Table of Contents
SECTION I:
REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights
“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and
Staff
Reviewing Instructional Materials
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student
Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity
Awareness Instruction
Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom
Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction
Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the
U.S. and Texas Flags
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the
Declaration of Independence
Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct
Requesting Transfers for Your Child
Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple Birth
Siblings
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Parents of Students with Disabilities
Accommodations for Children of Military Families
Services for Title I Participants
Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes
Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters
and Institutions of Higher Education
SECTION II: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance
Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance
Parent’s Note After an Absence
Doctor’s Note After an Absence for Illness
Driver License Attendance Verification
ELIGIBLE SENIORS AND JUNIORS FOR NATIONAL HONOR
SOCIETY REQUIREMENTS
CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile
Telephones
Inappropriate Use of Technology
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS
Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course
DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND
RETALIATION
DUAL CREDIT COURSES / COLLEGE COURSES
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS
Non-school Materials...from students
Non-school Materials...from others
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Certificates of Coursework Completion
Physical Activity for Students in Middle School
School Health Advisory Council
Notification of Law Violations
Routine and In-depth Makeup Work Assignments Because
of Absence
In-school Suspension Makeup Work
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES
Drills: Fire,
Tornado, and Other Emergencies.
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information
Emergency School-Closing Information
SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS
Use By Students Before and After School
Conduct Before and After School
Use of Hallways During Class Time
Meetings of Non-curriculum-Related Groups
TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)
TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, AND TECHNOLOGICAL
EQUIPMENT
Buses and Other School Vehicles
Visitors Participating in Special Programs for
Students
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2009–2010! Education is a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together can make this a wonderfully successful year for our students.
The Arp Independent School District 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 two sections:
Section I—REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS—with notices that the district must provide to all parents, as well as other information to assist you in responding to school-related issues. We encourage you to take some time to closely review this section of the handbook; and
Section II—INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS—organized alphabetically by topic for quick access when searching for information on a specific issue.
Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents should become familiar with the Arp Independent School District Student Code of Conduct, which is a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as a separate document on our website 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 or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters or other communications.
In case of conflict between board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of the Student Handbook, the current provisions of board policy or the Student Code of Conduct are to be followed.
After reading through the entire handbook with your child, 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 campus administrator.
Also, please complete and return to your child’s campus the following required forms found on the campus website or by request:
1. Parental Acknowledgment Form;
2. Student Directory Information Form;
3. Release of Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Learning Form; and
4. Consent/Opt-Out Form.
Please note that references to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy. A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office or online at www.arpisd.org.
ADMINISTRATORS
Toney R. Lowery Superintendent 903-859-8482
Johna Huse Curriculum Director 903-859-8482
Randy Copeland H.S. Principal 903-859-4917
Jeremy Chilek H.S. Assistant Principal 903-859-4917
Dwight Thomas Junior High Principal 903-859-4936
Wendy Popescu Elementary Principal 903-859-4650
Ernie Haire Elementary Asst. Principal 903-859-4650
Dr. Joy Rousseau Technology Director 903-859-2408
Dale Irwin Athletic Director 903-859-3186
COUNSELORS
Donna Lowery High School 903-859-4917
Kristy Thomas Junior High 903-859-4936
Sharon Keith Elementary 903-859-4650
ARP ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dennis Ford President
Dr. Montza Williams Vice President
Patty Campbell Secretary
Dr. Earnest Stroupe Assistant Secretary
Heath Grammier Trustee
Eltara Tyiska Trustee
Ernie Maddox Trustee
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
I Pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for
which it stands, one Nation, under God
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Honor the Texas Flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.
ARP SCHOOL SONG
In the Eastern part of Texas,
Towering toward the sky,
Proudly stands our Alma Mater
As the years go by.
Forward ever be our watchword;
Conquer and prevail.
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater;
Hail to A.
H. S.
REGULAR
SCHEDULE
First Period 7:50 – 8:40
Second Period 8:44 – 9:34
Third Period 9:38 – 10:28
Fourth Period 10:32 – 11:22
Fifth “A” Period 11:26 – 12:16 Lunch A – 11:26 – 11:56
Fifth “B” Period 12:20 – 12:50 Lunch B – 12:20 – 12:50
Sixth Period 12:54 – 1:44
Seventh Period 1:48 – 2:38
Eighth Period 2:42 – 3:32
ADVOCACY
SCHEDULE
First Period 7:50 – 8:37
Second Period 8:41 – 9:28
Advocacy Period 9:32 – 9:52
Third Period 9:56 – 10:43
Fourth Period 10:47 – 11:34
Fifth “A” Period 11:38 – 12:25 Lunch A – 11:38 – 12:08
Fifth “B” Period 12:12 – 12:59 Lunch B – 12:29 – 12:59
Sixth Period 1:03 – 1:50
Seventh Period 1:54 – 2:41
Eighth Period 2:45 – 3:32
PEP
RALLY SCHEDULE
First Period 7:50 – 8:37
Second Period 8:41 – 9:28
Third Period 9:32 – 10:19
Fourth Period 10:23 – 11:07
Fifth “A” Period 11:11 – 11:58 Lunch A – 11:11 – 11:41
Fifth “B” Period 11:45 – 12:27 Lunch B – 12:02 – 12:32
Sixth Period 12:31 – 1:18
Seventh Period 1:22 – 2:09
Eighth Period 2:13 – 3:00
Pep Rally 3:04 – 3:32
ARP JUNIOR HIGH BELL SCHEDULE
First Period 8:00 – 8:55
Second Period 9:00 – 9:55
Third Period 10:00 – 10:55
Fourth “A” Period 11:00 – 11:55 Lunch A – 10:55 – 11:25
Fourth “B” Period 11:30 – 12:25 Lunch B – 11:55 – 12:25
Fifth Period 12:30 – 1:25
Sixth Period 1:30 – 2:25
Seventh Period 2:30 – 3:25
This section of the Arp ISD Student Handbook includes several notices that the district is required to provide to you, as well as other information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Arp ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, 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 legal requirements:
· Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of gender: Johna Huse @ 903-859-8482
· Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Johna Huse @ 903-859-8482
· All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent, Mr. Toney Lowery @ 903-859-8482
[See FB(LOCAL) and FFH(LOCAL)]
Additional Notices
Other important notices in the Student Handbook cover the following topics:
· Student participation in a survey, analysis, or evaluation;
· Opting out of surveys and data collection activities;
· Requesting the professional qualifications of teachers and staff;
· Requesting a transfer of your child to a safe public school;
· Assistance to students who have learning difficulties;
· Student records;
· Bacterial meningitis;
· Career and technology programs;
· Homeless students; and
· School lunch programs.
· Please take some time to review these notices and other important information contained in the Student Handbook.
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school. 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.
· Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and 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.
· Discussing with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.
· Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with your child, if your child is entering ninth grade.
· Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed.
· 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 903-859-4917 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school.
· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policies at GKG and contact school administration].
· Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: Campus Improvement Committee, Campus Health Committee and District Improvement Committee.
· Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees, assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB
· Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies at BDF, EHAA, and FFA]
· Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies at BE and BED for more information.]
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. [For further information, see policy EF(LEGAL).]
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:
· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.
· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.
· Any non-emergency, 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. [See policies EF and FFAA.]
As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
You may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.
As a parent, you 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.
Displaying a Student’s Artwork and Projects
The district will seek parental consent before displaying students’ artwork, special projects, photographs taken by students, and the like on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication.
You may review your child’s student records. 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, and
· State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
As a parent, you may grant or deny any written request from the district to make a video or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a video 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 co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or
· When it relates to media coverage of the school.
As a parent, if your child is under the age of 14, you must
grant permission for your child to receive instruction in the district’s
parenting and paternity awareness program or your child will not be allowed to
participate in the instruction. This
program, developed by the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the Texas
State Board of Education, is incorporated into the district’s health education
classes.
You may 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.
As a part of the district’s curriculum, students receive instruction related to human sexuality. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is involved with the selection of course materials for such instruction.
State law requires that any instruction related to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must:
· Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age;
· Devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior;
· Emphasize that abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity;
· Direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; and
· If included in the content of the curriculum, teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates.
In accordance with state law, below is a summary of the district’s curriculum regarding human sexuality instruction:
As a parent, you are entitled to review the curriculum
materials. In addition, you may remove
your child from any part of this instruction with no academic, disciplinary, or
other penalties. You may also choose to
become more involved with the development of curriculum used for this purpose
by becoming a member of the district’s SHAC.
Please see the campus principal for additional information.
As a parent, you may 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 minute of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on policy EC(LEGAL).]
You may 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. [See policy EHBK(LEGAL).]
A non-custodial parent may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to his or her child’s misconduct that may involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or expulsion. [See policy FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.]
As a parent, you have a right:
· To request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the campus administrator to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the campus principal for information. [See policy FDB.]
[See Bullying at local policy FFI(LOCAL).]
· To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See the district’s (LOCAL) policy on School Safety Transfers.]
· To request the transfer of your child to another campus or a neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See the district’s (LEGAL) and (LOCAL) policies on School Safety Transfers.]
As a parent, if your children are multiple birth siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) assigned to the same grade and campus, you may request that they be placed either in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. Your written request must be submitted no later than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See FDB(LEGAL).]
Parents of students with learning difficulties or who may need special education services may request an evaluation for special education at any time. For more information contact Johna Huse at 903-859-8482.
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 academic or behavior support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention. The implementation of Response to Intervention has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to meet the needs of all struggling 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 the evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide informed written 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 his or her rights if the parent disagrees 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 Shirley Irwin at 903-859-4917.
If a student is receiving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, the parent or guardian may request that any other student residing in the household be transferred to the same campus, if the appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus. [See policy FDB(LOCAL).]
Children of military families will be provided flexibility regarding certain district requirements, including:
· Immunization requirements.
· Grade level, course, or educational program placement.
· Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities.
· Graduation requirements.
In addition, absences related to a student visiting with his or her parent related to leave or deployment activities may be excused by the district.
The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is Johna Huse and may be contacted at 903-859-8482.
Both federal and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights of privacy. Before disclosing any personally identifiable information from a student’s records, the district must verify the identity of the person, including a parent or the student, requesting the information. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
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 the school is given a copy of a court order terminating parental rights or the right to access a student’s education records.
Federal law requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18, is emancipated by a court, or enrolls in a post-secondary institution, control of the records goes to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes and under limited circumstances when there is a threat to the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
· District school officials who have what federal law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. School officials would include trustees and employees, such as the superintendent, administrators, and principals; teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff; a person or company with whom the district has contracted or allowed to provide a particular service or function (such as an attorney, consultant, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or volunteer); a parent or student serving on a school committee; or a parent or student assisting a school official in the performance of his or her duties. “Legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records includes working with the student; considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or an individualized education program for a student with disabilities; compiling statistical data; reviewing an educational record to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility; or investigating or evaluating programs.
· Various governmental agencies.
· Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.
· A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in which he or she is already enrolled.
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 principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The superintendent 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. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records.
A parent or eligible student who provides a written request and pays copying costs of ten cents per page may obtain copies. If circumstances prevent inspection during regular school hours and the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. The address of the superintendent’s office is 101 Toney Drive, Arp, TX 75750.
A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. A request to correct a student’s record should be submitted to the campus principal. The request must clearly identify the part of the record that should be corrected and include an explanation of how the information in the record is inaccurate. If the district denies the request to amend the records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the parent or eligible student 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 found in policy FNG(LOCAL). A grade issued by a classroom teacher can be changed only if, as determined by the board of trustees, the grade is arbitrary, erroneous, or inconsistent with the district’s grading policy. [See FINALITY OF GRADES at FNG(LEGAL)
The district’s policy regarding student records found at FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL) is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district website at www.arpisd.org.
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records do not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as a teacher’s 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.
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 complaint may be mailed to:
Family Policy
Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.
However, release of a student’s directory information 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 your child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” found on the district website.
The district often needs to use student information for school-sponsored purposes. For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use the following:
This information will not be used for other purposes without the consent of the parent or eligible student, except as described above at Directory Information.
Unless you object to the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed above.
The district is required by federal law to 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. A form has been attached for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.
State law specifically 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 Department of State Health Services office to ask about a 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 Department of State Health Services, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.
Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information on academics, school activities, and school operations and requirements. Take a moment with your child to become familiar with the various issues addressed in this section. It is conveniently organized in alphabetical order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your child has a question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact Randy Copeland at 903-859-4917 for high school and Dwight Thomas at 903-859-4936 for junior high.
Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws—one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit—are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below.
State law requires that a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to attend each school day until the end of the school year and is subject to compulsory attendance laws, if the student is under 21 years old. In addition, 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 thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing. [See FEA]
Students enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten are required to attend school.
State law requires attendance in an accelerated reading instruction program when kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students are assigned to such a program. Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program as a result of a diagnostic reading instrument.
A student in grades 3–8 will be required to attend any assigned accelerated instruction program, which may occur before or after school or during the summer, if the student does not meet the passing standards on the state assessment for his or her grade level and applicable subject area.
State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for several types of absences. These include the following activities and events:
· Religious holy days;
· Required court appearances;
· Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship;
· Service as an election clerk; and
· Documented health-care appointments, including absences for recognized services for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
In addition, a junior or senior student’s absence of up to two days related to visiting a college or university may be considered an exemption, provided the student receives approval from the campus principal, follows the campus procedures to verify such a visit, and makes up any work missed.
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction, termed “accelerated instruction” by the state; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.
A court of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:
· Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or
· Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.
If the student is over age 18, the student’s parents shall not be subject to penalties as a result of their child’s violation of state compulsory attendance law. [See FEA(LEGAL)]
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 at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may receive credit for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by the principal, that allows the student to fulfill the instructional requirements for the class. If a student is involved in a criminal or juvenile court proceeding, the approval of the judge presiding over the case will also be required before the student receives credit for the class.
If a student attends less than 75 percent of the days a class is offered or has not completed a plan approved by the principal, then the student will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit, if appropriate. [See policies at FEC]
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 the reasons listed above at Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.
· A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled in the district. For a student transferring into the district after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered.
· In reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best interest of the student.
· The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences.
· The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could exercise any control.
· The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.
· The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.
The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the superintendent in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
The actual number of days a student is required to be in attendance, 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.
Upon return to school, a student absent for more than three consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. [See FEC(LOCAL).]
For a student between the ages of 16 and 18 to obtain a driver license, the Texas Department of Public Safety must be provided written parental consent to access the student’s records for purposes of verifying 90 percent attendance for credit for the semester.
The school counselor provides students and parents’ information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices. [For more information, see Academic Counseling in policies at EIF.]
AWARDS
AND HONORS
See Academic Counseling
The Arp
High School National Honor Society is governed by the Constitution of the
National Honor Society of Secondary Schools and the local bylaws of the Arp
High School Chapter.
The
purpose of this organization is to create an enthusiasm for scholarship; to
stimulate a desire to render service; to promote worthy leadership; to develop
loyal student citizenship; to serve faithfully one’s school, community, and
country; and to instill exemplary qualities of character in its members.
Students
are selected into membership by Faculty Council, which consists of five voting
members who have taught at Arp High School for at least one full year prior to
being placed on the committee.
Selection into membership in NHS is based on outstanding scholarship, character,
leadership, and service. Once selected,
members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities, or
their names will be presented to the Faculty Council for re-evaluation.
ELIGIBLE SENIORS AND JUNIORS FOR NATIONAL HONOR
SOCIETY REQUIREMENTS
Any
senior or junior who feels that he or she qualifies for membership into the Arp
Chapter of the National Honor Society needs to contact the NHS sponsor in March
so that averages can be checked.
1.
Candidates shall have spent at least one semester in Arp High School and shall
be members of the Junior or Senior Class.
2.
Candidates must have a scholastic rank of 90. This is a cumulative average for
Freshman year, Sophomore year, first semester of Junior year....(for Junior
candidates), Junior year, and first semester of Senior year....(for Senior
candidates.)
This cumulative average
includes academic curriculum only...P.E., athletics, band, theater production,
yearbook productions, or other classes receiving only local credit do not apply
to the cumulative average for NHS purposes:
The
student must be enrolled in the Recommended High School or Distinguished
Academic Program as explained in this Student Handbook.
3. At
the time that grades are averaged for scholastic requirements, students shall
have met all requirements for graduation as set forth by the State of Texas,
including passage of all parts of the state assessments.
4. To meet acceptance standards for NHS, students must plan to graduate
with current number of units of credit required by the State of Texas. NHS students must participate in at least 7
upper level classes with designated weights of 3 or 4 to maintain their
eligibility.
Once scholarship criteria have been
met, students are then evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, and
character conducted by members of the Faculty Council through a secret ballot
process. The selection of each member to
the chapter shall be by vote of the Faculty Council and approval of the
principal. Once students have met
scholarship criteria and received a majority vote from the Faculty Council,
they receive an invitation to membership in the Arp High School Chapter of the
National Honor Society. Candidates for
membership become actual members when inducted at a special NHS induction
ceremony.
Members who are seniors in good
standing are eligible to be nominated by the chapter to compete in the National
Honor Society Scholarship Program. A National
Honor Society member who transfers from another school and brings a letter from
the former principal, or chapter adviser to Arp High School shall be accepted
automatically as a member; however, these transfer members must meet Arp High
School standards within one semester in order to retain membership.
If a student falls below the 90
Scholastic Average Requirements, he/she is immediately removed from
membership. Also, students can be
removed from membership for failing to uphold criteria requirements in the
areas of service, leadership, or character.
If the member’s name is presented to the NHS sponsor for possible
removal, the Faculty Council will vote as a majority to remove the member with
approval of the principal.
Members who resign or are dismissed
are never again eligible for membership or its benefits. The complete Arp High School National Honor
Society Constitution and Bylaws are available for viewing in the room of the
Arp Chapter Sponsor. National Honor Society Rules can be found at www.nhs.us.
MU ALPHA THETA RULES
To be in Mu Alpha Theta you must:
·
be on the Distinguished Academic Math track at
Algebra II or higher.
·
or upon committee approval have completed
Pre-Calculus and have been a member for at least one year.
Members must be involved in our tutor program.
Members must participate in all community service projects
we are involved in unless other arrangements have been made.
Members must be present at all meetings unless other
arrangements have been made.
Members must maintain a 90 or above in their math classes
for the semester and an overall average of 90 for the semester.
Amendment:
1-04-05
Pre-Calculus: If semester grade is below a 90 average,
student goes into probationary status for the next six weeks. The student moves to semester probationary
status, if the following six weeks is 90 or above. If the grade falls below 90
again, student is removed.
Calculus: Student must maintain a semester average of
80. If student’s semester average falls
below 80, they move to semester probationary status, if grade falls below 80
again, student is removed.
Members must be present at the induction ceremony and
dressed appropriately unless other arrangements have been made.
Members must assist in the preparation and/or clean-up of
all activities unless other arrangements have been made.
Members are held to a higher standard. You are expected to present yourself with
dignity and high moral character.
Once you are
inducted as a member you will always be a member, unless you break a rule.
All members, new
and old, are subject to pre-induction and periodic background checks.
To become a new
member you must:
Pay $5.00
Get one faculty letter of
recommendation
Write one personal letter, submitted
to the selection committee that
states your desire to become a member
Approved by Officers of Mu Alpha Theta
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students directs written or verbal expressions or physical conduct against another student and the behavior results in harm to the student or the student’s property, places a student in fear of harm to himself or his property, or is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment.
The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit bullying and to respond to reports of bullying. [See FFI(LOCAL).]
The District offers career and
technology programs in Agricultural Sciences, Family
Studies and Human Services, Technology Applications, and Business
Education. Admission to these programs
is based on student preference, prerequisite skills, course sequencing,
parental approval, student interests, class availability, and District
promotion policies.
Arp ISD will take steps to assure
that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and
participation in all educational and vocational programs.
As a parent, it is important for you to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than disclosures of physical abuse, and it is important to be calm and comforting if your child, or another child, confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse, the
campus counselor or principal will provide information regarding counseling
options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out what services may be available in
your county, see http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/Programs_Available_In_
Your_County/default.asp.
The following Web sites might help you become more aware of child sexual abuse:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index.aspx?id=2820
http://sapn.nonprofitoffice.com/
http://www.taasa.org/member/materials2.php
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse2.shtml
Reports may be made to:
The Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (1 800-252-5400 or on the Web at http://www.txabusehotline.org).
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Calculation of Class Ranking Beginning with class 2004 Conversion Scale College 4 point scale: |
Grade point averages (GPA) for the purpose of class
ranking for all students graduating, and for local honors recognition in
accordance with eligibility criteria established below, shall be calculated
with a weighted grade point scale at the end of the third week of the final
six-week grading period of the school year. Grades for all courses taken in high school, and for
which credit has been earned, shall be included in this calculation, except
for grades earned in band, choral/applied music, physical education,
athletics, art, and office/classroom aiding.
For all students entering high school after 1999, all courses will be
weighted according to academic level.
Weighted courses and appropriate weights can be found at: http://www.arp.sprnet.org/curric/weights/weighted_courses.doc. Texas Education Agency approved courses for online
access, correspondence, and dual credit in core subject areas and /or career
technology is accepted for high school credit. College level courses are given the same
weight as Advance Placement courses. Beginning with students graduating in 2004 courses
that have been modified by a student’s ARD committee as to the required
content of the essential knowledge and skills (TEKS) and reflected as such in
the student’s IEP shall be classified and weighted as Modified Content
courses. Courses for which only the
methodology has been modified for a student, however, shall be classified and
weighted as Regular or Honors courses, as appropriate. For purposes of each student transcript the conversion
of grades of grade points shall be accomplished using the following scale:
The letter grades associated
with the 100 point scale are as follows: 89.5 to 100
(A) 79.5 to 89.4
(B) 69.5 to 79.4
(C ) 69.4 and below (F) Un-weighted 4 point average (college) is calculated
as following:
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Definition of Graduating Class for Local Honors
Recognition Valedictorian/ Salutatorian Minimum Program Credits Physical Education Substitutions No Reading Credits |
Appropriate weighted courses and honors courses shall
be designated each year in the student handbook and on the Arp Web site. For the purpose of local honors recognition
(including recognition as valedictorian and salutatorian), the graduating
class shall include only those students completing graduation requirements in
a maximum of four years with no repetition of courses. Those students shall be ranked on the basis
of grade point averages. Students who
complete their high school program in less than 4 years will be dual ranked
with students who complete their high school program in four years. Beginning with students graduating in the year 2004,
the following criteria shall establish a student’s eligibility for local
recognition as valedictorian or salutatorian:
The valedictorian shall be the eligible graduate with
the highest grade point average (GPA); the salutatorian shall be the eligible
graduate with the second-highest GPA. The District requires that all students graduate with
at least 24 credits, no matter which high school program they complete. The District shall allow students to substitute
certain physical activities for the 1.5 required credits of physical
education. Such substitutions shall be
based on the physical activity involved in:
The District will allow the awarding of state
graduation credit for physical education of private or commercially-sponsored
physical activity programs conducted either on or off campus if documentation
is provided. The student applying for
such credit must submit documentation for an approved activity (Example:
dance) and documentation of number of hours for activity. The District has the right to deny credit
if application is rejected by the administration. All documentation for
credit is to be provided to the school counselor upon request. The District shall not offer state graduation credit
for reading. |
COLLEGE CREDIT & CAREER PATHS
1.
Articulated Classes. A list of articulated classes is on the Arp
Web site at: http://www.arp.sprnet.org/tech/TECHPREP/Arp/techprep.htm. These courses change yearly and are updated
as the articulation agreements are completed by the state. To gain college credit requires that the
student complete the high school course with at least a B average, enroll in
Tyler Junior college, take a 3-hour course, and pay a small fee to transfer the
articulated credits from Arp High School.
The district permits high school students to take Texas Education Agency approved correspondence courses – courses by mail- and Texas Education Agency approved online courses for credit toward high school graduation.
A maximum of 4 credits may be earned through correspondence courses.
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or 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 or on the district’s website at www.arpisd.org.
In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.
To prepare students for an increasingly technological society, the district has made an investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these computer resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only. Students and 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 e-mail and other electronic communications using district computers are not private and will be monitored by district staff. [For additional information, see policies at CQ.]
As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.
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 FO(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual.
As identified by law, disruptions include the following:
· Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization from an administrator.
· Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.
· Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.
· Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.
· Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property.
· Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from an administrator.
· Disruption of classes or other school activities while on district property or on public property that is within 500 feet of district property. Class disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.
· Interference with the transportation of students in vehicles owned or operated by the district.
For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess telecommunications devices, including mobile telephones; however, these devices must remain turned off and out of sight during the instructional day, including during all testing. The use of mobile telephones in locker rooms or restroom areas at any time while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event is strictly prohibited.
A student who uses a telecommunications device during the school day shall have the device confiscated. The student or parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the principal’s office for a fee of:
First Offense: $5
Second Offense: $15
Third & Subsequent Offenses: $15 and confiscation of phone for 30 days
Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or student’s parents will be disposed of after the notice required by law. [See policy FNCE.]
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student
Code of Conduct. The district will
not be responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.
Students are not permitted to possess such items as radios, CD players, MP3 players, video or audio recorders, DVD players, cameras, games, or other electronic devices at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.
Students are prohibited from sending or posting electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition applies to conduct off school property if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct and may, in certain circumstances, be reported to law enforcement.
School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are expected to observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a guest will share responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest.
A student attending a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the event; anyone leaving before the official end of the event will not be readmitted.
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 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 Department of State Health Services regarding these diseases.
The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.
[For more information, refer to FFE(LEGAL) and FFG(EXHIBIT).]
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 6 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 pursuing 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.
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 first make 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.
Schedule Changes
To change a schedule, students
must complete a “Request for schedule change” form and submit it to the
counselor. All requests are processed in
the order in which they are received.
Parent visits, phone calls, pages, voice mail messages, e-mails or faxes
receive no higher priority handling than does a student’s written request. Unless a counselor sends for a student, he
or she is to remain in class and follow the original schedule until notified
otherwise. If a change can be made, then
a new schedule will be sent to the student.
If a request has been denied or a change is not possible, a written
response will be sent to the student.
The school’s highest priority is placing each student in his or her required core-curriculum classes at the appropriate degree of difficulty. All schedule adjustments must be completed by the fifteenth day of a new semester. Students are not permitted to drop, add, or change courses without permission from the principal or his designee. Class schedules will not be changed after the designated drop date in August except in cases of extreme need, and then may result in the loss of credit for that semester.
Incoming transfer students will be
placed in the same classes as in the previous school if possible. If a student cannot be placed in a class for
which he/she has previously enrolled, the principal will decide whether the
student has spent sufficient time in either the previous course or the new
course to warrant the awarding of credit.
In terms of the new course, one determining factor could be how well the
student performs in the course in which he/she has not been previously
enrolled. All new students and their
parent/guardian must meet with the high school Principal prior to attending
classes.
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, counselor, principal, or attendance
committee, be permitted by the District 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 an opportunity for credit by
exam will be offered.
The attendance review committee
may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to receive credit
for a course by passing an exam. A student
may not use this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in
extracurricular activities. [For further
information, see the counselor and policy EEJA.]
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 2009–2010 school year will be posted at the
counselor’s office.
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 principal no later than 30
days prior to the scheduled testing date.
The District will not honor a request by a parent to administer a test
purchased by the parent from a State Board-approved university.
The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and that their welfare is best served when they are free from this prohibited conduct while attending school. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.
The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. [See policy FFH]
Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in the relationship. This type of conduct is considered harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance.
Examples of dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to, physical or sexual assaults, name-calling, put-downs, threats to hurt the student or the student’s family members or members of the student’s household, destroying property belonging to the student, threats to commit suicide or homicide if the student ends the relationship, attempts to isolate the student from friends and family, stalking, or encouraging others to engage in these behaviors.
Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, that negatively affects the student.
Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office or on the district website.
Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to, offensive or derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; threatening or intimidating conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.
Sexual harassment of a student by an employee, volunteer, or another student is prohibited.
Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual.
Examples of prohibited sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.
Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of discrimination or harassment, including dating violence, is prohibited. Retaliation against a person who is participating in an investigation of alleged discrimination or harassment is also prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline.
Retaliation against a student might occur when a student receives threats from another student or an employee or when an employee imposes an unjustified punishment or unwarranted grade reduction. Retaliation does not include petty slights and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that are justified by a student’s poor academic performance in the classroom.
Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent. See policy FFH(LOCAL) for the appropriate districts officials to whom to make a report.
To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated. The district will notify the parents of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct involving an adult associated with the district.
In the event prohibited conduct involves another student, the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy.
If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint was not unlawful.
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
Arp ISD does accept Texas
Education Agency approved online courses for high school credit. These courses are weighted according to the
Academic Achievement Policy. Please contact school counselor for more
information.
General
Students enrolled in public high schools are eligible to enroll in and
receive high school credit for courses eligible for articulated credit.
1.
Additional
award of college credit requires that students meet all general requirements
outlined in the statewide articulation agreement and any course-specific
requirements outlined in the Technical Course Alignment Manual (TCAM).
Successful completion of a high school course eligible for articulated college credit does not guarantee that a student will receive college credit for the course
Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, flyers, etc.
The school newspaper and the yearbook are available to students.
All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.
Students must obtain prior approval from the campus administration before posting, circulating, or distributing written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any non-school material must include the name of the sponsoring person or organization. The decision regarding approval will be made within two school days.
A student may appeal a principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts non-school material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without the principal’s approval will be removed.
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 for distribution, any non-school material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the principal for prior review. The campus administration 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. [See policies at DGBA, FNG, or GF.]
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 GKD(LOCAL) or a non-curriculum-related student group meeting held in accordance with FNAB(LOCAL).
· Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law.
All non-school materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following the event at which the materials are distributed.
DRESS
AND GROOMING POLICY
The District’s dress code is
established to teach grooming and hygiene, to instill discipline, prevent
disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority. Because “fads” and fashion trends (e.g. the
“sag” look and very short skirt lengths) are unpredictable and come and go more
often than is feasible to change a dress code or update a handbook, our
district policy states:
Any mode of dress considered by
administrators to be inappropriate for the school setting because it disrupts
the learning environment will not be allowed.
1.
Dress length or shorts length must be no shorter than
fingertip when standing at rest.
2.
Tight fitting clothing will not be permitted (bicycle
pants, spandex, transparent garments, etc.)
3.
Bare midriffs are unacceptable. No spaghetti straps or
tube tops.
4.
T-shirts, tank tops, garments, etc., with low cut front
and/or back are unacceptable.
5.
Undergarments are required for all students.
6.
Hats, caps, hoods, or any head coverings are not
allowed for any student on campus.
7.
The district prohibits any pictures, emblems, or
writings that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene, or that advertise
alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substances prohibited under policy
FNCF (LOCAL).
8.
All tattoos must be covered.
9.
No rolled shorts are allowed, only hemmed shorts are
allowed.
10. No
distracting hair cuts, styles, or colors (i.e. pink, blue, green, etc.). Hair
must be clean & well groomed.
11. No
house shoes, slippers, or pajamas of any kind.
12. Any
type of overalls must be fastened by both straps.
13. No visible body piercing jewelry except earrings will be allowed.
14. No hip hugger jeans, pants, or shorts, that expose the mid drift area when standing or sitting.
1. Shirts or top wear are required. Shirts must be buttoned and worn inside trousers unless designed to be worn outside.
2.
Hair must not be below collar or on shoulders and must
be clean and well groomed. No distracting hair cuts, styles (including
ponytails), or colors (i.e. pink, blue, green, etc.) Sideburns must not extend
below bottom of the ear lobe. Beards and goatees are prohibited.
Mustaches, if worn, must be neatly trimmed and not extend beyond the corners of
the upper lip.
3.
No visible body piercing jewelry including earrings
will be allowed.
4.
Hats, caps, hoods, or head coverings are not allowed
for any student on Arp High School campus.
5.
Shorts must be no shorter than fingertip when standing
at rest. No rolled shorts are allowed, only hemmed shorts are allowed.
6.
Tank tops and muscle shirts are not allowed unless
layered with sleeves.
7.
The district prohibits any pictures, emblems, or
writings that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene, or that advertise
alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under policy FNCF
(LOCAL).
8.
All tattoos must be covered.
9.
No house shoes, slippers, or pajamas of any kind.
10. Any
type of overalls must be fastened by both straps.
11. Billfold chains, of any kind, will not be permitted.
12. No
baggy jeans or pants that are worn below the waistline.
Dress code warnings will be given during the first week of class. Repeat offenders will be subject to the guidelines in the campus discipline plan.
ARP JR. HIGH
ARP JR. HIGH
UNIFORM CODE OF DRESS 2009-2010
Student dress reflects the quality of the school thus affecting
student conduct and their class work.
All students are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly in
clothes and accessories that are appropriate for school activities and meet the
following guidelines:
Established Rules Clarifications:
1. Students will be allowed an unlimited range 1. Shirts must have collars or turtle necks, have half or full
of color choices for their shirts.*THE sleeves, one logo no larger than a quarter will be allowed,
ADDITION OF UNLIMITED COLORS TO shirts must be tucked in at all times while in the building. THE AJH CODE OF DRESS IS A
*PRIVILEGE.
2. Undershirts are optional. 2. Undershirt colors must coordinate with the outerwear and have sleeves no longer than the over shirt.
3. Sweaters and coats will be allowed 3. Such clothing must have a zipper or buttoned front, be
in class/hall. solid red, white, navy blue, or maroon in color, and not have
a logo larger than a quarter. Grey or black Arp spirit
HOODIES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED jackets will be allowed that have a zipper or button front. All
IN THE BUILDING. other jackets/coats must be placed in lockers when entering the building. NO HOODIES!
4. Pants and
shorts must be navy blue or khaki
4. NO DENIM except blue denim will be allowed on Friday. Pants must fit snuggly at the waist and have
straight legs. No baggy or oversized styles, no frayed edges or seems, no
colored decorations, no holes or logos larger than a quarter. NO CARPENTER PANTS/SHORTS; additional pockets
on clothing must be flat and not “puffed out”.
SHORTS MAY NOT FALL BELOW THE KNEE AND GIRL’S CLOTHING MUST NOT BE SHORTER THAN 4” ABOVE THE KNEE.
5. All students must wear belts. 5. Belts must be worn at the waistline on all pants, shorts, skorts, etc if belt loops are present. Belts should be black, brown, or color coordinate with the student’s clothing. NO DISTRACTING BUCKLES OR DECORATIONS WILL BE ALLOWED.
6. Shoes: athletic, dress, boots, sandals, or 6. Footwear must coordinate with the child’s clothing.
flip-flops. Shoes or shoe laces that are deemed distracting by the principal or faculty will not be allowed.
7. Socks or hosiery. 7. Only solid colors will be allowed. Socks or hosiery must
LEGGINGS WILL
NOT BE ALLOWED coordinate
with the student’s clothing. Any
styles or colors deemed inappropriate/distracting by the principal or faculty
will not be allowed.
*STUDENTS WHO
DO NOT CONFORM TO THIS CODE OF DRESS WILL LOSE THE PRIVILEGE OF
WEARING
UNLIMITED SHIRT COLORS AND WILL BE ALLOWED TO ONLY WEAR THE ORIGINAL
SHIRT COLORS OF
SOLID RED, WHITE, NAVY BLUE, OR MAROON.
Participation in school-sponsored activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing inter-district 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—other than an advanced placement or international baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or a foreign language—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 10 absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of 5 absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of 2 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.
· An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.
· The District allows students to miss up to 15 (fifteen) days of classroom instruction to participate in UIL activities (Board Approved Policy)
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’s standards of behavior.
[For further information, see policies at FM and FO.]
Each class has a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Student Council also has officers in their program. Each student running for office:
· Must be in attendance at Arp 60 days before the election
· Must have passed all subjects the previous semester before running or being nominated for the office or position.
· Must have a discipline record approved by the building principal.
· May be required to give up such honor if he/she has a discipline record determined by the principal to be unacceptable for participation in the organization.
These requirements are generic and are in addition
to any requirements listed for that specific organization.
Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees 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.
· Parking fees and student identification cards.
· Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.
· Fees for driver training courses, if offered.
· Fees for optional courses offered for credit, that require use of facilities not available on district premises.
· Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.
· A reasonable fee for providing transportation to a student who lives within two miles of the school.
· A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providing an educational program outside of regular school hours for a student who has lost credit because of absences and whose parent chooses the program in order for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a district-provided request form.
Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the campus administration. [For further information, see policies at FP.]
Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made to the campus principal at least 30 days before the event. [For further information, see policies at FJ and GE.]
Except as approved by the Board of Trustees, fund-raising by non-student organizations is not permitted on school property.
Certain criminal offenses, including those involving organized criminal activity such as gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. For purposes of the district, a gang-free zone includes a school bus and a location in, on, or within 1000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or campus playground.
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation.
Credits Earned Classification
5 Grade 10 (Sophomore)
10 Grade 11 (Junior)
15 Grade 12 (Senior)
|
Minimum High School Program. (a) Credits. A student must
earn at least 22 credits to complete the Minimum High School Program. (b) Core Courses. A student
must demonstrate proficiency in the following. (1) English language
arts--four credits. The credits must consist of: (A) English I, II, and III
(English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of
Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant
students with limited English proficiency); and (B) Fourth credit of English,
which may be satisfied by English IV, Research/Technical Writing,
Creative/Imaginative Writing, Practical Writing Skills, Literary Genres,
Business Communication, Journalism, or concurrent enrollment in a college
English course. (2) Mathematics--three
credits to include Algebra I and Geometry. (3) Science--two credits. The
credits must consist of Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC). A
student may substitute Chemistry or Physics for IPC and then must use the
second of these two courses as the academic elective credit identified in
subsection (b)(6) of this section. (4) Social studies--two and
one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one
credit) or World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History
Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government
(one-half credit). (5) Economics, with emphasis
on the free enterprise system and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit
must consist of Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its
Benefits. (6) Academic elective--one
credit. The credit must be selected from World History Studies, World
Geography Studies, or any science course approved by the State Board of
Education (SBOE) for science credit as found in Chapter 112 of this title
(relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science). If a student
elects to replace IPC with either Chemistry or Physics as described in
subsection (b)(3) of this section, the academic elective must be the other of
these two science courses. (7) Physical education--one
and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half
credit). (A) A student may not earn
more than two credits in physical education toward state graduation
requirements. (B) The school district board
of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain physical activities for
the required credits in physical education, including the Foundations of
Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the physical activity
involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall
semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance
I-IV; two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses,
and off-campus physical education. (C) In accordance with local
district policy, a school district may award up to two credits for physical
education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity
programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the
commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be
substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval
may be granted under the following conditions: (i)
Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours
per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training
facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be
certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students
qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one
hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical
education. (ii) Private
or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the
superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately
trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week
must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be
dismissed from any part of the regular school day. (8) Health
education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied by Health 1 or Advanced
Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit, which may be satisfied by
Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health Science Technology I, or
Health Science Technology II. (9)
Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication
Applications. (10)
Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied by: (A) the
following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating to Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer Science I,
Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation,
Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in
Technology Applications; (B) the
following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating to the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business Computer
Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming,
Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management and
Multimedia; or (C) the
following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating to the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial Technology
Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular computer
laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer
laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology. (c)
Elective Courses--five and one-half credits. The credits must be selected
from the list of courses specified in §74.61(g) of this title (relating to
High School Graduation Requirements). |
|
§74.63.
Recommended High School Program. (a) Credits.
A student must earn at least 26 credits to complete the Recommended High
School Program. (b) Core
Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following: (1) English
language arts--four credits. The credits must consist of English I, II, III,
and IV (English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers
of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant
students with limited English proficiency). (2)
Mathematics--four credits. (A) The
credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. After successful
completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, a student may select the
fourth required credit from any of the following courses, except as provided
in subparagraph (B) of this
paragraph: (i) Precalculus; (ii) Independent Study in Mathematics; (iii)
Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics; (iv) AP Calculus AB; (v) AP Calculus BC; (vi) AP Computer Science; (vii)
International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematical Studies Subsidiary Level; (viii) IB
Mathematical Methods Subsidiary Level; (ix) IB Mathematics Higher Level; (x) IB Advanced Mathematics Subsidiary Level; (xi) concurrent enrollment in college mathematics courses;
and (xii)
Mathematical Models with Applications. (B) If selected, Mathematical Models with Applications must
be taken prior to Algebra II. (C) The SBOE may designate additional courses that meet the
requirements of this paragraph. (3) Science--four credits. (A) One credit must be a biology credit (Biology, Advanced
Placement (AP) Biology, or International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology).
Students must choose two credits from the following areas. Not more than one
credit may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement. (i) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC); (ii) Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and (iii)
Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB Physics. (B) IPC cannot be taken as the final or fourth year of
science, but must be taken before the senior year of high school. The fourth
year of science may be selected from the laboratory-based courses listed in
Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
for Science), with the addition of Engineering and Earth and Space Science. (C) A student entering Grade 9 beginning with the 2012-2013
school year must take three science credits, at least one from each category,
from the following areas: (i) Biology, AP Biology, or IB Biology; (ii) Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and (iii)
Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB Physics. (D) The fourth year of science may be selected from the
laboratory-based courses listed in Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science), with the addition of Engineering
and Earth and Space Science. (E) The SBOE may designate additional courses that meet the
requirements of this paragraph. (4) Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits
must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies
(one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one
credit), and United States Government (one-half credit). (5) Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system
and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with
Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits. (6) Languages other than English--two credits. The credits
earned must be for any two levels in the same language. (7) Physical education--one and one-half credits to include
Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit). (A) A student may not earn more than two credits in
physical education toward state graduation requirements. (B) The school district board of trustees may allow a
student to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in
physical education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The
substitutions must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team,
marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I-IV; and two- or
three-credit career and technology work-based training courses. (C) In accordance with local district policy, a school
district may award up to two credits for physical education for appropriate
private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or
off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval
of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in
physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following
conditions. (i) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes
a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised
training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in
the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional
quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed
from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other
than physical education. (ii) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities
include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well
supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at
least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate
at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day. (8) Health education--one-half credit, which may satisfied
by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit,
which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health
Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II. (9) Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of
Communication Applications. (10) Technology applications--one credit, which may be
satisfied by: (A) the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title
(relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology
Applications): Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing,
Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or
Independent Study in Technology Applications, or state-approved technology
applications innovative courses; (B) the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title
(relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business
Education): Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer
Programming, Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management
and Multimedia; (C) the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title
(relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology
Education/Industrial Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology
Systems (modular computer laboratory-based),
Communications
Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and
Animation Technology; or (D) the completion of three credits (for students
participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who
are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or
more state-approved career and technology courses in Chapters 119-125 and 127
of this title. Districts shall ensure that career and technology courses,
including innovative courses, in a coherent sequence used to meet the
technology applications credit are appropriate to collectively teach the
knowledge and skills found in any of the approved courses listed in
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph. Students pursuing the
technology applications option described in this subparagraph must
demonstrate proficiency in technology applications prior to the beginning of
Grade 11. (11) Fine arts--one credit, which may be satisfied by any
course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts). (c) Elective
Courses--three and one-half credits. The credits may be selected from the
list of courses specified in §74.61(g) of this title (relating to High School
Graduation Requirements). All students who wish to complete the Recommended
High School Program are encouraged to study each of the four foundation
curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social
studies) every year in high school. (d)
Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Recommended High School
Program, except as specified in this chapter. |
|
§74.64.
Distinguished Achievement High School Program--Advanced High School Program. (a) Credits.
A student must earn at least 26 credits to complete the Distinguished
Achievement High School Program. (b) Core
Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following: (1) English
language arts--four credits. The credits must consist of English I, II, III,
and IV (English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers
of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant
students with limited English proficiency). (2)
Mathematics--four credits. The credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra II,
and Geometry and an additional SBOE-approved mathematics course for which
Algebra II is a prerequisite. (3)
Science--four credits. The credits must consist of a biology credit (Biology,
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, or International Baccalaureate (IB)
Biology), a chemistry credit (Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry), a
physics credit (Physics, AP Physics, or IB Physics), and an additional
approved laboratory-based science course. After successful completion of a
biology course, a chemistry course, and a physics course, a student may
select the fourth required credit from any of the following laboratory-based
courses: (A) Earth
and Space Science; (B)
Environmental Systems; (C) Aquatic
Science; (D)
Astronomy; (E) Anatomy
and Physiology of Human Systems; (F) AP
Biology; (G) IB
Biology (H) AP
Chemistry; (I) IB
Chemistry; (J) AP
Physics; (K) IB
Physics; (L) AP
Environmental Science; (M) IB
Environmental Systems; (N)
Scientific Research and Design; and (O)
Engineering. (4) Social
studies--three and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World
History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies (one credit), United
States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States
Government (one-half credit). (5)
Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its
benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with Emphasis
on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits. (6)
Languages other than English--three credits. The credits earned must be for
any three levels in the same language. (7) Physical
education--one and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal
Fitness (one-half credit). (A) A
student may not earn more than two credits in physical education toward state
graduation requirements. (B) The
school district board of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain
physical activities for the required credits in physical education, including
the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the
physical activity involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading
during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC);
athletics; Dance I-IV; and two- or three-credit career and technology
work-based training courses. (C) In
accordance with local district policy, a school district may award up to two
credits for physical education for appropriate private or
commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus.
The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such
programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical
education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions. (i)
Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours
per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training
facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be
certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying
and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per
day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.
(ii) Private
or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the
superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately
trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week
must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be
dismissed from any part of the regular school day. (8) Health
education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied by Health 1 or Advanced
Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit, which may be satisfied by
Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health Science Technology I, or Health
Science Technology II. (9)
Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication
Applications. (10)
Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied by: (A) the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title
(relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology
Applications): Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing,
Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or
Independent Study in Technology Applications, or state-approved technology
applications innovative courses; (B) the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title
(relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education):
Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming,
Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management and
Multimedia; (C) the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title
(relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology
Education/Industrial Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology
Systems (modular computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular
computer laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology;
or (D) the completion of three credits (for students
participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who
are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or
more state-approved career and technology courses in Chapters 119-125 and 127
of this title. Districts shall ensure that career and technology courses,
including innovative courses, in a coherent sequence used to meet the
technology applications credit are appropriate to collectively teach the knowledge
and skills found in any of the approved courses listed in subparagraphs (A),
(B), and (C) of this paragraph. Students pursuing the technology applications
option described in this subparagraph must demonstrate proficiency in
technology applications prior to the beginning of Grade 11. (11) Fine arts--one credit, which may be satisfied by any
course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts). (c) Elective
Courses--two and one-half credits. The credits may be selected from the list
of courses specified in §74.61(g) of this title (relating to High School
Graduation Requirements). All students who wish to complete the Distinguished
Achievement High School Program are encouraged to study each of the four
foundation curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics, science, and
social studies) every year in high school. (d) Advanced measures. A student also must achieve any
combination of four of the following advanced measures. Original
research/projects may not be used for more than two of the four advanced
measures. The measures must focus on demonstrated student performance at the
college or professional level. Student performance on advanced measures must
be assessed through an external review process. The student may choose from
the following options: (1) original research/project that is: (A) judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is
the focus of the project; or (B) conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported
to an appropriate audience; and (C) related to the required curriculum set forth in §74.1
of this title (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills); (2) test data where a student receives: (A) a score of three or above on the College Board advanced
placement examination; (B) a score of four or above on an International
Baccalaureate examination; or (C)
a score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies
the student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by the National
Merit Scholarship Corporation, as part of the National Hispanic Scholar
Program of the College Board or as part of the National Achievement
Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit
Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT score shall count as only one advanced
measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student; or (3)
college academic courses, advanced technical credit courses, and dual credit
courses, including local articulation, with a grade of 3.0 or higher. (e)
Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Distinguished Achievement
High School Program, except as specified in this chapter. |
In grades 6 -12, achievement is reported to parents as numerical averages; grades will be averaged in the following manner:
· 90 – 100 Excellent
· 80 – 89 Good
· 70 – 79 Fair
· Below 70 Failing
To receive a high school diploma from the District, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass all statewide exit-level exams.
Graduation Activities
Graduation activities will include:
Eligibility for Graduation Activities
Jr. High and High School students shall meet all State and local graduation requirements, including all applicable exit-level testing to be eligible to participate in commencement activities and ceremonies.
The new grade 11 exit-level test, required for students in grade 11 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. A student who does not pass the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test.
The State mandated the current exit-level TAKS test effective for the school year beginning in 2003-2004; previously students had taken an earlier version of the exit-level test beginning in grade 10 that was known as the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS). Any student who was scheduled to graduate during the administration of the TAAS exit-level exam will be permitted to take it.
The district offers the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade 9 are required to enroll in the Recommended High School Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only if a written agreement is reached among the student, the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation, and the counselor or appropriate administrator. In order for a student to take courses under the Minimum Program, the student must be at least 16 years of age; have completed at least two credits each in English language arts, math, science, and social studies courses that are required for graduation; or have failed grade 9 one or more times. [See policy EIF(LEGAL).]
Number of
Credits
· Minimum Program (Must have prior committee approval) 22 credits
· Recommended Program 26 credits
· Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program 26 credits
Please be aware that not all courses are offered at every secondary campus in the district. A student who wants 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, the district will offer the course for the following year either by teleconference or at the school from which the transfers were requested.
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.
Upon the recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee, a student with disabilities may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her individualized education program (IEP).
A student who receives special education services and has completed four years of high school, but has not met the requirements of his or her IEP, may participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance. Even if the student participates in graduation ceremonies to receive the certificate of attendance, he or she may remain enrolled to complete the IEP and earn his or her high school diploma; however, the student will only be allowed to participate in one graduation ceremony.
[See FMH(LEGAL).]
The district provides students the opportunity to introduce the following school events that are designated by school administration. Students are eligible to introduce these events if they are selected by campus administration.
A student who is eligible and wishes to introduce one of the school events listed above should submit his or her name to the principal during the first week of the fall semester and/or spring semester. The names of all students who volunteered will be randomly drawn and matched to the event for which the student will give the introduction. If the selected student speaker declines or becomes ineligible, then no student introduction will be made at that event. The selection of students to introduce school events will occur at the beginning of each semester.
As determined by the principal, students who have been selected for special honors, such as captain of an athletic team, student council officers, leaders of school-sponsored organizations, homecoming king or queen, or prom king or queen may also address school audiences at designated events.
[See FNA(LOCAL).]
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.
Under the Texas Early High School
Graduation Scholarship Program, students who complete the Recommended or
Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) High School Program may earn financial
credits in varying amounts to apply toward college tuition.
Students who have financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions. [For further information, see the principal or counselor and policies at EIC and FJ.]
In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, EHBG, the district will ensure that students in full-day pre-kindergarten through grade 5 engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day or 135 minutes per week.
Students in middle or junior high school shall engage in 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity within a two-week period for at least four semesters.
For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding elementary, middle, and junior high school student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.
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.
Annually, the district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3–12. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a written request to campus administration to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year.
The district has adopted policies and implemented procedures to comply with state and federal food service guidelines for restricting student access to vending machines. For more information regarding these policies and guidelines see the superintendent. [See policies at CO and FFA.]
The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]
The district’s Asbestos Management Plan, designed to be in compliance with state and federal regulations, is available in the Superintendent’s office. If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Waldron @ 903-859-2782.
The district applies only pest control products that comply with state and federal guidelines. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before application. Parents who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact Kyle Waldron @ 903-859-2782.
For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, Johna Huse, at 903-859-8482.
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 State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. This form may be obtained by writing the DSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347; or online at https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student.
The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis (polio), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), and meningococcal. The school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by the Department of State Health Services. Proof of immunization may be established by 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 U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. [For further information, see policy FFAB(LEGAL) and the Department of State Health Services Web site: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm.]
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school, the principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circumstances:
· 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.
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.
· 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.
· To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.
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 student’s release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.
The district is 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 is required to register as a sex offender or who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors.
[For further information, see policies FL(LEGAL) and GRA(LEGAL).]
A student will be permitted to make up all assignments missed because of absences unless campus administration considers this inappropriate.
A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher. (Up to 2 days per assignment)
Any assignment not completed and submitted to teachers within the time allotted by the teacher will be considered late and follow District late-work policy.
A student will be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence unless the campus administration considers this inappropriate. Teachers may assign a late penalty to any long-term project in accordance with time lines approved by the principal and previously communicated to students.
Late Work
(Distinguished from make-up work for excused absences)
Requiring assignments to be turned in on time teaches responsibility, instills work ethic, and allows the grading system to operate in a fair and equitable manner. Class work and homework are due for full credit on the date designated by the teacher. Any assignment not turned in on time is considered late and students will be assigned the next day tutorials. Late work completed either in tutorials or as homework will be assessed a grade no higher than a 70%. Any student that does not have their late assignment submitted by the next day tutorial time will be sent to ISS until the assignment has been turned in to the appropriate teacher. Repeated offenses will produce more serious consequences.
Mastery
Failing daily work can only be re-worked for mastery, not to
replace or better that assignment grade.
Students that fail an objective on a test may retake a similar test only
after participating in mandatory tutorial program (the 2 tests will then be
averaged together for a maximum score of 70%).
A student removed to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete, before the beginning of the next school year, a foundation curriculum course in which the student was enrolled at the time of removal. The district may provide the opportunity to complete the course through an alternative method, 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. [See policy FOCA(LEGAL).]
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.
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. The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FO(LEGAL).]
District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:
· Only authorized employees, in accordance with policies at FFAC, may administer:
· Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.
· Prescription 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, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.
· Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only 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 or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and the school nurse, the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.
If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse and/or principal.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL).]
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. 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. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.]
NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
[See policy Credit Recovery Policy.]
STUDENT EXEMPTION POLICY
Seniors
Seniors will be required to take fall semester exams in math, science, social studies, and English classes during the fall semester. Seniors may be exempt from the fall semester exam in other classes if they meet the following criteria:
1. No more than 2 excused absences with at least an 85 average; or
2. No more than 3 excused absences with at least a 90 average.
Seniors may exempt up to four exams including their math, science, social studies, and English classes in the spring if the above criteria is met. Exam exemptions may not be granted if more than 3 absences occur in any semester, or any absence is unexcused, student is suspended, more than 4 tardies in that semester, or is involved in a major disciplinary action regardless of the student’s class average.
Juniors
Juniors will be required to take fall semester exams in math, science, social studies, and English classes during the fall semester. Juniors may be exempt from the fall semester exam in other classes if they meet the following criteria:
1. No more than 2 excused absences with at least an 85 average; or
2. No more than 3 excused absences with at least a 90 average.
Juniors may exempt up to 4 exams including their math, science, social studies, and English classes in the spring if the criteria is met. They must meet the above requirements and also achieve commended performance on that core area of the TAKS exit level test to exempt that particular exam.
Sophomores
Sophomores will be able to exempt their math, science, social studies, and English exams in the spring semester only if the following criteria are met:
1. Scores commended performance on that area of TAKS
2. No more than 2 excused absences with at least an 85 average; or
3. No more than 3 excused absences with at least a 90 average.
Freshman
Freshman will be able to exempt their math or English exam in the spring semester if the following criterion is met:
1. Scores commended performance on that area of TAKS
2. No more than 2 excused absences with at least an 85 average; or
3.
No more than 3 excused absences with at least a 90
average.
The District provides special programs for gifted and talented 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 Johna Huse (859-8482).
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 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 also
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.
This designated person to contact
regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral
for evaluation for special education is:
Contact Person: Shirley Irwin Phone Number: 903-859-4052
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS
See Athletic Handbook or School
Nurse
Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge. One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others. [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more information.]
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 encourage, require, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity. However, we require all students to respect other students’ decisions to pray silently and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
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, the recommendation of the student’s teacher, the score received on any criterion-referenced or state-mandated assessment, and any other necessary academic information as determined by the district. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.
Promotion and
Retention in the Junior High
Students
in grades 6-8 (middle school) may be promoted only on the basis of demonstrated
proficiency in the subject matter of the grade level. Demonstrated proficiency
for the junior high is defined as attaining:
Students who fail to meet the grade-level
requirements or the TAKS Test score requirements shall be required to attend
an Extended Educational Year Program and meet the promotion requirements of
that program or be retained.
Retention
– Parent Notification
Parent(s)
/ guardian(s) of students who are in danger of retention shall be notified by
conference or by letter of the student’s possible retention at the end of the
fourth sixth-week grading period. The parent(s) / guardian(s) shall receive
final notification of the student’s retention at least two weeks prior to the
end of the school year for grades 1 and 2 and within ten working days of the
receipt of the TAKS scores in grades 3-8.
Grade
Placement Committee
Students
who do not meet passing standards in grades 1-8 for two consecutive years shall
be placed in the next grade at the discretion of the Grade Placement Committee
(GPC) comprised of the legal custodial parent, teacher, and principal or
designee.
Retention
Intervention
Any
student retained or placed by the GPC shall receive intensive support. An
individualized acceleration plan will be developed in appropriate academic
areas.
At
the end of the summer extended year program, all retained students in grades
3-8 will be administered a previously released form of the grade-level TAKS
test. If the student scores at a level to be passed to the next grade, the
student will be immediately promoted.
All
retained students shall be required to attend the Extended Year Program (EYP).
If a student is retained because of a low grade, that student shall be promoted
if he or she attends 90 percent of the 20 school days of the EYP and achieves a
grade of at least 70 in the subject(s) failed. If a student is retained because
of a low TAKS test score(s), that student shall be promoted if he or she
attends 90 percent of the 20 school days of the EYP and scores at a TLI
promotion level (depending on the promotion level for the school year the
secure-released form TAKS Test is attempted by the student) in the subject(s)
tested. If a student were retained for both low grades and low TAKS Test
score(s), both of the aforementioned passing standards would have to be
satisfied for the student to be promoted.
Students
Retained and Are Not Promoted at the Conclusion of the EYP
All
students in grades 3-8 not promoted at the conclusion of the EYP shall be
required to repeat a grade and shall be required to attend support classes
until the standards are satisfied for promotion.
Students
in grades 1-2 not promoted at the conclusion of the EYP will be required
repeat a grade and shall be required to attend a support class.
High School Credit for Junior
High Courses
Students participating in junior
high classes for high school credit must meet the following criteria for
gaining high school credit; (1) maintain a course average of at least 70 on a
scale of 100 ; (2) demonstrate a passing grade on an end-of-course exam created
by a collaborative effort between the junior high and high school instructors
for that course.
Promotion/Retention
Policy for Courses in High School
Students
in grades 9-12 (high school) may be promoted to the next coherent sequence
course only on the basis of demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of
the prerequisite course. Demonstrated proficiency for the high school is
defined as attaining:
Students who fail to meet the course requirements or
the TAKS Test score requirements shall be required to attend an Extended
Educational Year Program and meet the promotion requirements of that
program or be retained in the current class.
Retention
– Parent Notification
Parent(s)
/ guardian(s) of students who are in danger of retention shall be notified by
conference or by letter of the student’s possible retention at the end of the
fourth sixth-week grading period. The parent(s) / guardian(s) shall receive
final notification of the student’s retention at least two weeks prior to the
end of the school year.
Grade
Placement Committee
Students
who do not meet passing standards (as stated in items 1,2,3) in two consecutive
semesters in language arts, math, social studies, and / or science, shall only
be placed in the next sequential course at the discretion of the Grade
Placement Committee (GPC) comprised of the legal custodial parent, teacher,
counselor, and principal or designee.
Retention
Intervention
Any
student retained or placed by the GPC shall receive intensive support. An individualized
acceleration plan will be developed in appropriate academic areas.
All
retained students shall be required to attend the Extended Year Program (EYP).
If a student is retained because of a low grade, that student shall be promoted
if he or she attends 90 percent of the 20 school days of the EYP and achieves a
grade of at least 70 in the subject(s) failed. If a student is retained because
of a low TAKS test score(s), that student shall be promoted if he or she
attends 90 percent of the 20 school days of the EYP and scores at a TLI
promotion level (depending on the promotion level for the school year the
secure-released form TAKS Test is attempted by the student) in the subject(s)
tested. If a student were retained for both low grades and low TAKS Test
score(s), both of the aforementioned passing standards would have to be
satisfied for the student to be promoted.
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.
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 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, among other items, identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruction program for the student. [For additional information, see the counselor or principal and policy EIF(LEGAL).]
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 who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal or superintendent has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.
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.
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, parents will be given a written progress report if their child’s performance in any course is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject.
Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the principal pursuant to the board-adopted policy and are designed to reflect each student’s relative mastery of each assignment 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. [See policy EIA(LOCAL).]
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 5 days.
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 ensuring 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 any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or 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.
Soon after the school year begins, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child.
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.
3 bells or flashing fire signs and loud siren Leave the building
1 bell Halt; stand at attention
2 bells Return to the classroom
1 continuous bell or warbled siren Move quietly but quickly to the designated locations
2 bells Return to the classroom
If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school would need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, and information about allergies to medications, 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.
Listen to KLTV or other television stations and KTBB radio
for instructions.
Many colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the counselor early during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to take; these exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. (Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take a standardized test, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA]).
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 7:30 a.m.
· Commons Area
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.
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 rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, 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 standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants.
All students are required, upon arriving to school, to proceed to the commons area until the bell rings for the start of classes. No outside loitering by students will be permitted.
Loitering or standing in the halls during class 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.
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 cafeteria personnel to apply.
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. [For more information, see policy CO(LEGAL).]
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 independent student use during the school day with a teacher permit.
Student-organized, student-led non-curriculum-related groups are permitted to meet during the hours designated by the principal before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements of policy FNAB(LOCAL).
A list of these groups is available in the principal’s
office.
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 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 their assigned desks and lockers. Students must be certain that their lockers are locked, and that the combinations are 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 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 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 permission 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. [See also the Student Code of Conduct.] All student vehicles will be required to have a school approved sticker on the vehicle. Failure to obtain and display a sticker will result in the loss of vehicle privileges on campus.
The district will use trained dogs to alert school officials to the presence of prohibited or illegal items, including drugs and alcohol. At any time, trained dogs may be used around lockers and the areas around vehicles parked on school property. Searches of classrooms, common areas, or student belongings may also be conducted by trained dogs when students are not present. An item in a classroom, a locker, or a vehicle to which a trained dog alerts may be searched by school officials.
[For further information, see policy FNF(LOCAL).]
State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.
Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.
Students participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. More information on the UIL testing program may be found on the UIL Web site at http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/health/steroid_information.html.
In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state-mandated assessments (such as TAKS: the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in the following subjects:
· Mathematics, annually in grades 3–11
· Reading, annually in grades 3–9
· Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
· English language arts in grades 10 and 11
· Social studies in grades 8, 10, and 11
· Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11
· Any other subject and grade required by federal law
[See policy EKB(LEGAL).]
Any student arriving to class after the bell rings is considered tardy. A tardy is considered arriving within 5 minutes of the bell; anything over 5 minutes will be reported as an unexcused absence. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in consequences according to the campus discipline plan.
State-approved textbooks are provided to students free of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. Electronic textbooks and technological equipment may also be provided to students, depending on the course and course objectives. A student who is issued a damaged item should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return an item in acceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and technological equipment until the item is returned or paid for by the parent; however, the student will be provided textbooks and equipment for use at school during the school day.
TRANSFER
STUDENTS
Arp ISD does allow transfer students from outside the district to attend school. For further information regarding the student transfer process, please contact campus administration.
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, before the school-sponsored trip.
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.
A parent may also designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off location for his or her child. The designated facility or residence must be on an approved stop on an approved route. For information on bus routes and stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may contact Kyle Waldron at 903-859-2782.
See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP).
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.
· Keep feet, books, 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.
· Not possess or use any form of tobacco on school buses.
· Observe all usual classroom rules.
· Be seated while the vehicle is moving.
· Fasten their seat belts, if available.
· Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus or van and before crossing in front of the vehicle.
Offenses and
Consequences
First Offense: The student will be warned and explained the consequences of additional offenses. A written note will also be sent to the principal.
Second Offense: The principal will meet with the student and send a letter of warning to the student’s parents or legal guardian.
Third Offense: The student will be removed from the bus for three days. The school principal will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian by letter.
Fourth Offense: The student will be removed from the bus for not less than ten days, depending on the offense. The school principal will notify the student’s parents or guardian by letter.
If a student’s bus riding privileges are suspended, the suspension will begin the day following the conference with the principal. In the event a student is engaged in an offense considered to be major, the principal may immediately suspend the student’s bus riding privileges. In the event a situation arises where a student becomes a threat to himself/herself or others, the driver will be permitted to put the student off the bus or call for law enforcement assistance. The driver will report the problem to the principal as soon as possible. The principal will contact the parents of the student.
Damage to Seats or
other Bus Equipment
First Offense – Student will be held responsible for all costs relating to their repair or replacement of damaged item.
Second Offense – Student will be held responsible for all costs relating to the repair or replacement of the damaged item and will be suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the year.
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 for years to come—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.
For safety purposes, video/audio equipment may be used to monitor student behavior, including on buses and in common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used.
The principal will review the video/audio recordings routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
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 and must comply with all applicable district policies and procedures. All high school visitors must check in the high school office and receive a “Visitor’s Pass” upon approval from the high school principal, as we have a closed campus.
Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and only 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.
On High School Career Day, the district invites representatives from colleges and universities and other higher education institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters to present information to interested students.
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. The parent may obtain a withdrawal form 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 and equipment 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 will be 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.
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 and/or as a result of a student not meeting the passing standard on a state-mandated assessment.
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 sometimes 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 disciplinary alternative education program, a placement for students who have violated certain provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
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 for directory information, unless a 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 to be provided, and program modifications or support by school personnel; a statement regarding how the student’s progress will be measured and how the parents will be kept informed; accommodations for 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 DAEP, ISS removes the student from the regular classroom.
LAT stands for Linguistically Accommodated Testing,
which is an assessment process for recent immigrant English language learners
who are required to be assessed in certain grades and subjects under the NCLB
Act.
NCLB Act is the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) is recommended for all students entering grade 9 and is required by state law for any student in middle school or higher who fails a section on a state-mandated test or is identified 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 one 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 to be eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), general education with appropriate instructional accommodations will be provided.
State-mandated assessments are required of students at certain grade levels and in specified subjects. Successful performance sometimes is a condition of promotion, and passing the grade 11 exit-level test is a condition of graduation. Students have multiple opportunities to take the tests if necessary for promotion or graduation.
Student Code of Conduct is 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 DAEP. It outlines conditions for out-of-school suspension and for expulsion. The Student Code of Conduct also addresses notice to the parent regarding a student’s violation of one of its provisions.
TAKS is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, the state’s standardized achievement test currently given to students in certain subjects in grades 3–11.
TAKS-Accommodated is a state mandated assessment based on the same grade-level academic achievement standards of TAKS available to certain students who receive special education services who need specific accommodations, as determined by the student and his or her ARD committee.
TAKS-Alternate is an alternate state mandated assessment designed for students with severe cognitive disabilities receiving special education services who meet the participation requirements, as determined by the student and his or her ARD committee.
TAKS-Modified is an alternate state mandated assessment based on modified achievement standards and is administered to eligible students receiving special education services, as determined by the student and his or her ARD committee.
TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, which assesses the progress that English language learners make in learning the English language, and is administered for those who meet the participation requirements in kindergarten–grade 12.
UIL refers to the University Interscholastic League, the statewide voluntary nonprofit organization that oversees educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests.
WEIGHTED COURSES --Weights for High School Courses
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|
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Weight Table |
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|
0 WEIGHT |
1 WEIGHT |
2 WEIGHT |
3 WEIGHT |
4 WEIGHT |
|
|
|
All
Modified TEKS Courses Will have a weight of 0 |
|
|
|
|
|
MATH |
|
|
|
Modified
Instructions |
Math
Models (0198) |
Algebra I
(0255) |
Algebra II
(0260) |
AP Courses
College Dual or |
|
|
|
Geometry
(0265) |
Pre-Calculus
(0285) |
Articulated
Credit Courses |
|
|
|
|
|
Calculus
AB (4513) |
|
|
|
SCIENCE |
|
|
|
|
IPC (1429) |
Biology I
(0350) |
Anatomy
& Physiology (0863) |
Biology
II (0360) |
|
|
Health
(0490) |
Chemistry
(0381) |
Physics
(4785) |
AP Courses
College Dual or |
|
|
|
Aquatic
Science (1487) |
Health
Science Tech I (9877) |
Articulated
Credit Courses |
|
|
|
|
Pre-AP
Biology (0355) |
Health
Science Tech II |
|
|
|
|
Pre-AP
Chemistry (0382) |
|
|
|
|
ENGLISH |
|
|
|
Modified
Instructions |
|
English I
(1019) |
Pre-AP
English I (1020) |
|
|
|
Speech
(0865) |
English II
(1025) |
Pre-AP
English II (1026) |
|
|
|
|
English
III (1030) |
|
AP
Courses/College Dual or |
|
|
|
English IV
(1071) |
|
Articulated
Credit Courses |
|
|
|
SOCIAL STUDIES |
|
|
|
Modified
Instructions |
|
World
Geography (0441) |
Pre-AP
World History (0462) |
|
|
|
|
World
History (0460) |
GT World
History (0461) |
|
|
|
|
U.S.
History (0445) |
GT World
Geography |
AP
Courses/College Dual or |
|
|
|
Government
(0440) |
GT US
History |
Articulated
Credit Courses |
|
|
|
Economics
(0485) |
GT
Economics/Government |
|
|
|
|
Foreign Language |
|
|
|
|
Spanish I
(0680) |
Spanish II
(0685) |
Spanish
III (0675) |
Spanish IV
(0676) |
|
|
French I
(0780) |
French II
(0781) |
|
|
|
|
German 1 |
German II |
|
|
|
|
|
Performing &
Visual Arts |
|
|
|
Theatre
Arts 1 (0905), II (0906) |
Art I
(0855) |
Art II
(0860) |
Art III
(0861) |
Art IV
(0862) |
|
Theatre
Arts III (0907), IV (0908) |
Applied
Music (4546) |
|
|
|
|
Theatre
Production (0909) |
Music
Theory (4545) |
|
|
|
|
Theatre
Tech I (0915), II (0916) |
|
|
|
|
|
Theatre
Tech III (0917), IV (0918) |
|
|
|
|
|
Band I
(0925), II (0930), III (0935) |
|
|
|
|
|
Band IV
(0940) Jazz (0950) |
|
|
|
|
|
Choir
(5030) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electives |
|
|
|
PE EQ 1
(7750) (7551), 2 (7552) (7553), 3 (7554) (7555), 4 (7556) (7557) |
|
|
|
|
|
PE1
(0516), PE2 (0517) |
|
|
|
|
|
PE3 (0518)
PE4 (0519) |
|
|
|
|
|
PE CHRLDR1
(7444), 2 (7445), PE CHRLDR2 (7446), 3 (7447) |
|
|
|
|
|
Aides
(1005), (1006), (1007) |
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|
|
|
|
|
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AG SCIENCE |
|
|
|
|
8th Grade
AG (0001) |
AG
Structures Technology (0004) |
|
|
|
|
Introduction
to World AG (4906) |
Flora
Design (1145) |
|
|
|
|
Applied AG
Science (4907) |
Advanced
Flora Design (1146) |
|
|
|
|
Animal
Production (0001) |
Animal
Science (1212) |
|
|
|
|
Food
Technology (4918) |
Advanced
Animal Science (1222) |
|
|
|
|
Equine
Science (4923) |
Personal
Skill Dev. (1234) |
|
|
|
|
Wildlife
(4928) |
AG
Communications (0425) |
|
|
|
|
Intro to
AG Mechanics (4917) |
Home
Maintenance (4920) |
|
|
|
|
|
AG Metal
Fabrications (0003) |
|
|
|
|
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FAMILY CONSUMER
SCIENCE |
|
|
|
|
Preparation
for Parenting (1090) |
Nutrition
& Food Science (1115) |
|
|
|
|
Individual
& Family Life (1110) |
Apparel
(1116) |
|
|
|
|
Housing
(1117) |
|
|
|
|
|
Interior
Design (118) |
|
|
|
|
|
Personal
& Family Devel. (1130) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BUSINESS EDUCATION AND
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION |
|
|
|
Yearbook
(0120) |
|
Marketing
Education (1043) |
Accounting
I (3730) |
Accounting
II (3731) |
|
|
BCIS
(4679) |
Business
Ed Career (1044) |
Computer
Science II (4681) |
Banking
& Finance (3732) |
|
|
|
Computer
Science I (4680) |
Web
Mastering (4951) |
BCIS II
(4949) |
|
|
|
|
Bus. Man.
& Multimedia (4947) |
Business
Management (4945) |
|
|
|
|
Telecomm.
& Network (4970) |
Business
Ownership (4946) |
|
|
|
|
Video
Technology (1147) |
Independent
Studies (1119) |
|
|
|
|
Intro-computer
Maint. TP (4869) |
PC
Technology (4955) |
|
|
|
|
|
Architectural
Drafting (4913) |
|
|
|
|
|
ECAD-TP
(4910) |
|
|
|
|
|
TICAD-TP
(4911) |
|
|
|
|
|
ECAD2-TP
(4912) |
|
|
|
|
|
Articulated
Credit Courses |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital
Graphics (4960) |
|
|
COLLEGE AND
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT COURSES |
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||
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|
|
Building
Trades I (4971) |
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Building
Trades II (4972) |
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|
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Building
Trades III (4973) |
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|
|
|
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Building
Trades IV (4974) |
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|
|
|
|
Nurse Aide
Track (4975) |
|
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|
|
Medical
Office Mang. (4976) |