elemhandbook

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

The Friona ISD Elementary Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year.

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

Both students and parents must become familiar with the Friona 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 as an attachment to this handbook and available in the principal’s office.

The student handbook is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy or other rules that affect student handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.

In case of conflict between board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of the student handbook, the provisions of board policy or the Student Code of Conduct that were most recently adopted by the board are to be followed.

After reading through the entire handbook with your child, keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact Becky Riethmayer, principal.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Friona ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The following district staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:

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

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

· All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent, Jim Parker, 909 East 11^th Street.

Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement in this partnership may include:

· Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.

· Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district.

· Discussing with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.

· Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed.

· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 250-2240 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school.

· Becoming a school volunteer. Visit with your child’s teacher to set up a time. Stop by the office for a volunteer pass.

· 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.

· Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction.

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:

· Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.

· Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

· Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.

You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation.

As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:

· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

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

· Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law.

As a parent, if you do not want your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs, and the like to be displayed on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication, you must notify the principal in writing.

You may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.

Reviewing Instructional Materials

As a parent, you have a right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.

Inspecting Surveys

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

Accessing Student Records

·              Attendance records,
·              Test scores,
·              Grades,
·              Disciplinary records,
·              Counseling records,
·              Psychological records,
·              Applications for admission,
·              Health and immunization information,
·              Other medical records,
·              Teacher and counselor evaluations,
·              Reports of behavioral patterns, and
·              State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.

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 following circumstances:

·              When it is to be used for school safety;
·              When it relates to classroom instruction or a cocurricular or extracurricular activity; or
·              When it relates to media coverage of the school

Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom

You may remove your child temporarily from the classroom if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.

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

As a parent, you may request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of silence or silent activity that follows.

You may request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity.

Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct

Requesting Transfers for Your Child

· To request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the board or its designee to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the superintendent for information.

· To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds.

· To request the transfer of your child to 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.

Parents of Students with Disabilities

Parents of students with learning difficulties or who may need special education services may request an evaluation for special education at any time. For more information, see Becky Riethmayer, Principal, 200 West 8^th Street.

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

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

At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.

If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of 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 Becky Riethmayer at 250-2240.

Services for Title I Participants

The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is Kenny Austin, Administrative Assistant and may be contacted at 909 East 11^th Street.

Both federal and state law safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.

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

· The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless the school is given a copy of a court order terminating parental rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, 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.

· District staff members who have what federal law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. “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; or investigating or evaluating programs. Such persons would include school officials (such as board members, the superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the district (such as a medical consultant).

· A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.

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

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

Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. If circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. The address of the superintendent’s office is 909 East 11^th Street.

A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the district refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process.

Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.

The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as "directory information." This "directory information" will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

However, release of a student's directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the child's first day of this school year.

Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The district's policy regarding student records is available from the principal's or superintendent's office.

The parent's or eligible student's right of access to and copies of student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records - such as teachers' personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher - do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

State law specifically requires the district to provide the following information:

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.

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

Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.

The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.

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

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.

Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.

While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.

· What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Department of State Health Services office to ask about a meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov, and the Department of State Health Services, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.

Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Friona Elementary will excuse the first two days for families going on vacation and the following days will be unexcused. Please remember that a family emergency is an unexpected occurrence or situation that requires urgent, prompt action, preferably a life or death situation. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below:

State law requires that a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.

A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18^th birthday is required to attend each school day. If a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, however, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing.

State law requires attendance in an accelerated reading instruction program when kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students are assigned to such a program. Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program as a result of the reading diagnosis test.

School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction” by the state) assigned by a grade placement committee and basic skills for ninth graders; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.

A court of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:

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

To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered 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.

In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines:

· All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for religious holy days and documented health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.

· A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled in the district. For a student transferring into the district after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered.

· In reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best interest of the student.

· The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences.

· The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could exercise any control.

· The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.

· The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.

The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the superintendent.

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

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

Doctor’s Note After An Absence for Illness

Upon return to school, a student absent for more than 3 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.

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. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or at www.frionaisd.com.

In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.

To prepare students for an increasingly technological society, the district has made an investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these computer resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only. Students and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Students and their parents should be aware that e-mail using district computers is not private and will be monitored by district staff.

As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.

To achieve the best possible learning environment for all students, the Student Code of Conduct and other campus rules will apply whenever the interest of the district is involved, whether on or off school grounds, in conjunction with classes and school-sponsored activities.

Corporal punishment—spanking or paddling the student—may be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and policy in the district’s policy manual. Parent permission forms for corporal punishment are kept on file in the Principal’s office. Parents are always contacted before a student is given corporal punishment.

Saturday Detention

Saturday Detention is used for those students with excessive tardy arrivals to school, students who have several discipline referrals to the Principal’s office, or at the discretion of the Principal.

Students who are required to attend Saturday Detention must be on campus from 8:00 – 11:00. They are to bring homework with paper and pencils or their AR book to read. This will be a time to work.

Students who do not attend this detention as required will receive 3 days of In School Suspension (ISS) or will be suspended from school for 3 days (OSS) at the discretion of the Principal.

· Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization from an administrator.

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

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

· Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property.

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

· Disruption of classes or other school activities while on district property or on public property that is within 500 feet of district property. Class disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.

Students are not permitted to possess such items as pagers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, electronic devices, games, or telecommunications devices with text messaging at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.

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

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

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should contact the school office at 250-2240 to set up a meeting with the school counselor.

Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment

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

Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, flyers, etc.

All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.

Students must obtain prior approval from the Principal before posting, circulating, or distributing written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any nonschool material must include the name of the sponsoring person or organization. The decision regarding approval will be made in two school days.

A student may appeal a principal’s decision in accordance with policy. Any student who posts nonschool material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without the principal’s approval will be removed.

Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the district or by a district-affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any district premises by any district employee or by persons or groups not associated with the district, except as permitted by policies. To be considered for distribution, any nonschool material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the Principal for prior review. The 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.

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

· Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting held after school hours in accordance with policy or a noncurriculum-related student group meeting held in accordance with policy.

· Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law.

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

The district’s dress code is established to teach grooming 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:

· Hair is to be neat, well-groomed, and styled in such a manner that will not impair vision or be detrimental to the health or safety of the individual or to others. Extreme hairstyles or extreme hair colors that potentially distract others from learning will not be permitted.

· Clothing with inappropriate writing or designs is not be worn. (references to sex, drugs, alcohol, drugs, profanity, etc.)

· All shirts and blouses should be buttoned in a manner to maintain the modesty of the individual. Girls are asked not to wear halter tops, spaghetti straps, or tank tops.

· Hats, caps, bandanas, and scarves are not to be worn in the building during school hours unless a special activity has been approved and these items are deemed appropriate.

· Muscle shirts, underwear type shirts or tights, as well as fishnet type shirts are not for school wear.

· Students may wear shorts in school if they are no more than 3 inches above the top of the knee, and maintain modesty in P.E. and recess. Please no cut-offs.

· Body piercing on any part of the body(eyelid, lip, tongue, stomach, etc.) other than the ears of female students will not be permitted.

· Artificial fingernails should be avoided. Girls can easily injure themselves or others during physical education classes.

· Students will not be allowed to write on each other’s clothes during school.

· No Jeans or shorts with large areas “ripped” or torn. They can catch on our playground equipment.

· All pants are to be worn at the natural waistline. No bagging or sagging pants are allowed.

Parents should choose practical, sturdy clothing for the younger elementary students. Children play on the paved street between the two elementary buildings, and strong jeans or pants will help to prevent cuts and scrapes if the child falls.

A Child in violation of the school dress code will be allowed to call his parents to bring other clothing to school. If parents are unavailable, the student may be required to wear clothes temporarily provided by the school. The time that the student misses from class to change clothes will be unexcused. The Elementary Principal has the final decision as to whether clothing is appropriate for school attire.

Participation in school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.

Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:

· A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than a class identified as honors or advanced by either the State Board of Education or by the local board of trustees—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks.

· A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks.

· A student is allowed in a school year up to 10 absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of 5 absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of 2 absences for state competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the board, are subject to these restrictions.

· An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.

Pleases note: Friona Elementary participates only in U.I.L. events. It is the parents’ responsibility if their child is participating in Jr. FFA to make sure that the Elementary is notified by the proper authorities prior to the events.

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

· Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities.

· Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student.

· Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not available on district premises.

· Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.

· A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providing an educational program outside of regular school hours for a student who has lost credit because of absences and whose parent chooses the program in order for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a district-provided request form.

Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the Principal.

Except as approved by the principal, fund-raising by non-school organizations is not permitted on school property.

The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from harassment and that their welfare is best served when they can work free from discrimination. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.

The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, or disability. Prohibited harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office and at www.frionaisd.com.

Examples of prohibited discrimination may include, but are not limited to, offensive or derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; threatening or intimidating conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property. Examples of prohibited sexual harassment may include touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual.

Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited harassment should immediately report the problem to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent.

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 will be promptly investigated. The district will notify the parents of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited harassment by an adult associated with the district.

In the event alleged harassment involves another student, the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited harassment when the allegations, if proven, would constitute “sexual harassment” or “other prohibited harassment” as defined by policy.

If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited harassment occurred, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken to address the harassment. The district may take disciplinary action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint did not rise to the level of harassment prohibited by law or policy.

Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of prohibited harassment is prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline.

A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy.

The district will ensure that students in elementary school engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day or 135 minutes per week. For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding elementary student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.

The district has adopted policies and implemented procedures to comply with state and federal food service guidelines for restricting student access to vending machines. For more information regarding these policies and guidelines see the Principal.

Tobacco Prohibited

The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities.

Asbestos Management Plan

The district’s Asbestos Management Plan, designed to be in compliance with state and federal regulations, is available in the Superintendent’s office. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Parker, Superintendent at 250-2747.

Pest Management Plan

The district applies only pest control products that comply with state and federal guidelines. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before application. Parents who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact Daniel Hidalgo, Maintenance Foreman at 250-3047 or the Principal.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, Kenny Austin, Administrative Assistant, at 909 East 11^th Street.

Homework assignments are necessary for elementary students in order to reinforce concepts taught in the classroom. Students are responsible for returning homework promptly as assigned by the teacher. Failure to return homework in a timely manner will affect a student grades, and may require limiting recess or office detention.

A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox). The school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by the Department of State Health Services. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.

If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition.

Students enrolling at Friona Elementary School must have current immunization records before enrollment.

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

· The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school.

· The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.

· The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.

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

· By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision.

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

· By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety.

Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the officer’s identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student.

The principal will immediately notify the superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.

· All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising a student who has been arrested or referred to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors.

· All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors.

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

A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher.

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

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

A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The district may provide the opportunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school.

Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss options with the teacher or counselor to ensure the student completes all work required for the course or grade level.

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

· Only authorized employees, in accordance with policies at FFAC, may administer:

· Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.

· Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.

· Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.

· Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.

· In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:

· In accordance with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor; and

· When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.

A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.

If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal.

In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information.

A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.

Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate.

Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge.

One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others.

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.

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. Students in grades 2-5, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100 based upon course-level, grade-level standards (essential knowledge and skills) for all subject areas and a grade of 70 or above in four of the following areas: Language arts, mathematics, science, reading, and social studies.

In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with limited 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 day between January 1 and April 15 and is a Texas resident during the week that the TAKS is administered the first time.

· In order to be promoted to grade 4, students must perform satisfactorily on the reading section of the grade 3 assessment in English or Spanish.

· In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5 assessment in English or Spanish.

Parents of a student in grade 3, 5, or 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. Such students will have two additional opportunities to take the test. If a student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the district, the decision of the committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year.

Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special education director.

Please bring photo identification to the office when checking out your child 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 has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.

If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.

Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every 6 weeks.

At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, parents will be given a written progress report if their child’s performance in any course is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject.

Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by Friona ISD and are designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy.

Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal.

Students struggling or failing a class will be required to attend tutorials from 3:00 – 3:30 Monday through Thursday.

Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within 2 days.

SAFETY

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

· Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.

· Remain alert to and promptly report to a teacher or the principal any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member.

· Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

Accident Insurance

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

Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies

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

PREFACE	STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION	PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT	Working Together
PARENTAL RIGHTS	Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights	"Opting Out" of Surveys and Activities	Limiting the Display of a Student's Artwork and Projects
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff	Reviewing Instructional Materials	Inspecting Surveys	Accessing Student Records
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student	Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom	Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags	Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence
Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct	Requesting Transfers for Your Child	Parents of Students with Disabilities	Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Attention
Services for Title I Participants	STUDENT RECORDS	Directory Information	Bacterial Meningitis
ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE	Compulsory Attendance	Attendance for Credit	Parent's Note After An Absence
Doctor's Note After An Absence for Illness	AWARDS AND HONORS	COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS	COMPUTER RESOURCES
CONDUCT	Applicability of School Rules	Corporal Punishment	Saturday Detention
Disruptions	Radios, CD Players, Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices and Games	Social Events	CONTAGIOUS DISEASES/CONDITIONS
COUNSELING	Personal Counseling	Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment	DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS
School Materials	Nonschool Materials ... from students	Nonschool Materials ... from others	DRESS AND GROOMING
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS	FEES	FUND-RAISING	HARASSMENT
Reporting Procedures	Investigation of Reported Harassment	HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS	Physical Activity for Students in Elementary Grades
Vending Machines	Other Health Related Matters	Tobacco Prohibited	Asbestos Management Plan
Pest Management Plan	HOMELESS STUDENTS	HOMEWORK	IMMUNIZATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES	Questioning of Students	Students Taken Into Custody	Notification of Law Violations
MAKEUP WORK	In-School Suspension Makeup Work	MEDICINE AT SCHOOL	PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS	PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE	PRAYER	PROMOTION AND RETENTION
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL	GRADING GUIDELINES	REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS, AND CONFERENCES	SAFETY
Accident Insurance	Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies	Fire Drill Announcement	Tornado Drill Announcement
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information	Emergency School-Closing Information	SCHOOL FACILITIES	Use By Students Before and After School
Conduct Before and After School	Use of Hallways During Class Time	Cafeteria Services	Library
Meetings of Noncurriculum- Related Groups	SEARCHES	Students' Desks and Lockers	Trained Dogs
SPECIAL PROGRAMS	STEROIDS	SUMMER SCHOOL	TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)
TARDINESS	School Dismissal Times	TEXTBOOKS	TRANSFERS
TRANSPORTATION	School-Sponsored Trips	Buses and Other School Vehicles	Vandalism
VIDEO CAMERAS	VISITORS_TO_THE_SCHOOL	General Visitors	Withdrawing from School
GLOSSARY	ELEMENTARY Homepage	FISD Homepage