Friona High School Student Handbook
2007-2008 School Year

Table of Contents
(Click on any topic to go to the corresponding page)

PREFACE

To Students and Parents:

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 High School Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year.  In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into two sections:

Section I - REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS -- With notices that the district must provide to all parents, as well as other information to assist you in responding to school-related issues.  We encourage you to take some time to closely review this section of the handbook; and

Section II -INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS -- organized alphabetically by topic for quick access when searching for information on a specific issue.

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

Both students and parents should become familiar with the Friona High School 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 behind the student handbook and posted at district website: www.frionaisd.com.

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 other 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 the principal.

Also, please complete and return to your child's campus the following required forms provided through the school office. 

Parent Acknowledge Form;

9.  Student Directory Information Form;

10.  Release of Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Learning Forms; and

11.  Consent/Opt-Out Forms.

 [See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights and Directory Information for more information.]

Please note that references to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy.  A copy of the district's policy manual is available for review in the school office or online at www.frionaisd.com.

SECTION 1: REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the Friona High School Student Handbook includes several notices that the district is required to provide to you, as well as other information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.

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 educational 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: Jim Parker, Superintendent.

• Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Jim Parker, Superintendent.

• All other concerns regarding discrimination: See Jim Parker, Superintendent.

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:

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

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

• Becoming familiar with all of your child's school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the District. 

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

• Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with your child, if your child is entering ninth grade.

• Monitoring your child's academic progress and contacting teachers as needed.  [See Academic Counseling and Academic Programs.]

• 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 250-3951 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.  [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences.]

• Becoming a school volunteer.  [For further information, see policies at GKG and contact Denver Crum.]

• Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees, assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement.  For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact Denver Crum.

• Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction.  [See policies BDF, EHAA, FFA.]

• Attending Board meetings to learn more about district operations.  [See policies BE and BED for more information.]

PARENTAL RIGHTS

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student's Rights

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

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent.

• Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.

• Sexual behavior or attitudes.

• Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

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

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

• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.

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

You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF.]

"Opting Out" of Surveys and Activities

As a parent, you also 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.  [See policies EF and FFAA.]

Limiting the Display of a Student's Artwork and Projects

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 communication, you must notify the principal in writing.

Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff

You may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's teachers, including whether the 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 Methods

As a parent, you have a right o 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

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

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:

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 Allegiance to the Texas flag.  The request must be in writing.  State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of silence or silent activity that follows.  [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence and policy EC(LEGAL).]

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

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

Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct

A noncustodial parent may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion.  [See policies FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.]

Requesting Transfers for Your Child

As a parent, you have a right:

• To request a transfer of your child to another classroom 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.

• To request a transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds.  [See policy FDD (LOCAL).]

• To request the transfer of your child to another campus or neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student on 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 policies FDD(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)]

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

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, contact Sue Wells at 250-3315.

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 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 Sue Wells at 250-3315.

If a student is receiving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, the parent or guardian may request that any other student residing in the household be transferred to the same campus, if the appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus.  [See policy FDB(LOCAL).]

Services for Title I Participants

The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is Kenny Austin and may be contacted at 250-5900.

Student Records

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

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 defines 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 educational 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).

• Various governmental agencies.

• A school or institute 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 E. 11^th St., Friona, TX 79035.

The address(es) of the principal's offices are:

7th and Etta, Friona, TX 79035

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 defined by policy FNG.  [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns for an overview of the process.]

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

Directory Information

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

However, release of a student's directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student.  This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of your child's first day of instruction for this school year.  [See the "Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent's Response Regarding Release of Student Information" provided in a forms packet through the office.]

Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes

The district often needs to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes:  All school-sponsored, school-related, or UIL sanctioned activities.

For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child's directory information.  This information will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.

Unless you object to the use of your child's information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wished to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed.

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 advised the district not to release their child's information without prior written consent.  A form has been attached for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.

Please note:

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

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.

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

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

• What is meningitis?

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

• What are the symptoms?

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

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

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

• How serious is bacterial meningitis?

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

• How is bacterial meningitis spread?

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

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

• How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

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

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

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

You should seek prompt medical attention.

• Where can you get more information?

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases.  You may also call your local health department or Regional Department of State Health Services office to ask about 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/.

SECTION II: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information on academics, school activities, and school operations and requirements.  Take a moment with your child to become familiar with the various issues addressed in this section.  It is conveniently organized in an alphabetical order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your child have a question about a specific school-related issue.  Should you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact Denver Crum at 250-3951.

ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day's learning on the previous day's, and to grow as an individual.  Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student's mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.  Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents.  They are discussed below:

Compulsory Attendance

State law requires that a student between the ages of 6 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 eighteenth 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

• Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.

Attendance for Credit

To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.  A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered 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 shall be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days.  If make-up work is completed, absences for religious holy days and health care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.  [See policies at FEB.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

The student or parent may appeal the committee's decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the superintendent in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

The actual number of days a student 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 five consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student's extended absence from school.  [See FEC(LOCAL).]

Absences for which the student brings a doctor's note will be considered excused absences.  In cases where the student brings a parent note, the first six absences per semester will be considered excused absences.  After the sixth absence, regardless of whether or not the child has a parent note, the absence will be considered an unexcused absence unless the child has a doctor's note or visits the school nurse and is sent home due to illness.

If the family is unable to take the child to a doctor, the child may be taken to the school nurse for assessment.  If the nurse determines that the child is ill and does not need to be at school, she will send the child home with an excused absence.  The nurse will also determine how many days will be excused or when the child must return for another assessment.

Driver License Attendance Verification

To obtain a driver license, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must annually provide to the Texas Department of Public Safety a form obtained from the school verifying that the student has met the 90 percent attendance requirement for the semester preceding the date of application.  The student can obtain this form at the Principal's office. 

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The school counselor provides students and parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices.  [For more information, see policies at EIF.]

[See Academic Counseling]

AWARDS AND HONORS

1. During their high school career, Friona High School Students may be awarded only one jacket, not to exceed the UIL standard price.

2. Additional awards, not to exceed the UIL standard price, may be given for other areas in which the student qualifies.

3. Efforts will be made to standardize the type of award for each year. (i.e. standard jacket, certificate or plaque)

4. A jacket may be earned by achieving one of the following:

         A.  By being chosen as the outstanding student in:
               1.  English   2.  Math   3.  Science   4.  Foreign Language   5.  Social Studies   6.  Art   7.  Family and Consumer
                Science Education   8.  Vocational Agriculture   9.  Industrial Arts   10.  Business   11.  Music
                12.  Speech   13.  DECA   14.  CVAE   15.  HECP   16.  Computer Technology

        B.   By reaching the second level of competition in:
               1.  UIL Spring Events   2.  Vocational Agriculture Leadership Team   3.  Band and Solo ensemble   
               4.  All State Band   5.  Regional Science Fair

        C.   By achieving the following:
               1.  State Farmer Degree   2.  Third Level Encounter in FHA   3.  The top 10% in Vocational Agriculture Judging
               Contest   4.  Place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in Area DECA contest   5.  Holding a state office in any state affiliated 
               organization

        D.   By participating in football or basketball at the varsity level.

        E.   By completing the sophomore year and planning to continue in the Chieftain Band

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

The District offers career and technology programs in Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Agriculture.  Admission to these programs is based on attendance, academics, behavior, teacher recommendation, and various other qualifications. 

Friona ISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

CLASS  RANK/ TOP TEN PERCENT/ HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT

The following guidelines will be used to determine the valedictorian, salutatorian, and historian of the Friona High School:

• For ranking purposes, averages will be calculated through the 5th six weeks and to the fourth decimal place to break a tie.

• The person having the highest grade point average for grades 9, 10, 11, 12 will be declared valedictorian.

• The person having the second highest grade point average for grades 9, 10, 11, 12 will be declared salutatorian.

• The person having the third highest grade point average for grades 9, 10, 11, 12 will be declared the historian.

• All grades earned in courses taken by Friona High School students will count toward class rank except grades earned in the following courses:                

• Computerized Instruction

• Credit Recovery Program

• Choir

• Any summer school course

• Correspondence course

• Drivers Education

• Competitive Athletics

• Band

• Physical Education

• In order to be eligible for valedictorian, salutatorian, or historian of Friona High School, a student must be enrolled in Friona High School all of his/her junior and senior year.  Early graduates, or students that have not completed eight semesters of high school courses will not be eligible.

For two school years following their graduation, District graduates who ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas.  Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.

[For further information, see policies at EIC.]

[See also Class Ranking and Academic Counseling.]

Class Ranking

Class rank and scholastic honors will be determined by averaging grade points earned during the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years.  For purposes of Class Rank, grade point average will be reflected with points earned through the 5th six weeks.  Grade point averages will be carried out four decimal places to determine class ranking.  In the event of a tie for highest rank, FHS will honor both students with a Co-Valedictorian ranking.  Grades are to be weighted according to the following scale.

All Pre-AP, AP, and Dual Credit classes will be weighted.

For two school years following their graduation, district graduates who rank in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas.  Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about the application process and deadlines.

[For further information, see policies at EIC.]

COLLEGE DAY

Students are allowed one college day during the senior year.  A college day form will be available in the Counselor’s office.  The form must be completed and turned in to the counselor or principal two days before the student plans to be absent.  Students must be passing all subjects.  The counselor will make an appointment for the college tour.  Documentation from the college of the visit must be given to the school secretary to avoid an unexcused absence.

SEMESTER TEST EXEMPTION POLICY

1. Each class stands separately.

3 excused absences with a 90-100 grade average

2 excused absences with an 85-100 grade average

1 excused absence with an 80-100 grade average

0 absences with a 75-100 grade average

2. All averages will be rounded up.
3. One unexcused absence will result in having to take the test for that class.
4. Three tardies in a class equals one unexcused absence.
5. No exceptions will be made for absences or tardies. 
6. School sponsored absences will not count against the student.
7. Students must be on time for exams and must stay for the entire class period.
8. Students who are exempt must not be on the campus.
9. If a student receives ISS, OSS, or AEP during the semester the student will be required to take their final exam.
10. Transfer students will have their attendance and discipline evaluated from the previous school system, along with their attendance and discipline standing at Friona High School for determination of exemption status.

The principal may consider a medical emergency that resulted in hospitalization in determining semester test exemption eligibility related to excessive absences.

CLASS SCHEDULES