Student Handbook

Transcription

Student Handbook

Grulla Middle School
Home of the Mighty Cranes
Student Handbook
2013-2014
T.E.A. Recognized Campus
Second To None!!!!
BOARD MEMBERS AND ADMINISTRATION
These are the members of the 2013-2014 Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent
School District Board of Trustees. They make and approve policies that are in the best
interest of all students and school personnel in the school district. These policies are in
compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines. Approving this handbook is one of
their many tasks. The responsibility of all school personnel and students enrolled in the
district is to know who these members are and to abide by the policies that they make and
approve.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. Basilio D. Villarreal, Jr., President
Mr. Roberto ―Bobby‖ Gutierrez, Vice-President
Mr. Cesar Gonzalez, Secretary
Mr. Ruben Klein, Member
Mr. Leonel ―Leo‖ Lopez, Member
Mr. Daniel Garcia, Member
Mr. NoeR. Gonzalez, Member
Mr. Roel A. Gonzalez, Superintendent of Schools
Note: The Grulla Middle School Student Handbook was Board approved in August 2013.
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MIGHTY CRANE 2013-2014 ADMINISTRATION/SUPPORT TEAM
Mr. Ariel Ozuna
Interim Principal
Mr. Jose C. Hernandez
Assistant Principal
Ms. Enedelia Rios
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Lillian Maldonado
Dean of Instruction
Mr. Genovevo Santana
Counselor
Ms. Hilda Moreno
Counselor
Ms. Elma Garza
Librarian
Mrs. Sylvia Lopez
Principal’s Secretary
Mrs. Brenda Martinez
Clerk
Mrs. Leticia Garza
Counselor’s Clerk
Mrs. Ana Lopez
PEIMS Clerk
Mrs. Sandra Garza
D.O.I. Clerk
RIO GRANDE CITY CISD OFFERS VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District offers a Vocational
Program in industrial education. It is the policy of the Rio Grande City CISD not to
discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, and national origin in its
educational and vocational programs, activities, or employment as required by Title IX,
Section 504 and Title VI.
The Rio Grande City CISD will take steps to assure that the lack of English Language
skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational
programs.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX
Coordinator, Mr. Roel A. Gonzalez, at Rio Grande City, Texas (956) 716-6702.
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APPROVED UNIFORMS
6th grade
WHITE polo shirt
blue or black jeans
blue or black jean skirts/jumper
7th grade
ROYAL BLUE or NAVY BLUE polo shirt
blue or black jeans
8th grade
RED polo shirt
blue or black jeans
 Polo shirts with collar must have a three button
closure (approved color only). Logos of three or
more inches are not allowed.
 Shirts will be tucked in at all times.
 Only regular fit jeans are allowed.
(OVERSIZED OR UNDERSIZED CLOTHING,
INCLUDING JACKETS, OVERALLS, CARGO
and TORN PANTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.)
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A Message from the Interim Principal
Welcome to Craneland!
It is my sincere pleasure and utmost honor to welcome everyone to the 2013-2014 school
year at Grulla Middle School. I trust you had a restful and enjoyable summer break and
that you are now looking forward with anticipation and enthusiasm to the beginning of a
journey that will be filled with many successes. I offer my deepest appreciation to our
students, parents, staff members and everyone that played a part in having a successful
year.It is our mission that our students will be provided the opportunity to develop the
skills that will ensure a lifetime of learning and success.
Having parents involved in a child’s education is essential to developing a strong
partnership between home and school. Educators and parents have tremendous influence
on our youth, and together we will encourage and support ourstudents in achieving their
optimum potential by instilling in them the necessary skills to enable them to become
lifelong learners. We will concentrate on the processes that spur continuing
advancements, evaluate what we have done, determine what we can do to improve, and
identify what we need to make those improvements.
I invite our parents/guardians and community to be part of our educational team as we
provide all of our students a top quality education. Join me in what promises to be the
most adventurous school year that will be filled with memorable experiences and
unlimited possibilities.
The doors at Grulla Middle School are always open and I look forward to working with
each and every one of you. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to call or come by my office. I can be reached at (956) 487-5558. Thank you for
your continued support.
Yours in Craneland,
Ariel Ozuna
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Preface……………………………………………………………………………………9
Contractual Disclaimer……………………………………………………………….....10
Vision/Mission Statements…………………………………………………………......10
Demographics…………………………………………………………………………...11
School Calendar/Important Dates………………………………………………………12
Bell Schedule……………………………………………………………………………13
Campus Map…………………………………………………………………………14-18
Parental Involvement……………………………………………………………………19
―Opting Out‖ of Surveys and Activities………………………………………………...19
―Opting Out‖ Survey…………………………………………………………………....20
Assessing Student Records……………………………………………………………...21
School Safety Transfers………………………………………………………………21-22
Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students with Learning
Difficulties……………………………………………………………………………22-23
Child Sexual Abuse and Other Maltreatment of Children…………………………...23-24
Conferences………………………………………………………………………….…...24
Proper Respect and Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges and a Minute of
Silence……………………………………………………………………………………24
Textbooks……………………………………………………………………………..….25
Cafeteria Services………………………………………………………………………..25
Student Searches………………………………………………………………………....25
Building Hours for Students……………………………………………………………..26
Student Trips……………………………………………………………………………..26
Student Complaints……………………………………………………………………....27
Sexual Harassment………………………………………………………………….........27
Nondiscrimination Statement………………………………………………………...27-28
Special Programs………………………………………………………………………...28
Parties and Social Events……………………………………………………….………..28
Visitors……………………………………………………………………………….…..28
Vending Machines……………………………………………………………………….29
Lost and Found…………………………………………………………………………..29
School Phones……………………………………………………………………………29
ACADEMICS
Grading System………………………………………………………………………….29
Grading Policy…………………………………………………………………………...29
Promotion and Retention Policy…………………………………………………………30
State Mandated Courses and Requirements……………………………………………..30
Student Success Initiative………………………………………………………………..30
Promotion Participation………………………………………………………………30-31
Graduation Programs in High School……………………………………………………31
Class Rank Policy and Procedures………………………………………………………31
Homework Policy………………………………………………………………………..31
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Make-Up Work…………………………………………………………………………..32
Progress Reports to Parents/Report Cards……………………………………………….32
Retesting Policy………………………………………………………………………….32
Advanced Placement Classes………………………………………………………........33
Honor Roll……………………………………………………………………………….33
Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty/Computer Tampering……………………...33
Credits - Early Withdrawal…………………………………………………………...33-34
Credits - Late Entries…………………………………………………………………….34
Counseling……………………………………………………………………………34-35
Psychological exams, Testsor Treatment……………………………………………….35
Student Records…………………………………………………………………………35
Instructional Television………………………………………………………………….36
Library - Learning Resource Center…………………………………………………….36
Use of Internet…………………………………………………………………………..37
Distribution of Public Materials………………………………………………………....37
Homebound Students……………………………………………………………………37
DISCIPLINE
Discipline Management………………………………………………………………37-38
Corporal Punishment…………………………………………………………………….38
Student Discipline Management Plan………………………………………………...38-39
Student Code of Conduct - Violations and Consequences………………………………39
Level I Offenses and Consequences………………………………………………….39-42
Level II Offenses and Consequences…………………………………………………42-43
Level III Offenses and Consequences………………………………………………..43-44
Level IV Offenses and Consequences…………………………………………………...44
Terminology – Discipline………………………………………………………………..45
Discipline Procedures……………………………………………………………….,…..45
Student Declared Delinquent or Convicted of Misdemeanor or Felonies…………........46
Assertive Discipline Rules………………………………………………………………46
Distractions……………………………………………………………………………...46
Disruptive Activities…………………………………………………………………….47
Disruption of Classes…………………………………………………………………47-48
Bullying………………………………………………………………………………48-49
Appeals………………………………………………………………………………..…49
Dress and Grooming………………………………………………………………….49-51
In-School Suspension……………………………………………………………...…….51
Tardy Policy……………………………………………………………………………..51
Closed Campus Policy/Procedures…………………………………………………...51-52
School Buses or Other Vehicles……………………………………………………...52-53
Electronic Devices……………………………………………………………………53-54
Hall Passes……………………………………………………………………………….54
Boy and Girl Relationships………………………………………………………………54
ATTENDANCE
Admission………………………………………………………………………………..54
Address, Change of………………………………………………………………………55
Attendance at School Activities…………………………………………………………55
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Attendance Policy & Procedures………………………………………………………...55
Example of Written Excuse…………………………………………………………..55-56
Unexcused Absence……………………………………………………………………...56
Absences from Holidays…………………………………………………………………56
Extra-Curricular Activities……………………………………………………………….57
Release of Students fromSchool……………………………………………………...…57
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Student Clubs and Organizations…………………………………………………….57-58
Standards of Behavior…………………………………………………………………...58
Forming Clubs/Organizations…………………………………………………………....58
Parent Booster Clubs…………………………………………………………………….58
Student Council………………………………………………………………………….59
University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.)………………………………………………59
Attendance and Scholarship Requirements for Participation in Extracurricular
Activities…………………………………………………………………………………60
MEDICAL AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and other Emergency Drills …………………………………….60
Emergency Medical Treatment ………………………………………………………....61
Immunization…………………………………………………………………………....61
Medicine at School……………………………………………………………………...61
Physical Examinations…………………………………………………………………..62
Medical Appointments…………………………………………………………………..62
Communicable Diseases………………………………………………………………...62
Bacterial Meningitis………………………………………………………………….63-64
Food Allergies…………………………………………………………………………...64
Steroids………………………………………………………………………………….64
Student Protective Custody of the State……………………………………………..64-65
Suicide Awareness……………………………………………………………………....65
Insurance………………………………………………………………………………...65
Asbestos…………………………………………………………………………………65
Pest Control Information………………………………………………………………...65
Homeless Students………………………………………………………………………66
Searches by Trained Dogs……………………………………………………………….66
Law Enforcement Agencies Questioning Students/ Students Taken into Custody….66-67
Limited English Proficiency Students…………………………………………………...67
Power Failure…………………………………………………………………………….67
Glossary………………………………………………………………………………68-70
Forms ………………………………………………………………………………..71-77
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PREFACE
Every secondary campus at Rio Grande City CISD develops a student handbook in
addition to the RGCCISD Student Code of Conduct, which is developed at the District
level. In meeting each secondary campus’ unique needs, differences may be noted in the
secondary handbooks. In accordance with the law, in case of conflict between the
Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook, the Student Code of Conduct will
prevail. The Student Code of Conduct is adopted by the District’s Board of Trustees and
has the force of policy.
In accordance with state law, the Rio Grande City CISD Student Code of Conduct will be
posted at each school campus or will be available for review at the office of the campus
principal.
This handbook has been prepared for students, parents and the Crane community. It is a
condensation of rules, guides, and general information that will assist all in a better
understanding of the operation of our school.
It contains a great deal of required and useful information for a large number of students
and parents. Therefore, it cannot be as personal a communication as we would like, and
so we address students, not directly as ―you‖ but rather as ―the student‖, ―students‖, or
―children.‖ Likewise, the term ―the student’s parents‖ may refer to the parent, legal
guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume responsibility for the student.
It is hoped that through a better understanding of these principles, we may continue to
uphold the ideals and concepts of citizenship, learning, teamwork, and loyalty so
essential to maintaining an ideal school environment.
A complete statement of official school board policies is to be found in the
Superintendent’s office.
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CONTRACTUAL DISCLAIMER
The provisions and information set forth in this Handbook are intended to be
informational and not contractual in nature. This handbook is not intended and shall not
be construed to constitute a contract between Grulla Middle School and any student,
prospective student, agency of the local, state, or federal government, or any other person
or legal entity of any and every nature whatsoever.
Grulla Middle School hereby reserves and retains the right to amend, alter, change,
delete, or modify any of the provisions of this handbook at anytime, from time to time,
without notice, in any manner that the administration, or the School Board of Trustees of
the Rio Grande City CISD deem to be in the best interest of the District.
Students are required to acknowledge that they have received and read the Handbook by
returning the enclosed form located in the back part of this handbook.
GRULLA MIDDLE SCHOOL
VISION STATEMENT
At Grulla Middle School, it is our vision that students will be provided the
opportunity to develop the skills that will ensure a lifetime of learning and success.
We strive to provide each student with opportunities to develop cognitively,
physically, ethically, emotionally, socially as they become productive, creative and
self directed members of society. Our efforts are designed to create an exciting,
safe, pleasant school environment, which values the unique qualities of each student.
Parents are encouraged to participate in their children’s educational process.
Working together we can provide a quality learning experience for all.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Grulla Middle School is to see each student as a unique individual
who needs a safe, loving, and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature
emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. We accept the responsibility of
creating a safe and orderly school climate in which individuals treat each other with
respect and dignity while providing a quality educational program by establishing
high academic and behavioral standards.
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Enrollment
792
School Colors
Blue and White
School Mascot
The Mighty Crane
Alma Mater
Hail to thee our Mighty Grulla
One we hold so dear
May we ever lead you forward without thought of fear.
Let us fill our minds with learning
and our hearts with cheer.
As we set our goals up higher
for the coming year.
Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for
which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all.
Texas Pledge
"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and
indivisible."
Accredited
Texas Education Agency
U.I.L. Classification
District 32-AAAA
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BELL SCHEDULE
2013 - 2014
First Bell
7:55
Homeroom
8:00 – 8:15
1st Period
8:20 – 9:10
2nd Period
9:15 – 10:00
3rd Period
10:05 - 10:50
4th Period
10:55 – 11:40
5th Period
11:45 - 12:35
[Lunch 6th Graders]
6th Period
12:40 - 1:30
[Lunch 7th Graders]
7th Period
1:35 – 2:25
[Lunch 8th Graders]
8th Period
2:30 – 3:15
9th Period
3:20 – 4:05
GO MIGHTY CRANES!
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GENERAL INFORMATION
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home, school and
community, a partnership that thrives on communication. Grulla Middle School
encourages parents:

To encourage their children to place a high priority on their education and to
commit themselves to making the most of the educational opportunities the school
provides.
 To stay informed about school activities and issues. The school newsletter, Open
House in the fall and spring, and parent/booster club meetings provide good
opportunities for learning more about the school.
 To become a school volunteer. For further information, contact the principal’s
office.
 To monitor their children’s progress and contact teachers as needed. For further
information, contact the principal’s office or the counseling department.
Parental Involvement
The Federal Programs Director, Mr. Joel Salinas, who works with parents of students
participating in Title I maybe contacted at (956- 716-6767).
―Opting Out‖ of Surveys and Activities
As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s
participation in:
 Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information
gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing, selling, or otherwise
disclosing that information.

Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a
condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not
necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are
hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted
or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA.]
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SAMPLE TEXT BLOCK 1: Surveys concerning private information
Date: On or around ___________________________
Grades: _______________________________________
Activity: (name of survey)__________________
Summary: This is an anonymous survey that asks students questions about
________________________________________________________________________
______
________________________________________________________________________
______
Note to handbook developer: Include this paragraph for DOE funded, protected
information surveys only:
―You must sign and return this consent form no later than ____________ if you permit
your child to participate in this survey.‖
Parent’s signature
Note to handbook developer: Include this paragraph for any non-DOE funded,
protected information survey:
―Contact Ariel Ozuna at (956)487-5558, [email protected], no later than ________
if you do not want your child to participate in this activity.‖
If you wish to review any survey instrument or instructional material used in connection
with any protected information survey, please submit a request to [school official,
address]. [School official] will notify you of the time and place where you may review
these materials. You have the right to review a survey and/or instructional materials
before the survey is administered to your child.
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REQUESTING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF TEACHERS AND
STAFF
You may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s
teachers, including whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for
the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the
teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements
have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate
certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right
to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide
services to your child.
REVIEWING INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
As a parent, you have a right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching
aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have
been administered to your child.
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,

Teacher and counselor evaluations,

Reports of behavioral patterns, and

State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
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.
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
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defined by Education Code 37.0832. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to
another campus. See the campus principal for information.

Consult with district administrators if your child has been determined by the district
to have engaged in bullying and the district decides to transfer your child to another
campus. Transportation is not provided in this circumstance.
[See Bullying on page 49, 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 or a neighboring district 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.]
REQUESTING CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENT FOR MULTIPLE BIRTH
SIBLINGS
As a parent, if your children are multiple birth siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) assigned
to the same grade and campus, you may request that they be placed either in the same
classroom or in separate classrooms. Your written request must be submitted no later
than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See policy FDB(LEGAL).]
PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WITH OTHER SCHOOLAGED 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(LOCAL).]
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.
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.
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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 designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning
difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education services is Cynthia Bazan at
(956)716-6820.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES
Children of military families will be provided flexibility regarding certain district
requirements, including:
 Immunization requirements.

Grade level, course, or educational program placement.

Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities.

Graduation requirements.
In addition, absences related to a student visiting with his or her parent related to leave or
deployment activities may be excused by the district.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN
The district has established a plan for addressing 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).
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or walking,
pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral
indicators may include verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between
adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually
suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal,
depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse or any other type of abuse or neglect should be
encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other trusted adult that
disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than disclosures of physical abuse and
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neglect, and it is important to be calm and comforting if your child, or another child,
confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse or other maltreatment, the campus
counselor or principal will provide information regarding counseling options for you and
your child available in your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out
what services may be available in your county, see
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
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).
CONFERENCES
Students and parents may expect teachers to request a conference for one of the following
reasons:
Congratulate parents on student achievements, if the student is not maintaining passing
grades or achieving the expected level of performance, in any other case the teacher
considers necessary or if the students present any other problem requiring
administrator/teacher intervention.
The District encourages a student or parent who wants information or wants to raise a
question or concern to confer with the appropriate teacher, counselor, or principal. A
parent who wishes to confer with a teacher may call the office for an appointment during
the teacher’s conference period or request that the teacher call the parent during a
conference period or at another mutually convenient time.
PROPER RESPECT AND EXCUSING A STUDENT FROM RECITING THE
UNITED STATES AND TEXAS PLEDGES 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. As a parent, you may request that your
child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the pledge(s). The request
must be in writing. 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. State
law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of
silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of
Silence on page 21 and policy EC(LEGAL).]
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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.
RETALIATION
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page.]
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. All 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.
CAFETERIA SERVICES
The district participates in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch
Program and offers students nutritionally balanced meals daily. Free and reduced-price
meals are available based on financial need. Information about a student’s participation
is confidential. See Campus Cafeteria Manager to apply.
The district follows the federal and state guidelines regarding foods of minimal
nutritional value being served or sold on school premises during the school day.
SEARCHES
In the interest of promoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools are safe
and drug free, district officials may from time to time conduct searches. Such searches
are conducted without a warrant and as permitted by law.
STUDENTS’ DESKS AND LOCKERS
Students’ desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control and
jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.Students are fully
responsible for the security and contents of their assigned desks and lockers. Students
must be certain that their lockers are locked, and that the combinations are not available
to others.Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable
cause to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by policy, whether or
25
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.]
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.
BUILDING HOURS FOR STUDENTS
Students are not permitted in the building before school hours, unless a teacher's pass is
issued. During inclement weather, students may enter the gymnasium. Students are not
to be in an unsupervised area at any time.
STUDENT TRIPS
All school sponsored trips and activities must be approved by the principal and, when
necessary, i.e., out-of-town trips, by the superintendent and school board of trustees. The
Principal will ascertain that there are adequate activities planned for the students and little
free time. Students must have written parental permission for all out-of-town trips.
Consent slips must be presented to the sponsoring official prior to departure. Whenever
possible, student insurance should be secured. All school rules and regulations will be in
effect and must be observed during trips and activities.
Students who violate school rules and/or do not follow instructions given by school
officials will be subject to such disciplinary action as the administration deems necessary,
including referral to the superintendent and school board of trustees for expulsion from
school.
The operator of a passenger car used to transport students to school or to a school activity
shall ensure that the number of passengers does not exceed the designed capacity of the
vehicle and that each passenger is secured by a safety belt. Education Code 34.006(c)
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STUDENT COMPLAINTS
Students or parents who have a complaint should first bring the matter up with the
teacher. If the outcome of that discussion is not satisfactory, they can request a
conference with the principal. If not satisfied at that level, they can request a conference
with the superintendent or his designee and, ultimately, appear before the Board, in
accordance with Board policy.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The District believes that every student has the right to attend District schools and schoolrelated activities free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, including
sexual harassment. The District considers sexual harassment of students to be serious
and will consider the full range of disciplinary options, up to and including expulsion,
according to the nature of the offense.
All students are expected to treat one another courteously, with respect for the other
person’sfeelings to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop these
behaviors when asked or told to stop. All students are prohibited from engaging in
offensive verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student.
This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other
intimidating sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors, that the other student
regards as offensive or provocative.
Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the
expectations in this area with the teacher, the principal or designee, or the District’s Title
IX Coordinator for Students. A student and/or parent in a conference with the principal
or designee or with the Title IX Coordinator may present a complaint alleging sexual
harassment by another student or sexual harassment or sexual abuse by a staff member.
A person who is the same gender as the student ordinarily will hold the first conference.
The conference will be scheduled and held as soon as possible within five (5) days of the
request. The principal or Title IX Coordinator will coordinate an appropriate
investigation, which ordinarily will becompleted within ten (10) days. The students or
parent will be informed of extenuating circumstances that may delay completion of
theinvestigation. The student will not be required to present a complaint to a person who
is the subject of the complaint.
If the resolution of the complaint is not satisfactory to the student or parent, the student or
parent within ten (10) days may request a conference with the superintendent or designee
by following the procedure set out in Board Policy FNCJ (Local). If the resolution by the
superintendent or designee is not satisfactory, the student or parent may present the
complaint to the Board as provided by policy.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent
School District, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin,
gender, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including
CTE programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;
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Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, which incorporates and expands upon the
requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following district representatives have been designated to coordinate compliance
with these legal requirements:
 Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of gender:
[Arcadio Salinas III, (956)716-6786].

ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of
disability: Arcadio Salinas III, (956)716-6786.

All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent, Roel A.
Gonzalez, (956)716- 6700.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Grulla Middle School provides special programs for ESL, gifted and talented students,
total immersion students, dyslexic students, and for those with disabilities. A student or
parent with questions about these programs should contact the administration. The
coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements and
programs and services offered in the District by other organizations.
PARTIES AND SOCIAL EVENTS
The rules of good conduct and grooming shall be observed for all school social events.
Guests will be expected to observe the same rules as students attending the event; the
person inviting the guest(s) will share responsibility for the conduct of the guest(s). A
student attending a party or social event may 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.
VISITORS
Grulla Middle School operates under a closed campus policy. ALL VISITORS MUST
REPORT TO THE FRONT OFFICE, PRINCIPAL OR DESIGNEE. Under no
circumstances are individuals, other than GMS students, to be admitted to classes or
buildings unless they have a signed permit from the principal. Teachers will report
unauthorized persons on campus to the principal or security personnel. Visits to
individual classrooms during instructional time shall be permitted only with the
principal’s approval, and such visits shall not be permitted if their duration or frequency
interferes with the delivery of instruction or disrupts the normal school environment.
Students should not bring visitors to school unless prior arrangements are made with the
principal.
VISITORS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED DURING SEMESTER EXAMINATION
DAYS
According to Texas law, loitering on school grounds is a misdemeanor and subject to a
fine of not less than $25.00 and not more than $200.00.
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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 campus principal. [See
policies at CO and FFA.]
LOST AND FOUND
Grulla Middle School office provides a Lost and Found Service. Students finding articles
should bring them to the assistant principal or principal secretary. Students losing articles
should report their loss to security. Articles of clothing, etc. not claimed within a
reasonable period (6 weeks) will be given to a charitable organization.
SCHOOL PHONES
Office phones are for school business only. Students will be permitted to use the office
phones. Student calls must be limited to no more than 2 minutes.
ACADEMICS
GRADING SYSTEM: (Academic Achievement – Policy EIA)
A = 90-100
C=79-75
F=Below 70 is Failing
B=89-80
D=74-70
GRADING POLICY
Each semester is composed of three (3) six-weeks reporting periods.
1. The six-weeks grade will be determined as follows:
 Class work, class participation, notebooks, projects, homework and folders
collectively will have a value of 75% or 3/4 of the six-weeks grade.
 Quizzes, tests, and exams will have a value of 25% or 1/4 of the six-weeks
grades.
 A minimum of (2) grades per week is required in each course excluding
the six-week examination. Teachers are encouraged to give students as
many assignments as possible. In addition, a variety of assessment
techniques i.e: projects, alternative assessment, presentations, portfolios
etc. is strongly encouraged. These should be the norm, as every teacher
must consider each student’s individual learning style and assessment
strengths. NO less than 10 grades are to be recorded for each student per
six weeks period.
2. The semester grade will be the average of the three six-weeks grades.
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PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY
To be promoted from one grade to the next, the student must obtain a numerical grade
average of 70 on all course work and a numerical grade average of 70 on three (3) of the
following:
* Reading/Language Arts
* Math
* Science
* Social Studies
STATE-MANDATED COURSES AND REQUIREMENTS
Secondary grades sixth, seventh, and eighth.
1. Students shall take a minimum of 10 core units and 6 elective units
2. A unit shall require a minimum of 45 minutes academically engaged time per day
per course during a 187-day school year. A one-half unit is defined as a onesemester course, which meets the minimum time of 45 minutes per day.
Student Success Initiative (SSI)
The Student Success Initiative was created by the Texas Legislature to ensure that all
students received the instruction and support they need to be academically successful in
reading and mathematics. Under the SSI grade advancement requirements, 8th grade
students are required to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
(STAAR) in reading and mathematics.
Eight grade students have three opportunities to pass the reading and mathematics exams.
The first test administrationis in April, second in May and third in June. If a student does
not pass one or both exams, the school must give the student additional accelerated
instruction after each testing opportunity, and the student must participate in that
instruction. If a student was not successful after the third opportunity, a Grade Placement
Committee (GPC) whichconsists of the principal or principal designee, teacher and
parent/guardian is formed. The GPC will create an instructional plan based on the
individualneeds of the student. The student must participate in the required additional
instruction (Must attend and complete Summer School) in order to be promoted. A
student who is unsuccessful on the reading and/or mathematics test after the third testing
opportunity should be retained. However, the GPC may decide to promote the student to
the 9th grade if everyone in the committee agrees that the student is likely to succeed in
the 9th grade.
PROMOTION PARTICIPATION
All eight-grade students will receive the opportunity to participate in the 8th grade
promotional exercises/ceremony. However, those students not meeting the requirements
as accepted by the state of Texas (Education Code 28.021(a) EIE Local & Legal) will
have to attend summer school. If a student loses credit due to too many absent days, the
student will have to attend summer school. Summer school 8th grade students must fulfill
summer school requirements to be promoted to the R.G.C.C.I.S.D. Grulla High School.
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Students at the SEAS Center or Instructional Center on the last instructional day are not
eligible to participate in promotion activities/ceremony.
GRADUATION PROGRAMS IN HIGH SCHOOL (Informational Only)
The District offers the following graduation programs. The counselor can help you
decide which program is best for you.

Foundation High School Program: 22 credits

Distinguished Level of Achievement: 26 credits with 1 Endorsement(Career Pathway)
CLASS RANK POLICY AND PROCEDURE
District Procedures
High Ranking 8th Grade Students (Middle School)
Special recognition shall be given to the top three ranking students of the 8th grade class
being promoted to the 9th grade. The three (3) top students shall be identified based on the
average of grades from the core subject areas from grades 6-8. The top three students
shall be identified based on the following criteria:
o A score of ninety (90) or above determined from an overall
average accumulated during the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades from the
five (5) core subjects (mathematics, history, language arts,
reading, and science).
o (These procedures will become effective during the 2007/2008
school year.)
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework assignments are given for the purpose of reinforcing lessons and to help
foster a sense of responsibility in each student. It is the student’s responsibility to ask the
teacher for the assignments whenever the student does not attend class. LATE WORK
WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DISCRETION OF EACH TEACHER. Prior approval
means BEFORE the due date, not the ―day of‖.
If prior approval is given, then no points will be deducted for late work. However, if the
student fails to meet either the original or the extended deadline, a 0 (zero) may be
recorded for the daily work missed.
If a student is absent on the due date it is the responsibility of the student to submit the
particular assignment the day he/she returns to class; otherwise, a 0 (zero) may be
recorded.
The teacher may determine, at the student’s request, that the student, because of
extenuating circumstances, may merit an extension of time; however, this consideration
is not mandatory and is let to the discretion of the teacher.
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MAKE-UP WORK
Students who have been absent for excused reasons must make up their missed work.
1. Upon return, they are to check with their teachers and ask for work missed. This
is to be done BEFORE or AFTER class and not during class time.
2. If a student knows he/she is going to be absent the day an assignment is due,
he/she is to turn in the assignment before his/her absences. This applies to
participants in athleticevents and U.I.L.
Note: Failure to report for make-up quizzes, tests, assignments, explanation, when told
to do so, will result in academic penalties, ie.., a zero for work missed.
PROGRESS REPORTS TO PARENTS/REPORT CARDS
So that you and your family will be aware of your progress, report cards are issued six (6)
times during the school year.
Parents are encouraged to call the school on a weekly basis to check on their son’s /
daughter’s progress.
Teachers are strongly encouraged to notify parents of student progress on a more frequent
basis. Positive notes relating to improvement of grades should be sent to parents.
If a student’s average drops below passing after a progress report is sent, teachers are to
notify parents by note or phone call. Each teacher must keep a copy of such a note and or
a phone log.
RETESTING POLICY
A student enrolled at Grulla Middle School shall be given the opportunity for a retest on a
summative test given in a course in which the student is enrolled, provided that:
1. The student made a score BELOW 70 on the original test.
2. The student attends tutoring at least once before retesting.
3. In the judgment of the teacher, the student has made a FULL AND
REASONABLE effort to complete the assigned tasks related to the material
covered on the tests-including attending class meetings regularly, participating
actively in class discussion and other class activities, successfully completing
homework, or other relevant activities.
4. A student who is permitted to take a retest must complete it within a reasonable
time, not to exceed five (5) days, except under extenuating circumstances, which
will be determined by the teacher.
5. The teacher shall determine what additional re-teaching, practice, and/or
assignments the student must complete before being permitted to take the retest.
6. The student may raise the score only to a maximum of 70 by taking a retest,
regardless of the score made on the original and/or the retest.
7. The student may not be retested more than once on any given original test.
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES
AP SPANISH LANG, GRADE 8:Students must pass a Spanish placement test ―Prueba
de Ubicacion‖ with an 80 or above. Students who pass the AP exam with a score of 3, 4,
or 5 will be awarded credit for Spanish I Pre-AP, Spanish II Pre-AP, Spanish III Pre-AP,
and AP Spanish Language: a total of 4 high school credits (grade weight and grade point
average will not be given to these students). Students who do not pass the AP Spanish
language exams (score of 1 or 2), but pass with a grade of 70 or better will receive high
school credit for Spanish I.
Algebra End of Course (EOC)
PRE-AP Algebra I, Grade 8: Students must have scored a scale score of 1756 (80%) on
their 7th grade STAAR Mathematics exam. Students who register for this class must also
be enrolled in an 8th grade math class and be administered the STAAR Mathematics
Exam. Students who pass with a 70 or better will receive high school credit for Algebra I
(grade weight and grade point average will not be given to these students). In 2011-2012
and beyond, students who take Algebra I while in middle school will be required to take
STARR Algebra EOC assessment when they complete the course. These results will be
utilized to fulfill high school graduation requirements. (Scale score is subject to change at
principal’s discretion.)
HONOR ROLL
The following guidelines will be used to list students on the honor roll:
1. All subjects will be included.
2. Students are eligible for the Crane Honor Roll when all grades are 90 or above.
3. Students are eligible for the A and B Honor Roll if they have at least one grade of
90 or above and no grade below 80.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM/ACADEMIC
TAMPERING
DISHONESTY/COMPUTER
Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student,
plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination.
The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on
the judgment of a professional or other supervising employee, taking into consideration
written materials, observation, or information from students. Students found to have
engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to disciplinary penalties.
Technical computer tampering by students into our school mainframe computer network
system is unlawful. Such acts will be subject to criminal charges and to appropriate
school discipline consequences.
CREDITS - EARLY WITHDRAWAL
Early withdrawal from school will ONLY be granted to students who are migrating out of -district with their parents to pursue agriculturally related employment.
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Any student enrolled in the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District
who withdraws early may complete any course work and be eligible to receive credit
under one of the following plans:
PLAN 1
1. Completes up to the third week of the sixth six-weeks
2. Completes any course work and assignments
3. Completes all assignments, tests, projects and other assignments or the equivalent
of, before withdrawal; otherwise, a failing grade must be recorded for that six
weeks
4. Be clear to withdraw at least two weeks before the withdrawal date
PLAN II
The student may withdraw at anytime, but must:
1. enroll in another school
2. complete the requirements for the 2nd semester
3. send an official transcript t to the Rio Grande City CISD home campus
immediately upon completion of course work
4. comply with the attendance Review Committee and its recommendations for
promotion and retention purposes.
NOTE: Students will be permitted to withdraw the day before migrating. In extreme
emergencies, the principal may permit the student to withdraw earlier. If a student
withdraws for the purpose of migrating and does not migrate, he must return to school, or
he will not receive credit for the semester. Students will not be permitted to withdraw
from school to work locally.
CREDITS - LATE ENTRIES
A student who enrolls in school after the beginning of the first semester, but by the end of
the first six weeks, may be awarded credit under the following conditions:
1. his/her make-up work is satisfactory to the teacher
2. he/she satisfactorily meets all other course requirements, i.e., passes exams,
completes class requirements, etc..
A student enrolling after the first six weeks must meet the requirements stated above.
The counselors will assist all late entering students in securing their make-up
assignments.
ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL COUNSELING
Counseling and guidance are available to all students. Included are such services as
academic, individual, group counseling and administering and interpreting standardized
and special tests during the school year. To make an appointment with the counselor,
stop at the counselor’s office prior to the first class, between classes, or during the lunch
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period. If it is an emergency, the student must stop by immediately and notify the
secretary or counselor of the emergency.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS, TESTS, OR TREATMENT
The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first
obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a
psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for
special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse
investigations and reports.
STUDENT RECORDS
A student’s school records are confidential and are protected from unauthorized
inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each student from the time the
student enters Rio Grande City CISD until the student withdraws or graduates. This
record moves with the student from school to school.
By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records
of a student who is under 18 or a dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have
been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy
of the court order terminating these rights. Parents of minor or of a student who is a
dependent for tax purposes, student and school officials with legitimate educational
interests are the only persons who havegeneral access to a student’s records. ―School
officials with legitimate educational interests‖ include any employees, agents, or Trustees
of R.G.C.C.I.S.D., of cooperatives, of which the District is a member, or facilities with
which the District contracts for the placement of handicapped students as well as their
attorneys and consultants, who are:
1. working with the student;
2. considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, and individual
Education Plan (IEP) for a student with disabilities under IDEA for an
individually designed program for a student with disabilities under Section 504;
3. compiling statistical data; or
4. investigating or evaluating programs
Certain other officials from various governmental agencies may have limited access to
student records. The District forwards a student’s records on request and without prior
parental consentto a school in which a student intends to enroll. Parental consent is
required to release the records to anyone else.
Certain information about District students is considered directory information and will
be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it, unless the parent objects
to the release of any or all directory information about the child. This objection must be
made inwriting to the principal within ten (10) school days after the issuance of this
handbook. Directory information includes the following: a student’s name, address,
telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities
and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards
received in school, and most recent or previous school attended.
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INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION
Grulla Middle School provides, through a contract with Whittle Communications, the
opportunity for students to view a twelve-minute educational program on current events
and news items, two minutes of which contain commercial advertising. A parent who
prefers that his or her child not view any commercial broadcast at school should notify
the administration in writing. Anappropriate alternative supervised assignment will be
made for the student.
LIBRARY - LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER
The library of any learning institution should be the hub, center, or heart of that
institution. The library at Grulla Middle School is an excellent one. It has a collection of
fiction, non-fiction, and reference materials. The library staff includes a librarian and
assistant to the librarian. The library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. each school
day. (see weekly bulletin for extended hours).
THE FOLLOWING
REGULATIONS:

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
ARE
THE
BOOK
LOAN
PROCEDURES
AND
Students are responsible for all books or magazines checked out to his or her
name and number.
Books are loaned to students for two weeks, with one two week renewal privilege,
provided there is no demand for the book.
The fine on overdue books is five (5) cents per school day.
Books on Overnight Reserve may be checked out after the last class period.
These books are due before the first period class of the next school day, and the
fine for overdue reserve books is $0.25 cents a day.
Library patrons are charged the purchase price for a lost book, plus $1.00 for
processing of the book.
THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO USE THE
LIBRARY EFFECTIVELY:
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Have a purpose for coming to the library.
Place your teacher permit in the permit box as you enter.
Do not bring food and drinks into the library.
Keep the voice volume down.
Return books, encyclopedias, and magazines to the appropriate places.
Return books and other materials promptly so that others may use them.
Recheck books when you need more time.
Return reference and overnight reserve materials promptly before 1st period the
following morning.
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USE OF THE INTERNET
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Materials retrieved from the Internet must be information needed for a classroom
assignment.
A roster will be placed close to the computer and students must sign their names
and topic being researched.
School policy requires that any student using the Internet must have written
permission on file signed by a parent or guardian.
Time spent using the Internet will be limited to 30 minutes at a time.
Users accessing material must use the system responsibly. Violations may result
in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary actions.
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS
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 schoolsupport 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 meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include
the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the campus
principal for prior review. The campus principal will approve or reject the materials
within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal
a rejection in accordance with the appropriate district complaint policy.
HOMEBOUND STUDENTS
A program named Homebound is offered to our students who are unable to attend school
for a long period of time. To qualify for this program, a doctor’s certificate indicating a
student must stay home for a minimum of four weeks in needed. Students shall not be
discriminated against because of pregnancy unless it is determined that participation in
extracurricular activities could be damaging to their physical and mental health.
DISCIPLINE
Both the campus Student Handbook and the District Code of Conduct can be found at the
principal’s office or the library.
The District and Grulla Middle School have adopted the Discipline with Dignity and the
Assertive Discipline Management Plans as the guiding plans for discipline.
DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT
Grulla Middle School expects all students to be on their best behavior at all times. A
student who violates the District’s Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to
disciplinary action. The District’s disciplinary options include using one or more
discipline management techniques, removal to an alternative education program,
37
suspension, and expulsion. Disciplinary measures are applied depending on the nature of
the offense. In addition, when a student commits drug and alcohol related offenses or
any other criminal act, he or she may also be referred to legal authorities for criminal
prosecution. The principal or superintendent can provide more information about the
district’s Discipline Management Plan or copies of the plan if requested.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Corporal punishment-spanking or paddling the student- may be based as a discipline
management technique in accordance with the Students Code of Conduct and policy FO
(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. Under H.B. 359, parents are allowed to opt out
of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure for their own children. Parents may
inform the principal of the decision to opt out at any time throughout the school year.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The following are excerpts of the Student Discipline Management Plan adopted by the
Rio Grande City CISD.
Students are to do the following:
 Attend all classes daily and on time
 Be prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments
 Be properly dressed; NO FLIP FLOPS, shower shoes or beach sandals are
allowed
 Exhibit an attitude of respect towards individuals and property
 Obey all school rules and follow the student code of conduct in all classes and at
all co/extra curricular activities
 Seek charges in school policies and regulations in an orderly, responsible manner
through appropriate channels.
The rules do not allow students to do the following:

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Attend classes without the necessary materials
Leave the classroom without authorization
Commit arson as defined in Section 28.02 of the Penal Code;
Enter school facilities without authorization
Carry or harbor lethal weapons
Violate cafeteria rules
Litter
Neglect to return required forms
Extort
Gamble
Conduct hazing
Throw objects that can cause bodily injury or damage to property
Name-calling, ethnic or racial slurs, or derogatory statements that may
substantially disrupt the school environment or incite violence
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


Conduct offenses of a sexual nature, whether verbal or physical, which may
include request for sexual favors or other intimidating sexual conduct directed
toward another student
Possess a paging device, including cellular telephones
Engage in any conduct constituting felony criminal mischief as defined by law
Violations by students of the code of conduct shall result in, but are not limited to,
the following consequences:

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












Conference with teacher, counselor, or principal
Parent/teacher/student conference
Reassignment of classes
In-school suspension/ Out of School Suspension
Verbal reprimand
Denial of privileges/Cafeteria Duty
Assignment of supervised study/detention
Home based instruction (unsupervised educational setting)
Recommendation to alternative center committee for placement in the School for
Educational Adjustment and Success (S.E.A.S.)
Expulsion
Corporal Punishment
Referral to legal authorities
Parent shadowing
Written contract
Behavior Intervention Plan
Counseling IEP
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.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE MOST COMMON (MINOR OR MAJOR)
VIOLATIONS OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND THE
CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY FOLLOW
LEVEL I OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCES
A. Abusing Boy/Girl Relations
1stoffense - Student-parent conference and one (1) day I.S.S.
2nd offense - Three (3) days in I.S.S. or suspension and parent conference
3rd offense - Two (2) days suspension and parent conference
th
4 offense – Student Adjustment Center Placement
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B. Abusing Bus Privileges
1stoffense -Parent conference and one (1) day I.S.S.
2nd offense -Denial of bus privileges for one week and parent conference.
3rdoffense - Denial of bus privileges for 2 weeks and parent conference
4th offense – Denial of bus privileges for remainder of school year.
C. Abusive Foul Language or Swearing (Verbal/Signs), Inappropriate Language and
Pictures
1stoffense –Two (2) days in I.S.S. and parent conference
2nd offense -Three (3) days in I.S.S. or suspension and parent conference
3rd offense -Three (3) days suspension and parent conference and personal contract
th
4 offense - Student Adjustment Center Placement
D. Assembly Misconduct
1st offense Two (2) days in I.S.S. and parent notified
2nd offense-Three (3) days in I.S.S. or suspension, parent conference and possible denial
of privileges.
3rd offense- Denial of assembly privileges, parent conference (student will be sent
to designated area during assemblies)
E. Dishonesty in School Work
1st offense - A grade of zero (0) will be given to the student and parent conference
2nd offense -Three (3) days in I.S.S. a grade of zero (0), parent conference, ineligible
for clubmembership or co-extracurricular activities for the remainder of the six week
period depending on the severity of the infraction.
3rd offense - Three (3) day suspension and parent conference
4th offense Student adjustment Center placement
F. Disruptive Classroom Behavior/Unusual bizarre hair style or coloration
1st offense - Teacher conference with student and parents, Two (2) days in I.S.S and
possible referral to district police.
nd
2 offense- Three (3) days I.S.S. or suspension and parent conference and possible
referral to district police
rd
3 offenseThree (3) days suspension, counselor intervention, parent
conference, referral to district police andplaced on personal contract;
referral to juvenile authorities
th
4 offense- Student Adjustment Center placement
G. Failure to Identify Self
1st offense -Two (2) days in I.S.S. and parent notified
2nd offense -Three (3) days I.S.S., parent conference, personal contract
3rd offense -Three (3) days suspension and parent conference
4th offense -Student Adjustment Center placement
H. Forgeries
1st offense -Two (2) days I.S.S. and parent conference
2nd offense -Three (3) days I.S.S., parent conference, and personal contract
rd
3 offense -Three (3) days suspension, parent conference, referral to juvenile authorities
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4th offense -Student Adjustment Center placement
I. Insubordination Toward Principal, Teachers, and Other School Personnel
1st offense –(2) days I.S.S or (2) days suspensionand parent conference, additional
offense Three (3) days in I.S.S. or three (3)days suspension and parent conference, persisting
of thisbehavior, placement in SEASCenter.
J. Skipping Class (no more than one class)
1st offense- One (1) day in I.S.S. and parent notified
2nd offense- Three (3) days in I.S.S. or suspension parent conference, personal contract
3rdoffenseThree (3) days suspension, parent conference, referral to juvenile
authorities
4th offense- Student Adjustment Center Placement
K. Tardy Policy
1st offense- warning
2nd offense- parent/student conference
3rd offense- 1 day I.S.S.
4th offense- 3 days I.S.S.
5th offense-1 day suspension & parent conference, chronictardiness referral to the SEAS
Center.
L. Violating Dress Code Policy
1st offense- Parent conference with principal and correction of dress code violation
2nd offense- Correction of dress code violation and 1 day I.S.S.
3rd offense- Suspension until dress code violation is corrected
Note: Students not in compliance with dress code policy will spend the day in I.S.S.
until parent brings proper uniform attire.
M. Violations of Off-Limits Policy (unauthorized visits to off-limits areas)
1st offense- Two (2) days in I.S.S. parent-principal conference
Any Additional Offense- Three (3) days in I.S.S. or Three (3) days suspension and
parentConference. Persisting of this behavior, placement in SEAS Center.
N. Mark-a-lots
1st offense- Confiscation, Parent conference and (1) day I.S.S.
2nd offense- Two (2) days I.S.S. or suspension and parent conference
3rd offense- Three (3) days I.S.S.or (3) days suspension, parents conference
personal contract
and
O. Laser Possession
1st offense- Confiscate, give to authorities, and one (1) day I.S.S.
2nd offense- Confiscate, give to authorities, and three (3) days I.S.S./ parent conference
3rd offense – Confiscate, give to authorities and (3) days suspension
P. Misconduct During Extra-Curricular Activities
1st offense- Two (2) days I.S.S., parent conference, possible denial of activity
involvement
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2nd offense- Three (3) days I.S.S. or (3) days suspension, parent conference, denial of
activity involvement for rest ofschool year.
Q. Electric Shock Devices
1st Offense - Confiscation of device and 2 days ISS or suspension and parent
conference
2nd Offense -Confiscation of device, 3 days ISS or 3 days suspension, contact legal
authorities and parents and possible placement at SEAS
R. Body Piercing
1st Offense - Confiscation of object and 1 day I.S.S
2nd Offense - Confiscation of object and 2 days I.S.S
rd
3 Offense - Confiscation of object and 3 days ISS or three (3) days suspension &
parentConference. Persisting of this behavior , Student Adjustment Center Placement
Note: Students will not be allowed to wear band aids or any other material to cover
any body piercing.
S. Tattoos
Students will be directed to keep all tattoos covered.
T. Shaved eyebrows
1st Offense- 2 days I.S.S. and parent conference
2nd Offense- 3 days I.S.S or suspension, parent conference and personal contract
3rd Offense- 3 days suspension, parent conference and possible placement at SEAS
U. Possession of Cellular Phone
1st Offense- Confiscate and parent conference
2nd Offense- Confiscate, (1) day I.S.S., $15 administrative charge and parent
conference
3rd Offense- Confiscate, (3) days I.S.S. or Suspension, $15administrative charge and
parent conference
LEVEL II OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCE
A. Fighting in School or on School Property (non-gang related)
1st offense- Three (3) days suspension and parent conference, referral
todistrict police/ juvenile authorities
2nd offense-Three (3) days suspension, parent conference, referral to district
police/juvenile authorities, and placed on personal contract
3rd offense -Student Adjustment Center placement
B. Skipping Two or More Classes (Truancy)
1st offense- Three (3) days in I.S.S., parent conference, personal contract
2nd offense- Three (3) days suspension and parent conference
3rd offense- Student Adjustment Center Placement
Note: A student is truant when he/she 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.
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C. Smoking Possession and/or Use of Tobacco Product on School Property
1st offense- Three (3) days suspension and parent conference Possible SEAS Center
Placement
2nd offense- Student Adjustment Center placement
D. Stealing
1st offense- Three (3) days in I.S.S., parent conference and restitution of property,
possible referral to legal authorities
2nd offense- Three (3) days suspension parent conference and restitution of property,
referral to legal authorities
3rd offense- Student Adjustment Center placement
E. Violation of Closed Campus Policy
Any offense-Three (3) days in I.S.S. or Three (3) days suspension and parent
conference and/or placement at the Student Adjustment Center
F. Mercury Possession:
1st offense- Confiscate - 3 days I.S.S.or Three (3) days suspension,notify parents and
authorities and possible Student Center Adjustment .
G. Sells, Gives, Possesses, or Delivers or Accesses Pornographic Materials Via Internet
Usage
1st offense- Three (3) days I.S.S. or (3) days home suspension, parent conference,
denial ofInternet usage privileges for rest of six weeks
2nd offense-Three (3) days home suspension, parent conference, referral to authorities,
denial of Internet usage privileges for rest of the school year
3rd offense – Student Adjustment Center Placement
NOTE:Any referral from I.S.S. may result in suspension. Any student serving I.S.S.
(inschool suspension) will be denied privileges to attend any co/extra-curricular
activity for that day.
Persistent Misbehavior: On the sixth (6) referral to the office for Level I and/or Level
II offenses, the parent will be notified that the student is on a disciplinary contract stating
that the next offense will result in placement in the Student Adjustment Center.
LEVEL III OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCES
A. Breaking into School
1st offense- Three (3) days suspension, parent conference, referral to the legal
authorities, restitution of damages if any, Student Adjustment Center Placement and/or
possible expulsion. (If felony criminal mischief)
B. Deliberate Destruction/Defacement of Property to Students, Personnel, and School
1st offense -Three dayshome suspension,expense of replacement by student or parent,
referral to legal authorities and possible referral to SEAS. (Note: An expellable
offense is committed if damages are appraised in excess of $1,500. If gangrelated
placementin Student Adjustment Center.)
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C. Fighting in School or on School property if Gang Related
1st offense- Student Adjustment Center placement
D. Physical or Verbal Assault on a Teacher or Other Individual
Note:Aggravated Assault is an expellable offense
E. Possession or Use of Firecrackers, Explosives, Smoke/Stink Bombs, etc.
1st offense -Student Adjustment Center placement
F. Sells, Gives or Delivers to another person an Alcoholic Beverage, Possesses, Uses, or
Under the Influence of Alcohol
G. Terrorist Threats (false fire alarm, bomb threat)
1st offense -Student Adjustment Center placement and referral to legal authorities
H. Use, Possession, or Under the influence of Illegal Drugs on School Property
Any offense-Student Adjustment Center Placement
Possession of any drug may constitute a felony –
expulsion shall be recommended and referral to authorities
I. Gang - Related Hazing (either serious or gang-like activity regardless of the intent)
LEVEL IV OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCES
A. Aggravated Assault
Any offense: Expulsion shall be recommended and referral to legal authorities.
B. Breaking into School (if felony criminal mischief)
C. Distribution and/or Sale of Illegal Drugs on School Property
D. Possession or Use of Explosives or any Such Devices that Cause Bodily Harm
E. Prohibited Weapons on School premises (including but not limited to Firearms,
Knives, and all Illegal Weapons
Any offense: Expulsion shall be recommended and referral to legal authorities
TERMINOLOGY
The campus principal may use suspension as a disciplinary alternative in lieu of in-school
suspension or vice-versa. Suspension is a disciplinary management alternative whereby a
student is temporarily removed from school and placed at home under the supervision of
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the parent or guardian for a period not to exceed three (3) days per offense.Referral to the
District Hearing Committee (DHC) may result in expulsion for the appropriate amount of
time. Expulsion from school will be reflected in the student’s cumulative record.Referral
to legal authorities means the school district will refer the case to the sheriff’s
department/juvenile office and may file charges, if need be, in the appropriate court of
law.Expulsion means the total withdrawal of a student from the school environment and
termination of all school services to the student. The student cannot be on school
property nor attend school sponsored activities for the duration of the expulsion.
Student Adjustment Center placement refers to a transfer of campus to an alternative
education program for a specified period of time where the student will be separated from
the home campus environment.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
The following procedures shall apply to all discipline cases. The disposition of particular
discipline cases may terminate at any administrative level depending upon the infraction
and punishment rendered.
1. Preliminary Hearing
A. Investigation by the principal and/or assistant principal
B. Discussion with student of charges
C. Hearing of student’s side of incident
D. Informing student of action being taken
2. Notification of Parents
A. Call parents immediately by telephone, if possible, send note home
3. Notification of Superintendent
A. Provide copy or letter to parents
B. Recommend action over and above limits of principal’s authority
4. Superintendent
A. Conduct an investigation as to the evidence and facts of the case
B. Set-up hearing date to hear appeal, if appropriate, and notify parents of date, time, and
site of hearing.
C. Hear the case and render decision including referral to the Board of Trustees
for hearing, if appropriate
D. Provide pertinent school records for Board meeting
5. Board of Trustees
A. Hear case
B. Determine guilt or innocence on basis of evidence
C. Determine penalty
STUDENTS
DECLARED
DELINQUENT
MISDEMEANORS AND OR FELONIES
OR
CONVICTED
OF
1. Any student who has been legally declared delinquent or who has been convicted
of a misdemeanor or felony may be suspended or expelled from school.
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2. When the principal becomes aware of such convictions, he may suspend the
student from school. In such event, he shall provide the superintendent with a
written report concerning the conviction and action taken.
3. The superintendent shall review the case and may alter the action of the principal
or continue the suspension or add days to the suspension until such time as the
Board of Trustees shall meet in regular or special session. At this time, the
superintendent may recommend an additional period of suspension or expulsion
for the remainder of the school term with no credit earned for the current
semester.
ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE RULES
1. Students must bring all necessary material to class each day (i.e. pen, paper,
notebooks, uniform, equipment, tools, covered textbooks, etc.)
2. Students are to be seated at their desks before the tardy bell rings.
3. Assignments and tests are given for the purpose of reinforcing lessons. It is the
student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for his/her assignment whenever the
student does not attend class. Late work will be accepted only by prior approval
by the teacher.
4. ―Time on task‖ is essential in maximizing student instruction and knowledge;
therefore, students will not be allowed to leave the classroom to drink water, talk
to otherstudent(s), etc., unless an emergency exists.
5. Students leaving the classroom during the class period will receive a pass by the
teacher. Students will not be allowed to go to the rest room or drink water 10
minutes after tardy bell rings or 10 minutes before the dismissal bell.
6. The ringing of the bell at the end of each period signals to the instructor that the
period has terminated. Students are to remain seated in their desks until the
instructor dismisses the class.
7. Students are encouraged to use the English language at all times. This includes
all school-sponsored activities.
8. Administrative approval is required for additional student management
procedures.
9. Violations of any of the above will be cause for disciplinary action.
DISTRACTIONS
Any student who participates in a boycott, preplanned group day of absence, sit-in, walkout, or other related forms of distractions that interferes with classroom instruction or
functioning of other departments of the school system, or who is involved in a threat or
an assault on school personnel or other pupils shall by this action be subject to suspension
from school. Such events will be investigated by the administration and may include
legal authorities.
DISRUPTIVE ACTIVITIES
A. No person or group of persons acting in concert may willfully engage in disruptive
activity or unlawful assembly on the campus or in any building of Rio Grande City CISD.
B. For the purpose of this section, disruptive activity means the following:
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1. Obstructing or restraining the passage of persons in an exit, entrance, or hallways
or any building without the authorization or the administration of the school
2. Seizing control of any building or portion of a building for the purpose of
interfering with any administration, education research, or other authorized
activity
3. Preventing or attempting to prevent by force or violence, or the threat or force or
violence, any lawful assembly authorized by the school administration, or
disrupting by force or violence or the threat of force or violence a lawful assembly
in progress
4. Disrupting by force or violence or the threat of force or violence a lawful
assembly in progress
5. Obstruction or restraining the passage of any person at any exit or entrance to aid
campus or property or preventing or attempting to prevent by force the regress of
any person from said property or campus without authorization of the
administration of said school
C. For the purpose of this section, a lawful assembly is disrupted when any person in
attendance is rendered incapable of participating in the assembly due to the use of force
or violence ordue to a reasonable fear that force or violence is likely to occur.
D. Any person who violates any portion of this policy is in violation of the Texas
EducationCode and is, therefore, subject to arrest and punishment as set by law.
E. Any student who violates this policy is subject not only to the provisions of the law
but is subject to suspension or expulsion from school.
DISRUPTION OF CLASSES
A. Any person who, on school property or on public property within 50 feet of school
property,shall alone or in connection with others, willfully disrupts the conduct of classes
or other school activities is in violation of the Texas Education Code.
B. In this section, the following information can be found:
1. School property shall include public school campuses, vehicles, or school grounds
upon which any public school is located, and any ground or building used by a
school for assemblies or other school sponsored activities
2. Public property shall include any street, highway, alley, public park, or sidewalk
3. Conduct which disrupts the educational activities of a school includes the
following:
(a) Emission by any means of noise of any intensity which prevents or hinders
classroom instruction
(b) Enticement or attempted enticement of students away from classes or other
schoolactivities which students are required to attend.
(c). Any person who violates any portion of this policy is in violation of the Texas
EducationCode and is, therefore, subject to arrest and punishment as established bylaw.
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(d).Any student who violates any portion of this policy is not only subject to the
provisions of the law but is also subject to suspension from school.
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, rumor-spreading, 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 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, superintendent’s
office, and on the district’s Web site.
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal
through policy FNG(LOCAL).
APPEALS
A. In all cases of suspension, expulsion, and exclusion, the student shall be given
every opportunity to prove his/her innocence.
B. Suspension levied by the principal may first be appealed to the principal then to
the superintendent or his assigned designee, and finally, to the Board of Trustees.
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C. The parents and the student may make appeals of suspension to the
superintendent. The superintendent shall conduct whatever investigation he deems
necessary in upholding or altering the action of the principal.
D. The decision of the superintendent in regard to suspension may be appealed to the
Board of Trustees who shall conduct a hearing to determine the innocence or guilt
of the student.
E. The student shall be entitled to legal counsel of his own choice if so desired. In
all cases, the Board of Trustees has the power to take such action as they deem
appropriate---up to exclusion from the current semester.
DRESS AND GROOMING
The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instills discipline,
prevents disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority. Students shall
be dressed and groomed in a manner that will not be a health or safety hazard to
themselves or others. The District prohibits any clothing that in the principal’s judgment
may reasonably be expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal school
operations. Grulla Middle School allows the following as appropriate and acceptable
dress:
Shirt (for boys and girls)
1. Short or long-sleeve red(8th Grade), blue(7th Grade), and white(6th Grade) polo
shirts with buttons or fasteners. Shirts must be worn tucked in.
Note: Polo shirts at waist length will not be permitted. Shirts should be long
enough to be able to tuck them in properly.
2. Campus approved spirit shirts (school clubs, class, sports, etc.), which must be of
school colors and promote GMS UIL activities may be worn only on Fridays or
on a designated day as approved by the principal or designee. Students can wear
a college shirt onThursdays only. The shirt must have the name or logo of a
university or college.)
Pants (for boys and girls)
3. Traditional blue or black jeans or blue or black dress pants. Girls may wear blue
or black Capri jeans that must be at least calf length and boys pants must be ankle
length.
4. Blue or black denim skirts for females that is at least 1 inch above the knee when
standing and with no slits above the knee.
5. Blue (Gabardine) jumper for females that is at least 1 inch above the knee when
standing and with no slits above the knee.
NOTE: Exemption for religious or medical reasons may be obtained from the school
nurse or principal.
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GMS administration has the right to place students in I.S.S. or Suspend, if
students don’t comply with the Dress and Grooming policy stated on this
handbook.
The following specific provisions shall apply:
1.
2.
3.
4.
All shirts must be tucked in at all times for males and females.
Grooming in the classroom shall be prohibited.
Girls shall wear appropriate undergarments.
Earrings and studs for girls may be worn on the ear only. Boys may not wear
earrings. No other visible body piercing is allowed.
5. Belts must be fastened securely, and belt ends must be inserted in belt loop. (The
belt end must not hang over the waist)
6. Bandanas and other headgear (hats, caps, etc.) are prohibited.
7. Sunglasses are prohibited, unless prescribed by a doctor.
8. Hair must be clean and neatly combed. Boy’s hair length is not to extend below
the lobe of the ear and is not to extend below the bottom of the collar of a regular
collared shirt when the student is in a normal upright sitting position. Pony tails,
duck tails, or tails are prohibited.
9. Sideburns must not extend beyond the bottom of the earlobe. Mustaches must be
neatly trimmed. Beards or goatees are not permitted.
10. Designs shaved and/or cut into hair or eyebrow are prohibited. The principal shall
use his discretion to determine what is prohibited.
11. The school discourages the wearing of expensive jewelry. (The school is not
responsible for loss or theft.) School, teachers and administration have the right
to ban excessive jewelry from the classroom or school if in their opinion it is a
distraction to instruction.
12. Arm bands, excessive bracelets or any other material utilized to cover the wrist
and/or arm is prohibited.
13. Pants must fit securely at the waist and must be ankle length. Excessively
loose/baggy pants are prohibited.
14. Pant cuffs that exceed two inches are prohibited.
15. Flannel shirts are prohibited.
16. Oversized clothing is prohibited.
17. Any visible tattoo depicting drugs, alcohol, pornography, gang related signs,
obscenities must be removed or covered while on school premises or at any
school-related activities.
18. No pants with any kind of color striping, lettering, or designs will be allowed.
19. Pants with oversized pockets bigger than 8 inches are not allowed.
20. No flip-flops will be allowed on any male or female student.
Note:
Jackets and coats are seasonal items; therefore, they are to be used only
during cold weather. (However, these items may be worn for medical reasons if the
student presents a doctor’s excuse, or if the student is cold inside the classroom.)
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
In-school suspension is a discipline management alternative designed to positively
modify the behavior for Rio Grande City CISD students.
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Instruction in the TEKS of the courses the student is taking will continue while he/she is
assigned to the in-school suspension center. The student is responsible for the necessary
instructional materials, i.e., paper, books, etc.
All other school areas are off-limits to the student while assigned to the in-school
suspension center. The student shall not participate in nor attend any school sponsored
activity including activities after school hours.Administration may allow ISS students to
attend certain assemblies if the presentation has to do with any behavior or decisionmaking theme.
The days and class periods the student misses in the regular classes due to his assignment
to the in-school suspension center may be counted as unexcused absences if the student
does not meet his responsibilities, i.e., fails to complete his assignments or fails to follow
student policies.
Failure of student to follow in-school suspension rules and/or absence from the center
without justifiable reasons will result in home suspension of the student.
Repeated assignments to the in-school suspension center may result in referral to the
superintendent or his assigned designee of school for further disciplinary action. Such
circumstances may also result in SEAS center placement.
TARDY POLICY
Tardies will not be allowed. Parents may be asked to walk their son/daughter to class if
the student is late. Promptness to class is very important. Students are expected to bring
necessary materials to class and be ready to start by the time the bell rings. A student has
an unexcused tardy if he/she reports late to any class without an admission slip or written
excuse from an administrator, counselor, or a teacher. (Students have 5 minutes to
report from class to class).
CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY/PROCEDURES
Closed Campus (Board Policy FDF)
1. The Rio Grande City High School, R.G.C.C.I.S.D.Grulla High School, Grulla
Middle School, Ringgold Middle School, and Veterans Middle Schoolcampuses
shall be considered closed from the time the student arrives on campus until they
are officially dismissed at the end of the school day.
2. Students shall be restricted to campus and may leave the school grounds only with
aproperly authorized pass provided:
A. There is a reason approved by the principal or his assigned designee and there
is proper parental verification. Parent/guardian must come to the attendance
office to sign outthe student before picking him/her up. (IF ANOTHER
MEMBER OF THE FAMILYIS TO PICK UP THE STUDENT, PRIOR
NOTIFICATION MUST BEGIVEN TO THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE BY THE
PARENT);
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B. It is for an approved class or team activity;
3.
Permits or passes may be issued for the following reasons:
A. Bus students waiting for the school bus may not leave the school grounds until
picked up by buses, parent(s), or guardian(s).
B. Students who have special dietary needs may go home for their meal.
Students must present to the principal a medical order for special dietary
needs.
PASSES WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO EAT AT LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
FOOD FROM LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE
BROUGHT INTO THE CAMPUS.
4. It shall be the responsibility of security personnel to enforce the Closed Campus
Policy and to monitor all incoming traffic to the campuses. Vehicles without a
stated school purpose will be logged and asked to leave. Visitors to the school
grounds shall be provided with provisional permits which must be surrendered
upon departure at the point of entry. A time limit will be set for visitors on school
campus. No visitors will beallowed during final exams.
5. Security personnel must inform the principal immediately of closed campus
violations bystudents. All unauthorized visitors shall be reported immediately to
the district’s Coordinator of Security.
6. Students are not permitted to receive flowers and/or presents of any kind during
the school day.
7. Disciplinary action shall be taken against student violators of these regulations.
SCHOOL BUSES OR OTHER VEHICLES
The district makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more
miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any
subsequent changes are posted at the school and on the district’s Web site.
A parent may also designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular
pickup and drop-off location for his or her child. The designated facility or residence
must be on an approved stop on an approved route. For information on bus routes and
stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may contact[7166838].
Passengers on school transportation shall observe the following rules:
1. Follow the driver’s instructions at all time
2. Board and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest
their home
3. Shall not stand if there is a seat available. If a passenger must ride standing, the
passenger shall face the front and hold on to the seat rails.
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4. Keep books, band instrument cases, feet, and other objects out of the aisle of the bus
5. Shall not deface the bus and/or its equipment
6. Shall not extend head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window nor hold any object out
of thewindow nor throw objects within or out of the bus
7. Shall not smoke or use any form of tobacco
8. Observe all classroom conduct rules. Obscene language will subject the passenger to
disciplinary action.
9. Shall wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus before crossing in front of the
bus.The following procedures shall be followed when a discipline concern arises
on a bus serving a regular route or an extracurricular activity:
a. A conference involving the principal, the student passenger, the driver, and the
parent(s) may be required
b. The principal may suspend the student’s bus-riding privileges. If such suspension
occurs, the parents will be notified prior to the time the suspension takes place.
c. In the case of serious misconduct that endangers the safety of other passengers or
the driver, the driver shall have the authority to remove the student from the bus
or to call for law enforcement assistance; the principal and parents shall be
notified of the situation as soon as possible. The student shall be denied bus
service until a conference involving all persons listed above has been held.
Disciplinary sanctions and changes in transportation for a student with a disability shall
be made in accordance with the provisions of the student’s Individual Education Plan
(IEP) for those considered disabled under IDEA or the individually designed program for
students considered disabled under Section 504
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Radios, CD Players, Cell Phones, and Other Electronic
Devices and Games
Students are not permitted to possess such items as cell phones, pagers, radios, CD
players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, PSPs or games at school,
unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal.
Without such permission, teachers will collect the item and turn it in to the principal’s
office. The principal will then call parent conference to discuss incident. Cellular
telephones are not permitted during school hours or school events/ extracurricular
activities. Any student found inpossession of an electronic device or cellular telephone
for a second time will have them confiscated and will be charged an administrative fee of
$15.00 prior to its release. [Student Code of Conduct]
Possession/Use of Electronic Devices
1st Offense – Confiscation of electronic device and parent conference
2nd Offense – Fee of $15 and parent conference
Please note that the GMS Administration has the legal right to search and delete
files from any cell phone or any other electronic device if confiscated. Also, Grulla
Middle School is not responsible for any electronic device stolen or lost. We
strongly recommend to keep all electronic devices at home.
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Students will not be permitted to use the office phones unless authorized by school
personnel. [It is also against District 32-AAAA rules to bring any of the above to district
athletic contests.]
HALL PASSES
Students will use their student planners when securing a hall pass from their teachers.
Teachers will initial and record the date and time the student requests to exit the
classroom into the hall. Hall passes are to be kept to a minimum. Each student will be
allowed only two hall passes per period/class per six weeks.
BOY AND GIRL RELATIONSHIPS
Many fine friendships between boys and girls are established during the school years.
Healthy and wholesome boy and girl relationships are encouraged. Boys and girls are
expected to conduct themselves as gentlemen and ladies. The following are not
permissible: holding hands, embracing, kissing, arms around each other, standing or
sitting too close to each other, or any other action which in the opinion of the
administration and faculty is an abuse of the boy-girl relationship. Students who abuse
the privilege while on campus and or at school sponsored activities will cause a parentstudent-principal conference to take place.
ATTENDANCE
ADMISSION
A student (or the student’s parent or guardian) seeking enrollment in the District for the
first time or following attendance in another Texas district, out-of-state attendance,
private school attendance, or admission through a bonafide foreign exchange program
should contact the principal.
Any student moving into the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D., who for any reason is under
suspension or expulsion from another school system, shall not be admitted until this term
of suspension has ended, or he/she has been exonerated by the suspending school district,
and after careful review by the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D.
Any student who for any reason is under suspension or expulsion from one school in the
Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. may not enroll in another school in the district until his/her
term of suspension or expulsion has ended.
ADDRESS, CHANGE OR PHONE NUMBER
Students who change their address or phone number after registration must report such
changes to the registrar, attendance office and/or their teachers.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
The administration and faculty at Grulla Middle School strongly believe that the students
must earn the privilege of attending optional activities during the school day. To earn
this privilege the student must have a passing grade and no serious disciplinary record in
his/her classes. (The principal shall designate the optional activities.)
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ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES
In Texas, a child between the ages of 6 and 18 (depending on when the child’s birthday
falls) is required to attend school unless otherwise exempted by law. School employees
investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. These
attendance requirements also apply to any District-required tutorial sessions.
To receive credit in a class, a student must be in attendance for at least 90 percent of the
days the class offered. The actual number or days a student must attend in order to
receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full semester or for a full year. A
student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered cannot receive
credit for the class unless the Attendance Review Committee finds that the absences are
the result of extenuating circumstances.
Absences to be Counted as Present (Education Code 25.087 and 19 TAC 129.21)
1. Participation in a Board-approved and appropriately supervised extracurricular
activity or performance;
2. Screening, diagnosis, or treatment of a Medicaid-eligible student (if the student is
absent no more than a day at a time for this purpose);
3. Religious holy days (including one day of travel to and one day from an
observance site);
4. An appointment with a health care professional (if the student misses only a
portion of the school day and the professional provides written confirmation of
the appointment).
EXAMPLE OF A WRITTEN EXCUSE
September 9, 2011
Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr., 001111, 8th grade
Dear Sir:
Please excuse my son for being absent on Monday Sept. 9, 2013. He had an appointment
with Dr. R. Saenz in McAllen. Attached is the doctor’s statement.
Mrs. Ricardo Rodriguez, Sr. (signature)
1000 N. Mesquite Street
R.G.C.
487-9999
The District accepts the following as extenuating circumstances for the purpose of
granting credit for a class:
1. An excused absence based on personal sickness, sickness or death in the family,
quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, any other unusual cause
acceptable tothe superintendent-principal, or teacher
2. Participation in court proceedings or child abuse/neglect investigation
3. A migrant student’s late enrollment or early withdrawal.
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If the Attendance Committee finds that there are no extenuating circumstances for the
absence or if conditions established by the committee for earning or regaining credit are
not met, the committee shall deny credit for the class. A student whose petition for credit
is denied may appeal the attendance Committee’s decision to the Board of Trustees.
The District shall provide the following alternative way for a student to make up work or
regain credit lost because of absences: staying after school and/or Saturday in Content
Mastery or tutorial classes. A student who has been absent for any reason is encouraged
to make up specific assignment missed and/or to complete additional in-depth study
assigned by the teacher to meet subject or course requirements. Failure to make up
assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher may result in a grade of zero for the
assignment.
A student who is absent from school or from any classes without permission will be
considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary action.
A student who must leave school during the day must bring a note from his/her parent
that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s
permission, report to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student
should be sent home and will notify the student’s parents.
Students participating in approved school activities, i.e., U.I.L., athletics, band, etc., are
not to be marked absent. The students are responsible for any class work missed.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
These are considered unexcused absences even with parental permission:
violating closed campus policystudent refusing to be placed In-School Suspension,
according to the discipline management plan, preferring to be suspended
A grade of zero(0) may be given for work missed due to an unexcused absence.
ABSENCES FOR HOLIDAYS
An absence excused for the observance of a religious holiday, as defined by school board
policy, is considered a day in attendance. Such absence must have advance approval by
the principal.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A student shall be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities, subject to the
U.I.L. extracurricular activity eligibility rules (see Student Clubs and Organizations,
University Interscholastic League in this handbook.)
A student is permitted up to ten activity-related absences during a full year course in
order to participate in school related or school sanctioned activities on or off campus.
Any absence resulting from a student’s participation in an organization not on the
approved list shall be considered unexcused.
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RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
A student shall not be released from school at times other than regular dismissal hours
except with the principal’s permission. The student must present a pass to the teacher
before being released from class.
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, mariachi and athletic teams
may establish rules of conduct and 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 school shall apply in addition to any consequences
specified by the organization.
The organization must clear with administration any stricter rules it wants to enforce.
Parents must be notified in advance.
Class and club officers must call meetings by making arrangements in advance with the
head sponsor. In addition, the following policies will apply:
1. All club and student organizations must have an approved constitution on file
with the principal and the Site-Based Decision Making (S.B.D.M.) Committee
and the Student Council sponsor.
2. All money raising projects will be pre-approved by the principal. At NO time
will any club or organization conduct money raising activities without proper
approval. Individuals are not permitted to sell articles/merchandise in school or
private concerns and/or individual profit.
3. Sponsor(s) must be present at all club/organization functions.
4. Sponsor(s) is/are responsible for money collected. Monies collected by students
on behalf of a school organization belong to the club/organization.
5. All money transactions must go through the principal’s secretary.
6. The principal must approve all meetings and sponsor(s) must be present.
7. All announcements of club/organization activities will be posted before or after
school.
8. All activities must be cleared with the principal at least one week in advance.
This must be done in writing.
9. The head sponsor and the principal must approve all activities.
10. No student will be allowed to leave a classroom for any fund-raising project or
organization activity.
11. All problems or questions will be presented to the sponsor(s) first. If the
sponsor(s) cannot resolve the problem, it should then be presented to the
Principal.
12. The use of class time for club/class/organization meetings must be kept to a
minimum.
All clubs and organizations must submit a copy of their constitution and by-laws to the
principal and S.B.D.M. Committee.
1. Cheerleaders/Drill Team
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2. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
3. Student Council
4. Valued Youth
5. Pals
6. Band
7. TAD’s Teens Against Drugs
8. Other
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
FORMING CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
Students desiring to form a new club/organization should use the following procedure:
1. Contact a teacher who is willing to sponsor your club/organization.
2. A minimum of ten students must sign a petition to belong to the club or
organization.
3. Submit the petition, the sponsor’s name, a constitution and by laws, a statement
of aims, activities, and major projects to the principal and SBDM Committee.
4. New clubs/organizations will be authorized on the basis of educational
worthiness and school service.
PARENT BOOSTER CLUBS
Parents are encouraged to become involved in the school activities of their sons and
daughters. Whenever possible, Parent Booster Clubs may elect their own officers. All
activities must be coordinated and approved by the class/club/organization sponsor they
are associated with and cleared by the principal and S.B.D.M. Committee.
All monies raised must be deposited in the ACCOUNT of THE
CLUB/CLASS/ORGANIZATION. All money transactions must go through the
principal’s secretary.
STUDENT COUNCIL
1. The Student Council shall be composed of the following:
A. Six officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer,
reporter, and Parliamentarian) elected by the sixth, seventh, and
eighth graders(school wide)
B. Ten members from each grade level elected at large by their
respective peers
2. The executive committee of the Student Council shall be composed of the
student council officers and the student council sponsor.
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3. The student council shall be responsible for the following:
A. To promote student government
B. To promote school citizenship
C. To promote school spirit
D. To promote school safety
E. To conduct fund raising activities for its own needs
F To sponsor, conduct and/or promote any other worthy endeavor which
will benefit the students and the school
G. Represent the school at public events.
4. All activities of the Student Council must have prior approval of the S.B.D.M.
Committee and the principal.
5. All student activities issues and concerns should be directed to the principal
and/or the S.B.D.M. Committee.
As role models, students who serve as class or club/organization officers or in positions
of responsibility (i.e., cheerleader, student committee members) must meet the U.I.L.
extracurriculareligibility rules as well as display exemplary behavior at all times. The
student shall not have been suspended from school for disciplinary and/or administrative
reasons. Each club, class or organization’s constitution and by-laws must detail the
criteria to remain as an officer in that particular organization as well as the procedure for
removal of officers.
UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE (U.I.L.)
University Interscholastic League activities provide opportunities for students to prepare
and compete in many literary and athletic events under proper guidance and regulations.
The students receive recognition for themselves and for performance not always attained
in regular classroom studies. With this in mind, students are encouraged to take part in
activities suited to their abilities and interests. Literary competition includes: life and
earth science, number sense, calculator applications, reading, poetry interpretation, ready
writing, spelling, one act play, modern oratory, impromptu, listening skills, dictionary
skills, mathematics and maps, graphs, and charts. Athletic competition for boys includes:
football, basketball, track & field, cross country, and soccer. Athletic competition for
girls includes the following: track, volleyball, basketball, cross country, and soccer.
ATTENDANCE
AND
SCHOLARSHIP
REQUIREMENTS
PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
FOR
1. The Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. shall not schedule, nor permit students to participate
in any school related or sanctioned activities on or off campus that would require,
permit, or allow a student to be absent from class in any course more than ten (10)
times duringthe 180 day school year (full-year course.) Non-instructional school
activities must be held outside of the 45 minute scheduled academic class periods
in grades 6-7.
2. In order to be eligible to participate in an extracurricular activity, a student must
have a minimum grade or 70 on scale of 0-100 for the preceding three week
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grading period. A student regains eligibility seven calendar days after the three
school week evaluation period if the student is passing all courses on the last class
day of the three school week period. The student’s work is evaluated from the
first day of the new grading period to the end of the three school week evaluation
period. If the student has at least a minimum grade of 70 on a scale of 1-100 for
work done since the end of the previous grading period, then the student may
regain eligibility seven calendar days later at the time the regular school day ends.
NOTE: School breaks of one week or more do not count as part of this period.
3. The following courses are eligible for a waiver of the No Pass No Play rule:
All College Board pre-advanced placement courses in a respective discipline.
4. A student shall be eligible for practice according to the U.I.L. extracurricular
eligibility rules
(TEC 33.081 (f), revised 6-1-96
5. Suspension from school for disciplinary or administrative reasons may cause the
student
to temporarily lose eligibility to participate in extracurricular or other activities.
MEDICAL AND SAFETY INFORMATION
DRILLS:
DRILLS
FIRE, LOCKDOWN, TORNADO, AND OTHER EMERGENCY
From time to time, students, teachers, and other District employees will participate in
drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the
direction of teachers or other in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
3 bells....................... fire; leave the building
1 bell......................... halt; stand at attention
2 bells....................... return to classroom
Tampering with fire alarms is a terrorist threat and a Level III offense.
Lockdowns: All GMS teachers receive a Lockdown Procedure and Information Booklet
at the beginning of each school year. Teachers review procedures with the students and
from time to time a lockdown drill(s) is conducted.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT
If a student has a medical emergency at a school -related activity when the parent cannot
be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency
medical treatment and information about allergies to medications, etc. Therefore, parents
are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep
emergency careinformation up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers,
allergies, etc..) Please contact the school nurse to update any information.
The District is not responsible for medical expenses associated with a student’s injury.
The District does make available, however, an optional, low-cost student accident
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insurance program to assist parents in meeting medical expenses. A parent who desires
coverage for his or her child will be responsible for paying insurance premiums and for
submitting claims through the office.
IMMUNIZATION
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate
or statement that, for medical or religious reasons, the student will not be immunized.
The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubella (measles), rubeola, mumps, tetanus,
haemophilus influenza type B, and poliomyelitis. The school nurse can provide
information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of
illness required by the Texas Department of Health.
Proof of immunization may be medical records from a licensed physician, or a public
health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.
If a student’s religious beliefs conflict with the requirement that the student be
immunized, the student must present a statement signed by the student (or by the parent,
if the student is a minor) stating that immunization conflicts with the beliefs and practices
of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or
member. This statement must be renewed yearly.
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 would be harmful to the health and well-being of the
student or any member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be
renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition.
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
A student who must take prescription (or nonprescription) medicine during the school
day must bring a written request from his/her parent and the medicine and have doctor’s
orders in its properly labeled container, to the school nurse. The school nurse will either
give the medicine at the proper time or give the student permission to take the medication
as directed.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
The administration has the right to require a student to get a physical examination if (in
the opinion of school personnel) the student exhibits signs that may endanger
himself/herself or the student body.
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
61
request to campus principal to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fitness
assessment conducted during the school year.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
Students should make appointments with doctors and dentists after school hours or on
Saturdays. Dismissal from school for emergency appointments must be cleared through
the nurse’s and attendance offices. Students must return a signed form from the doctor to
verify appointments.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES/CONDITIONS
To protect children from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are
not allowed to come to school while contagious. Parents of student with a communicable
or contagious disease should phone the school nurse or principal so that other students
who have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. These diseases include:
Amebiasis
Campylobacteriosis
Infectious Mononucleosis
Influenza
Measles (Rubeola)
Meningitis, Bacterial
Viral
Mumps
Streptococcal disease,
Head Lice (Pediculosis)
Pulmonary
Hepatitis, Viral (A, B, OR C) Rubella (German Measles),
Impetigo
Chicken Pox
Salomtilosis,
Common cold with fever
Typhoid fever
Fifth disease
Scabies
(Erythema Infection)
Shigellosis
Gasroenteritis,
Giardiasis
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Ringworm of the scalp
Tuberculosis,
Whooping Cough (pertussis)
HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
State law specifically requires the district to provide the following information:
 What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be
caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common
and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious
bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications. It is an
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
uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent
permanent damage or death.
What are the symptoms?

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or
two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with
meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache,
high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains,
and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny,
red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and
laboratory results.
How serious is bacterial meningitis?

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete
recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent
disability.
How is bacterial meningitis spread?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases
like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by
simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live
naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the
body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing
drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become
carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome
the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of
persons you kiss.
While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used
only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a
community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting
the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students,
particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and
effective (85–90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at
the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days
after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.*

What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?

You should seek prompt medical attention.
Where can you get more information?
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health
department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases.
You may also call your local health department or Regional Department of State
Health Services office to ask about a meningococcal vaccine. Additional information
may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and
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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.
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 lifethreatening 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.
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.
STUDENTS IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF THE STATE
The district strives to assist any student who has been placed in either temporary or
permanent conservatorship (custody) of the state of Texas with the enrollment and
registration process, as well as other educational services throughout the student’s
enrollment in the district.
Please contact Campus Principal, who has been designated as the district’s liaison for
children in the conservatorship of the state, at (959)487-5558 with any questions.
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
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
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhservices-search/
INSURANCE
At the beginning of the school year, the District will make available to students and
parents a low-cost student accident insurance program. Parents are responsible for
paying premiums (if coverage is desired) and for submitting claims through the
administrative office. The District shall not be responsible for costs of treating injuries or
assume liability for any other costs associated with an injury. Before participating in a
school-sponsored trip outside the Districtin school-sponsored athletics, students and
parents must have (1) purchased the student accident insurance, (2) shown proof of
insurance, or (3) signed a form rejecting the insurance offer.
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The district works diligently to maintain compliance with federal and state law governing
asbestos in school buildings. A copy of the district’s Asbestos Management Plan is
available in the superintendent’s office. If you have any questions or would like to
examine the district’s plan in more detail, please contact Meliton Villarreal, the district’s
designated asbestos coordinator, at (956)716-4600.
PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN
The district is required to follow integrated pest management (IPM) procedures to control
pests on school grounds. Although the district strives to use the safest and most effective
methods to manage pests, including a variety of non-chemical control measures, pesticide
use is sometimes necessary to maintain adequate pest control and ensure a safe, pest-free
school environment.
All pesticides used are registered for their intended use by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency and are applied only by certified pesticide applicators.
Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before indoor application. All
outdoor applications will be posted at the time of treatment, and signs will remain until it
is safe to enter the area. Parents who have further questions or who want to be notified
prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact
Arcadio Salinas, the district’s IPM coordinator, at (956)716-4600.
HOMELESS STUDENTS
For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for
Homeless Children and Youths, Arcadio Salinas III, at (956)716-6786.
SEARCHES BY TRAINED DOGS
In order to provide a drug-free school environment, R.G.C.C.I.S.D. Board of Trustees has
approved the use of a professionally trained ―Sniffer Dog‖ specifically trained to locate
65
illegal drugs. If the ―Sniffer Dog‖ alerts to a student’s locker, proper procedures will be
followed to search the locker. The student’s parents and the local law enforcement
agency(s) will be notified if substances are found that violate school policy.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
QUESTIONING OF STUDENTS
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a
student at school, the principal will cooperate fully regarding the conditions of the
interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other
circumstances:
 The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and
ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school.

The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the
interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.

The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the
principal considers to be a valid objection.
STUDENTS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
State law requires the district to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:
 To comply with an order of the juvenile court.

To comply with the laws of arrest.

By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has
engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision.

By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a
condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court.

By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of
Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation
officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating
to the student’s physical health or safety.

To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.
Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized
person, the principal will verify the officer’s identity and, to the best of his or her ability,
will verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student.
The principal will immediately notify the superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to
notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal
considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not
have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release to a law enforcement officer,
any notification will most likely be after the fact.
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
66
Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will be formed, which will consist
of both district personnel and at least one parent representative. The student’s parent
must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC for a LEP student.
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.
POWER FAILURE
The following procedures are to be followed in case of a power failure:
1. Keep as calm and quiet as possible
A. if the room is in total darkness, students are to exit to the immediate hallway and
remain by the classroom door.
B. if the room is not in total darkness. Students are to stay inside the classroom.
2. If after five minutes the power is still off, students and teachers are to evacuate the
building(s) by using the fire drill exit procedures
3. Students and teachers are to go and remain in the safety zone until the all-clear bell
sounds
4. Teachers who have classes in session and all paraprofessional personnel will
supervisethe hallways as students evacuate the building as well as when students
return to the building.
GLOSSARY
Accelerated instruction is an intensive supplemental program designed to address the
needs of an individual student in acquiring the knowledge and skills required at his or her
grade level and/or as a result of a student not meeting the passing standard on a statemandated assessment.
ACT refers to one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions
exams: the American College Test. The test may be a requirement for admission to
certain colleges or universities.
67
ARD is the admission, review, and dismissal committee convened for each student who
is identified as needing a full and individual evaluation for special education services.
The eligible student and his or her parents are members of the committee.
Attendance review committee is responsible for reviewing a student’s absences when
the student’s attendance drops below 90 percent, or in some cases 75 percent, of the days
the class is offered. Under guidelines adopted by the board, the committee will determine
whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences and whether the student
needs to complete certain conditions to master the course and regain credit lost because
of absences.
DAEP stands for disciplinary alternative education program, a placement for students
who have violated certain provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
EOC assessments are end-of-course tests, which are state-mandated, and are part of the
STAAR program. Successful performance on EOC assessments will be required for
graduation beginning with students in grade 9 during the 2011–2012 school year. These
exams will be given in English I, English II, English III, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II,
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World Geography, World History, and United States
History.
FERPA refers to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that grants
specific privacy protections to student records. The law contains certain exceptions, such
as for directory information, unless a student’s parent or a student 18 or older directs the
school not to release directory information.
IEP is the written record of the individualized education program prepared by the ARD
committee for a student with disabilities who is eligible for special education services.
The IEP contains several parts, such as a statement of the student’s present educational
performance; a statement of measurable annual goals, with short-term objectives; the
special education and related services and supplemental aids and services to be provided,
and program modifications or support by school personnel; a statement regarding how the
student’s progress will be measured and how the parents will be kept informed;
accommodations for state or districtwide tests; whether successful completion of statemandated assessments is required for graduation, etc.
ISS refers to in-school suspension, a disciplinary technique for misconduct found in the
Student Code of Conduct. Although different from out-of-school suspension and
placement in a DAEP, ISS removes the student from the regular classroom.
NCLB Act is the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
PGP stands for Personal Graduation Plan , which is recommended for all students
entering grade 9 and is required by state law for any student in middle school or higher
who fails a section on a state-mandated test or is identified by the district as not likely to
earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year after he or she begins grade 9.
68
SAT refers to one of the two most frequently used college or university admissions
exams: the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The test may be a requirement for admissions to
certain colleges or universities.
SHAC stands for School Health Advisory Council, a group of at least five members, a
majority of whom must be parents, appointed by the school board to assist the district in
ensuring that local community values and health issues are reflected in the district’s
health education instruction.
Section 504 is the federal law that prohibits discrimination against a student with a
disability, requiring schools to provide opportunities for equal services, programs, and
participation in activities. Unless the student is determined to be eligible for special
education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), general
education with appropriate instructional accommodations will be provided.
STAAR is the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, the state’s system of
standardized academic achievement assessments, effective beginning with certain
students for the 2011–2012 school year.
STAAR Alternate is an alternative state-mandated assessment designed for students
with severe cognitive disabilities receiving special education services who meet the
participation requirements, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR Modified is an alternative state-mandated assessment based on modified
achievement standards that is administered to eligible students receiving special
education services, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR Linguistically Accommodated (STAAR L) is an alternative state-mandated
assessment with linguistic accommodations designed for certain recent immigrant
English language learners.
State-mandated assessments are required of students at certain grade levels and in
specified subjects. Successful performance sometimes is a condition of promotion, and
passing the grade 11 exit-level test or end-of-course assessments, when applicable, is a
condition of graduation. Students have multiple opportunities to take the tests if
necessary for promotion or graduation.
Student Code of Conduct is developed with the advice of the district-level committee
and adopted by the board and identifies the circumstances, consistent with law, when a
student may be removed from the classroom or campus. It also sets out the conditions
that authorize or require the principal or another administrator to place the student in a
DAEP. It outlines conditions for out-of-school suspension and for expulsion. The
Student Code of Conduct also addresses notice to the parent regarding a student’s
violation of one of its provisions.
TAKS is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, the state’s standardized
achievement test currently given to students in certain subjects in grade 11 and is required
for graduation for these students. A student in grade 12 who has not yet met the passing
standard on this assessment will have opportunities to retake the assessment.
69
TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, which
assesses the progress that English language learners make in learning the English
language, and is administered for those who meet the participation requirements in
kindergarten–grade 12.
TxVSN is the Texas Virtual School Network, which provides online courses for Texas
students to supplement the instructional programs of public school districts. Courses are
taught by qualified instructors, and courses are equivalent in rigor and scope to a course
taught in a traditional classroom setting.
UIL refers to the University Interscholastic League, the statewide voluntary nonprofit
organization that oversees educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music
contests.
RIO GRANDE CITY C.I.S.D.
FT. RINGGOLD
RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS 78582
Student Code of Conduct Verification Form
In accordance with Texas Administrative Code Section 133.22G, the Rio Grande City
CISD shallobtain a signed statement from each student’s parent which indicates that the
parent understands and consents to the responsibilities outlined in the District’s Student
Code of Conduct which appears in the Student-Parent Handbook.
Consent Form:
70
I understand and consent to the responsibilities outlined in the Districts’ Student Code of
Conduct. I also understand and agree that my son / daughter, ____________________,
will be held accountable for the behavior and consequences outlined in the Student Code
of Conduct at school and at school-sponsored and school-related activities (including
school sponsored travel) regardless of time or location. I understand that any student
who violates the Student Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary action up to and
including referral for criminal prosecution for violation of the law.
Directory information will be released by the District to anyone who requests it unless I
object in writing to the release of any or all of this information within 10 school days of
the time this handbook was issued to my child.
Directory information includes the following:









Student’s name
Address
Telephone Number
Date and Place of Birth
Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and Sports
Weight and Height of Members of Athletic Teams
Dates of School Attendance
Awards Received in School
Most Recent Previous School Attended
Yes I agree ______________
No I do not agree _______________
___________________________
Parent’s Guardian Signature
__________________
Date
___________________________
Student Signature
__________________
Date
(Please complete this form and return to the principal’s office.)
INTERNET USER AGREEMENT AND PARENT PERMISSION FORM
As a user of the Grulla Middle School computer network, I hereby agree to comply with
the rules communicating over the network in a reliable fashion while honoring all
relevant laws and restrictions.
Student Signature ___________________________
71
As the parent or legal guardian of the minor student signing above, I grant permission for
my son or daughter to access networked computer services such as electronic mail and
the Internet. I understand that individuals and families may be held liable for
violations. I understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable, but I
accept responsibility for guidance of Internet setting and conveying standards for my
daughter or son to follow when selecting, sharing, or exploring information and media.
Parent Signature ___________________________ Date ____________________
Name of Student _____________________ I.D. # ____________ Grade ________
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
FORM
PARENTS OR GUARDIANS NAME ___________________________
72
STUDENT NAME _________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________
CITY/ZIP CODE __________________________________________
PHONE # _______________________
PERSON TO CALL IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY:
________________________
PHONE # ____________________
AUTHORIZED PICKUP
FORM
Adults authorized to pick-up son or daughter from Grulla
Middle School Campus.
PERSON
RELATIONSHIP
73
NOTE:
YOU.
1. _____________________________
_________________
2. _____________________________
_________________
3. _____________________________
_________________
_______________________________
PARENTS SIGNATURE
_________________
DATE
YOUR CHILD MUST RETURN THIS LETTER TO SCHOOL SIGNED BY
APPENDIX I:
Parent Statement Prohibiting Corporal Punishment
A parent has the responsibility of submitting a signed statement to the principal each year
if he or she chooses to prohibit the use of corporal punishment with his or her child. A
parent may reinstate permission to use corporal punishment at any time during the school
year by submitting a signed statement to the principal. Corporal punishment will be
administered in accordance with the law, district policy, and the Student Code of Conduct
(SCOC). [See FO and the SCOC]
Corporal punishment will be administered as soon as possible after an offense and will
not be administered in anger. The principal or a designee may choose not to use corporal
punishment even if the parent has requested its use. Any use of corporal punishment will
be documented on a district form. The principal or a designee will inform the parent
74
when corporal punishment is used. Paddles used for administering corporal punishment
will not be generally displayed and will be under the control of the principal or designee.
Corporal punishment will be limited to spanking or paddling and will consist of an
appropriate number of strikes based upon the size, age, and the physical, mental, and
emotional condition of the student. Before corporal punishment is used, the district may
give the student a choice between other disciplinary measures and corporal punishment.
Parent Statement Prohibiting Corporal Punishment:
I have read the information on the use of corporal punishment in Rio Grande City
Consolidated Independent School District, and I prohibit the use of corporal punishment
with my child.
This form must be submitted annually and can be revoked by the parent at any time.
Name of parent or guardian:
Signature of parent or guardian:
Date:
Name of student:
Campus:
Grade:
75
APPENDIX II:
Acknowledgment Form—Amendment
My child and I have received a copy of the Grulla Middle School Student
Handbook Amendment #______ dated ____________________.
Print name of student:
Signature of student:
Signature of parent:
Date:
76
APPENDIX III:
Use of Student Work in District Publications
Occasionally, the Rio Grande City Consolidated School District wishes to
display or publish student artwork, photos taken by the student, or other
original work on the district’s Web site, a Web site affiliated or sponsored
by the district, such as a campus or classroom Web site, and in district
publications. The district agrees to only use these student projects in this
manner.
Parent: Please circle one of the choices below:
I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), (do give)
(do not give) the district permission to use my child’s artwork, photos, or
other original work in the manner described above.
Parent signature:
Date:
77

Student Handbook

Transcription

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