KNOX CITY-O'BRIEN CISD
HOME OF THE MIGHTY GREYHOUNDS
Elementary Handbook
NONDISCRIMINATION
Knox City - O'Brien C.I.S.D. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Knox City – O’Brien C.I.S. D. will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
The following District staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements.
Louis Baty,
Superintendent
606 E. Main Street, Knox City, Texas 79529
Phone: (940) 657 – 3521
SERVICES FOR THE
HOMELESS AND FOR TITLE 1 PARTICIPANTS
Other
designated staff you may need to contact include:
C uriosity for learning
H ealthy attitudes toward peers and adults
I ncentive to reach his or her highest
educational
potential
L essened risk of dropping out
D eveloped standards as to function
effectively in school
and society.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This handbook has been prepared to be informative to the patrons and students of the community about policies, practices, and procedures of Knox City Elementary School of Knox City - O'Brien C.I.S.D.
Our most important concern is the child as an individual; therefore, the goal of everything we do is to further his/her education and total development. One of the desired goals of the Knox City -O'Brien School District is to nurture the relationship between the parents and teachers as we work together to insure the best possible education for each child. We hope this information will reinforce the cooperation that has existed between the home and school.
Louis Baty, Superintendent…………..……………….….………………..657-3521
Mack Lowe, High School Principal ........................………….............. 657-3565
Russell Chisum, Mid School Principal ..............……………….............. 657-3731
Marsha McGaughey, Elementary Principal ........…………................ 657-3147
Knox City O'Brien C.I.S.D. Board of Trustees:
Dale Turner, President Raul Espinosa
Scott Lynn, Vice President Jim Dillon
Bill Stewart, Secretary Charlie Schur
Tracy Carter
Notices of meetings of the Board of Trustees are posted on the front door of the Superintendent’s Office.
KNOX CITY - O'BRIEN C.I.S.D.
2006 – 2007 SCHOOL CALENDAR
August 9 Staff Development
August 10 Work Day
August 14 First Day of School
September 4 Labor Day Holiday
September 22 End of First Six Weeks
November 3 End of Second Six Weeks
November 22-24 Thanksgiving Holiday
December 15 End of First Semester
December 18 – January 2 Christmas Holiday
January 2 Teacher Workday (1/2 Day)
January 3 Begin Second Semester
January 19 Knox County Stock Show Holiday
February 16 End of Fourth Six Weeks
March 12-16 Spring Break Holiday
April 5 End of Fifth Six Weeks
April 6 Easter Holiday
April 27 Bad Weather Day
May 11 Bad Weather Day
May 25 End of Second Semester
May 26 Teacher Workday (1/2
Day)
Parent Notification
Compliance with P.L. 107-110, Section 1111(h)(6)(A)
To: All Parents
From: Knox City – O’Brien CISD
Date: School Year 2006 – 2007
Subject: Notification to Parents of Teacher Qualifications
As a parent of a student at Knox City Elementary, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child, and Federal law requires school districts to provide you with this information in a timely manner if you request it. Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:
If you would
like to receive any of this information, please contact Louis Baty,
Superintendent, at 657-3521.
SECTION I IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights
“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities
Display of your child’s artwork, projects, and other special work products:
As a parent, you also have a right:
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES
Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes
STUDENT OR PARENT COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
SECTION II CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course
CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
SECTION III GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Routine and In-depth Makeup Work Assignments
DAEP or In-school Suspension Makeup Work
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES / CONDITIONS
Physical Activity for Students in Elementary Grades
School Health Advisory Council
Investigation of Reported Harassment
Services for the Homeless and for Title I Participants
Services for Students with Disabilities
Radios, CD Players, Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices and Games
Notification of Law Violations
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS
Nonschool Materials…from students
Nonschool Materials…from others
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS
PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information
Emergency School-Closing Information
Use By Students Before and After School
Conduct Before and After School
Use of Hallways During Class Time
Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups
Buses and Other School Vehicles
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2006–2007! Education is a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together will make this a successful year for our students.
The Knox City Elementary Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into three sections:
Section I—IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS—with information all parents will need about assisting their child and responding to school-related issues;
Section II—CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION—to provide information to students and their parents about graduation programs, required courses, class rank, and extracurricular and other activities; and
Section III—GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS—describing school operations and requirements such as safety procedures, the dress code, and fees that may be charged.
Each section has a Quick Reference component to serve as a guide for day-to-day questions that may arise.
Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents must be familiar with the Knox City – O’Brien CISD Student Code of Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this handbook or as a separate document sent home to parents and posted in the school library or available in the principal’s office.
The student handbook is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.
In case of conflict between board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of student handbooks, the provisions of board policy or the Student Code of Conduct that were most recently adopted by the board are to be followed.
We encourage parents to review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Also, please complete and return the parental acknowledgment, student directory information, and consent/opt-out forms so that we have a record of your choices. [See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights and Directory Information for more information.]
Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy. A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office.
Knox City Elementary has high expectations of your child. We are looking forward to a fantastic 2006 – 2007 school year.
Sincerely,
Marsha McGaughey, M. Ed.
Knox City Elementary Principal
This section of the Knox City Elementary Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
Where to look when you need information about …
· Parental involvement page 14
· Grading guidelines page 19
· Report cards/progress reports and conferences page 20
· State-mandated tests page 22
· Medicine at school page 23
· Psychotropic drugs page 24
· Steroids page 25
· Student records page 25
· Student or parent complaints and concerns page 29
· Release of students from school page 30
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
· Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district. Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. If your child is entering ninth grade, review the requirements of the graduation programs with your child. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed. [See Academic Programs on page 35.]
· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 657-3147 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 20.]
· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG and contact Marsha McGaughey, Principal at 657-3147.
· Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: Parent Teacher Organization or PTO.
· Offering to serve as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact Marsha McGaughey, Principal at 657-3147.
· Offering to serve on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies BDF, EHAA, FFA and School Health Advisory Council on page 44.]
· Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies BE and BED for more information.]
Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:
· Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.
· Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
· Sexual behavior or attitudes.
· Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
· Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.
· Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
· Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.
· Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.
You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF.]
As a parent, you also have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:
· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.
· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.
· Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. See policies EF and FFAA.
As a parent, if you choose that your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs, and the like not be displayed to the community on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of communication, you must notify the principal in writing.
· To request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether the 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.
· To review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum and to examine tests that has been administered to your child.
· To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
· To review your child’s student records when needed. 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.
[See Student Records on page 25.]
· To grant or deny any written request from the district to make a videotape or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a videotape or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:
· When it is to be used for school safety;
· When it relates to classroom instruction or a co curricular or extracurricular activity; or
· When it relates to media coverage of the school.
· To remove your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.
· To request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required minute of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 55 and policy EC.]
· To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK]
· To request in writing, if you are a noncustodial parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. See policies FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), FO(LEGAL), and the Student Code of Conduct.
· To request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the board to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the Louis Baty, Superintendent for information. [See policy FDB]
· To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDD(LOCAL)]
· To request the transfer of your child to another campus or a neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student on the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policy FDD(LOCAL)]
In grades 1 - 12, achievement is reported to parents as:
Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every six weeks.
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period parents will be given a written unsatisfactory progress report if their child’s performance in any course (in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. [See Working Together on page 14 for how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the principal/superintendent and designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy. [See policy EIA.]
Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG (LOCAL).
The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.
Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within five days.
Prekindergarten and Kindergarten
Achievement or progress in prekindergarten and kindergarten shall be reported to parents as Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, and Unsatisfactory.
Grades 1 – 12
Grade Reporting System
All grades will be calculated on a percentage basis. Grades on report cards will be written in numbers and report cards will be sent home at the end of each 6 weeks. Unsatisfactory reports will be mailed at the end of each three week period. Parent/teacher conferences are encouraged, especially for failing students.
Each student’s six weeks grades will be calculated based on the following percentages
Daily Work 55%
Test Average 30%
Six Weeks Test 15%
The lowest grade given for a six week period will be a 50; however, all graded assignments will be records as grades. The highest possible grade given for a six week grading period or semester will be a 100.
All decimals will be rounded using normal mathematical rounding procedures.
There will be a minimum of six daily grades for each six weeks.
The two semester grades from a full year course will be averaged together to determine course credit. The average must be 70 or above using normal rounding procedures.
For full year courses the tow semester grades will be averaged to determine a final grade. A final grade of 70 or above is required in order for the student to receive credit.
Assignments
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and complete all assignments missed due to absences.
Incomplete work missed due to absence (including suspension) will be made up in the number of days missed plus one. Assignments made prior to the absence, or picked up during the absence will be due upon student’s return to school.
Reteaching/Retesting
Reteaching and/or retesting will take place before, during, or after school. Retesting will be at the discretion of the teacher and principal. It is the responsibility of the student to request retesting, and teachers are not required to provide retesting. If retesting is completed on a failed test, then the highest grade possible will be 70.
In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state-mandated tests (such as TAKS: the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in the following subjects:
· Mathematics, annually in grades 3–7 without the aid of technology and, in grades 8–11, with the aid of technology on any test that includes algebra
· Reading, annually in grades 3–9
· Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
· English language arts in grades 10 and 11
· Social studies in grades 8, 10, and 11
· Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11
· Any other subject and grade required by federal law
[See policy EKB.]
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency of the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards. In addition, students at certain grade levels will be required to pass the new Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) as a further requirement for promotion:
In addition, students in grade 3, 5, and 8 must meet promotion standards established by the District in order to be promoted.
Parents of students who do not perform satisfactorily on their exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance. These students will also have two additional opportunities to take the test. If the student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the District, the decision of the committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted and educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year.
Students in grade 11 must pass the secondary exit – level assessment in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science in order to receive a diploma. A student who does not pass the exit – level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test.
Certain students – some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency – may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special educations director.
District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:
· Only authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:
· Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.
· Medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.
· Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.
· Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.
· In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:
· In accordance with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor and
· When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.
A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.
If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF]
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.]
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.
Both federal and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:
· The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless parental rights have been legally terminated and if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, control of the records goes to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.
· District staff members who have what federal law defines as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. Such persons would include school officials (such as board members, the superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the district (such as a medical consultant).
· Various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order.
· A school to which a student transfers or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.
Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.
The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.
Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. If circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. The address of the superintendent’s office is 606 East Main Street, Knox City, Texas 79529.
A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the district refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process found in policy FNG. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 20 and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 29 for an overview of the process.]
Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS OF STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY
Each campus within the Haskell-Knox Shared Services Arrangement (SSA) maintains attendance, academic, and health records on all students enrolled in the school. Special education records on all students enrolled in special education and on all students referred for consideration of special education are kept in Knox City, Texas, at the Haskell-Knox SSA office and are kept under lock. The director of the Shared Service Arrangement has responsibility for special eligibility records. In addition, the special education teachers keep in their classrooms, copies of the individual education plans (IEP) and academic evaluation reports for their assigned students.
There is posted on the file cabinet names of those persons who have legitimate education interest and therefore, are entitled to access of the records without consent of the parent or adult student with a disability. Persons with legitimate educational interests are those persons who are assigned responsibility for a portion of the student’s educational experience, or who have a need to inspect the records for audit purposes. These individuals include designated teachers and support personnel within the district and Haskell-Knox SSA as well as, personnel for the Regions IX and XIV Education Service Centers, Regional School for the Deaf, and Texas Education Agency. Personnel within the public school system whose names are not posted will sign the record of access form on the eligibility folder; state the date, his/her name, title, agency, and the reason for access to the student’s eligibility folder. All other persons must present written consent before access will be permitted, and they must sign the record of access form.
The Haskell-Knox SSA recognizes the rights of parents, adult students with a disability, and/or their designee as outlined under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The policy regarding these rights and administrative procedures are included in Confidentiality of Records, Texas Education Agency. Copies of these policies and administrative procedures are located in the principal’s office of your campus and in the office of the director of special education. The filing of complaints of alleged failures of the School District or Shared Service Arrangement to comply with these policies and administrative procedures will follow complaint procedures as established in the policies.
Requests to inspect the special education records will be directed to the Director of the Haskell-Knox SSA and an appointment with the appropriate school personnel will be scheduled without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an individual educational plan or hearing. In no case will the appointment be scheduled more than 30 days after the request.
Copies of student’s special education records will be sent to their new school district. This is in compliance with federal and state law. The previous school district is required to send records, including special education records, to the new district within thirty calendar days. Parental and adult consent is not required, but must be informed that records have been sent.
If the parent or adult student with a disability requests the deletion or change or any portion of the records, this request will be considered, unless that portion is necessary to document eligibility for services. If the request is denied, the parent or adult student with a disability has the right to write a dissent or addition to be included in the records, and/or appeal the decision by following the complaint procedures as established in The Explanation of Rights and Procedural Safeguards Of A Parent With A Child With Disabilities In School.
Copies of their student records will be supplied to parent or adult student with a disability at their request as expeditiously as possible with f fee of $.10 per page required.
Student’s eligibility folders will be maintained within the Shared Service Arrangement office at least seven years after the cessation of services to students with a disability. After that time, in the event it is planned to destroy these records, written notification will be forwarded to the latest address recorded in each of the eligibility folders no later than three months before the records are scheduled to be destroyed. Written requests not to destroy the special education records from parents or adult students with a disability will be honored.