Carthage Independent School District endeavors to maintain an educational program that will help each student to develop personal knowledge, skills, and competence to make him/her a responsible member of society. All students are entitled to enjoy the basic rights of citizenship for persons of their age level of maturity. Each student is obligated to respect the rights of classmates, teachers, and other school personnel. Such environment shall enhance the educational program designed to achieve that purpose. Students who violate the rights of others or the rules of this district are subject to appropriate disciplinary measures designed to correct their own misconduct and to promote adherence by them to their responsibilities as students. Your cooperation as parents is appreciated.

Carthage I.S.D. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education or providing access to benefits of educational services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs in accordance with title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, as amended: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 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: Fatha Burchette, Principal, Baker-Koonce Intermediate
• Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Fatha Burchette, Principal, Baker-Koonce Intermediate
• All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent Reba Allison at the Carthage I.S.D. Administration building.

 

ANIMALS AT SCHOOL

All animals brought to school must have prior approval by the teacher and the principal. Arrangements must be made with the teacher and the principal. All animals must be on leashes and/or in cages. Animals may not be transported to or from school on the school bus.

 

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

The District’s Asbestos Management Plan, designed to be in compliance with state and federal regulations, is available in the principal’s office. If you have any questions, please contact Fatha Burchette, Principal.

 

ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT FOR GRADES 4-6

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:

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COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE

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

A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th 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.

 To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.  A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit, if appropriate. 

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

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

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·              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.  Attendance is taken for our campus at 9:00A.M. each day. Please consult the Carthage I.S.D. Attendance Plan for a complete discussion of the attendance regulations or contact Mrs. Burchette, Principal, Baker-Koonce Intermediate, #1 Bulldog Drive, Carthage, Texas, 75633.

Attendance is vitally important. However, there are times when absence may be necessary. The student must bring a note from the parent stating the reason for the absence on the day they return to school. When a student is absent one day, the student should ask for the work missed on the day they return to school. For students absent two or more days, a request should be made to the office for assignments. The responsibility for completing makeup work is on the student, not the teacher. If the student does not attempt to make up the assignment missed within a two day period, then a zero is given for the assignment missed. 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 absent for more than 3 consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. (See FEC (LOCAL).) A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from

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his or her parent that morning. 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.

Homeless Students: For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children, Donna Porter, assistant superintendent, at Carthage I.S.D. Administration building.

 BUS RIDERS/ OTHER SCHOOL VEHICLES

At the Board’s direction, the Superintendent or designee shall permit students for whom the District does not receive state transportation funds to use District transportation, within the limits of time and space and in accordance with guidelines established by the administration.

 All students who use the District transportation shall board buses at authorized stops. Authorized bus stops shall be designated annually by the Superintendent or designee. Bus drivers shall load and unload passengers only at authorized stops. Safety precautions shall be exercised in bus operations at all times. If any time the bus driver is uncertain about road or vehicle conditions, or other safety factors, the driver shall park the vehicle until safe operating conditions are assured.

 Students who ride the bus are expected to behave responsibly. They and their parents are given a copy of the “Bus Rider Regulations.” Students may be denied the right to ride the bus if they are unable to follow these regulations. The following procedures shall be followed when a discipline concern arises on a bus serving regular route or an extracurricular activity.

 1. Student misbehavior will be documented by the bus driver. Misconduct reports issued to the student passengers must be signed by a parent of guardian and returned to the bus driver the following day. Failure to return the signed misconduct report the following day may result in denial of bus riding privileges. Copies of the misconduct report will be filed with the campus principal. A conference involving an administrator, the student passenger, the driver, and parent(s) maybe required.

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2. The administrator may suspend the student’s bus riding privileges. If such a suspension occurs, the parents will be notified prior to the time the suspension takes effect.

 3. In the case of serious misconduct that endangers the safety of other passengers or the driver, the driver shall have the authority to summon school officials or law enforcement personnel to remove the student from the bus; the administrator and the parent shall be notified of the situation as soon as possible. The student shall not be provided bus service again until a conference involving all the persons listed above has been held.

 The district makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school. Further information may be obtained by calling Scott Lee, Transportation Supervisor, at 903-693-7774.

 A parent may also designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pick-up and drop-off location for his or her child. The designated facility or residence must be on an approved stop on an approved route. For information of bus routes and stops or to designate an alternate pick-up or drop-off location, you may contact Scott Lee at 903-693-7774.

 See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

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

·         Follow the driver’s directions at all times.

·         Enter and leave the bus or van in an orderly manner at the designated stop nearest home.

·         Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.

·         Not deface the bus, van or its equipment.

·         Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus or van.

·         Not possess or use any form of tobacco on school buses.

·         Observe all usual classroom rules.

·         Be seated while the vehicle is moving.

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

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When students ride in a district van or passenger car, seat belts must be fastened at all times.

Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus riding privileges may be suspended.

 

For safety purposes, video/audio equipment maybe used to monitor student behavior on buses and in common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used.

Except for serious offenses, bus conduct slips will start over each semester.

 School sponsored trips: Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent makes a written request that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.

 

CAFETERIA SERVICES

The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers nutritionally balanced meals daily to students. Free and reduced price meals are available based on financial need. Baker Koonce has “offer versus serve” for grades 4, 5, and 6. Each lunch menu offers five or more items.

 If a student chooses a food item, we encourage them to eat the food. Cookies, cake, ice cream, or chips count as “0”. Food choices from the menu are made by students, not adults. All students must take at least three items. Milkshakes are available as supplements to the regular lunch. Students are not allowed to purchase milkshakes only. Students will pay for lunches in first period classes on Mondays if paying for the week or monthly. We encourage parents to pay by check in order to have a record of payments made to the cafeteria. Students will not be allowed to charge for breakfast or lunch. If they forget to bring lunch money an opportunity to call someone to bring money will be offered. If no money is brought, a ham and cheese sandwich and milk will be given to students. The district participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers free and reduced priced meals based on a student’s financial need. Information can be obtained from the Koonce office, and student’s participation is confidential.

 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. 

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CAR RIDERS

In our efforts to assure the safety of our students when arriving or being picked up by parents, and in working cooperatively with the Carthage Police and City Commissioners, we need to make you aware of the following procedures:

1. There is to be no left hand turns into the school drive during the morning and afternoon drop off and pick up times from Daniels Street. (7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. an 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

2. Students should be dropped off at the circular drive in front of the building on Daniels Street. Students are not to cross the street to load or unload in the morning or afternoon.

3. There can be no double parking in the morning or afternoon in any area.

4. Students that walk home from the campus should go to the nearest crosswalk to cross the street where necessary. Students are not to walk between parked cars at the curb.

5. There is a 5 mile per hour speed zone in the loading and unloading area at Baker Koonce.

6. Adhere to the STOP signs, held by staff at each crossing area.

 

Contagious diseases/conditions

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 communicable or 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.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL

Good communication between home and school regarding a child’s education is more than a ”plus”; it’s essential for the student to make the most of the opportunities provided. School communication starts with information documents such as this handbook, progress reports and report cards, student work for parents to review and sign, and continues into interaction; messages and phone calls from teachers and school open houses or back to school nights. Communications might also include requests for conferences—initiated by the school or the parent—to discuss student progress, to find out more about the curriculum and how the parent can support learning, to head off or resolve problems, etc. A parent who wants to schedule a phone or personal conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal should call the school office at 903-693-8611 for an appointment. Generally a teacher will be able to meet with parents or return calls during his or her conference period, although other mutually convenient times might be arranged as well. Parents are welcome on our campus but are not allowed to go to a teacher’s room for any reason until they have gone to the office and received permission to do so. When parents unduly or constantly interrupt the classroom, the learning atmosphere suffers.

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Please cooperate with us in this matter. The teachers are instructed not to see parents unless visitors have checked in the office first.

  COMPLAINTS BY STUDENT/PARENTS

Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply—by a phone call or conference with the teacher. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be so easily handled, 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 www.carthageisd.org. In general, a parent or student should first raise the complaint with the campus principal. If unresolved, a written complaint and 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, members of the community elected to set policy and priorities for the District.

 

COMPUTER RESOURCES

To prepare students for an increasingly computerized society, the District has made a substantial investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these 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 should be aware that e-mail using district computers is not private and may be monitored by district staff. (For additional information, see policies at CQ.)

 

CONDUCT

Good citizenship, the respect for others, and self-control are expected of all pupils. The school will try to resolve the problem, but failure in this will result in the parent being notified. Your school needs your support in encouraging students to practice good citizenship. School policy does not allow for the buying and selling of items between students.  Trading and lending articles is not allowed. Toys or games must not be brought to school. No laser pens are allowed. Students are not permitted to possess such items as telecommunications devices with text messaging, pagers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, or electronic devices or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Without such permission, teachers will collect the item and turn it in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return the item at the end of the day for the student to take home or whether the parent will be contacted to pick up the item. 

For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess cell phones; however, cell phones must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing.

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The use of cell phones in locker rooms or restroom areas at any time while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event is strictly prohibited.

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.)

 Bullying and Taunting Behaviors: Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Such behaviors may include repeated teasing or ridicule, name calling, threats, theft, gossip and rumors, or physical intimidation of any student. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature of the violation 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 school board or superintendent 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 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 may request in writing the transfer of their child to another classroom if the child has been determined to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341.

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, see Special Programs and contact Janet Boone at Baker Koonce Intermediate School.

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HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment directed toward another student or a District employee is prohibited. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors. All students are expected to treat other students and District employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop.

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 the Carthage I.S.D. website.

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.

 Reporting Procedures: 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.

 Investigation of Reported Harassment: 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.

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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).

 Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before or after school activities on District premises and at school sponsored events off District premises, such as special study groups and tutorials and field trips. 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 code of conduct for extracurricular participants established by the sponsor in accordance with Board policy.

HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS:

Physical Activity for Students in Elementary and Middle School

In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, the district will ensure that students in elementary school engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day or 135 minutes per week.

The district offers 45 minutes per day or 195 minutes a week of moderate or vigorous physical activity to students in middle school to meet district physical education requirements for these grades.  For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding elementary, middle, and junior high school student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.

School Health Advisory Council

During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council held meetings.  Additional information regarding the district’s School Health Advisory Council is available from the C.I.S.D. policy manual found on the Carthage I.S.D. website.  [See also policies at BDF and EHAA.]

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Physical Fitness Assessment

Annually the district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3-12. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a written request to the principal to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year.

OTHER HEALTH RELATED MATTERS

Tobacco Prohibited

The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities.  [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]

 STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:

The district has jurisdiction over its students during the regular school day and while going to and from school on district transportation. 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.

  The district’s jurisdiction includes any activity during the school day on school grounds, attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location and any school related misconduct, regardless of time or location.

Social Events

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.

Corporal Punishment: Corporal punishment spanking or paddling the student may be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct FO(LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual.

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Parents/guardians must acknowledge receipt of the Student Code of conduct and the consequences to students who violate district disciplinary policy. Parents/guardians should also let the district know, within ten days of receipt of the handbook, if they object to the release of “directory information” on their children.

The district’s dress code is established to teach hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption and avoid safety hazards.

The School Board, with the assistance of the principal, his staff, and student representatives, establishes a plan for governing student dress. Student dress shall conform to the following general rules:

1. Students are expected to come to school looking clean and neat and wearing clothing and exhibiting grooming that will not be a health or safety hazard to the student or others. The district prohibits pictures, emblems, writing on clothing or tattoos that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene or that advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under Policy FNCF(L), and prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the principal’s judgment, may reasonable be expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal school operations. (Any clothing or other items that may be construed as gang related will not be allowed.)

2. Skirts, shorts, or pants worn in grades 4-6 must measure below the fingertips.

3. Students must wear shoes that can be worn in physical education (tennis shoes preferred.) Shower clogs, thongs, flip flop type sandals, wedges, or heels must not be worn in physical education classes.

4. Shirts, tunic tops, and pullover sweaters must reach below the waistline. Backless or see through garments may not be worn.

5. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times.

6. Tank tops, muscle shirts, halter tops, midriffs, spaghetti straps, or clothing made of stretch fabric are not allowed.

7. Caps, hats or sunglasses are not to be worn or brought to school.

8. Articles of clothing must be worn as they are designed to be worn, e.g. suspenders on shoulders, shirts buttoned completely with the exception of the top button, and trousers correct side out, etc.

9. Earrings may be worn only by girls and only on the ear.

10. All clothing should fit in a manner to avoid comment. Clothing that fits excessively tight or that is extremely oversized may not be worn. All pants and similar clothing designed to be worn around the waist may not be worn below the waist or sag.

11. Hair must be neat and well-groomed.

12. Any item considered a distraction from learning is not allowed. Suggestive type slogans are not permitted on clothing.

13. Shirttails are to be worn inside trousers except in cases of straight tailed or knit shirts made to be worn outside. Shirts are to be buttoned.

14. On special days, the dress code will be at the discretion of the principal of the school.

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Violation of the student dress and grooming code may result in disciplinary action.

Students at Baker Koonce are allowed two dress code offenses per school year as follows;

First Offense: The student is given a change of clothes or the parent is called to bring clothes.

Second Offense: The student is given a change of clothes and the parent is contacted by phone or letter. If the parent or a family member cannot be reached to bring clothes, the student may be required to go to OCS.

Third Offense: The student goes to OCS for the remainder of the day.

 

COUNSELING

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional, or substance abuse needs. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address personal concerns.

 A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should contact Janet Boone.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS, TESTS OR TREATMENTS

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).

 CREDIT BY EXAM

Since the passage of Senate Bill 1, Section 28.023, for students to advance to a higher grade, school districts are required to offer three testing days twice a year for the administration of examinations for acceleration to all students who wish to earn credit without prior instruction. To assist school districts, Region VII will offer Credit by Exam tests from the University of Texas at Austin for grades 1-12 twice during the year. A four test battery of exams (math, reading/language arts, science, social studies) is available for grades 1-5. The complete battery must be taken. For grades 6-12, an inventory of semester exams is available. Students must score 90% on each section. If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date.  The district will not honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. The test must be taken for the grade level the student wishes to skip. Testing dates will appear in the spring newsletter.

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DAEP or In-SCHOOL SUSPENSION MAKEUP WORK

A student removed to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete, before the beginning of the next school year, coursework needed to fulfill the student’s high school graduation requirements.  The district may provide the opportunity to complete the coursework through an alternative method, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school.  The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district.  [See policy FOCA(LEGAL).]

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

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 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.] 

DISRUPTIONS

As identified by law, disruptions include the following:

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

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

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

·         Uses force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

·         Interferes with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to District property.

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

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·         Disrupts 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 profane language or any misconduct.

·         Interferes with the transportation of students in District vehicles.

 

DRILLS-FIRE, TORNADO, AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

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

Fire Drill Bells

3 bells                             leave the building

1 bell                               halt; stand at attention

2 bells                             return to the classroom

Tornado Drill Bells

1 continuous bell            move quietly but quickly to the designated locations

2 bells                             return to the classroom

DRUG FREE SCHOOL

The District prohibits the unlawful distribution, possession, or use of illicit drugs and alcohol on school premises or as part of any of the District’s activities. A student who violates these guidelines shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions.

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

Authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer prescription medication provided by the parent with a written request from the parent and the medication must be in the original, properly labeled container.

 

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT

If a student should have a medical emergency at school or at a school related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies to medications, etc) up to date: having current information will be of critical importance should an accident or injury occur that requires medical attention. Please contact the school nurse to update any information.

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CONDUCT BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities on district premises and at school-sponsored events off district premises, such as play rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, and special study groups or tutorials.  Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants.

USE OF HALLWAYS DURING CLASSTIME

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

 

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

Background information:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, helps protect the privacy of student records. This Act provides for the right to inspect and review education records, the right to seek to amend those records and to limit disclosure of information from the records. The Act applies to all institutions that are the recipients of federal funding.

FERPA’s legal statue citation can be found in the U.S. Code (20USC1232g), which incorporates all amendments to FERPA, FERPA regulations are found in the Federal Register (34 CFR Part 99). FERPA’s 1994 amendments are found in Public Law (p.m.) 103-382.

 FERPA applies to public schools and state or local education agencies that receive federal education funds, and it protects both paper and computerized records. In addition to the federal laws that restrict disclosure or information from student records, most states also have privacy protection laws that reinforce FERPA. Stat laws can supplement FERPA, but compliance with FERPA is mandatory if schools are to maintain their eligibility to receive federal education funds.

Education Records:

FERPA indicates that education records include a range of information about a student that is maintained in schools in any recorded way, such as handwriting, print, computer media, video or audio tape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Examples include:

·         Date and place of birth, parent(s) and/or guardian addresses, and where parents can be contacted in emergencies;

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·         Grades, test scores, courses taken, academic specialization and activities, and official letters regarding a student’s status in school;

·         Special education records;

·         Disciplinary records;

·         Medical and health records that the school creates or collects and maintains;

·         Documentation of attendance, schools attended, courses taken, awards conferred, and degrees earned;

·         Personal information such as a schools identification code, social security number, picture or other information that would make it easy to identify or locate a student.

Personal notes made by teachers and other school officials that are not shared with others are not considered education records. Additionally, law enforcement records created and maintained by a school or district’s law enforcement unit are not education records.

 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”.

 Part of the education record, known as directory information, includes personal information about a student that can be, and frequently is, made public according to a school system’s student records policy. Directory information may include a student’s name, address, and telephone number, and other information typically found in school yearbooks or athletic programs. Other information often included is names and pictures of participants in various extracurricular activities or recipients of awards, pictures of students, and height and weight of athletes. 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. However, directory information does not include a student’s grades or his or her class standing.

 Annual Notification:

FERPA requires schools and local education agencies to annually notify parents of their rights under FERPA. The notice also must effectively inform parents with disabilities or who have a primary home language other than English. The annual notice pertaining to

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FERPA rights must explain that parents may inspect and review records and, if they believe the records to be inaccurate, they may seek to amend them.

Each year schools must give parents public notice of the types of information designated as directory information. By a specified time after parents are notified of their review rights, parents may ask to remove all or part of the information on their child that they do not wish to be available to the public without their consent.

 Parent Consent and Denial:

Parents also have the right to consent to or deny disclosures of personally identifiable information in the record, except under authorized circumstances, such as the 13 exceptions listed below:

·         To school officials (defined in policy);

·         To schools in which a student seeks to enroll;

·         To federal, state or local authorities involving an audit or evaluation of compliance with education programs;

·         In connection with financial aid;

·         To state and local authorities pursuant to a State law adopted before Nov. 1974 requiring the disclosure;

·         To organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of educational institutions;

·         To accrediting organizations;

·         To parents of a dependent student;

·         To comply with judicial order or subpoena;

·         Health or safety emergency;

·         Directory information;

·         To the student;

·         Results of disciplinary hearing to an alleged victim of a crime of violence. 

Schools and districts may release student education records for research purposes. This is usually done through third party vendors. Prior to the release of student records, schools, and districts should review statutes, regulations and local policies in consultation with their attorneys. These agreements should state the type of records to be released, state the reason for releasing the records, and identify the groups or individuals receiving the records. They should also state vendor use limitations, identify vendor scope of authority to protect the information and vendor method of disposal of the data once the study is completed.

Schools and districts are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of student records. Improper disclosure can seriously jeopardize their ability to receive Federal education funds. Any third party that inappropriately re-releases personally identifiable information from tan education record will be prohibited access to education records for five years, based on a determination made by the U.S.

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Department of Education. Disclosure requests should always be handled with caution and approached on a case by case basis.

 Equal Parental Access:

FERPA gives both parents, custodial and non-custodial, equal access to student information unless the school has evidence of a court order or state law revoking these rights. If you are a non-custodial parent and wish to have notice of your child’s school records sent to you during the school year, please send a written request to the principal with a current mailing address. When students reach the age of 18, or when they become students at postsecondary education institutions, they become “eligible students’ and rights under FERPA transfer to them. However, parents retain access to student records of children who are their dependent for tax purposes.

Parental Review and Appeal:

FERPA guarantees parents the right to review and appeal information contained in education records. If, upon review, parents find an education record is inaccurate or misleading, they may request changes or corrections, and schools and education agencies must respond promptly to these requests. Requests should be made in writing, according to district’s annual notice of procedures for exercising rights to amend records. Within a reasonable time period, the school or agency must decide if the request to change a record is consistent with its own assessment of the accuracy of the record. If a parent’s request is denied, he or she must be offered the opportunity for a hearing. If the disagreement with the record continues after the hearing, the parent may insert an explanation of the objection in the record.

 While parents have a right to review records, schools are not required by Federal law to provide copies of information, unless providing copies would be the only way of giving parents access. Schools may charge a reasonable fee for obtaining records, and they may not destroy records if a request for access is pending.

 Legislative Amendments to FERPA:

In 1994, the Improving America’s Schools Act amended several components of FERPA, tightening privacy assurances for students and families. The amendments apply to the key areas noted below. Of particular note is the second item, which has implications for school and district agreements with vendors who use student level data in software products on behalf of the school or district. Specifically, vendors are prohibited from re-releasing personally identifiable student records for any reason, once the original research study is concluded. Violation of this directive will prohibit their access to any education records for five years.

·         Parents have the right to review the education records of their children maintained by state education agencies;

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·         Any third party that inappropriately re-releases personally identifiable information from an education record cannot have access to education records for five years;

·         Information about disciplinary actions against students may be shared, without prior consent of the parent, with officials in other education institutions;

·         School may release records in compliance with certain law enforcement judicial orders and subpoenas without notifying parents.

·         Parents have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

600 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-4606

 

LA LEY SOBRE LOS DERECHOS EDUCATIVOS FAMILIARES Y LA PRIVACIDAD (FERPA)

La Ley Sobre Los Derechos Educativos Familiares y la Privacidad (FERPA) de mil novecientos setenta y cuatro, también conocida por el titúlo de la Enmienda de Buckley, ayuda proteger la privacidad de los archivos del estudiante. Ĕsta ley preve el derecho de reviser y repasar losarchivos educativos. Trata de corregir esos archivos y limita la revelación de los archivos. La Ley se aplica a todas la institutaciones que reciben ayuda del gobierno federal.

Los Archivos Educativos:

FERPA indica que los archivos educaivos incluyen un agama de información del estudiante que está mantenido en las escuelas usuando cualquier método de escritura, como escritura a mano, imprenta, escrito en computadora, un video, o grabado, etc. Ejemplos de lo contenido:

·         La fecha y lugar de nacimiento del estudiante. El domicilio de los pardres o los que se encargan del estudiante. El lugar donde se puede poner en contacto con alguien en causa de emergencia.

·         Calificaciones, notas sacadas en los examenes, los cursos tomados, las actividades y especializaciones academicas, y informes de progreso oficiales del estudiante en la escuela

·         Documentos de la Educación Especial

·         Historiales disciplinarios

·         Historiales medicales o clinicos que la escuela genera o recopila y mantiene

Información personal del estudiante como el código, el número del seguro social, un foto o otra información que puede más simple identificar o encontrar al estudiante.

 Notas personales escritas por maestros o otros oficiales de la escuela que no están compartidos con otros no son considerados archivos educativos. Además, documentos de la imposición del cumplimiento

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de la ley generadas y mantenidas por la escuela o unidad de la imposición del cuplimiento de la ley del distrito no son archivos educativos.

 Información Para El Directorio:

Una parte del archive educativo, nombrado directory information, incluye información personal del estudiante que se puede hacer pública ségun la politica de la escuela. Información para el directorio incluye el nombre y apellido del estudiante, su domicile y número de teléfono y otra información tipicamente encontrada en el anuario de la escuela o en los programas atléticos. Otra información siempre incluido es los nombres, apellidos, y fotos de los participantes en varias  actividades extracurricular o los honores recibidos, fotos de estudiantes, y altura y peso de los atletas. Sin embargo, information del directorio no contiene las calificaciones del estudiente o como está clasificado en la escuela.

 Si el padre o el estudiante eligible elige a objetar a cualquier o todos los articulos como información del directorio, tiene el derecho de hacer petición escrita para omitirla. La petición sera presentada al Distrito entre el tiempo designado.

 Acceso Igual de Los Padres:

FERPA les da a ambos padres y a los estudiantes de la edad de dieciocho años o más (“estudiantes eligibles”) acceso igual a la información del estudiante a menos que la escuela tiene prueba de una orden del tribunal o la ley del estado revocando estos derechos.

Los Derechos de Reivsar y Repasar de los Padres:

FERPA garantiza a los padres y a los estudiantes eligibles el derecho de reviser y repasar la información contenida en los archivos educativos. Ellos son:

·         El derecho de reviser y repasar el archive educativo del estudiante dentro de cuarenta y cinco (45) dias del dia que el Eistrito Escolar Independiente de Carthage recibe una petición para acceso.Los padres o los estudiantes eligibles pueden presenter una petición escrita al Principal de la escuela que identifica el documento que ellos desean reviser. El Principal de la escuela arreglará para el acceso del archive educativo y notificará al padre o al estudiante eligible del tiempo y el lugar donde se puede reviser.

·         El derecho de peticionar una correction del archive educativo del estudiante  que el padre o el estudiante eligible cree que está incorrecto o engañoso Los padres o los estudiantes eligibles les pueden preguntar al Distrito Escolar Independiente de Carthage que cambia el documento que creen incorrecto o engañoso. Ellos les deben escribir al Principal de la escuela identificando claramente la parte del documento que ellos desean cambiar y especificar por que está incorrecto o engañoso.

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Si el Distrito decide no cambiar el archive como peticionado por el padre o el estudiante eligible, el Distrito notificará al padre o al estudiante eligible de la decision yles informará del derecho a una audiencia tocante la petición para una enmienda. Se proveerá al padre o al estudiante eligible información adicional tocante los procdimientos para una audiencia cuando notificado del derecho a una audiencia.

·         El derecho de permitir revelaciones de información personalmente identificable contenida en el archive educativo del estudiante, menos el punto que FERPA autoriza revelación sin permiso.

Una excepción, que autoriza revelación sin permiso, es el permiso a los oficiales de la escuela con intereses educativos legitmos. Un official escolar es una persona empleada por el Distrito como administrador, supervisor, instructor, o miembro de personal de apoya (incluso personal de salud o medical y agente de policia); unapersona que sirve en la Directiva Escolar; una persona o compania con quien el Distrito ha contratado para hacer un trabajo especial (como un abogado, un auditor, un consultor medico o un terapeuta).. Un padre o un estudiante que es un miembro en un comité official, como un comité disciplinario o de reclamo. Asistir o otro official de escuela cumplir con sus trabajos.

Un official escolar tiene un interés educativo legitimo si el official necesita repasar un archive educativo para cumplir su responsabilidad professional.

Cuando peticionado, el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Carthage revela los archivos educativos sin permiso a los oficiales de otro distrito escolar donde un estudiantebusca o piensa matricularse.