Student Handbook
2008-2009
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
“TRADITION”
·
Students develop a positive self-concept
·
Students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to cope responsibly
with life’s situations
·
Students learn the importance of loyalty to their self-beliefs and the
tolerance for the beliefs of others
To Students and
Parents:
For this new
year to be successful for your child, we must all work together: students,
parents, teachers, and other school staff members.
The Bells High
School Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic
information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to use, the
handbook is divided into three sections:
Section I—IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
PARENTS—with information all parents will need about assisting their
child and responding to school-related issues;
Section II—CURRICULUM-RELATED
INFORMATION—providing information to students and their parents about
graduation programs, required courses, class rank, and extracurricular and
other activities; and
Section III—GENERAL INFORMATION AND
REQUIREMENTS—describing school operations and requirements such as safety
procedures, the dress code, and fees that may be charged.
Each section has
a Quick Reference component to serve as a guide for day-to-day questions that
may arise.
Please be aware
that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the
parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume school-related
responsibility for a student. Both
students and parents must be familiar with the Bells High School Student Code
of Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an
atmosphere for learning. That
document may be found, as a separate document sent home to parents and
available in the principal’s office. The student handbook is designed to
be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that the handbook is
updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the
year. Changes in policy that affect
student handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents
through newsletters and other communications.
In case of
conflict between Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions
of student handbooks, the provisions of Board policy or the Student Code of
Conduct that were most recently adopted by the Board are to be followed. A copy
of the District’s policy manual is available in the
Superintendent’s school office.
We strongly
recommend that parents review the entire handbook with their children and keep
it as a reference during this school year.
If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this
handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Also, please complete and return the
parental acknowledgment and consent/opt-out forms so that we have a record of
your choices
Sincerely,
Will
Steger,
School
District Information
Mr.
Joe Moore
Superintendent
of Schools
Bells,
965-7721
Will Steger
High
School Principal
965-7315
Don
Keene
Junior
High Principal
965-4835
Rebeckah
Pritchard
Elementary
Principal
965-7725
Steffani
Cornelison
High
School Counselor
965-7315
Paula
Mortensen
Elementary
Counselor
965-7725
Tricia
Meek
Curriculum
Director
965-7721
Charles
Boles
Athletic
Director
965-4831
School
Board Trustees
Max
Robertson President
Brent
Adams Vice
President
Brian
Haase Secretary
Pete Wornhor
E.T. Petitt
Gary Payne
Jeannie Russell
Posting Location of all School Board Meetings:
Administration Office
Front Door
High School Front Door
Anna Ruth Prichard Junior High Front Door
Board
of Trustees — Monthly Meetings
The
Bells ISD Board of Trustees meets at least once a month, generally at the
administrative offices. Date, time and location of each meeting are posted on
the front door of the administration building and all three campuses prior to
each meeting. The public is welcome
to attend all meetings.
Nondiscrimination
Bells I.S.D.
does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex,
or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs,
including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following District staff members have been designated to
coordinate compliance with these requirements:
Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex:
Name: Joe Moore
Position: Superintendent
Address:
Bells TX 75414
Telephone: (903) 965-7721
Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability:
Name: Joe Moore
Superintendent
Address:
Bells TX 75414
Telephone: (903)
965-7721
Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, who coordinates services for homeless students:
Name: Tricia
Meek
Position: Curriculum
Director
Address:
Bells
TX 75414
Telephone: (903)
965-7721
Bells
ISD does not discriminate on the basis of disability by denying access to the
benefits of District services, programs, or activities. To request information about the
applicability of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
interested persons should contact Mr. Joe Moore.
Services
for Students with Disabilities
Parents of
students with learning difficulties or who may need special education services
may request an evaluation for special education at any time. For more information, see page ____ and contact:
Name: Margaret Lea
Position: Director,
Address: 201 E. Lamar,
Telephone: (903) 893-3114
SECTION I
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
This section of
the Bells High School Student Handbook includes information on topics of
particular interest to you as a parent.
QUICK REFERENCE:
Where to look when you need information
about…
Parental involvement page 7
Grading guidelines page 9
Report cards/progress reports and conferences page 10
State-mandated assessment testing page 11
Promotion and retention page 11
Other standardized testing: College Requirements page 12
Medicine at school page 13
Psychotropic drugs page 13
Student records page 13
Student or parent complaints and concerns page 16
Release of students from school page 16
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Working Together
Both experience
and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is
a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on
communication. Your involvement in
this partnership may include:
Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs offered in the District. Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. If your child is entering ninth grade, review the requirements of the graduation programs with your child. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling on page 21 and Academic Programs on page 18.]
Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 903-965-7315 for an appointment. A teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 10.]
Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations.
Conferences
Students and parents may expect teachers to request a
conference:
1. If
the student is not meeting academic expectations.
2. If
the student presents any problem to the teacher.
A parent who
wishes to confer with a teacher may call the office for an appointment at
903-965-7315.
Obtaining Information and Protecting
Student Rights
Your child will
not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey,
analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department
of Education—that concerns:
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent
Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family
Sexual behavior or attitudes
Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship
Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents
Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program
You will be able
to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used
in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation
"Opting
Out” of Surveys and Activities
As a parent, you
also have a right to receive notice and opt your child out of participating in:
Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding
School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information
Any
nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a
condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance
and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the
student. Exceptions are hearing,
vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or
required under state law.
As a parent, you also have a right:
To review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child
To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child
To review your child’s student records when needed. These records include:
· Attendance records
· Test scores
· Grades
· Disciplinary records
· Counseling records
· Psychological records
· Applications for admission
· Health and immunization information
· Other medical records
· Teacher and counselor evaluations
· Reports of behavioral patterns
· State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
[See Student Records on page 13.]
To grant or deny any written request from the District to make a videotape or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a videotape or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:
· When it is to be used for school safety.
· When it relates to classroom instruction or a cocurricular or extracurricular activity.
· When it relates to media coverage of the school.
To remove your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.
To request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required moment of silence or silent activity that follows. See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 45.
To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3-12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the District determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity.
To request in writing, if you are a noncustodial parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or expulsion
GRADING GUIDELINES
In grades 9-12,
achievement is reported to parents as number grades. The grading system is based on a
100-point scale. In order to gain
credit for a class, students must maintain an average score of at least
70. The grade scale may be
described as:
90—100 A
80---89 B
70---79 C
0----69 F
Transfer
students with grade reports using letter grades are converted using the
following scale:
A
= 95
B
= 85
C
= 77
D
= 72
F
= 65
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS
REPORTS AND CONFERENCES
Report cards
with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or
subject are issued to parents at least once every 6 weeks.
Students will receive progress reports from each
teacher on the Wednesday following the third week of the reporting period. The progress report will include grades
earned on daily work and tests to the end of the third week. Students having grade averages of less
than 70 at this time will have a progress report mailed to the home for those
subjects. If the student receives a
grade lower than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, the parent
will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or
subject. [See Working Together on page 10 for how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow
grading guidelines approved by the principal that have been designed to reflect
each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or
course. State law provides that a test
or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the Board
determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the
teacher did not follow the District’s grading policy.
Questions about
grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question
is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the
principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL).
The report card
or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for
a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.
Report cards and
unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be
returned to the school within 3 days.
Report cards will be issued on the Wednesday
following the end of the sixth week of the reporting period.
Exemptions
Juniors
and seniors may be exempt from semester tests if guidelines are met. The guidelines are as follows:
*an overall average of 95 for the
semester & not more than 3 excused absences
*an overall average of 90 for the
semester & not more than 2 excused absences
*an overall average of 85 for the
semester & not more than 1 excused absence.
Freshmen and sophomores may be exempt
from spring final exams if they pass all TAKS exams, and if they meet all of
the other requirements for exemptions.
Students
may not be exempt from exams in a
class if they have an unexcused absence or a grade of 0 during that
semester. In addition, if a student
has been assigned to in-school-suspension &/or DAEP for any reason, he/she
shall not be exempt from any exams.
Freshmen and
sophomores may also be exempt from final exams at the end of the school year,
if they have met all of the above criteria, and have passed all TAKS tests.
Honor Roll
Students
earning grade averages of 92 or greater with no grade less than a 90, excluding
PE/PE equivalent, and maintaining
satisfactory or better citizenship in all subjects will be placed on the
Superintendent’s Honor Roll.
Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses may retain eligibility
for Superintendent Honor roll placement with a minimum grade of
“87” on the report card at the end of the six-weeks grading period
Students earning a grade average of 90 or greater with no grades less than 80, excluding PE/PE equivalent, and maintaining satisfactory or better citizenship in all subjects, will be placed on the Principal’s Honor roll.
STATE-MANDATED ASSESSMENT TESTS
Students at
certain grade levels will take state assessment tests (such as TAKS) in the
following subjects, as well as routine testing and other measures of
achievement:
Mathematics, annually in grades 3–7 without the aid of technology and, in grades 8–11, with the aid of technology on any assessment test that includes algebra
Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
English language arts in grade 10
Social studies in grades 8 and 10
Science in grades 5, 8, and 10
Any other subject and grade required by federal law
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
A student will be
promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency
in the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a student
must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level
standards. In addition, students at
certain grade levels will be required to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge
and Skills (TAKS) as a further requirement for promotion:
In order to be promoted to grade 4, students must have
performed satisfactorily on the
In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 in the 2004–2005 school year must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5 assessment test in English or Spanish.
In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 in the 2007–2008 school year must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 8 assessment test in English.
In addition,
students in grades 3, 5, and 8 must meet promotion standards established by the
District in order to be promoted.
Parents of
students in grades 1-8 who do not perform satisfactorily on their exams will be
notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs
designed to improve performance.
These students will also have two additional opportunities to take the
test. If the student fails a second
time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the
teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special
instruction the student will receive.
After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the
parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted,
based on standards previously established by the District, the decision of the
committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an
educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to
perform at grade level by the end of the next school year.
A Personal
Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student in a middle school or
beyond who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment test
or is determined by the District as not likely to earn a high school diploma
before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented
by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan will identify the
student’s educational goals and include consideration of the
parent’s educational expectations for the student. For additional information, see the
counselor.
Students in grade 11 must pass the
secondary exit-level assessment in English language arts, mathematics, social
studies, and science in order to receive a diploma. A student who does not pass the
exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test. [See STATE-MANDATED ASSESSMENT TESTS on
page 11 for information regarding exit-level tests required by state law.]
Certain
students—some with disabilities and some with limited English
proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred
testing. For more information, see
the principal, counselor, or special education director.
OTHER STANDARDIZED
TESTING: COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
Most colleges require
either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
for admission. Students are
encouraged to talk with the counselor during their junior year to determine the
appropriate exam to take; entrance exams are usually taken at the end of the
junior year. Prior to enrollment in
a
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
Students are not
to self medicate and must receive all medication of any kind from the office
according to the following guidelines.
District employees will not give a student prescription medication,
nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary
supplements, with the following exceptions:
Authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:
· Prescription medication provided by the parent, along with a written request, and in the original, properly labeled container
· Medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified District employee from the original, properly labeled container
· Nonprescription medication provided by the parent along with a written request, and in the original, properly labeled container
· Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities
In certain emergency situations, the District will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:
· In accordance with the guidelines developed with the District’s medical advisor and
· When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the District’s form
A student with asthma who has written authorization from his or her parent and physician or other licensed health-care provider, may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma medication at school or school-related events. The student and parents should see the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication for use during the school day
PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS
Teachers and
other District employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or
behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as
appropriate. In addition, a
District employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a
physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can
recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner,
if appropriate.
“Psychotropic
drug” means a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention
of a disease or as a component of a medication and intended to have an altering
effect on perception, emotion, or behavior. It is commonly described as a mood- or
behavior-altering substance.
STUDENT RECORDS
Both federal and
state law safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and
provide parents and “eligible” students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an
“eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an
institution of postsecondary education.
The law
specifies that certain general information about Bells I.S.D. students is
considered “directory information” and will be released to anyone
who follows procedures for requesting it.
That information includes:
A student’s name, address, telephone number, and date and place of birth
The student’s photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams
The student’s dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, honors and awards received in school and most recent school previously attended
The student’s e-mail address
Release of any
or all directory information regarding a student may be prevented by the parent
or an eligible student. This
objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of
the child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the acknowledgement form attached
to this handbook.]
Virtually all
information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results,
and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:
The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless parental rights have been legally terminated and if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as the student becomes eligible, control of the records go to the student. However, the parents may continue to have access to the records if the student is a dependent for tax purposes
District staff members who have what federal law defines as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. Such persons would include school officials (such as Board members, the Superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the District (such as a medical consultant)
Various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order
A school to which a student transfers or in which he or she subsequently enrolls
Release to any
other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a
scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student
permission as appropriate.
The District
must comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher
education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless
parents have advised the District not to release their child’s
information without prior written consent.
The principal is
custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned
school. The principal is the
custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.
Records may be
inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. If circumstances effectively prevent
inspection during these hours, the District will either provide a copy of the
requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to
review the requested records. The
records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for
explanation and interpretation of the records.
The address(es)
of the principals’ offices are:
Bells, TX 78414
A parent (or the
student if he or she is 18 or older or is attending an institution of
postsecondary education) may inspect the student’s records and request a
correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation
of the student’s privacy rights.
If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor
has the right to request a hearing.
If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor
has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the
information in the student’s record.
Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a
student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint
process defined by policy FNG. [See
Report Cards/Progress Reports and
Conferences on page 10 and Student
or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 16 for an overview of the
process.]
Copies of
student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in
advance. If the student qualifies
for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records
during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no
charge upon written request of the parent.
Transcripts
Transcripts are available upon request by the
student or parent.
Please note:
Parents or eligible
students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education if they believe the District is not in compliance with federal law
regarding student records. The
District’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s
or Superintendent’s office.
The
parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of
student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered
educational records—such as teachers’ personal notes about a student
that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made
available to the parents or student
A student’s school records are
confidential and are protected from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for
each student from the time the student enters the District until the student
withdraws or graduates. This record
moves with the student from school to school.
By law, both parents, whether married,
separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under 18
or a dependent for tax purposes. A
parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the
records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.
Enrollment Cards
An enrollment
card must be completely filled out and maintained on file in the office for
each student. Please use your
correct mailing address on the card to ensure prompt receipt of important
information from the school. This
card must be returned to the office prior to the fifth day of classes; students
that have not returned their enrollment card by this date may be sent home.
STUDENT OR PARENT
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS
Usually student
or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply—by a phone call or
a conference with the teacher involved in an effort to resolve any questions
&/or conflicts prior to consulting the principal. For those complaints and concerns that
cannot be handled so easily, the District has adopted a standard complaint
policy at FNG (LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual. A copy of this
policy may be obtained in the principal’s or Superintendent’s
office
In general, the
student or parent should first discuss the complaint with the campus
principal. If unresolved, a written
complaint and a request for a conference should be sent to the
Superintendent. If still
unresolved, the District provides for the complaint to be presented to the
Board of Trustees.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS
FROM SCHOOL
Because class
time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if
possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.
A student will
not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day
except with permission from the principal or designee and according to the
campus sign-out procedures. Unless
the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a
student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.
A student who
will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her
parent that morning. A student who
becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s permission,
report to the school nurse. The
nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will
notify the student’s parent.
Leaving
Campus---Sign-Out Procedures
Students are
required to sign out if they are leaving the campus. Students not signing out prior to
leaving will be considered truant regardless of the excuse. Students must have a note from the
parent explaining the need to leave school. Students without a note will not be
allowed to sign out unless an emergency exists. In case of an emergency, verbal
permission from the parent will be required prior to signing out.
Late Arrival to School
Tardies
Students who are not in the room when the tardy
bell rings will be considered tardy to that class. Students are to go to the office for all
tardy notes. The following schedule
will be administered for excessive tardies for each semester: (total tardies, not per class)
1st Warning
2nd Break
Detention
3rd Three
days break detention
4th Lunch
detention
5th Three
days lunch detention
6th One
day of after school detention
7th
8th 2
days
9th
Consequent tardies will result in 3 days ISS
10th Failure to
attend Saturday school will result in 3 days of ISS. Those who miss detentions will have
extra detentions assigned. If the student
continues to miss detentions, he/she will be assigned to ISS, or DAEP.
A record of each student’s tardies will be
kept in the office. Tardy count is
accumulative for the entire school day, not per class. Records will be kept per semester.
Withdrawing from School
A student under
18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice
from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents
may be prepared. A withdrawal form
may be obtained by the parent from the principal’s office.
On the
student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher
for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a
clear library record; to the clinic for health records; to the counselor for
the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the withdrawal form will be
given to the student and a copy placed in the student’s permanent record.
A student who is
18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an
emancipated minor, may withdraw without parental signature.
SECTION II
CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION
This section of
the handbook contains pertinent requirements for academics and activities. Much of this information will also be of
interest to your parents and should be reviewed with them—especially if
you are entering 9th grade or are a transfer student. The section includes information on
graduation programs and requirements; options for earning course credit;
extracurricular activities and other school-related organizations; and awards,
honors, and scholarships.
QUICK
REFERENCE:
Where to look when you need help
with…
Academic programs page 18
Class rank/top ten percent/highest-ranking student page 19
State scholarships and grants page 20
Class schedules page 20
Student schedule changes page 21
Computer resources page 21
Internet page 21
Correspondence courses page 21
Counseling: academic page 21
Counseling: personal page 22
College Internet Coursework page 23
Credit by exam page 22
Distance Learning page 23
Dual credit courses/college courses page 23
Career and technology programs page 23
Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations page 23
Grade classification page 24
Graduation page 25
Special programs page 28
Summer school page 29
Textbooks page 29
Work Release for Seniors page 30
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The school
counselor provides students and their parents information regarding academic
programs to prepare for higher education and career choices. Students are
encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teachers and principals in order to
learn about the curriculum, course offerings, graduation requirements and
differences between graduation programs.
All students in grades 7-12 and their parents will be notified annually
about the recommended courses for students preparing to attend college. Students who are interested in attending
a college, university, or training school or pursuing some other advanced
education should work closely with their counselor so that they take the high
school courses to best prepare them for further work. The counselor can also provide
information about entrance examinations required by any colleges and
universities, as well as information about financial aid and housing.
Assemblies
Assemblies will
normally involve the entire student body and faculty; therefore everyone is
expected to attend. Students are expected to show courtesy, respectfulness and
attention during assembly programs.
CLASS RANK / TOP TEN
PERCENT / HIGHEST-RANKING STUDENT
Selection
of Valedictorian and Salutatorian and Graduation Honors
1. Graduating
seniors will be ranked within the graduating class on the basis of their
weighted grade point average taken for high school credit or to satisfy state graduation
requirements in all subjects except those listed as exempt in item #5.
2. The valedictorian and salutatorian will
be two students with the highest weighted grade point averages. To be eligible,
a student must have been enrolled at
3. Students
changing from an Honors/Advanced, Regular or Basic class will be awarded the
grade weight appropriate for the class they are in at the end of the semester.
4. Concurrent
credit college courses will be awarded weighted grade points if that subject at
the college level is also available as a weighted class at BHS. Concurrent credit courses taken during
the second semester of the senior year will not be included in ranking
averages.
5. All
subjects taken will be used in computed weighted grade average for either
award, except: band, physical education, athletics, choir, summer homemaking,
yearbook, or any other course which awards “blanket grades” or
“pass fail” credit.
6.
In determining the valedictorian and
salutatorian, weighted course grades, except those as noted as exceptions, will
be averaged from the student’s grades for the ninth grade through the end
of the fifth six weeks of the twelfth grade, inclusive, with the student having
achieved the highest average being declared the valedictorian and the student
having the second highest average being declared the salutatorian.
7. In
case of a tie for either of these honors, when carried to four decimal places,
both students will share the honor.
In case of a tie for the valedictorian, both students will share the
honor, in order to determine which student will receive the state scholarship
the average will be carried to whatever decimal place breaks the tie.
8. Students
with an overall weighted average of 90 or above will designated as Honor
Graduates.
For two school
years following their graduation, District graduates who ranked in the top ten
percent of their graduating class are eligible for admission into four-year
public universities and colleges in
STATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND
GRANTS
Under the Texas
Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, eligible students may earn
financial credits in varying amounts, depending on the number of consecutive
months in which the student completed graduation requirements and the number of
early college credits earned. Students
may choose public or private
Students who have
a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended
High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under
the TEXAS Grant Program for tuition and fees to
CLASS SCHEDULES
Tutorials: 7:40-7:58
1st Period 8:03-8:50
2nd 8:55-9:45
Break 9:45-9:55
3rd 10:00-10:50
4th 10:55-11:45
A Lunch 11:45-12:15
5th B 11:50-12:35 (for those students who have B Lunch)
B Lunch 12:35-1:05
5th A 12:20-1:05 (for those students who have A Lunch)
6th 1:10-1:55
7th 2:00-2:45
8th 2:50-3:35
STUDENT
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Students may request
a schedule change at the beginning of each semester during the first week of
each term. Schedule changes may be
requested in the office to the counselor or principal
COMPUTER RESOURCES
To prepare
students for an increasingly computerized society, the District has made a
substantial investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these resources is restricted to
students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes
only. Laptops and computer related equipment from home should not be brought to
school without administrative permission and are subject to administrative
approval and shall not contain inappropriate material. In such cases, the equipment shall be
taken and not returned. Students and their parents will be asked to sign a user
agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources;
violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other
disciplinary action.
Students and
their parents should be aware that electronic
communications—e-mail—using District computers are not private and
may be monitored by District staff.
INTERNET
All students using internet resources are
required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy.
Guidelines and policies for use must be read thoroughly. Internet use shall be limited to
educational resources only. Use of
the internet for personal reasons is prohibited.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
The District
permits high school students to take correspondence courses—courses by
mail—for credit toward high school graduation.
Students may be
allowed to take a maximum or two (2) correspondence courses in order to meet
graduation requirements. Enrollment
in a correspondence program must have prior written
approval of the
principal and the counselor. Please
contact the counselor if further information is needed. Correspondence course work must be
completed by May 1st.
Internet courses
will not be awarded credit toward
graduation.
COUNSELING
ACADEMIC COUNSELING
Students and
their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or
principal to learn about course offerings, the graduation requirements of
various programs, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 7 through
12 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next
year and other information that will help to make the most of academic and
vocational opportunities.
To plan for the
future, including attendance at a college, university, or training school, or
pursuit of some other type of advanced education, students should work closely
with the counselor in order to take the high school courses that best prepare
them. The counselor can also
provide information about entrance exams and deadlines for application, as well
as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities,
financial aid, housing, and scholarships.
PERSONAL COUNSELING
The school
counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns,
including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance
abuse. The counselor may also make
available information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the
counselor should call the office and ask for an appointment.
Please note: The school will not conduct a
psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the
parent’s written consent, unless required by state or federal law for
special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse
investigations and reports.
CREDIT BY EXAM—If
a Student Has Taken the Course
A student who
has received prior instruction in a course or subject—but did not receive
credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the teacher and
counselor or principal, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the
essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score
at least 70 on the exam. In other
instances, the District administration will determine whether any opportunity
for credit by exam will be offered.
The attendance
review committee may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to
earn credit for a course by passing an exam. A student may not use this exam,
however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular
activities.
CREDIT BY EXAM—If
a Student Has Not Taken the Course
A student will
be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which
the student has no prior instruction.
The dates on which exams are scheduled during the 2007-2008 school year
include:
2007
August 14, 15, 16
2008
January 21st
2008
June 3rd, 4th, 5th
August 12th, 13th
The passing
score required to earn credit on an exam is 90.
If a student
plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the counselor
no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The District will administer a test only
on published dates. The parent will
be responsible for purchasing the test from a university approved by the State
Board of Education.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance
learning is provided through
DUAL CREDIT COURSES / COLLEGE COURSES
Students must maintain a grade of at least a
“B” for the first semester in order to take the second
semester. If the student does not
have a grade of at least a “B” the parent must submit a written
request for the student to enroll in the second semester. The counselor and principal must approve
this request.
Students
may take college/dual credit courses following their sophomore year and receive
high school credit. It is
recommended that students confer with the counselor regarding course choices.
Dual
credit classes may be taken to satisfy high school graduation requirements. Dual credit coursework may be completed
through distance learning classes on campus or outside the regular school
day. In order to be considered a
full-time student at BHS, a student must be enrolled in at least five periods
per day, one of which may be a distance learning dual credit course on
campus. First period late arrival
may be offered in place of an evening dual credit course.
College
level work completed in distance learning situations may also be weighted. The level of the coursework and the
subject area will be considered when awarding grade points. Students are responsible for verifying
grades and course completion. Grade
reports must be presented for course
work to be documented.
Internet
course work will not qualify for high school credit.
CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAMS
The District
offers career and technology programs in Ag. Science, FCCLA and Computer
Science classes. Admission to these programs is open to all students.
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Participation in
school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to
develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships
with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
Eligibility for
participation in many of these activities is governed by state law as well as
rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide
association overseeing interdistrict competition. The following requirements
apply to all extracurricular activities:
A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks
A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks
An ineligible student may practice or rehearse
A student is allowed in a school year up to ten absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of two absences for state competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the Board, are subject to these restrictions
A student who misses a class because of participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence
Eligibility Rules for UIL
Competition
Please note: Sponsors of student clubs and performing
groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish
standards of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—that
are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of
school rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or by
local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the
organization.
Athletics
Participants
and spectators attending athletic events are expected to conduct themselves
appropriately and to exhibit courtesy and good sportsmanship at all times. Students or fans choosing not to do so
may be removed by administration and barred from attending any future events.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION
After the ninth
grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward
graduation.
Classification is based on cumulative credits
earned.
05-06
Freshman 0-7 Credits
Sophomore
8-13
Credits
Junior 14-19 Credits
Senior 20-26 Credits
06-07
Freshman 0-7 Credits
Sophomore
8-14
Credits
Junior 15-20 Credits
Senior 21-27 Credits
07-08
Freshman 0-7 Credits
Sophomore
8-14
Credits
Junior 15-21 Credits
Senior
22-28 Credits
GRADUATION
Requirements for a Diploma
To receive a
high school diploma from the District, a student must successfully complete the
required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level exam.
The grade 11
exit-level test, required for students in grade 11 in the 2003–2004
school year and thereafter, covers English language arts, mathematics, science,
and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I, Geometry, Biology,
Integrated Chemistry and Physics, English III, and early American and United
States History.
Graduation Programs
The District
offers the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade 9 are
required to enroll in the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished
Achievement Program. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program
will be granted only as described in the exception below. The counselor can help you decide which
program is best for you.
For the 05-06 school year
BHS requires a minimum of 26 credits for graduation.
For the 06-07 school year
BHS requires a minimum of 27 credits for graduation.
For the 07-08 school year BHS
requires a minimum of 28 credits for graduation.
The graduating classes of
2011 and beyond will be required to have 4 credits in English, 4 credits in
Science, 4 credits in Social Studies, and 4 credits in Math.
Minimum Program
4 units English
3 units math (algebra I
& II and geometry)
2 units science (biology
& IPC or chemistry)
3.5 units social studies
(world history, world geography,
Government)
1/5 units PE or PE
equivalent (must include ½ credit Foundations of Personal Fitness)
.5 unit health
.5 unit communication
applications
1 unit technology
applications
.5 unit economics
04-05
8.5 units electives
05-06
9.5 units electives
06-07
10.5 units electives
07-08
11.5 units electives
Recommended Program
Same as above with the addition
of the courses listed below:
1
unit science (Students are encouraged to take biology, chemistry & physics)
1
unit fine arts
2
units of the same foreign language
04-05
4.5 units electives for
recommended program
05-06
5.5 units electives for
recommended program
06-07
6.5 units electives for
recommended program
07-08
7.5 units electives for
recommended program
Distinguished Achievement
Program
Same as Recommended with
the following additions:
1
additional unit of foreign language
Students
must complete at least four advanced measures to receive DAP. Advanced measures may include research
projects, AP exams or college courses with grades of “B” or better. Students may take only 2 college courses
to satisfy the advanced measures.
04-05
3.5 units of electives are
required for DAP
05-06
4.5 units of electives are
required for DAP
06-07
5.5 units of electives are
required for DAP
07-08
6.5 units of electives are
required for DAP
A student removed to a Disciplinary
Alternative Education Program (DAEP) during the school year will have an
opportunity to complete a course needed to fulfill the student’s high
school graduation requirements before the beginning of the next school year. The District may provide the opportunity
to complete the coursework through any method available, including a
correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The District will not charge the student
for any method of completion provided by the District.
A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or
another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before
the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in
at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The District may provide the opportunity
by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning,
or summer school.
Permission to
complete the Minimum Graduation Plan will be granted only if an agreement is
reached among:
The student
The student’s parent or person standing in parental relation
The counselor or appropriate administrator
Please be aware
that not all courses are offered at every secondary campus in the
District. A student who desires to
take a course not offered at his or her regular campus should contact the
counselor about a transfer or other alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students
request a transfer for those students to take a course in the required
curriculum other than fine arts or career and technology, then for the
following year the District will offer the course either by teleconference or
at the school from which the transfers were requested.
Certificates of Coursework Completion
A certificate of
coursework completion will be issued to a senior student who successfully
completes state and local credit requirements for graduation, but fails to
perform satisfactorily on the exit-level tests.
Students with Disabilities
Upon the
recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal committee, a student
with disabilities may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or
her individualized education program (IEP).
Graduation Expenses
Because students
and parents will incur expenses in order to participate in the traditions of
graduation, such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and
senior picture, both student and parent should monitor progress toward
completion of all requirements for graduation. The expenses often are incurred in the
junior year or first semester of the senior year. [See Student Fees on page 44.]
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The District
provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students,
bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency,
dyslexic students, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can
answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and
services offered in the District or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about
these programs should contact the counselor.
Options and Requirements for Providing
Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need
Special Education
If a child is
experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed
below to learn about the District’s overall general education referral or
screening system for support services.
This system links students to a variety of support options, including
referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the
regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other
support services that are available to all students.
At any time, a
parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education
services. Within a reasonable
amount of time, the District must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is needed, the parent will
be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The District must complete the
evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the District
receives the written consent. The
District must give a copy of the report to the parent.
If the District
determines that the evaluation is not needed, the District will provide the
parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be
evaluated. This written notice will
include a statement that informs the parent of their rights if they disagree
with the District. Additionally,
the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural
Safeguards—Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities.
The designated
person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning
difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is Martha
Wilson at 903-965-7721
Gifted
/ Talented Program
Overview
Bells I.S.D. operates a gifted/talented program
for students in grades K-12 according to guidelines mandated by state law,
Section 29.121-123 of the Texas Education Code. Subchapter D, §29.121, states that “ ‘gifted and talented
students’ means a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential
for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to
others of the same age, experience, or environment and who: (1) exhibits high performance capability
in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area; (2) possesses an unusual
capacity for leadership; or (3) excels in a specific academic
field”. “Each school
district shall adopt a process for identifying and serving gifted and talented
students in the district and shall establish a program for those students in
each grade level (§29.122)”.
“The State Board of Education shall develop and periodically
update a state plan for the education of gifted and talented students to guide
school districts in establishing and improving programs for identified students
(§29.123).”
Identification Procedures for Gifted and Talented
Program
Referral
Any teacher, parent,
student, counselor or other appropriate person may refer a student for
assessment/screening.
Referral Process
·
Referral form sent
to director of special programs
·
File created and
student assigned an identification number
·
Letter sent to
parents requesting permission to conduct screening
·
Appropriate data gathered:
1. Mental ability score
2. MAT-SF score
3. Watson-Glaser Thinking Appraisal
4. Achievement test score
5. Parent rating instrument
6. Teacher rating instrument
7. Academic performance
·
Data entered on identification matrix
·
Selection
committee receives matrix for review/consideration
·
Committee
meets to make placement determination
·
Parents
notified of placement/non-placement
·
Appropriate
teachers/principals notified of placement/non-placement
·
Parents
may make appointment to review student’s assessment data
Appeals process
outlined in district policy
SUMMER SCHOOL
TEXTBOOKS
State-approved
textbooks are provided free of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by the student, as
directed by the teacher, and treated with care. A student who is issued a damaged book
should report the damage to the teacher.
Any student failing to return a book issued by the school loses the
right to free textbooks until the book is returned or paid for by the
parent. However, a student will be
provided textbooks for use at school during the school day.
TECH PREP
Students at BHS may earn college credit while completing
high school courses under the tech prep program. Through an articulation agreement with
SENIOR WORK RELEASE
Seniors who are not enrolled in VAC or Diversified Career Prep classes may be released from school at the end of 7th period, if they have met all credit requirements and are on track to graduate. If a student has met all credit requirements during their 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, and has maintained all A’s and B’s on semester grades during their junior year, then those students may be released at the end of 6th period with the principal’s permission. Students must be maintaining a passing grade in all classes during their senior year to qualify for this privilege.
SECTION III
GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Topics in this
section of the handbook contain important information regarding school
operations and requirements.
Included are provisions such as student health and safety issues; fees;
the school’s expectations for student conduct (other than Student Code of
Conduct requirements); use of facilities, such as the cafeteria, library, and
transportation services; and emergency closings. For additional information or questions
you may have, please see the principal.
QUICK
REFERENCE:
Where to look when you need information
about…
Asbestos regulation page 31
Attendance page 31
Driver license attendance verification page 33
Make up work page 33
Retest page 34
DAEP or in-school-suspension make up work page 34
Communicable diseases/conditions page 34
Health-related matters page 36
Conduct page 36
Law enforcement agencies page 41
Distribution of published materials or documents page 42
Dress and grooming page 43
Student fees page 44
Immunization page 45
Pledges of allegiance and a minute of silence page 45
Prayer page 45
Safety page 46
Emergency school-closings information page 47
School facilities page 47
Searches page 48
Transportation page 50
Videotaping of students page 52
Visitors to the school page 52
Random drug testing program page 54
Asbestos Regulation
Bells ISD is working hard to maintain compliance with
federal and state regulation concerning asbestos. Should you desire to review the asbestos
management plan for your child’s school, a copy of the plan is available
in the Superintendent’s office in the school’s central
administration office.
If
you have any questions, contact Billy Frosch at 965-7315.
ATTENDANCE
Regular school
attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her
education-to benefit from teacher-led activities; to build each day’s learning
on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in
serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials;
therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary
absences. Two state laws, one
dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course
credit, are of special interest to students and parents. Each is discussed in the following
sections:
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
The state
compulsory attendance law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 18
must attend school and District-required tutorial sessions unless the student
is otherwise legally exempted or excused.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her eighteenth
birthday is required to attend each school day. However, if a student 18 or older has
more than five unexcused absences in a semester, the District may revoke the
student’s enrollment. The
student’s presence on school property is then unauthorized and may be
considered trespassing.
School employees
must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance
law. A student absent from school
without permission from any class; from required special programs, such as
additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction”)
assigned by the grade placement committee and basic skills for ninth graders;
or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the law and
subject to disciplinary action.
A school-aged
student’s deliberately not attending school may also result in assessment
of penalties by a court of law against both the student and his or her
parents. A complaint against the
parent may be filed in the appropriate court if the student:
Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or
Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period
All absences from school must be cleared
in the office. Parents of students
missing school are asked to contact the school between
Pre-arranged absences must be requested
in writing by the parent at least one week prior to the absence. All assignments must be completed in
accordance with the time line established by the teacher with a maximum of
three days.
A student absent from school for more
than half a day, other than for a documented health care appointment, will not
be allowed to participate in school-related activities on that day or evening.
ATTENDANCE FOR CREDIT
To receive
credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the
class is offered. A student who
attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may be referred
to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating
circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit. Saturday
School and/or after school detention may be an option as an alternative method
of regaining credit.
In determining
whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance
committee will use the following guidelines:
All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for religious holy days and health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose
A transfer or migrant student incurs absences only after his or her enrollment in the District. For a student transferring into the District after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered
In reaching consensus about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that its decision is in the best interest of the student
The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences
The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could exercise any control
The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject
The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit
The student or
parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the District’s Board
of Trustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent in accordance
with policy FNG.
The actual number
of days a student must attend in order to receive credit will depend on whether
the class is for a full semester or for a full year.
When a student
must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to
school—must bring a note, signed by the parent, that describes the reason
for the absence. A note signed by
the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted
unless the student is 18 or older.
Students
becoming ill during school hours must report to the teacher prior to coming to
the office for treatment. If it
becomes necessary for the student to go home, parental permission must be
obtained; no student will be allowed to go home without prior approval from the
parent unless permission is granted from the principal.
A
maximum of two days of college visitation may be scheduled. The days approved for college visitation
count as extra-curricular absences. College visitations for seniors must be
cleared through the counselor a minimum of two days prior to the visit. Excused college visitation days are
limited to senior students only. It
is the responsibility of the student to provide the office with verification of
the visit.
The
district may count absent students present for
· Participation in a Board-approved and appropriately supervised extracurricular activity or performance
·
Participation
in an approved mentorship fulfilling the student’s Distinguished
Achievement Program
·
Screening,
diagnosis, or treatment of a Medicaid-eligible student
·
Religious
holy days
·
An
appointment with a health care professional with written confirmation of he
appointment
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Work missed for
unexcused absences may be made up for partial credit. Students shall receive a maximum of a 65
on work made up. If a student makes
less than a 65 on the work, he/she shall receive the actual grade made.
DRIVER LICENSE ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION
To obtain a
driver license, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must annually provide to
the Texas Department of Public Safety a form obtained from the school verifying
that the student has met the 90 percent attendance requirement for the semester
preceding the date of application.
The student can obtain this form at the campus office.
MAKEUP WORK
Routine and In-Depth Makeup Work
Assignments
Students absent
from school will be expected to make up work missed in order to meet the
minimum requirements of attendance accounting. On the day of the student’s return
to school the student will obtain, from the teacher, a schedule of make-up work
listing the assignments and their due date.
A student will
be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed
because of absence. Secondary
teachers may assign a late penalty to any project in accordance with time lines
approved by the principal and previously communicated to students.
For any class
missed, the teacher may assign the student makeup work based on the
instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the
individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in
meeting subject or course requirements.
A student will
be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory
manner and within the time specified by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned
work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for
the assignment.
Students missing
school for non-extenuating circumstances will be allowed to make up work
also. The maximum grade awarded for
work completed under these circumstances will be a 65. If the student scores greater than 65% a
grade of 65 will be recorded.
Students missing school for non-extenuating circumstances may be subject
to disciplinary action, to include
RETEST
Retesting may be
offered when deemed necessary by the teacher.
DAEP or In-School Suspension Makeup Work
A student
removed to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) during the
school year will have an opportunity to complete coursework needed to fulfill
the student’s high school graduation requirements before the beginning of
the next school year. The District
may provide the opportunity to complete the coursework through any method
available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer
school. The District will not
charge the student for any method of completion provided by the District.
A student
removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or another setting,
other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of
the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of
removal from the regular classroom.
The District may provide the opportunity by any method available, including
a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school.
Students and
their parents are encouraged to discuss options with the teacher or counselor
to ensure the student completes all work required for the course or grade
level.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES /
CONDITIONS
To protect other
students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are
not allowed to come to school while contagious. If a parent suspects that his
or her child has a communicable or contagious disease, the parent should
contact the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have
been exposed to the disease can be alerted.
The school nurse or the principal’s office can provide information from the Texas Department of Health regarding these diseases
Bacterial Meningitis
State law
requires the District to provide the following information:
What is meningitis?
Meningitis
is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi,
and bacteria. Viral meningitis is
most common and the least serious.
Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial
infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires
urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
What are the symptoms?
Someone
with meningitis will become very ill.
The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly
progress in a matter of hours. Not
everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children
(over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high
temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint
pains, and drowsiness or confusion.
In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple
spots. These can occur anywhere on
the body.
The
diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and
laboratory results.
How serious is bacterial meningitis?
If
it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a
complete recovery. In some cases it
can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately,
none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like
the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by
simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of
our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange
saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or
cigarettes).
The
germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of
the germ for days, weeks, or even months.
The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause
meningitis or another serious illness.
How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do
not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.
While
there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are
used only in special circumstances.
These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for
people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the
disease. Also, a vaccine is
recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living
in dorms or residence halls. The
vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as
redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten
days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.
What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?
You
should seek prompt medical attention.
Where can you get more information?
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov, and the Texas Department of Health, http://www.tdh.state.tx.us.
SCHOOL
HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
Information
regarding the District’s School Health Advisory Council, including the number
of meetings scheduled or held during the year, and information regarding
vending machines in District facilities and student access to the machines is
available from the principal
OTHER
HEALTH RELATED MATTERS
TOBACCO
The District and
its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by
students and others on school property or at school-sponsored or school-related
activities.
Use of tobacco is hazardous to health and
against
CONDUCT
APPLICABILITY
OF SCHOOL RULES
As required by
law, the District has developed and adopted a Student Code of Conduct that
prohibits certain behaviors and establishes standards of acceptable
behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of
the standards. Students need to be
familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as
campus and classroom rules.
To achieve the
best possible learning environment for all students, the Student Code of
Conduct and other campus rules of behavior will apply whenever the interest of
the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or
independent of classes and school-sponsored activities. The District has
authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct during
the regular school day and while going to and from school on District
transportation. This jurisdiction
includes any activity during the school day on school grounds, attendance at
any school-related activity, regardless of time or location, and any
school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.
STUDENT CAFETERIA AND
Bells ISD serves nutritious meals every school
day. Students may buy lunch for
$1.75 and breakfast for $1.00.
When getting your food, go to the end of the
line and quietly wait your turn.
Crowding in the line makes for inefficiency. Be polite and courteous to the server
when they ask what you are getting.
Exit the serving line in an orderly fashion. When you have completed your meal please
place all waste in the trash can and leave your table in a neat and clean
condition.
Due to new USDA guidelines carbonated drinks may
not be sold within the cafeteria during breakfast or lunch.
Students bringing their lunches will eat in the
cafeteria. Food and drinks are not
allowed in the classroom or the hallways.
If drinks are brought to school they must be in sealed unopened cans.
SOCIAL
EVENTS
School rules
apply to school social events to which a student brings a guest. Guests are expected to observe the same
rules as students attending the event, and the person inviting the guest will
share responsibility for the conduct of the guest.
A student
attending a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end
of the event; anyone leaving before the official end of the event will not be
readmitted.
FIELD TRIPS
On school-sponsored
trips of any kind, all students are expected to go on the bus and return on the
bus. Students will behave in an
orderly manner, keeping in mind that their behavior is a reflection of
themselves, their parents, and of the school. All school related rules apply to any
school-sponsored trip, including dress and behavior.
CORPORAL
PUNISHMENT
Corporal
punishment—spanking or paddling the student—may be used as a
discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct
and policy .
Corporal
punishment is limited to spanking or paddling the student, and is governed by
the following guidelines:
1.
The student is told the reason for the
corporal punishment.
2.
Corporal Punishment may be administered
by the principal, assistant principal or a teacher.
3.
The instrument to be used will be
approved by the principal.
4.
Corporal punishment will be administered
in the presence of one other District professional employee and out of view of
other students.
A
record will be maintained of each instance of corporal punishment.
Parents
may request in writing that their child be exempt from corporal
punishment. In such cases, students
are subject to other means of appropriate punishment as deemed acceptable by
the high school administration.
A student refusing to accept corporal punishment
may be removed from school until other appropriate discipline has been
administered.
DETENTION
TEACHER
ASSIGNED
Teachers may assign
detention for students that choose to behave in an unacceptable manner. This detention may be before school,
during break, or after school.
Students choosing not to meet the requirements of the teacher will be
subject to further disciplinary actions.
SATURDAY SCHOOL
Students requiring in school suspension due to disciplinary
actions may be assigned to
Students not attending
Students may be
assigned
DISRUPTIONS
In order to
protect student safety and sustain an educational program free from disruption,
state law permits the District to take action against any person—student
or nonstudent—who:
Interferes with the movement of people in an exit, an entrance, or a hallway of a District building without authorization from an administrator.
Interferes with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building
Uses force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly
Uses force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly
Interferes with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to District property
Uses force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving District property without authorization from an administrator
Disrupts classes or other school activities while on District property or on public property that is within 500 feet of District property. Class disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with profane language or any misconduct.
Interferes with the transportation of students in District vehicles
TELEPHONES
Students will not be called to the telephone
during class periods except in the case of an emergency. Students receiving messages during class
will be contacted at the end of the period.
Office telephones are for official use
only. Students will not be allowed
to use the phone except for an extreme emergency.
Radios, CD Players, Cell Phones, and
Other Electronic Devices and Games
Students are not permitted to possess such items as pagers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, or electronic devices or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Cell phones should be turned off and not used during the hours of 7:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Students needing to use the phone should report to the office for permission to use the phone. Without such permission, teachers will collect the item and turn it in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine punishment and whether to return the item at the end of the day for the student to take home or whether the parent will be contacted to pick up the item. Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. For certain items, such as cell phones and pagers, in which a third party retains a legal right of ownership, an administrative fee may be charged. Students and parents are reminded that use of a cell phone to text threats or phone threats is considered harassment, and/or bullying, and may result in school disciplinary action, as well as criminal charges being filed.
STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THEIR CELL PHONES DURING SCHOOL HOURS FROM 7:35 A.M. TO 3:35 P.M.
Consequences for electronic device abuse and improper use of cell phones:
1st Offense: Phone will be taken up by the teacher or aide and taken to the principal’s office. The phone will remain in the principal’s office for the remainder of the day, at which time the student may regain possession by paying a fine of $10.00. Students will be required to pay the $10.00 fine for each subsequent occurrence. Repeated improper use of cell phones may result in additional consequences, such as “before or after” school detentions, lunch detentions, or ISS..
Persistent abuse may result in assignment to DAEP for a period of six weeks and loss of cell phone privileges.
BULLYING
OR TAUNTING BEHAVIORS
Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Such behaviors may include repeated teasing or ridicule, name-calling, threats, theft, gossip and rumors, or physical intimidation of any kind. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct
HARASSMENT ON
THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR DISABILITY
Students must
not engage in harassment behaviors motivated by race, color, religion, national
origin, or disability directed toward another student.
Students are
expected to treat other students and District employees with courtesy and
respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these
behaviors when asked or told to stop.
The District
encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent
harassment in any form in the public schools. Students and/or parents are encouraged
to discuss their questions or concerns about the expectations in this area with
a teacher, counselor, principal or designee, or superintendent.
A student who
believes he or she has been harassed by another student or by a District
employee is encouraged to report the incident to the principal or
counselor. The allegations will be
investigated and addressed. A
substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action,
according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct.
The student or a
parent may appeal the decision of the principal regarding the outcome of the
investigation in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
SEXUAL
HARASSEMENT / SEXUAL ABUSE
Students must
not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature directed toward another student or a District employee. This prohibition applies whether the
conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests
for sexual favors. All students are
expected to treat other students and District employees with courtesy and
respect, to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop these
behaviors when asked or told to stop.
The District
will notify the parents of all students involved in sexual harassment by
students when the allegations are not minor, and will notify parents of any
incident of sexual harassment or sexual abuse by an employee. To the greatest extent possible,
complaints will be treated as confidential. Limited disclosure may be necessary to
complete a thorough investigation.
A complaint
alleging sexual harassment by another student or sexual harassment or sexual
abuse by a staff member may be presented by a student and/or parent in a
conference with the principal or designee or with the Title IX coordinator, Joe
Moore, Superintendent.
The student or
parent may appeal the decision regarding the outcome of the investigation in
accordance with policy FNCJ(LOCAL).
LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCIES
Questioning of Students
When law
enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview
a student at school:
The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school
The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection
The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection
The principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation
Students Taken into Custody
State law
requires the District to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:
To comply with an order of the juvenile court
To comply with the laws of arrest
By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision
By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court
To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody
By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety
Before a student
is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person,
the principal will verify the officer’s identity and, to the best of his
or her ability, will verify the official’s authority to take custody of
the student.
The principal
will immediately notify the Superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to
notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the
principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not have the
authority to prevent or delay a custody action, notification will most likely
be after the fact.
Notification of Law Violations
The District is
also required by state law to notify:
All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising a student who has been arrested or referred to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors
All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or adjudicated of delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors
DISTRIBUTION OF
PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS
All aspects of school sponsored newspapers and/or yearbooks
are completely under the supervision of the teacher and the principal.
Written
material, photographs, petitions, etc. may not be circulated without
administrative approval.
School Materials
Publications
prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with prior
approval by the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters,
brochures, murals, etc.
The school
yearbook, The Panther is available to students. All school publications are under the
supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.
Student Nonschool
Unless a student
obtains specific prior approval from the principal, written materials,
handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other
visual or auditory materials over which the school does not exercise control
may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed on any school campus. To be
considered, any nonschool material must include the name of the sponsoring
organization or individual. The
decision regarding approval will be made in two school days.
The principal has
designated high school commons
as the location for approved nonschool materials to be placed for voluntary
viewing by other students. The
student may appeal the principal’s decision in accordance with policy
FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts
material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without this
approval will be removed.
Nonstudent Nonschool
Written or
printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other
visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the District or by a
District-affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated,
distributed, or posted on any District premises by any District employee or by
persons or groups not associated with the District, except as permitted by
policy GKDA. To be considered, any nonschool material must meet the limitations
on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring
organization or individual, and be submitted to the Superintendent or designee
for specific prior review. The
Superintendent or designee will approve or reject the materials within two
school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in
accordance with the appropriate District complaint policy.
Prior review
will not be required for:
Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours
Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting held after school hours in accordance with policy
Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law
All nonschool
materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from District
property immediately following the event at which the materials are
distributed.
DRESS AND GROOMING
It
is impossible to list every possible detail of dress and grooming. We have high expectations for our
students in the areas of grooming and dress. The principal of each campus will make
the final decisions regarding what is acceptable and appropriate, taking into
consideration the ages and activities of the students
Students
should dress in a way that does not disrupt the learning process at
From
time to time “fads” show up on our campuses. We are not listing these, nor are we
trying to make a regulation to cover all problems that may arise. If a fad becomes distracting, it will be
eliminated.
The
following guidelines for dress apply to ALL students:
1.
Students
are not allowed to wear head apparel--hats, caps, headbands, hoods, etc., or
sunshades inside the building. Sun
glasses may not be worn inside the building, unless they are prescription
glasses. Hats and caps should not
be brought inside the buildings.
2. Shirts
or blouses must be long enough to cover the top of the bottom garment, unless
the shirt or blouse is tucked into the bottom garment, so that flesh is not
visible at the waist during normal school activities.
3. Tank
tops, mesh shirts, tops with spaghetti straps, see-through clothing, clothing
that is low cut or revealing, clothing that is obscene, suggestive, or
advertise alcoholic beverages, drugs, or tobacco products or other prohibited
items, are not appropriate for school and will not be allowed for boys or
girls. Sleeveless clothing may not
be worn. Cap sleeves must cover the
shoulder and extend over the top of the arm.
Clothing that contains
pictures or writing that is provocative, suggestive, designed to draw attention
or that causes a distraction to normal school activities shall not be worn. No
writing across the seat of clothing.
4. Shorts
must be longer “walking short” knee length style. They must fit
properly, be in good repair with no holes, cuts, rips, tears or ragged / frayed
edges. Skirts must meet the
same guidelines for length as shorts.
Cut-off jeans will be
allowed only if they meet all of the above guidelines; in addition, they must
have sewn hems and no ragged or frayed edges.
5. Pants
must be in good repair no holes, cuts, rips or tears or no ragged / frayed
edges.
6. Excessively
tight fitting clothing is not allowed.
No excessively saggy or sagging
clothing will be allowed. No
visible underwear will be allowed. No
garments designed
as underwear may be worn as outerware.
7. Students
are not allowed to wear as outer garments clothing that is designed to be worn
as underwear.
8. Shirts,
tops, or blouses must cover the top of the bottom garment so that no skin is
visible
at the waist during normal school activities. No tank tops, sleeveless tops, mesh
shirts,
spaghetti straps, see-throughs, low –cut or reveling
clothing. Pants and
shorts may
not be worn below the natural waist line and must cover the
hipbone. A belt must be
worn when appropriate.
9. Body
piercing and ear gauging is not allowed with the exception of pierced ears for
girls. Boys are not allowed to wear
ear rings or any piercing jewelry.
Tattoos must be covered and hidden at all times.
10. Students
are to wear their hair clean, well groomed, and out of their eyes. Inappropriate or unnatural hair coloring
and distracting hair cuts and hair styles will not allowed. Boys’ hair must not extend past
the bottom of the shirt collar, below the earlobes, or below the eyebrows: no
pony tails, no extreme hair cuts, or symbols cut into the hair will be
allowed. Facial hair will not be
allowed.
11. No chains,
wallet chains, dog collars, spiked collars / wristbands or heavy chain
necklaces will be allowed for safety reasons.
12. Shoes will be worn at all times and be of a style appropriate for the activity. House shoes are not appropriate for school.
13. Apparel from other high schools may not be worn to school with the exception of letter jackets. Items such as sweats, workout uniforms, uniforms normally belonging to the other school, will be returned to that school.
14. Sleep wear should not be worn to school. No pajamas and/or house shoes unless the school is sponsoring a specific spirit day.
15. Shoes with roller skates built in are not allowed.
16. Alternative
clothing will be provided for those not abiding by dress code. Students will not be allowed to go home
to change.
VIOLATIONS
1ST
Warning: If a student’s clothing or grooming
violates the Bells High School Code, the student will be given an opportunity
to correct the problem at school.
Alternative clothing will be provided if needed. Students will not be allowed to go home
to change. If the problem cannot be
corrected, the student will be assigned to in-school suspension for the rest of
the day.
2nd
Warning: Same as 1st warning, plus 1
break detention.
3rd
Warning: Disciplinary action will be taken at the
discretion of the administrative staff, taking into the account the nature of
the violation and the student’s attitude. Consequences may include before or after
school detentions, or assignment to ISS or DAEP for habitual dress code
abusers.
STUDENT FEES
Materials that
are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local
funds and are at no charge to a student.
A student, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils,
paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or
deposits, including:
Costs for materials for a class project that the student will keep
Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities
Security deposits
Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel
Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc
Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance
Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the District
Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student
Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books
Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not available on District premises
Transfer fee
IMMUNIZATION
A student must
be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or
statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a
religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of
conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of Health,
Immunization Division, can be honored by the District. The immunizations required are:
diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae
type B, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken
pox). The school nurse can provide
information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated
history of illness required by the Texas Department of Health. Proof of immunization may be personal
records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or
rubber-stamp validation.
If a student
should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present
a certificate signed by a
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE
AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE
A minute of
silence will follow recitation of the pledges. The student may choose to reflect, pray,
meditate, or engage in any other silent activity so long as the silent activity
does not interfere with or distract others.
Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag of the
I
pledge allegiance to the Flag of the
Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag of
Honor the Texas Flag; I pledge allegiance to thee,
PRAYER
Each student has
a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school
in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the
school. The school will not
require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such
prayer or meditation during any school activity.
SAFETY
An emergency
procedure card must be filled out by the student’s parent at the
beginning of the school and placed on file in the office. This card gives the school valuable
information should an accident occur requiring immediate action by school
personnel.
Student safety
on campus and at school-related events is a high priority of the District. Although the District has implemented
safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure school
safety. A student should:
Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk
Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers
Remain alert to and promptly report to a teacher or the principal safety hazards, such as intruders on campus and threats made by any person toward a student or staff member
Know emergency evacuation routes and signals
Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other District employees who are overseeing the welfare of students
ACCIDENT
INSURANCE
Soon after
school opens, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident
insurance that will help in meeting medical expenses, in the event of injury to
their child.
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies
From time to
time, students, teachers, and other District employees will participate in
drills of emergency procedures.
When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of
teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
When
the alarm sounds all students in each classroom should immediately rise and
form single file lines while exiting the building as quickly and quietly as
possible. When outside the building
students should remain with their group, listening for instructions from their
teacher.
It is a serious
offense to falsely report a fire.
When the alarms in the building are pulled it automatically reports to
the sheriff’s office, the fire department, and the security offices that
a fire has occurred at
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL TREATMENT AND INFORMATION
If a student has
a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent
cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to
obtain emergency medical treatment, and information about allergies to
medications, foods, insect bites, etc.
Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care
consent form. Parents should keep
emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers,
allergies, etc.). Please contact
the school nurse to update any information that the nurse or the teacher needs
to know.
EMERGENCY
SCHOOL-CLOSING INFORMATION
In the event of severely inclement weather or
mechanical breakdown, the school may be closed or starting time delayed. School closing, delayed starting times,
or early dismissal will be announced over radio station 93.1 FM or Channel 12,
KXII TV. If no report is heard, it
can be assumed that school will be in session. Please do not call the school, phone
lines must be kept open for emergencies.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
USED
BY STUDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
Certain areas of
the school will be accessible to students before and after school for specific
purposes. Students are required to
remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place.
The following
areas are open to students before school beginning at
·
High School Commons
Unless the
teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not
be permitted to go to another area of the building or campus.
After dismissal
of school in the afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under the
supervision of a teacher, students must leave campus immediately.
CONDUCT
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
Teachers and
administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or
after-school activities on District premises and at school-sponsored events off
District premises, such as play rehearsal, club meetings, athletic practice,
and special study groups or tutorials.
Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the
instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the
Student Code of Conduct or any stricter code of conduct for extracurricular
participants established by the sponsor in accordance with Board policy.
Loitering or
standing in the halls between classes is not permitted. During class time, a student must have a
hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in
disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
CAFETERIA
SERVICES
The District
participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students
nutritionally balanced lunches daily.
Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial
need. Information about a
student’s participation is confidential. See Kathy Robertson, (903)-965-7725.
The District
follows the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal nutritional
value being served or sold on school premises during the school day.
LEAVING CLASS / HALL PASS
Students
are requested to go to the classroom prepared for the assignment of the
day. If, however, it becomes
necessary to be in the halls during class, the student must secure a hall pass from
the teacher. It is the
student’s responsibility to obtain proper permission prior to leaving the
classroom.
LIBRARY
The library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. The library is open for student use with a teacher permit.
LOCKERS
Lockers
are assigned to students at the beginning of the school year to be used for
books and personal property. Locker
doors should be closed gently at all times and only your assigned locker should
be used. There may be a locker clean out and inspection at the end of each
semester. Lockers are subject to
inspection at any time without warning.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles
that may be misplaced or lost may be turned in to the office. Students losing articles should check
with the office periodically to see if the article has been turned in. Unclaimed articles will be donated to a
charitable organization at the end of each semester.
PEST CONTROL INFORMATION
The District
periodically applies pesticides inside buildings. Except in an emergency, signs will be
posted 48 hours before application.
Parents who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside
their child(ren)’s school assignment area may contact Sandy Peters
(903)-965-7315.
VANDALISM
The taxpayers of
the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction
and upkeep of school facilities. To
ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended—both
this year and in the coming years—littering, defacing, or damaging school
property is not tolerated. Students
will be required to pay for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal
proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student
Code of Conduct.
SEARCHES
In the interest
of promoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools are safe and
drug free, District officials may from time to time conduct searches. Such searches are conducted without a
warrant and as permitted by law.
STUDENTS’
DESKS AND LOCKERS
Students’
desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control and
jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.
Students are
fully responsible for the security and contents of the assigned desks and
lockers. Students must be certain
that the locker is locked, and that the combination is not available to others.
Searches of
desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to
believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by District policy,
whether or not a student is present.
The parent will
be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk or
locker.
VEHICLES
ON CAMPUS
Vehicles parked
on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. School officials may search any vehicle
any time there is reasonable cause to do so, with or without the presence of
the student. A student has full
responsibility for the security and content of his or her vehicle and must make
certain that it is locked and that the keys are not given to others. Vehicles must have a parking permit.
TRAINED
DOGS
From time to
time trained dogs may be used to search buildings and vehicles.
TRANSPORTATION
School-Sponsored
Students who
participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation
provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an
exception if the parent makes a written request that the student be released to
the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.
Buses and Other School Vehicles
The District
makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more
miles from school. This service is
provided at no cost to students.
Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school. Further information may be obtained by
calling Jack Galloway
(903)-965-7687
See the Student
Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the disciplinary
alternative education program.
Students are
expected to assist District staff in ensuring that buses remain in good
condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding in District vehicles,
students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the
Student Code of Conduct. Students
must:
Follow the driver’s directions at all times
Enter and leave the bus or van in an orderly manner at the designated stop nearest home
Keep feet, books, band instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle
Not deface the bus, van, or its equipment
Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus or van
Be seated while the vehicle is moving
Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus or van and before crossing in front of the vehicle
When students
ride in a District van or passenger car, seat belts must be fastened at all
times.
Prior to Loading
·
Students are to wait for the bus at the
assigned stop in an orderly manner until the bus comes to a complete stop
before attempting to enter
·
Students will refrain from harassment of
the public, or damage to private or public property at the designated stop
While on the Bus
·
Students should board and leave the bus
in an orderly manner
·
Students should move promptly to their
seats, which may be assigned by the driver
·
Students should remain seated until they
reach their destination
·
Students will not be allowed to eat or
drink on the bus. Litter should be
picked up and placed in the proper disposal receptacle
·
Students will keep all objects out of the
aisles
·
Tobacco products are prohibited on school
buses
·
In case of an emergency all students will
remain on the bus unless otherwise directed by the driver
Leaving the Bus
·
Students will remain seated until the bus
comes to a complete stop
·
If you must cross the street or road
after getting off of the bus, walk ahead of the bus about 5 steps, look to the
driver of the bus for a signal to cross, then walk all the way across the road
after looking carefully in both directions
·
Bus drivers will not discharge riders at
any place other than the regular bus stop at the home or at school
VIDEOTAPING OF STUDENTS
For safety
purposes, video/audio equipment will be used to monitor student behavior on
buses, in-school-suspension, (and in common areas on campus). Students will not be told when the
equipment is being used.
The principal
will review the tapes routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with
the Student Code of Conduct.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
General Visitors
Parents and
others are welcome to visit District schools. For the safety of those within the
school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must first
report to the principal’s office.
Visits to
individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with
approval of the principal and teacher and so long as their duration or
frequency does not interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the
normal school environment.
All visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will not be permitted
GLOSSARY
Accelerated instruction is an intensive supplemental program
designed to address the needs of an individual student in acquiring the
knowledge and skills required at his or her grade level.
ACT refers to one of the two most frequently used college or
university admissions exams: the
American College Test. The test may
be a requirement for admission to certain colleges or universities.
ARD is the admission, review, and dismissal committee convened
for each student who is identified as needing a full and individual evaluation
for special education services. The eligible student’s parents are part
of the committee.
Attendance Review Committee is responsible for reviewing a
student’s absences when the student’s attendance drops below 90
percent of the days the class is offered. Under guidelines adopted by the
Board, the committee will determine whether there were extenuating
circumstances for the absences and whether the student needs to complete
certain conditions to master the course and regain credit lost because of
absences.
DAEP stands for a disciplinary alternative education program, a
placement for students who have violated certain provisions of the Student Code
of Conduct. The DAEP will be
separated from students not assigned to the program. It will focus on English language arts,
mathematics, science, history, and self-discipline, and provide for
students’ educational and behavior needs, as well as supervision and
counseling.
FERPA refers to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act that grants specific privacy protections to student records. The law contains certain exceptions,
such as directory information, unless the student’s parent or a student
18 or older directs the school not to release directory information.
IEP is the written record of the Individualized Education
Program prepared by the ARD committee for a student with disabilities who is
eligible for special education services.
The IEP contains several parts such as a statement of the
student’s present educational performance; a statement of measurable
annual goals, with short-term objectives; the special education and related
services and supplemental aids and services, and program modifications or
support for school personnel; a statement regarding how the student’s
progress will be measured and how the parents will be kept informed;
modifications to state or districtwide tests, etc.
ISS refers to in-school suspension, a disciplinary technique
for misconduct found in the Student Code of Conduct. Although different from out-of-school
suspension and placement in a disciplinary alternative education program
(DAEP), ISS removes the student from the regular classroom.
NCLBA is the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 that, along
with other requirements for schools, provides for parent information and
opportunities for “opting” their students out of certain activities
or surveys.
Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) is a new state requirement for any
student in middle school or higher who fails a section on a state-mandated
assessment test or is determined by the District as not likely to earn a high
school diploma before the fifth school year after he or she begins grade 9.
SAT refers to the second of the two most frequently used
college or university admissions exams:
the Scholastic Aptitude Test.
The test may be a requirement for admissions to certain colleges or
universities.
Section 504 is the federal law that prohibits
discrimination against a student with a disability, requiring schools to
provide opportunities for equal services, programs, and participation in activities. Unless the student is determined by an
ARD committee to be eligible for special education services, appropriate
regular educational services will be provided.
State assessment tests are required of students at certain
grade levels and in specified subjects.
Successful performance is a condition of promotion and the grade 11
exit-level test is a condition of graduation. Students have multiple opportunities to
take the tests.
Alternate assessment tests, developed by the state, may be given to
students in special education and students identified as limited English
proficient.
Student Code of Conduct, developed with the advice of the
District-level committee and adopted by the Board, identifies the
circumstances, consistent with law, when a student may be removed from the
classroom or campus. It also sets
out the conditions that authorize or require the principal or another
administrator to place the student in a disciplinary alternative education program. It outlines conditions for out-of-school
suspension and for expulsion, and states whether self-defense is a
consideration in suspension, DAEP placement, or expulsion. The Student Code of Conduct also
addresses notice to the parent regarding a student’s violation of one of
its provisions.
TAKS is short for the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
the state’s current standardized achievement test given to students in
certain grade levels and subjects in grades 3–11.
UIL refers to the University Interscholastic League, the
statewide voluntary non-profit organization that oversees educational
extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests.
Random Drug Testing Program
Bells ISD
[“District”] provides opportunities for students to participate in
extracurricular activities. This
participation should be viewed as a privilege, which carries additional
expectations for the students involved.
An important goal of extracurricular activities is to give students
direction in developing healthful living habits, self-discipline, leadership,
teamwork, and respect for authority, rules, and regulations. Bells ISD has determined that it has a
substantial interest in student participation in these extracurricular activities
because of the discipline, health
and safety of all students participating in extracurricular activities. This determination is based on a variety
of health risks associated with drug and alcohol use. Therefore, Bells ISD has taken the
following measures to maintain the discipline, health, and safety of the
students by instituting the Mandatory Drug Testing (“Program”)
Drug Testing Objectives:
All University
Interscholastic League participants and any student in any extracurricular activities in grades 7
– 12, to be eligible to participate, shall be subject to random testing
through-out the school year for the presence of alcohol or illegal drugs. The District shall employ a drug-testing
program with the following objectives:
1.
Provide
a deterrent to drug/alcohol use for Bells ISD students.
2.
Ensure
the health and safety of students representing Bells ISD in any extracurricular
activity.
3.
Provide
a drug education program for students who test positive for drug/alcohol use
and for those students who are at risk of drug use; those student’s
parents/guardians will be included in the counseling program.
Definitions
“Alcohol” is defined as ethyl alcohol. Alcohol, as used herein, includes any
beverage, mixture or preparation containing ethyl alcohol.
“Controlled Substance” means a drug or substance which the use,
possession, sale, transfer, attempted sale or transfer, manufacture or storage
of it is illegal under any federal, state or local law or regulation and
includes, but is not limited to inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, narcotics,
opiates, opium derivatives, phencyclindine, hallucinogens and any other
substances having either a stimulant or depressant effect on the central
nervous system such as amphetamines or barbiturates, methadone, methaqualone,
propoxyphene, steroids, or other metabolites. Also included in this definition are
prescription drugs used for any reason other than a legitimate, prescribed
medical reason and inhalants used illegally. All references to “drugs”
throughout this Program mean the same as “controlled
substances”.
“Reasonable Suspicion” is defined as an evaluation by the drug
testing coordinator or extracurricular sponsor of a student’s conduct
that would lead a reasonably prudent person to suspect that the student is
under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (see definition of “under the
influence”). A conclusion can
be based on personal observation and/or information received from third
parties. Such indications may include,
but are not limited to, a drop in the student’s performance level,
impaired judgment or reasoning, decreased level of attention, or behavioral
change. Characteristics indicating
reasonable suspicion may include, but are not limited to:
*A
pattern of abnormal or erratic behavior
*Physical
symptoms such as glassy or bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, unsteady gait, poor
coordination or reflexes;
*
Odor of alcoholic beverages or marijuana;
*Unexcused
absenteeism or tardiness; or
*Direct
observation of drug or alcohol use of possession.
“Under the influence” means not having the normal use of mental
or physical faculties; however, the student need not be legally intoxicated.
“Use” means a student has voluntarily
introduced into his or her body by any means a prohibited substance recently
enough that it is detectable by the student’s physical appearance,
actions, breath, or speech.
Parental Consent
Parental consent
for a student to submit to biological testing by urine shall be a required
condition for participation in the District’s extracurricular
programs. A parent’s refusal to
consent shall result in denial of the student’s participation in any
extracurricular activity.
Each student in
grades 7 – 12 who wishes to participate in extracurricular activities
must sign a consent form agreeing to submit to the Program. Prior to testing, the student’s
parent must also sign the consent form.
Once signed, a consent form shall remain in effect for the duration of
the student’s participation in any UIL and extracurricular activities in
the District.
Initial Testing
For the
2004-2005 school year all student participating in extracurricular activities
will be tested for illegal drugs prior to participation.
For the
2005-2006 school year all incoming 7th graders and new students to
the District who wish to participate in extracurricular activities will be
tested for illegal drugs prior to participation.
Testing Procedures/Laboratory
The District
shall contract with a nationally-certified drug testing company, which shall
conduct all drug testing authorized by this Program. The laboratory shall provide qualified
persons to oversee the collection of all specimens and shall provide medical
review officer services for interpretation and verification of results. The medical review officer shall report
all drug test results to the designated District official.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
When the drug
testing coordinator or any extracurricular sponsor has a reasonable suspicion
that a student subject to this Program is currently using illegal drugs, the
drug testing coordinator may require the student to submit to a drug test. Any extracurricular sponsor or District
staff member having a reasonable suspicion that a student subject to this
Program is currently using illegal drugs should immediately report his/her
suspicion to the designated District official.
Drugs Tested
The substances
for which tests shall search shall include:
1. Alcohol as defined herein;
2. Drugs or controlled substances, as
defined herein;
3. Performance-enhancing drugs, including
steroids and their metabolites;
4. All prescription drugs, upon reasonable
suspicion that they were obtained without proper authorization and;
5. All prescription and over-the-counter
drugs, upon reasonable suspicion that they are being used in a manner
inconsistent with the written prescription or written instructions.
Refusal to Test
If a student
refuses to submit to any test as required or authorized by this Program, the
student shall be subject to the same consequences as if he or she tested
positive for drugs or alcohol.
Testing
Any student
involved in UIL and extracurricular activities in grades 7 – 12 in the
Bells ISD, shall be subject to the random testing program. Testing shall be done in accordance with
the established practices and procedures as established by the drug-testing
laboratory affiliated with the District.
The following
procedures will be used for the testing:
*Each sponsor of
an extracurricular activity shall submit a list of students to be consolidated
into a master list of participants.
*The master list
shall be submitted to the company employed by Bells ISD to conduct the testing.
*The testing
company shall computerize the master list, generating a random list of
participants to be tested.
*All students planning
to participate in any UIL and extracurricular activity in Bells ISD shall be
tested at the beginning of the school year or upon entrance to the activity;
additionally, 10% of the students who are involved in UIL and extracurricular
activities will be randomly selected to be tested every 30 days.
*A
certified/licensed drug-testing vendor that has been approved by the Board will
conduct testing by the use of a urinalysis test.
*The test shall
occur at a time, place (a facility that provides reasonable privacy for the
student), and date scheduled by the Superintendent or designee, in cooperation
with the testing agency, without prior announcement to the students.
*A number will
identify the students to the testing agency,
*The
drug-testing administrator shall inform the designated campus administrator of
the results. The campus
administrator shall notify the parents and staff members responsible for
implementation of the consequences as outlined in this policy.
*A student who
refuses to submit a sample shall be given one hour to change his or her mind
without leaving the testing area.
If the student still refuses, he or she shall be subjected to the
consequences associated with a positive test result.
*If after
agreement to submit to testing, a student is unable to produce a sample within
two hours, he or she shall be subjected to the consequences associated with a
positive test result.
*Tampering with
or assisting others in tampering with any sample shall subject the student to
the consequences associated with a positive test result.
*In the case of
questions about the effects of prescription or other medications, a school
designated physician, or a medical review officer from the testing laboratory
will make a determination about the outcome of the test.
Records
All records
relating to the Program, including consent forms, test results, and
intervention actions, shall be maintained in a separate file from the
student’s cumulative folder and academic records. Access to the records shall occur only
in compliance with District policies and procedures, the Family Education
Rights and Privacy Act, or other applicable state and federal laws and
regulations.
Consequences for Positive Results
The following
consequences apply for offenses under the Bells ISD Mandatory Drug Testing
Program:
First
Offense:
1.
Mandatory
completion in a District approved Drug Counseling Program for student and
parents
2.
3
week suspension from participation in any UIL or extracurricular activity.
3.
Mandatory
inclusion in all future random sampling during duration of participation in
high school activities.
4.
Subject
to corrective action as outlined in departmental handbooks/guidelines
Second
Offense:
1.
Mandatory
counseling program for student and parents
2.
Exclusion
from all UIL and extracurricular activities pending the production of 10
consecutive negative tests by the testing company selected by Bells I.S.D.
3.
Mandatory
inclusion in all samplings during duration of participation in high school
activities
4.
Subject
to corrective action as outlined in departmental handbooks/guidelines
Third
Offense:
1. Continued counseling program for student
and parents
2. Exclusion from all UIL and
extracurricular activities pending the production of 10
consecutive negative tests by the testing company selected by Bells I.S.D.
3. Mandatory inclusion in all samplings
during duration of participation in high school activities.
Re-admittance to Extracurricular Programs
Students have
the opportunity to re-gain eligibility for participation in extracurricular
activities by producing ten (10) consecutive negative drug tests that have been
administered by the Bells I.S.D. testing company after the second offense and
ten (10) consecutive tests after a third offense. All tests dates will be determined by
the testing company, are unannounced and will be administered over at least a ten month period. During this testing period, if any test
is positive, the student may choose to stay in the testing program and begin a
new count.
APPENDIX
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
My child and I have received a copy of the Bells
High School Student Handbook (and the Student Code of Conduct) for
2006-2007. I understand that the
handbook contains information that my child and I may need during the school
year and that all students will be held accountable for their behavior and will
be subject to the disciplinary consequences outlined in the code.
Regarding student records, I understand
that the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state
law require that “directory information” on my child be released by
the District to anyone who requests it unless I object in writing to the
release of any or all of this information. I also understand that to be in
compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the District will release
to military recruiters and institutions of higher education, upon request, the
name, address, and telephone listing of my child, unless I direct the District
not to release this information without prior written consent, as indicated
below. This objection must be filed
with the principal within ten school days of my child’s first day of
instruction for this school year.
Directory information includes my child’s:
1. Name,
2. Address,
3. Telephone listing,
4. Date and place of birth,
5. Photograph,
6. Participation in officially
recognized activities and sports,
7. Weight and height of members
of athletic teams,
8. Dates of attendance,
9. Grade level,
10. Enrollment status,
11. Honors and awards received
in school,
12. Most recent previous school
attended, and
13. E-mail address.
For school use only
14. Name, photograph, grade
level, honors and awards received in school for use in the school yearbook.
In exercising my right to limit release of this
information, I have marked through the items of directory information listed
that I direct the District not to release without my prior written consent.
Print name of student:
Signature of student:
Signature of parent:
Date: ______________________________________