Student Handbook

Transcription

Student Handbook

West Sabine ISD
2014-2015
Student Handbook
And Student Code of Conduct
The WSISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex age,
national origin, disability, military status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each
applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.
2014-2015 STUDENT HANDBOOK
West Sabine ISD
Student Handbook
Code of Conduct
West Sabine ISD
P.O. Box 869
Pineland, Texas 75968
This Handbook/Student Code of Conduct belongs to:
Name: ________________________
Grade: _____
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DISCLAIMER
The West Sabine ISD Student Handbook is a valuable resource for both students and their families.
The handbook contains important information regarding school policies, procedures, programs, and
activities.
West Sabine ISD strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in the
student handbook or information stored on the WSISD website.
Legislation from the 82nd legislative session will continue to be reviewed throughout the year until the
true intent of the legislative changes are clarified. Changes to the handbook may become necessary
to reflect the intent of these legislative actions.
In addition to the state-mandated changes that the District has no control over, the WSISD Board
reserves the right to change policies, procedures, or terms of this handbook at any time that they
deem necessary throughout the year.
You will be notified of any and all changes made throughout the year.
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Table of Contents
PREFACE……………………………………………………………………………………...10
This section of the West Sabine ISD Student Handbook includes information related to the rights and
responsibilities of parents as specified in state or federal law and provides parental notices required by law.
.................................................................................................................................................... 11
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ................................................................................................. 11
Working Together ...................................................................................................................... 11
PARENTAL RIGHTS ................................................................................................................ 12
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights ............................................................... 12
“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities ..................................................................................... 13
Inspecting Surveys...................................................................................................................... 13
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff .................................................. 13
Reviewing Instructional Materials ............................................................................................. 13
Displaying a Student’s Artwork, Photos and Other Original Work ........................................... 13
Accessing Student Records ........................................................................................................ 13
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student ........................................................ 14
Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction ...................... 14
Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom .............................................................. 14
Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction ........................................................... 14
Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags ............................. 15
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence ..................... 15
Requesting Limited or No Contact with a Student through Electronic Media........................... 15
Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct ................................................................... 16
Prohibiting the Use of Corporal Punishment.............................................................................. 16
School Safety Transfers .............................................................................................................. 16
Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple Birth Siblings ................................................ 17
Parents of Students with Disabilities with Other School-Aged Children in the Home ............ ..17
Request for the Use of a Service/Assistance Animal…………………………………………..17
Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or who need
or may need Special Education………………………………………………………………...17
Parents of Students Who Speak a Primary Language Other than English ............................... 18
Accommodations for Children of Military Families .................................................................. 18
Student Records .......................................................................................................................... 18
Directory Information…………………………………………………………………………..20
Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education…20
SECTION II: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS ..20
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ABSENCES / ATTENDANCE .................................................................................................. 21
Compulsory Attendance ............................................................................................................. 21
Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance ..................................................................................... 21
Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance ....................................................................... 22
Attendance for Credit or Final Grade ......................................................................................... 22
Official Attendance-Taking Time .............................................................................................. 23
Documentation after an Absence ................................................................................................ 23
Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness ................................................................................ 23
Attendance Guidelines................................................................................................................ 24
Driver License Attendance Verification ..................................................................................... 24
AWARDS AND HONORS ........................................................................................................ 24
BULLYING ................................................................................................................................ 25
CAFETERIA SERVICES (National Lunch & Breakfast Program) .......................................... 26
CALENDAR .............................................................................................................................. 27
FLEX DAYS .............................................................................................................................. 27
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS ........................................ 27
CELEBRATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 27
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN.................... 27
CLASS RANK / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT ................................................................ 28
CLASS SCHEDULES................................................................................................................ 29
COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES ............................................................................................... 30
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS........................................................................................... 30
CONDUCT ................................................................................................................................. 31
See Complete STUDENT CODE of CONDUCT at page.......................................................... 31
Applicability of School Rules .................................................................................................... 31
Disruptions of School Operations .............................................................................................. 31
Social Events .............................................................................................................................. 31
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS ........................................................................... 31
COUNSELING........................................................................................................................... 32
Academic Counseling ................................................................................................................. 32
Personal Counseling ................................................................................................................... 32
Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment ................................................................................. 32
COURSE CREDIT ..................................................................................................................... 32
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course ....................................................... 32
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course ................................................ 33
DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION ......... 33
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Dating Violence .......................................................................................................................... 33
Discrimination ............................................................................................................................ 34
Harassment ................................................................................................................................. 34
Sexual Harassment ..................................................................................................................... 34
Retaliation................................................................................................................................... 35
Reporting Procedures ................................................................................................................. 35
Investigation of Report ............................................................................................................... 35
DISCRIMINATION ................................................................................................................... 36
DISTANCE LEARNING ........................................................................................................... 36
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS ................................... 36
School Materials ......................................................................................................................... 36
Non-school Materials...from students ........................................................................................ 36
Non-school Materials...from others ............................................................................................ 37
DRESS AND GROOMING ....................................................................................................... 37
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES ........................................... 39
Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones 39
Possession and Use of Other Personal Electronic Devices ........................................................ 40
Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices ................... 40
Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources .................................................................... 40
Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of District Technology Resources ................................... 40
Such as “SEXTING” but not limited to just this topic. .............................................................. 40
END-OF-COURSE (EOC) ASSESSMENTS ............................................................................ 41
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS ........................... 41
Standards of Behavior ................................................................................................................ 42
FEES ........................................................................................................................................... 44
FUND-RAISING ........................................................................................................................ 44
GANG-FREE ZONES................................................................................................................ 45
GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT ......................................................................................... 45
GRADE CLASSIFICATION ..................................................................................................... 45
GRADING GUIDELINES ......................................................................................................... 45
High School Grading Policy ....................................................................................................... 45
Grade Point System .................................................................................................................... 45
Jr. High School Grading Policy (Grades 6-8) ............................................................................ 47
Elementary Grading Policy (Grades Pre-K, K, 1-5)................................................................... 47
GRADUATION ......................................................................................................................... 48
Requirements for a Diploma for a Student Enrolled in High School Prior to the 2014-15 SY . 48
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Graduation Programs-Minimum, Recommended, and Advanced/Distinguished Achievement 49
Certificates of Coursework Completion ..................................................................................... 53
Students with Disabilities ........................................................................................................... 53
Graduation Activities.................................................................................................................. 53
Graduation Speakers ................................................................................................................... 54
Graduation Expenses .................................................................................................................. 54
Scholarships and Grants ............................................................................................................. 54
HARASSMENT ......................................................................................................................... 54
HAZING ..................................................................................................................................... 54
HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS ............................................................................................. 55
Student Illness ............................................................................................................................ 55
Bacterial Meningitis ................................................................................................................... 55
Food Allergies ............................................................................................................................ 56
Head Lice.................................................................................................................................... 56
Physical Activity for Students in Elementary and Middle School ............................................. 57
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) ................................................................................. 57
Other Health-Related Matters..................................................................................................... 58
Physical Fitness Assessment…………………………………………………………………...58
Vending Machines……………………………………………………………………………..58
Tobacco Prohibited…………………………………………………………………………….58
Asbestos Management Plan……………………………………………………………………58
Pest Management Plan………………………………………………………………………....58
HOMELESS STUDENTS.......................................................................................................... 59
HOMEWORK ............................................................................................................................ 59
IMMUNIZATION ...................................................................................................................... 59
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ........................................................................................ 60
Questioning of Students ............................................................................................................. 60
Students Taken Into Custody...................................................................................................... 60
Notification of Law Violations ................................................................................................... 60
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS .................................................................... 61
MAKEUP WORK ...................................................................................................................... 61
Makeup Work Because of Absence ........................................................................................... 61
Makeup Work following a Suspension ...................................................................................... 62
DAEP Makeup Work ................................................................................................................. 62
In-school Suspension (ISS) Makeup Work ................................................................................ 62
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL ......................................................................................................... 62
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Psychotropic Drugs .................................................................................................................... 63
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT ................................................................................. 63
NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS ................................................................... 64
Saturday School .......................................................................................................................... 64
Flexible Calendar (Flex Days).................................................................................................... 64
Dual Enrollment Courses ........................................................................................................... 64
Tutorial Services ......................................................................................................................... 64
Summer School .......................................................................................................................... 64
Accelerated Reading Instruction Program and STAR Diagnostic Tests .................................... 65
Library Policy ............................................................................................................................. 66
PADDLING ................................................................................................................................ 66
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS .................................................... 66
Vision and Hearing Screening at Enrollment ............................................................................. 67
Routine Screening ...................................................................................................................... 67
Spinal Screening ......................................................................................................................... 67
Deformities ................................................................................................................................. 67
Exemption................................................................................................................................... 67
Annual Report ............................................................................................................................ 67
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE ............................................ 67
PRAYER .................................................................................................................................... 68
PROMOTION AND RETENTION ........................................................................................... 68
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL .......................................................................... 69
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES ..................................... 70
RETALIATION ......................................................................................................................... 70
SAFETY ..................................................................................................................................... 70
Accident Insurance ..................................................................................................................... 71
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies .......................................................................... 71
Fire Drill Bells…………………………………………………………………………………71
Tornado Drill Bells…………………………………………………………………………….71
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information ....................................................................... 71
Emergency School-Closing Information .................................................................................... 71
SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS ............................................................. 71
SCHOOL FACILITIES .............................................................................................................. 71
Use by Students Before and After School .................................................................................. 71
Meetings of Non Curriculum-Related Groups ........................................................................... 73
SEARCHES ................................................................................................................................ 73
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Students’ Desks and Lockers...................................................................................................... 73
Electronic Devices ...................................................................................................................... 73
Vehicles on Campus ................................................................................................................... 73
Trained Dogs .............................................................................................................................. 74
Drug Testing ............................................................................................................................... 74
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ............................................................................................................. 75
STANDARDIZED TESTING.................................................................................................... 76
SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test) ............................................ 76
STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) ................................................ 76
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Grades 9-12 .............................................. 76
TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment ................................................................................ 77
STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE ............................................................................................... 78
STUDENT SPEAKERS ............................................................................................................. 78
SUICIDE AWARENESS ........................................................................................................... 78
SUMMER SCHOOL .................................................................................................................. 78
TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
80
TRANSFERS ............................................................................................................................. 80
TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................ 80
School-Sponsored Trips ............................................................................................................. 80
Buses and Other School Vehicles............................................................................................... 80
VANDALISM ............................................................................................................................ 81
VEHICLE REGISTRATION ..................................................................................................... 81
Parking Permits .......................................................................................................................... 81
VIDEO CAMERAS ................................................................................................................... 82
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL .................................................................................................. 82
General Visitors .......................................................................................................................... 82
Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students ............................................................ 82
WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL ......................................................................................... 82
Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... 83
ADDENDA
Student Code of Conduct
Athletic Handbook
Cheerleader /Mascot Constitution
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PREFACE
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2014-15! 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 West Sabine ISD 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—PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES—with
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.
Section II—OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
AND PARENTS—organized alphabetically by topic for quick access when searching for information
on a specific issue.
Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other
person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents should become familiar with the West Sabine ISD Student Code of Conduct, which is
a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. The
Code of Conduct may be found on the district’s website at www.westsabineisd.net and is available in hard copy
upon request.
The Student Handbook is a general reference guide only and is designed to be in harmony with board policy
and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that it is not a complete statement of all policies, procedures,
or rules that may be applicable in a given circumstance.
In case of conflict between board policy (including the Student Code of Conduct) and any provisions of the
Student Handbook, the current provisions of board policy and the Student Code of Conduct are to be followed.
Also, please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur
throughout the year. The district encourages parents to stay informed of proposed board policy changes by
attending board meetings. Changes in policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions will be
made available to students and parents through newsletters or other communications. The district reserves the
right to modify provisions of the Student Handbook at any time, whenever it is deemed necessary. Notice of any
revision or modification will be given as is reasonable practical under the circumstances.
Although the Student Handbook may refer to rights established through law or district policy, the Student
Handbook does not create any additional rights for students and parents. It does not, nor is it intended to, create
contractual or legal rights between any student or parent and the district.
If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the
school counselor or the principal.
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 Ryan Fuller, High School
Principal at 409-584-2525 or Debbie Lane, Elementary Principal at 409-584-2205.
Also, please complete and return to your child’s campus the following forms provided in the forms
packet distributed at the beginning of the year or upon the student’s enrollment.
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1. Student and Parent Acknowledgment Form;
2. Student Directory Information and Release of Student Information Form;
3. Parent’s Objection to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of
Higher Education Form, if you choose to restrict the release of information to these entities; and
4. Consent/Opt-Out Form.
Please note that references to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy. The
district’s official policy manual is available for review in the superintendent’s office or online at
www.westsabineisd.net or http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/202905/index.html
SECTION I: PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This section of the West Sabine ISD Student Handbook includes information related to the rights and
responsibilities of parents as specified in state or federal law and provides parental notices required by law.
If you should ever have a concern that involves your child, please be aware of the steps that you should follow:




Speak to the teacher or other professional who works with your child first.
If your concern is not resolved satisfactorily, go to the principal.
If not resolved, contact the Superintendent.
If not resolved, contact the Board of Trustees liaison (Carla Powell) for the necessary forms to request a
hearing before the Board.
It is very doubtful that you will need to proceed through all of these steps since all members of the school staff
are eager to work with you and your child. Please contact your child’s teacher whenever you have a concern or
question.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Working Together
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is good communication
and a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement in this partnership may include:

Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis
to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.

Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and comes to school
each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including
special programs, offered in the district.

Discussing with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and
opportunities available to your child.

Reviewing the requirements and options for graduation with your child in middle school and
again while your child is enrolled high school.

Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed.
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
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:
Elementary (409) 584-2205; High School (409) 584-2525 for an appointment. The teacher will usually
return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school.

Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG(LEGAL) and contact Ryan
Fuller, High School Principal at 409-584-2525 or Debbie Lane, Elementary Principal at 409-584-2205.]

Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: PTO for Elementary
Campus.

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 Ryan Fuller, High School Principal at 409-5842525 or Debbie Lane, Elementary principal at 409-584-2205.

Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community
values are reflected in health education instruction.

Serving on a committee to determine criteria to be used to evaluate the overall performance of the
district and each campus in community and student engagement. For further information, please contact
the campus principal.

Being aware of the school’s ongoing bullying and harassment prevention efforts.

Contacting school officials if you are concerned with your child’s emotional or mental well being.

Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies at BE and BED for more
information.]
Parent Involvement Coordinator
The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs is
your child’s campus principal or district counselor and may be contacted at (409)584-2205 for Elementary
Campus and (409)584-2525 for Secondary Campus.
PARENTAL RIGHTS
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights
Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—
funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:

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.
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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”
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:

Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your
child for the purpose of marketing, selling, or otherwise disclosing that information.

Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance,
administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health
and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam
or screening permitted or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA.]

Counseling by the school counselor. The principal must receive a written note from the parent or
guardian stating they do not wish for their child(ren) to receive counseling from the school counselor.
Inspecting Surveys
As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to
your child.
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff
You may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including
whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in
which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status
for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate
certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request
information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.
Reviewing Instructional Materials
As a parent, you have a right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional
materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.
Displaying a Student’s Artwork, Photos and Other Original Work
Teachers may display students’ work in classrooms or elsewhere on campus as recognition of student
achievement. However, the district will seek parental consent before displaying students’ artwork, special
projects, photographs taken by students, and other original works on the district’s Web site, a website affiliated
or sponsored by the district, such as a campus or classroom website, and in district publications, which may
include printed materials, videos, or other methods of mass communication. The district will also seek consent
before displaying or publishing an original video or voice recording in this manner.
Accessing Student Records
You may review your child’s student records. These records include:

Attendance records,

Test scores,

Grades,
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
Disciplinary records,

Counseling records,

Psychological records,

Applications for admission,

Health and immunization information,

Other medical records,

Teacher and counselor evaluations,

Reports of behavioral patterns, and

State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student
As a parent, you may grant or deny any written request from the district to make a video or voice recording of
your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a video or voice recording without parental
permission for the following circumstances:

When it is to be used for school safety;

When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or

When it relates to media coverage of the school.
Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction
As a parent, if your child is under the age of 14, you must grant permission for your child to receive instruction
in the district’s parenting and paternity awareness program or your child will not be allowed to participate in the
instruction. This program, developed by the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the State Board of
Education (SBOE), is incorporated into the district’s health education classes.
Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom
You may remove your child temporarily from the classroom if an instructional activity in which your child is
scheduled to participate in 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 state law.
Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction
As a part of the district’s curriculum, students receive instruction related to human sexuality. The School
Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is involved with the selection of course materials for such instruction.
State law requires that any instruction related to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human
immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must:

Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual
activity for unmarried persons of school age;

Devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior;

Emphasize that abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy,
sexually transmitted diseases, and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity;
14

Direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is
the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; and

If included in the content of the curriculum, teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use
reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates.
As a parent, you are entitled to review the curriculum materials. In addition, you may remove your child from
any part of the human sexuality instruction with no academic, disciplinary, or other penalties. You may also
choose to become more involved with the development of curriculum used for this purpose by becoming a
member of the district’s SHAC. Please see the campus principal for additional information.
Removing a Student from Class for Tutoring or Test Preparation Purposes
Based on informal observations, evaluative data such as grades earned on assignments or tests, or results from
diagnostic assessments, a teacher may determine that a student is in need of additional targeted assistance in
order for the student to achieve mastery in state-developed essential knowledge and skills. The school will
always attempt to provide tutoring and strategies for test taking in ways that prevent removal from other
instruction as much as possible. In accordance with state law and policy EC, the school will not remove a
student from a regularly scheduled class for remedial tutoring or test preparation for more than ten percent of
the school days on which the class is offered, unless the student’s parent consents to this removal.
The school may also offer tutorial services, which students whose grades are below 70 will be required to
attend.
Also refer to policies EC and EHBC, and contact your student’s teacher with questions about any tutoring
programs provided by the school.
Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags
As a parent, you may request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge
of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in
writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of silence
or silent activity that follows.
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence
You may request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence.
State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the
Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement
requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to
the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government
extends diplomatic immunity.
[See policy EHBK(LEGAL).]
Requesting Limited or No Contact with a Student through Electronic Media
Teachers and other approved employees are permitted by the district to communicate with students through the
use of electronic media within the scope of the individual’s professional responsibilities. For example, a teacher
may set up a social networking page for his or her class that has information related to class work, homework,
and tests. As a parent, you are welcome to join or become a member of such a page.
An employee described above may also contact a student individually through electronic media to communicate
about items such as homework or upcoming tests.
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However, instant or text messages sent to an individual student are only allowed if a district employee with
responsibility for an extracurricular activity needs to communicate with a student participating in the
extracurricular activity.
If you prefer that your child not receive any one-to-one electronic communications from a district employee or
if you have questions related to the use of electronic media by district employees, please contact the campus
principal.
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 his or her child’s misconduct that may involve
placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or expulsion.
Prohibiting the Use of Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment- spanking or paddling the student-may be used as discipline management technique in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and policy FO(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual.
All students attending West Sabine ISD will be subject to Corporal punishment (paddling). Corporal
punishment will be used to discourage infractions of the Student Code of Conduct.
If you do not want corporal punishment to be administered to your child as a method of student discipline,
please return the form included in this handbook OR please return the form included in the forms packet OR
submit a written statement to the campus principal stating this decision. A signed statement must be provided
each year if you do not want corporal punishment to be administered to your child.
You may choose to revoke this at any time during the year by providing a signed statement to the campus
principal. However, district personnel may choose to use discipline methods other than corporal punishment
even if the parent requests that this method be used on the student.
Corporal punishment is governed by the following guidelines:
1. The student is told the reason for the corporal punishment.
2. Corporal punishment may be administered by the superintendent, principal, or a teacher in the
presence of other District professional employee(s) and out of view of other students.
3. The instrument to be used will be approved by the principal.
4. A record will be maintained of each instance of corporal punishment.
School Safety Transfers
As a parent, you may:



Request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus (provided another section of that
course is available) if your child has been determined by the district to have been a victim of bullying as
the term is defined by Education Code 37.0832. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another
campus . See the superintendent OR principal for information.
Consult with district administrators if your child has been determined by the district to have engaged in
bullying and the district decides to transfer your child to another classroom or campus. Transportation is
not provided for a transfer to another campus.
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 FDE(LOCAL).]
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
Request the transfer of your child to another district 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. If the victim does not wish to transfer, the district will transfer the assailant in accordance
with policy FDE.
Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple Birth Siblings
As a parent, if your children are multiple birth siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) assigned to the same grade and
campus, you may request that they be placed either in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. Your
written request must be submitted no later than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See policy
FDB(LEGAL).]
Parents of Students with Disabilities with Other School-Aged Children in the
Home
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. However, the district is not
required to provide transportation to the other children in the household. The parent or guardian should speak
with the principal of the school regarding any transportation prior to requesting a transfer for any other children
in the home. [See policy FDB(LOCAL).]
Request for the Use of a Service/Assistance Animal
A parent of a student who uses a service/assistance animal because of the student’s disability must submit a
request in writing to the principal at least ten district business days before bringing the service/assistance animal
on campus.
Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning
Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education
If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the
district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students
to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty
in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior
support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention (RTI).
The implementation of (RTI) has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to meet
the needs of all struggling 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 the evaluation is needed, the parent will
be notified and asked to provide informed written consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the
evaluation and the report within the timeline prescribed by law once the district receives written consent. The
district must give a copy of the report to the parent.
If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a
written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a
statement that informs the parents of their rights if they disagree with the district. The district is
required to give parents the Notice of Procedural Safeguards—Rights of Parents of Students with
Disabilities. Additional information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is
available from the school district in a companion document, A Guide to the Admission, Review, and
Dismissal Process.
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The following Web sites provide information to those who are seeking information and resources
specific to students with disabilities and their families:

Texas Project First, at http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/

Partners Resource Network, at http://www.partnerstx.org/howPRNhelps.html
The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a
referral for evaluation for special education is Ryan Fuller, High School Principal at 409-584-2525 or
Debbie Lane, Elementary principal at 409-584-2205.
Students with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504
A child determined to have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, as
defined by law, and who does not otherwise qualify for special education services, may quality for protections
under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 is a federal law designed to prohibit discrimination
against individuals with disabilities. When an evaluation is requested, a committee will be formed to determine
if the child is in need of services and supports under Section 504 to receive a free appropriate public education
(FAPE), as this is defined in federal law.
The designated person to contact regarding a referral for evaluation applicable to Section 504 are the campus
principals. (Also see policy FB)
Parents of Students Who Speak a Primary Language Other than English
A student may be eligible to receive specialized support if his or her primary language is not English, and the
student has difficulty performing ordinary class work in English. If the student qualifies for these extra services,
the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will determine the types of services the student
needs, including accommodations or modifications related to classroom instruction, local assessments, and
state-mandated assessments.
Accommodations for Children of Military Families
Children of military families will be provided flexibility regarding certain district requirements, including:

Immunization requirements.

Grade level, course, or educational program placement.

Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities.

Graduation requirements.
In addition, absences related to a student visiting with his or her parent, including a stepparent or legal guardian,
who has been called to active duty for, is on leave from, or is returning from a deployment of at least four
months will be excused by the district. The district will permit no more than five excused absences per year for
this purpose. For the absence to be excused, the absence must occur no earlier than the 60th day before
deployment or no later than the 30th day after the parent’s return from deployment.
Additional information may be found at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=7995.
Student Records
Both federal and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents
and eligible students certain rights of privacy. Before disclosing any personally identifiable information from a
student’s records, the district must verify the identity of the person, including a parent or the student, requesting
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the information. 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 or the right to access a student’s education records. Federal law
requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18, is emancipated by a court, or enrolls in a postsecondary
institution, control of the records goes to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the
records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes and under limited circumstances when
there is a threat to the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

District school officials who have what federal law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a
student’s records. School officials would include trustees and employees, such as the superintendent,
administrators, and principals; teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff; a person or
company with whom the district has contracted or allowed to provide a particular service or function
(such as an attorney, consultant, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or volunteer); a parent or student
serving on a school committee; or a parent or student assisting a school official in the performance of his
or her duties. “Legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records includes working with the student;
considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or an individualized education program
for a student with disabilities; compiling statistical data; reviewing an educational record to fulfill the
official’s professional responsibility; or investigating or evaluating programs.

Various governmental agencies, including juvenile service providers.

Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.

A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in
which he or she is already enrolled.
Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will
occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.
The principal or superintendent 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. The records custodian or
designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records.
A parent or eligible student who provides a written request and pays copying costs of ten cents per page may
obtain copies. If circumstances prevent inspection during regular school hours and the student qualifies for free
or reduced-price meals, 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 address of the superintendent’s office is
P.O. Box 869 Pineland, Texas 75968.
The address of the principals’ offices is: P.O. Box 869 Pineland, Texas 75968.
A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are
considered inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. A request to correct
a student’s record should be submitted to the principal. The request must clearly identify the part of the record
that should be corrected and include an explanation of how the information in the record is inaccurate. If the
district denies the request to amend the records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing.
If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the parent or eligible student has 30 school days to
exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although
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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). A grade issued by a classroom teacher can be
changed only if, as determined by the board of trustees, the grade is arbitrary, erroneous, or inconsistent with
the district’s grading policy.
The district’s policy regarding student records found at policy FL is available from the principal’s or
superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at www.westsabineisd.net .
Parent’s or student’s right of access to and copies of student records do not extend to all records. Materials not
considered educational records—such as a teacher’s personal notes about a student shared only with a substitute
teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.
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 complaint may be
mailed to:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
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 OR on a later date established by the district. [See the “Notice Regarding
Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” included in this
handbook OR included in the forms packet.
The district often needs to use student information for the following school-sponsored purposes:
Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education
The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher
education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to
release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form has been attached for you to complete if
you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.
SECTION II: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information on academics, school activities, and
school operations and requirements. Take a moment with your child to become familiar with the various issues
addressed in this section. It is organized in alphabetical order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your
child has a question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to find the information on a
particular topic, please contact Ryan Fuller, High School Principal at 409-584-2525 or Debbie Lane,
Elementary Principal at 409-584-2205.
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ABSENCES / ATTENDANCE
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 the required presence of school-aged children in school, e.g. compulsory attendance,
the other with how a child’s attendance affects the award of a student’s final grade or course credit—are of
special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below.
Compulsory Attendance
State law requires that a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable
accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise
excused from attendance or legally exempt.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to attend each school day
until the end of the school year. If a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester
the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be
unauthorized and may be considered trespassing. [See policy FEA.]
Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten are required to attend school and are subject to the
compulsory attendance requirements as long as they remain enrolled.
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 a diagnostic reading instrument.
A student will be required to attend any assigned accelerated instruction program, which may occur before or
after school or during the summer, if the student does not meet the passing standards on the state assessment for
his or her grade level and/or applicable subject area.
Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance
State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for several types of absences if the
student makes up all work. These include the following activities and events:
1. Religious holy days;
2. Required court appearances;
3. Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship;
4. Service as an election clerk;
5. Documented health-care appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences for
recognized services for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. A note from the health-care
provider must be submitted upon the student’s arrival or return to campus; and
6. For students in the conservatorship (custody) of the state,
a. Mental health or therapy appointments; or
b. Court-ordered family visitations or any other court-ordered activity, provided it is not practicable
to schedule the student’s participation in the activity outside of school hours.
In addition, a junior or senior student’s absence of up to two days related to visiting a college or university will
be considered an exemption, provided this has been authorized by the board under policy FEA (Local) the
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student receives approval from the campus principal, follows the campus procedures to verify such a visit, and
makes up any work missed.
Absences of up to two days in a school year will also be considered an exemption for a student serving as an
early voting clerk, provided the district’s board of trustees has authorized this in policy FEA(Local), the student
notifies his or her teachers and the student receives approval from the principal prior to the absences.
As listed in Section I at Accommodations for Children of Military Families, absences of up to five days will
be excused for a student to visit with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian who has been called to duty for, is
on leave from, or immediately returned from certain deployments.
An absence of a student in grades 6-12 for the purpose of sounding”Taps” at a military honors funeral for a
deceased veteran will also be excused by the district.
Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance
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; 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 without excuse from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month
period in the same school year, or

Is absent without excuse on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.
For a student younger than 12 years of age, the student’s parent could be charged with a criminal offense based
on the student’s failure to attend school.
If a student age 12 through age 17 violates the compulsory attendance law, both the parent and student could be
charged with a criminal offense.
[See Policy FEA(LEGAL).]
Attendance for Credit or Final Grade
To receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student in kindergarten–grade 12 must attend at least 90 percent of
the days the class is offered. A student who attends at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the
class is offered may receive credit or a final grade for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by the
principal, that allows the student to fulfill the instructional requirements for the class. If a student is involved in
a criminal or juvenile court proceeding, the approval of the judge presiding over the case will also be required
before the student receives credit or a final grade for the class.
If a student attends less than 75 percent of the days a class is offered or has not completed the plan approved by
the principal, then the student will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there
are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit or a final grade lost
because of absences. [See policy FEC.]
In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will
use the following guidelines:
1. All absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be considered in determining whether a student has
attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for the reasons listed
22
above at Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance will be considered days of attendance for this
purpose.
2. A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled in the
district.
3. 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.
4. The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s
absences.
5. The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the
student’s parent could exercise any control.
6. 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.
7. 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 or a final grade.
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 or a final grade will depend
on whether the class is for a full semester or for a full year.
Official Attendance-Taking Time
The district must submit attendance of its students to Texas Education Agency (TEA) reflecting attendance at a
specific time each day.
Official attendance is taken every day at 10:00 am.
A student absent for any portion of the day, including at the official attendance-taking time, should follow the
procedures below to provide documentation of the absence.
Documentation after an Absence
When a student must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note
signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the
parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under
state law. A phone call from the parent may be accepted, but the district reserves the right to require a written
note.
The campus will document in its attendance records for the student whether the absence is considered by the
district to be excused or unexcused. Please note that, unless the absence is for a statutorily allowed reason
under compulsory attendance laws, the district is not required to excuse any absence, even if the parent provides
a note explaining the absence.
Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness
Upon return to school, a student absent for more than 5 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.
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Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance committee may
require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s
absence from school.
Temporary Absence Due to Professional Health Care Visits (Code M)
Class time is important. Doctor or Dentist appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when
the student will not miss instructional time. A temporary absence resulting from a visit to professional health
care providers (doctors, dentist, etc.) is excused and no absence results if the student commences classes or
returns to school on the same day of the appointment.
Documentation is required from the health care provider to be excused.
Attendance Guidelines
Teachers will not keep students from other classes except in rare occasions when it becomes necessary.
Circumstances may arise in isolated instances which the principal may approve a student’s absence from class.
Teachers are asked to anticipate their needs in this respect so that notice can be given to other teachers and
planning can take place.
A student absent from school for any reason will not be allowed to participate in school-related activities on that
day or evening unless prior approval has been given by the principal. A student must be in attendance the day
prior to an event that is scheduled to take place during the following school day, in order to be eligible to
participate.
If a student is late to class and misses less than one-half of the class period the student is considered Tardy;
otherwise, the student is considered absent for that class period. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in
disciplinary action. When a student has been tardy to class three times he/she will be considered absent and will
be held accountable according to the attendance policy. (Also see Tardy Policy.) A student absent from school
or from any class, including required tutorials, without permission, will be considered truant and subject to
disciplinary action and State law.
[See policy FEC(LOCAL).]
Driver License Attendance Verification
For a student between the ages of 16 and 18 to obtain a driver license, written parental permission must be
provided for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to access the student’s attendance records and, in
certain circumstances, for a school administrator to provide the student’s attendance information to DPS. A
verification of enrollment (VOE) form may be obtained from the office, which the student will need to submit
to DPS upon application for a driver license.
AWARDS AND HONORS
PERFECT ATTENDANCE: Perfect attendance awards will be given to students who have no absences for the
year. The definition of “Perfect Attendance “ is students that have not been absent from school. Students on
school trips, planned and sponsored by a teacher, do not count against perfect attendance. Medical or
professional appointments are considered absences for this purpose.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Academic achievement awards are given to students as follows: an 80 average
in each subject qualifies the student for the A-B Honor Roll: a 90 average in each subject qualifies the student
for the All –A Honor Roll; a 80 average in each Concurrent Enrollment College Course, AP/ Pre-AP Course
along with the regular course, qualifies the student for the Dual enrollment College AP Honor Roll; a 90
average in each Concurrent Enrollment College Course, AP/ Pre-AP Course AP/ Pre-AP Course , qualifies the
student for the Dual enrollment College AP Honor Roll / Scholar Honor Roll.
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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY; to be eligible for National Honor Society membership, a student must have
an overall average of 92. To remain a member, a student must maintain an overall average of 88.
CITIZENSHIP AWARDS; (Elementary and Junior High) Citizenship awards - a student must show good
citizenship and be nominated by teachers.
U.I.L. and U.I.L. participation certificates: a student must have participated in U.I.L. contests. U.I.L. awards
will be presented to those who place first, second, or third in distance competition.
OTHER; other awards will be given as deemed appropriate at the end of the school year.
BULLYING
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through
electronic methods, or physical conduct against another student on school property, at a school-sponsored or –
related activity, or in a district operated vehicle, and the behavior:

Results in harm to the student or the student’s property,

Places a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or of damage to the student’s property,

Is so severe, persistent, and pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational
environment.
This conduct is considered bullying if it exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator(s) and
the student victim and if it interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of the
school.
Bullying is prohibited by the district and could include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault,
demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name-calling, rumor-spreading, or
ostracism. In some cases, bullying can occur through electronic methods, called “cyber bullying.”
If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or has witnesses bullying of another student, it is
important for the student or parent to notify a teacher, counselor, principal, or another district employee as soon
as possible to obtain assistance and intervention. The administration will investigate any allegations of bullying
or other related misconduct.
If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying has occurred, the administration will take appropriate
disciplinary action. Disciplinary or other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of
bullying. The district will also contact the parents of the victim and of the student who was found to have
engaged in the bullying. Available counseling options will be provided to these individuals, as well as to any
students who have been identified as witnesses to the bullying.
Any retaliation against a student who reports an incident of bullying is prohibited.
The principal may, in response to an identified case of bullying, decide to transfer a student found to have
engaged in bullying to another classroom at the campus. In consultation with the students’ parent, the student
may also be transferred to another campus in the district. The parent of a student who has been determined by
the district to be a victim of bullying may request that his or her child be transferred to another classroom or
campus within the district.
A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office, superintendent’s office, and on the districts’
Web site.
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A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through policy
FNG(LOCAL).
Student in grades 3-5 participate in CAPP classes which is an anti-bullying program.
CAFETERIA SERVICES (National Lunch & Breakfast Program)
The district participates in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program and offers
students nutritionally balanced meals daily following the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy.
The district follows the federal and state guidelines for traditional food-based offer vs. serve meal planning
using the following food components: milk, juice/fruit/vegetable, grains/breads, and/or meat/meat alternate.
Students must select a minimum number of components to meet federal guidelines.
Applications for free or reduced lunch are available at each campus office, from the cafeteria manager, or at the
Food Service Director Office at 101 Timberland. For more information, call 409-584-2655.
One application per family is required.


New Students: Please complete and return an application for the Free and Reduced Meal Program as
soon as possible. You will be charged full price until the application is processed.
Returning Students; Returning students maintain last year’s status until the 31st day of school.
(Explanation: Students who qualified for free/reduced last year, maintain that status this year until
October 3, 2014. On October 6, 2014, students will be charged full price unless a new application has
been submitted and processed.) It is best to complete the application during the 1st week of school.
Meal Prices
Categories
Free
Reduced
Full Price
Breakfast
No Charge
$0.30
$1.10
Lunch
No Charge
$0.40
$1.75
Meal prices will be available on the meal application.
Students may pre-pay by placing money on their account or pay by cash each day. (See the cafeteria Manager.)
Please note: PK – 5th grades will receive breakfast at no cost for the 2014-15 school year.
“I forgot my Breakfast and/or Lunch Money” Policy
Students will be allowed to charge up to $20.00 for meals only (extras not included). When students reach this
limit, they are not allowed to charge again, they will receive an alternate meal (vegetable plate and milk) until
charges are paid. If you cannot pay, please complete a Free/Reduced Meal application and return as soon as
possible or call our office at 409-584-2655 and speak to cafeteria director.
Elementary campus allows birthday parties to be scheduled after 2 p.m. Food item (ie. Cupcakes, cakes, etc.)
can be brought to the office prior to that time and will be delivered by office staff to the appropriate classroom
by 2 p.m.
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CALENDAR
FLEX DAYS
NO FLEX DAYS THIS SCHOOL YEAR.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS
The district offers career and technical education programs in Agricultural Science, Family and Consumer
Science, and Business. Admission to these programs is based on interest, aptitude, age appropriateness, and
classroom space availability.
West Sabine ISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission
and participation in all educational and CTE programs.
CELEBRATIONS
Although a parent or grandparent is not prohibited from providing food for a school-designated function or for
children in the child’s or grandchild’s classroom for his or her birthday, please be aware that children in the
school may have severe allergies to certain food products. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss this with the
child’s teacher prior to bringing any food in this circumstance. Occasionally, the school or a class may host
certain functions or celebrations tied to the curriculum that will involve food. The school or teacher will notify
students and parents of any known food allergies when soliciting potential volunteers for bringing food
products.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN
The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children, which
may be accessed at the district website: www.westsabineisd.net. As a parent, it is important for you to be aware
of warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the
Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare
as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child. A person who compels or
encourages a child to engage in sexual conduct commits abuse. It is illegal to make or possess child
pornography or to display such material to a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be
abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or
neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas,
and claims of stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include verbal references or pretend
games of sexual activity between adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or
sexually suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal, depression, sleeping
and eating disorders, and problems in school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse or any other type of abuse or neglect should be encouraged to seek
out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more
indirect than disclosures of physical abuse and neglect, and it is important to be calm and comforting if your
child, or another child, confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse or other maltreatment, the campus counselor or principal
will provide information regarding counseling options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs.
To find out what services may be available in your county, see
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http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/Programs_Available_In_
Your_County/default.asp.
The following Web sites might help you become more aware of child abuse and neglect:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf
https://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/commonproblems/child abusse.html
http://www.taasa.org/member/materials2.php
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse2.shtml
Reports may be made to:
The Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (1800-252-5400 or on the Web at http://www.txabusehotline.org).
CLASS RANK / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT
Honor Graduates (Classes of 2009 and Later) - To be eligible as an honor graduate, the student must have
completed the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program.
VALEDICTORIAN –SALUTATORIAN (Junior High School)
th
Class rank for eighth grade students will be computed at the end of the fifth six weeks of the 8 grade year.
th
th
Math, Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, and Science averages for the 6 – 8 grade will be used for the
th
computations. Students must be enrolled for the entire eighth (8 ) grade year to be eligible for Valedictorian or
Salutatorian.
VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN (HS Classes of 2010 and Later) - The valedictorian and salutatorian
shall be the first and second highest-ranking honor graduates (GPA) who have also completed the last four
th
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semesters at West Sabine High School. Students must complete the 11 and 12 grade course
requirements while in regular attendance at WSHS for four semesters (2 fall and 2 spring) and the
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enrollment date must be no later than 15 days after the beginning of the fall semester of the 11 grade
year to be eligible for these honors.
Ties between the top-ranking students shall be broken by computing the weighted grade average to a sufficient
number of decimal places to break the tie.
If a tie remains, it shall be broken by computing the weighted grade average for Advanced courses (Pre-AP, AP
and Spanish III). If a tie still exists, the two highest ranking honor graduates shall be named co-valedictorians,
with no salutatorian being named. In the event a tie still exists for Salutatorian, both will be recognized as CoSalutatorians.
Early Graduates - A Student graduating at any time other than at the end of the school year shall be given a
diploma at the time all graduation requirements are met and shall be ranked with the class that graduates at the
end of that school term. Early graduates shall not be eligible for recognition as valedictorian or salutatorian
but shall be eligible to be included in the list of honor graduates.
STATE SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS
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Please note: Under the Texas Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, students who complete the
Recommended or Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) High School Program may earn financial credits in
varying amounts to apply toward college tuition. The amounts depend on the number of consecutive months in
which the student completed graduation requirements and the number of early college credits earned and may
be used at public or private Texas higher education institutions within the state. The counselor can provide
additional information about meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.
Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High
School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program for
tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private
institutions. For further information, see the principal or counselor.
[For further information, see policies at EIC.]
Students entering grade 9 in the 2014-15 school year will be under a different graduation program than previous
school years. Therefore, class ranking procedures may be adjusted by the district based on the new graduation
plan. As these decisions are made, the district will make the information available to the students affected by
these changes.
CLASS SCHEDULES
All students are expected to attend school for the entire school day and maintain a class/course schedule to
fulfill each period of the day. Exceptions may be made occasionally by the campus principal for students in
grades 9-12 who meet specific criteria and receive parental consent to enroll in less than a full-day’s schedule.
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
For two school years following his or her graduation, a district student who graduates in the top ten percent and
, in some cases, the top 25 percent, of his or her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public
universities and colleges in Texas if the student:

Completes the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program; or

Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmark or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on the
SAT.
Beginning with ninth graders in the 2014-15 school year, to be eligible for automatic admission to a Texas fouryear college or university, a student must be on track to graduate with the distinguished level of achievement
under the foundation graduation program. This means that a student must graduate with at least one
endorsement and must have taken Algebra II as one of the four required math courses.
In addition, the student must submit a completed application for admission in accordance with the deadline
established by the college or university. The student is ultimately responsible for ensuring that he or she meets
the admission requirements of the university or college to which the student submits an application.
The University of Texas at Austin may limit the number of students automatically admitted to 75 percent of the
University’s enrollment capacity for incoming resident freshmen. For students who are eligible to enroll in the
University of Texas at Austin during the summer or fall 2015 term, the University will be admitting the top
eight percent of the high school’s graduating class who meet the above requirements. Additional applicants will
be considered by the University through an independent review process.
Should a college or university adopt an admissions policy that automatically accepts the top 25 percent of a
graduating class, the provisions above will also apply to a student ranked in the top 25 percent of his or her
class.
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Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about automatic admissions, the
application process, and deadlines.
COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES
Students in grades 9–12 have opportunities to earn college credits through the following methods:

Certain courses taught at the high school campus, which may include courses termed dual credit,
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or college preparatory;

Enrollment in an AP or dual credit course through the Texas Virtual School Network;

Enrollment in courses taught in conjunction and in partnership with Angelina College;

Enrollment in courses taught at the following institutions in the district: Angelina College in
partnership with WSISD provides selected college credits for qualified high school students. The
College will only offer courses listed in the THECB Common Course Manual or courses listed in the
Workforce Education Course manual.(CTE courses)
Note that if a student wishes to enroll in a community college course that also results in the award of high
school credit at a college that does not include the high school within its service area, the student is limited by
state law to enroll in no more than three courses at that particular college
All of these methods have eligibility requirements and must be approved prior to enrollment in the course.
Please see the counselor for more information. Depending on the student’s grade level and the course, a state
mandated end-of-course assessment may be required for graduation and, if so, will affect a student’s final
course grade.
It is important to keep in mind that not all colleges and universities accept credit earned in all dual credit or AP
courses taken in high school for college credit. Students and parents should check with the prospective college
or university to determine if a particular course will count toward the student’s desired degree plan.
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the
teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has
adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy
may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s website at
www.westsabineisd.net or at http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/202905/ .
If you should ever have a concern that involves your child, please be aware of the steps that you should follow:




Speak to the teacher or other professional who works with your child first.
If your concern is not resolved satisfactorily, go to the principal.
If not resolved, contact the Superintendent.
If not resolved, contact the Board of Trustees liaison (Carla Powell) for the necessary forms to request a
hearing before the Board.
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CONDUCT
See Complete STUDENT CODE of CONDUCT at back of handbook.
Applicability of School Rules
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.
Disruptions of School Operations
Disruptions of school operations are not tolerated and may constitute a misdemeanor offense. 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 vehicles owned or operated by the district.
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.
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.
Please contact the campus principal if you are interested in serving as a chaperone for any school social events.
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 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.
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The school nurse or the principal’s office can provide information from the Department of State Health Services
regarding these diseases.
COUNSELING
Academic Counseling
Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn more
about course offerings, graduation requirements, and early graduation procedures. Each year, high school
students in grades 5–11 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next school year
and other information that will help them make the most of academic and CTE opportunities, as well as
information on the importance of postsecondary education.
The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and application deadlines, as well as
information about automatic admission, financial aid, housing, and scholarships as these relate to state colleges
and universities. The school counselor can also provide information about workforce opportunities after
graduation or technical and trade school opportunities, including opportunities to earn industry-recognized
certificates and licenses.
Personal Counseling
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 counselor at 409-584-2525 to make an appointment.
Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment
The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s
written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is
required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child
abuse investigations and reports.
[For more information, refer to policies EHBAA(LEGAL), FFE(LEGAL), and FFG(EXHIBIT).]
COURSE CREDIT
A student in grades 9-12 will earn credit for a course only if the final grade is 70 or above. For a two-semester
(1 credit) course, the student’s grades from both semesters will be averaged and credit will be awarded if the
combined average is 70 or above. Should the student’s combined average be less than 70, the student will be
required to retake the semester in which he or she failed.
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course
A student who has previously taken a course or subject—but did not receive credit or a final grade for it—may,
in circumstances determined by the principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing
an exam approved by the district’s board of trustees on the essential knowledge and skills defined for that
course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course or
excessive absences, homeschooling, or coursework by a student transferring from a non-accredited school. The
opportunity to take an examination to earn credit for a course or to be awarded a final grade in a subject after
the student has had prior instruction is sometimes referred to as “credit recovery.”
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The counselor or principal will determine if the student could take an exam for this purpose. If approval is
granted, the student must score at least 70 on the exam to receive credit for the course or subject.
The attendance review committee may also offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit
for a course by passing an exam.
[For further information, see the counselor and policy EHDB(LOCAL).]
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course
A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course or subject area for which the
student has had no prior instruction, i.e., for advancement, or to accelerate to the next grade level. The exams
offered by the district are approved by the district’s board of trustees, and state law requires the use of certain
exams, such as College Board Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
tests, when applicable. The dates on which exams are scheduled during the 2014–2015 school year will be
published in appropriate district publications and on the district’s Web site. The only exceptions to the
published dates will be for any exams administered by another entity besides the district. In this case, a student
and the district must comply with the testing schedule of the other entity. During each testing window provided
by the district, a student may attempt a specific exam only once.
A student in grade 6 or above will earn course credit with a passing score of at least 80 on the exam, a scaled
score of 60 or higher on an exam administered through the CLEP, or a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, as
applicable. A student may take an exam to earn course credit no more than twice. If a student fails to achieve
the designated score on the applicable exam before the beginning of the school year in which the student would
need to enroll in the course according to the school’s course sequence, the student must complete the course.
A student in elementary school will be eligible to accelerate to the next grade level if the student scores at least
80 on each exam in the subject areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, a district
administrator recommends that the student be accelerated, and the student’s parent gives written approval of the
grade advancement.
If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the school counselor no later than
30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. [For further information, see policy EHDC]
DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND
RETALIATION
The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from dating violence, discrimination,
harassment, and retaliation and that their welfare is best served when they are free from this prohibited conduct
while attending school. 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.
Employees are expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.
The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and
offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any
other basis prohibited by law. [See policy FFH.]
Dating Violence
Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or
emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in the relationship. Dating violence
also occurs when a person commits these acts against a person in a marriage or dating relationship with the
individual who is or was once in a marriage or dating relationship with the person committing the offense. This
33
type of conduct is considered harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the
student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating,
threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s
academic performance.
Examples of dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to, physical or sexual assaults,
name-calling, put-downs, threats to hurt the student or the student’s family members or members of the
student’s household, destroying property belonging to the student, threats to commit suicide or homicide if the
student ends the relationship, threats to harm a student’s current dating partner, attempts to isolate the student
from friends and family, stalking, or encouraging others to engage in these behaviors.
Discrimination
Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender,
national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, that negatively affects the student.
Harassment
Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to
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 www.westsabine.net or at http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/202905/ .
Examples of harassment 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.
Two types of prohibited harassment are described below.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment and gender-based harassment of a student by an employee, volunteer, or another student are
prohibited.
Examples of sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching private body parts or coercing
physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a 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 reasonable 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.
Gender-based harassment includes harassment based on a student’s gender, expression by the student of
stereotypical characteristics associated with the student’s gender, or the student’s failure to conform to
stereotypical behavior related to gender. Examples of gender-based harassment directed against a student,
regardless of the student’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, may include, but not limited
to, offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; threatening or intimidating
conduct; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.
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Retaliation
Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of discrimination or harassment, including dating
violence, is prohibited. Retaliation against a person who is participating in an investigation of alleged
discrimination or harassment is also prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or
refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline.
Retaliation against a student might occur when a student receives threats from another student or an employee
or when an employee imposes an unjustified punishment or unwarranted grade reduction. Retaliation does not
include petty slights and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that are justified
by a student’s poor academic performance in the classroom.
Reporting Procedures
Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or
retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teacher, counselor, principal, or other district employee.
The report may be made by the student’s parent. See policy FFH(LOCAL) for the appropriate district officials
to whom to make a report.
Upon receiving a report of prohibited conduct as defined by policy FFH, the district will determine whether the
allegations, if proven, would constitute prohibited conduct as defined by that policy. If not, the district will
refer to policy FFI to determine if the allegations, if proven, would constitute bullying, as defined by law and
that policy. If the alleged prohibited conduct, if proven, would constitute prohibited conduct and would also be
considered bullying as defined by law and policy FFI, an investigation of bullying will also be conducted.
The district will promptly notify the parents of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct
involving an adult associated with the district. In the event alleged prohibited conduct involves another student,
the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited conduct when the
allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy FFH.
Investigation of Report
To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosures may be
necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct,
which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated.
If a law enforcement or other regulatory agency notifies the district that is investigating the matter and requests
that the district delay its investigation, the district will resume the investigation at the conclusion of the agency’s
investigation.
During the course of an investigation, the district may take interim action to address the alleged prohibited
conduct.
If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary action, and, in
some cases, corrective action will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary and
corrective action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint was not unlawful.
All involved parties will be notified of the outcome of the district investigation within the parameters and limits
allowed under the Federal Educational Records and Privacy Act. (FERPA)
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with
policy FNG(LOCAL).
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DISCRIMINATION
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.]
DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance learning and correspondence courses include courses that encompass the state-required essential
knowledge and skills but are taught through multiple technologies and alternative methodologies such as mail,
satellite, Internet, video-conferencing, and instructional television.
The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) has been established as one method of distance learning. A
student has the option, with certain limitations, to enroll in a course offered through the TxVSN to earn course
credit for graduation. In limited circumstances, a student in grade 8 may also be eligible to enroll in a course
through the TxVSN.
Depending on the TxVSN course in which a student enrolls, the course may be subject to the “no pass, no
play” rules. [Also see Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations.] In addition, for a student who
enrolls in a TxVSN course for which an end-of-course (EOC) assessment is required, the student must still take
the corresponding EOC assessment and the requirements related to the incorporation of the EOC score into the
student’s final course grade and the implications of these assessments on graduation apply to the same extent as
they apply to traditional classroom instruction.
If you have questions or wish to make a request that your child be enrolled in a TxVSN course, please contact
the counselor at 409-584-2525.
A copy of policy EHDE will be distributed to parents of middle and high school students at least once each
year. If you do not receive a copy or have questions about this policy, please contact the school counselor.
If a student wishes to enroll in a correspondence course or a distance learning course that is not provided
through the TxVSN in order to earn credit in a course or subject, the student must receive permission from the
principal prior to enrolling in the course or subject. If the student does not receive prior approval, the district
will not recognize and apply the course or subject toward graduation requirements or subject mastery.
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS
School Materials
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.
The school newspaper, Tiger Talk, and the yearbook, Tiger Pride, are available to students.
All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.
[See Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes .]
Non-school Materials...from students
Students must obtain prior approval from the principal before selling, posting, circulating, or distributing more
than ten copies of written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, 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 within two school days.
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The principal has designated the front office as the location for approved non-school materials to be placed for
voluntary viewing by students. [See policies at FNAA.]
A student may appeal a principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who sells,
posts, circulates, or distributes 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.
Elementary students will be permitted to distribute party invitations at the end of the day, provided the student
has an invitation for all his / her classmates.
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 policy 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 DGBA, 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.
DRESS AND GROOMING
The entire staff will enforce the dress code. Students in violation will be sent to
the principal with a disciplinary form.
1st offense-Student will go to ISS for the remainder of the day or until problem is corrected.
2nd offense-remainder of day in ISS.
3rd offense-remainder of day in ISS and 2 (two) full days in ISS.
4th and repeated offenses- will result in ISS and possible placement in DAEP
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:
FADS ON CAMPUS: Each year there are a few things, including some "fads" that show up on our campus.
We are not listing any of these, nor are we making a regulation to cover all problems that may arise. When a fad
37
becomes a nuisance, disruption or distraction, it will be discontinued. Anything that distracts from the spirit or
dignity of our school will be regulated.
BACKPACKS AND BOOKBAGS (For grades 6-12) – students will be allowed to have rolling backpacks.
Briefcases and travel bags will not be allowed. Athletic bags are to remain in the area from which they are issued.
BARE ARMS - Sleeveless shirts are not permitted on males or females. Sleeveless dresses are not permitted. Muscle
shirts, tank tops, jerseys, undershirts and other sleeveless garments are not to be worn as outer garments unless worn over
a sleeved shirt. Sleeveless dresses and shirts may be worn at the elementary.
BLANKETS- are not to be worn at school during the school day.
BODY PIERCING JEWELRY- Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or ear studs anywhere on their bodies; also,
there will be no Band-Aids worn over boys' earrings. Girls are not permitted to wear earrings or other body-piercing
jewelry in places other than their ears. Tongue, nose, lip, eyebrow rings are not permitted.
BUTTONED TOPS - Shirts and blouses must be buttoned appropriately.
CHAINS - Wallet chains and dog chains are not allowed; also are not to be worn as jewelry.
EXERCISE WEAR - Biker shorts, uniforms, or other garments known as exercise wear for will not be worn.
HAIR – A students hairstyle or color must not cause a disruption in school. No extreme hair style or
color will be allowed. Hair styles must be neat, clean, and well groomed. mustaches are allowed but must be
kept neatly trimmed. No other facial hair is allowed (such as beards, goatees). Sideburns cannot extend below the ear
lobe. For males, hair cannot extend to cover the shirt collar or hang in the face to a length that covers the eyebrows.
Males may not wear hair pieces. No insignias or designs may be cut into the hair. Males cannot wear hair bands, head
bands, bandanas or any device that hides the true length of their hair.
HATS - Hats and caps (including stockings and toboggans) are not to be worn in the school building. This applies to
both male and female members of the student body.
HEMS - All clothing must be hemmed... No cutoffs. No holes. Patches, flowers, etc. that cover the hole and is
permanently attached is acceptable. No clothes are to be worn inside out.
LENGTH of BOTTOMS------Dresses, skirts, and shorts must meet the knee. Splits or slits or any other visible
opening cannot extend more than 3" beyond the bottom of the knee.
LENGTH OF TOPS - No midriff may show when arms are raised above the head. Undergarments and midriff must
be covered when seated.
NECKLINES - Dresses, shirts, or blouses with exaggerated necklines are not permitted.
OVERALLS - Overalls must be buttoned and straps must be worn over the shoulders.
PANTS/SLACKS/JEANS - Will not be worn by students in such a way that they hang below the waist or around the
hips (ie. sagging pants).
PRINTED CLOTHING -Each student is expected to be properly and acceptably dressed at all times. Articles of
clothing or any form of ornamentation that may advertise or imply or make reference to sex, alcoholic beverages, tobacco,
drugs, profanity, death, suicide, violence, occult or that have lewd, vulgar, obscene or suggestive or offensive wording or
pictures on them or that may distract from the learning process are not considered proper and acceptable. Any
wording across the buttocks (i.e., bootylicious, cheer, etc.) or any wording or pictures which draws attention to
private body parts is prohibited.)
PAJAMA PANTS, TRENCH COATS OR OVER SIZED COATS are not allowed.
SEE-THROUGH – NO HOLES—NO SKIN--See-through clothing of any kind is inappropriate.
SHOES - Shoes must be worn at all times. House shoes, cleated shoes, taps, and roller sneakers are not
permitted.
SECONDARY CAMPUS POLICY NO SHOWER SHOES (example: flip flops that strap between
the toes goes completely through soles.
Elementary Campus: PE requires shoes(preferably rubber soles—no flip flops
SPIKES - Spiked bracelets, necklaces or belts are not allowed.
SUNGLASSES - Sunglasses, unless prescribed by a physician, are not to be worn inside the school building.
TATOOS - Must be covered at all times.
38
TIGHTS, LEGGINGS, PANTS MADE OF STRETCH MATERIAL- If worn, this type of material must
have a knee length dress or shirt worn with it.
UNDERGARMENTS - Should not be seen at any time.
AT GAMES - Most prohibitions are effective at most school-sponsored and school-related activities, including:
body piercing, bare midriffs, see-through clothing, and other clothing rules concerning decency and
offensiveness. Shorts, meeting the dress code requirement of knee-length, are permitted at games
throughout the year.
PROM - Dress code for the Prom is subject to amendment however, two (2) piece dresses, dresses with
excessive midriff, or see-through material will not be allowed on students from West Sabine or their guest.
Questionable dress or appearance will be referred to the office. Any grooming that draws undue attention is
considered to be in questionable taste. Students of West Sabine are expected to dress appropriately at all times.
Students who do not comply with the personal appearance and dress code will not be allowed to return to class
until compliance is attained. (See ISS)
If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the school’s dress code, the student
will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school. If not corrected, the student will be assigned to inschool suspension for the remainder of the day, until the problem is corrected, or until a parent or designee
brings an acceptable change of clothing to the school. Repeated offenses may result in more serious disciplinary
action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile
Telephones
For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess personal mobile telephones; however, these devices
must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are being used for
approved instructional purposes. A student must have approval to possess other telecommunications devices
such as netbooks, laptops, tablets, or other portable computers.
The use of mobile telephones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or
restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event.
Students shall not: Display, turn on, or use a telecommunications device, including a cellular telephone, or
other electronic device on school property during the instructional day.
If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day the device will be
confiscated. The student or parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the principal’s
office for a fee of $15 for the first (1st) offense and each additional offense the fee will be $25. The fees
collected will be placed into the District’s scholarship fund.
Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parents will be
disposed of after the notice required by law. [See policy FNCE.]
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal telecommunications device may be
searched by authorized personnel. [See Searches.]
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be
responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.
39
Possession and Use of Other Personal Electronic Devices
Except as described below, students are not permitted to possess or use personal electronic devices such as MP3
players, video or audio recorders, DVD players, cameras, games, e-readers, or other electronic devices at
school, unless prior permission has been obtained. 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.
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal electronic device may be searched by
authorized personnel. [See Searches and policy FNF.]
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be
responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.
Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices
In some cases, students may find it beneficial or might be encouraged to use personal telecommunications or
other personal electronic devices for instructional purposes while on campus. Students must obtain prior
approval before using personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional use.
Students must also sign a user agreement that contains applicable rules for use (separate from this handbook).
When students are not using the devices for approved instructional purposes, all devices must be turned off
during the instructional day. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other
disciplinary action.
Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources
To prepare students for an increasingly technological society, the district has made an investment in the use of
district-owned technology resources for instructional purposes; specific resources may be issued individually to
students. Use of these technological resources, which include the district’s network systems and use of district
equipment, is restricted to approved purposes only. Students and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement
[separate from this handbook] regarding use of these district resources. Violations of the user agreement may
result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of District Technology Resources
Such as “SEXTING” but not limited to just this topic.
Students are prohibited from possessing, sending, forwarding, posting, accessing, or displaying electronic
messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation,
or illegal. This prohibition also applies to conduct off school property, whether the equipment used to send such
messages is district-owned or personally owned, if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational
environment.
Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, possesses, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or
otherwise illegal images or other content, commonly referred to as “sexting” will be disciplined according to the
Student Code of Conduct may be required to complete an educational program related to the dangers of this
type of behavior, and in certain circumstances, may be reported to law enforcement. Because engaging in this
type of behavior can lead to bullying or harassment, as well as possibly impede future endeavors of a student,
we encourage you to review with your child http://beforeyoutext.com, a state-developed program that addresses
the consequences of engaging in inappropriate behavior using technology.
40
In addition, any student who engages in conduct that results in a breach of the district’s computer security will
be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, and, in some cases, the consequence may rise to
the level of expulsion.
Students are cautioned that sending or posting pictures of another person is a state jail felony offense.
Texas Penal Code Sec. 21.15. IMPROPER PHOTOGRAPHY OR VISUAL RECORDING.
(a) In this section, "promote" has the meaning assigned by Section 43.21.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual
image of another
2) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual
image of another at a location that is a bathroom or private dressing room:
(A) without the other person's consent; and
(B) with intent to:
(i) invade the privacy of the other person; or
(ii) arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person; or
(3) knowing the character and content of the photograph, recording, broadcast, or transmission,
promotes a photograph, recording, broadcast, or transmission described by Subdivision (1) or (2).
(c) An offense under this section is a STATE JAIL FELONY.
END-OF-COURSE (EOC) ASSESSMENTS
[See Graduation and Standardized Testing]
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Participation in school-sponsored activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive
individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege,
not a right.
Eligibility for initial and continuing participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the
rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing inter-district
competition. If a student is involved in an academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student
and parent are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. Students involved in UIL athletic
activities and their parents can access the UIL Parent Information Manual at
https://www.uiltexas.org/athletics/manuals; a hard copy can be provided by the coach or sponsor of the activity
on request. To report a complaint of alleged noncompliance with required safety training or an alleged violation
of safety rules required by law and the UIL, please contact the curriculum division of the Texas Education
Agency at 512-463-9581 or [email protected]. [See http://www.uiltexas.org for additional information
on all UIL-governed activities.]
Student safety in extracurricular activities is a priority of the district. The equipment used in football is no
exception. As a parent, you are entitled to review the district’s records regarding the age of each football helmet
used by the campus, including when a helmet has been reconditioned.
41
In addition, the following provisions apply to all extracurricular activities:
a. A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other
than an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit
course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or language other
than English—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks.
b. A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program
(IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks.
c. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse but may not participate in any competitive activity.
d. The District shall make no distinction between absences for UIL activities and absences for other
extracurricular activities approved by the Board. A student shall be allowed in a school year
unlimited extracurricular absences. [See Policy FM(Local)]
e. An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused
absence.
Standards of Behavior
Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may
establish standards of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—that are stricter than those for
students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the
Student Code of Conduct or by local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the
organization’s standards of behavior.
Offices and Elections
Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups will hold elections for student officers. These groups
include:
ELECTION CODES FOR WEST SABINE JR./SR. HIGH
ELECTION JUDGES-Election judges, not students, will count the ballots. Principal or his designee is the
Head Election Judge; he/she may ask other teachers to help him/her count the votes, being sure not to involve
any teacher-parent who has a child who is a candidate in the election.
SENIOR HONOR POSITIONS-Secondary campus teachers will be the only ones to elect seniors to the
following positions:
Mister and Miss West Sabine
Most Likely to Succeed Boy and Girl
Best All-Around Boy and Girl
Most Studious Boy and Girl
CLASS OFFICERS-Currently, each class elects the following officers: President, vice-president, secretary,
treasurer, and reporter. In addition, two student council representatives are to be elected.
These elections will be conducted by the class sponsors. The entire class membership will participate using a
written ballot. Candidates for office must file a written application to be placed on the ballot.
HOMECOMING
The Queens and Duchesses will be escorted by a parent/grandparent.
42
QUEEN-(Limited to Seniors)-The principal or his designee is in charge of the homecoming ceremonies. The
senior class nominates four girls as homecoming princesses. This is done by counting written ballots in senior
class meeting. The four names are then presented to the student body (grades 9-12) on a written ballot in an
election conducted by the student council.
DUCHESS-(Grades 9-11)-She will be selected by written ballot in individual class meetings.
MISS SCHOOL SPIRIT-Miss School Spirit is currently elected by popular vote (written ballot, grades 9-12,
election conducted by student council.) This title is limited to cheerleaders and mascot.
FOOTBALL SWEETHEART-She is currently elected by members of the football team.
MR. FOOTBALL-He is currently elected by the cheerleaders.
BAND SWEETHEART-She is currently elected by the band.
BAND BEAU-He is currently elected by the band.
The yearbook sponsor is in charge of the following elections: The following positions are elected by the
student body by write-in vote in an election conducted by the yearbook sponsor:
CLASS FAVORITES (elected by individual classes)
MOST HANDSOME
MOST BEAUTIFUL
CUTEST COUPLE
MOST LIKELY TO BE PRESIDENT
PRETTIEST SMILE
MOST ATHLETIC BOY & GIRL
BIGGEST FLIRT (B&G)
BEST SENSE OF HUMOR (B&G)
WITTIEST BOY AND GIRL
BEST-DRESSED BOY AND GIRL
PRETTIEST EYES
FRIENDLIEST
The following clubs have their own by-laws governing the election of officers:
NATIONAL HONORS CLUB-Juniors select a vice-president from the sophomore class for the following
year. The vice-president automatically serves as president the following year. Seniors are elected by the group
to serve as secretary, treasurer, and reporter.
STUDENT COUNCIL-This group currently consists of two members from each class (7-12), elected by
individual classes. Beginning with the ninth grade, positions become permanent.
The two representatives from the junior class shall be presented to the student body as candidates for council
president. They will wage a campaign and be elected by a vote of the student body (grades 9-12). Members
serve as secretary, treasurer, and reporter (elected by entire group at beginning of year.)
FCCLA-By application
BAND-Nomination and vote
ART CLUB-Nomination and vote
FFA-officers based on Application, Vote, and Participation
43
SPANISH CLUB-Nomination and vote
FEES
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.

Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular
activities.

Security deposits.

Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc.

Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance.

Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the district.

Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student.

Parking fees and student identification cards.

Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.

Fees for driver training courses, if offered.

Fees for optional courses offered for credit that requires use of facilities not available on district
premises.

Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.

A reasonable fee for providing transportation to a student who lives within two miles of the school. [See
Buses and Other School Vehicles.]

A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providing an educational program outside of regular school hours
for a student who has lost credit because of absences and whose parent chooses the program in order for
the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or
guardian signs a district-provided request form.

In some cases, a fee for a course taken through the Texas Virtual School Network [TxVSN].
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 FP.]
FUND-RAISING
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’s office at least 30 days before
the event.
[For further information, see policies at FJ and GE.]
44
GANG-FREE ZONES
Certain criminal offenses, including those involving organized criminal activity such as gang-related crimes,
will be enhanced to the next highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. For
purposes of the district, a gang-free zone includes a school bus and a location in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any
district-owned or leased property or campus playground.
GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT
GRADE CLASSIFICATION
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation.
Credits Earned
Classification
5
Grade 10 (Sophomore)
10
Grade 11 (Junior)
15
Grade 12 (Senior)
GRADING GUIDELINES
Grading guidelines for each grade level or course will be communicated and distributed to students and their
parents by the classroom teacher. These guidelines have been reviewed by each applicable curriculum
department and have been approved by the campus principal. These guidelines establish the minimum number
of assignments, projects, and examinations required for each grading period. In addition, these guidelines
establish how the student’s mastery of concepts and achievement will be communicated (i.e., letter grades,
numerical averages, checklist of required skills, etc.). Grading guidelines also outline in what circumstances a
student will be allowed to redo an assignment or retake an examination for which the student originally made a
failing grade. Procedures for a student to follow after an absence will also be addressed.
Any grade below 70 is considered failing.
High School Grading Policy
Six weeks grades will consist of daily work (40%) and tests (60%).
Teachers should have at least 8 daily grades and at least 3 test grades (fewer grades may be acceptable in
isolated cases) each grading period.
The maximum grade allowed for a re-teach or retest situation to determine mastery is 70%.
Semester grades will be an average of the six weeks grades and the semester exam. The three six week’s
averages will be averaged for a total of 80% of the semester average and the semester exam grade is 20% of the
semester average.
Yearend grade will be an average of the semester grades.
All District grading policies are meant to coincide with Texas Education Agency guidelines and State Laws,
and defer to these laws should a conflict occur.
Grade Point System
High School GPA Ranking
45
Each member of the graduating class will be ranked numerically by their individual GRADE POINT AVERAGE
(GPA) computed by the semester grades achieved in all four years of high school. Computation of the second
semester average of the senior year will be determined by the average of the fourth and fifth six weeks grading
period.
The application of weights to courses will encourage students to challenge themselves by enrolling in courses that
develop higher order thinking skills, problem solving skills, and better prepare students.
Courses will be divided into three (3) categories – Dual Enrollment / AP – Pre AP / Regular.
The concurrent enrollment classes will require students to perform at the highest level of their abilities equal to that
of college entry level and will receive the highest grade points.
The AP and Pre AP courses will require students to perform at levels above those established by the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills and will receive grade points between that of Dual Enrollment and Regular courses.
Regular courses will require students to master the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or coursework that has
been reduced in standard due to required modifications. Pre-AP and AP courses are offered in English I, II, III &
English IV,. Any grade transferred in from other schools will be converted and computed to adhere to the WSHS
conversion scale.
Grade Point System
(WSHS Classes of 2012 and Later)
Numeric
Grade
100
99
98
97
96
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
87
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
“Regular”
Classes
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
Advance
Classes
5.0
4.9
4.8
4.7
4.6
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.2
4.1
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
Advanced (5.0):
1. Advanced Placement Courses
2. Dual Credit
3. Foreign Language III
4. Pre-AP Courses
“Regular” Courses (4.0):
All other Courses
Excluded Courses (Not computed)…2013 9th grade &
thereafter………
1. Summer Courses
2. Correspondence Courses
3. Band/Music
4. Athletics/Physical Ed
5. Local Credit Courses
6. Distance Learning
46
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
Formula:
Number of total grade points ÷
total number of semester grades =
Grade Point Average.
Jr. High School Grading Policy (Grades 6-8)
Six weeks grades will consist of daily work (40%) and tests (60%). The daily average is computed from
homework, class work, pop quizzes, notebooks and special projects. The test average is derived from chapter
test, unit test and special assignments. If a teacher counts a project as more than one grade, students and parents
will be notified prior to beginning the project.
Teachers should have at least 8 daily grades and at least 3 test grades (fewer grades may be acceptable in
isolated cases) each grading period.
The maximum grade allowed for a re-teach or retest situation to determine mastery is 70%.
Semester average will be an average of the six week grades.
Yearend grade will be an average of the semester grades.
It is our policy that all and any work assigned shall be taken up, graded, and recorded.
All District grading policies are meant to coincide with Texas Education Agency guidelines and State Laws,
and defer to these laws should a conflict occur.
Elementary Grading Policy (Grades Pre-K, K, 1-5)
Eight (8) daily work grades and three (3) test grades per six (6) weeks grading period will be averaged to
calculate the grade for each course(fewer grades may be acceptable in isolated cases).
47
Daily grades will count 40% and test grades 60%. Daily grades may consist of homework, class work,
special projects, reports, and special assignments.
Tests may include chapter tests, pop test, end of unit test, and test for mastery of skill or topic. Six weeks tests
are an option not a requirement. A six weeks test, if administered, counts as one of the 3 required tests for that
grading period.
Pre-K
Pre-Kindergarten reports will include assessment that reflects early academic proficiency in the following
manner.
E – Student exceeds expectations
D – Student has fully developed the skill
S – Student is still developing the skill
Grades K-5
In grades K-5, students are evaluated as follows:
90-100 - A
80-89 – B
75-79 – C
70-74 – D
NOTE: KINDERGARTEN WILL RECEIVE NUMERICAL GRADES WITH A REPORT CARD BEING GIVEN TO
EACH STUDENT EVERY SIX WEEKS. KINDERGARTEN GRADES WILL CONSIST OF 5 TEST GRADES, 5 DAILY
GRADES, AND 1 SIX WEEKS TEST.
Also see Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences.
GRADUATION
Requirements for a Diploma for a Student Enrolled in High School Prior to the
2014-15 School Year
To receive a high school diploma from the district, a student who was enrolled in high school prior to the 201415 school year must successfully:
Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any additional credits required by the
district;
Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state; and
Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or approved substitute assessments,
unless specifically waived as permitted by state law.
Beginning with students who entered grade 9 in the 2011–2012 school year, students are required, with limited
exceptions, to perform satisfactorily on the following EOC assessments: English I, English II, Algebra I,
Biology, and United States History. A student who has not achieved sufficient scores on the EOC assessments
to graduate will have opportunities to retake the assessments.
If a student fails to perform satisfactorily on an EOC assessment, the district will provide remediation to the
student in the content area for which the performance standard was not met. This may require participation of
the student before or after normal school hours or at times of the year outside normal school operations.
Requirements for a Diploma Beginning with the 2014-15 School Year
48
Beginning with students who enter grade 9 in the 2014-15 school year, as well as any currently enrolled high
school student who decides to graduate under the new foundation graduation program, a student must meet the
following requirements to receive a high school diploma from the district:

Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any additional credits required by
the district;

Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state;

Achieve passing scores on certain end of course (EOC) assessments or approved substitute assessments,
unless specifically waived as permitted by state law; and

Demonstrate proficiency, as determined by the district, in the specific communication skills required by
the State Board of Education.
Testing Requirements for Graduation
Students are required , with limited exceptions and regardless of graduation program, to perform satisfactorily
on the following EOC assessments: English 1, 2, Algebra 1, Biology, and United States History. A student
who has not achieved sufficient scores on the EOC assessments to graduate will have opportunities to retake the
assessments. State law and state rules also provide for certain scores on norm-referenced national standardized
assessments to substitute for the requirement to meet satisfactory performance on an applicable EOC
assessment should a student choose this option. See the school counselor for more information on the state
testing requirement for graduation.
If a student fails to perform satisfactorily on an EOC assessment, the district will provide remediation to the
student in the content area for which the performance standard was not met. This may require participation of
the student before or after normal school hours or at time of the year outside normal school operations. Also
see Standardized Testing for more information.
Graduation Programs-Minimum, Recommended, and Advanced/Distinguished
Achievement
For students who were enrolled in high school prior to the 2014-15 school year, the district offers the graduation
programs listed in this section. Students enrolled in high school prior to the 2014-15 school year also have the
option to pursue the foundation graduation program as described below. Note that permission to enroll in the
Minimum Program as described in this section will be granted only if a written agreement is reached among the
student, the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation, and the school counselor or appropriate
administrator. In order for a student to take courses under the Minimum Program, the student must be at least
16 years of age; have completed at least two credits each in English language arts, math, science, and social
studies courses that are required for graduation; or have failed grade 9 one or more times. [See policy
EIF(LEGAL).]
All students who were enrolled in high school prior to the 2014-15 school year must meet the following credit
and course requirements for graduation under the programs listed or may choose to pursue the foundation
graduation program as described on page
Courses
Number of credits
Minimum Program
Number of credits
Recommended Program
Number of credits Advanced/
Distinguished Achievement
Program
English/Language Arts
4
4
4
Mathematics
3
4
4
49
Courses
Number of credits
Minimum Program
Number of credits
Recommended Program
Number of credits Advanced/
Distinguished Achievement
Program
Science
2 or 3
4
4
Social Studies,
Including Economics
3 or 4
4
4
1
1
1
0.5
0.5
0.5
2
3
1
1
1
___credit in ___
___credit in ___
___credit in ___
___credit in ___
___credit in ___
___credit in ___
6.5 credits
5.5 credits
4.5 credits
Physical Education
Speech
Language other than
English
Fine Arts
Locally required courses
Electives
Miscellaneous
TOTAL
Completion of 4
Advanced Measures
22 credits
26 credits
26 credits
* A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to a disability or illness may be able to
substitute a course in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies for the required credit of
physical education. This determination will be made by the student’s ARD committee, Section 504 committee,
or other campus committee, as applicable.
** State rules prohibit a student from combining a half-credit of a course for which there is an EOC assessment
with another half-credit of an elective credit course to satisfy an elective credit requirement. However, the
district will allow a student to satisfy a graduation requirement for which there are multiple options with onehalf credit of one allowable option and one-half credit of another allowable option, if neither course has an EOC
assessment.
*** A student graduating under the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program must also achieve a
combination of four of the following advanced measures:
1. An original research project or other project that is related to the required curriculum. These projects
must be judged by a panel of professionals or conducted under the direction of a mentor and reported to
an appropriate audience. Please note that no more than two of the four advanced measures may be
received from this option.
2. Test data where a student receives:
a. A score of three or above on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam;
b. A score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate (IB) exam; or
c. A score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)
that qualifies the student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by the College Board
50
and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, as part of the National Hispanic Recognition
Program (NHRP) of the College Board, or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship
Program of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT/NMSQT score will count as
only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student.
3. College academic courses, including those taken for dual credit, and advanced technical courses,
including locally articulated courses, provided the student scores the equivalent of a 3.0 or higher.
Foundation Graduation Program
Every student in a Texas public school who enters grade 9 in the 2014-15 school year and thereafter will
graduate under a new program called the “foundation graduation program.” Within the foundation graduation
program are “endorsements,” which are paths of interest that include Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM); Business and Industry; Public Services; Arts and Humanities; and Multidisciplinary
Studies. Endorsements earned by a student will be noted on the student’s transcript and diploma. The
foundation graduation program also involves the term “distinguished level of achievement, which reflects the
completion of at least one endorsement and Algebra 2 as one of the required advanced mathematics credits. A
personal graduation plan will be completed for each high school student as described on page 54. State law and
rules prohibit a student from graduating solely under the foundation graduation program without an
endorsement unless, after the student’s sophomore year; the student and student’s parent are advised of the
specific benefits of graduating with an endorsement and submit written permission to the school counselor for
the student to graduate without an endorsement. A student anticipates graduating under the foundation
graduation program without an endorsement and who wishes to attend a four-year university or college after
graduation must carefully consider whether this will satisfy the admission requirement of the student’s desired
college or university.
Graduating under the foundation graduation program will also provide opportunities to earn “performance
acknowledgements” that will be acknowledged on a student’s diploma and transcript. Performance
acknowledgements are available for outstanding performance in bilingualism and bi-literacy; in a dual credit
course; on an AP or IB exam; on the PSAT, ACT-Plan, SAT, or ACT exam, which are national exams; or for
earning a nationally or internationally recognized license or certificate. The criteria for earning these
performance acknowledgments are prescribed by state rules, and the school counselor can provide more
information about these acknowledgments.
A student enrolled in high school prior to the 2014-15 school year has the option of graduating under the
foundation graduation program rather than the programs identified above that would otherwise be applicable to
that student. See the school counselor for additional information.
Number of credits
Foundation Graduation
Program
Number of credits
Program with an
Endorsement
English/Language Arts
4
4
Mathematics
3
4*
Science
3
4
Social Studies, including
Economics
3
3
Course Area
51
Number of credits
Program
Number of credits
Program with an
Endorsement
Physical Education**
1
1
Language other than
English***
2
2
Fine Arts
1
1
___ credit in _________
___ credit in _________
___ credit in _________
___ credit in _________
9
7
Course Area
Locally required courses
Electives
Miscellaneous
Available Endorsements****:
Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math
Business and Industry
Public Services
Arts and Humanities
Multidisciplinary
TOTAL
26 credits
26 credits
*In order to obtain the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation graduation program, which will
be denoted on a student’s transcript and diploma and is a requirement to be considered for automatic admission
purposed to a Texas four-year college or university, a student must complete an endorsement and take Algebra
2 as one the four mathematics credits.
**A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to a disability or illness may be able to
substitute a course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, or another locally determined
credit-bearing course for the required credit of physical education. This determination will be made by the
students’ ARD committee, Section 504 committee, or other campus committee, as applicable.
***Student are required to earn two credits in the same language other than English to graduate. Any student
may substitute computer programming languages for these credits. In limited circumstances, a student may be
able to substitute this requirement with other courses, as determined by a district committee authorized by law
to make these decisions for the student.
****A student must specify upon entering grade 9 the endorsement he or she wishes to pursue.
Personal Graduation Plans for Students Under the Foundation Graduation
Program
A personal graduation plan will be developed for each high school student who is subject to the requirements of
the foundation graduation program. The district encourages all students to pursue a personal graduation plan
that includes the completion of at least one endorsement and to graduate with the distinguished level of
achievement. Attainment of the distinguished level of achievement entitles a student to be considered for
automatic admission to a public four year college or university in Texas, depending on his or her rank in class.
The school will review personal graduation plan options with each student entering grade 9 and his or her
parent. Before the end of grade 9, a student and his or her parent will be required to sign off on a persona
52
graduation plan that includes a course of study that promotes college and workforce readiness and career
placement and advancement, as well as facilitates the transition from secondary to postsecondary education.
The student’s personal graduation plan will denote an appropriate course sequence based on the students’
choice of endorsement.
A student may with parental permission, amend his or her personal graduation plan after the initial
confirmation.
Available Course Options for all Graduation Programs
Information regarding specific courses required or offered in each curriculum area, will be distributed to
students each spring in order to enroll in courses for the upcoming school year.
Please be aware that not all courses are offered at every secondary campus in the district. A student who wants
to take a course not offered at his or her regular campus should contact the school counselor about a transfer or
other alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students request a transfer for those students to take a course in
the required curriculum other than fine arts or CTE, the district will offer the course for the following year
either by teleconference or at the school from which the transfers were requested.
Certificates of Coursework Completion
Certificates of coursework completion will be issued to a student who has successfully completed state and
local credit requirements for graduation, but has not yet demonstrated satisfactory performance on the statemandated tests required for graduation.
Students with Disabilities
Upon the recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee, a student with disabilities
who receives special education services may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her IEP.
A student who receives special education services and has completed four years of high school, but has not met
the requirements of his or her IEP, may participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate of
attendance. Even if the student participates in graduation ceremonies to receive the certificate of attendance, he
or she may remain enrolled to complete the IEP and earn his or her high school diploma; however, the student
will only be allowed to participate in one graduation ceremony.
[See policy FMH(LEGAL).]
Please also be aware that if an ARD committee places a student with a disability on a modified curriculum in a
subject area, the student will be automatically placed in the Minimum Program, if that program is applicable
based on the school year in which the student entered high school, in accordance with state rules.
If a student receiving special education services is scheduled to graduate under the Minimum Program or in
accordance with provisions of his or her IEP, the student’s ARD committee will determine whether the general
EOC assessment is an accurate measure of the student’s achievement and progress and, if so, whether
successful performance is required for graduation, or whether an alternative assessment is more appropriate.
STAAR Alternate is the alternative assessments currently allowed by the state. [See Standardized Testing for
additional information]
ARD committees for students with disabilities who receive special education services and who are subject to the
foundation graduation program will make instructional and assessment decisions for these students in
accordance with state law and rules.
Graduation Activities
Graduation activities will include: Commencement and Operation Graduation.
53
Seniors who have failed to meet applicable exit-level testing requirements shall be allowed to participate in
commencement activities and ceremonies on only one opportunity, either before or after meeting exit-level
testing requirements. [See policy EI, EIF]
Students who have met coursework requirements for graduation but have not yet demonstrated satisfactory
performance on exit-level tests or end-of-course assessments will be allowed to participate in graduation
activities. However, please keep in mind that participating in the activities and ceremonies is not synonymous
with graduating. Ultimately, the final awarding of a diploma will be contingent upon the student’s completion
of all applicable requirements for graduation.
Graduation Speakers
Certain graduating students will be given an opportunity to have speaking roles at graduation ceremonies.
A student must meet local eligibility criteria, which may include requirements related to student conduct, to
have a speaking role. Students eligible for speaking roles will be notified by the principal and given an
opportunity to volunteer.
[For student speakers at other school events, see Student Speakers.] [See FNA(LEGAL).]
Graduation Expenses
Because students and parents will incur expenses in order to participate in the traditions of graduation—such as
the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and senior picture—both the student and parent should
monitor progress toward completion of all requirements for graduation. The expenses often are incurred in the
junior year or first semester of the senior year. [See Student Fees.]
Scholarships and Grants
1. Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended
Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program for as long as those programs are in place,
or who complete the foundation graduation program, may be eligible under the T.E.X.A.S. Grant
Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as
well as to private institutions.
2. Contact the counselor for information about other scholarships and grants available to students.
HARASSMENT
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.]
HAZING
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus directed against a
student that endangers the mental or physical health or the safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being
initiated to, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members
are or include other students.
Hazing will not be tolerated by the district. If an incident of hazing occurs, disciplinary consequences will be
handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. It is a criminal offense if a person engages in hazing;
solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in hazing; or has firsthand knowledge of an incident
of hazing being planned or having occurred and fails to report this to the principal or superintendent.
54
HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS
Student Illness
When your child is ill, please contact the school to let us know he or she won’t be attending that day. It is
important to remember that schools are required to exclude students with certain illnesses from school for
periods of time as identified in state rules. For example, if your child has a fever over 100 degrees, he or she
must stay out of school until fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. In addition, students
with diarrheal illnesses must stay home until they are diarrhea free without diarrhea-suppressing medications for
at least 24 hours. A full list of conditions for which the school must exclude children can be obtained from the
school nurse.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, he or she must receive permission from the teacher before
reporting to the school nurse. If the nurse determines that the child should go home, the nurse will contact the
parent.
The district is also required to report certain contagious (communicable) diseases or illnesses to the Texas
Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) or our local/regional health authority. The school nurse can
provide information from TDSHS on these notifiable conditions.
Contact the school nurse if you have questions or if you are concerned about whether or not your child should
stay home.
Bacterial Meningitis
State law specifically requires the district to provide the following information:
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses,
parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis
is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term
complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent
permanent damage or death.
What are the symptoms?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can
also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature,
vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both
children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
How serious is bacterial meningitis?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some
cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or
the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with
meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for
55
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/.
*Please note that, although he state literature required to be distributed by school districts has not yet
been revised, entering college students must now show, with limited exception, evidence of receiving a
bacterial meningitis vaccination prior to taking courses at an institution of higher education. Please see
the school nurse for more information, as this may affect a student who wishes to enroll in a dual credit
course taken off campus.
Also refer to Immunizations, below, for more information.
Food Allergies
The district requests to be notified when a student has been diagnosed with a food allergy, especially those
allergies that could result in dangerous or possibly life-threatening reactions either by inhalation, ingestion, or
skin contact with the particular food. It is important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic, as well
as the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse or campus principal if your child has a
known food allergy or as soon as possible after any diagnosis of a food allergy.
The district has developed and annually reviews a food allergy management plan, which addresses employee
training, dealing with common food allergens, and specific strategies for dealing with students diagnosed with
severe food allergies. When the district receives information that a student has a food allergy that puts the
student at risk for anaphylaxis, individual care plans will be developed to assist the student in safely accessing
the school environment. The district’s food allergy management plan can be accessed at the school website.
Head Lice (Pediculosis) in the School Community
56
A prehistoric survivalist, head lice (pediculosis capitus) are small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and
neck hairs of their human hosts. While much despised, lice are not known to be carriers for illnesses.
Complications of infestations are rare and usually involve secondary bacterial skin infection.
Anxiety associated with the communicable level of head lice often occurs in communities hit by the disease.
Embarrassment and social stigma frequently accompany identification of infestation. Schools may be blamed as
the source of contraction for students. As a result of this parental anxiety, schools report extended student
absences related to chronic infestation in certain students. Exclusion from school for any reason has been
correlated with truancy (Scott, Gilmer, Johannessen, 2004), as well as with poor academic performance.
The school nurse is the most knowledgeable professional in the school community and so ideally suited to
provide education and anticipatory guidance to the school community regarding "best practices" of pediculosis
management. The school nurse’s goals are to contain infestation, provide appropriate health information for
treatment and prevention, prevent overexposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, and minimize school
absence.
It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses that the management of head lice (pediculosis)
should not disrupt the education process.
West Sabine ISD will handle lice infestations in the following manner:
Children found with live head lice will be referred to parents for treatment via a personal or phone
conference. In situations where parents or guardians cannot be reached the nurse will send a note
home. In every case, student confidentially will be protected. Parents will provide date of treatment
and documentation of the insecticide used in the treatment (purchase receipt or label from container).
Data does not support school exclusion for nits therefore students will not be excluded from school
when nits remain after appropriate lice treatment, however instances of two (2) or more
infestations may result in the campus nurse and principal suspending the child(ren) until the
parents or guardian can verify that lice treatment of the home and premises has taken place.
Nurses will continue to monitor children for signs of re-infestation as appropriate.
Physical Activity for Students in Elementary and Middle School
In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, EHBG, and FFA, the district will ensure that students in full-day
prekindergarten through grade 5 engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per
day or 135 minutes per week.
Students in middle or junior high school will engage in 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity
per day for at least four semesters OR at least 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity
within each two-week period for at least four semesters.
For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding elementary, middle, and junior
high school student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council held 4 meetings. Additional
information regarding the district’s School Health Advisory Council is available from the School nurse or
principal. [See also policies at BDF and EHAA.]
57
The duties of the SHAC range from recommending curriculum to developing strategies for integrating
curriculum into a coordinated school health program encompassing school health services, counseling services,
a safe and healthy school environment, recess recommendations, and employee wellness.
[See policies at BDF and EHAA.]
Other Health-Related Matters
Physical Fitness Assessment
Annually, the district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3–12 who are enrolled in a
physical education course or a course for which physical education credit is awarded. At the end of the school
year, a parent may submit a written request to the campus principal to obtain the results of his or her child’s
physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year.
Vending Machines
The district has adopted and implemented the state and federal policies and guidelines for food service,
including the guidelines to restrict student access to vending machines. For more information regarding these
policies and guidelines, see the campus principal. (See policies at CO and FFA)
Tobacco Prohibited
Students are prohibited from possessing or using any type of tobacco product, including electronic cigarettes or
any other electronic vaporizing device, while on school property at any time or while attending an off campus
school-related activity.
The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of all tobacco products, including electronic
cigarettes or any other electronic vaporizing device, by students and others on school property and at schoolsponsored and school related activities.
[See the Student Code of Conduct (Appendix III) and policies FNCD and GKA.]
Asbestos Management Plan
The district works diligently to maintain compliance with federal and state law governing asbestos in school
buildings. A copy of the district’s Asbestos Management Plan is available in the Central Administration office.
If you have any questions or would like to examine the district’s plan in more detail, please contact Central
Administration at 409-584-2655.
Pest Management Plan
The district is required to follow integrated pest management (IPM) procedures to control pests on school
grounds. Although the district strives to use the safest and most effective methods to manage pests, including a
variety of non-chemical control measures, pesticide use is sometimes necessary to maintain adequate pest
control and ensure a safe, pest-free school environment.
All pesticides used are registered for their intended use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
and are applied only by certified pesticide applicators. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours
before indoor application. All outdoor applications will be posted at the time of treatment and signs will remain
until it is safe to enter the area. Parents who have further questions or who want to be notified prior to pesticide
application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact the campus principal or Central
Administration at 409-584-2655.
58
HOMELESS STUDENTS
For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children
and Youths, Ryan Fuller at 409-584-2525 or Deborah Lane, at 409-584-2205.
HOMEWORK
Homework is assigned to reinforce the skill or skills being taught. The amount of homework assigned depends
upon the grade level, the nature of the class, the students and the teacher. Assignments are to be completed as
per the instructions of your teacher.
IMMUNIZATION
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 (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. This form may be obtained by writing
the DSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347; or online at
https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal
or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student
in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student.
The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus,
pertussis, poliomyelitis (polio), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), and meningococcal. The
school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history
of illness required by the TDSHS. 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 a 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 TDSHS Web site:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm.]
As noted above at Bacterial Meningitis, entering college students must now, with limited exception, furnish
evidence of having received a bacterial meningitis vaccination prior to attending classes at an institution of
higher education. A student wanting to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus may be subject to this
requirement.
VACCINATIONS FOR PRE-K and KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT
Students must have the following vaccinations:
1. Hepatitis A-receive the 1st dose to begin school and 2nd dose within six months after the1st dose to remain in school.
2. Hepatitis B-must have 3 doses, or in the process of receiving scheduled vaccines.
3. DTP/DTaP-must have at least 4 doses.
4. Polio-must have 3 doses.
5. MMR- must have 1 dose on /after 1st birthday.
6. Hib-must have 1 dose on/after 15 months or 3 doses with the 3rd dose given on or after 1st birthday, and at least 2
months since dose #2.
7. PCV7 (Pneumococcal)-must have 1 dose on or after 24 months of age or 4 doses with one given after 1st birthday.
8. Varicella-must have 2 doses with the first dose given on/after 1st birthday.
59
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Questioning of Students
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.
Students Taken Into Custody
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.
Notification of Law Violations
The district is required by state law to notify:

All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for supervising a student who has been
taken into custody, arrested or referred to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain
misdemeanors.

All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student who is thought to have
committed certain offenses or who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred
adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors.

All appropriate district personnel in regards to a student who is required to register as a sex offender.
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[For further information, see policies FL(LEGAL) and GRAA(LEGAL).]
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS
A student with limited English proficiency (LEP) is entitled to receive specialized services from the district. To
determine whether the student qualifies for services, a Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC)
will be formed, which will consist of both district personnel and at least one parent representative. The student’s
parent must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC for a LEP student. However, pending the
receipt of parental consent or denial of services, an eligible student will receive the services to which the student
is entitled and eligible.
In order to determine a student’s level of proficiency in English, the LPAC will use information from a variety
of assessments. If the student qualifies for services and once a level of proficiency has been established, the
LPAC will then designate instructional accommodations or additional special programs the student will require
to eventually become proficient at grade level work in English. Ongoing assessments will be conducted to
determine a student’s continued eligibility for the program.
The LPAC will also determine whether certain accommodations are necessary for any state-mandated
assessments. The STAAR-L, as mentioned at Standardized Testing, below, may be administered to a LEP
student, or, for a student up to grade 5, a Spanish version of STAAR. In limited circumstances, a student’s
LPAC may waive certain graduation requirements related to the English I and II end-of-course (EOC)
assessments. The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) will also be administered
to LEP students who qualify for services.
If a student is considered LEP and receives special education services because of a qualifying disability, the
student’s ARD committee will make instructional and assessment decisions in conjunction with the LPAC.
LOST AND FOUND
A “lost and found” collection box is located in the campus office. If your child has lost an item, please
encourage him or her to check the lost and found box. The district discourages students from bringing to school
personal items of high monetary value, as the district is not responsible for lost or stolen items. The campus
will dispose of lost and found items at the end of each semester.
MAKEUP WORK
Makeup Work Because of Absence
For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student makeup work based on the instructional objectives for
the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or
in meeting subject or course requirements.
A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and
within the time specified by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time
allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
A student is encouraged to speak with his or her teacher if the student knows of an absence ahead of time,
including absences for extracurricular activities, so that the teacher and student may plan any work that can be
completed before or shortly after the absence. Please remember the importance of student attendance at school
and that, even though absences may be excused or unexcused, all absences account for the 90 percent threshold
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in regards to the state laws surrounding “attendance for credit or final grade.” [See also Attendance for Credit
or Final Grade.]
A student involved in an extracurricular activity must notify his or her teachers ahead of time about any
absences.
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.
Makeup Work following a Suspension
The District shall not impose a grade penalty for make-up work after an absence because of suspension.
DAEP 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, a foundation curriculum course in which
the student was enrolled at the time of removal. The district may provide the opportunity to complete the
course through an alternative method, including a correspondence course, another distance learning option, or
summer school. The district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district.
[See policy FOCA(LEGAL).]
In-school Suspension (ISS) Makeup Work
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, another distance learning option, or summer school. The
district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy
FO(LEGAL).]
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal
substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:
Only authorized employees, in accordance with policies at FFAC, may administer:

Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a
written request.

Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or
another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.

Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along
with a written request.

Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized
education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.
In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription
medication, but only:

In accordance with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor; and

When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.
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Students whose schedules provide for regular time spent outdoors, including for recess and physical education
classes, should apply sunscreen before coming to school.
For student at the elementary level, the student’s teacher or other district personnel will apply sunscreen to a
student’s exposed skin if the student brings the sunscreen to school and requests assistance with the application
of the sunscreen. Nothing prohibits a student at this level from applying his or her own sunscreen if the student
is capable of doing so.
For students at the secondary level, a student may possess and apply sunscreen when necessary. If the student
will need assistance with this application, please address the need for assistance with the school nurse.
Whether a student is at the elementary or secondary level, if sunscreen needs to be administered to treat any
type of medical condition, this should be handled through communication with the school nurse so that the
district is made aware of any safety and medical issues.
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 schoolrelated activity. See the school nurse or principal for information.
[See policy FFAF(LEGAL).]
Psychotropic Drugs
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 policy FFAC.]
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, West Sabine ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race,
religion, color, national origin, gender, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education
services, activities, and programs, including CTE programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, which incorporates and expands upon the requirements of Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following district representatives have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal
requirements:
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1. Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual
harassment or gender based harassment:
Superintendent: Mike Pate 409-584-2655
P.O. Box 869 Pineland, Texas 75968
2. ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability:
High School 504 Coordinator: Ryan Fuller PO Box 869 Pineland, Tx 75968 (409)584-2525
Elementary 504 Coordinator: Karianna Grant PO Box 869 Pineland, Tx 75968 (409)584-2205
High School Campus Principal: Ryan Fuller 409-584-2525
Elementary Campus Principal: Deborah Lane 409-584-2205
3. All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent:
Mike Pate 409-584-2655
P.O. Box 869 Pineland, Texas 75968
[See policies FB(LOCAL) and FFH(LOCAL).]
NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Saturday School
The district provides these alternatives for a student to meet the compulsory attendance requirement by
attending Saturday School. Students not meeting the TEA Compulsory attendance requirement will be required
to attend Saturday School. Failure to attend assigned Saturday Schools will automatically require placement in
ISS the first day of the following school week for three days. The ISS placement will not count toward the
compulsory attendance requirement. Students may also be assigned to Saturday School as a disciplinary
consequence, excessive tardiness or poor academic performance. The faculty and staff of West Sabine I.S.D.
may operate a ―Saturday School free of charge for the purpose of allowing students to make up excessive
absences. One day at ―Saturday School will equal one (1) day’s absence.
SATURDAY SCHOOL TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Students that miss assigned Saturday school will have truancy charges filed against them as well as the
parent or guardian.
Transportation to and from school will be the parents responsibility.
Flexible Calendar (Flex Days)
THERE ARE NO FLEX DAYS THIS YEAR.
Dual Enrollment Courses
Students gain High School Credit and College credit concurrently.
Tutorial Services
The District may provide tutorial services after school.
Summer School
The District may provide an intensive program during the period that school is recessed for the summer to assist
those students in performing at grade level in core subjects.
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Accelerated Reading Instruction Program and STAR Diagnostic Tests
New for the 2013-2014 school year, the West Sabine Elementary kindergarten students will be assessed
with the STAR Early Literacy diagnostic test on 6-10 occasions. This test will be used to diagnose areas
that are weak and need additional intensive instruction. This will also drive our interventions for
students who fall below grade level.
The West Sabine ISD has opted to use the STAR Reading Diagnostic Test along with Accelerated Reader
which are products of Renaissance Learning. Information on these products can be found at www.renlearn.com.
The STAR test, given in both Reading and Math, is a diagnostic test used at the beginning, middle, and end of
year for benchmark and tracking purposes and to determine intervention needs and to progress monitor our
students. Accelerated Reader is a reading program used daily which provides individualized reading practice for
our students and is information hosted by Renaissance Learning. Accelerated Math is a supplemental program
in use for grades 3-5. This document is intended to provide an overview and guidelines for successful
implementation.
Because STAR Reading and STAR Math are computer-adaptive assessments designed to give you accurate,
reliable, and valid data quickly so that we can make good decisions about instruction and intervention
(www.renlearn) this is the benchmark instrument our district will use. It is not designed to be changed or
modified in any way because it is used to give an accurate reading level for students. The test will be given
three times per year during the benchmark windows established by Renaissance Learning. Other testing
opportunities are available to track the growth of intervention students and to assess new students as they arrive
in our district. The test should be given in a secure and quiet environment and students must understand the
importance of the test. Only under dire circumstances will the test be repeated and only with written request
from the student’s teacher or parent and a reason must be given for a retest request. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THE TEST BE READ TO A STUDENT. This will invalidate the test results
and give a scale for a listening vocabulary and not an independent reading vocabulary. For our accommodated
students, a separate testing room can be established so that these students may read the test out lout to
themselves if needed. Please see the student’s accommodations checklist. The first test will be given within the
first two weeks of school, the second in the window just prior to the Christmas holidays, and the third
immediately following the STAAR test given in the Spring or as close to the first week of May as possible. It
will be PASSWORD protected to ensure test authenticity. For information about what the test shows, please
visit www.renlearn.com
Accelerated Reader is the Reading program that the WSISD has chosen to use. This is a supplemental program
to the direct instruction within the classrooms. Information on Accelerated Reader can also be found at
www.renlearn.com. It is built under the premise that daily practice in reading is necessary for growth to occur.
It is also designed for students to be able to practice their reading at a level that is not too hard for them. It has a
built in accommodation for learning disabled students, students with reading disabilities, and gifted readers.
Each is governed by the Grade Equivalency and the Independent Reading Level and is established by the STAR
test mentioned above. For the purpose of goals/average percent correct, the following is a guideline for reward
purposes for the 2014-2015 school year. THE 85% MASTERY LEVEL IS NECESSARY FOR GOALS TO
BE GAINED. PLEASE REMEMBER THE ALREADY BUILT IN ACCOMMODATIONS WHEN
REFERENCING THE 85%.
1ST GRADE
2
ND
3
RD
4
TH
50 POINTS
85% AVERAGE
GRADE
60 POINTS
85% AVERAGE
GRADE
75 POINTS
85% AVERAGE
GRADE
85 POINTS
85% AVERAGE
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5TH GRADE
100 POINTS
85% AVERAGE
Students will be able to begin the process almost immediately when school begins. The date to have achieved
the goal will be the end of the 5th six weeks grading period. STUDENTS MUST READ WITHIN THE
DIAGNOSED READING LEVEL AND MUST NOT HAVE BOOKS ON THE RECORD THAT FALL
BELOW THAT READING LEVEL. This will be closely monitored during each six week grading period. It is
perfectly acceptable for students to read above and below that level for the pleasure of reading; however,
keeping the student in that prescribed level for testing purposes and receipt of rewards is mandatory. Forfeiture
of rewards may be caused if a student does not adhere to the same standards as other students in that grade
level. While rewards are never promised, the West Sabine Elementary School has always seen the need to
reward students for efforts in the classroom. We hope to continue this tradition in the future. Any
questions/comments regarding the policies governing STAR Reading/STAR Math/STAR Early Literacy and/or
Accelerated Reader/Math may be directed to the office at (409)584-2205 and we will do our best to assist you.
Library Policy
The library is a learning laboratory where students can check out books and take tests on those books daily. The
school library is open between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, unless other arrangements are made. A sign
in sheet is available to keep as a log in the front of the library.
Students may use the library during the school day by obtaining a PASS from the teacher. The teacher is
responsible for the student at all times. Students will present the pass as they enter the library. The library will
supply a new folder for each student, complete with level, reading log, honesty pledge and library card. The
student MUST have this folder before checking out materials. Any lost/ruined folders will be the responsibility
of the student. PLEASE remember that with the library open to all classes during the day, it is important for
each teacher to limit the number of students sent at one time to only 3. The computers in the library are for
AR testing.
Careless use and abuse of library materials will result in the student/parent being responsible for payment to
replace those materials. If the problem persists, student use of the library and its materials may be restricted.
Students may be restricted from checking out new books until payment is made on lost/ruined books.
Grades K-3 are limited to one book per patron and grades 4-5 may have two titles at one time. The circulation
calendar will be 7 school days before a book will need to be renewed. Fines will be applied when materials are
not returned in the appropriate timeframe.
It is recommended that teachers in each classroom keep reading materials in a variety of levels on hand for
students in the event the library is inaccessible. Please feel free to check out books for your reading center/chalk
tray.
PADDLING
[See Corporal Punishment.]
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS
A student who wishes to participate in, or continue in, the district’s athletics program governed by the UIL,
must submit certification from a health-care provider authorized under UIL rules that the student has been
examined and is physically able to participate in the athletic program.
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This examination is required in the first year of middle school competition and the first and third year of high
school competition. During the alternate years, the student must complete a medical appraisal form and the
results of this appraisal may prompt the district to require a physical examination.
Students are required to undergo a risk assessment for type 2 diabetes at the same time the district screens
students for hearing and vision issues, or for abnormal spinal curvatures.
Vision and Hearing Screening at Enrollment: When a student's initial enrollment in the district
is also the student's initial enrollment in any Texas school, the student shall be screened for possible vision and
hearing problems. This screening shall occur prior to completion of the first semester of enrollment or within
130 calendar days of enrollment, whichever is longer. Students may meet this requirement by providing
evidence of screening conducted one year prior to enrollment.
The student or minor student's parent, managing conservator, or guardian, may elect to substitute one or more
professional examinations for the required screening tests.
Routine Screening: Students in kindergarten and grades 1,3,5,7, and 9 shall be screened for vision and
hearing problems annually at any time during the reporting year prior to May 31.
Spinal Screening: Students in grades 6 and 9 shall be screened for abnormal spinal curvature before the
end of the school year. This requirement may be met by a professional examination performed by a statelicensed practitioner with expertise in diagnosing spinal deformities.
Deformities: Students entering the sixth and ninth grades not previously screened shall be screened within
120 days of enrollment. The district may implement a program for conducting spinal screening in grades 5 and
8. 25 TAC 37.148(a), (c), (d)
If the screening indicates the student may have an abnormal spinal curvature, the principal shall send the
original of the screening report to the student's parent, managing conservator, or guardian along with a letter
advising of the parent's responsibility to select an appropriate health practitioner for an examination. 25 TAC
37.148 (e)
Exemption: A student is exempt from the screening requirements if the tests conflict with the tenets and
practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or a member.
The student or minor student's parent, managing conservator, or guardian shall submit to the principal on or
before the day of admission an affidavit stating the objections to screening. Art. 4419g, Sec. 4(c), V.A.T.s.;
Art.4477-70, Sec.2 e), V.A.T.S.
Annual Report: Each school shall submit to the Texas Department of Health by June 30 of each year an
annual report on the screening status of the individuals in attendance during the reporting year and shall include
in the report any other information required by the Board of Health. The report shall be on a form prescribed by
the Health Department and submitted according to Board of Health rules. Art. 4419g, Sec. 4(f), V.A.T.S.; 25
TAC 37.26(c)(3); 25 TAC 37.148(m)
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE
Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from
reciting a pledge. [See Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags.]
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State law requires that one minute of silence 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. In addition, state law requires that each campus provide for the observance
of one minute of silence at the beginning of the first class period when September 11 falls on a regular school
day in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more
information.]
PRAYER
Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that
does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not encourage, require, or coerce
a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the
subject matter of the course or grade level, the recommendation of the student’s teacher, the score received on
any criterion-referenced or state-mandated assessment, and any other necessary academic information as
determined by the district. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on
course-level or grade-level standards.
In grades 1–8, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100
based on course-level, grade-level standards (essential knowledge and skills) for all subject areas and a grade of
70 or above in the following areas: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
In grades 9–12, grade-level advancement for students shall be earned by course credits. [See policy EI]
Promotion standards and appropriate assessment and acceleration options, as established by individualized
education programs (IEP) or grade-level classification of students eligible for special education, shall be
determined by the ARD committee.
In assessing students of limited English proficiency for mastery of the essential knowledge and skills, the
District shall be flexible in determining methods to allow the students to demonstrate knowledge or competency
independent of their English language skills in the following ways:
1. Assessment in the primary language.
2. Assessment using ESL methodologies.
3. Assessment with multiple varied instruments.
[See EHBE]
In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with limited exceptions—will be required to pass the State of
Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any
day between January 1 and the date of the first administration of the STAAR.
4. In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform satisfactorily on the
mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5 assessments in English or Spanish.
5. In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the
mathematics and reading sections of the grade 8 assessments in English.
If a student in grade 5 or 8 is enrolled in a course that earns high school credit and for which an end-of-course
(EOC) assessment will be administered or in a course intended for students above the student’s current grade
level in which the student will be administered a state mandated assessment, the student will not be subject to
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the promotion requirements described above for the relevant grade 5 or 8 assessment. However, for federal
accountability purposes, the student may be required to take both the grade level assessment and EOC
assessment.
If a student at any grade level is enrolled in a class or course intended for students above his or her current grade
level in which the student will be administered a state mandated assessment, the student will be required to take
an applicable state mandated assessment only for the course in which he or she is enrolled, unless otherwise
required to do so by federal law.
Parents of a student at any grade level at or above grade 3 who does not perform satisfactorily on his or her
exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve
performance. The student may be required to participate in this instruction before or after normal school hours
or outside of the normal school year. Failure of a student to attend these programs may result in violations of
required school attendance as well as the student not being promoted to the next grade level.
A student in grade 5 or 8 will have two additional opportunities to take a failed assessment. If a student fails a
second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s
parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the
student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student
to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the district, the decision of the committee must be
unanimous and the student must complete additional special instruction before beginning the next grade level.
Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the
student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policies at EIE.]
Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for
exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special
education director.
A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student at the middle school or junior high level
who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment or is determined by the district as not likely
to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be
designed and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal.
The plan will, among other items, identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational
expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruction program for the student. [For additional
information, see the counselor or principal and policy EIF(LEGAL).] For a student receiving special education
services, the student’s IEP may serve as the student’s PGP and would therefore be developed by the student’s
ARD committee.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
Because class time is important, early release (parents picking students up
early), will not be allowed.
Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the
student will not miss instructional time.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning
and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will not be
released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal or superintendent has
granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the
end of the instructional day.
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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 / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES
Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to
parents at least once every 6 weeks.
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period or during the fourth week of a nine week grading period,
parents will be given a written progress report if their child’s performance in any course is near or below 70, or
is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject
at the end of a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that
class or subject. [See Working Together on for how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the Superintendent pursuant to the boardadopted policy and are designed to reflect each student’s relative mastery of each assignment for the grading
period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed
unless the board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow
the district’s grading policy.
[See policy EIA(LOCAL) and Grading Guidelines.]
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).
The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who
receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.
Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and returned to the school within
3 days.
State statue changed recently. Grades on class assignments and report cards, will accurately reflect how
well students have mastered the curriculum / coursework. If students scored lower than a 50, that score
will be posted on grade reports in accordance with state law.
RETALIATION
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation .]
SAFETY
Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority of the district. Although the district has
implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensuring school safety. A student
should:

Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or others 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.
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
Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are
overseeing the welfare of students.
Accident Insurance
Soon after the school year begins, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that
would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child.
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies
From time to time, students, teachers, and other district employees will participate in drills of emergency
procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge
quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
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
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information
If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached,
the school may have to rely on previously provided 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-todate (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.
Emergency School-Closing Information
Each year, parents are asked to complete an emergency release form to provide contact information in the event
that school is dismissed early or opening is delayed because of severe weather or another emergency.
KTHP (Hemphill) – 103.9
KYKS (Lufkin) – 105.1
KTRE (Lufkin) – Channel 9
KJAS (Jasper)- 107.3
West Sabine also has an automated calling system to notify parents of emergency school closings; please make
sure all contact information is up to date in offices so that you will receive all announcements.
SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS
[See Standardized Testing ]
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Use by Students Before and After School
Certain areas of the school will be accessible to students before and after school for specific purposes. Students
are required to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take place.
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The following areas are open to Junior High and High School students before school, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Hallways

Cafeterias

Libraries
The following areas are to open to Elementary students before school, beginning at 7 a.m.

Hallway near office
Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to
another area of the building or campus.
After dismissal of school in the afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under the supervision of a teacher,
students must leave campus immediately.
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 Class Time
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.
In addition to the above students will observe the 10-10 rule. The 10-10 policy states no students will be
allowed outside the classroom for any reason during the first 10 minutes of class or the last 10 minutes of class.
Library
The library is a learning laboratory where students can check out books and take tests on those books daily. The
school library is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., unless other arrangements are made.
Students may use the library during the school day by obtaining a PASS from the teacher. The teacher is
responsible for the students at all times. Students will present the pass as they enter the library. The library will
supply a new folder for each student, complete with level, reading log, honesty pledge and library card. The
student MUST have this folder before checking out materials. Any lost/ruined folders will be the responsibility
of the student. PLEASE remember that with the library open to all classes during the day, it is important for
each teacher to limit the number of students sent at one time to only 3. The computers in the library are for AR
testing.
Careless use and abuse of library materials will result in the student/parent being responsible for payment to
replace those materials. If the problem persists, student use of the library and its materials may be restricted.
Students may be restricted from checking out new books until payment is made on lost/ruined books.
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Grades K-3 are limited to one book per patron and grades 4-5 may have two titles at one time. The circulation
calendar will be 7 school days before a book will need to be renewed. Fines will be applied when materials are
not returned in the appropriate timeframe.
It is recommended that teachers in each classroom keep reading materials in a variety of levels on hand for
students in the event the library is inaccessible. Please feel free to check out books for your reading center/chalk
tray.
Meetings of Non Curriculum-Related Groups
Student-organized, student-led non curriculum-related groups are permitted to meet during the hours designated
by the principal before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements of policy
FNAB(LOCAL).
A list of these groups is available in the principal’s office.
SEARCHES
In the interest of promoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools are safe and drug free, district
officials may from time to time conduct searches. Such searches are conducted without a warrant and as
permitted by law.
Students’ Desks and Lockers
Students’ desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control and jurisdiction of the school even
when assigned to an individual student.
Students are fully responsible for the security and contents of their assigned desks and lockers. Students must
be certain that their lockers are locked, and that the combinations are not available to others.
Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time.
The parent will be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk or locker.
Electronic Devices
Use of district-owned equipment and its network systems is not private and will be monitored by the district.
[See policy CQ for more information.]
Any searches of personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices will be conducted in
accordance with law, and the device may be confiscated in order to perform a lawful search. A confiscated
device may be turned over to law enforcement to determine whether a crime has been committed.
[See policy FNF(LEGAL) for more information.]
Vehicles on Campus
Vehicles parked on school property or parking areas contracted /authorized for district parking, are under the
jurisdiction of the school. School officials may search any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause to do so,
with or without the permission of the student. A student has full responsibility for the security and content of
his or her vehicle and must make certain that it is locked and that the keys are not given to others. [See the
Student Code of Conduct in Appendix III.]
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A West Sabine Secondary School student who drives a vehicle to school shall park on the school parking lots.
All West Sabine Secondary School students must register any vehicle they will park on campus when they preregister for school.
Vehicles are required to have a valid parking permit. Permits will be available to students for $5.00 per vehicle.
In order for a student to purchase a parking permit they must show proof of a valid driver’s license and proof of
liability insurance with the student’s name on the policy.
To leave campus during the school day, students must have official school approval and must sign out in the
office. Truancy referrals and In-School Suspension (as well as absences) will be given for failure to sign-out in
the office. Further discipline action will be taken as necessary.
Students are not allowed to sit in/or on parked vehicles. Neither are they allowed to carry on prolonged
conversations with visitors in vehicles. Curbside conversations with anyone in a vehicle are strictly prohibited.
All students must ride inside vehicles, and the vehicle must not be overcrowded.
Once a student enters the parking area, he will park his or her vehicle and leave the parking area and come into
the school building. Do not loiter in or about the parking areas. Teachers will park in the designated areas. Any
student who parks in these reserved areas will be subject to disciplinary action. Students will only park in
designated student parking areas.
Trained Dogs
The district will use trained dogs to alert school officials to the presence of prohibited or illegal items, including
drugs and alcohol. At any time, trained dogs may be used around lockers and the areas around vehicles parked
on school property. Searches of classrooms, common areas, or student belongings may also be conducted by
trained dogs when students are not present. An item in a classroom, a locker, or a vehicle to which a trained
dog alerts may be searched by school officials.
Drug Testing
Prior to participating in extracurricular activities, a student in grades 7–12 and his or her parent or guardian
shall give written permission for the student to be tested for the use of alcohol and the following drugs:
Amphetamines
Dilaudid
Pentazocine
Barbiturates
Glutethamide
Phenothizaines
Cannabinoid
Meprodomate
Propoxythlene
(Marijuana)
Methaqualone
Quinine
Cocaine
Morphine
Tricylin
Codeine
Percodan
Drug-Testing TESTING PROCEDURES
Extra-curricular participants will be randomly tested when they begin participation in an activity. The test will
include boys and girls in all extra-curricular activities in grades 7-12.
RANDOM TESTING
Periodic random testing will continue throughout the school year.
Failure to sign such an agreement shall mean the exclusion of the student from participation in any
extracurricular programs. All such students shall be tested prior to participation and on a random
basis throughout the school year. For the random testing, each student shall be assigned a number.
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The 3rd party administrator (Drug Testing Company) shall draw ten student numbers each month to determine
which students shall be tested that month. If the student has been or is presently on medication, he or she shall
present a physician’s notice of the prescribed medication prior to drug testing.
Please note: Each offense listed below will be in addition to the District’s Student Code of Conduct.
First Offense
The first time a student’s test result is positive, the District shall:
1. Notify the parent or guardian of the positive test result and the consequences of a first offense.
2. Suspend the student from participation in extracurricular contests and performances until:
a. Thirty days have elapsed; and
b. The parent or guardian comes to the school for a conference with the principal or activity director and
the student.
3. Permit the student to participate in practice, but not to travel to, participate in, or attend contests during the
suspension.
4. Permit the student to return to full participation status following the 30-day suspension only if the
student, at his or her own expense, is retested with a negative result. A positive result shall be
considered a second offense. See below.
5. Establish the length of time, as determined by the principal, that the student shall attend mandatory
counseling.
Second Offense
The second time that a student’s test result is positive, the District shall:
1. Notify the parent or guardian of the positive test result and the consequences of a second offense.
2. Remove the student from all extracurricular programs for the remainder of the school year.
counseling.
Third Offense
The third time that a student’s test result is positive, the District shall:
1. Notify the parent or guardian of the positive test result and the consequences of a third offense.
2. Prohibit the student from participating in any extracurricular programs for the remainder of his or
her public school career in the District.
counseling.
[For further information, see policy FNF(LOCAL). Also, see Steroids.]
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students, bilingual students,
migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, or who are English language learners, students
diagnosed with dyslexia, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions
about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations.
A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact Deborah Lane at 409-584-2205 or Ryan
Fuller at 409-584-2525.
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STANDARDIZED TESTING
SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test)
Many colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for
admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the counselor early during their junior year to determine the
appropriate exam to take; these exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year.
The Preliminary SAT(PSAT) and ACT-Plan are the corresponding preparatory and readiness assessments for
the SAT and ACT, Beginning in April 2014, the ACT-Plan has been replaced by the ACT-Aspire, and more
information can be obtained on these assessments from the school counselor.
Note that participation in these assessments may qualify a student to receive a performance acknowledgement
on his or her diploma and transcript under the foundation graduation program and may qualify as a substitute
for an end of course testing requirement in certain circumstances.
STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness)
Grades 3–8
In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take statemandated assessments, such as the STAAR, in the following subjects:





Mathematics, annually in grades 3-8
Reading, annually in grades 3-8
Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
Science in grades 5 and 8
Social Studies in grade 8
Successful performance on the reading and math assessments in grades 5 and 8 is required by law, unless the
student is enrolled in a reading or math course intended for students above the student’s current grade level, in
order for the student to be promoted to the next grade level.
[See Promotion and Retention ]
STAAR Alternate, for students receiving special education services, who meet certain state-established criteria,
will be available for eligible students, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR-L is a linguistically accommodated assessment that is available for certain limited English proficient
(LEP) students, as determined by the student’s Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC). A
Spanish version of STAAR is also available to students through grade 5 who need this accommodation.
The 2011-2012 school year was the first year of implementation of the STAAR testing program. STAAR
results are sent home as soon as they are received by the campus.
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Grades 9-12
STAAR end of course (EOC) assessments are administered for the following courses:



Algebra I
English I, English II
Biology
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
United States History
Satisfactory performance on the applicable assessments will be required for graduation, unless otherwise
waived or substituted as allowed by state law and rules.
There are three testing windows during the year in which a student may take an EOC assessment, which will
occur during the fall, spring, and summer months. If a student does not meet satisfactory performance, the
student will have additional opportunities to retake the assessment.
In each content area (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies), a student must achieve a
cumulative score. To determine whether the student meets the cumulative score, the student’s EOC assessment
scores in each content area will be added together. If the student’s total score on the assessments within the
content area is not equal to or greater than the cumulative score set by TEA, the student may retake any of the
assessments in that content area until the student achieves the cumulative score. A student who does not achieve
the minimum required score on any individual assessment will be required to retake that assessment.
A student may choose to retake an EOC assessment in situations other than those listed above as well.
STAAR Alternate, for students receiving special education services who meet certain criteria established by the
state, will be available for eligible students, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
A student’s ARD Committee will determine whether successful performance on the EOC assessments will be
required for graduation within the parameters identified in state rules and the student’s personal graduation plan.
STAAR-L, which is a linguistically accommodated assessments, will be available for students who have been
determined to be limited English proficient (LEP) and who require this type of testing accommodation.
[Also see Graduation]
TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment
Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take a standardized test called
the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment. The purpose of the TSI assessment is to assess the reading,
mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshmen-level students should have if they are to perform
effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges and universities. This
assessment may be required before a student enrolls in a dual-credit course offered through the district as well.
Achieving certain benchmark scores on this assessment for college readiness may also waive certain end of
course assessment requirements in limited circumstances.
STEROIDS
State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid.
Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.
Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic
steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.
Students participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. More information
on the UIL testing program may be found on the UIL Web site at http://www.uiltexas.org/health/steroidinformation.
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STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE
In an effort to provide educational stability, the district strives to assist any student who is currently placed or
newly placed in foster care (temporary or permanent custody of the state) with the enrollment and registration
process as well as other educational services throughout the student’s enrollment in the district.
A student who is place in foster care and who is moved outside of the district’s attendance boundaries is entitled
to continue in enrollment at the school he or she was attending prior to the placement until the student reaches
the highest grade level at the particular school. In addition, if a student in grade 11 or 12 is transferred to
another district and does not meet the graduation requirements of the transferring district, the student can
request to receive a diploma from the previous district if he or she meets the criteria to graduate from the
previous district.
Please contact the campus principal who has been designated as the district’s foster care liaison with any
questions.
STUDENT SPEAKERS
The district provides students the opportunity to introduce the following school events: morning
announcements, awards banquets, awards ceremonies, National Honor Society inductions.
If a student meets the eligibility criteria and wishes to introduce one of the school events listed above, the
student should submit his or her name in accordance with policy FNA(LOCAL).
[See policy FNA(LOCAL) regarding other speaking opportunities and Graduation for information related to
student speech at graduation ceremonies.]
SUICIDE AWARENESS
The district is committed to partnering with parents to support the healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral
development of its students. If you are concerned about your child, please access the following Web sites or
contact he school counselor for more information related to suicide prevention and to find mental health
services available in your area:

http://www.texassuicideprevention.org/

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhservices-search/
SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer school will be held June 8, 2015-July 3, 2015 for both campuses.
Elementary Summer School
Eligibility/Qualification:
Students that are failing any core subjects; reading, English, language arts, math, and science will be required to
attend summer school.
Students reading below grade level will also be required to attend summer school.
Students who fail any part of the STAAR test.
Focus:
Students will receive intense instruction in core subjects.
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Jr High School Summer School
Eligibility/Qualification:
Students that are failing any core subjects; reading, English, language arts, math, and science will be required to
attend summer school.
Students reading below grade level will also be required to attend summer school.
Students will receive intense instruction in core subjects.
High School Summer School
Programs:
 HS Credit Recovery - students in grades 9-12 who failed a course
 Credit Recovery for the following courses: English III, English IV,


U.S. History, Government, Economics,
World History, and World Geography.
Direct instruction for the following courses: Spanish I, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, IPC Biology,
English I, English II, and ESOL Reading
11th and 12th grade only TAKS Preparation - Students who failed Exit Level ELA, Science, Social Studies
and/or Math TAKS.
TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)
[See Standardized Testing ]
TARDY POLICY
Elementary Campus:
Students are required to be at school on time each day, and excessive tardiness will affect their yearly
attendance. For every 4th tardy, the student will be counted absent for one day.
High School Campus:
Four-minute intermissions are scheduled between classes for students to transfer to the next class and attend to
personal business. In junior high and high school, it is the responsibility of the students to be punctual to all
classes. A student is considered tardy to class if he/she is not in their assigned desks/spots when the tardy bell
rings.
Tardies are accounted for as follows:
First Tardy
Written warning sent home.
Second & Third Tardies
After-School Detention per tardy or Corporal Punishment
Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Tardies
One day of Saturday School per tardy or Corporal Punishment
Seventh Tardy Two days of Saturday School per tardy assigned and the parents or guardian must bring
student to school, attend a conference concerning this problem. The parent conference will discuss the repeated
disruption of the learning process which is addressed in Chapter 37 of the Education Code. Chapter 37 states that a
student who disrupts the teaching / learning cycle may be removed and placed in the DAEP.
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TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL
EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbooks and other district-approved instructional materials are provided to students free of charge for each
subject or class. Any books must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care.
Electronic textbooks and technological equipment may also be provided to students, depending on the course
and course objectives. A student who is issued a damaged item should report the damage to the teacher. Any
student failing to return an item in acceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and technological
equipment until the item is returned or the damage paid for by the parent; however, the student will be provided
the necessary instructional resources and equipment for use at school during the school day.
TRANSFERS
The principal is authorized to transfer a student from one classroom to another.
TRANSPORTATION
School-Sponsored Trips
Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to
and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent makes a written request that
the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.
Buses and Other School Vehicles
The district makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school.
This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school
and on the district’s Web site.
A parent may also designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off
location for his or her child. The designated facility or residence must be on an approved stop on an approved
route. For information on bus routes and stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may
contact campus principal or secretary. Elementary 409-584-2205 HS 409-584-2525
See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the 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.

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.
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
Fasten their seat belts, if available.

Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus or van and before crossing in front of the vehicle.
Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be
suspended.
VANDALISM
The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep
of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended—both this year
and for years to come—littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be
required to pay for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well as disciplinary
consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Student parking on the West Sabine High School campus is a privilege. All students are required to register their
vehicles in order to park in authorized student parking areas. The following must be provided in order to receive a
parking permit:
 A valid Texas Driver’s license

Proof of Insurance

Parking permission form to be submitted to the office

All students must clear all fees and fines prior to applying for a parking permit
Established parking rules and regulation will be strictly enforced. Unless approved by an administrator, the only
authorized area for student parking is in the student parking lot.
Parking Permits
The cost of a student-parking permit is $5.00. For safety and security reasons, any student driving on campus is
expected to properly display a valid WHS Parking Permit at all times. A student who fails to display a valid
parking permit is subject to have his/her vehicle towed. Unless approved by an administrator, the only
authorized area for student parking is in the student parking lot. Parking in unauthorized areas, such as the
faculty parking lot, areas adjacent to the band hall, or Vocational Ag. shop, will result in the student losing their
parking privileges and other disciplinary action may result. Students parking in the teacher’s parking lot without
an authorized parking pass are subject to having the vehicle towed. The following is a list of basic driving and
parking rules on the WHS campus speed limit is 10 mph. Students seen surpassing this limit are subject to
disciplinary actions and loss of driving privileges. Students driving through/parked in the bus lane between
7:30am and 3:35pm are subject to disciplinary actions. Students that violate state law and pass a bus when the
bus’s stoplights are activated will be subject to disciplinary actions and may receive legal action.
Driving on campus is a privilege and not a right. This privilege may be revoked at any time by campus
administration. Note: It is a violation of school policy for a student to give or loan their parking permit to
another student, Incidents of this nature will result in the loss of the student’s parking privileges.
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VIDEO CAMERAS
For safety purposes, video and audio recording equipment is used to monitor student behavior, including on
buses and in common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used.
The principal will review the video and audio recordings routinely and document student misconduct.
Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
General Visitors
Parents and others are welcome to visit district schools. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid
disruption of instructional time, all visitors must first report to the principal’s office and must comply with all
applicable district policies and procedures.
Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and
teacher and only so long as their duration or frequency does not interfere with the delivery of instruction or
disrupt the normal school environment.
All visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will
not be permitted.
Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students
On High School Career Day the district invites representatives from colleges and universities and other higher
education institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters to present information to interested
students.
VOTER REGISTRATION
A student who is eligible to vote in any local, state, or federal election may obtain a voter registration
application at the main campus office.
WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL
A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent
at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. The parent may obtain a
withdrawal form from the principal’s office.
On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and
book and equipment clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the clinic for health records; to
the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the
withdrawal form will be given to the student, and a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent record.
A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor
may withdraw without parental signature.
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Glossary
Accelerated instruction is an intensive supplemental program designed to address the needs of an individual
student in acquiring the knowledge and skills required at his or her grade level and/or as a result of a student not
meeting the passing standard on a state-mandated assessment.
ACT-Aspire refers to an assessment that took the place of ACT-Plan and is designed as a preparatory and
readiness assessment for the ACT. This is usually taken by students in grade 10.
ACT refers to one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions exams: the American
College Test. The test may be a requirement for admission to certain colleges or universities.
ARD is the admission, review, and dismissal committee convened for each student who is identified as needing
a full and individual evaluation for special education services. The eligible student and his or her parents are
members of the committee.
Attendance review committee is responsible for reviewing a student’s absences when the student’s attendance
drops below 90 percent, or in some cases 75 percent, of the days the class is offered. Under guidelines adopted
by the board, the committee will determine whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences and
whether the student needs to complete certain conditions to master the course and regain credit lost because of
absences.
DAEP stands for disciplinary alternative education program, a placement for students who have violated certain
provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
EOC assessments are end-of-course tests, which are state-mandated, and are part of the STAAR program.
Successful performance on EOC assessments are required for graduation beginning with. These exams will be
given in English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and United States History.
FERPA refers to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that grants specific privacy protections
to student records. The law contains certain exceptions, such as for directory information, unless a student’s
parent or a student 18 or older directs the school not to release directory information.
IEP is the written record of the individualized education program prepared by the ARD committee for a student
with disabilities who is eligible for special education services. The IEP contains several parts, such as a
statement of the student’s present educational performance; a statement of measurable annual goals, with shortterm objectives; the special education and related services and supplemental aids and services to be provided,
and program modifications or support by school personnel; a statement regarding how the student’s progress
will be measured and how the parents will be kept informed; accommodations for state or district wide tests;
whether successful completion of state-mandated assessments is required for graduation, etc.
ISS refers to in-school suspension, a disciplinary technique for misconduct found in the Student Code of
Conduct. Although different from out-of-school suspension and placement in a DAEP, ISS removes the student
from the regular classroom.
NCLB Act is the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
PGP stands for Personal Graduation Plan, which is recommended required for high school students and for any
student in middle school who fails a section on a state-mandated test or is identified by the district as not likely
to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year after he or she begins grade 9.
PSAT is the preparatory and readiness assessment for the SAT.
83
SAT refers to one of the most frequently used college or university admissions exams: the Scholastic Aptitude
Test. The test may be a requirement for admissions to certain colleges or universities.
SHAC stands for School Health Advisory Council, a group of at least five members, a majority of whom must
be parents, appointed by the school board to assist the district in ensuring that local community values and
health issues are reflected in the district’s health education instruction.
Section 504 is the federal law that prohibits discrimination against a student with a disability, requiring schools
to provide opportunities for equal services, programs, and participation in activities. Individuals will receive a
general education with appropriate instructional accommodations.
STAAR is the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, the state’s system of standardized academic
achievement assessments, effective beginning with certain students for the 2011-2012 school year.
STAAR Alternate is an alternative state-mandated assessment designed for students with severe cognitive
disabilities receiving special education services who meet the participation requirements, as determined by the
student’s ARD committee.
STAAR Linguistically Accommodated (STAAR L) is an alternative state-mandated assessment with
linguistic accommodations designed for certain recent immigrant English language learners.
State-mandated assessments are required of students at certain grade levels and in specified subjects.
Successful performance sometimes is a condition of promotion, and passing the STAAR EOC assessments, is a
condition of graduation. Students have multiple opportunities to take the tests if necessary for promotion or
graduation.
Student Code of Conduct is developed with the advice of the district-level committee and adopted by the
board and identifies the circumstances, consistent with law, when a student may be removed from the classroom
or campus. It also sets out the conditions that authorize or require the principal or another administrator to place
the student in a DAEP. It outlines conditions for out-of-school suspension and for expulsion. The Student Code
of Conduct also addresses notice to the parent regarding a student’s violation of one of its provisions.
TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, which assesses the progress
that English language learners make in learning the English language, and is administered for those who meet
the participation requirements in kindergarten–grade 12.
TSI assessment is the Texas Success Initiative assessment designed to measure the reading, mathematics,
and writing skills that entering college-level freshmen students should have if they are to be successful in
undergraduate programs in Texas public colleges and universities.
TxVSN is the Texas Virtual School Network, which provides online courses for Texas students to supplement
the instructional programs of public school districts. Courses are taught by qualified instructors, and courses are
equivalent in rigor and scope to a course taught in a traditional classroom setting.
UIL refers to the University Interscholastic League, the statewide voluntary nonprofit organization that
oversees educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests.
84
Table of Contents
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ................................................................................................ 1
Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 1
School District Authority and Jurisdiction ..................................................................................... 2
Reporting Crimes ........................................................................................................................ 2
Revoking Transfers ..................................................................................................................... 2
Participating in Graduation Activities ........................................................................................ 3
Standards for Student Conduct ....................................................................................................... 4
General Conduct Violations ............................................................................................................ 5
Disregard for Authority............................................................................................................... 5
Mistreatment of Others ............................................................................................................... 5
Property Offenses........................................................................................................................ 6
Possession of Prohibited Items ................................................................................................... 6
Possession of Telecommunications or Other Electronic Devices............................................... 6
Illegal, Prescription, and Over-the-Counter Drugs ..................................................................... 7
Misuse of Technology Resources and the Internet ..................................................................... 7
Safety Transgressions ................................................................................................................. 8
Miscellaneous Offenses .............................................................................................................. 8
Discipline Management Techniques ............................................................................................... 9
Students with Disabilities ........................................................................................................... 9
Techniques .................................................................................................................................. 9
Notification ............................................................................................................................... 10
Appeals ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Removal from the School Bus ...................................................................................................... 11
Removal from the Regular Educational Setting ........................................................................... 12
Routine Referral ........................................................................................................................ 12
Formal Removal........................................................................................................................ 12
Returning Student to Classroom ............................................................................................... 12
Out-of-School Suspension ............................................................................................................ 13
Misconduct ................................................................................................................................ 13
Process ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement ................................................ 14
Discretionary Placement: Misconduct That May Result in DAEP Placement ......................... 14
i
Table of Contents
Misconduct Identified in State Law ...................................................................................... 14
Mandatory Placement: Misconduct That Requires DAEP Placement ...................................... 15
Sexual Assault and Campus Assignments ................................................................................ 16
Emergencies .............................................................................................................................. 16
Process ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Conference ................................................................................................................................ 16
Placement Order.................................................................................................................... 16
Coursework Notice ............................................................................................................... 16
Length of Placement ................................................................................................................. 17
Exceeds One Year ................................................................................................................. 17
Exceeds School Year ............................................................................................................ 17
Exceeds 60 Days ................................................................................................................... 17
Appeals ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Restrictions during Placement .................................................................................................. 18
Placement Review ..................................................................................................................... 18
Additional Misconduct.............................................................................................................. 18
Notice of Criminal Proceedings ................................................................................................ 18
Withdrawal during Process ....................................................................................................... 19
Newly Enrolled Students .......................................................................................................... 19
Emergency Placement Procedure ............................................................................................. 20
Placement and/or Expulsion for Certain Offenses ........................................................................ 21
Registered Sex Offenders ......................................................................................................... 21
Review Committee................................................................................................................ 21
Newly Enrolled Student ........................................................................................................ 21
Appeal ................................................................................................................................... 21
Certain Felonies ........................................................................................................................ 21
Hearing and Required Findings ............................................................................................ 22
Length of Placement ............................................................................................................. 22
Newly Enrolled Students ...................................................................................................... 23
Expulsion ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Discretionary Expulsion: Misconduct That May Result in Expulsion ..................................... 24
Any Location ........................................................................................................................ 24
At School, Within 300 Feet, or at a School Event ................................................................ 24
Within 300 Feet of School .................................................................................................... 25
Table of Contents
Property of Another District ................................................................................................. 25
While in DAEP ..................................................................................................................... 25
Mandatory Expulsion: Misconduct That Requires Expulsion .................................................. 26
Under Federal Law ........................................................................................................... 26
Under the Texas Penal Code ............................................................................................. 26
Under Age Ten .......................................................................................................................... 27
Emergency ................................................................................................................................ 27
Process ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Hearing .................................................................................................................................. 28
Board Review of Expulsion .................................................................................................. 28
Expulsion Order .................................................................................................................... 28
Length of Expulsion.................................................................................................................. 28
Withdrawal during Process ....................................................................................................... 29
Additional Misconduct.............................................................................................................. 29
Restrictions during Expulsion ................................................................................................... 29
Newly Enrolled Students .......................................................................................................... 29
Emergency Expulsion Procedures ............................................................................................ 30
DAEP Placement of Expelled Students .................................................................................... 30
Glossary ........................................................................................................................................ 31
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 36
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Purpose
The Student Code of Conduct is the district’s response to the requirements of Chapter 37 of the
Texas Education Code.
The Code provides methods and options for managing students in the classroom and on school
grounds, disciplining students, and preventing and intervening in student discipline problems.
The law requires the district to define misconduct that may—or must—result in a range of
specific disciplinary consequences including removal from a regular classroom or campus, outof-school suspension, placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP), or
expulsion from school.
This Student Code of Conduct has been adopted by the West Sabine ISD Board of Trustees and
developed with the advice of the district-level committee. This Code provides information to
parents and students regarding standards of conduct, consequences of misconduct, and
procedures for administering discipline. It remains in effect during summer school and at all
school-related events and activities outside of the school year until an updated version adopted
by the board becomes effective for the next school year.
In accordance with state law, the Code shall be posted at each school campus or shall be
available for review at the office of the campus principal. Additionally, the Code shall be posted
on the district’s Web site. Parents shall be notified of any conduct violation that may result in a
student being suspended, placed in a DAEP, or expelled.
Because the Student Code of Conduct is adopted by the district’s board of trustees, it has the
force of policy; therefore, in case of conflict between the Code and the student handbook, the
Code shall prevail.
Please Note: The discipline of students with disabilities who are eligible for services under
federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973) is subject to the provisions of those laws.
1
School District Authority and Jurisdiction
School rules and the authority of the district to administer discipline apply whenever the interest
of the district is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes
and school-sponsored activities.
The district has disciplinary authority over a student:
1. During the regular school day and while the student is going to and from school or a schoolsponsored or school-related activity on district transportation;
2. During lunch periods in which a student is allowed to leave campus;
3. While the student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or
location;
4. For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location;
5. When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of
time or location;
6. When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event;
7. For certain offenses committed within 300 feet of school property as measured from any
point on the school’s real property boundary line;
8. For certain offenses committed while on school property or while attending a schoolsponsored or school-related activity of another district in Texas;
9. When the student commits a felony, as provided by Education Code 37.006 or 37.0081; and
10. When the student is required to register as a sex offender.
The district has the right to search a vehicle driven to school by a student and parked on school
property whenever there is reasonable cause to believe it contains articles or materials prohibited
by the district.
The district has the right to search a student’s locker or desk when there is reasonable cause to
believe it contains articles or materials prohibited by the district.
OR
District administrators conduct routine blanket inspections and searches of lockers and desks.
Reporting Crimes
School administrators shall report crimes as required by law and shall call local law enforcement
when an administrator suspects that a crime has been committed on campus.
Revoking Transfers
The district has the right to revoke the transfer of a nonresident student for violating the district’s
Code.
2
School District Authority and Jurisdiction
Participating in Graduation Activities
The district has the right to limit a student’s participation in graduation activities for violating the
district’s Code.
Participation might include a speaking role, as established by district policy and procedures.
Students eligible to give the opening and closing remarks at graduation shall be notified by the
campus principal. Notwithstanding any other eligibility requirements, in order to be considered
as an eligible student to give the opening or closing remarks, a student shall not have engaged in
any misconduct in violation of the district’s Code resulting in an out-of-school suspension,
removal to a DAEP, or expulsion during the semester immediately preceding graduation.
The valedictorian and salutatorian may also have speaking roles at graduation. No student shall
be eligible to have such a speaking role if he or she engaged in any misconduct in violation of
the district’s Code resulting in an out-of-school suspension, removal to a DAEP, or expulsion
during the semester immediately preceding graduation.
3
Standards for Student Conduct
Each student is expected to:

Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not.

Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.

Attend all classes, regularly and on time.

Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.

Meet district and campus standards of grooming and dress.

Obey all campus and classroom rules.

Respect the rights and privileges of students, teachers, and other district staff and volunteers.

Respect the property of others, including district property and facilities.

Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

Adhere to the requirements of the Student Code of Conduct.
4
General Conduct Violations
The categories of conduct below are prohibited at school, in vehicles owned or operated by the
district, and at all school-related activities, but the list does not include the most severe offenses.
In the subsequent sections on Out-of-School Suspension, DAEP Placement, Placement and/or
Expulsion for Certain Offenses, and Expulsion, certain offenses that require or permit specific
consequences are listed. Any offense, however, may be severe enough to result in Removal from
the Regular Educational Setting as detailed in that section.
Disregard for Authority
Students shall not:

Fail to comply with directives given by school personnel (insubordination).

Leave school grounds or school-sponsored events without permission.

Disobey rules for conduct on district vehicles.

Refuse to accept discipline management techniques assigned by a teacher or principal.
Mistreatment of Others
Students shall not:

Use profanity or vulgar language or make obscene gestures.

Fight or scuffle. (For assault see DAEP Placement and Expulsion.)

Threaten a district student, employee, or volunteer, including off school property, if the
conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Engage in bullying, harassment, or making hit lists. (See glossary for all three terms.)

Engage in conduct that constitutes sexual or gender-based harassment or sexual abuse,
whether by word, gesture, or any other conduct, directed toward another person, including a
district student, employee, or volunteer.

Engage in conduct that constitutes dating violence. (See glossary.)

Engage in inappropriate or indecent exposure of private body parts.

Participate in hazing. (See glossary.)

Cause an individual to act through the use of or threat of force (coercion).

Commit extortion or blackmail (obtaining money or an object of value from an unwilling
person).

Engage in inappropriate verbal, physical, or sexual conduct directed toward another person,
including a district student, employee, or volunteer.

Record the voice or image of another without the prior consent of the individuals being
recorded or in any way that disrupts the educational environment or invades the privacy of
others.
5
Property Offenses
Students shall not:

Damage or vandalize property owned by others. (For felony criminal mischief see DAEP
Placement or Expulsion.)

Deface or damage school property—including textbooks, technology and electronic
resources, lockers, furniture, and other equipment—with graffiti or by other means.

Steal from students, staff, or the school.

Commit or assist in a robbery or theft even if it does not constitute a felony according to the
Texas Penal Code. (For felony robbery, aggravated robbery, and theft see DAEP Placement
and Expulsion.)
Possession of Prohibited Items
Students shall not possess or use:

Fireworks of any kind, smoke or stink bombs, or any other pyrotechnic device;

A razor, box cutter, chain, or any other object used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily
injury to another person;

A “look-alike” weapon;

An air gun or BB gun;

Ammunition;

A stun gun;

A pocketknife or any other small knife;

Mace or pepper spray;

Pornographic material;

Tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes;

Matches or a lighter;

A laser pointer for other than an approved use; or

Any articles not generally considered to be weapons, including school supplies, when the
principal or designee determines that a danger exists. (For weapons and firearms see DAEP
Placement and Expulsion.)
Possession of Telecommunications or Other Electronic Devices
Students shall not:

Display, turn on, or use a telecommunications device, including a cellular telephone, or other
electronic device on school property during the school day.
6
Illegal, Prescription, and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Students shall not:

Possess or sell seeds or pieces of marijuana in less than a usable amount. (For illegal drugs,
alcohol, and inhalants see DAEP Placement and Expulsion.)

Possess, use, give, or sell paraphernalia related to any prohibited substance. (See glossary for
“paraphernalia.”)

Possess or sell look-alike drugs or attempt to pass items off as drugs or contraband.

Abuse the student’s own prescription drug, give a prescription drug to another student, or
possess or be under the influence of another person’s prescription drug on school property or
at a school-related event. (See glossary for “abuse.”)

Abuse over-the-counter drugs. (See glossary for “abuse.”) Be under the influence of
prescription or over-the-counter drugs that cause impairment of the physical or mental
faculties. (See glossary for “under the influence.”)

Have or take prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs at school other than as provided by
district policy.
Misuse of Technology Resources and the Internet
Students shall not:

Violate policies, rules, or agreements signed by the student or the student’s parent regarding
the use of technology resources.

Attempt to access or circumvent passwords or other security-related information of the
district, students, or employees or upload or create computer viruses, including off school
property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Attempt to alter, destroy, or disable district technology resources including but not limited to
computers and related equipment, district data, the data of others, or other networks
connected to the district’s system, including off school property if the conduct causes a
substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Use the Internet or other electronic communications to threaten district students, employees,
or volunteers, including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to
the educational environment.

Send, post, or possess electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal, including cyberbullying
and “sexting,” either on or off school property, if the conduct causes a substantial disruption
to the educational environment.

Use e-mail or Web sites to engage in or encourage illegal behavior or threaten school safety,
including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational
environment.
7
Safety Transgressions
Students shall not:

Possess published or electronic material that is designed to promote or encourage illegal
behavior or that could threaten school safety.

Engage in verbal (oral or written) exchanges that threaten the safety of another student, a
school employee, or school property.

Make false accusations or perpetrate hoaxes regarding school safety.

Engage in any conduct that school officials might reasonably believe will substantially
disrupt the school program or incite violence.

Throw objects that can cause bodily injury or property damage.

Discharge a fire extinguisher without valid cause.
Miscellaneous Offenses
Students shall not:

Violate dress and grooming standards as communicated in the student handbook.

Cheat or copy the work of another.

Gamble.

Falsify records, passes, or other school-related documents.

Engage in actions or demonstrations that substantially disrupt or materially interfere with
school activities.

Repeatedly violate other communicated campus or classroom standards of conduct.
The district may impose campus or classroom rules in addition to those found in the Code.
These rules may be posted in classrooms or given to the student and may or may not constitute
violations of the Code.
8
Discipline Management Techniques
Discipline shall be designed to improve conduct and to encourage students to adhere to their
responsibilities as members of the school community. Disciplinary action shall draw on the
professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management
techniques. Discipline shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and
grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, the effect of the misconduct on
the school environment, and statutory requirements.
Because of these factors, discipline for a particular offense, including misconduct in a district
vehicle owned or operated by the district, unless otherwise specified by law, may bring into
consideration varying techniques and responses.
Since the district’s primary responsibility in transporting students in district vehicles is to do so
as safely as possible, the operator of the vehicle must focus on driving and not have his or her
attention distracted by student misbehavior. Therefore, when appropriate disciplinary
management techniques fail to improve student behavior or when specific misconduct warrants
immediate removal, the principal may restrict or revoke a student’s transportation privileges, in
accordance with law.
Students with Disabilities
The discipline of students with disabilities is subject to applicable state and federal law in
addition to the Student Code of Conduct. To the extent any conflict exists, state and/or federal
law shall prevail.
In accordance with the Education Code, a student who is enrolled in a special education program
may not be disciplined for conduct meeting the definition of bullying, harassment, or making hit
lists (see glossary) until an ARD committee meeting has been held to review the conduct.
In deciding whether to order suspension, DAEP placement, or expulsion, regardless of whether
the action is mandatory or discretionary, the district shall take into consideration a disability that
substantially impairs the student’s capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the student’s
conduct.
Techniques
The following discipline management techniques may be used—alone or in combination—for
behavior prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct or by campus or classroom rules:

Verbal correction, oral or written.

Cooling-off time or “time-out.”

Seating changes within the classroom or vehicles owned or operated by the district.

Temporary confiscation of items that disrupt the educational process.

Rewards or demerits.

Behavioral contracts.

Counseling by teachers, school counselors, or administrative personnel.
9
Discipline Management Techniques

Parent-teacher conferences.

Grade reductions for cheating, plagiarism, and as otherwise permitted by policy.

Detention, including outside regular school hours.

Sending the student to the office or other assigned area, or to in-school suspension.

Assignment of school duties such as cleaning or picking up litter.

Withdrawal of privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities, eligibility for
seeking and holding honorary offices, or membership in school-sponsored clubs and
organizations.

Penalties identified in individual student organizations’ extracurricular standards of behavior.

Restriction or revocation of district transportation privileges.

School-assessed and school-administered probation.

Corporal punishment, unless the student’s parent or guardian has provided a signed statement
prohibiting its use.

Out-of-school suspension, as specified in the Out-of-School Suspension section of this Code.

Placement in a DAEP, as specified in the DAEP section of this Code.

Placement and/or expulsion in an alternative educational setting, as specified in the
Placement and/or Expulsion for Certain Offenses section of this Code.

Expulsion, as specified in the Expulsion section of this Code.

Referral to an outside agency or legal authority for criminal prosecution in addition to
disciplinary measures imposed by the district.

Other strategies and consequences as determined by school officials.
Notification
The principal or appropriate administrator shall notify a student’s parent by phone or in writing
of any violation that may result in a detention outside of regular school hours, out-of-school
suspension, placement in a DAEP, or expulsion. Notification will be made within three school
days after the administrator becomes aware of the violation.
Appeals
Questions from parents regarding disciplinary measures should be addressed to the teacher or
campus administration, as appropriate. Appeals or complaints regarding the use of specific
discipline management techniques should be addressed in accordance with policy
FNG(LOCAL). A copy of the policy may be obtained from the principal’s office or the central
administration office or through Policy On Line at the following address: www.westsabine.net.
Consequences shall not be deferred pending the outcome of a grievance.
10
Removal from the School Bus
A bus driver may refer a student to the principal’s office to maintain effective discipline on the
bus. The principal must employ additional discipline management techniques, as appropriate,
which can include restricting or revoking a student’s bus riding privileges.
11
Removal from the Regular Educational Setting
In addition to other discipline management techniques, misconduct may result in removal from
the regular educational setting in the form of a routine referral or a formal removal.
Routine Referral
A routine referral occurs when a teacher sends a student to the principal’s office as a discipline
management technique. The principal may then employ additional techniques.
Formal Removal
A teacher or administrator may remove a student from class for a behavior that violates this
Code to maintain effective discipline in the classroom. A teacher may also initiate a formal
removal from class if:
1. The student’s behavior has been documented by the teacher as repeatedly interfering with the
teacher’s ability to teach his or her class or with the student’s classmates’ ability to learn; or
2. The behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that the teacher cannot teach, and the
students in the classroom cannot learn.
A teacher or administrator must remove a student from class if the student engages in behavior
that under the Education Code requires or permits the student to be placed in a DAEP or
expelled. When removing for those reasons, the procedures in the subsequent sections on DAEP
or expulsion will be followed. Otherwise, within three school days of the formal removal, the
appropriate administrator shall schedule a conference with the student’s parent; the student; the
teacher, in the case of removal by a teacher; and any other administrator.
At the conference, the appropriate administrator shall inform the student of the misconduct for
which he or she is charged and the consequences. The administrator shall give the student an
opportunity to give his or her version of the incident.
When a student is removed from the regular classroom by a teacher and a conference is pending,
the principal may place the student in:

Another appropriate classroom.

In-school suspension.

Out-of-school suspension.

DAEP.
Returning Student to Classroom
When a student has been formally removed from class by a teacher for conduct against the
teacher containing the elements of assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, aggravated sexual
assault, murder, capital murder, or criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder, the
student may not be returned to the teacher’s class without the teacher’s consent.
When a student has been formally removed by a teacher for any other conduct, the student may
be returned to the teacher’s class without the teacher’s consent, if the placement review
committee determines that the teacher’s class is the best or only alternative available.
12
Out-of-School Suspension
Misconduct
Students may be suspended for any behavior listed in the Code as a general conduct violation,
DAEP offense, or expellable offense.
In deciding whether to order out-of-school suspension, the district shall take into consideration:
1. Self-defense (see glossary),
2. Intent or lack of intent at the time the student engaged in the conduct, and
3. The student’s disciplinary history.
Process
State law allows a student to be suspended for no more than three school days per behavior
violation, with no limit on the number of times a student may be suspended in a semester or
school year.
Before being suspended a student shall have an informal conference with the appropriate
administrator, who shall advise the student of the conduct of which he or she is accused. The
student shall be given the opportunity to explain his or her version of the incident before the
administrator’s decision is made.
The number of days of a student’s suspension shall be determined by the appropriate
administrator, but shall not exceed three school days.
The appropriate administrator shall determine any restrictions on participation in schoolsponsored or school-related extracurricular and cocurricular activities.
13
Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP)
Placement
The DAEP shall be provided in a setting other than the student’s regular classroom. An
elementary school student may not be placed in a DAEP with a student who is not an elementary
school student.
For purposes of DAEP, elementary classification shall be kindergarten–grade 5 and secondary
classification shall be grades 6–12.
Summer programs provided by the district shall serve students assigned to a DAEP in
conjunction with other students.
A student who is expelled for an offense that otherwise would have resulted in a DAEP
placement does not have to be placed in a DAEP in addition to the expulsion.
In deciding whether to place a student in a DAEP, regardless of whether the action is mandatory
or discretionary, the district shall take into consideration:
Discretionary Placement: Misconduct That May Result in DAEP
Placement
A student may be placed in a DAEP for behaviors prohibited in the General Conduct Violations
section of this Code.
Misconduct Identified in State Law
In accordance with state law, a student may be placed in a DAEP for any one of the following
offenses:

Involvement in a public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society, including participating
as a member or pledge, or soliciting another person to become a pledge or member of a
public school fraternity, sorority, secret society, or gang. (See glossary.)

Involvement in criminal street gang activity. (See glossary.)

Criminal mischief, not punishable as a felony.
In accordance with state law, a student may be placed in a DAEP if the superintendent or the
superintendent’s designee has reasonable belief (see glossary) that the student has engaged in
conduct punishable as a felony, other than aggravated robbery or those listed as offenses
involving injury to a person in Title 5 (see glossary) of the Texas Penal Code, that occurs off
school property and not at a school-sponsored or school-related event, if the student’s presence
in the regular classroom threatens the safety of other students or teachers or will be detrimental
to the educational process.
14
Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement
The appropriate administrator may, but is not required to, place a student in a DAEP for offcampus conduct for which DAEP placement is required by state law if the administrator does not
have knowledge of the conduct before the first anniversary of the date the conduct occurred.
Mandatory Placement: Misconduct That Requires DAEP Placement
A student must be placed in a DAEP if the student:

Engages in conduct relating to a false alarm or report (including a bomb threat) or a
terroristic threat involving a public school. (See glossary.)

Commits the following offenses on school property or within 300 feet of school property as
measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line, or while attending a
school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property:

Engages in conduct punishable as a felony.

Commits an assault (see glossary) under Texas Penal Code 22.01(a)(1).

Sells, gives, or delivers to another person, or possesses, uses, or is under the influence of
marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug in an amount not constituting a
felony offense. (School-related felony drug offenses are addressed in the Expulsion
section.) (See glossary for “under the influence.”)

Sells, gives, or delivers to another person an alcoholic beverage; commits a serious act or
offense while under the influence of alcohol; or possesses, uses, or is under the influence
of alcohol, if the conduct is not punishable as a felony offense. (School-related felony
alcohol offenses are addressed in the Expulsion section.)

Behaves in a manner that contains the elements of an offense relating to abusable volatile
chemicals.

Behaves in a manner that contains the elements of the offense of public lewdness or
indecent exposure.

Engages in expellable conduct and is between six and nine years of age.

Commits a federal firearms violation and is younger than six years of age.

Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of retaliation against any school
employee or volunteer on or off school property. (Committing retaliation in combination
with another expellable offense is addressed in the Expulsion section of this Code.)

Engages in conduct punishable as aggravated robbery or a felony listed under Title 5 (see
glossary) of the Texas Penal Code when the conduct occurs off school property and not at a
school-sponsored or school-related event and:
1. The student receives deferred prosecution (see glossary),
2. A court or jury finds that the student has engaged in delinquent conduct (see glossary), or
3. The superintendent or designee has a reasonable belief (see glossary) that the student
engaged in the conduct.
15
Sexual Assault and Campus Assignments
If a student has been convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children or
convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
against another student on the same campus, and if the victim’s parent or another person with the
authority to act on behalf of the victim requests that the board transfer the offending student to
another campus, the offending student shall be transferred to another campus in the district. If
there is no other campus in the district serving the grade level of the offending student, the
offending student shall be transferred to a DAEP.
Emergencies
In an emergency, the principal or the principal’s designee may order the immediate placement of
a student in a DAEP for any reason for which placement in a DAEP may be made on a
nonemergency basis.
Process
Removals to a DAEP shall be made by the campus principal or superintendent’s designee.
Conference
When a student is removed from class for a DAEP offense, the appropriate administrator shall
schedule a conference within three school days with the student’s parent, the student, and the
teacher, in the case of a teacher removal.
At the conference, the appropriate administrator shall inform the student, orally or in writing, of
the reasons for the removal and shall give the student an explanation of the basis for the removal
and an opportunity to respond to the reasons for the removal.
Following valid attempts to require attendance, the district may hold the conference and make a
placement decision regardless of whether the student or the student’s parents attend the
conference.
Placement Order
After the conference, if the student is placed in the DAEP, the appropriate administrator shall
write a placement order. A copy of the DAEP placement order shall be sent to the student and
the student’s parent.
Not later than the second business day after the conference, the board’s designee shall deliver to
the juvenile court a copy of the placement order and all information required by Section 52.04 of
the Family Code.
If the student is placed in the DAEP and the length of placement is inconsistent with the
guidelines included in this Code, the placement order shall give notice of the inconsistency.
Coursework Notice
The parent or guardian of a student placed in DAEP shall be given written notice of the student’s
opportunity to complete a foundation curriculum course in which the student was enrolled at the
16
time of removal and which is required for graduation, at no cost to the student. The notice shall
include information regarding all methods available for completing the coursework.
Length of Placement
The duration of a student’s placement in a DAEP shall be determined by the campus principal or
the superintendent’s disignee.
The duration of a student’s placement shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. DAEP
placement shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and grade level,
the frequency of misconduct, the student’s attitude, and statutory requirements.
The maximum period of DAEP placement shall be one calendar year except as provided below.
The district shall administer the required pre- and post-assessments for students assigned to
DAEP for a period of 90 days or longer in accordance with established district administrative
procedures for administering other diagnostic or benchmark assessments.
Exceeds One Year
Placement in a DAEP may exceed one year when a review by the district determines that:
1. The student is a threat to the safety of other students or to district employees, or
2. Extended placement is in the best interest of the student.
The statutory limitations on the length of a DAEP placement do not apply to a placement
resulting from the board’s decision to place a student who engaged in the sexual assault of
another student so that the students are not assigned to the same campus.
Exceeds School Year
Students who commit offenses requiring placement in a DAEP at the end of one school year may
be required to continue that placement at the start of the next school year to complete the
assigned term of placement.
For placement in a DAEP to extend beyond the end of the school year, the superintendent must
determine that:
1. The student’s presence in the regular classroom or campus presents a danger of physical
harm to the student or others, or
2. The student has engaged in serious or persistent misbehavior (see glossary) that violates the
district’s Code.
Exceeds 60 Days
For placement in a DAEP to extend beyond 60 days or the end of the next grading period,
whichever is sooner, a student’s parent shall be given notice and the opportunity to participate in
a proceeding before the board or the board’s designee.
Appeals
Questions from parents regarding disciplinary measures should be addressed to the campus
administration.
17
Appeals regarding the decision to place a student in a DAEP should be addressed to the campus
administration in accordance with policy FOC(LEGAL).
Student or parent appeals regarding the process used for the placement decision, such as issues
related to the administrator’s handling of the conference or proper notice being provided, should
be addressed in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). A copy of this policy may be obtained
from the principal’s office or the central administration office or through Policy On Line at the
following address: www.westsabine.net.
Disciplinary consequences shall not be deferred pending the outcome of an appeal. The decision
to place a student in a DAEP cannot be appealed beyond the board.
Restrictions during Placement
State law prohibits a student placed in a DAEP for reasons specified in state law from attending
or participating in school-sponsored or school-related extracurricular activities.
A student placed in a DAEP shall not be provided transportation unless he or she is a student
with a disability who has transportation designated as a related service in the student’s IEP.
For seniors who are eligible to graduate and are assigned to a DAEP at the time of graduation,
the last day of placement in the program shall be the last instructional day, and the student shall
be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities unless
otherwise specified in the DAEP placement order.
Placement Review
A student placed in a DAEP shall be provided a review of his or her status, including academic
status, by the campus principal at intervals not to exceed 120 days. In the case of a high school
student, the student’s progress toward graduation and the student’s graduation plan shall also be
reviewed. At the review, the student or the student’s parent shall be given the opportunity to
present arguments for the student’s return to the regular classroom or campus. The student may
not be returned to the classroom of a teacher who removed the student without that teacher’s
consent.
Additional Misconduct
If during the term of placement in a DAEP the student engages in additional misconduct for
which placement in a DAEP or expulsion is required or permitted, additional proceedings may
be conducted, and the appropriate administrator may enter an additional disciplinary order as a
result of those proceedings.
Notice of Criminal Proceedings
The office of the prosecuting attorney shall notify the district if a student was placed in a DAEP
for certain offenses including any felony, unlawful restraint, indecent exposure, assault, deadly
conduct, terroristic threats, organized crime, certain drug offenses, or possession of a weapon,
and:
18
1. Prosecution of a student’s case was refused for lack of prosecutorial merit or insufficient
evidence and no formal proceedings, deferred adjudication (see glossary), or deferred
prosecution will be initiated; or
2. The court or jury found a student not guilty, or made a finding that the student did not engage
in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision, and the case was
dismissed with prejudice.
If a student was placed in a DAEP for such conduct, on receiving the notice from the prosecutor,
the superintendent or designee shall review the student’s placement and schedule a review with
the student’s parent not later than the third day after the superintendent or designee receives
notice from the prosecutor. The student may not be returned to the regular classroom pending
the review.
After reviewing the notice and receiving information from the student’s parent, the
superintendent or designee may continue the student’s placement if there is reason to believe that
the presence of the student in the regular classroom threatens the safety of other students or
teachers.
The student or the student’s parent may appeal the superintendent’s decision to the board. The
student may not be returned to the regular classroom pending the appeal. In the case of an
appeal, the board shall, at the next scheduled meeting, review the notice from the prosecutor and
receive information from the student, the student’s parent, and the superintendent or designee,
and confirm or reverse the decision of the superintendent or designee. The board shall make a
record of the proceedings.
If the board confirms the decision of the superintendent or designee, the student and the student’s
parent may appeal to the Commissioner of Education. The student may not be returned to the
regular classroom pending the appeal.
Withdrawal during Process
When a student violates the district’s Code in a way that requires or permits the student to be
placed in a DAEP and the student withdraws from the district before a placement order is
completed, the district may complete the proceedings and issue a placement order. If the student
then reenrolls in the district during the same or a subsequent school year, the district may enforce
the order at that time, less any period of the placement that has been served by the student during
enrollment in another district. If the appropriate administrator or the board fails to issue a
placement order after the student withdraws, the next district in which the student enrolls may
complete the proceedings and issue a placement order.
Newly Enrolled Students
The district shall continue the DAEP placement of a student who enrolls in the district and was
assigned to a DAEP in an open-enrollment charter school or another district.
A newly enrolled student with a DAEP placement from a district in another state shall be placed
as any other newly enrolled student if the behavior committed is a reason for DAEP placement in
the receiving district.
19
If the student was placed in a DAEP by a school district in another state for a period that exceeds
one year, this district, by state law, shall reduce the period of the placement so that the total
placement does not exceed one year. After a review, however, the placement may be extended
beyond a year if the district determines that the student is a threat to the safety of other students
or employees or the extended placement is in the best interest of the student.
Emergency Placement Procedure
When an emergency placement occurs, the student shall be given oral notice of the reason for the
action. Not later than the tenth day after the date of the placement, the student shall be given the
appropriate conference required for assignment to a DAEP.
20
Placement and/or Expulsion for Certain Offenses
This section includes two categories of offenses for which the Education Code provides unique
procedures and specific consequences.
Registered Sex Offenders
Upon receiving notification in accordance with state law that a student is currently required to
register as a sex offender, the administration must remove the student from the regular classroom
and determine appropriate placement unless the court orders JJAEP placement.
If the student is under any form of court supervision, including probation, community
supervision, or parole, the placement shall be in either DAEP or JJAEP for at least one semester.
If the student is not under any form of court supervision, the placement may be in DAEP or
JJAEP for one semester or the placement may be in a regular classroom. The placement may not
be in the regular classroom if the board or its designee determines that the student’s presence:
1. Threatens the safety of other students or teachers,
2. Will be detrimental to the educational process, or
3. Is not in the best interests of the district’s students.
Review Committee
At the end of the first semester of a student’s placement in an alternative educational setting and
before the beginning of each school year for which the student remains in an alternative
placement, the district shall convene a committee, in accordance with state law, to review the
student’s placement. The committee shall recommend whether the student should return to the
regular classroom or remain in the placement. Absent a special finding, the board or its designee
must follow the committee’s recommendation.
The placement review of a student with a disability who receives special education services must
be made by the ARD committee.
Newly Enrolled Student
If a student enrolls in the district during a mandatory placement as a registered sex offender, the
district may count any time already spent by the student in a placement or may require an
additional semester in an alternative placement without conducting a review of the placement.
Appeal
A student or the student’s parent may appeal the placement by requesting a conference between
the board or its designee, the student, and the student’s parent. The conference is limited to the
factual question of whether the student is required to register as a sex offender. Any decision of
the board or its designee under this section is final and may not be appealed.
Certain Felonies
Regardless of whether placement or expulsion is required or permitted by one of the reasons in
the DAEP Placement or Expulsion sections, in accordance with Education Code 37.0081, a
21
student may be expelled and placed in either DAEP or JJAEP if the board or its designee makes
certain findings and the following circumstances exist in relation to aggravated robbery or a
felony offense under Title 5 (see glossary) of the Texas Penal Code. The student must:

Have received deferred prosecution for conduct defined as aggravated robbery or a Title 5
felony offense;

Have been found by a court or jury to have engaged in delinquent conduct for conduct
defined as aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony offense;

Have been charged with engaging in conduct defined as aggravated robbery or a Title 5
felony offense;

Have been referred to a juvenile court for allegedly engaging in delinquent conduct for
conduct defined as aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony offense; or

Have received probation or deferred adjudication or have been arrested for, charged with, or
convicted of aggravated robbery or a Title 5 felony offense.
The district may expel the student and order placement under these circumstances regardless of:
1. The date on which the student’s conduct occurred,
2. The location at which the conduct occurred,
3. Whether the conduct occurred while the student was enrolled in the district, or
4. Whether the student has successfully completed any court disposition requirements imposed
in connection with the conduct.
Hearing and Required Findings
The student must first have a hearing before the board or its designee, who must determine that
in addition to the circumstances above that allow for the expulsion, the student’s presence in the
regular classroom:
1. Threatens the safety of other students or teachers,
2. Will be detrimental to the educational process, or
3. Is not in the best interest of the district’s students.
Any decision of the board or the board’s designee under this section is final and may not be
appealed.
Length of Placement
The student is subject to the placement until:
1. The student graduates from high school,
2. The charges are dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor offense, or
3. The student completes the term of the placement or is assigned to another program.
22
A student who enrolls in the district before completing a placement under this section from
another school district must complete the term of the placement.
23
Expulsion
In deciding whether to order expulsion, regardless of whether the action is mandatory or
discretionary, the district shall take into consideration:
Discretionary Expulsion: Misconduct That May Result in Expulsion
Any Location
A student may be expelled for:


Engaging in the following, no matter where it takes place:

Conduct that contains the elements of assault under Penal Code 22.01(a)(1) in retaliation
against a school employee or volunteer.

Criminal mischief, if punishable as a felony.
Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of one of the following offenses against
another student, without regard to where the conduct occurs:

Aggravated assault.

Sexual assault.

Aggravated sexual assault.

Murder.

Capital murder.

Criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder.

Aggravated robbery.

Breach of computer security.

Engaging in conduct relating to a false alarm or report (including a bomb threat) or a
terroristic threat involving a public school.
At School, Within 300 Feet, or at a School Event
A student may be expelled for committing any of the following offenses on or within 300 feet of
school property, as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line, or
while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property:

Selling, giving, or delivering to another person, or possessing, using, or being under the
influence of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug, if the conduct is not
punishable as a felony. (See glossary for “under the influence.”)
24
Expulsion

Selling, giving, or delivering to another person, or possessing, using, or being under the
influence of alcohol; or committing a serious act or offense while under the influence of
alcohol, if the conduct is not punishable as a felony.

Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of an offense relating to abusable volatile
chemicals.

Engaging in conduct that contains the elements of assault under Section 22.01(a)(1) against
an employee or a volunteer.

Engaging in deadly conduct. (See glossary.)
Within 300 Feet of School
A student may be expelled for engaging in the following conduct while within 300 feet of school
property, as measured from any point on the school’s real property boundary line:

Aggravated assault, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault.

Arson. (See glossary.)

Murder, capital murder, or criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder.

Indecency with a child, aggravated kidnapping, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide,
or aggravated robbery.

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children.

Felony drug- or alcohol-related offense.

Use, exhibition, or possession of a firearm (as defined by state law), an illegal knife, a club,
or prohibited weapon, or possession of a firearm (as defined by federal law).
Property of Another District
A student may be expelled for committing any offense that is a state-mandated expellable
offense if the offense is committed on the property of another district in Texas or while the
student is attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity of a school in another district in
Texas.
While in DAEP
A student may be expelled for engaging in documented serious misbehavior that violates the
district’s Code, despite documented behavioral interventions while placed in a DAEP. For
purposes of discretionary expulsion from a DAEP, serious misbehavior means:
1. Deliberate violent behavior that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
2. Extortion, meaning the gaining of money or other property by force or threat;
3. Conduct that constitutes coercion, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code; or
4. Conduct that constitutes the offense of:
a. Public lewdness under Section 21.07, Penal Code;
b. Indecent exposure under Section 21.08, Penal Code;
25
Expulsion
c. Criminal mischief under Section 28.03, Penal Code;
d. Personal hazing under Section 37.152; or
e. Harassment under Section 42.07(a)(1), Penal Code, of a student or district employee.
Mandatory Expulsion: Misconduct That Requires Expulsion
A student must be expelled under federal or state law for any of the following offenses that occur
on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off
school property:
Under Federal Law

Bringing to school a firearm, as defined by federal law. “Firearm” under federal law
includes:

Any weapon (including a starter gun) that will, is designed to, or may readily be
converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

The frame or receiver of any such weapon.

Any firearm muffler or firearm weapon.

Any destructive device, such as any explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, or
grenade.
Under the Texas Penal Code


Using, exhibiting, or possessing the following, as defined by the Texas Penal Code:

A firearm (any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel
by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device readily
convertible to that use), unless the use, exhibition, or possession of the firearm occurs at
an off-campus approved target range facility while participating in or preparing for a
school-sponsored shooting sports competition or a shooting sports educational activity
that is sponsored or supported by the Parks and Wildlife Department or a shooting sports
sanctioning organization working with the department.

An illegal knife, such as a knife with a blade over 5½ inches; hand instrument, designed
to cut or stab another by being thrown; dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto,
and poniard; bowie knife; sword; or spear.

A club (see glossary) such as an instrument specially designed, made, or adapted for the
purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with the
instrument, including a blackjack, nightstick, mace, and tomahawk.

A prohibited weapon, such as an explosive weapon, a machine gun, a short-barrel
firearm, a firearm silencer, knuckles, armor-piercing ammunition, a chemical dispensing
device, a zip gun, or a tire deflation device. (See glossary.)
Behaving in a manner that contains elements of the following offenses under the Texas Penal
Code:
26
Expulsion


Aggravated assault, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault.

Arson. (See glossary.)

Murder, capital murder, or criminal attempt to commit murder or capital murder.

Indecency with a child.

Aggravated kidnapping.

Aggravated robbery.

Manslaughter.

Criminally negligent homicide.

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children.

Behavior punishable as a felony that involves selling, giving, or delivering to another
person, or possessing, using, or being under the influence of marijuana, a controlled
substance, a dangerous drug, or alcohol; or committing a serious act or offense while
under the influence of alcohol.
Engaging in retaliation against a school employee or volunteer combined with one of the
above-listed mandatory expulsion offenses.
Under Age Ten
When a student under the age of ten engages in behavior that is expellable behavior, the student
shall not be expelled, but shall be placed in a DAEP. A student under age six shall not be placed
in a DAEP unless the student commits a federal firearm offense.
Emergency
In an emergency, the principal or the principal’s designee may order the immediate expulsion of
a student for any reason for which expulsion may be made on a nonemergency basis.
Process
If a student is believed to have committed an expellable offense, the principal or other
appropriate administrator shall schedule a hearing within a reasonable time. The student’s parent
shall be invited in writing to attend the hearing.
Until a hearing can be held, the principal may place the student in:

Another appropriate classroom.

In-school suspension.

Out-of-school suspension.

DAEP.
27
Expulsion
Hearing
A student facing expulsion shall be given a hearing with appropriate due process. The student is
entitled to:
1. Representation by the student’s parent or another adult who can provide guidance to the
student and who is not an employee of the district,
2. An opportunity to testify and to present evidence and witnesses in the student’s defense, and
3. An opportunity to question the witnesses called by the district at the hearing.
After providing notice to the student and parent of the hearing, the district may hold the hearing
regardless of whether the student or the student’s parent attends.
The board of trustees delegates to the superintendent the authority to conduct hearings and expel
students.
Board Review of Expulsion
After the due process hearing, the expelled student may request that the board review the
expulsion decisions. The student or parent must submit a written request to the superintendent
within seven days after receipt of the written decision. The superintendent must provide the
student or parent written notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting at which the board
will review the decision.
The board shall review the record of the expulsion hearing in a closed meeting unless the parent
requests in writing that the matter be held in an open meeting. The board may also hear a
statement from the student or parent and from the board’s designee.
The board shall hear statements made by the parties at the review and will base its decision on
evidence reflected in the record and any statements made by the parties at the review. The board
shall make and communicate its decision orally at the conclusion of the presentation.
Consequences shall not be deferred pending the outcome of the hearing.
Expulsion Order
After the due process hearing, if the student is expelled, the board or its designee shall deliver to
the student and the student’s parent a copy of the order expelling the student.
Not later than the second business day after the hearing, the superintendent or campus principal
shall deliver to the juvenile court a copy of the expulsion order and the information required by
Section 52.04 of the Family Code.
If the length of the expulsion is inconsistent with the guidelines included in the Student Code of
Conduct, the expulsion order shall give notice of the inconsistency.
Length of Expulsion
The length of an expulsion shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age
and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, and statutory requirements.
The duration of a student’s expulsion shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. The
maximum period of expulsion is one calendar year except as provided below.
28
Expulsion
An expulsion may not exceed one year unless, after review, the district determines that:
1. The student is a threat to the safety of other students or to district employees, or
2. Extended expulsion is in the best interest of the student.
State and federal law require a student to be expelled from the regular classroom for a period of
at least one calendar year for bringing a firearm, as defined by federal law, to school. However,
the superintendent may modify the length of the expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
Students who commit offenses that require expulsion at the end of one school year may be
expelled into the next school year to complete the term of expulsion.
Withdrawal during Process
When a student has violated the district’s Code in a way that requires or permits expulsion from
the district and the student withdraws from the district before the expulsion hearing takes place,
the district may conduct the hearing after sending written notice to the parent and student.
If the student then reenrolls in the district during the same or subsequent school year, the district
may enforce the expulsion order at that time, less any expulsion period that has been served by
the student during enrollment in another district.
If the appropriate administrator or the board fails to issue an expulsion order after the student
withdraws, the next district in which the student enrolls may complete the proceedings.
Additional Misconduct
If during the expulsion, the student engages in additional conduct for which placement in a
DAEP or expulsion is required or permitted, additional proceedings may be conducted, and the
appropriate administrator or the board may issue an additional disciplinary order as a result of
those proceedings.
Restrictions during Expulsion
Expelled students are prohibited from being on school grounds or attending school-sponsored or
school-related activities during the period of expulsion.
No district academic credit shall be earned for work missed during the period of expulsion unless
the student is enrolled in a JJAEP or another district-approved program.
The district shall continue the expulsion of any newly enrolled student expelled from another
district or an open-enrollment charter school until the period of the expulsion is completed.
If a student expelled in another state enrolls in the district, the district may continue the
expulsion under the terms of the expulsion order, may place the student in a DAEP for the period
specified in the order, or may allow the student to attend regular classes if:
1. The out-of-state district provides the district with a copy of the expulsion order, and
2. The offense resulting in the expulsion is also an expellable offense in the district in which the
student is enrolling.
29
Expulsion
If a student is expelled by a district in another state for a period that exceeds one year and the
district continues the expulsion or places the student in a DAEP, the district shall reduce the
period of the expulsion or DAEP placement so that the entire period does not exceed one year,
unless after a review it is determined that:
1. The student is a threat to the safety of other students or district employees, or
2. Extended placement is in the best interest of the student.
Emergency Expulsion Procedures
When an emergency expulsion occurs, the student shall be given verbal notice of the reason for
the action. Within ten days after the date of the emergency expulsion, the student shall be given
appropriate due process required for a student facing expulsion.
DAEP Placement of Expelled Students
The district may provide educational services to any expelled student in a DAEP; however,
educational services in the DAEP must be provided if the student is less than ten years of age.
30
Glossary
The glossary provides legal definitions and locally established definitions and is intended to
assist in understanding terms related to the Student Code of Conduct.
Abuse is improper or excessive use.
Aggravated robbery is defined in part by Texas Penal Code 29.03(a) when a person commits
robbery and:
1. Causes serious bodily injury to another;
2. Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon; or
3. Causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of
imminent bodily injury or death, if the other person is:
a. 65 years of age or older, or
b. A disabled person.
Armor-piercing ammunition is handgun ammunition used in pistols and revolvers and
designed primarily for the purpose of penetrating metal or body armor.
Arson is:
1. A crime that involves starting a fire or causing an explosion with intent to destroy or damage:
a. Any vegetation, fence, or structure on open-space land; or
b. Any building, habitation, or vehicle:
1) Knowing that it is within the limits of an incorporated city or town,
2) Knowing that it is insured against damage or destruction,
3) Knowing that it is subject to a mortgage or other security interest,
4) Knowing that it is located on property belonging to another,
5) Knowing that it has located within it property belonging to another, or
6) When the person starting the fire is reckless about whether the burning or explosion
will endanger the life of some individual or the safety of the property of another.
2. A crime that involves recklessly starting a fire or causing an explosion while manufacturing
or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance and the fire or explosion damages any
building, habitation, or vehicle; or
3. A crime that involves intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion and in so doing:
a. Recklessly damages or destroys a building belonging to another, or
b. Recklessly causes another person to suffer bodily injury or death.
Assault is defined in part by Texas Penal Code §22.01(a)(1) as intentionally, knowingly, or
recklessly causing bodily injury to another; §22.01(a)(2) as intentionally or knowingly
threatening another with imminent bodily injury; and §22.01(a)(3) as intentionally or knowingly
causing physical contact with another that can reasonably be regarded as offensive or
provocative.
31
Glossary
Bullying is when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression,
expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a
school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district and a school
district’s board of trustees or the board’s designee determines that the behavior:
1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s
property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage
to the student’s property; or
2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an
intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
This conduct is considered bullying if it:
1. Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator who is engaging in bullying
and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and
2. Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.
Chemical dispensing device is a device designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of causing
an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a human being. A small chemical dispenser
sold commercially for personal protection is not in this category.
Club is an instrument specially designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious
bodily injury or death. A blackjack, mace, and tomahawk are in the same category.
Criminal street gang is three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol or
an identifiable leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal
activities.
Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to engage in bullying or
intimidation.
Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical,
sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control another person in the
relationship. Dating violence also occurs when a person commits these acts against a person in a
marriage or dating relationship with the individual who is or was once in a marriage or dating
relationship with the person committing the offense, as defined by Section 71.0021 of the Family
Code.
Deadly conduct occurs when a person recklessly engages in conduct that places another in
imminent danger of serious bodily injury, such as knowingly discharging a firearm in the
direction of an individual, habitation, building, or vehicle.
Deferred adjudication is an alternative to seeking a conviction in court that may be offered to a
juvenile for delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision.
Deferred prosecution may be offered to a juvenile as an alternative to seeking a conviction in
court for delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision.
Delinquent conduct is conduct that violates either state or federal law and is punishable by
imprisonment or confinement in jail. It includes conduct that violates certain juvenile court
orders, including probation orders, but does not include violations of traffic laws.
Discretionary means that something is left to or regulated by a local decision maker.
32
Glossary
Explosive weapon is any explosive or incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or mine and its
delivery mechanism that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious
bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage, or for the principal purpose of causing such
a loud report as to cause undue public alarm or terror.
False Alarm or Report occurs when a person knowingly initiates, communicates, or circulates a
report of a present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency that he or she
knows is false or baseless and that would ordinarily:
1. Cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
2. Place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; or
3. Prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, room, or place of assembly.
Firearm silencer means any device designed, made, or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm.
Graffiti are markings with paint, an indelible pen or marker, or an etching or engraving device
on tangible property without the effective consent of the owner. The markings may include
inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings.
Harassment is:
1. Conduct that meets the definition established in district policies DIA(LOCAL) and
FFH(LOCAL); or
2. Conduct that threatens to cause harm or bodily injury to another student, is sexually
intimidating, causes physical damage to the property of another student, subjects another
student to physical confinement or restraint, or maliciously and substantially harms another
student’s physical or emotional health or safety.
Hazing is an intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with
others, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of
pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an
organization.
Hit list is a list of people targeted to be harmed, using a firearm, a knife, or any other object to be
used with intent to cause bodily harm.
Knuckles are any instrument consisting of finger rings or guards made of a hard substance and
designed or adapted for inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with a fist
enclosed in the knuckles.
Machine gun is any firearm that is capable of shooting more than two shots automatically,
without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
Mandatory means that something is obligatory or required because of an authority.
Paraphernalia are devices that can be used for inhaling, ingesting, injecting, or otherwise
introducing a controlled substance into a human body.
Possession means to have an item on one’s person or in one’s personal property, including but
not limited to clothing, purse, or backpack; a private vehicle used for transportation to or from
school or school-related activities, including but not limited to an automobile, truck, motorcycle,
or bicycle; telecommunications or electronic devices; or any other school property used by the
student, including but not limited to a locker or desk.
33
Glossary
Public school fraternity, sorority, secret society, or gang means an organization composed
wholly or in part of students that seeks to perpetuate itself by taking additional members from the
students enrolled in school based on a decision of its membership rather than on the free choice
of a qualified student. Educational organizations listed in Section 37.121(d) of the Education
Code are excepted from this definition.
Reasonable belief is a determination made by the superintendent or designee using all available
information, including the information furnished under Article 15.27 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure.
Self-defense is the use of force against another to the degree a person reasonably believes the
force is immediately necessary to protect himself or herself.
Serious misbehavior means:
1. Deliberate violent behavior that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
2. Extortion, meaning the gaining of money or other property by force or threat;
3. Conduct that constitutes coercion, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code; or
4. Conduct that constitutes the offense of:
a. Public lewdness under Section 21.07, Penal Code;
b. Indecent exposure under Section 21.08; Penal Code;
c. Criminal mischief under Section 28.03, Penal Code;
d. Personal hazing under Section 37.152; or
e. Harassment under Section 42.07(a)(1), Penal Code, of a student or district employee.
Serious or persistent misbehavior includes but is not limited to:

Behavior that is grounds for permissible expulsion or mandatory DAEP placement.

Behavior identified by the district as grounds for discretionary DAEP placement.

Actions or demonstrations that substantially disrupt or materially interfere with school
activities.

Refusal to attempt or complete school work as assigned.

Insubordination.

Profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures.

Leaving school grounds without permission.

Falsification of records, passes, or other school-related documents.

Refusal to accept discipline assigned by the teacher or principal.
Short-barrel firearm is a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or a shotgun with a
barrel length of less than 18 inches, or any weapon made from a rifle or shotgun that, as altered,
has an overall length of less than 26 inches.
Terroristic threat is a threat of violence to any person or property with intent to:
34
Glossary
1. Cause a reaction of any type by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with
emergencies;
2. Place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
3. Prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a building; room, place of assembly, or place to
which the public has access; place of employment or occupation; aircraft, automobile, or
other form of conveyance; or other public place;
4. Cause impairment or interruption of public communications, public transportation, public
water, gas, or power supply or other public service;
5. Place the public or a substantial group of the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or
6. Influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state,
or a political subdivision of the state (including the district).
Tire deflation device is defined in part by Section 46.01 of the Penal Code as a device,
including a caltrop or spike strip, that, when driven over, impedes or stops the movement of a
wheeled vehicle by puncturing one or more of the vehicle’s tires.
Title 5 offenses are those that involve injury to a person and include murder; kidnapping;
assault; aggravated assault; sexual assault; aggravated sexual assault; unlawful restraint;
indecency with a child; injury to a child, an elderly person, or a disabled person; abandoning or
endangering a child; deadly conduct; terroristic threat; aiding a person to commit suicide; and
tampering with a consumer product. [See FOC(EXHIBIT)]
Under the influence means lacking the normal use of mental or physical faculties. Impairment
of a person’s physical or mental faculties may be evidenced by a pattern of abnormal or erratic
behavior, the presence of physical symptoms of drug or alcohol use, or by admission. A student
“under the influence” need not be legally intoxicated to trigger disciplinary action.
Use means voluntarily introducing into one’s body, by any means, a prohibited substance.
Zip gun is a device or combination of devices, not originally a firearm, but adapted to expel a
projectile through a smooth-bore or rifled-bore barrel by using the energy generated by an
explosion or burning substance.
35
Index
admission, review, and dismissal (ARD)
committee, 9, 22
appeals process
board review of expulsion, 29
DAEP appeals, 18, 20
discipline management techniques, 10
sex offender registry, 22
attendance, 4
authority of the district, 2
board of trustees, 1
campus rules, 4, 8
cell phones. See electronic devices.
cheating. See prohibited behavior.
classroom rules, 4, 8
computers, 7
abusive behavior, 8
breach of security, 7
cyberbullying, 8
hacking/cracking, 7
illegal activity, 8
online impersonation, 8
threatening behavior, 8
vandalism, 7
See also technology resources.
confiscation of student property
confiscation of property. See discipline
management techniques.
corporal punishment. See discipline
management techniques.
counseling, 9
courtesy, 4
crimes
aggravated robbery, 6, 15, 16, 23, 25
breach of security, 7, 25
criminal mischief, 2, 6, 15, 25
criminal proceedings and placement in
DAEP, 19
felonies, 2, 6, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26,
28
reporting, 2
Title 5 offenses, 15, 16, 23, 36
expulsion and placement, 23
hearing and required findings, 23
length of placement, 23
newly enrolled students, 24
delinquent conduct, 16, 19, 23, 33
demonstrations, 8
detention. See discipline management
techniques.
disciplinary alternative education program
(DAEP), 14, 22
appeals. See appeals process.
coursework notice, 17
discretionary placement, 15
elementary school students, 14
emergency placement, 16, 21
extracurricular activities, 18
grade classification, 14
graduation, 19
length of placement, 17
mandatory placement, 15
300 foot rule, 15
notice of criminal proceedings, 19
placement review, 19
pre- and post-assessments, 17
process, 16
restrictions during placement, 18
summer programs, 14
transportation, 18, 19
under age six, 16
under age ten, 16
alternative educational setting, 10
appeals. See appeals process.
behavioral contracts, 9
bus privileges, 10, 11
confiscation of property, 9
corporal punishment, 10
counseling, 9
criminal prosecution, 10
DAEP. See disciplinary alternative
education program (DAEP).
demerits, 9
detention, 10
expulsion. See expulsion.
extracurricular organizations, 10
grade reductions, 10
in-school suspension, 10
loss of privileges, 10
notification, 10
36
Index
out-of-school suspension, 10
probation, 10
referral. See routine referral.
refusal to accept, 5
rewards, 9
school duties, 10
students with disabilities, 9
time-out, 9
dress code, 4, 8
drugs, 7
marijuana, 7
over-the-counter, 7
paraphernalia, 7
prescription, 7
under the influence, 7
electronic devices, 6, 7
expulsion, 25
300 foot rule, 25
additional misconduct, 30
and DAEP placement, 31
emergency, 28, 31
for serious misbehavior committed while
in DAEP, 26
length, 30
mandatory, 27
newly enrolled students, 31
process, 28
restrictions, 30
under age six, 28
under age ten, 28
withdrawal during process, 30
falsification of records, 8, 35
formal removal from class, 12
returning student to the classroom, 12
fraternity, 14, 35
gangs, 14, 15, 33, 35
gender-based harassment, 5, See also
prohibited behavior.
graduation
participation, 3
participation, 19
inspections, 2
jurisdiction of the district, 2
300 foot rule, 2
juvenile justice alternative education
program (JJAEP), 22, 23, 30
laser pointers, 6
lunch period, 2
nonresident student, 2
parent-teacher conferences, 10
placement review committee, 12, 22
plagiarism. See prohibited behavior:
cheating.
posting
of the Student Code of Conduct, 1
preparation for class, 4
prohibited behavior, 8
300 foot rule, 15, 25
alcohol, 15, 26
assault, 5, 12, 15, 16, 19, 25, 26, 36
at another district, 26
blackmail, 5
bullying, 5
cheating, 8
coercion, 5
cyberbullying, 8
dating violence, 5
deadly conduct, 26
drugs, 15, 25
false accusations, 8
false alarm, 15, 25
fighting, 5
fire extinguishers discharged without
cause, 8
forgery. See falsification of records.
gambling, 8
gender-based harassment, 5
graffiti, 6
harassment, 5
hazing, 5
hit lists, 5
hoaxes, 8
inappropriate conduct, 5
inciting violence, 8
indecent exposure, 5, 16
insubordination, 5
leaving school grounds, 5
misuse of technology resources, 7
on school buses, 5
online impersonation, 8
profanity, 5
recording without consent, 6
37
Index
repeated offenses, 8
robbery, 6
sexting, 8
sexual abuse, 5
sexual assault, 17
sexual harassment, 5
stealing, 6
terroristic threat, 15, 25, 36
theft, 6
threats, 5, 8
throwing objects, 8
under the influence, 25
vandalism, 6
volatile chemicals, 15, 26
prohibited items
air guns, 6
alcohol, 28
ammunition, 6
clubs, 26, 27
drugs, 28
firearms, 16, 26, 27
fireworks, 6
knives, 26, 27
lighters, 6
mace, 6
matches, 6
other dangerous items, 6, 26
other weapons, 28
pepper spray, 6
pornography, 6
stun guns, 6
tire deflation device, 28
tobacco, 6
property, 4
protests. See demonstrations.
removal from the regular educational
setting, 12
respect, 4
retaliation, 2, 16, 25, 28
routine referral, 12
safety, 4, 8
searches
desks, 2
lockers, 2
vehicles, 2
secret society, 14, 35
self-defense, 13, 14, 25
self-discipline, 4
serious misbehavior, 26
sex offender, 2, 22
appeal of placement as a registered sex
offender, 22
newly enrolled student, 22
sexual abuse, 5, See also prohibited
behavior.
sexual harassment, 5, See also prohibited
behavior.
smart phones. See electronic devices.
sorority, 14, 35
special education, 9
standards for student conduct, 4
student handbook
conflict with Student Code of Conduct, 1
students with disabilities, 1, 22
transportation while in DAEP, 18
suspension
in-school. See discipline management
techniques.
out-of-school, 10, 13
technology resources
district policy, 7
See also computers.
telecommunications devices. See electronic
devices.
time-out. See discipline management
techniques.
Title 5 offenses. See crimes.
transfers
campus assignments, 16
revoked, 2
transportation, 2
rules for conduct, 5
while in DAEP, 18, 19
38
2014-2015
West Sabine Athletic Hand
Book
1
Table of Contents
Pg: 3 Athletic Philosophy
Pg: 4 Introduction
Pg: 5 Participation
Pg: 6-10 General Policies
Pg: 10 Eligibility
Pg: 11 Disciplinary Procedures
Pg: 11 Tobacco, Alcohol & Drugs
Pg: 12-13 Dropping a Sport
Pg: 13 Awards and Lettering
Pg: 13 Requirements for Receiving a Jacket
Pg: 14 Medical Insurance Requirements
Pg: 14 Procedures When Ill or Injured
Pg: 14-16 Drug Testing Procedure
Pg: 16 Resources
Pg: 17 Consent Form
2
l. ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY
Many valuable lessons can be learned through athletics. Positive attitudes
and desire to win are certainly included in the athletic development. It is
important to instill in our athletes an understanding of what it takes to be a
winner and a willingness to make the sacrifices it takes to succeed.
However above winning, must be a commitment on our part as coaches, to
help each athlete become a young man or young woman of character,
integrity, and self-discipline. Our ultimate success will not be a win/loss
record but productive, successful citizens which have come through our
athletics program.
In our mission to develop positive, productive young people, we must help
our athletes acquire three essential qualities.
Disciplined Mind:
Each athlete can control his/her behavior by making conscience decisions
about his/her actions. The athlete must be in control of his/her thoughts.
Disciplined Body:
Once a person has control of his/her mind, he/she can discipline their body
to achieve its maximum potential, strength, endurance, and performance as
an athlete and a person.
Disciplined Spirit:
With control of one’s thoughts and command of one’s disciplined body
comes a very real peace and inner strength in knowing you have done your
best. It is important for each coach to develop his/her own team and
personal goals. However, as a staff, we must share a commitment to:
HAVE A CAUSE BEYOND ONESELF:
We must keep in mind that we are all working together to help each athlete
become his/her best in life as well as athletics.
3
lI. INTRODUCTION
The athletic program is an integral part of the total school experience for
both boys and girls. It offers a variety of sports and activities to all students
who have potential skill and the desire to participate. The policies,
procedures, and regulations in this handbook are in compliance with school
board policies and administrative procedures. They are designed to provide
for successful experiences for students and the efficient operation of the
athletic program.
This handbook supersedes all prior publications governing West Sabine
athletic team and shall be used by the principal, coaches and players in
grades 7-12. You, the student athlete, are accountable and responsible for
all policies contained within this handbook and for any additional ones that
your respective coaches might add.
4
Ill. PARTICIPATION
It is the goal of this athletic program to offer the opportunity of participation
to every student who has the ability and desire to do so. If a student wants
to participate in a sport than that student must go through the weights and
conditioning program that is conducted during the athletic period. This class
is designed to help better the performance of the athletes at West Sabine
High School. You are in this class period than you have committed to play
a sport. Therefore, you have to participate in at least one sport or more. We
encourage you to play all the sports you can. If you have went through the
entire year in athletics and did not participate in any particular sport than
you will not be able to participate the next year in any sport. (Health
reasons is an exception to this policy) There may be some students that
will not be able to take an athletic class due to credits that may need to be
earned toward graduation or college. The athletic director, along with the
principal, will make accommodations for that particular student if needed.
**Participation in the West Sabine ISD athletic program is a privilege, not a
right. Since it is a privilege, the West Sabine coaching staff, in accordance
with West Sabine ISD policy has the authority to suspend or revoke the
privilege when rules and standards of this athletic program are not
followed.**
5
IV. GENERAL POLICIES
Responsibility of an Athlete:
All athletes have a responsibility to give their best, play to win, follow
training guidelines, exhibit conduct and fair play at all times so as to be a
credit to their school. Athletes, as well as coaches, are always on display.
We are judged by the company we keep. Our actions in everyday life, both
private and public, are a direct reflection on this athletic program and our
school.
Athletes will show respect for the athletic facilities and equipment. During
competition, only those athletes participating in the contest will be allowed,
with supervision, to enter the court.
Athletes will wear the team uniform and equipment according to school and
team dress policies. Athletes will also dress in the school-required clothing
for all practices and competition. School issued equipment and clothing will
be worn only during practice or competition. The uniform is not to be worn
in the halls of the school or away from the school house. If an athlete is
caught wearing school issued uniform outside of practice or a game then
that student will have to suffer a consequence given by the coach or
director.
6
During competition, an athlete:
1. Learns that both winning and losing are part of the game and learns
to accept both.
2. Does not use illegal tactics in an attempt to defeat the opponent or to
beat the rules of the game.
3. Has complete control of him/her at all times. Horseplay, displays of
temper, use of profanity, disrespect for coaches or officials will result
in loss of respect for the athlete and in disciplinary action from the
coach.
4. Will respect the decisions of officials. The breaks of the game may go
against you, but the officiating is not to blame. Officials are human
beings who are doing their best to see that a contest runs smoothly
and honestly and also being conducted in accordance with the
established rules.
7
In the classroom, an athlete:
1. Must realize that he/she is a student first, an athlete second. The
student-athlete must give time and energy to classroom studies to
insure good and acceptable grades that meet the UIL requirements
for participation.
2. Must maintain a satisfactory citizenship and behavior record by giving
attention to classroom activities and by treating teachers,
administrators, and fellow students with respect. Tardiness,
horseplay, and unnecessary talking are unacceptable behavior habits
that, if not corrected by the student-athlete, may result in suspension
from the athletic program.
3. Will be held to a higher standard than the general student population.
He/she may be disciplined in addition to the school imposed
penalties.
On campus, an athlete:
1. Must maintain proper dress and appearance, good grooming and
cleanliness. You are a leader and you have only one chance to make
a good first impression. Male athletes will refrain from wearing
earrings of any kind at any school-related activity. Student’s hair
shall be clean, neat and well groomed, in accordance with school
dress code policies.
2. Will refrain from fighting, scuffling, horseplay, and juvenile behavior in
and around the school building.
3. During the time he/she may be suspended from school, he/she will
not be permitted to work out with, travel with, or participate with the
team. Eligibility for subsequent contests will be left to the discretion of
the coach and/or administration. (“Suspended” includes: AEP
assignments, as well as suspensions assigned by administrative
personnel.)
8
During the athletic period and during, before, or after school practice, an
athlete will:
1. Notify the school secretary or coach if he/she will be absent from
school.
2. Notify the coach if he/she needs to miss a game or practice session
that is scheduled after school hours. Absence from athletic period
and after school practice should be handled according to school
guidelines.
3. Maintain neat and clean locker space. Be proud of your dressing area
and keep it neat. Keep lockers locked.
4. Dress decently as he/she leaves the dressing room. Wear your own
clothes home.
During team travel, an athlete will:
1. Travel to and from all out-of-town contests with the team. If, for some
reason you need to ride home with your parents, you must clear this
with the coach before leaving for the contest. You must return the
written release from one of your parents to the coach that has been
signed by the parent or guardian. Under no circumstances will you be
released to ride with anyone other than your parents, or an adult
designated by your family.
2. Dress neatly and properly on all trips. Coaches will advise you
regarding the proper attire for traveling to and from games.
3. Conduct one’s self properly on the school bus or in any school
vehicle. He/she will follow the printed rules for bus riders that govern
all West Sabine bus riders.
4. Receive permission from the coach before bringing radios, electronic
games, etc. aboard the bus. Students must have headphones for
radios.
9
5. Be informed of departure and return time for each trip. It is your
responsibility to be on time for all departures and to inform your
parents of the time to pick you up after the contest. Every effort will
be made by the coaching staff to notify proper personnel as to
unexpected changes in arrival time.
6. Dress for all contests according to the school and team dress
policies. Your appearance before and after games is as important as
it is during the game.
V. ELIGIBILITY AND REGULATIONS
A student in grades 7-12 may participate in extracurricular activities on or
off campus at the beginning of the school year only if the student has
earned the cumulative number of credits in state approved courses
indicated.
1. At the beginning of the 7th grade year, the student must have been
promoted from the 6th to the 7th grade.
4. At the beginning of the 10th grade year, the student must have at least
five credits towards graduation, or earned five credits during the
previous 12 months.
ten credits toward graduation or have earned five credits during the
previous 12 months.
15 credits towards graduation or have earned five credits during the
previous 12 months.
10
Vl. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Suspension:
Each coach will have the authority, with concurrence of the athletic director,
to suspend or place on probation for an extended period of time for major
infractions. Athletes will be administered corporal punishment or
conditioning for minor infractions.
Any student suspended from athletics must be given:
1. The reason(s) for the suspension,
2. The time and provision of the suspension,
3. The procedures for re-entering the program,
4. Parent notification.
VII. TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND DRUGS
The following rules apply to all West Sabine ISD athletics:
1. NO SMOKING OR USE OF ANY TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
2. NO DRINKING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
3. NO USE OR POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS.
The respective coach, in cooperation with the athletic director and the
principal, will handle violations of the above rules. The athlete who violates
the above-stated rules shall be subject to any or all of the following: (1)
specified school policy, (2) suspension from practice sessions and games,
(3) discipline as designated and decided upon by the coach and athletic
director.
11
VIII. DROPPING/DISMISSAL FROM A SPORT
Before starting a sport, the athlete shall make a commitment to the
program or team that he/she will finish to the end. Staying committed to
the team shows a lot of character. An athlete, however, sometimes finds it
necessary to quit playing a sport before or during the season. Whatever
the reason, an athlete must follow the steps listed below:
1. The athlete should think the whole situation through before reaching
a final decision.
2. The athlete should talk to the coach to see if a solution can be
reached without having to quit. A conference between the parents,
athlete, and coach or any combination thereof, is required before an
athlete will be permitted to quit.
3. If an athlete decides to quit, he/she must check out of the sport. Also,
he/she must sign a form signifying they have quit and understand the
consequences that must be carried out in order to participate in
another sport.
4. If an athlete wants to return to the sport, he/she should consult the
appropriate coach. The decision as to whether the athlete will be
allowed to return to that sport shall be the decision of the individual
coach and the athletic director. There will be consequences in
returning to that sport. That will be the head coach’s desecration.
5. If an athlete quits a sport, he/she may not start or practice the next
sport until that sport has concluded. In order to participate in the next
sport you must run thirty miles in a seven day work period without
stopping. (Excluding the weekends). Some of the miles may be
substituted by doing some manual labor on the school grounds and
supervised by a staff member. This will only apply to those athletes
that have some type of hardship and it must be approved by the
athletic director and the head coach of that particular sport.
6. Any lost or damage equipment will have to be compensated by the
athlete that had quit that sport.
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**In the event that a student is dismissed from a sport during the season,
the same rules will apply as that of dropping a sport.**
IX. AWARDS AND LETTERING
Varsity teams:
Awards for the varsity teams will consist of letter jackets, plaques and
certificates. These major awards will be furnished by the school to each
athlete who meets the qualifications for lettering or participation in the
following sports: cross country, football, basketball, baseball, softball, and
track, power lifting, and cheerleading.
1. The University Interscholastic League rules will be followed in regard
to cost of the jacket or plaque.
2. The jacket will have no markings or patches on it except the letter. All
other patches will be the responsibility of the athlete.
X. General requirements for receiving jacket awards
1. Must have lettered in one varsity sport during their freshman or
sophomore school year or participated in the same varsity sport for
two years. Also, an athlete will not be able to receive a jacket until the
end of their sophomore year. In other words, a freshman athlete will
not be able to receive a jacket.
2. All requirements may be waived by judgment of a committee
composed of the head coach, athletic director and principal
concerning injuries, marginal cases, etc.
3. Lettering in a sport will be determined by the head coach of that
sport.
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Xl. MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
ATHLETES
Athletic insurance is provided by West Sabine ISD. It is the intention and
purpose of this policy to provide secondary coverage in the event of an
athletic injury. In the event of an injury it is the responsibility of the athlete’s
family to obtain the proper forms from the athletic director for filing on the
policy provided by West Sabine ISD. There will be a list of network medical
providers that take policy benefits on full assignments listed on the athletic
director’s web page at www.westsabineisd.net
Xll. PROCEDURES WHEN ILL OR INJURED
Your health is of concern to every member of your team. When you are ill
you need to notify your coach. Whenever you are injured or have an illness
of a minor nature, you may be required to dress out and stay with your
group during workout. You learn from each practice session, whether you
are actually working out or simply observing. Conditioning will be made up
for any missed practices. If an athlete has asthma, he/she must have an
inhaler before practicing or playing in a contest on hand.
XIII. Drug Testing Procedure
Prior to participating in extracurricular activities, a student in grades 7–12
and his or her parent or guardian shall give written permission for the
student to be tested for the use of alcohol and the following drugs:
Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Cannabinoid
(Marijuana)
Cocaine
Codeine
Dilaudid
Glutethamide
Meprodomate
Methaqualone
Morphine
Percodan
Pentazocine
Phenothizaines
Propoxythlene
Quinine
Tricylin
14
Failure to sign such an agreement shall mean the exclusion of the student
from participation in any extracurricular programs. All such students shall
be tested prior to participation and on a random basis throughout the
school year. For the random testing, each student shall be assigned a
number. The Board shall draw ten student numbers each month to
determine which students shall be tested that month. If the student has
been or is presently on medication, he or she shall present a physician’s
notice of the prescribed medication prior to drug testing.
The first time a student’s test result is positive, the District shall:
1. Notify the parent or guardian of the positive test result and the
consequences of a first offense in addition to the student code of
conduct.
2. Suspend the student from participation in extracurricular contests and
performances until:
a. Thirty days have elapsed; and
b. The parent or guardian comes to the school for a conference
with the principal or activity director and the student.
3. Permit the student to participate in practice, but not to travel to,
participate in, or attend contests during the suspension.
4. Permit the student to return to full participation status following the
30-day suspension only if the student, at his or her own expense, is
retested with a negative result. A positive result shall be considered a
second offense. See below.
5. Establish the length of time, as determined by the principal, that the
student shall attend mandatory counseling and/ or alternative
educational placement.
15
The second time that a student’s test result is positive, the District shall:
consequences of a second offense.
2. Remove the student from all extracurricular programs for the
remainder of the school year.
student shall attend mandatory counseling and alternative
The third time that a student’s test result is positive, the District shall:
consequences of a third offense.
2. Prohibit the student from participating in any extracurricular programs
for the remainder of his or her public school career in the District.
student shall attend mandatory counseling and alternative
XIV. RESOURCES
Any parent or concern West Sabine fan should always follow the chain of
command when confronting an issue about athletics. Please use the
following procedure:
1. Talk to the head coach of that particular sport.
2. If there is no satisfactory there then talk with the athletic director.
3. Finally, if there is no satisfactory with the athletic director then go talk
with the superintendent of the school.
West Sabine High School Phone – 409 584 2525
West Sabine Athletic Department – 409 584 2525
West Sabine Administration Office- 409 584 2655
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WEST SABINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
ATHLETIC HAND BOOK
2013-2014
I have received and reviewed the contents of the 2013-14 Athletic
Handbook and agree to be governed by its regulations as well as those in
the WSISD Student Code of Conduct.
Student’s Name ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature________________________________________
Parent or Guardian
Signature___________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________________________
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West Sabine ISD Cheerleading Tryout Application
West Sabine
Junior High and High
School
2014-2015
Cheerleader and Mascot
Constitution and Bylaws
Requirements and Other Essential Information
Table of Contents
Contents
Purpose: ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Eligibility: ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Membership (Squads): ................................................................................................................................. 1
Varsity: ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Junior Varsity Squad: ................................................................................................................................ 1
Junior High: ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Tryouts: ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Tryout Requirements, Procedures, and Selection: ................................................................................... 2
Requirements: ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Procedures: ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Selection: .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Financial Responsibilities: ............................................................................................................................. 3
Annual Camp: ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Expenses: .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Fundraising Activities:............................................................................................................................... 3
Attendance Requirements: .......................................................................................................................... 3
Away Games: ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Practices: .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Cheerleader Officers, Squad, and Mascot Duties:........................................................................................ 5
Officer Duties: ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Squad Duties: ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Mascot Duties ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Third Quarter Activities: ....................................................................................................................... 6
Practice Schedule...................................................................................................................................... 6
Uniforms and Appearance:........................................................................................................................... 7
Uniforms: .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Appearance:.............................................................................................................................................. 7
Awards: ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Conduct, Discipline, and Suspension/Dismissal: .......................................................................................... 8
Conduct: ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Disciplinary Action: ................................................................................................................................... 8
Suspension/Dismissal: .............................................................................................................................. 9
Demerits: .................................................................................................................................................... 10
ii
West Sabine ISD Cheerleading Tryout Application
My child, ______________________, has my permission to be a cheerleader or mascot at West Sabine
ISD. I have read the rules and regulations set forth by the sponsors and administration of West Sabine
Schools. I understand that any violation of these rules will lead to temporary or permanent suspension
from the squad. I understand, if chosen, my child will be required to attend summer camp, mandatory
squad practices during the school week, and all games (football and basketball).
Tryouts:
Cheerleading and mascot tryouts will be held on March 5, 2014. A deposit of $150.00 cash or check
made payable to WSISD is due on Monday, Mar. 3, 2014 by 10 a. m. This money will be applied toward
camp/equipment, etc. The deposit will be refunded the week after tryouts to students who do not
make the squad. For other tryout requirements, please see the WSISD Constitution and Bylaws.
Expenses:
The approximate cost for summer camp, camp clothes, shoes, pom-poms, uniforms, etc. could range
from $800-$1,000 per girl. This amount may be reduced if fundraisers are successful. You will be
responsible for any amount not covered by fundraisers even if you quit the squad or are dismissed from
the squad during the school year.
Risk:
I understand by the very nature of the activity, cheerleading and gymnastics carry a risk of physical
injury. No matter how careful the participant and sponsor are, or what landing surface is used, the risk
cannot be eliminated. The risk also includes catastrophic injuries such as permanent paralysis or even
death from landing or falls on the back, neck, or head. I understand these risks and will not hold West
Sabine ISD or any District personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time.
Concussion Acknowledgement Form. According to section 38.155 of the Texas Education Code, ‘a
student may not participate in an interscholastic athletic activity for a school year until both the student
and the student ’s parent or guardian or another person with legal authority to make medical decisions for
the student have signed a form for that school year that acknowledges receiving and reading written
information that explains concussion prevention, symptoms, treatment, and oversight and that includes
guidelines for safely resuming participation in an athletic activity following a concussion …..’ * This
section also applies to students participating in the cheerleading program at the school.
Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement:
I understand that all forms and fees MUST be turned in by Monday, Mar. 3, 2014 no later than 10 a.m.
or my child will be unable to tryout. I understand all costs involved as stated in the
West Sabine Cheerleading and Mascot Constitution and Bylaws. I have read the West Sabine
Cheerleading and Mascot Constitution and Bylaws and I am aware of all the expectations, rules, and
regulations and agree to abide by these.
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________________
Date
Student Acknowledgement:
I am interested in being a cheerleader or mascot at the West Sabine School. I understand the risks
stated above. If elected, I promise to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the West Sabine
Cheerleading and Mascot Constitution and Bylaws. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions
of the cheerleading sponsors and administration.
Student Signature: ______________________________ Date: _____________ Grade Next Year: ____
Home Address: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ____________
Tryout DVD’s:
Each student trying out will receive a Tryout DVD.
Junior High—know the ______________Cheer and Dance for tryouts.
Varsity—know the _________________ Cheer and Dance for tryouts.
Results:
Cheerleading results will be posted on the WSISD Web Site by 8:00 p. m. on March 5, 2014.
1. Go to http://www.westsabineisd.net
2. Click on Extracurriculars.
3. Look under Athletics then click on Cheerleaders.
West Sabine ISD Cheerleading and Mascot Constitution and Bylaws
Purpose:
It shall be the purpose of the Tiger Cheerleaders and Mascot to promote and uphold team spirit for
those we encounter, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations in the
community and between teams and squads during events. The organizational goal is to work in
harmony with the team management, administration, other athletic teams, and sporting organizations.
Cheerleaders and the mascot are highly visible ambassadors of West Sabine School and are thus
expected to conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to WSISD at ALL times, and will be held
to a higher standard, whether in uniform or out of uniform. Cheerleading at West Sabine ISD is a
privilege, not a right.
Eligibility:
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A cheerleader candidate and mascot must support the Tigers above all other teams.
A candidate must be neatly presented, medically fit, and provide parental permission.
Acceptance of a candidate shall be on the basis of ability, the coach’s agreement, acceptance of
the squad rules, and without prejudice of race, creed, or color.
Membership (Squads):
Varsity:
Varsity squad will be chosen from the upcoming freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior classes. The
varsity squad could range from eight to twelve depending on the number of the quality and skill of the
applicants. The varsity will also choose a mascot to represent our school and help promote school spirit.
Junior Varsity Squad:
Junior Varsity Squad will be chosen from the upcoming freshman, sophomore, or junior classes. Due to
the limited number of junior varsity teams, junior varsity cheerleaders will be chosen if there is a need
for this squad.
Junior High:
A junior high squad of eight will be chosen from upcoming seventh and eighth grade classes. Junior high
will not have a mascot due to the time of the games and the heat.
Tryouts:
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Tryouts will normally be held each year in the spring for the upcoming school year.
The format of the tryouts will be decided by the coaches, and will be held in a fair and open
manner conducive to allowing each candidate to show his/her best abilities and potential.
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Tryout Requirements, Procedures, and Selection:
Requirements:
In order to be eligible for tryouts, you must submit the following to the sponsor by the set due date.
 Tryout Fee—A deposit of $150.00 cash or check made out to WSISD. The money will be applied
toward camp. The deposit will be refunded to the student if he/she does not make the squad.
 Teacher recommendation form filled out by all current teachers of the candidate.
 WSISD Cheerleading and Mascot Tryout Application/Guidelines Agreement—MUST be signed
by both parent and student.
 Enrollment—Candidate must have been continuously enrolled at West Sabine ISD for 3
consecutive six weeks.
 Grades—Each candidate must have at least a 70 average with no failing grades the previous six
week reporting period. The 70 average, with no failing grades in a six week reporting period
must be maintained to be an active cheerleader or mascot.
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Procedures:
 Please wear appropriate clothing for tryouts. Shirts must be tucked in with shorts at an
appropriate length. Contestants need to wear tennis shoes with white socks. Hair must be
pulled back. Contestants cannot wear outfits from prior cheer camps nor any jewelry or
clothing with cheerleading logos on them. This is so each participant will be judged fairly.
 Family and friends are NOT allowed in the gym during tryouts/clinics. Absolutely no one other
than the coaches, judges, and students trying out will be allowed in the gym or with the
candidates during the actual tryouts. This also applies to the locker room as the contestants are
getting ready/dressed.
 Please remember that being a cheerleader or mascot last year in no way guarantees placement
on the squad for the following year. Each student must go through the same selection process
every spring.
 Physical Examination—If elected, the candidate must have a physical examination and be
cleared for the physical activities involved in cheerleading. The examination must be complete
before cheerleading camp that summer.
 Cheerleading Summer Camp—Each cheerleader and mascot MUST ATTEND the summer
cheerleading camp.
 Insurance—Each cheerleader and mascot must carry school insurance or sign a waiver form. A
copy must be given to the sponsor before the summer cheerleading camp/session begins.
Selection:
 A panel of randomly selected and impartial judges (selected by the sponsor) will evaluate each
candidate on the basis of individual performance in a no audience audition.
 The format of the tryout will be broken down into two parts:
o Attendance, scholastic, and teacher evaluation—45 points
o Judges evaluation of cheer and dance—55 points
2
Financial Responsibilities:
Annual Camp:
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The cheerleader is responsible for the cost of attending. Fundraising may be applicable.
Students must purchase their own summer camp outfits, including cheerleading shoes as well as
uniforms. These outfits will be used as pep rally outfits and performance gear the next school
year.
Expenses:
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The approximate cost for summer camp, camp clothes, shoes, pom-poms, uniforms, etc. could
range from $800-$1000 per girl. Below is a payment plan for 2014-2015 Cheerleaders to pay for
uniforms and camp clothes.
Payments
1
2
3
4
5
6
Amount Due
$150.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
Date Due
March 3, 2014 (Tryout deposit)
April 3, 2014
May 3, 2014
June 3, 2014
July 3, 2014
August 3, 2014
Fundraising Activities:
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The payments listed are required for each cheerleader. There will be few, if any, sponsorgenerated fundraisers this year and those that are conducted will help pay for camp, supplies,
and much needed equipment. Each cheerleader/parent must actively participate in all
cheerleader and mascot fundraising activities. If you do not participate in all fundraisers, then
you are personally responsible for your share of the fundraising profits. This will be determined
by dividing the total amount raised by the number of cheerleaders and mascot who participates
in fundraiser.
Should you fail to participate in the fundraisers and refuse to pay your share of monthly
payments, your child will be suspended from the squad until you have paid your balance in
full.
All monies owed MUST be paid in full BEFORE your child is allowed to try out for the next
year’s squad.
Any monies raised in fundraisers will be used to fund cheerleading projects such as pep rallies,
run through signs, hall decorations, parades, equipment, camp, etc.
All school-sponsored fundraising activities must be approved by school administration.
Attendance Requirements:
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Cheerleaders and mascot will attend ALL practices, competitions or events, unless pre-approved
by the coach.
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The coach MUST BE NOTIFIED by the student if he/she will not be at practice or events. Do not
send word by another student. A note from the parent or guardian must be received within 3
days of the absence. Doctors/dentists notes, death or illness of immediate family will be
automatically excused. Sickness with a note from a parent will be excused.
Excused absences include but are not limited to: personal illness with a note from parent or
doctor, death or illness of immediate family, funeral, mandated court appearance, school
sponsored trips, and religious holidays.
Unexcused absences include but are not limited to: a friend’s birthday, work, vacation,
shopping, and non UIL sports activities.
Three excused absences will result in a benched game.
See attached demerit system for unexcused absence consequences.
More than one absence (excused or unexcused) during the week will result in a benched game.
Practices are still mandated even if you are benched or suspended. If you are benched or
suspended from a game, you are required to dress out in performance attire and sit with the
cheerleaders during the game. This is not free time for you.
Summer Camp: all cheerleaders, managers, mascot and coaches are required to attend summer
camp as a squad. Failure to attend camp will result in suspension of cheerleading.
Competitions: The squad, as a group, may enter competitions throughout the year. All
cheerleaders and mascot are required to participate.
Social Activities: All members are encouraged, but not required to attend.
Conflicts in participation: Conflicting school activity participation will be resolved in advance of
the conflict. Such conflicts will be resolved in open discussion with the sponsors involved and
the principal.
Away Games:
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Cheerleaders and mascot must travel to and from away games by school vehicle.
Cheerleaders and mascot must be present and ready to go no later than fifteen minutes prior to
departure time for all games. All cheerleaders and mascot will arrive on time in correct uniform
at the designated meeting area.
If a cheerleader or mascot misses the bus, he/she will not be allowed to cheer at the game.
Practices:
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All cheerleaders and mascot are required to attend all practice sessions. (See attendance
requirements).
Cheerleaders and mascot may practice two to three days a week during the months of June and
July and are absolutely required to participate in ALL practices beginning in August. The
practices will usually last 2-4 hours. Additional practice may be called at the sponsor’s
discretion.
Junior high cheerleader summer practice will be called by the sponsor.
All cheerleaders and mascot shall warm up and stretch muscles prior to practice. This is a must!
Everyone must wear appropriate attire for practice. Dresses, jeans, and sandals are not
appropriate for practice.
4
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For security issues, all cheerleading practices are closed. Only cheerleaders, sponsors, and
administrators are allowed at the practices.
Cheerleader Officers, Squad, and Mascot Duties:
Head cheerleaders/Captains/Co-Captains will only be chosen if the sponsor so desires. Captain selection
will be based on experience, cheerleading abilities, strong leadership, and self-discipline.
Officer Duties:
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Assists in selecting cheers and chants to be used at games/pep rallies and events.
Checks to see that each girl has the proper uniform and to co-ordinate the painting and
displaying of signs.
Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a good example of friendliness.
Keeps the crowd cheering and your cheerleaders in proper formation during games.
Acts as a peacemaker in case of disagreements; show no partiality within the squad.
Arrives at practice early and begins practice on time.
At no time will the Captain or Co-Captain assume the role of the sponsor. It is not your place to
give demerits or tell a cheerleader when he/she may or may not leave practices or events.
Squad Duties:
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Varsity cheerleaders and mascot will cheer/perform at all Varsity football games and all district
basketball games (home and away) and playoff games.
Varsity cheerleaders and mascot will cheer at pep rallies and other events requested by the
sponsor.
Junior high and JV cheerleaders will cheer at all football games (home and away) and will only
cheer at home basketball games at the discretion of the sponsor.
All cheerleaders and mascot shall be ready to cheer at all times.
Attend summer, fall, and spring scheduled practices.
Cheerleaders and mascot will have half time off at football games and basketball games.
The third quarter of all football games will be used to introduce the visiting squad at the
discretion of the sponsor. Cheerleaders must be back at the home side and cheering at the
beginning of fourth quarter.
All cheerleaders and mascot must assume responsibility for equipment (poles, megaphones,
cooler, signs, etc.).
Mascot Duties
A mascot is a person or thing that is supposed to bring good luck or that is used to symbolize a particular
event or organization.
The WSHS Mascot is the symbol of ALL tiger teams; therefore, the mascot is required to promote pride,
spirit, and good sportsmanship at ALL events.
5
The WSHS Mascot should be ready and willing to perform at a moment’s notice to promote this pride,
spirit, and sportsmanship.
The mascot shall abide by ALL rules and regulations as stated in the cheerleader and mascot constitution
and by-laws and be subject to all demerits as stated within said constitution.
The mascot shall:
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Learn all chants that will be performed.
Rehearse and perform at least one new skit each week. This skit must be fully ready to go by
Wednesday no later than 5:00 p.m. for approval for the next week’s game/pep rally
Have a complete list of props and supplies needed for approval and availability for the next
week’s performance NO LATER than Wednesday afternoon. The props should be kept simple
and should not be expensive. The mascot is ultimately responsible for having the props ready to
go for the performances but will receive assistance from the sponsor or other squad members
upon timely request—the approval for the props will depend on financial availability—the
mascot is in no way financially responsible for props.
Compile ALL music needed for performances.
Must perform a short (1-2 minute) skit at every pep rally.
The mascot should be actively involved during the game.
The mascot should have any props and music needed on hand and a generic dance ready for
band songs at all events/games, etc.
NO FEMALE CLOTHING and ACCESSORIES will be on the tiger suit at any male sporting event.
Mascot will fully assist in ALL sign creations, hall decorating, etc. as well as any other activities or
requests made by the coach.
Third Quarter Activities:
When the cheerleaders go to the visitor’s side, the mascot will use this time as activity time with
children from the stands on the sideline.
Examples: hoola hoop contests, wagon rides, 3 man football, weight lifting contests, etc.
Practice Schedule
The mascot’s practice will be conducted in the following way:
1. Stretch and work out with cheerleaders.
2. Practice chants with cheerleaders.
3. Rest of practice—
a. Compile music
b. Research and prepare skit material
c. Work on props for upcoming skits/activities
d. Create an activity list for third quarter game time or halftime during basketball season
e. Complete list for props or materials needed
6
Remember—completed pep rally and game material must be submitted to coaches by 5:00 p.m. each
Wednesday BEFORE the next week’s performance. The skits must be performed for approval by
Wednesday.
Uniforms and Appearance:
Uniforms:
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Varsity and junior high uniforms will be purchased via self-pay by the regular members. The
West Sabine School will not purchase or provide cheerleading uniforms.
Uniforms and shoes are to be kept in excellent condition at all times.
Should any uniform item or practice wear item be lost, damaged, or destroyed, the cheerleader
or mascot responsible for the item MUST replace the item at his/her cost. The cheerleader or
mascot will be benched until item is replaced if proof of the purchase (invoice, bill, etc.) is not
submitted within one week after the item has been damaged.
Uniforms and shoes are to be worn ONLY for games, pep rallies or other occasions approved by
the sponsor.
Only official squad jackets may be worn over the uniform. Uniforms will only be worn for events
as designated by the coaches.
The mascot will wear the complete tiger suit with no embellishments, etc. Should a special
occasion arise, sponsor approval MUST be given before additional attire can be worn (jerseys,
helmets, shorts, skirts, tops, etc.)
While in uniform or any item of team identification, a cheerleader and mascot must always
conduct themselves in a manner becoming a West Sabine Tiger Cheerleader/Mascot.
Appearance:
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For safety reasons no jewelry or watches are to be worn at games or practices except small stud
earrings.
Earrings/piercings can be worn in the earlobe only.
Uniforms must be kept spotless at all times.
Make up should be natural and not excessive.
Hairstyles must be neat and secured up out of the face, not needing attention while performing.
Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially when in uniform.
No primping during cheerleading events.
Only ribbons that match the uniform are to be worn.
When riding the suburban, bus, etc. to out of town games, no perfumes, hairsprays, deodorant,
or nail polish is to be used.
Awards:
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Cheerleader and mascot awards include “Football Sweetheart” and “Miss School Spirit.”
Varsity: A letter jacket will be presented in the junior year upon the successful completion and
participation of two years of a lettering activity.
7
Conduct, Discipline, and Suspension/Dismissal:
Conduct:
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Squad members are required to maintain and uphold the reputation of the tiger cheerleaders
and mascot through their own conduct and squad spirit.
Cheerleaders and mascot will display good sportsmanship at all times. No improper motions
shall be made, nor shall obscene or profane language be used.
Members are required to be courteous, polite, friendly, and try to have a smile for everyone.
All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
Members will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses.
Conduct in the classroom should always be excellent—set a good example—lead by example.
Cheerleaders/mascot(s) should not receive office referrals.
Cheerleaders and the mascot should respect all WSISD faculty and staff at all times.
Cheerleaders and the mascot will demonstrate no disrespect to game officials at any time.
All cheerleaders and the mascot are to cooperate to the fullest extent with the captain and
the sponsor.
Be aware of your appearance at all times. Use good grooming habits. Remember; even out of
uniform you still represent the squad. Do not break school dress code.
Arguments and disrespect among squad members are to be avoided. If there is a problem that
cannot be resolved, SEE THE SPONSOR. Do not let the problem get out of hand before bringing
it to the sponsor’s attention.
There is to be no smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and illegal use of drugs, nor
improper language while serving in a cheerleading/mascot capacity.
Cheerleaders and mascot are not to break formation to greet friends nor be involved in a public
display of affection while in uniform.
All cheerleaders and mascot will be back on the field/court ready to cheer 1 minute before halftime ends.
A cheerleader and mascot candidate must support the Tigers above all other teams. A
cheerleader and mascot shall not wear apparel supporting opposing teams at any time
throughout the year.
Inappropriate face book or any other social networking conversation or pictures of a negative
nature that impacts ANY tiger activity, both academic and extracurricular, are prohibited.
Principal and sponsor review of the action may result in dismissal from the squad.
Disciplinary Action:
Cheerleaders and mascot are to follow the West Sabine Cheerleader and Mascot Constitution and
Bylaws. Demerits will be given for violation of rules. A cheerleader and mascot will be
benched/suspended from games/events for the following reasons:
Action
Three excused absences (see attached demerits) from cheer event
One unexcused absence from a game
One unexcused absence from a practice
More than one absence during the week (excused or unexcused)
Tardy (late for practice or games 3 times)
Failing grades
Consequence
1 benched game
1 benched game/event and 15 demerits
10 demerits
1 benched game
1 benched game and 3 demerits for each tardy
Suspended for the 6 weeks (practices are still
Failure to cooperate with the sponsor (arguing or disrespectful)
1 benched game and 10 demerits
mandated—follows no pass, no play )
8
Failure to follow and abide by squad rules and regulations
Office disciplinary referral
Suspension/Dismissal:









Each office disciplinary referral will result in suspension for one game and 15 demerits. (Ex:
detention, Saturday school, ISS). Two such referrals will result in dismissal from the squad.
Misconduct which reflects upon the school will result in suspension and 10 demerits.
If the scholastic average of the cheerleader and mascot drops below the requirements at the six
weeks reporting period, the cheerleader and mascot will be suspended for three weeks. Two (2)
consecutive ineligible six weeks periods will result in dismissal.
UIL guidelines for “NO PASS” will be followed for all cheerleaders and mascots. Practices are still
mandated when suspended from performing.
Any incidents involving proven gross misconduct, a criminal act, sexual behavior, alcohol,
tobacco, or any illegal substances in or out of school will automatically result in dismissal.
Any behavior that involves law enforcement officials will result in automatic dismissal.
Fighting will not be tolerated! Involvement in fighting on or off campus will result in dismissal
from the squad pending an investigation of your involvement in the fight.
Accumulation of three benchings will result in removal from the squad.
Inappropriate face book or any other social networking conversations or pictures of a negative
nature that impacts ANY tiger activity, both academic and extracurricular, are prohibited.
Principal and sponsor review of the action may result in dismissal from the squad.
9
West Sabine Cheerleader and Mascot
Bylaws and Demerit System
Demerits:
Cheerleaders and mascots must maintain unity and fairness as a group. A demerit system is our means
to ensure this fairness. The sponsor upon his or her judgment shall issue demerits when a squad
member has violated a rule or regulation. A cheerleader’s/mascot’s year begins after tryouts.
Cheerleaders and mascots are required to attend all practices and functions in assigned uniform/attire.
If you must miss a practice, do not send word by another squad member. Notify the sponsor yourself
and bring a note from your parent/guardian stating the reason for your absence.
Demerit points are given for the following:
Attendance and Tardies
Actions
Demerits
3 Excused absences (other than doctors appt. or
1 benched game
death in family)
Unexcused absence from a game
Unexcused absence from a practice
10 demerits
Tardy to games, practice, events, etc.
3 demerits (3 tardies = 1 benched game)
Tardy from breaks
3 demerits
Uniforms, Practice, Grooming, and Attire
Actions
Demerits
Not wearing uniforms when required
10 demerits and benched game
Not having all the required items of uniform for
5 demerits
game/event
Not wearing suitable clothing or shoes to
3 demerits
practice/event
Wearing jewelry to cheering events or practice
2 demerits
Any violation of the nail rule (colored polish or
1 demerit
nails too long)
Hair not all the way up for practices, games, events 2 demerits
Not wearing plain white socks
2 demerits
Lending out uniforms, jackets, warm-ups to
2 demerits
students who are not cheerleaders
Conduct
Actions
Un-sportsmanlike/unbecoming conduct
Talking or being disruptive during practice
Unacceptable behavior while traveling
Griping and complaining
Failure to cooperate or show respect to sponsor
Demerits
5 demerits
2 demerits
5 demerits
5 demerits
10
Conduct Continued
Actions
Failure to abide by squad rules and regulations
Attracting undesirable attention
Demerits
5 demerits
Obscene language
5 demerits
Public display of affection
5 demerits
Leaving a practice or performance area messy
3 demerits
(trash, hangers, food, etc.)
Office disciplinary referral
Performance/Sideline Behavior
Excessive talking among cheerleaders/mascots
2 demerits
Talking to people in the crowd/greeting friends,
2 demerits
family
Not paying attention to the game/pep-rally
2 demerits
Not standing in correct formation
2 demerits
Not cheering, showing spirit, jumping at game or
3 demerits
pep rally
More than one person out of formation at a time
2 demerits
for drinks/restroom
Not showing respect during the National Anthems 2 demerits
and both school songs
Not staying to clean up after each game/pep rally
2 demerits
Not knowing the cheers or routines
5 demerits (benched)
Chewing gum during practice or while cheering
2 demerits
Talking or horse playing on the sidelines—not
5 demerits
cheering
Acting in an unsafe manner as determined by
5 demerits
sponsor
**Cheerleaders and mascot will be informed of demerits given. The guidelines for accumulation of
demerits will be as follows:


15 demerits = 1 benched game
25 demerits = dismissal from the team
These are general rules and guidelines for all WSISD cheerleaders and the mascot. Failure to comply
may at times require judgment calls to be made. Administration and sponsors reserve the right to
upgrade any penalty (immediate benching, office referral, suspension, or dismissal) depending on the
severity of the situation. Principal and sponsor review of actions may result in dismissal from the squad.
11

Student Handbook

Transcription

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