PREFACE

To Students and Parents:

Welcome to school year 2010–2011! Education is a team effort, and we know= that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together c= an make this a wonderfully successful year for our students.

The Archer City ISD Student Handbook is designed to pr= ovide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will n= eed during the school year. In an effo= rt to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into two sections:

Section I= —PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES—with information to assist you in responding to school-related issues. We encourag= e you to take some time to closely review this section of the handbook.

Section II—OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS—organized alphabetically by topic for quick access when searching for information on a specific issue.<= /p>

Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” i= s used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed = to assume school-related responsibility for a student.

Courses	Number of credits Minimum Program	Number of credits Recommended Program	Number of credits Advanced/ Distinguished Achievement Program
English/L= anguage Arts	4	4	4
Mathemati= cs	3	4	4
Science	3	4	4
Social St= udies	3.5	3.5	3.5
Economics=	0.5	0.5=	0.5=
Physical Education	1	1	1
Speech	0.5	0.5	0.5
Language = other than English	0	2	3
Fine Arts=	1 (effective for grade 9 in 2010–2011 s= chool year and thereafter)	1	1
Locally r= equired courses	1credit in Technology and 1/2 credit in Health	1credit in Technology and 1/2 credit in Health	1credit in Technology and 1/2 credit in Health
Electives=	8/9 credits	4 credits	3 credits
Miscellan= eous	0	0	Completion of 4 Advanced Measures<= /o:p>
TOTAL	** 26 credits	26 credits	26 credits

Both students and parents should become familiar with = the Archer City ISD 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 at the Arche= r City ISD’s website www.archercityisd.ne= t .

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 a= ffect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters or other communications.

In case of conflict between board policy (including the Student Code of Conduct) and any provisions of the Student Handbook, the cu= rrent provisions of board policy and the Student Code of Conduct are to be follow= ed.

After reading through the entire handbook with your ch= ild, 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 your building principal.

Also, please complete and return to your child’s campu= s the following required forms:

1.&n= bsp;     Parental Acknowledgment Form;

2.      Student Directory Information and Release of Student Information Form;

3.      Release of Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education Form; and

Please note that references to policy codes are includ= ed 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.arc= hercityisd.net.

SECTION I: PA= RENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This section of the Archer City ISD Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Working Together

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:

·&nb= sp;        Encouraging your child to put a high priorit= y on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of = the educational opportunities the school provides.

·&nb= sp;        Ensuring that your child completes all homew= ork assignments and special projects and comes to school each day prepared, res= ted, and ready to learn.

·&nb= sp;        Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special program= s, offered in the district.

·&nb= sp;        Discussing with the counselor or principal a= ny questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.

·&nb= sp;        Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with your child, if your child is entering ninth grade.

·&nb= sp;        Monitoring your child’s academic progress an= d contacting teachers as needed.

·&nb= sp;        Attending scheduled conferences and requesti= ng additional conferences as needed. = To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your ca= ll or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school.

·&nb= sp;        Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: Elementary PTO, Athletic = and Band Booster Clubs.

·&nb= sp;        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.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>

·&nb= sp;        Serving on the School Health Advisory Counci= l, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [

·&nb= sp;        Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations

·&nb= sp;        Parent Involvement Coordinator

The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with par= ents of students participating in Title I programs is CD Knobloch and may be contacted at 940-574-4506.

PARENTAL RIGHTS

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student = Rights

Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or = in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:

·&nb= sp;        Political affiliations or beliefs of the stu= dent or the student’s parent.

·&nb= sp;        Mental or psychological problems of the stud= ent or the student’s family.

·&nb= sp;        Sexual behavior or attitudes.

·&nb= sp;        Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

·&nb= sp;        Critical appraisals of individuals with whom= the student has a close family relationship.

·&nb= sp;        Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

·&nb= sp;        Religious practices, affiliations, or belief= s of the student or parents.

·&nb= sp;        Income, except when the information is requi= red by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participa= te in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a progra= m.

You will be able to inspect the survey or other instru= ment and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For furt= her information, see policy EF(LEGAL).]

“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and= deny permission for your child’s participation in:

·&nb= sp;        Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

·&nb= sp;        School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.

·&nb= sp;        Any nonemergency, invasive physical examinat= ion or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and schedu= led 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.]

Inspecting Surveys

As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a thi= rd party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.

Requesting Professional Qualifications of Tea= chers and Staff

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 h= ave 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.

Reviewing Instructional Materials

As a parent, you have a right to review teaching mater= ials, 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

Teachers may display students’ work in classrooms or elsewhere on campus as recognition of student achievement. The district will seek parental consent= before displaying students’ artwork, special projects, photographs taken by studen= ts, and the like on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or = by any other method of mass communication.

Accessing Student Records

You may review your child’s student records. These records include:

·&nb= sp;        Attendance records,

·&nb= sp;        Test scores,

·&nb= sp;        Grades,

·&nb= sp;        Disciplinary records,

·&nb= sp;        Counseling records,

·&nb= sp;        Psychological records,

·&nb= sp;        Applications for admission,

·&nb= sp;        Health and immunization information,

·&nb= sp;        Other medical records,

·&nb= sp;        Teacher and counselor evaluations,

·&nb= sp;        Reports of behavioral patterns, and

·&nb= sp;        State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.

Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student

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 followi= ng circumstances:

·&nb= sp;        When it is to be used for school safety;

·&nb= sp;        When it relates to classroom instruction or a cocurricular or extracurricular activity; or

·&nb= sp;        When it relates to media coverage of the sch= ool.

Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction

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. Th= is program, developed by the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the State Board of Education (SBOE), is incorporated into the district’s health educa= tion classes.

Removing a Student Temporarily from the Class= room

You may remove your child temporarily from the classro= om 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. Fur= ther, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determin= ed by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.

Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instr= uction

As a part of the district’s curriculum, students recei= ve instruction related to human sexuality. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is involved with the selec= tion of course materials for such instruction.

State law requires that any instruction related to hum= an sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must:

·&nb= sp;        Present abstinence from sexual activity as t= he preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age;

·&nb= sp;        Devote more attention to abstinence from sex= ual activity than to any other behavior;

·&nb= sp;        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 activi= ty;

·&nb= sp;        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

·&nb= sp;        If included in the content of the curriculum, teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates inst= ead of theoretical laboratory rates.

In accordance with state law, below is a summary of the district’s curriculum regarding human sexuality instruction:

Archer City ISD will provide human sexuality instructi= on through health and counselor related services.

As a parent, you are entitled to review the curriculum materials. In addition, you may re= move your child from any part of this instruction with no academic, disciplinary= , or other penalties. You may also choo= se to become more involved with the development of curriculum used for this purpo= se by becoming a member of the district’s SHAC. Please see the campus principal for additional information.

Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges = to the U.S. and Texas Flags

As a parent, you may request that your child be excuse= d from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Un= ited 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 acti= vity that follows.

Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of= the Declaration of Independence

You may request that your child be excused from recita= tion of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires student= s 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).]

Requesting Notices of Certain Student Miscond= uct

A noncustodial parent may request in writing that he o= r she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written no= tice 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) a= nd the Student Code of Conduct.]

School Safety Transfers

As a parent, you have a right:

·&nb= sp;        To request the transfer of your child to ano= ther classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the campus princip= al to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not pro= vided for a transfer to another campus. = See the superintendent for information. [See policy FDB.]

·&nb= sp;        To request the transfer of your child to att= end a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a camp= us identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a vic= tim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDE(LOCAL).]

·&nb= sp;        To request the transfer of your child to ano= ther 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 policy FDE.]

Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple = Birth Siblings

As a parent, if your children are multiple birth sibli= ngs (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 m= ust be submitted no later than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See policy FDB(LEGAL).]=

Parents of Students with Disabilities

Parents of students with learning difficulties or who = may need special education services may request an evaluation for special educa= tion at any time.

Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education

If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the = parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety= of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regul= ar classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other academ= ic 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 a= ll struggling students.

At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evalua= tion for special education services. Wi= thin a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If the evaluation is neede= d, the parent will be notified and asked to provide informed written consent for t= he evaluation. The district must comp= lete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the distr= ict 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 your building principal.

If a student is receiving special education services a= t a campus outside his or her attendance zone, the parent or guardian may reque= st that any other student residing in the household be transferred to the same campus, if the appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offe= red on that campus. [See policy FDB(LO= CAL).]

Accommodations for Children of Military Famil= ies

Children of military families will be provided flexibi= lity regarding certain district requirements, including:

·&nb= sp;        Immunization requirements.

·&nb= sp;        Grade level, course, or educational program placement.

·&nb= sp;        Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities.

·&nb= sp;        Graduation requirements.

In addition, absences related to a student visiting wi= th his or her parent related to leave or deployment activities may be excused by t= he district. The district will permit= no more than 3 excused absences per year for this purpose.

Additional information may be found at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/m= il/.

Student Records

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 olde= r OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.

Virtually all information pertaining to student perfor= mance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:

·&nb= sp;        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 postsecondary 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 un= der limited circumstances when there is a threat to the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

·&nb= sp;        District school officials who have what fede= ral law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. School officials would in= clude trustees and employees, such as the superintendent, administrators, and principals; teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff; a pers= on 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 o= n 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.

·&nb= sp;        Various governmental agencies.

·&nb= sp;        Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.

·&nb= sp;        A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in which he or s= he is already enrolled.

Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospe= ctive employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.

The campus principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The campus principal is the custodian o= f all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.

Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible stude= nt during regular school hours. The r= ecords custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation a= nd interpretation of the records.

A parent or eligible student who provides a written re= quest and pays copying costs of ten cents per page may obtain copies. If circumstances prevent inspection dur= ing regular school hours and the student qualifies for free or reduced-price me= als, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make ot= her arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. The address of the superintendent’s off= ice is 600 S. Ash, Archer City, TX. 76351.

The address(es) of the principals’ offices are: 600 S. Ash, Archer City, TX. 76351.

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 principal or superintendent. The request must clearly identify the p= art 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 res= ult 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 record= ed grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handl= ed through the general complaint process found in policy FNG(LOCAL). A grade issued by a classroom teacher c= an 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.

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 educa= tional 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:<= o:p>

Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the distric= t is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The complaint may be mailed to:

Family Policy Compliance Of= fice
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901

Directory Information

The law permits the district to designate certain pers= onal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be re= leased 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.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> See the “Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information”= included in this handbook OR included in the forms packet.

Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes

The district often needs to use student information for school-sponsored purposes.

For the school-sponsored purposes, the district would = like to use your child’s information. T= his 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 informati= on 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 p= urposes listed above.

Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions = of Higher Education

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 adv= ised 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.

SECTION II: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Topics in this section of the handbook contain importa= nt information on academics, school activities, and school operations and requirements. Take a moment with y= our child to become familiar with the various issues addressed in this section. It is organized in alphab= etical order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your child has a question a= bout a specific school-related issue. S= hould you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact your building principal.

ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is essential for a student t= o 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 av= oid unnecessary absences. Two state la= ws—one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit—are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below.

Compulsory Attendance

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 18^th 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 proper= ty thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing. [See FEA.]

Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten a= re 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. Pa= rents 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 stand= ards on the state assessment for his or her grade level and applicable subject a= rea.

Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance

State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendan= ce requirements for several types of absences if the student makes up all work. These include the following activities = and events:

·&nb= sp;        Religious holy days;

·&nb= sp;        Required court appearances;

·&nb= sp;        Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship;

·&nb= sp;        Service as an election clerk; and

·&nb= sp;        Documented health-care appointments, includi= ng absences for recognized services for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

In addition, a junior or senior student’s absence of u= p to two days related to visiting a college or university will 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.

Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance<= /a>

School employees must investigate and report violation= s 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 “accelerat= ed instruction” by the state; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary acti= on.

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 agai= nst the parent may be filed in court if the student:

·&nb= sp;        Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or

·&nb= sp;        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 w= ill not be subject to penalties as a result of their child’s violation of state compulsory attendance law. [See FEA(LEGAL).]

Attendance for Credit

To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at= least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attends 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 ful= fill 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 circumst= ances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guideline= s:

·&nb= sp;        All absences will be considered in determini= ng whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences f= or the reasons listed above at Exemptions= to Compulsory Attendance will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.

·&nb= sp;        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 dis= trict after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered.

·&nb= sp;        In reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best inter= est of the student.

·&nb= sp;        The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences.

·&nb= sp;        The committee will consider whether the abse= nces were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could exerc= ise any control.

·&nb= sp;        The committee will consider the extent to wh= ich the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge= and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.

·&nb= sp;        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 decis= ion 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 must be in attenda= nce in order to receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full seme= ster or for a full year.

Parent’s Note after an Absence

When a student must be absent from school, the student= —upon returning to school—must bring a note signed by the parent that describes t= he reason for the absence. A note sig= ned by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless= the student is 18 or older.

Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness

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.

Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement fro= m a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the = student’s absence from school.

[See policy FEC(LOCAL).]

Driver License Attendance Verification
For a student between the ages of 16 and 18 to obtain a driver license, the Texas Department of Public Safety must be provided writ= ten parental consent to access the student’s records for purposes of verifying = 90 percent attendance for credit for the semester.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The school counselor provides students and parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices.

AWARDS AND HONORS

BULLYING

Bullying occurs when a student or group of students di= rects written or verbal expressions or physical conduct against another student a= nd the behavior results in harm to the student or the student’s property, plac= es a student in fear of physical harm or of damage to the student’s 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.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS=

The district offers career and technical education pro= grams in Human Services, Architecture and Construction, Agriculture, Food and Nat= ural Resources, Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Business Management &= amp; Communication and Marketing.

Archer City ISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participatio= n in all educational and CTE programs. =

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

The district has established a plan for addressing chi= ld sexual abuse, which may be accessed at the district’s counselors office. 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 t= he Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s men= tal, emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable ef= fort to prevent sexual conduct with a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglec= ted has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected ab= use 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. Behavi= oral 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, depressio= n, 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 sexu= al 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, confid= es 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 Prot= ective Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out what services may be availa= ble in your county, see http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Preve= ntion_and_Early_Intervention/Programs_Available_In_
Your_County/default.asp.

The following Web sites might help you become more awa= re of child sexual abuse:

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index.aspx?id=3D2820

http://sa= pn.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 Te= xas Department of Family and Protective Services (1-800-252-5400 or on the Web = at http://www.txabusehotline.org).<= /p>
CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT

The following courses will be used in the calculati= on of GPAs for class rank.

·         ENGLISH: Highest eight semester grades selected from English 1, English 2, English 3, English 4, Pre-AP English 1, Pre-AP English 2, AP English Langua= ge and Composition (AP Eng 3), and AP English Literature and Composition (AP E= ng 4)

·         MATH: Highest eight semester grades selected from Algebra 1, Geometry, Math Models, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus= AB, and AP Calculus BC.

·         SCIENCE: Highest eight semester grades selec= ted from Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), Biology, Chemistry, and Physic= s.

·         SOCIAL STUDIES AND ECONOMICS: Highest eight semesters selected from US History, World History, World Geography, Governm= ent, AP Government, Economics, and AP Economics.

·      =    Hea= lth and Speech

·         FINE ARTS: Highest two semester grades from = any fine arts class.

·         FOREIGN LANGUAGES: Spanish 1, Spanish 2, and Spanish 3

·         TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS: Highest two semester grades selected from BCIS 1, BCIS 2, Computer Science 1, Computer Science 2, any video technology class, Multimedia, any yearbook class, and any newspap= er class.

The following courses will be weighted: Any AP or Pre-AP course, Pre-Calculus, Computer Science 2, Spanish 3, and Dual Credit Courses approved by the principal that can substitute for any of the courses listed above.

Special Note: Upon principal approval advanced courses not listed with the above courses may be weighted and used to calculate GPAs provided they are taken while the student attends ACHS. An example would be a state-approved Independent Study in one of the subject a= reas above.

Clarification: High school level courses taken in junior high are included in the c= lass rank calculation provided they meet the requirements above.

Note: Dual credit college courses that are taken durin= g the spring semester of the senior year will not be calculated in the class rank GPA. Only students graduating on the Recommended or Distinguished Plan will= be ranked.

Students wishing to graduate early may do so under the following guidelines:

Have at least 26 credits

Meet the minimum graduation requirements

Make use of correspondence courses for advancement

Modules and summer school may not the utilized for early graduation

Students graduating early will not be considered for class rank

Note: ARD committee decisions may take precedence over= local policy provided state policy is realized.

Valedictorian Tie Breaker:

If the GPA is the same for 3 decimal places or more, t= he rank will be considered a tie.

Examples: 3.9992 and 3.9991 are considered to be a tie. 3.998 would rank above 3.997.

Students Eligible for Class Rank

To be considered for class rank the student must atten= d Archer City High School a minim= um of 4 full semesters, to include the full senior year. Only the top 50% of the class will be ranked. The ranking will not be official until the principal = post the results outside the campus office.

The GPA for final transcripts (not class ranking) will include all numerical grades.

Regular Courses:

100 =3D 4.0=

90   =3D 3.0

80   =3D 2.0

99   =3D 3.9=

89   =3D 2.9=

79   =3D 1.9=

98   =3D 3.8=

88   =3D 2.8=

78   =3D 1.8=

97   =3D 3.7=

87   =3D 2.7=

77   =3D 1.7=

96   =3D 3.6=

86   =3D 2.6=

76   =3D 1.6=

95   =3D 3.5=

85   =3D 2.5=

75   =3D 1.5=

94   =3D 3.4=

84   =3D 2.4=

74   =3D 1.4=

93   =3D 3.3=

83   =3D 2.3=

73   =3D 1.3=

92   =3D 3.2=

82   =3D 2.2=

72   =3D 1.2=

91   =3D 3.1=

81   =3D 2.1=

71   =3D 1.1= and 70   =3D 1.0

Weighted Courses:

100 =3D 5.0=

90   =3D 4.0

80   =3D 3.0

99   =3D 4.9=

89   =3D 3.9=

79   =3D 2.9=

98   =3D 4.8=

88   =3D 3.8=

78   =3D 2.8=

97   =3D 4.7=

87   =3D 3.7=

77   =3D 2.7=

96   =3D 4.6=

86   =3D 3.6=

76   =3D 2.6=

95   =3D 4.5=

85   =3D 3.5=

75   =3D 2.5=

94   =3D 4.4=

84   =3D 3.4=

74   =3D 2.4=

93   =3D 4.3=

83   =3D 3.3=

73   =3D 2.3=

92   =3D 4.2=

82   =3D 3.2=

72   =3D 2.2=

91   =3D 4.1=

81   =3D 3.1=

71   =3D 2.1= and 70   =3D 2.0



The counselor will calculate two G= PAs, one for class rank and one for publication on the transcript. The grading scale used for calculating = the GPA published on the transcript is as follows:

&nbs= p;

Unweighted Courses

Weighted

Courses

89.5-100<= /p>

4.0

5.0

79.5-89.4=

3.0

4.0

69.5-79.4=

2.0

3.0

0.00-69.4=

0.0

0.0

House Bill 3851 requires that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, beginning with the fall semester 2009, will establish and adopt a standard method for computing a student’s = high school grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. Such scale will assign additional weigh= t for honors, advanced placement, and dual credit courses.

Concurrent Enrollment Guidelines:

Student must receive prior approval from the principal

Student must take a minimum of 2 local courses

Student must take a combined total of 5 courses

College/University grades will be weighted for GPA purposes:

            A = =3D 97, B =3D 87, C =3D 77, D =3D 70

For two school years following his or her graduation, a district student who graduates in the top ten percent of his or her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas if the student:

·&nb= sp;        Completes the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program; or

·&nb= sp;        Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmar= ks or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on the SAT.

The University of Texas at Austin may limit the number= of students automatically admitted to 75 percent of the University’s enrollment capacity for incoming resident freshmen. For students who are eligible to enroll in the University of Texas at Austin during the summer or fall 2011 term, the University will be admitting the top eight percent of the high school’s graduating class who meet the ab= ove requirements. Additional applicant= s will be considered by the University through an independent review process.

Students and parents should contact the counselor or principal for further information about automatic admissions, the applicati= on process, and deadlines.

[For further information, see policies at EIC.]

CLASS SCHEDULES

COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES

Students in grades 9–12 have opportunities to earn col= lege credit through the following methods:

·&nb= sp;        Certain courses taught at the high school campus, which may include courses termed dual credit or Advanced Placement (AP).

·&nb= sp;        Enrollment in an AP or dual credit course through the Texas Virtual School Network;

·&nb= sp;        Enrollment in courses taught in conjunction = and in partnership with Vernon College or Midwestern State University.

·&nb= sp;        Certain CTE courses.

All of these methods have eligibility requirements and= must be approved prior to enrollment in the course. Please see the counselor for more information.

COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

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.

In general, the student or parent should submit a writ= ten complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a reque= st for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provi= des for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.

COMPUTER RESOURCES

To prepare students for an increasingly technological society, the district has made an investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of the= se computer resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supe= rvision and for approved purposes only. St= udents 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.]

CONDUCT

Applicability of School Rules

As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Co= de 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 discip= linary 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

Corporal punishment—spanking or paddling the student—m= ay be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Co= de of Conduct and policy FO(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual.

Disruptions

As identified by law, disruptions include the followin= g:

·&nb= sp;        Interference with the movement of people at = an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization fro= m an administrator.

·&nb= sp;        Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.

·&nb= sp;        Use of force, violence, or threats in an att= empt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.

·&nb= sp;        Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

·&nb= sp;        Interference with the movement of people at = an exit or an entrance to district property.

·&nb= sp;        Use of force, violence, or threats in an att= empt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from an administrator.

·&nb= sp;        Disruption of classes or other school activi= ties 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 enterin= g a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.

·&nb= sp;        Interference with the transportation of stud= ents in vehicles owned or operated by the district.

Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones

For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess telecommunications devices, including mobile telephones; however, t= hese devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including duri= ng 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 will have the device confiscated. The student/parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications de= vice from the principal’s office for a fee of $15 for the first offense. Subsequ= ent offenses may require the parent/guardian to appear in person to retrieve the phone.

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 distr= ict will not be responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications dev= ices.

Other Electronic Devices

Students are not permitted to possess such items as ra= dios, CD players, MP3 players, video or audio recorders, DVD players, cameras, ga= mes, or other electronic devices at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Witho= ut 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 distr= ict will not be responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.=

Inappropriate Use of Technology

Students are prohibited from sending or posting electr= onic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassi= ng, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition applies to conduct off school property if it result= s in a substantial disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise ill= egal images or other content will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct and may, in certain circumstances, be reported to law enforcement.<= /p>
Social Events

School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are expec= ted to observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a guest will sha= re responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest.

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

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS

To protect other students from contagious illnesses, s= tudents infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. If a parent suspects t= hat his or her child has a contagious disease, the parent should contact the sc= hool 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.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

The district permits high school students to take corr= espondence courses—by mail or via the Internet—for credit toward high school graduatio= n.

[For further information, see policies at EEJC.]

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling

Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with= a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn more about course offering= s, graduation requirements, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 8-11wil= l be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next school ye= ar and other information that will help them make the most of academic and CTE opportunities.

To plan for the future, each student should work close= ly with the counselor in order to enroll in the high school courses that best prepare him or her for attendance at a college, university, or training sch= ool, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education. The counselor can also provide informat= ion about entrance exams and application deadlines, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, hous= ing, and scholarships.

Personal Counseling

The school counselor is available to assist students w= ith 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 see the building couns= elor.

Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment<= /h3>
The school will not conduct a psychological examinatio= n, 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 feder= al law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for chi= ld abuse investigations and reports.

[For more information, refer to policies EHBAA(LEGAL), FFE(LEGAL), and FFG(EXHIBIT).]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Cou= rse

A student who has previously taken a course or subject= —but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the teach= er, counselor, principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit = by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for that cour= se or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course or exces= sive absences, homeschooling, correspondence courses, or independent study supervised by a teacher.

The counselor or principal would determine if the stud= ent could take an exam for this purpose. If approval is granted, the student must score at least 70 on the exam to rece= ive credit for the course or subject.

The attendance review committee may also offer a stude= nt with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passi= ng 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(LOCAL).]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the= Course

A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn cr= edit for an academic course for which the student has had no prior instruction.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The dates on which exams are scheduled = during the 2010–2011 school year will be available in the counselor’s office.

A student will earn credit with a passing score of at = least 90 on the exam.

If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or pa= rent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the schedul= ed testing date. The district will tr= y to honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the publish= ed dates. If the district agrees to administer a test other than the one chosen by the district, the parent must purchase a test from a university approved by the State Board of Education. [For further informatio= n, see EEJB(LOCAL).]

DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, = AND RETALIATION

The district believes that all students learn best in = an environment free from dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and reta= liation and that their welfare is best served when they are free from this prohibit= ed conduct while attending school. St= udents are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy a= nd respect, to avoid behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop those behavi= ors when asked or told to stop. Distri= ct 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, disabil= ity, or any other basis prohibited by law. [See policy FFH.]

Dating Violence

Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or p= ast dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to ha= rm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in the relationship. This type of conduct is considered hara= ssment 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 incl= ude, but are not limited to, physical or sexual assaults, name-calling, put-down= s, threats to hurt the student or the student’s family members or members of t= he 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 other= s to engage in these behaviors.

Discrimination

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

Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participa= te in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidat= ing, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is avai= lable in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office.

Examples of harassment may include, but are not limite= d 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; phys= ical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethni= c, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee, volunte= er, or another student is prohibited.

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volun= teer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. How= ever, 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 sexu= al nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.
Retaliation

Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith re= port of discrimination or harassment, including dating violence, is prohibited.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> 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 statement= s or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject= to appropriate discipline.

Retaliation against a student might occur when a stude= nt 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 slig= hts and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that= are justified by a student’s poor academic performance in the classroom.

Reporting Procedures

Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should immediat= ely report the problem to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report may be made b= y the student’s parent. See policy FFH(L= OCAL) for the appropriate district officials to whom to make a report.

Investigation of 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, whic= h includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promp= tly investigated. The district will no= tify 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 stude= nt, the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experie= nced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy.

If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibi= ted 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 outco= me of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

DISCRIMINATION

DISTANCE LEARNING

Distance learning includes courses that encompass the state-required essential knowledge and skills but are taught through multip= le technologies and alternative methodologies such as satellite, Internet, video-conferenci= ng, and instructional television.

The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) has been established as one method of distance learning. A student has the option, with certain limitations, to enroll in a course offered through the TxVSN to earn course credit for graduation. Depending on the course in which a stud= ent enrolls, the course may be subject to the “no pass, no play” rules.

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUME= NTS

School Materials

Publications prepared by and for the school may be pos= ted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include sc= hool 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.

Nonschool Materials...from students

Students must obtain prior approval from the principal before posting, circulating, or distributing more than ten copies of written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, poste= rs, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any nonschool material must incl= ude 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 accorda= nce with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any studen= t who posts nonschool material without prior approval will be subject to discipli= nary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without the princip= al’s approval will be removed.

Nonschool Materials...from others

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 n= ot 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 nonschool material must meet the limitatio= ns on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring pe= rson or organization, and be submitted to the principal for prior review. The principal 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:

·&nb= sp;        Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours.

·&nb= sp;        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 noncurriculum-related student group meeting held in accordance with FNAB(LOCAL).

·&nb= sp;        Distribution for electioneering purposes dur= ing the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance = with state law.

All nonschool materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following = the event at which the materials are distributed.

DRESS AND GROOMING

The district’s dress code is established to teach groo= ming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. Students and parents may determine a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply = with the following:

Ø&nb= sp; Any visible tattoos must be covered.

Ø&nb= sp; Girls Hair: The hair is to be clean, combed, and uncovered. No disruptive colors = or hairstyles will be worn.

Ø&nb= sp; Boy Hair: The hair is to be kept neat, clean, combed, and uncovered. It is to be styled so that the hair is kept above the eyes, the earlobes are left uncovered, and the hair does not have the loose flowing effect in the back, although it may be a full cut with the hair no longer than chin length in t= he back (not pinned up or in a pony tail). No disruptive colors or hairstyles will = be worn. Sideburns are to be no longer than the bottom of the ear and are not = to exceed two inches in width. Beards and mustaches are not to be worn.

Ø&nb= sp; No risqué printed/inappropriate clothing.

Ø&nb= sp; No clothing with inappropriate innuendos.

Ø&nb= sp; Pants may not have more than 4 inches slack in the thigh. Pants may not sag.

Ø&nb= sp; Pants with frays above the knee are not allowed.

Ø&nb= sp; Shirts and pants must meet to keep the abdomen covered at all times.

Ø&nb= sp; No Hooters or Joe’s Crabshack shirts allowed.

Ø&nb= sp; Shirts that hang below the middle of the buttocks must be tucked in.

Ø&nb= sp; Tank top style shirts must have at least a 2-inch strap and not be low cut.

Ø&nb= sp; Dresses must be worn at a reasonable length as to not draw undue attention.

Ø&nb= sp; No pajama style clothing will be allowed.

Ø&nb= sp; Clothing or items worn in protest will not be allowed.

Ø&nb= sp; Caps, hats, headbands, or sunglasses may not be worn on campus. Caps or hats may = be worn at school activities that are not within the regular school day provid= ed they are worn in the appropriate manner. Sunglasses may be worn at outside activities provided they are needed. They may not be worn in doors or at ni= ght time.

Ø&nb= sp; Earrings for girls only. No earrings or other objects worn in body piercings other t= han the ear. (This applies to all school functions regardless of time, date, or location)

Ø&nb= sp; Shorts must have at least a 4-inch inseam and not be revealing or distracting.

Ø&nb= sp; Boys may not paint fingernails. Girls may not paint fingernails black or purple.=

Ø&nb= sp; Flip flops may be worn to most regular school classes. Students who are enrolled= in Woodshop or Agriculture classes may not wear flip-flops or open top shoes to class.

Ø&nb= sp; Students who are representing the school through activities such as UIL academics, Athletics, Agriculture, and other school-sponsored events may be required to comply with a stricter dress code.

Ø&nb= sp; No spike necklaces or bracelets and no collar-style necklaces.

Ø&nb= sp; No chains will be allowed during school or at school functions.

As trends change throughout the year other dress code requirements may be added to the policy at the principal’s discretion.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Participation in school-sponsored activities is an exc= ellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and b= uild strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privil= ege, not a right.

Eligibility for initial and continuing participation i= n many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing interdistri= ct competition. If a student is invol= ved in an academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student and p= arent are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. See http://www.uil.utexas.edu for additional information.

The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:

·&nb= sp;        A student who receives at the end of a gradi= ng period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than an Advanced Placem= ent or International Baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or language other than English—may not participate in extracurricular activiti= es for at least three school weeks.

·&nb= sp;        A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not partici= pate for at least three school weeks.

·&nb= sp;        An ineligible student may practice or rehear= se.

·&nb= sp;        A student is allowed in a school year up to = ten absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of two absences for state competition. All extracurric= ular activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activit= ies approved by the board, are subject to these restrictions.

·&nb= sp;        An absence for participation in an activity = that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.

Standards of Behavior

Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such a= s 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 viol= ation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the Stud= ent Code of Conduct or by local policy will apply in addition to any consequenc= es specified by the organization’s standards of behavior.

Offices and Elections

Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups wi= ll hold elections for student officers.

FEES

Materials that are part of the basic educational progr= am are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to prov= ide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including:

·&nb= sp;        Costs for materials for a class project that= the student will keep.

·&nb= sp;        Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities.

·&nb= sp;        Security deposits.

·&nb= sp;        Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

·&nb= sp;        Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc.

·&nb= sp;        Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance.

·&nb= sp;        Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the district.

·&nb= sp;        Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student.

·&nb= sp;        Parking fees and student identification card= s.

·&nb= sp;        Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.

·&nb= sp;        Fees for driver training courses, if offered= .

·&nb= sp;        Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not available on district premises.

·&nb= sp;        Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.

·&nb= sp;        A reasonable fee for providing transportatio= n to a student who lives within two miles of the school.

·&nb= sp;        A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providi= ng 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 ord= er for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the par= ent or guardian signs a district-provided request form.

Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the stude= nt and parent are unable to pay. Applicat= ion for such a waiver may be made to the principal. For further information, see policies at FP.

FUND-RAISING

Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. For further information, see policies a= t FJ and GE.

GANG-FREE ZONES

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 1,000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or campus playground.

GRADE CLASSIFICATION

After the ninth grade, students are classified accordi= ng to the number of credits earned toward graduation.

     =                   Credits Earned                       Classif= ication

                                   5                                   Grade 1= 0 (Sophomore)

                                  10                                  Grade 11= (Junior)

                                  15                                  Grade 12= (Senior)

GRADING GUIDELINES

Grading guidelines for each grade level or course will= be communicated and distributed to students and their parents by the classroom teacher. These guidelines have been reviewed by each applicable curriculum department and have been approved by= the campus principal. These guidelines establish the minimum number of assignments, projects, and examinations required for each grading period. = In addition, these guidelines establish how the student’s mastery of concepts = and achievement will be communicated (i.e., letter grades, numerical averages, checklist of required skills, etc.). Grading guidelines also outline in what circumstances a student will= be allowed to redo an assignment or retake an examination for which the student originally made a failing grade. <= /p>
GRADUATION

Requirements for a Diploma

To receive a high school diploma from the district, a student must successfully:

·&nb= sp;        Complete the required number of credits;

·&nb= sp;        Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state; and

·&nb= sp;        Pass a statewide exit-level exam or End of Course (2010-2011 8th graders).

The exit-level test, required for students in grade 11, covers English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I and Geometry; Biology, Integrated Chemistry= and Physics; English III; and early American and United States History, World History, and World Geography. A st= udent who does not pass the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunit= ies to take the test.

Graduation Programs

The district offers the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade= 9 are required to enroll in the Recommended Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Program will be granted only if a written agreement is reached among the student, the student’s parent or person standing in paren= tal 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 pol= icy EIF(LEGAL).

All students must meet the following credit and course requirements for graduation under the programs listed:

Courses

Number of credits Minimum Program

Number of credits Recommended Program

Number of credits Advanced/
Distinguished Achievement Program

English/L= anguage Arts

4

4

4

Mathemati= cs

3

4

4

Science

3

4

4

Social St= udies

3.5

3.5

3.5

Economics=

0.5

0.5=

0.5=

Physical Education

1

1

1

Speech

0.5

0.5

0.5

Language = other than English

0

2

3

Fine Arts=

1 (effective for grade 9 in 2010–2011 s= chool year and thereafter)

1

1

Locally r= equired courses

1credit in Technology and

1/2 credit in Health

1credit in Technology and

1/2 credit in Health

1credit in Technology and

1/2 credit in Health

Electives=

8/9 credits

4 credits

3 credits

Miscellan= eous

0

0

Completion of 4 Advanced Measures<= /o:p>

TOTAL

** 26 credits

26 credits

26 credits

** Students who graduate high school at Archer City IS= D are required to have at least 26 credits. There are two exceptions: <= /p>
1.&n= bsp;     Any student who is coded At-Risk, according to PEIM= S, may graduate with the State minimum of 22 credits.

2.&n= bsp;     Any student who moves in from another district and = is on track to graduate on the State minimum plan may graduate according to the following scale:

a.&n= bsp;      3 years attending Archer City High School=3D25 cred= its for graduation

b.&n= bsp;     2 years attending Archer City High School=3D24 cred= its for graduation

c.&n= bsp;      1 year attending Archer City High School=3D23 credi= ts for graduation

Information regarding specific courses required or off= ered in each curriculum area, along with a description of advanced measures available to students in the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program, wi= ll be distributed to students each spring in order to enroll in courses for the upcoming school year.

Please be aware that not all courses are offered at ev= ery 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 CTE, the district will offer the course = for the following year either by teleconference or at the school from which the transfers were requested.

Certificates of Coursework Completion

A certificate of coursework completion will be issued = to a senior student who successfully completes state and local credit requiremen= ts for graduation but fails to perform satisfactorily on the exit-level tests.=

Note: Students who have not completed required courses for graduati= on will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Students with Disabilities

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 IEP.

A student who receives special education services and = has completed four years of high school, but has not met the requirements of hi= s 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 attenda= nce, 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).]

Please also be aware that if an ARD committee places a student with a disability on a modified curriculum in a subject area, the student will be automatically placed in the Minimum Program, in accordance = with state rules.

Graduation Activities

Graduation activities will include:

·&nb= sp;        Rehearsal

·&nb= sp;        Graduation

·&nb= sp;        Graduation Celebration Lock-In

Graduation Expenses

Because students and parents will incur expenses in or= der 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.

State Scholarships and Grants

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

·&nb= sp;        Students who have a financial need according= to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the T.E.X.= A.S. 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 princ= ipal or counselor and policy EJ(LEGAL).]

HARASSMENT

Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participa= te in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidat= ing, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is avai= lable in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office.

Examples of harassment may include, but are not limite= d 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; phys= ical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethni= c, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.

HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS

Bacterial Meningitis

State law specifically requires the district to provid= e the following information:

·&nb= sp;        What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammat= ion 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 t= he most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for seri= ous, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent= permanent damage or death.

·&nb= sp;        What are the symptoms?

Someone with meningitis wi= ll become very ill. The illness may d= evelop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningiti= s will have the same symptoms.

Children (over 1 year old)= and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiti= ng, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness= or confusion. In both children and ad= ults, 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.

·&nb= sp;        How serious is bacterial meningitis?

If it is diagnosed early a= nd treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a pers= on may be left with a permanent disability.

·&nb= sp;        How is bacterial meningitis spread?

Fortunately, none of the b= acteria 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 a= ir where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but t= hey do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sha= ring drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause me= ningitis in most people. Instead, most peop= le 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.

·&nb= sp;        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 f= or 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 w= here 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 sev= en to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.

·&nb= sp;        What should you do if you think you or a fri= end might have bacterial meningitis?

You should seek prompt med= ical attention.

·&nb= sp;        Where can you get more information?

Your school nurse, family = doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excell= ent 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 ab= out 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/.

Physical Activity for Students in Elementary = and Middle School

In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, EHBG the di= strict will ensure that students in full-day prekindergarten through grade 5 engag= e in moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day or 1= 35 minutes per week.

Students in middle or junior high school will engage i= n 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day for at least four semesters OR at least 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity within each two-week period for at least four semesters.

For additional information on the district’s requireme= nts and programs regarding elementary, middle, and junior high school student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)

During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council held two meetings. Additional information regarding the district’s School Health Adviso= ry Council is available from the school nurse. See also policies at BDF and EHAA.

Other Health-Related Matters

Physical Fitness Assessment

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 the principal to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year.

Vending Machines

The district has adopted policies and implemented proc= edures 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 superinten= dant. See policies at CO and FFA.

Tobacco Prohibited

The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitio= ns against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school proper= ty and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. See the Student Code of Conduct and pol= icies at FNCD and GKA.

Asbestos Management Plan

The district’s Asbestos Management Plan, designed to b= e in compliance with state and federal regulations, is available in the superint= endant’s office. If you have any questions, please contact superintendant.

Pest Management Plan

The district applies only pest control products that c= omply 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 assignm= ent area may contact the superintendant.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths. Each campus counselor is the contact for Homeless.

HOMEWORK

IMMUNIZATION

A student must be fully immunized against certain dise= ases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or rea= sons 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 obtaine= d by writing the DSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Te= xas 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, poliomyelit= is (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 immuniza= tion 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 reaso= ns, 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 a member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifi= es a life-long condition. [For further information, see policy FFAB(LEGAL) and the Department of State Health Serv= ices Web site: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/
school/default.shtm.]

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Questioning of Students

When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorit= ies wish to question or interview a student at school, the principal will coope= rate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circumstances:

·&nb= sp;        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.

·&nb= sp;        The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the interviewer raises what the princi= pal considers to be a valid objection.

·&nb= sp;        The principal ordinarily will be present unl= ess the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection= .

Students Taken Into Custody

State law requires the district to permit a student to= be taken into legal custody:

·&nb= sp;        To comply with an order of the juvenile cour= t.

·&nb= sp;        To comply with the laws of arrest.

·&nb= sp;        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.

·&nb= sp;        By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed = by the juvenile court.

·&nb= sp;        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.

·&nb= sp;        To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.

Before a student is released to a law enforcement offi= cer 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 superintende= nt and will ordinarily attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objecti= on to notifying the parents. Because = the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s relea= se to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.

Notification of Law Violations

The district is required by state law to notify:

·&nb= sp;        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.

·&nb= sp;        All instructional and support personnel who = have regular contact with a student who is required to register as a sex offende= r or who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offe= nse or certain misdemeanors.

[For further information, see policies FL(LEGAL) and GRA(LEGAL).]

MAKEUP WORK

Makeup Work Because of Absence

For any class missed, the teacher may assign the stude= nt makeup work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course= and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting subject or course requirements.

A student will be responsible for obtaining and comple= ting the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by t= he teacher. For further information, = see policy EIAB(LOCAL).

A student who does not make up assigned work within th= e time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.

A student will be permitted to make up tests and to tu= rn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty to a= ny long-term project in accordance with time lines approved by the principal a= nd previously communicated to students.

DAEP Makeup Work

A student removed to a disciplinary alternative educat= ion program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete, before the beginning of the next school year, a foundation curriculum cours= e in which the student was enrolled at the time of removal. The district may provide the opportunit= y to complete the course through an alternative method, including a corresponden= ce course, distance learning, or summer school. The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See pol= icy FOCA(LEGAL).]

In-school Suspension (ISS) Makeup Work
A student removed from the regular classroom to in-sch= ool 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 stude= nt was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The district may provide the opportunit= y by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning,= or summer school. The district will n= ot charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FO(LEGAL).]

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroid= s, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:

·&nb= sp;        Only authorized employees, in accordance with policies at FFAC, may administer:

·&nb= sp;        Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.

·&nb= sp;        Prescription medication from a properly labe= led unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.

·&nb= sp;        Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.

·&nb= sp;        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.

·&nb= sp;        In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but o= nly:

·&nb= sp;        In accordance with the guidelines developed = with the district’s medical advisor; and

·&nb= sp;        When the parent has previously provided writ= ten 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 licen= sed health-care provider. The student = must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any de= vice required to administer the medication.

If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylax= is medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the [school nurse 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 s= chool nurse or principal for information. See policy FFAF(LEGAL).

Psychotropic Drugs

A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnos= is, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effe= ct 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 anoth= er employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district emp= loyee 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 informat= ion, see policies at FFAC.]

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Archer Ci= ty ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origi= n, gender, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including CTE programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1= 972; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amend= ed, which incorporates and expands upon the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The following district representatives have been desig= nated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:

·&nb= sp;        Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of gender: Randel Beaver, Superintendant, 600 S. Ash, and 940-574-4536.

·&nb= sp;        ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Randel Beaver, Superintendant, 600 S. A= sh, and 940-574-4536.

·&nb= sp;        All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superinten= dent, Randel Beaver, Superintendant, 600 S. Ash, and 940-574-4536.

NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS=

PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE=

Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Te= xas 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 m= ore information.

PRAYER

Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily,= and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not encourage, require,= or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academ= ic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course= or grade level, the recommendation of the student’s teacher, the score receive= d on any criterion-referenced or state-mandated assessment, and any other necess= ary academic information as determined by the district. To earn credit in a course, a student m= ust receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standar= ds.

In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with li= mited exceptions—will be required to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any d= ay between January 1 and the date of the first administration of the TAKS.

·&nb= sp;        In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and read= ing sections of the grade 5 assessment in English or Spanish.

·&nb= sp;        In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and read= ing sections of the grade 8 assessment in English.

Parents of a student in grades 3–8 who does not perform satisfactorily on his or her exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance. The student may be re= quired to participate in this instruction before or after normal school hours or outside of the normal school year.

A student in grade 5 or 8 will have two additional opportunities to take a failed assessment. If a student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s par= ent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed atte= mpt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision = to the committee. In order for the st= udent to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the district, = the decision of the committee must be unanimous and the student must complete additional special instruction before beginning the next grade level. Wheth= er the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student wi= ll be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of t= he next school year. See policies at = EIE.

Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations,= or deferred testing. For more informa= tion, 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 enrollmen= t in grade 9. The PGP will be designed = and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designa= ted by the principal. The plan will, a= mong other items, identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruct= ion program for the student. For addit= ional information, see the counselor or principal and policy EIF(LEGAL).

RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.

A student 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 st= udent should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide wheth= er or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENC= ES

Report cards with each student’s grades or performance= and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every= nine weeks.

Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been appr= oved by the principal or superintendent 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.

Questions about grade calculation should first be disc= ussed 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 tha= n 70 in a class or subject.

RETALIATION

SAFETY

Student safety on campus and at school-related events = is a high priority of the district. Alt= hough the district has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students= is essential to ensuring school safety. A student should:

·&nb= sp;        Avoid conduct that is likely to put the stud= ent or others at risk.

·&nb= sp;        Follow the behavioral standards in this hand= book and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavi= or and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.

·&nb= sp;        Remain alert to and promptly report to a tea= cher or the principal any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member.

·&nb= sp;        Know emergency evacuation routes and signals= .

·&nb= sp;        Follow immediately the instructions of teach= ers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

Accident Insurance

Soon after the school year begins, parents will have t= he opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child.

Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies

From time to time, students, teachers, and other distr= ict employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students sho= uld follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and = in an orderly manner.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Information

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school may h= ave to rely on 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 upda= te any information that the nurse or the teacher needs to know.

Emergency School-Closing Information

Each year, parents are asked to complete an emergency release form to provide contact information in the event that school is dismissed early because of severe weather or another emergency.

SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS
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 Tex= as Higher Education Assessment [THEA]).

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Use by Students Before and After School
Certain areas of the school will be accessible to stud= ents before and after school for specific purposes. Students are required to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place.

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 l= eave campus immediately.

Conduct Before and After School

Teachers and administrators have full authority over s= tudent 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.

Use of Hallways During Class Time

Loitering or standing in the halls during class is not permitted. During class time, a st= udent must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Cafeteria Services

The district participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced meals daily. Free and reduced-price meals are availa= ble based on financial need. Informati= on about a student’s participation is confidential. See the school office 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 in= formation, see policy CO(LEGAL).

Library

The library is a learning laboratory with books, compu= ters, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignments, project= s, and reading or listening pleasure. The library is open for independent student use during certain times of the day= .

Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups<= /h3>
Student-organized, student-led noncurriculum-related g= roups are permitted to meet during the hours designated by the principal before a= nd after school. These groups must co= mply with the requirements of policy FNAB(LOCAL).

A list of these groups is available in the principal’s office.

SEARCHES

In the interest of promoting student safety and attemp= ting to ensure that schools are safe and drug free, district officials may from = time to time conduct searches. Such sea= rches are conducted without a warrant and as permitted by law.

Students’ Desks and Lockers

Students’ desks and lockers are school property and re= main under the control and jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.

Students are fully responsible for the security and co= ntents 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 t= ime 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 on Campus

Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. School officials may search any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause to do s= o, with or without the permission of the student. A student has full responsibility for the security and content of hi= s or her vehicle and must make certain that it is locked and that the keys are n= ot given to others. [See also the Stu= dent Code of Conduct.]

Trained Dogs

The district will use trained dogs to alert school off= icials 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 sear= ched by school officials.

Metal Detectors

Drug-Testing

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, and students = with disabilities. The coordinator of e= ach program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact the campus counselor or principal.

STEROIDS

State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensi= ng, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use o= nly, 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 hor= mone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.<= /p>
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.<= /p>
STUDENT SPEAKERS

SUMMER SCHOOL

TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL= S)

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:

·&nb= sp;        Mathematics, annually in grades 3–11

·&nb= sp;        Reading, annually in grades 3–9

·&nb= sp;        Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7

·&nb= sp;        English language arts in grades 10 and 11

·&nb= sp;        Social studies in grades 8, 10, and 11

·&nb= sp;        Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11

·&nb= sp;        Any other subject and grade required by fede= ral law

[See policy EKB(LEGAL).]

TAKS-Accommodated, TAKS-Modified, and TAKS-Alternate f= or students receiving special education services are administered to eligible students.

Linguistically accommodated testing (LAT), as well as = the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) for students identified as limited English proficient, are also administered to eligible students.

TARDINESS

A student who is tardy to class will be assigned to detention hall. Repeated instances= of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, AND TECHNOLO= GICAL EQUIPMENT

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 st= udent 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, th= e student will be provided textbooks and equipment for use at school during the school day.

TRANSFERS

TRANSPORTATION

School-Sponsored Trips

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 rele= ased to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.

Buses and Other School Vehicles

The district makes school bus transportation available= to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subse= quent 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 your ca= mpus secretary.

See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regardi= ng transportation to the DAEP.

Students are expected to assist district staff in ensu= ring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding in district ve= hicles, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and = the Student Code of Conduct. Students = must:

·&nb= sp;        Follow the driver’s directions at all times.=

·&nb= sp;        Enter and leave the bus or van in an orderly manner at the designated stop.

·&nb= sp;        Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.

·&nb= sp;        Not deface the bus, van, or its equipment.
·&nb= sp;        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.

·&nb= sp;        Not possess or use any form of tobacco on sc= hool buses.

·&nb= sp;        Observe all usual classroom rules.

·&nb= sp;        Be seated while the vehicle is moving.

·&nb= sp;        Fasten their seat belts, if available.

·&nb= sp;        Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus or van and before crossing in front of the vehicle.

Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Stu= dent Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended.

VANDALISM

The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep of school facilities.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> To ensure that school facilities can se= rve 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 da= mages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well as disciplin= ary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

VIDEO CAMERAS

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 equi= pment 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.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

General Visitors

Parents and others are welcome to visit district schools. For the safety of those w= ithin 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.

Visits to individual classrooms during instructional t= ime are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and only so l= ong 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 permitte= d.

Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students

WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only b= y 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 cleara= nce; and finally, to the principal. A c= opy 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 h= as been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor may withdraw without parental signature.

Glossary

Accelerated instruction is an intensive supplemental program designed to address the needs of an individual student in acquiring the knowledge and skills requir= ed at his or her grade level and/or as a result of a student not meeting the pass= ing standard on a state-mandated assessment.

ACT refer= s to one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions exams: the American College Test. The test may be a requirement for admis= sion 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 p= arents are part of the committee.

Attendance re= view committee is sometimes responsible for reviewing a student’s absences w= hen 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 stan= ds for disciplinary alternative education program, a placement for students who ha= ve violated certain provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.

FERPA ref= ers 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 informati= on, 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 educa= tion 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 speci= al education and related services and supplemental aids and services to be provided, and program modifications or support by school personnel; a state= ment regarding how the student’s progress will be measured and how the parents w= ill be kept informed; accommodations for state or districtwide tests; etc.

ISS refer= s 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 stand= s for linguistically accommodated testing, which is an assessment process for rec= ent immigrant English language learners who are required to be assessed in cert= ain grades and subjects under the NCLB Act.

NCLB Act = is the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

PGP stand= s for Personal Graduation Plan, which is recommended for all students entering gr= ade 9 and is required by state law for any student in middle school or higher w= ho 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 refer= s to one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions exams: the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The test may be a requirement for admis= sions to certain colleges or universities.

SHAC stan= ds for School Health Advisory Council, a group of at least five members, a majorit= y of whom must be parents, appointed by the school board to assist the district = in ensuring that local community values and health issues are reflected in the district’s health education instruction.

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), gene= ral 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 and 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 con= ditions 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 t= he Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, the state’s standardized achievement te= st currently given to students in certain subjects in grades 3–11.

TAKS-Accommod= ated is a state mandated assessment based on the same grade-level academic achievement standards of TAKS available to certain students who receive spe= cial education services and who need specific accommodations, as determined by t= he student and his or her ARD committee.

TAKS-Alternat= e 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 standa= rds and is administered to eligible students receiving special education servic= es, as determined by the student and his or her ARD committee.

TELPAS st= ands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, which assesses the progress that English language learners make in learning the English langua= ge, and is administered for those who meet the participation requirements in kindergarten–grade 12.

TxVSN is = the Texas Virtual School Network, which provides online courses for Texas stude= nts to supplement the instructional programs of public school districts. Courses are taught by qualified instruct= ors, and courses are equivalent in rigor and scope to a course taught in a traditional classroom setting.

UIL refer= s to the University Interscholastic League, the statewide voluntary nonprofit organization that oversees educational extracurricular academic, athletic, = and music contests.

AP= PENDIX I:
Acknowledgment Form—Amendment

My child and I have received a copy of the [school name] Student Handbook Amendment #______ dated ____________________.

Print name of student:     =                                                                            =

Signature of student:     =                                                                            =

Signature of parent:                                  =                                                           <= /o:p>

Date: <= u>                                                 =

AP= PENDIX II:
Use of Student Work in District Publications

Occasionally, the [name of district] wishes to display or publish student artwork or special projects on the district’s Web site and in district publications. The district agrees to only use these s= tudent projects in this manner.

Parent: Please circle one of the choices below:=

I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), (do give) (do not give) the district permission to use my child’s artwork = or special project on the district’s Web site and in district publications.

Parent signature:                                  =                                                                <= o:p>

Date: <= u>                                                 =

100 =3D 4.0=	90 =3D 3.0	80 =3D 2.0
99 =3D 3.9=	89 =3D 2.9=	79 =3D 1.9=
98 =3D 3.8=	88 =3D 2.8=	78 =3D 1.8=
97 =3D 3.7=	87 =3D 2.7=	77 =3D 1.7=
96 =3D 3.6=	86 =3D 2.6=	76 =3D 1.6=
95 =3D 3.5=	85 =3D 2.5=	75 =3D 1.5=
94 =3D 3.4=	84 =3D 2.4=	74 =3D 1.4=
93 =3D 3.3=	83 =3D 2.3=	73 =3D 1.3=
92 =3D 3.2=	82 =3D 2.2=	72 =3D 1.2=
91 =3D 3.1=	81 =3D 2.1=	71 =3D 1.1= and 70 =3D 1.0

100 =3D 5.0=	90 =3D 4.0	80 =3D 3.0
99 =3D 4.9=	89 =3D 3.9=	79 =3D 2.9=
98 =3D 4.8=	88 =3D 3.8=	78 =3D 2.8=
97 =3D 4.7=	87 =3D 3.7=	77 =3D 2.7=
96 =3D 4.6=	86 =3D 3.6=	76 =3D 2.6=
95 =3D 4.5=	85 =3D 3.5=	75 =3D 2.5=
94 =3D 4.4=	84 =3D 3.4=	74 =3D 2.4=
93 =3D 4.3=	83 =3D 3.3=	73 =3D 2.3=
92 =3D 4.2=	82 =3D 3.2=	72 =3D 2.2=
91 =3D 4.1=	81 =3D 3.1=	71 =3D 2.1= and 70 =3D 2.0

&nbs= p;	Unweighted Courses	Weighted Courses
89.5-100<= /p>	4.0	5.0
79.5-89.4=	3.0	4.0
69.5-79.4=	2.0	3.0
0.00-69.4=	0.0	0.0