforbothbehaviorandlearning.ThisHandbookispublishedtooutlinethoseexpectations.Wewanttoassureandprotecttherightsofall

studentstoasafe,orderly,andeducationallyefficientenvironment.Ifwecanfreetheschoolfromdisruptionsthatresultfrominappropriatebehaviorandappearance,weseektodoso.Wesolicityoursupportandcooperationinapartnershipwhichprovidesthebestpossiblelearningenvironmentforyourstudent.ThisHandbook,includingtheStudentCodeofConduct,hasbeendevelopedthroughthecooperativeefforts

ofourschoolcommunity.ItisextremelyimportantthatallstudentsareawareoftheexpectationsthattheschoolhasforthemandthateachparentencouragestheirstudenttoacceptandfollowthebehavioralstandardsoutlinedinthisHandbook.YoursignatureisrequestedtoacknowledgeyourreceiptofthisHandbookandyourcommitmenttoabide

bytheprovisionscontainedherein.

MYSIGNATUREINDICATESTHATIHAVERECEIVEDANDAGREETOABIDEBYTHEPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOK,INCLUDING,BUTNOTLIMITEDTO,THEFOLLOWINGPROVISIONSTHEREOF:1. STUDENTCODEOFCONDUCT(pp.45–57);2. COMPUTERRESOURCES,WEBLEARNINGTOOLS,ANDNETWORKSERVICESACCEPTABLEUSE

GUIDELINES(pp.64–67);AND3. ELECTRONICCOMMUNICATIONDEVICECOMMITMENTPOLICY(p.67).MYSIGNATUREFURTHERINDICATESTHATIUNDERSTANDTHATANYCAMPUSHANDBOOK

SUPPLEMENTIMAYRECEIVEISDESIGNEDTOBEINHARMONYWITHTHEPROVISIONSOFTHISPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOK.ASSUCH,IUNDERSTANDTHAT,INTHEEVENTOFACONFLICTBETWEENTHISPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOKANDANYPROVISIONOFANYCAMPUSHANDBOOKSUPPLEMENT,THISPARENT/STUDENTHANDBOOKWILLBEFOLLOWED._______________________________________________________ _____________________________________ ______________StudentName School GradeLevel_______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________StudentSignature ParentSignature _______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________Date ParentE-mailAddress Pleaseremove/printthispage,signit,andreturnittotheschooloffice.Thankyouforallowingourstafftheopportunitytopartnerwithyouintheeducationofyourchild.

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2019–2020 ResponsiveEd Texas PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK · Responsive Education Solutions® Notice...

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