Primary
School Student Handbook
2007 - 2008 School Year
Table
of Contents
(Click on any topic to go to the
corresponding page)
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 Primary School Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into 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 specific issues.
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 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 or on line at frionaisd.com. It is also 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 the principal, Tracy Ellis at 250-3935.
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 frionaisd.com.
This section of the Friona Primary 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.
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: Jim Parker, superintendent 250-2747.
· Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Jim Parker, superintendent 250-2747.
· All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent Jim Parker, 250-2747
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 250-3935 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 the principal, Tracy Ellis 250-3935.]
· 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 Tracy Ellis 250-3935.]
· Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies at BDF, EHAA, FFA, and information in this handbook at School Health Advisory Council.]
· Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies at BE and BED for more information.]
Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:
· Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.
· Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
· Sexual behavior or attitudes.
· Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
· Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.
· Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
· Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.
· Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.
You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF(LEGAL).]
"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 non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or any 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 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.
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.
As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
You may review your child’s student records. These records include:
·
Attendance records,
·
Test scores,
·
Grades,
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Disciplinary records,
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Counseling records,
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Psychological records,
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Applications for admission,
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Health and immunization information,
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Other medical records,
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Teacher and counselor evaluations,
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Reports of behavioral patterns, and
·
State assessment instruments that have been administered to
your child.
[See Student Records.]
As a parent, you may grant or deny any written request from the district to make a video or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a video or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:
· When it is to be used for school safety;
· When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or
· When it relates to media coverage of the school.
You may remove your child temporarily from the classroom if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate, conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.
As a parent, you may request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 22 and policy EC(LEGAL).]
A non-custodial parent may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to your child’s misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. [See policy FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.]
As a parent, you have a right:
· To request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the Friona ISD school board 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. [See policy FDB.]
· To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDD(LOCAL).]
· To request the transfer of your child to another campus [or a neighboring district] if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policies FDD(LEGAL) and (LOCAL).]
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 Special Programs and contact Sue Wells at 250-3315.
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 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).]
Friona ISD is a Title I school and therefore all students are served under the Title I umbrella. For specific information as to programs available to all students, please contact Kenny Austin, 250-5900.
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).
· Various governmental agencies.
· Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.
The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.
Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. 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 11th Street, Friona, Texas 79035.
The address of the principal’s office is:
802 Euclid, Friona, Texas 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 found in policy FNG(LOCAL). [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns for an overview of the process.]
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”.]
The district often needs to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes:
For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child’s 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 wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed.
Please note:
Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The district’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at 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.
State law specifically requires the district to provide the following information:
· What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
· What are the symptoms?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
· How serious is bacterial meningitis?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
· How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
· How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.
While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.
· What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?
You should seek prompt medical attention.
· Where can you get more information?
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Department of State Health Services office to ask about a meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov, and the Department of State Health Services, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.
Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information on academics, school activities, and school operations and requirements. Take a moment with your child to become familiar with the various issues addressed in this section. It is conveniently organized in alphabetical order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your child have a question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact Tracy Ellis at 250-3935.
Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below:
State law requires that a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
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.
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. [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).
When a student must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.
Upon return to school, a student absent for more than two 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).]
The children in Friona Primary School receive instruction as mandated by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills objectives which are set forth by the State of Texas.
The Primary School gives awards for Perfect Attendance, near-Perfect Attendance, Accelerated Reader and Book-It. Awards are also given to outstanding Music ad Art students.
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at 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. [For additional information, see policies at CQ.]
As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.
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.
As identified by law, disruptions include the following:
· Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization from an administrator.
· Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.
· Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.
· Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.
· Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property.
· Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from an administrator.
· Disruption of classes or other school activities while on district property or on public property that is within 500 feet of district property. Class disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.
· Interference with the transportation of students in district vehicles.
Students are not permitted to possess such items as pagers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, electronic devices, cell phones or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and may include confiscation of the device. The school may charge the owner for the release of certain telecommunications devices [See policy FNCE.]
School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are expected to observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a guest will share responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest.
A student attending a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the event; anyone leaving before the official end of the event will not be readmitted.
To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. If a parent suspects that his or her child has a contagious disease, the parent should contact the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.
The school nurse or the principal’s office can provide information from the Department of State Health Services regarding these diseases.
The school 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 principal.
The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.
[For more information, refer to FFE(LEGAL) and FFG(EXHIBIT).]
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.
[See Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes on page 7.]
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 non-school 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 FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts non-school material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without the principal’s approval will be removed.
Non-school Materials ... from others
Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the district or by a district-affiliated school-support organization will 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 at GKDA. To be considered for distribution, any non-school material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the principal for prior review. The principal will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate district complaint policy. [See policies at DGBA, FNG, or GF.]
Prior review will not be required for:
· Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours.
· Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting held after school hours in accordance with policy GKD(LOCAL) or a non-curriculum-related student group meeting held in accordance with FNAB(LOCAL).
· Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law.
All non-school materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following the event at which the materials are distributed.
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 must not distract other students from learning.
· Clothing with inappropriate writing or designs is not to be worn (i.e. reference to sex, liquor, drugs, profanity, etc.)
· Standard footwear is to be worn.
· All shirts and blouses should be buttoned in a manner to maintain the modesty of the individual. No tank tops or spaghetti straps for blouses. No halter-tops.
· Hats or caps should not be worn in the building during school hours unless a special activity has been approved where head gear is appropriate.
· Clothing should cover undergarments at all times.
· Shorts may be worn in school so long as good judgment is used in style and modesty. No cut off jeans are to be worn.
· Sunglasses are not to be worn at school unless prescribed by a doctor or the school nurse.
· Non-prescription contact lenses are not permitted for health reasons.
· Body piercing on any part of the body (other than the ears of female students) will not be permitted.
Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including:
· Costs for materials for a class project that the student will keep.
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. [For further information, see policies at FP.]
Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made to the principal at least two days before the event. [For further information, see policies at FJ and GE.]
In grades Pre-K and Head Start a checklist is used which is sanctioned by the Federal Head Start Program. It is an ongoing assessment and they are administered three times per year. Parents receive these reports when they are administered.
Kindergarten achievement is reported each six weeks to parents as:
S+ equals 90-100
S equals 80-89
S- equals 70-79
N equals 60-69
U equals 50-59
First Grade Report Cards reflect number grades and are self explanatory.
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. [See policy FFH] 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 or on the district’s Web site at 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 FNG(LOCAL).
Physical Activity for Students in Elementary Grades
In accordance with policies at EHAB and EHAC 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.
School Health Advisory Council
Information regarding the district’s School Health Advisory Council is available from the superintendent’s office. [See also policies at BDF and EHAA.]
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.[See policies at CO and FFA.]
The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]
The district’s Asbestos Management Plan, designed to be in compliance with state and federal regulations, is available in the superintendent’s office. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Parker at 250-2747.
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 the principal.
For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, Kenny Austin at 250-5900.
The amount of homework varies with the student’s grade level. All parents are urged to interact with children and help them as necessary. Certainly we expect parents to listen to their beginning readers read each night.
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. [For further information, see policy FFAB(LEGAL) and the Department of State Health Services Web site: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm.]
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school, the principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circumstances:
· The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school.
· The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.
· The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.
State law requires the district to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:
· To comply with an order of the juvenile court.
· To comply with the laws of arrest.
· By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision.
· By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court.
· By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety.
· To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.
Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the officer’s identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student.
The principal will immediately notify the superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.
Routine and In-Depth Makeup Work Assignments
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. [For further information, see policy EIAB(LOCAL).]
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.
In-school Suspension Makeup Work
A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or another setting, 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. [See policy FEA(LEGAL).]
Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss options with the teacher or counselor to ensure the student completes all work required for the course or grade level.
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.
· Non-prescription 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. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL).]
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.]
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE
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Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge. One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others. [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more information.] |
Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not encourage, require, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.
In grades ECE thru 1, promotion is based on performance as indicated by daily work, benchmarking, progress monitoring and state TPRI exams where available. Parents of students in gradesK-1 who do not perform satisfactorily on their exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance. Decisions on retention will be made with the input of the staff and the parent.
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. Children in pre-K and Head Start receive an on-going assessment report three times per year.
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 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. [See Working Together on page 1 for how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the principal and school board 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. [See policy EIA(LOCAL).]
Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL).
Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school the next day.
Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority of the district. Although the district has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensuring school safety. A student should:
· Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.
· Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.
· Remain alert to and promptly report to a teacher or the principal any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member.
· Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.
· Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.
Soon after the school year begins, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child.
From time to time, students, teachers, and other district employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
3 bells leave the building
1 bell halt; stand at attention
2 bells return to the classroom
1 continuous bell move quietly but quickly to the designated locations
2 bells return to the classroom
1 continuous bell move quietly but quickly to the designated locations
2 bells return to the classroom
If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school would need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, and information about allergies to medications, foods, insect bites, etc. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the school nurse to update any information that the nurse or the teacher needs to know.
During the winter months, there is the possibility that weather conditions will cause school to be dismissed early or to be closed. Final decisions will be made prior to
7:00A.M. on closing school for that day, if possible. Often, however, the decision to dismiss school early has to be made because of worsening weather conditions after the children have arrived at school. In those situations, students will have the opportunity to call home.
The news media listed below will be notified of decisions on closing and will be asked to broadcast the information:
KGNC Radio 710 on the Dial
KAMR TV Channel 4
KVII TV Channel 7
KFDA TV Channel 10
WTRT Cablevision Channel 6
(If school is cancelled early in the morning, it will not appear on the cable immediately.)
During the spring months, we must contend with the possibility of tornado alerts and other severe weather. Students are drilled in what to do in case of these alerts. Parents may pick their children up if they wish, but they must tell the children’s teachers or principal that they are taking them.
If our area comes under a severe weather warning, there is the possibility that school may dismiss early, provided we feel the children will have enough time to get home before the storm begins. Parents should have a prearranged plan with their children as to where to go in case they are not at home at the time of an early dismissal.
Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities on district premises. Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants.
The district participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. See Roxanne Hurst at 250-3353 to apply.
The district follows the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal nutritional value being served or sold on school premises during the school day. [For more information, see policy CO(LEGAL).]