Amarillo Independent School District Student Handbook 2013

Transcription

Amarillo Independent School District
Student Handbook
2013-2014
Updated September 2013
Revisions/additions are highlighted in yellow
Amarillo High Cluster
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Amarillo High
Bonham
Crockett
Belmar
Puckett
Ridgecrest
Sleepy Hollow
South Georgia
Western Plateau
Windsor
Caprock Cluster
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Caprock High
AACAL
North Heights
Bowie
Fannin
Glenwood
Humphrey’s
Highland
Lamar
Landergin
Lawndale
Oak Dale
Sanborn
South Lawn
Sunrise
Tradewind
Palo Duro Cluster
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Palo Duro High
Mann
Travis
Johnny Allen
Eastridge
Emerson
Forest Hill
Hamlet
Lee
Mesa Verde
Pleasant Valley
Rogers
Whittier
Tascosa Cluster
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Tascosa High
Austin
de Zavala
Houston
Avondale
Bivins
Carver
Carver ECA
Coronado
Olsen Park
Paramount
Terrace
San Jacinto
Wills
Wolflin
Woodlands
7200 Interstate 40 West • Amarillo, TX 79106-2598
Rod Schroder
Superintendent
Notification Letter
Dear Parent/Guardian:
I want to welcome you and your child to Amarillo Independent School District. Please be
assured that Amarillo ISD diligently works to provide a safe place for children to learn and
grow. Since our future is dependent upon every child in our community growing up to
become a productive, contributing member of society, our focus is on academic achievement,
independent thinking and problem solving, as well as good character and citizenship. These
goals can only be accomplished through a combined effort on the part of students, parents
and school personnel. We welcome you to be part of a terrific team!
This Student Handbook is designed to inform you and your child of the type of conduct
expected in the Amarillo Independent School District. It contains the Student Code of
Conduct and Code of Ethical Behavior for Extracurricular Activities for our school district.
The Student Handbook is available online at www.amaisd.org or it may be accessed at your
child’s school. Your child will receive from his/her school the Acknowledgement of
Receipt/Access form along with other forms that will require your signature. These forms
can also be found online at the above website. After you and your child review this
information please sign all of these forms and return them to school. If your response is
not received by the date established by your school, we will assume that you agree with and
accept the policies and rules stated.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education, please do not
hesitate to call the campus principal.
Sincerely,
Rod Schroder
Executive Team
Rod Schroder
Superintendent
Doug Loomis
Executive Director
Human Resources
Les Hoyt
Chief Financial
Officer
Pati Buchenau
Executive Director
Finance and Budget
Christina Ritter
Executive Director
Amarillo High Cluster
Dr. Dana West
Executive Director
Caprock Cluster
Kevin Phillips
Executive Director
Palo Duro Cluster
Stan Chatman
Executive Director
Tascosa Cluster
Jeff Roller
Chief Technology
Officer
Chuck Higley
Director
Digital Learning
Stacey Harris
Director
Instructional Development
Holly Shelton
Program Director
Communications
Susan Hoyl
Director
Community Relations
Denise Blanchard
Program Director
Community Partnerships
Table of Contents
PREFACE………………………………………………………………………………. 1
SECTION I: PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBLITIES……………............... 2
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT……………………………………………………… 2
Working together…………………………………………………………………. 2
PARENTAL RIGHTS…………………………………………………………….....
3
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights……………………………. 3
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff…………….…..…. 3
Reviewing Instructional Materials……………………………………….……….. 4
Displaying a Student’s Artwork, Photos, and Other Original Work……………… 4
Accessing Student Records……………………………………………………….
4
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student…………………….…. 5
Granting Permission to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction… 5
Removing a Student Temporarily from the Classroom…………………………… 5
Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction…………………………. 5
Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags……… 6
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence... 6
Requesting Limited or No Contact with a Student through Electronic Media……. 6
Requesting Notices of Certain Student Misconduct………………………..…….. 7
School Safety Transfers………………………………………………….…….…
7
Parents of Students with Disabilities with Other School Aged Children at Home.. 7
Request for the Use of a Service Animal…………………………………………. 7
Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have
Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education Services…… 8
Parents of Students Who Speak a Primary Language Other than English………… 8
Accommodations for Children of Military Families……………………………… 8
Student Records…………………………………………………………………... 9
Special Education Records……………………………………………………….. 11
SECTION II: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
AND PARENTS……………………………………………………………………….. 11
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Student Handbook 2013-2014
ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE……………………………………………….….….. 11
Absences Requested by Parents…………………………………………………
11
Compulsory Attendance…………………………………………………………
12
Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance………………………………………… 12
Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance…………………………….…. 13
Attendance for Credit……………………………………………………….…… 14
Official Attendance Taking Time…………………………………………….…. 15
Parent’s Note after an Absence…………………………………………….….… 15
Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness……………………………………… 15
Driver License Attendance Verification………………………………………… 15
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS……………………………………………………..….
16
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES…………………………………………. 16
BULLYING………………………………………………………………………… 16
CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM……………………………………………….
17
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS……………… 18
CHECK-IN PROCEDURE………………………………………………………… 18
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE……………………………………………………… 18
CHILD FIND SECTION 504 NOTICE……………………………………………. 19
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN.... 19
CLASS RANK/HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT……………………….………. 20
CLASS SCHEDULES…………………………………………………………..….. 20
CLOSED CAMPUS………………………………………………………………... 20
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS………………………………….. 20
COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES…………………………………………………… 21
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS………………………………………………... 21
CONDUCT…………………………………………………………………………. 22
Applicability of School Rules………………………………………………….... 22
Social Events…………………………………………………………………..… 22
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES/CONDITIONS………………………………………. 22
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES…………………………………………………. 22
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COUNSELING…………………………………………………………………….. 23
Academic Counseling…………………………………………………………… 23
Personal Counseling……………………………………………………………..
23
COURSE CREDIT…………………………………………………………………. 23
CREDIT BY EXAM – If a Student Has Taken the Course………………………... 23
CREDIT BY EXAM – If a Student Has Not Taken the Course…………………… 24
DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND
RETALIATION………………………………………………………………….… 24
Dating Violence………………………………………………………………….. 24
Discrimination…………………………………………………………………… 25
Harassment………………………………………………………………………. 25
Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Harassment…………………………….. 25
Retaliation……………………………………………………………………….
26
Reporting Procedures……………………………………………………………. 26
Investigation of Report………………………………………………………..…. 26
DISCRIMINATION………………………………………………………………..
27
DISTANCE LEARNING…………………………………………………………..
27
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS…………..
27
School Materials…………………………………………………………….…… 27
Nonschool Materials - From Students………………………………………..…. 27
Nonschool Materials -From Others………………………………………….….. 28
DRESS AND GROOMING……………………………………………………….
28
DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM……………………………………………….
30
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES………………..
31
Possession and Use of Personal Electronic Devices ……………………………
31
AISD BYO Staff, Parent, Student Guide………………..………………..……..
31
Searches of Personal Electronic Devices………………..………………………
33
Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources………...…………………… 34
Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources………………… 34
Amarillo ISD Statement of Purpose – Technology Education………………….. 34
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Acceptable Use Agreement……………………………………………………… 35
Technology Equipment and Assets……………………………………………… 35
Consequences of Student Violation of Rules and Procedures………………..…
36
Exceptions……………………………………………………………………….. 36
Proper Internet Procedures……………………………………………………....
36
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS……..
37
Co-Curricular………………………………………………………………….… 37
Curricular…………………………………………………………………..……. 37
Extracurricular…………………………………………………………………..
37
Extracurricular Activities’ Participation Rules…………………………………
37
Offices and Elections……………………………………………………………
37
Organizations……………………………………………………………………
38
Standards of Behavior…………………………………………………………..
38
Student Eligibility for University Interscholastic League………………………. 38
FEES……………………………………………………………………………….
39
FUND-RAISING…………………………………………………………………...
39
GANG-FREE ZONES………………………………………………………….….. 39
GRADE CLASSIFICATION………………………………………………………
39
GRADING GUIDELINES…………………………………………………………
40
GRADUATION………………………………………………………………….… 41
Requirements for a Diploma…………………………………………………….. 41
Graduation Programs……………………………………………………………. 42
Students with Disabilities……………………………………………………….. 44
Scholarships and Grants…………………………………………………………
45
HARASSMENT………………………………………………………………....…
45
HAZING…………………………………………………………………………....
45
HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS…………………………………………………
45
Bacterial Meningitis……………………………………………………………..
45
Emergency Status with a Student……………………………………………….
47
Food Allergies………………………………………………………………..…
47
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Head Lice………………………………………………………………..………
48
Health Services and Requirements……………………………………………...
48
Physical Activity for Students in Elementary and Middle School…………….... 48
Other Health-Related Matters…………………………………………………… 48
Physical Fitness Assessment…………………………………………………
48
Vending Machines……………………………………………………………
48
Tobacco Prohibited…………………………………………………………… 49
Asbestos Management Plan…………………………………………………..
49
Pest Management Plan……………………………………………………….
49
HISTORY OF AISD HIGH SCHOOLS…………………………………………..
50
HOMELESS STUDENTS…………………………………………………………
51
IMMUNIZATIONS………………………………………………………………… 51
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME…………
52
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES……………………………………………..
52
Questioning of Students…………………………………………………………
52
Students Taken into Custody……………………………………………………
53
Notification of Law Violations………………………………………………….
53
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS………………………………..
53
MAKEUP WORK………………………………………………………………….
54
Makeup Work Because of Absence……………………………………………..
54
DAEP Makeup Work…………………………………………………………....
54
MEDICAID – Notice to Parents…………………………………………………… 55
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL…………………………………………………………
55
Herbal/Dietary Supplements…………………………………………………….
56
Psychotropic Drugs……………………………………………………………..
56
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT…………………………………………
56
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE………………… 57
POLICE LIAISON OFFICER……………………………………………………..
57
PRAYER…………………………………………………………………………...
57
PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES………………………………….
57
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PROMOTION AND RETENTION………………………………………………..
57
REGISTRATION CARDS…………………………………………………………
58
REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS………………………………………………..
59
Safety……………………………………………………………………………. 59
Student…………………………………………………………………………..
59
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL…………………………………….
59
SAFETY…………………………………………………………………………....
59
Accident Insurance…………………………………………………………….… 60
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies……………………………….…
60
Fire Drill Procedure………………………………………………………..…
60
Tornado Drill Procedure……………………………………………………...
60
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information………………………………..
61
Emergency School-Closing Information………………………………………..
61
SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS……………………………
61
SATURDAY SCHOOL……………………………………………………………
61
SCHOOL FACILITIES……………………………………………………………
61
Use by Students Before and After School………………………………………
61
Conduct Before and After School……………………………………………….
62
Use of Hallways During Class Time……………………………………………. 62
Cafeteria Services……………………………………………………………….
62
Charging School Meals………………………………………………………
62
Notification…………………………………………………………………..
63
Library…………………………………………………………………………..
64
Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups……………………………….…..
64
SEARCHES………………………………………………………………….…….
64
Student’s Desks and Lockers…………………………………………………..
64
Electronic Devices……………………………………………………………...
65
Vehicles on Campus……………………………………………………………
65
Trained Dogs…………………………………………………………………...
65
SECRET OR SELF-PERPETUATING SOCIETIES……………………………..
65
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT………………………………………………………..
66
SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS………………………………………………….
66
SPECIAL PROGRAMS…………………………………………………………..
66
Gifted and Talented…………………………………………………………….
66
Homebound…………………………………………………………………….
67
North Heights Center…………………………………………………………..
67
STANDARDIZED TESTING…………………………………………………….
68
SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test)…………….
68
STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness)………………..
68
Grade 3 – 8…………………………………………………………………..
68
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments of Students in Grades 9 – 12…………..
TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)…………………………..
68
69
THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)………………………………….
69
STEROIDS…………………………………………………………………………
70
STUDENT SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND PREGNANCY LAWS AND
REPORTING PRACTICES………………………………………………………..
70
SUICIDE AWARENESS…………………………………………………………..
70
TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)…………….
70
TARDINESS……………………………………………………………………….
71
TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL
EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS……………….
71
TRANSCRIPTS……………………………………………………………………
71
TRANSFERS………………………………………………………………………
72
TUTORING……………………………………………………………………….
72
TRANSPORTATION……………………………………………………………..
72
Buses and Other School Vehicles………………………………………………
73
Road Emergency…………………………………………………………….
73
Disciplinary Action………………………………………………………….
73
VANDALISM……………………………………………………………………..
73
VIDEO CAMERAS……………………………………………………………….
73
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VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL…………………………………………………….
73
General visitors………………………………………………………………….
73
MISSION STATEMENT
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PREFACE
To Students and Parents:
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 Amarillo 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 Amarillo ISD Student Code of Conduct,
which is a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere
for learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this handbook or available on line at
www.amaisd.org.
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. Changes in policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions will
be made available 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 reasonably 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.
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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 your
child’s school.
[See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights for more information.]
Please note that references to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board
policy. A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office or online at
www.amaisd.org.
SECTION I: PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This section of the Amarillo ISD Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest
to you as a parent.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Working Together
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is good
communication and a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement in this
partnership may include:
•
Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a
daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.
•
Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and
comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
•
Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs,
including special programs, offered in the district.
•
Discussing with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and
opportunities available to your child.
•
Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with your child once your child
begins enrolling in courses that earn high school credit.
•
Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as needed. [See
Academic Counseling and Academic Programs.]
•
Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To
schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please
call the school office for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet
with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Progress
Reports and Conferences.]
•
Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policies at GKG and contact the
school office.]
•
Participating in campus parent organizations.
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•
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 the school office.
•
Serving on the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), assisting the district in ensuring
local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies at BDF,
EHAA, FFA.] The District Education Advisory Council (DEAC) is composed of SHAC
and the Calendar Committee.
•
Being aware of the school’s ongoing bullying and harassment prevention efforts.
•
Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies at BE and
BED for more information.]
•
The required District Parent Involvement Policy may be found on the AISD website under
Parent Involvement in the Parents & Students section.
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.
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).]
Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff
As a parent of a student in the Amarillo Independent School District, you have the right to know the
professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to
ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers, and requires us to give you this
information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following
information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:
3
•
Whether the Texas Education Agency has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and
subjects he or she teachers.
•
Whether the Texas Education Agency has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom
without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances.
•
The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject
of the degrees.
•
Whether any teachers’ aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if
they do, their qualifications.
If you would like to receive any of this information, please call the AISD Personnel Office at (806) 3261490.
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.
[Also see Removing a Student from Human Sexuality Instruction for additional information.]
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, on
any campus or classroom Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass
communication.
Accessing Student Records
You may review your child’s student records. These records include:
•
Attendance records,
•
Test scores,
•
Grades,
•
Disciplinary records,
•
Counseling records,
•
Psychological records,
•
Applications for admission,
•
Health and immunization information,
•
Other medical records,
4
•
Teacher and counselor evaluations,
•
Reports of behavioral patterns, and
•
State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child, and
•
Teaching materials and tests used in your child’s classroom.
[See Student Records.]
Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student
As a parent, you may grant or deny any written request from the district to make a video or voice
recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a video or voice recording
without parental permission for the following circumstances:
•
When it is to be used for school safety;
•
When it relates to classroom instruction or a cocurricular or extracurricular activity; or
•
When it relates to media coverage of the school.
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 the Texas
Education Agency.
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;
5
•
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;
•
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.
In accordance with state law, below is a summary of the district’s curriculum regarding human sexuality
instruction:
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.
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. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence and
policy EC(LEGAL).]
Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence
You may request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of
Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of
the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a
written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a
conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to
whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK(LEGAL).]
Requesting 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.
An employee described above may also contact a student individually through electronic media to
communicate about items such as homework or upcoming tests.
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.
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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. [See policy FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.]
School Safety Transfers
As a parent, you may:
•
Request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus 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 school 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 campus.
Transportation is not provided in this circumstance.
[See Bullying, policy FDB, and policy FFI.]
•
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).]
•
Request the transfer of your child to another campus if your child has been the victim of a
sexual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether the assault occurred
on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication
for that assault. [See policy FDE.]
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. [See
policy FDB(LEGAL).]
Request for the Use of a Service Animal
A parent of a student who uses a service 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 animal
on campus.
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Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have
Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education Services
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 60 calendar days of the date the district
receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.
If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with prior
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.
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
The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a
referral for evaluation for special education services is the school principal.
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:
8
•
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 related to leave or deployment
activities may be excused by the district.
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 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 and Child Protective Services
(CPS) caseworkers or other child welfare representatives, in certain cases.
•
Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.
9
•
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 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.
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 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. [See FINALITY OF GRADES at FNG(LEGAL), Progress Reports and
Conferences, and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns for an overview of the process.]
The district’s policy regarding student records found at FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL) is available from the
principal’s or on the district’s Web site at www.amaisd.org .
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records do not extend to all
records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as a teacher’s personal notes
about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the
parents or student.
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:
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Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Special Education Records
Special Education records, which are not required to be retained permanently, will be destroyed after
seven years from the date of cessation of services to the student. A public notice of such destruction
will be printed each year in the local newspaper. Parents/guardians are encouraged to retain copies of
current data (the last comprehensive assessment, the last ARD document, etc.) in case such documents
will be needed for other purposes or by other agencies.
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 quickreference 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 the school principal.
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 compulsory attendance, the other with
attendance for course credit—are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed below.
Absences Requested by Parents
When it is necessary for a student to be absent from school for reasons other than personal illness or
illness or death in the family, the parents/guardians should write a note at least one week prior to the
absence explaining the need for the absence.
Middle and High School:
Teachers will be notified by the student prior to the absence so that assignments and due dates may be
given.
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Compulsory Attendance
State law requires that a student between the ages of six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable
accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is
otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to attend each
school day until the end of the school year and may be subject to compulsory attendance laws, if the
student is under 21 years old. In addition, 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.
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 in grades 3–8 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 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:
•
an excused absence based on personal sickness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine,
weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, or any other unusual cause acceptable to
the principal;
•
days of suspension;
•
participation in court proceedings or child abuse/neglect investigation;
•
a migrant student's late enrollment or early withdrawal;
•
days missed as a runaway with the police report number;
•
completion of a competence-based program for at-risk students;
•
late enrollment or early withdrawal of a student under supervision by the Texas Youth
Commission;
•
teen parent absences to care for his or her child;
•
participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation program;
•
homelessness;
12
•
board-approved extracurricular activity or public performance, subject to established
limitations;
•
required screening, diagnosis, and treatment for Medicaid-eligible students;
•
documented health care appointment, if the student begins classes or returns to school on the
same day as the appointment;
•
juvenile court proceeding documented by a probation officer;
•
absence required by state or local welfare authorities;
•
temporary absence resulting from any cause acceptable to the teacher, principal, or
Superintendent, including personal illness or an illness or death in the immediate family;
•
Religious holy days;
•
Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship;
•
Service as an election clerk; and
•
Documented health-care appointments, 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 return to campus.
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 the student receives approval from the campus
principal, follows the campus procedures to verify such a visit, and makes up any work missed.
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 schoolaged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if
the student:
•
Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the
same school year, or
•
Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.
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.
If a student is age 18 or older, the student may be subject to penalties as a result of the student’s
violation of the state compulsory attendance law.
13
[See policy FEA (LEGAL).]
Attendance for Credit
To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A
student who attends at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may
receive credit for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by the principal, which 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 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, if appropriate. [See policy FEC.]
In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance
committee will use the following guidelines:
•
All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required
percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for the reasons listed above at
Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance will be considered days of attendance for this
purpose.
•
A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled
in the district.
•
In reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it
is in the best interest of the student.
•
The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the
student’s absences.
•
The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or
the student’s parent could exercise any control.
•
The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments,
mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or
subject.
•
The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the
committee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.
The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written
request with the superintendent in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
The actual number of days a student must be in attendance in order to receive credit will depend on
whether the class is for a full semester or for a full year.
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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.
•
Elementary School – 9:30 a.m.
•
Middle School – every class period
•
High School – every class period
A student absent for any portion of the day, including at the official attendance-taking time, should
follow the procedures below.
Parent’s Note after an Absence
When a student must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note
signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with
the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older.
The school district allows ten days of excused absences during the school year with a phone call or
letter/note from the parent. Any absences after the ten days will be unexcused unless a doctor’s note is
provided.
Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness
Upon return to school, a student absent for more than three 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.
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.
[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.
15
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The school counselor provides students and parents information regarding academic programs to
prepare for higher education and career choices. [For more information, see Academic Counseling and
policies at EIF.]
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
Advanced Placement courses are offered on every Amarillo ISD high school campus, although course
offerings at each campus will vary. The program is a cooperative endeavor between secondary schools
and colleges/universities. AP courses expose high school students to college-level material and give
students the opportunity to show that they have mastered the material by taking an AP exam in the
spring. Colleges/universities can then grant credit, placement, or both to students scoring at a certain
level. Students should check with the post-secondary institutions they wish to attend for policy on how
(or if) credit is awarded for AP Exam scores.
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, or
•
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, rumorspreading, or ostracism. In some cases, bullying can occur through electronic methods, called
“cyberbullying.”
If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or has witnessed 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
16
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 student’s 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. [Also see School Safety Transfers.]
A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office, and on the district’s Web site.
Parents and students can anonymously report bullying at
www.amaisd.org/index.php?hard=scripts/bullyReport.php.
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through policy
FNG(LOCAL).
[Also see Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation, School Safety Transfers,
Hazing, policy FFI, and the district improvement plan, a copy of which can be viewed in the campus
office.]
CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM
At the middle school level, the broad awareness of the work world developed in elementary school is
brought into sharper focus as students begin exploring some of the various career pathways available to
them. For students to leave middle school with an area or areas of possible career choices identified is
the goal of Amarillo ISD’s middle school counselors.
AISD has embraced the Achieve Texas Initiative which is an educational initiative designed to prepare
students for a lifetime of success by preparing them for secondary and postsecondary opportunities,
career development and advancement, meaningful work, and active citizenship. This initiative uses the
sixteen federally defined career clusters (www.careerclusters.org) as the foundation for how
instructional programs are arranged. A career cluster is a grouping of occupations and broad industries
based on commonalities.
The exploration process continues as all students take the exploring careers course during their seventh
grade year. The exploring careers course is a required one-semester middle school elective. This course
acquaints students with the “world of work” and careers or opportunities for which they may be suited.
Students will learn about the types of post-secondary education and training available to them,
including four year universities, two year colleges, vocational/technical schools, apprenticeships,
internships, and military options.
17
Students will develop an online career portfolio using Bridges Explorer/Planner (www.bridges.com) and
will answer these three questions: Who am I? Where do I want to go? How do I get there? At the end of
the course, students will be knowledgeable about general employer expectations, basic personal
financial knowledge, high school graduation requirements, and personal career and course of study
goals.
Students will develop a high school graduation plan of study, which will serve as a guide for their high
school course selections and their career goals. The plan of study will be updated annually with the
assistance of a school counselor, but students are welcome to modify and change their plans at any time
to reflect their intentions.
Opportunities to learn from professionals in the various career fields are given to middle school students
through Career Days/Fairs which are held on various campuses and through classroom visits scheduled
by teachers. In addition, career exploration opportunities, such as Step Up To Success and Empower
Yourself, are community-wide efforts for middle school students.
AISD recognizes National Career Development Month in November. A week in November is designated
“Education: Go Get It” Week. The purpose of this week is to educate students about the importance of
higher education. Students receive information about the importance of pursuing a higher education as
well as information regarding available higher education options; standard admissions requirements,
the Top Ten Percent Program; curriculum, GPA, test requirements; and financial aid (HB 2237).
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS
Refer to the High School Course Guide at www.amaisd.org for a wide range of Career & Technical
programs offered on each campus. If a student desires to enroll in a Career & Technical course and it is
not offered in the school that would regularly be attended, the student may be allowed to transfer to a
school where the course is taught. Due to limited space, some programs do require completion of an
application. The District will take steps to ensure that students with disabilities or English language
learners will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and Career & Technical
programs.
CHECK-IN PROCEDURE
Students who report to school after the school day has begun or who have missed part of the school day
must report to the office before going to class.
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE
Early dismissal during the school day, including the lunch period, requires communication with the
parent/guardian and also requires the student to sign-out in the office at the time of dismissal.
The procedure to follow when it is necessary to leave school during the day:
•
Under no circumstances is a student to leave school before the end of the school day without first
checking out in the office.
18
•
•
•
•
•
•
Parent/guardian permission must be given before any student is allowed to leave campus.
The student (or parent/guardian) is to sign-out in the checkout book stating where he/she is going
and the time of checking out.
If the student returns before the end of the school day, he/she is to come by the office and check-in
giving the time of return.
Students who become ill at school may not leave unless the nurse has contacted the
parents/guardians.
Leaving school without signing out may result in an unexcused absence and/or disciplinary action.
Each campus reserves the right to request identification at the time of dismissal.
CHILD FIND SECTION 504 NOTICE
Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Amarillo ISD has a duty to identify, refer,
evaluate and if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students residing within
Amarillo ISD boundaries. For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or
for answers to any questions you might have about identification, evaluation, and placement, please
contact the 504 District Coordinator at 326-1001 or by mail at 7200 I-40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN
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. 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).
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 manage early intervention
counseling programs. To find out what services may be available in your county, see
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:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm
http://sapn.nonprofitoffice.com
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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 (1
800-252-5400 or on the Web at http://www.txabusehotline.org).
CLASS RANK / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT
Class ranking is computed through the fifth six-weeks of the senior year for selection of valedictorian
and salutatorian. However, official class ranking that will appear on a student’s transcript is computed
through the final six-weeks of his/her senior year. Students, who wish to graduate earlier than four
years after entering the ninth grade, must declare that intention by October 1 of the school year in
which they intend to graduate. If no declaration is made by the deadline, the student's class rank shall
be computed with his/her original class.
[For further information, see policy EIC.]
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.
CLOSED CAMPUS
Elementary and Middle School:
Students in grades K-8 shall not be allowed to leave campus during the lunch period. The principal or
designee shall consider special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Students leaving campus without
administrative approval shall be subject to disciplinary action.
High School:
Campus is closed to all 9th grade students during the lunch period. The principal or designee shall
consider special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Students leaving campus without administrative
approval shall be subject to disciplinary action.
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:
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•
Completes the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program; or
•
Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on the SAT.
In addition, the student must submit a completed application for admission in accordance with the
deadline established by the college or university.
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 2013 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.
Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about automatic admissions,
the application process, and deadlines.
[See also Class Rank/Highest Ranking Student for information specifically related to how the district
calculates a student’s rank in class].
COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES
Students in grades 9–12 have opportunities to earn college credit through the following methods:
•
Certain courses taught at the high school campus, which may include courses termed dual credit,
Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB);
•
Enrollment in an AP or dual credit course through the Texas Virtual School Network;
•
Enrollment in courses taught in conjunction and in partnership with Amarillo College;
•
Certain CTE courses.
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, an 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
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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 office or on the district’s Web site at www.amaisd.org .
In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the
campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the
superintendent or designee. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented
to the board of trustees.
CONDUCT
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.
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.
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.
The school nurse or the principal’s office can provide information from the Department of State Health
Services regarding these diseases.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
A student in grades 9-12 may earn a maximum of three credits by correspondence, providing the
courses are from approved institutions and have been approved prior to taking the course by the
counselor and principal. These credits may be applied toward state or local graduation requirements.
Contact your counselor for details.
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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 spring,
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.
To plan for the future, each student should work closely with the counselor in order to enroll in the high
school courses that best prepare him or her for attendance at a college, university, or training school, or
for pursuit of some other type of advanced education. The counselor can also provide information
about entrance exams and application deadlines, as well as information about automatic admission to
state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.
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.
[Also see Suicide Awareness.]
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 twosemester (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 for it—may, in
circumstances determined by the principal or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by
passing an exam 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 nonaccredited school.
The counselor or principal would 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).]
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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 or to accelerate to the next grade level. You will find the
testing schedule on the website at www.amaisd.org.
A student will earn course credit with a passing score of at least 90 without prior instruction or 70 with
prior instruction on the exam. Depending on the student’s grade level and course for which the student
seeks to earn credit by exam, an end-of-course assessment (EOC) may be required for graduation.
A student in elementary school will be eligible to accelerate to the next grade level if the student scores
at least 90 on each exam in the subject areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than
30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The district will not honor a request by a parent to
administer a test on a date other than the published dates. If the district agrees to administer a test
other than the one chosen by the district, the student’s parent will be responsible for the cost of the
exam. [For further information, see policy EHDC(LOCAL).]
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. District employees are expected to treat students with
courtesy and respect.
The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate
and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, 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 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
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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 or on the
district’s Web site at www.amaisd.org.
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 and Gender-Based 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 reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other
inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district
employees are prohibited, even if consensual.
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 be limited to, offensive jokes,
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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.
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.
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.
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.
During the course of an investigation, the district may take interim action to address the alleged
prohibited conduct.
When an investigation is initiated for alleged prohibited conduct, the district will determine whether the
allegations, if proven, would constitute bullying, as defined by law. If so, an investigation of bullying will
also be conducted. [See policy FFI.]
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.
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A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance
with policy FNG (LOCAL).
DISCRIMINATION
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.]
DISTANCE LEARNING
The Amarillo On-line School (AOS) offers high school classes for credit both locally and through the Texas
Virtual School Network (TxVSN). With counselor approval, a student may enroll for online high school
classes, fulfill the course requirements from a school computer lab or home computer, and receive high
school credit. The cost of taking an online course offered locally is $125, except for Driver Education,
which is $150. The cost of taking a course on the TxVSN catalog varies. 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. For more detailed information and for a
list of courses being offered, visit the AOS website at http://www.amaisd.org and click on the Online
School button under the Quick Links area or contact AACAL at 326-2800. For more information about
TxVSN, visit http://www.txvsn.org.
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.
All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher or sponsor, and the principal.
Nonschool Materials – From Students
Students must obtain prior approval from the principal or designee before posting, circulating, or
distributing written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other
visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the school.
To be considered, any nonschool material must include the name of the sponsoring person or
organization and must meet the limitations on content established in policy FNAA(LOCAL). The decision
regarding approval will be made within two school days.
Each campus has designated an area where approved nonschool materials may be placed for voluntary
viewing by students. [See policies at FNAA.]
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A student may appeal the decision of the principal or designee in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).
Any student who posts nonschool material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without approval will be removed.
Nonschool 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 nonschool material must be submitted to the program director for
community partnerships for prior review. To be approved, any nonschool material must meet the
limitations on content established in policy GKDA(LOCAL), must include the name of the sponsoring
person or organization, and must comply with all other provisions contained in policy GKDA(LOCAL) and
the District’s stated procedures regarding distribution of materials from commercial businesses and
distribution of materials from non-profit organizations. The requestor may appeal a rejection in
accordance with the appropriate district complaint policy. [See policies at DGBA, FNG, or GF.]
All nonschool materials distributed under these circumstances should be removed from district property
immediately following the event which the materials publicize or at which the materials are distributed.
DRESS AND GROOMING
Student dress and grooming is primarily the responsibility of students and their parents; however, the
school’s responsibility is to maintain a proper atmosphere for learning at school. Personal appearance is
an important factor in developing and maintaining such an atmosphere.
Style is very important, but some types of dress and grooming are more appropriate for specific types of
activities and/or locations than others. Experience has shown that extremes in dress and grooming lead
to disruption of the learning process.
The principal of each school has the authority to make final decisions on questions of dress and
grooming. Any student not adhering to the guidelines presented herewith will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action.
GUIDELINES: (Pre-K-12)
1. Hair is to be neat, clean, well groomed, and styled so that vision is not obstructed. Beards and
mustaches shall be kept clean and neatly trimmed.
2. School clothing is to be in good taste, clean, neat, and styled for school activities.
3. Clothing shall not advertise, condone, depict, or promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, suicide,
death, violence, and/or vulgar or obscene language.
4. Some type of sandal or shoe must be worn at all times.
5. Wearing either identified gang apparel or wearing clothing in a gang-style, as identified by law
enforcement agencies, is prohibited.
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6. Dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants shall be of a length that is not distracting. These items, when worn
as the outer garment, shall extend at least to the tip of the fingers when the arms are held straight
at the side. The top of any slits and/or holes in outer garments shall comply with the required dress
code length. Waistbands of all dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants shall be secured at the waistline.
7. All shirts shall be of a length that is not distracting. All shirts when worn as the outer garment shall
be:
a. Of a length what will stay tucked while walking and/or sitting
b. Of a length that covers the shoulder from the base of the neck to the tip of the shoulder.
c. Designed so that the neckline does not reveal cleavage.
d. Designed to cover all undergarments, including the sleeve line and neckline.
8. Experience indicates that the following types of wearing apparel can be reasonably forecast to
disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from the learning environment and are therefore not to
be worn to school:
Specific item of clothing that shall not be
CATEGORY
worn to school include:
All
Gang-associated clothing or colors
All
Overly tight and improperly fitted
garments
All
Clothing items that reference violence,
death, or suicide
All
Clothing items that reference alcohol,
tobacco, or drugs
All
Clothing items that can be seen through
Other
Headwear may not be worn inside
buildings, except for religious reasons
Other
Pajamas
Other
Visible underwear (straps, etc.)
Other
Lingerie (worn as outerwear)
Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Baggy/sagging clothing
Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Biker shorts
Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Distracting
Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Tight
Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Underwear-type
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Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Length of garment must extend to
fingertips
Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Garment must be secured at the waist line
Shirts
Backless tops
Shirts
Bare midriffs
Shirts
Halter tops
Shirts
Low-cut necklines (no cleavage)
Shirts
Muscle
Shirts
Spaghetti straps
Shirts
Strapless
Shirts
Tank tops
Shoes
Shoes with hidden wheels
Shoes
House shoes or slippers
Exceptions
The principals, in cooperation with coaches and sponsors, may adopt additional guidelines as they deem
appropriate for students who participate in extracurricular activities.
Principals may approve limited exceptions to the dress code for certain campus-initiated events or
special days such as Spirit Day, Hat Day, Drop Everything and Read (Dear) Day, etc.
DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM
The Amarillo Independent School District believes that student use of alcohol and illicit drugs is both
wrong and harmful. Consequently, the District has established a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits
the use, sale, possession, and distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students on school premises or
as part of any school activity, regardless of its location. Compliance with this Student Code of Conduct is
mandatory, and students shall be disciplined if they are found to have violated it.
The District's policies and its Discipline Management Plan provide for strict disciplinary sanctions for
alcohol and drug related offenses. If a student violates the Student Code of Conduct, he/she will be
placed in an alternative educational placement, or expelled; in addition, he/she may be referred to
appropriate law enforcement officials for criminal prosecution. Procedural requirements for the
imposition of alternative education placement and expulsion are set out in the District's policies. The
principal of your school will be glad to provide you access to or a copy of these policies.
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Depending on the nature and severity of a drug or alcohol related offense; a student may be required to
complete an appropriate rehabilitation program in addition to other school discipline. The principal or
counselor of your school can provide you with information about rehabilitation and re-entry programs
that are available in our community or within reasonable access of our community.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
Possession and Use of Personal Electronic Devices
Amarillo Independent School District is not responsible for lost or stolen devices while in students’ or
school’s possession. Further, Amarillo ISD will not be responsible for any fees incurred by student or
parent during the time the electronic devise is confiscated.
Electronic devices include but are not limited to cell phones, tablets, laptops, netbooks and e-readers.
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.
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be
responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.
AISD has adopted a Bring Your Own (BYO) policy. With principal and teacher permission, the following
devices are approved for instructional use: cell phones with browsing capability, laptops, netbooks,
tablets, and e-readers. Unacceptable devices include but are not limited to, gaming devices/systems and
stand-alone mp3 players (no browsing capability). Please refer to the complete BYO policy below for
more information.
AISD BYO Staff, Parent, Student Guide
The Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) has recently adopted a Bring Your Own (BYO) policy for
all schools in the district. This policy will allow students and staff to bring many of their own technology
devices to school for use in our classrooms. We will now be incorporating the use of such items as
laptops, iPads, netbooks, tablets, and cell phones with browsing capabilities for educational purposes,
when deemed appropriate and with individual teacher discretion. With teacher approval, students
may use their devices in the classroom to access and save information from the Internet, collaborate
with other learners, and utilize the productivity tools available to them through various software
applications. Similar to other personally owned items, the district is not liable for the loss, damage,
misuse, or theft of personally owned devices brought to school.
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Goals:
•
•
•
•
Maximize student learning by integrating tech-rich experiences into the curriculum to acquire,
evaluate, create, and share digital information
Help students achieve media and technology literacy while maintaining a safe and ethical online
environment
Provide an “always-on” digital learning environment for students
Leverage student-owned devices and digital tools to engage, instruct, and extend student
learning.
Expectations for Students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Adhere to AUP, campus, and district polices
Students will only use appropriate technology at their teachers’ discretion.
Students will only use appropriate educational applications on their device (i.e. not games
and/or non-school related tasks and functions).
Students are not to call, text message, email, or electronically communicate with others from
their personal device during the school day unless directed by their teacher.
Students are permitted to access only the school’s guest network through their personal
device(s), Accessing private networks such as 3G, 4G, or personal hotspots while at school is
prohibited. More information will be provided to students for accessing the available guest
network.
The District may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that
users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district
servers are private.
Students are responsible at all times for their use of the District’s electronic communication
system and must assume personal responsibility to behave ethically and responsibly, even when
technology provides them the freedom to do otherwise.
Students are not permitted to use any electronic device to record audio or video media or take
pictures of any student or staff member without their permission. The distribution of any
unauthorized media is a breach of AUP and subject to disciplinary procedures set forth in the
District Code of Conduct.
Students using personal devices for school purposes must log in with their AISD username and
password.
Students must not access, modify, download, or install computer programs, files, or information
belonging to others.
Students must not release personal information on the Internet or electronic communications.
Personal AISD network access information, username and password, should not be conveyed to
other students or attempts be made to use anyone else’s accounts.
If a student finds an inappropriate site or image, he or she must immediately minimize the
program and contact the instructor.
Students must not create/publish/submit or display any materials/media that are abusive,
obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal
and should report any instances encountered.
Students shall adhere to all laws and statutes related to issues of copyright or plagiarism.
Violation of any of these standards may result in suspension of computer use, Internet privileges
and/or other disciplinary action.
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Students who violate this policy shall be subject to established disciplinary measures. Administrators
shall have the discretion to confiscate these devices and hold until the end of the school year.
During state testing, all electronic devices will be collected by the test administrator and returned to
the students after the testing.
High school and middle school campus administrators shall have the discretion to determine the
appropriate use of electronic devices outside the school day for students participating in extra-curricular
activities while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on or
off school property.
Teachers and administrators shall confiscate electronic devices used in violation of this policy. Students
who repeatedly violate this policy shall be subject to established disciplinary measures.
•
•
•
•
For each offense, the student’s parent will be notified that a device has been confiscated.
On the first and second offenses during a semester, a $15.00 fee will be charged to return the
device. If the fee is not paid, the device will be kept by the school until the end of the school
year.
On the third offense during a semester, a confiscated device will be kept until the end of the
school year unless the principal or assistant principal determines that an emergency or other
extenuating circumstance exists, and the $15.00 fee is paid.
On the fourth offense during a semester, the confiscated device will be kept until the end of the
school year.
Principals may designate a time and day of the week to return cell phones and other electronic devices
that have been confiscated during the previous seven days. The school will keep a log of all confiscated
devices and will receipt each return. All fees collected are designated to be used for security hardware
on the campus.
At the end of the school year, principals shall designate a period of time for unclaimed devices to be
picked up. A $15.00 fee will be charged to return each device. If the $15.00 fee is not paid and the
device is not claimed within the designated time period, it will be held until the second week of June.
By June 15 the student’s parent and the company whose DISPOSAL name and address or telephone
number appear on any confiscated cell phone or other electronic device that is still in the school’s
possession will receive notice of the school’s intent to dispose of the device. The notice will include the
serial number of the device and may be made by telephone or in writing. Devices that are not claimed
by July 30 shall be disposed of by the District.
Searches of Personal Electronic Devices
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.]
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Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be
responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.
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. District-owned
technology resources will be monitored to insure compliance with federal and district policies. 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.
District personnel will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with
other individuals on social networking websites, in chat rooms and cyber-bullying awareness.
Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources
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, possessing, 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.
You may anonymously report bullying, cyber-bullying, or harassment from the AISD homepage:
http://www.amaisd.org > Parents & Students > Bullying Report Form
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.
Amarillo ISD Statement of Purpose – Technology Education
The Board recognizes that producing technologically competent students is fundamental to the
preparation of citizens and future employees in the “Information Age.” To this end, students are
34
expected to use computers, learn various software applications, access District network resources, and
access information and complete research on the Internet (World Wide Web). All technology activities,
including access to an entire world on the “web,” will be consistent with Board-approved curriculum
goals. The educational value of the Internet is virtually limitless, but because it is a free, worldwide
information system, unsuitable material is available. Some Internet material may be inaccurate,
abusive, profane, sexually oriented or illegal. Teachers will strive to guide students towards proper
Internet usage at school, and families should bear that responsibility outside of school. AISD employs
hardware and software solutions to limit, monitor, and control Internet use. AISD does not condone nor
permit use of objectionable material. However, it is the responsibility of each student to make prudent
choices when using technology equipment or while being on the Internet and to follow the rules and
guidelines below.
Acceptable Use Agreement
1. All students will review the Acceptable and Unacceptable/Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources
[Student Handbook] and Misuse of Technology Resources and the Internet [Student Code of Conduct].
2. Parents will acknowledge their understanding of the Acceptable Use Policy by signing and returning
the signature form. [Form D]
3. Teachers will cover the Acceptable Use Policy and review proper Internet procedures with students
before students are allowed to access the Internet. Students will sign acknowledging their
understanding upon completion of this review. A signed student acknowledgement will be on file at
each campus for every student computer user.
Technology Equipment and Assets
The following are not permitted as pertains to any communications system, computer, peripheral
device, multimedia device, software, wiring, disk, and electrical connection, supplies, or data storage
system:
• vandalism, intentional physical damage, or other attempts to render unusable, any of the above;
• removal of any of the above from their proper location without written permission of the
principal or his/her designee;
• inappropriate or illegal use of school owned software or copyrighted materials;
• possession of, usage of, or failure to maintain confidentiality of passwords, codes or usernames
that are not the property of the student;
• usage that is neither instructional nor related to student learning and curriculum (example is
unauthorized games);
• introduction of any “virus” or other unauthorized material into a computer;
• changing control panel settings, configurations, systems, defaults, macros, or adding/changing
passwords without permission;
• installing or downloading any software by students without permission;
• using internet to create web sites or “blogs” for malicious purposes;
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•
•
•
•
•
entering chat rooms, using E-mail, or other network communication tools except as an
authorized part of the instructional program;
displaying, sending, viewing or usage of (1) profanity, (2) obscenity, (3) pornography, (4)
gratuitous violence, (5) threats/harassment, (6) offensive, attacking messages, (7) racism,
except in the context of learning about racism in a curriculum, (8) sites promoting abhorrent
behavior such as “bomb making”;
use of school computers, networks or the Internet for any political, commercial, for profit, or
illegal activity;
accessing or attempting to access (1) a school computer without permission, (2) official school
records under any circumstances;
unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors;
Student must immediately notify a staff member if he/she accidently accesses an inappropriate
Internet site. Use of the Internet and/or e-mail is not private. Personnel who operate the
system have access to Internet usage information and e-mail content. Inappropriate use will be
reported to the appropriate personnel.
Consequences of Student Violation of Rules and Procedures
1) Violations may result in loss of access at the discretion of the teacher/administrator; alternative
work may be substituted.
2) Serious or repeat violations will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
3) When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved as per the Texas Education Code,
Title 2, Subtitle G, or the Texas Penal Code.
Exceptions
No exceptions to the above listed rules and procedures shall be made at any campus except with the
expressed consent of the Superintendent or his designee.
Proper Internet Procedures
All users of AISD computers and networks are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of
network etiquette. Informal rules of behavior have evolved for the use of and communication on the
Internet and other on-line services. These rules of behavior include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1) Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others.
2) Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.
3) Do not reveal your personal address, phone numbers, or that of other students or colleagues.
4) Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the
system do have access to mail. Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities will be
reported to the authorities.
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5) All communications and information accessible via the internet, including images and multimedia, should be considered to be protected intellectual property and only used according to
“Fair Use” policies.
6) Do not place unlawful information on any network system.
7) Include your signature at the bottom of e-mail messages. Your signature should include your
name, position and affiliation.
8) Capitalize words only to highlight an important point or to distinguish a title or heading. Using all
caps in e-mail is considered to be the equivalent of shouting. Asterisks surrounding a word also
can be used to make a stronger point.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Co-Curricular
Co-curricular activities are those which are an extension of classroom instruction and relate directly to
student learning.
Curricular
Curricular activities are those which occur during the school day and are part of the regular instruction.
Extracurricular
Extracurricular activities are school activities that are not directly related to classroom instruction.
Extracurricular Activities’ Participation Rules
A student will be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities subject to the following
restrictions:
•
•
•
A student who receives at the end of any grade evaluation period an average grade below 70 in any
academic class other than an identified honors or advanced class or a student with disabilities who
fails to meet the standards in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in
extracurricular activities for at least three weeks. A student may practice or rehearse while
suspended. The student regains eligibility when the principal and teachers determine that he/she
has: (1) earned a passing grade (70 or above) in all academic classes other than those that are
honors or advanced; and (2) completed three weeks of suspension.
A student is allowed up to ten absences from a class during the school year for extracurricular
activities or public performances. All UIL activities and activities approved by the District are subject
to these restrictions.
Any disciplinary behavior-related restrictions on participation are set out in the Code of Conduct.
A student who misses class because of participation in an activity sponsored by a nonapproved
organization will receive an unexcused absence.
Offices and Elections
Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups will hold elections for student officers.
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Class officer elections may be held in the fall. Each class may elect a president, vice-president, secretary,
and treasurer.
Varsity cheerleaders and student council officers will be elected in the spring for the coming school year.
Organizations
Each high school offers students many opportunities to become involved in organizations. Every
student will benefit from the experiences that can be enjoyed as a member of some group on campus.
Some organizations require enrollment in a course or program, but the majority of these activities have
open membership. Information on particular clubs and organizations can be obtained from the faculty
sponsor of the organization. Contact your high school for more information concerning clubs and
organizations.
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.
[For further information, see policies at FM and FO. For student-organized, student-led groups, see
Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups.]
Student Eligibility for University Interscholastic League
1. In order for students to be eligible for any extracurricular activity during the first six weeks (only),
they must meet the following credit requirements:
• second year high school =
5 credits;
• third year high school
=
10 credits;
• fourth year high school
=
15 credits; or
• must have earned 5 credits the preceding calendar year.
2. During the remaining school year, a student must pass all of the courses (minimum of five) at the
conclusion of each grading period.
3. A student may regain eligibility at the end of each three-week period if the student is currently
passing all courses. A student becomes eligible seven days after the close of any three weeks in
which the student passes all courses.
4. A student becomes ineligible seven calendar days after the close of any three-weeks in which he/she
is failing a course.
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FEES
Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided without charge to a student. A
student is expected to provide his/her own supplies of 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;
voluntary purchases of pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation
announcements, etc.;
voluntary purchase of student accident insurance;
musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when 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 damaged library books, textbooks, and school-owned equipment;
fees established by the State Board for driver training courses, if offered;
fees for optional courses offered for credit requiring use of facilities not available on District
premises;
summer school courses; and
fees for uniforms and damage to uniforms.
Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent/guardian are unable to pay.
Application for such a waiver may be made to the building principal.
FUND-RAISING
Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for
approved school purposes. Contact the school for more information. [For further information, see
policies at FJ and GE.]
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. The increased punishment applies only if the person committing the crime is 17 or older. For
purposes of the district, a gang-free zone includes a school bus and a location in, on, or within 1000 feet
of any district-owned or leased property or campus playground.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION
•
•
•
Ninth Grade - promoted to grade 9
Tenth Grade – six credits to be classified as a sophomore, one of which must be Algebra I
Eleventh Grade – eleven credits to be classified as a junior
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•
Twelfth Grade - seventeen credits to be classified as a senior
GRADING GUIDELINES
Middle School:
The daily grade is the most important factor in evaluating a student's progress. A six-weeks examination
may be required as a part of the six-weeks grade. Teachers may elect to give unit tests.
All grades will be reported as numerical grades. The middle schools will utilize a grading range based on
the following:
A
(90-100) Superior Achievement
B
(80-89) Above Average
C
(75-79) Average
D
(70-74) Below Average
F
(69 or below) Failing
An average of 70 will be the lowest passing grade. In grades 6, 7, and 8, a student shall attain an overall
average of 70 or above for the year in all courses taken. In addition, students shall attain an average of
70 or above in all 4 core subjects: language arts (including reading improvement if it is required to be
taken), mathematics, social studies, and science in order to be promoted.
High School:
Students are required to be enrolled full time or at least 5 classes in state and locally approved courses.
Below is a guide that schools can go by but the campus principal may approve some exceptions.
7/8 PERIOD DAY
Grade Level
Minimum Number of Classes
9
7
10
6
11
6
12
5
Grades are determined by daily class work and recitations, individual projects, homework and related
activities, as well as various types of tests.
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The grading scale includes:
A
(90-100)
Superior Achievement
B
(80-89)
Above Average
C
(75-79)
Average
D
(70-74)
Below Average
F
(Below 70)
Failing
GRADUATION
Requirements for a Diploma
Graduates of each high school are awarded the same type of diploma. The academic achievement
record (transcript), rather than the diploma, records individual accomplishments, achievements, and
courses completed and displays appropriate graduation seals.
All credit for graduation must be earned no later than Grade 12.
A student entering Grade 9 in the 2007-2008 school year and thereafter shall enroll in the courses
necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the recommended high school program
specified in §74.63 of this title (relating to Recommended High School Program) or the advanced
program specified in §74.63 of this title (relating to Distinguished Achievement High School ProgramAdvanced High School Program). Before a student is permitted to take courses under the MHSP, the
student, the student’s parent or guardian, and a school counselor or school administrator must agree
that the student should be permitted to take courses under the MHSP, and the student must meet at
least one of the following conditions:
(1) Be at least 16 years of age
(2) Have completed two credits required for graduation in each subject of the foundation
curriculum under the Texas Education Code §28.002(a)(1)
(3) Have failed to be promoted to Grade 10 one or more times as determined by the school district
The agreement must be in writing and signed by each party.
A student who was permitted to take courses under the minimum high school program prior to the
2009-2010 school year may remain in the minimum high school program.
To be eligible for participation in graduation ceremonies, students must meet all District requirements
for graduation including passing all sections of the state-mandated exit-level assessment instrument.
For those students who fulfill graduation requirements in the summer and who wish to participate, the
District will offer an end-of-summer graduation ceremony.
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High School courses successfully completed prior to Grade 9 and the 2007-2008 school year shall count
toward graduation in the manner established in this chapter for credit in the year the course is
successfully completed.
Graduation Programs
The district offers the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade 9 are required to
enroll in the Recommended Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program. Permission to
enroll in the Minimum Program 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 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).]
Effective with ninth graders in the 2011–2012 school year and thereafter, in addition to the credit and
course requirements for each program, performance on EOC assessments will be linked to a student’s
graduation program. To graduate, a student must meet a minimum cumulative score set by the Texas
Education Agency (TEA) for each content area: English, mathematics, science, and social studies. 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 make the minimum required score on any individual assessment will be required to retake that
assessment.
To graduate on the Recommended Program, a student must perform satisfactorily on the Algebra II and
English III EOC assessments, in addition to meeting the cumulative score requirements described above.
To graduate on the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program, a student must demonstrate
advanced academic performance on the Algebra II and English III EOC assessments, commonly referred
to as college and career readiness standards, in addition to successfully meeting performance standards
on the other EOC assessments. If this standard is not met, the student will graduate under the
Recommended Program, regardless of whether the student has met all other requirements for
graduation under the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program.
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All students must meet the following credit and course requirements for graduation under the programs
listed:
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
Science
2
4
4
Social Studies,
including Economics
4
4
4
Physical Education*
1
1
1
0.5
0.5
0.5
2
3
1 (effective for grade 9
in 2010–2011 school
year and thereafter)
1
1
0.5 credits in Health
6.0 credits (2010–
2011 and thereafter)
5.0 credits
4.0 credits
Speech
Language other than
English
Fine Arts
Locally required
courses
Electives
Completion of 4
Advanced Measures**
Miscellaneous
TOTAL
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.
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** 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 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.
Information regarding specific courses required or offered in each curriculum area, along with a
description of advanced measures available to students in the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement
Program from the options listed above, 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 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.
Students with Disabilities
Upon the recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee, a student with a
disability 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).]
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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, in
accordance with state rules.
If a student receiving special education services is scheduled to graduate under the Minimum Program
or in accordance with the 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 Modified and STAAR Alternate are the alternative assessments
currently allowed by the state. [See Standardized Testing for additional information.] If a student takes
a STAAR Modified or STAAR Alternate EOC assessment, the score on the EOC assessment will not be
used as 15 percent of the final course grade and is not required to be used toward the student’s
cumulative score for graduation.
Scholarships and Grants
•
Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the
Recommended Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement 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.
•
Contact the counselor for information about other scholarships and grants available to students.
HARASSMENT
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.
[Also see Bullying and policies FFI and FNCC.]
HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS
Bacterial Meningitis
State law specifically requires the district to provide the following information:
45
•
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by
viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious.
Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for
serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with
antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
•
What are the symptoms?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it
can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same
symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high
temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or
confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can
occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
•
How serious is bacterial meningitis?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In
some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
•
How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the
common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air
where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and
throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange
saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the
germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system
and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
•
How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you
kiss.
While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special
circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people
traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is
recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or
residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects,
46
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 the 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.
Emergency Status with a Student
According to Texas Health and Safety Code 595.004 and 611.004, AISD will notify parents when their
child may need immediate medical/psychological/psychiatric assistance. Parents will be given a list of
emergency contacts and telephone numbers to obtain assistance.
Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the school counselor upon your child’s return to school and
share the medical/psychological/psychiatric recommendations concerning your child’s situation and
needs. It is imperative for school personnel to be aware of your child’s specific needs so we can work
together to provide the support needed while at school. Please bring all information shared by the
medical provider with you for a smooth transition back to school.
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.
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Head Lice
Head lice in school-aged children are common in the United States, and all socio-economical groups are
affected. A head louse is a tiny, wingless insect that can attach to a person’s hair. They do not fly or
jump, and are most commonly spread by head-to-head contact. If your child has head lice, he/she
should not miss one day of school. It is recommended that your child should be treated with an FDA
approved head lice product. We ask that your child return to school the following school day, after
treatment. Nits/head lice are not considered to be a communicable disease, but if a chronic, untreated
infestation persists, your child may be sent home from school until treated. The school nurse/health
clerk may check your child after treatment in order to assist you in managing head lice. Please talk with
your physician, pharmacist, or school nurse if you need assistance.
More information on head lice can be obtained from the TDSHS web site at
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/lice.shtm .
Health Services and Requirements
Our clinic is staffed by a school nurse or health clerk during student hours each day for emergency care.
If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, our nurse or heath clerk will contact you; therefore, it is
very important that we have current telephone numbers on file in the nurse’s office.
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 fullday 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.
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 school 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 policies and implemented procedures to comply with state and federal food
service guidelines for restricting student access to vending machines. For more information regarding
these policies and guidelines see the school principal. [See policies at CO and FFA.]
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Tobacco Prohibited
Students are prohibited from possessing or using any type of tobacco product, including electronic
cigarettes, 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 tobacco products by students and
others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See the Student Code
of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Notification
In accordance with 40 CFR Part 763 of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Section
763.93 pertaining to the Asbestos-In-School Identification and Notification Rule, the Amarillo
Independent School District hereby notifies all concerned parties of the availability of the Asbestos
Management Plan for the District.
The plan and a copy of inspections and assessments are available for review during office hours,
Monday through Friday, in all school offices and in the Amarillo ISD Maintenance Office located at 905
East Street. Should any interested parties desire to view the plan, please contact the principal, assistant
principal, or school secretary at the school or Janie Archer at the Maintenance Office (326-1500). The
Management Plan includes inspection and physical assessment reports, a training program for our
custodial and maintenance personnel, plans and procedures to be followed to minimize disturbance of
any asbestos-containing materials, and program for regular surveillance of asbestos-containing
materials. Every three years, an accredited, licensed inspector will conduct an inspection of all known or
assumed asbestos-containing building materials to determine whether their condition has changed and
to make recommendations on managing or removing them.
The results of the inspection and laboratory analysis of the samples have confirmed the presence of
asbestos-containing materials in portions of our school facilities. It is important to note that these
materials are in a form and condition that do not pose an imminent health threat to students, staff and
visitors. Uncontrolled asbestos contamination in buildings can be a significant environmental and health
problem. In 1986, Congress enacted the AHERA primarily to require school districts to identify asbestoscontaining materials and to take the appropriate actions to control the release of asbestos fibers.
As required by 40 CFR Part 763.92, a six-month periodic surveillance will be conducted to check the
condition of asbestos-containing materials and to determine if any action is needed. The Asbestos
Management Plan will be maintained continually and notification of the availability of the plan will be
issued each year.
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.
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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
call 326-1551.
HISTORY OF AISD HIGH SCHOOLS
AMARILLO AREA CENTER FOR ADVANCED LEARNING (AACAL)
After receiving a National Science Foundation Grant in the 1994-95 school year, Amarillo ISD opened the
Amarillo Area Center for Advanced Learning. This specialty school offers opportunities for students to
enroll in classes with a concentration in science, math and technology. Specialty programs in allied
health science, automotive technology, engineering, animal science and graphic design are offered.
Enrollment at the Center is by application and is open to all students from the other AISD high schools.
Opportunities to participate in mentorships and internships are available at the Junior and Senior levels.
Amarillo ISD also allows students from other area districts to apply for admission to AACAL.
AMARILLO HIGH SCHOOL
Amarillo High School first opened in 1889 in a two room structure that had also served as the first Potter
County Court House. On March 1, 1970, tragedy struck as Sandies watched their historic campus on
Polk Street destroyed by fire. The present 38-acre facility on Danbury Street in southwest Amarillo
brought together a new body of Sandies, who continued the strong century-old tradition of the Golden
Sandstorm, now called the Sandies, with colors of black and gold. Rich tradition, academic excellence,
fine arts accomplishments and athletic success continue to be part of the culture and ever growing
history of Amarillo High School. “Once a Sandie, Always a Sandie”
CAPROCK HIGH SCHOOL
Caprock High School opened in 1963. The Longhorn is our mascot and symbolizes strength and
endurance.
The staff at Caprock High School is committed to:
•
Focused collaboration regarding curriculum, instruction, assessments, interventions and
professional practice
•
Intentional, data-driven teaching that ensures student learning
•
Purposeful, affirmative language and action regarding our school and our students
The adults at CHS believe that our positive, individual efforts build a collective, results-oriented culture
of learning.
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PALO DURO HIGH SCHOOL
From 1956, when Palo Duro High School first opened its doors, the school’s purpose has been to
educate students and prepare them for success after high school. The first student body selected a
DON as the mascot, which symbolizes a person of pride, respect and honor, and chose royal blue and
white as the school colors. As the student body has grown from 628 students to over 1900 students,
PDHS has continued to evolve to meet the growing needs of a diverse, multi-cultural population. From
ESL classes for beginning English-speakers to Career and Technology classes to Advanced Placement and
Dual Credit courses, we strive to cater instruction for the student. Palo Duro also boasts the selection
of several Gates Millennium scholars. The honorable traditions in academics, athletics and fine arts that
began in 1956 and are still present today illustrate why Palo Duro High School is the “Pride of the
Northside!”
TASCOSA HIGH SCHOOL
Tascosa High School, a celebration in diversity, offers a heterogeneous student body a rich and winning
tradition in academics, the arts, and athletics. The Rebel mascot, a character appropriate to the times of
“Old Tascosa,” symbolizes students who come from a wide range of backgrounds. Rebels annually
receive recognition as National Merit Finalists, and nationally recognized forensic and performing artists.
Organizations, from the orchestra to NJROTC, are yearly acknowledged for state-class excellence.
Tascosa’s Advanced Placement Program has led to recognition as one of the “Top High Schools in the
Nation” according to the Washington Post Challenge Index. The excellence in diversity extends to Rebel
athletics, with individual state champions, district championships and post-district play in multiple
sports. Tascosa High School is proud to offer a quality education to its students: a quality education
that celebrates diversity! “Rebel Pride Never Dies!”
HOMELESS STUDENTS
For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless
Children and Youths, Melissa Chapman at 374-2779.
IMMUNIZATIONS
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 (TDSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. This
form may be obtained by writing the TDSHS 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
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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.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (offered at Amarillo High School only) is a rigorous
course of study. IB students study and test in six subject areas; perform 150 creativity, action, and
service hours; research and write an extended essay; and complete an interdisciplinary seminar called
Theory of Knowledge. The goal of IB is to provide students with the values and opportunities that will
enable them to develop sound judgment make wise choices, and respect others in the global
community.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Questioning of Students
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at
school, the school administrator 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 school administrator 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.
•
Before the interview or questioning begins, the school administrator ordinarily will notify the
parents unless the interviewer raises what the school administrator considers to be a valid
objection.
•
The law enforcement authority or school administrator must make it abundantly clear that the
student, being interviewed or questioned, is not in custody and is free to leave at any time.
•
The school administrator ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the school
administrator considers to be a valid objection.
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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.
[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
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representative. The student’s parent must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC for a LEP
student.
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 these decisions in conjunction with the LPAC.
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 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.
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).]
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MEDICAID – Notice to Parents
“Freedom of Choice of Providers” (42 CFR § 431.51)
Upon written consent from a parent, school districts are allowed to bill Medicaid (under School Health &
Related Services –SHARS) for services AISD provided that were indicated on an IEP for students in
Special Education who have Medicaid benefits.
School districts are required by law to make related services available to special education students who
require such service in order to benefit from instruction.
A parent of a special education student, who is qualified to receive Medicaid, may request in writing
someone other than the employee or contracted staff of AISD to provide the required service(s)
indicated in the student’s IEP. AISD will make a good faith effort to comply with the parent’s request.
Good faith effort will include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The requested provider must meet, comply with and provide all of the employment criteria and
documentation that AISD normally required of its employees and contracted staff.
AISD can negotiate the contracted fee with the requested provider and is not required to pay the
same fee that the requested provider might receive for Medicaid for similar services.
If AISD and the requested provider do not agree on a contract, the parties can determine whether a
nonschool SHARS relationship in accordance with 42 CFR §431.51 is possible.
If AISD and the requested provider do not agree to a nonschool SHARS relationship, AISD will
continue to be responsible for providing the required services and will notify the parent in writing
that no contracted or nonschool SHARS relationship could be established with the requested
provider.
Nonschool SHARS services include audiology services, counseling services, nursing services, OT, PT,
speech therapy services and psychological services delivered in an individual setting.
Nonschool SHARS services do not include evaluation/assessment, physician services, personal care
services or transportation.
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
All prescriptions and non-prescription medications must be kept in the health room and registered with
the health services staff. Medication will be administered by the school nurse, health clerk, or other
staff members who are designated by the school principal.
Guidelines for taking prescription and over-the-counter medications are as follows:
1. Prescription drugs must be in their original pharmacy container and properly labeled from a
registered pharmacist licensed to practice in the state of Texas with the student’s name, current
date, does to be given, time to be given, and medication route to be administered. A written
request signed and dated by the parent must accompany the prescribed medication. If the
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prescription medication is to be administered longer than 15 days, an order from a Texas
physician or other health care professional with authority to write prescriptions is required. The
parent request must be updated and on file at the beginning of each school year or when the
student is prescribed the medication. Any medication that has expired will not be given at
school.
2. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original container. This medication must be
properly labeled, as stated above, and accompanied by a written request signed and dated by
the parent. These products will not be given more than 5 days without a doctor’s order. School
nurses will not administer non-FDA approved products, herbal/dietary products, medications
purchased in foreign countries, or non-traditional preparations.
3. Students will not be allowed to carry medications on them except for emergency medications
allowed by Texas state law: an inhaler, EpiPen, or insulin. A written statement from a physician
and parent/guardian allowing the student to carry and self-administer the medicine while on
school property or at a school-related event is required. The physician’s order and written
parent permission must be on file in the student’s medical records.
4. Sample medication given to you by a physician must be accompanied by a written prescription
from the licensed physician, a written parent request, and on file in the student’s medical
records.
See your campus nurse for the PARENT PERMISSION FOR MEDICATION TO BE TAKEN AT SCHOOL
form.
Herbal/Dietary Supplements
Herbal/dietary supplements will only be administered in accordance with FFAC (LOCAL).
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 policies at FFAC.]
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Amarillo Independent School District does not discriminate
on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, or disability in providing education services,
56
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.
[See policies FB(LOCAL) and FFH(LOCAL).]
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.]
One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray,
meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not
interfere with or distract others. [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more information.]
POLICE LIAISON OFFICER
Through a cooperative effort between Amarillo Independent School District and the Amarillo Police
Department, each high school campus and most middle school campuses have a police liaison officer
assigned to its staff. This officer is available to students to assist in legal questions or concerns. The
officer is active as a resource person in drug awareness programs.
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.
PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES
Progress reports or deficiency slips are given to students who are either failing or not performing
satisfactorily at the beginning of the fourth week of each six-weeks period. The student is expected to
take the report to his/her parents/guardians for a signature and then return the report to the subject
teacher. Arrangements for a personal conference may be made by contacting the teacher or the
counselors’ offices.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
Elementary School:
A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency of
the course or grade level. Due to the Student Success Initiative mandates beginning in the 2004-2005
school year, fifth grade students are required to pass the Reading TAKS and Math TAKS test to be
57
promoted to the sixth grade. A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or
demonstrated proficiency of the subject matter of the course or grade level.
In grades 1-5, 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 each of the following core areas: Language arts, reading, mathematics,
science, and social studies.
A student is now required to pass all core subjects each year to be promoted to the next grade level.
The parent/guardian of any student failing a subject or course for any semester shall be notified by the
District as soon as practical of any summer program available in the District that may permit the student
to successfully complete the failed subjects or courses.
Middle School:
Due to Student Success Initiative mandates beginning with the 2007-2008 school year eighth grade
students are required to pass the Reading STAAR and Math STAAR tests to be promoted to the ninth
grade.
the subject matter of the course or grade level. In grades 6-8, 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 each of the following
core areas: Language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
A student is now required to pass all core subjects each year to be promoted to the next grade level.
The parent/guardian of any student failing a subject or course for any semester shall be notified by the
District as soon as practical of any summer program available in the District that may permit the student
to successfully complete the failed subjects or courses. Opportunities for “credit by exam” should be
discussed with the campus counselor.
High School:
the subject matter of the course or grade level. If a student's grade average in any subject or course is
below 70 at the end of the first three-weeks of any grading period, the student's parents/guardians will
be notified.
REGISTRATION CARDS
Each student MUST complete a registration card listing his/her date of birth, parent/guardian name and
work number, and information concerning medical treatment, required in case of an emergency.
Parents/guardians should update this information as often as necessary. The State of Texas requires
58
that this be signed by a parent/guardian. The District must record the name, address, and date of birth
of the person enrolling a child.
REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS
Safety
In the interest of keeping your child safe while he/she is playing in your neighborhood or walking to and
from school, we want to urge you to stay informed as to the addresses of registered sex offenders in
your area or neighborhood. You can access the Texas Department of Public Safety’s sex offender data
base at:
https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/sosearch/default.cfm
Student
Senate Bill 6 adds Subchapter I, Placement of Registered Sex Offenders, to Chapter 37 requiring the
immediate removal of a student from the regular classroom on the receipt of notification that the
student is required to register as a sex offender. The district follows procedures to determine and
review the appropriate alternative placement; DAEP or a regular classroom.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when
the student will not miss instructional time.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that
morning and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student
will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal
has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released
before the end of the instructional day.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teacher
before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent
home and will notify the student’s parent.
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.
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•
Remain alert to and promptly report to a teacher or the principal any safety hazards, such as
intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member.
•
Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.
•
Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are
overseeing the welfare of students.
Accident Insurance
At the beginning of the school year, the District will make available to students a low-cost accident
insurance program. Premiums will be paid by parent/guardian and claims will be submitted directly to
the Insurance Company with assistance from the AISD benefits office if needed. The District is not
responsible for costs for treating injuries and is not liable for any other costs associated with an injury.
Before participating in extracurricular trips or in school sponsored athletics, each student must have the
approved student accident insurance or have his/her parent/guardian sign a form rejecting the
insurance offer and waiving any claim against the District for any injury that may result.
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies
Fire drill procedures include:
Fire drills are established in compliance with state and local fire regulations and are conducted
periodically during the school year for the purpose of acquainting students with what to do in case of an
emergency. Fire drill regulations and procedures will be posted in each classroom. Teachers should
review the regulations with students and students are responsible for observing them.
Regulations include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
There is to be no talking.
Take books or wraps if accessible.
Walk rapidly. Do not run.
Walk in single-file at all times.
The first person to exit should secure the door in an open position.
The last person leaving the classroom should close the door.
Lines should stay intact so that roll can be taken after the building is evacuated.
With the teacher leading, lines will return to their room in reverse order when the all-clear bell is
sounded.
If there is an alarm during lunch periods or any other time, those in corridors will keep to the right
and leave by the first exit.
Tornado drill procedures include:
1. Tornado warnings will come from the U. S. Weather Bureau or City of Amarillo Department of
Emergency Management.
2. Teachers will be notified by the principal if an emergency tornado condition exists in the Amarillo
area.
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3. Tornado emergency drills will be ordered over the public address.
4. Teachers will accompany their students in a compact group to the designated shelter area.
5. Students should be quiet and orderly, always ready to hear any command.
There is no reason to hurry. Alarms will be sounded in ample time. Students will be led back to
classrooms at the end of the drill. Should a disaster actually strike a school building, the teacher's chief
responsibility is to remain with the group and look after the students to the best of his/her ability.
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 the emergency care information on the registration
card. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone
numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the school nurse to update any information that the nurse or
the teacher needs to know.
Emergency School-Closing Information
The Superintendent is authorized by the School Board to close the schools if prevailing or potential
hazards threaten the safety and well being of pupils and employees. The decision to close shall be made
by the Superintendent after consulting, when time permits, with the Board and other community
agencies responsible for the safety and well being of the community. Public announcements and
releases to news media will be made by the Superintendent.
SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS
See Standardized Testing.
SATURDAY SCHOOL
Students in grades 6-12 may be assigned to Saturday School by an attendance committee for excessive
absences that are not acceptable. Saturday School may be assigned for students who are truant from
school and/or need additional tutorial and academic support.
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.
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.
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Conduct Before and After School
Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities
on district premises and at school-sponsored events off district premises, such as play rehearsals, club
meetings, athletic practices, and special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same
rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established
by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter standards of behavior established by the sponsor for
extracurricular participants.
Use of Hallways During 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.
Cafeteria Services
The district follows the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal nutritional value being
served or sold on school premises during the school day. [For more information, see policy CO(LEGAL).]
The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers free or reduced-price
breakfasts and lunches based on a student's financial need. Information and applications will be
distributed district wide at the beginning of each school year and will be available through the school
office. Information can be obtained from the Food Service office, Education Support Center, 7200
Interstate 40 West, room 223, telephone 326-1266. An online meal application can be filled out at
www.chartwellsaisd.com or www.amaisd.org at any time during the current school year. At the
beginning of the year, parents will be informed about prices for extra food items that may be purchased
in addition to the regular cost of the meal.
Charging School Meals
Amarillo Independent School District’s policy is that no child goes hungry. This policy is adopted by all
schools in the District and is to be proactive in parent notification and is to be age appropriate. Parents
and or guardians are responsible to maintain their child’s account throughout the entire school year.
The charges are for reimbursable meals only. Absolutely no ala carte items are to be charged.
The policy is as follows:
-
Elementary School: 4 charges
Middle School: 2 charges
High School: 1 charge
Faculty members: 1 charge
A “no charge” policy takes affect for the remainder of the school year starting the second Monday in
May.
You may prepay on line at www.chartwellsaisd.com or www.amaisd.org .
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Notification
Elementary School (K-5):
When the student’s money account goes under $5.00 the child will be verbally reminded they need
money in their account. Also a weekly balance statement will be sent home in child’s folder indicating if
they have a negative balance.
After the first charge a reminder coupon “Need Lunch Money” will be given to the student.
After the second charge a note will be sent to the parent or guardian stating the amount of money
owed.
After the third charge a phone call will be made to the parent or guardian.
After the fourth charge the student will receive a free and reduced Meal Application and a written note
of charges due to the food service. Anyone needing financial assistance, even for a temporary period,
may fill out an application for free and reduced meals.
After four charges the student will receive a complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwich or
cheese sandwich and milk.
Parents will have five (5) days to satisfy the balance, return a completed meal application, or make other
arrangements with the campus Principal. Upon investigation and documentation, the Principal may sign
a Meal Application to provide free meals to a needy student whose parents are unresponsive.
Middle School (6-8):
When the student’s money account goes under $5.00 the child will be verbally reminded they need
money in their account.
After the first charge a slip will be given to student to remind them they need lunch money.
After the second charge a phone call will be placed to parent to notify the charges are due and the
parent will be offered a free and reduced meal application if required.
After the third charge the student will receive a complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwich or
The principal will be notified if more than 2 complimentary meals are taken and there are no attempts
from parents to satisfy the balance.
High School (9-12):
When the student’s account goes under $5.00 the student will be verbally reminded they need money in
their account or they will need cash to purchase a meal.
63
The student will be only allowed one (1) charge with a reminder letter that they are responsible for
repayment.
After one charge the student may receive a complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwich or
The Principal will be notified if the student does not satisfy the money owed and does not have a lunch
from home.
Every student will be treated with dignity and respect by food service staff.
Positive balances will be carried over from year to year and from school to school within the District.
Who can get free meals or reduced price meals?
Children in households getting Food Stamps or TANF and foster children can get free meals regardless of
your income. Also, your children can get free meals or reduced price meals if your household income is
within the free/reduced limits on the Federal Income Guidelines. You may apply at any time during the
school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps or
TANF. Meal applications are available at the campus cafeteria and the school office.
Library
The library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available for
classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure.
Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups
Student-organized, student-led noncurriculum-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).
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, if applicable, and that the combinations are not
available to others.
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Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that
they contain articles or materials prohibited by policy, whether or not a student is present.
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
Only those students who are properly licensed will be permitted to drive automobiles and motorcycles
to school. Those vehicles parked on the school parking lots must have a valid parking sticker obtained in
the office at a nominal fee. All vehicles must be parked upon arrival at the campus, and students are not
to sit in parked cars. Careless and irresponsible driving will not be permitted. Cars parked on campus
without a valid parking sticker or inappropriately parked are subject to being towed at owners' expense.
A student has full responsibility for the security and content of his or her vehicle parked on district
property and must make certain that it is locked and that the keys are not given to others.
Vehicles parked on district property are under the jurisdiction of the district. School officials may search
any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause to do so, with or without the permission of the student.
If a vehicle subject to search is locked, the student will be asked to unlock the vehicle. If the student
refuses, the student’s parent will be contacted. If a search is also refused by the student’s parent, the
district will turn the matter over to law enforcement. The district may, in certain circumstances, contact
law enforcement even if permission to search is granted.
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.
SECRET OR SELF-PERPETUATING SOCIETIES
Students shall not become members or promise to become members of any organization composed
wholly or in part of students in public schools which seeks to perpetuate itself by taking in additional
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members from the students enrolled in such school on the basis of the decision of its members, rather
than upon the free choice of any student in the school, who is qualified under the rules of the school, to
fill the special aims of the organization.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS
The district provides a service to all AISD parents called Skyward Family Access. The link to Family
Access is available on the AISD home page below the school calendar. With secure access to this
program, parents can stay up to date on grades, missing assignments, attendance, schedules and health
information for each of their children. Parents should contact the school office to receive login and
password information.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students, bilingual
students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, 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 the school principal.
Gifted and Talented
Identification for the Gifted and Talented Program is ongoing, K-12. This process includes nomination,
screening, and selection based on multiple criteria. Criteria used to identify gifted and talented students
have been established in a Board approved plan. The criteria must be appropriate for each area of
giftedness served and must ensure the fair assessment of students with special needs which include the
culturally diverse, the economically disadvantaged, and the handicapped. Data is collected from both
quantitative and qualitative measures which may include but are not limited to the following:
achievement tests, ability tests, teacher observations, parent observations, and a creativity test.
Elementary students at the K-5 levels may be nominated for the Gifted and Talented Program at any
time by school personnel, parents and/or community members. Secondary students at the 6-12 grade
levels may be nominated for the Gifted and Talented Program at any time by school personnel, parents,
community members, and by self or peers. Students nominated should exhibit characteristics in the
definition set forth in the Education Code 29.121 and local policy which reads: “…gifted and talented
student means a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably
high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment,
and who exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative or artistic area, possesses an
unusual capacity for leadership, or excels in an academic field.”
66
A selection committee, composed of at least three professional employees who are knowledgeable
about the needs of gifted students and are familiar with the state guidelines for Gifted and Talented
Programs, will meet and make a final decision for the selection of student placement. All student
information collected during the assessment process is considered an educational record and subject to
protection as written in local policy.
Parents, students, and campuses are notified in writing of selection for the Gifted and Talented
Program. Participation in any program or services for gifted students is voluntary and permanent
placement in the Gifted and Talented Program requires written permission from a parent or legal
guardian.
The AISD Gifted and Talented Program is based on the recommendations of the Texas State Plan for the
Education of gifted and talented students. The program is designed to serve students in the classroom
through differentiated instruction and to be implemented in all grade levels in elementary school.
Secondary students are served through advanced-level classes such as Pre-AP, AP (Advanced Placement)
and IB (International Baccalaureate) classes at middle and high school.
The policy contains provisions for transfers, furloughs, reassessment, appeals, and exiting. A copy of the
complete local policy on gifted and talented is available upon request.
Homebound
When a student becomes ill or injured and the parent/guardian learns from a physician that the student
will be out of school (confined to home or hospital) for twenty days or more, the parent/guardian
should contact the student’s principal or counselor to request homebound instruction. The principal or
counselor will then notify the Homebound Coordinator, who will meet with the student’s parents to
explain the Homebound Program and to begin the process of identifying whether the student meets
eligibility for the program.
Parents and students are responsible for collecting and completing all school work until the Homebound
process is completed.
Students are responsible for returning the textbooks to the school at the close of spring semester.
North Heights Center
Students who desire to continue or resume their education in an alternative setting rather than
continuing in the regular education program at their high school may make application to attend classes
at North Heights Center. Information concerning admission to the North Heights program may be
obtained from the high school counselors’ office.
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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.
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 state-mandated 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 for additional information.
STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate, for students receiving special education services, 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. For
students who took the STAAR assessments required for grades 3–8 in spring 2012, parents will be
informed of their child’s performance once the results of these assessments are received by the district,
expected in January 2013.
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Grades 9–12
Beginning with ninth graders in the 2011–2012 school year, end-of-course (EOC) assessments are
administered for the following courses:
•
Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
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•
English I, English II, and English III
•
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
•
World Geography, World History, and United States History
Satisfactory performance on the applicable assessments will be required for graduation and will also
affect the plan under which the student may graduate.
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.
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 Modified and STAAR Alternate, for students receiving special education services, will be available
for eligible students, as determined by the student’s ARD committee. These particular EOC assessments
may have different testing windows than the general assessments, and the ARD committee will
determine whether successful performance on the assessments will be required for graduation.
STAAR-L, which is a linguistically accommodated assessment, 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 Course Credit, Grading Guidelines, and Graduation for additional information.
TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)
TAKS is a state-mandated assessment currently being transitioned to the STAAR program.
Except in limited circumstances, a student in grade 12 during the 2013–2014 school year will be required
to retake what is termed the “exit-level” TAKS in the subject areas of Mathematics, English/Language
Arts, Social Studies, and/or Science, for which satisfactory performance is required for graduation, if the
student did not pass any of these areas while in grade 11.
Also see Graduation for more information.
THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)
Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take a standardized test,
such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA]. The purpose of the THEA is to assess the
reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshmen-level students should have if they are to
69
perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges and
universities. This test may be required before a student enrolls in a dual-credit course offered through
the district as well.
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/steroid-information.
STUDENT SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND PREGNANCY LAW AND REPORTING
PRACTICES
The Texas Family Code § 261.101 requires teachers, nurses and employees licensed or certified by the
state to report abuse or neglect and suspected abuse or neglect of a child to proper state authorities.
The term “abuse” includes sexual assault and indecency with a child. The Texas Penal code defines
almost any activity of a sexual nature, involving one or more persons under the age of seventeen, as
either a “sexual assault” (Texas Penal Code § 22.011) or “indecency with a child” (Texas Penal Code §
22.11). District personnel will report any instances in which a child under the age of seventeen is
pregnant or engages in or is subjected to conduct described in sexual assault or indecency with a child
statutes.
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 the 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
TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)
See Standardized Testing.
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TARDINESS
Parents of students will be informed of the tardy policy at the beginning of the school year. Students
who are tardy when they first report to school must obtain a tardy pass according to their school policy.
Unexcused tardies may result in disciplinary action.
Elementary School:
Students are marked tardy until 9:30a.m. Students are marked absent after 9:30a.m. unless they have a
note from a doctor. After 15 tardies you can be taken to court for excessive tardiness.
Middle School:
Students are marked tardy during the first 10 minutes of each class period. Students will be marked
absent after the first 10 minutes of each class period. After 15 tardies you can be taken to court for
excessive tardiness.
High School:
Students are marked tardy during the first 10 minutes of each class period. Students will be marked
absent after the first 10 minutes of each class period. After 15 tardies you can be taken to court for
excessive tardiness.
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.
TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts include the classes, grades, date of graduation, GPA and/or date of withdrawal. Students
should contact their counselor for copies of their transcript. Transcripts remain at the high school for
one year after withdrawal from district or graduation, during which time graduates or withdrawn
students may receive up to three free copies.
After one year transcripts are sent to the Student Records Office at the Education Support Center. The
first transcript is free; however, a $3.00 fee will be charged for each additional transcript.
71
TRANSFERS
Amarillo ISD students may apply for transfer from one school to another on an annual basis. Transfer
applications must be submitted to the receiving school by May 1st of each year. Applications for transfer
may be obtained at any Amarillo ISD school. Applicants must be notified of acceptance or rejection not
later than two (2) weeks prior to the beginning of school.
[See School Safety Transfers, Bullying, and Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to
Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education Services, for
other transfer options.]
TUTORING
Students may receive extra help from teachers before or after school. In addition, tutoring may be
available to students needing extra help in science, social studies, math or language arts. Please contact
your school to see if tutoring is available.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses and Other School Vehicles
First Student School Services – Bus Riders Rules and Regulations
Rules defining student conduct are designed to protect the passengers and shall be observed at all
times. Bus safety rules shall include – but not be limited to – the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The bus driver is in charge of students on the bus. Students shall follow the driver’s directions at all
times.
The bus driver may send a student to the principal’s office to maintain effective discipline on the
school bus.
Only authorized personnel and eligible bus students assigned to a specific bus are permitted to
ride the bus.
Buses will stop at established stops only. Students will not be permitted to leave the bus until the
bus arrives at an established bus stop or the appropriate school. Students shall load and unload at
their designated bus stop only.
Students will wait for a bus by remaining on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, students will wait
next to (but not in) the street. Students must wait until the bus comes to a full stop before boarding
or leaving the bus.
Students will remain properly seated at all times and not block the center aisle. Any or all students
may be assigned seats.
Students must keep their hands, head, feet, and personal objects inside the bus at all times.
Scuffling, shoving, or fighting is prohibited on the bus and at established bus stops.
Littering or throwing items inside or from the bus is prohibited.
Students are not allowed to consume food or drink on the bus. The use of all tobacco products is
prohibited.
Students shall not deface or vandalize the bus or related equipment. Students that violate this rule
will be required to pay for damages.
72
•
•
•
Students are not to engage in loud talking, yelling, use of profanity, inappropriate language or
gestures on the bus.
Students are not allowed to bring animals, with exception to service animals under guidance of FBA
(Legal), or harmful objects on the bus (i.e., weapons, drugs, alcohol, fireworks, etc.).
Students are not to engage in any other conduct that disrupts the safe operation of the bus.
Road Emergency
•
Remain in the bus unless otherwise instructed by the driver.
Disciplinary Action
•
•
•
•
•
First Offense:
Second Offense:
Third Offense:
Fourth Offense:
Fifth Offense:
The student will receive a verbal warning.
A written warning will be issued to the student.
A three-day suspension will be issued to the student.
A ten-day suspension will be issued to the student.
A thirty-day suspension will be issued to the student.
Severe Clause: If a student’s conduct seriously jeopardizes the safety of other students and the driver, a
suspension will be immediately placed into effect.
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.
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/guardians and other visitors are welcome to visit the school. All visitors must first report to the
principal’s office. Each campus is required to request I.D. Visits to individual classrooms during
instructional time are permitted only with the principal's approval, and such visits are not permitted if
their duration or frequency interferes with the delivery of instruction or disrupts the normal school
environment.
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Mission Statement
Graduate every student prepared for success
beyond high school
Core Values
Student Performance
Customer Service
Cost Effectiveness
Quality Staff

Amarillo Independent School District Student Handbook 2013

Transcription

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