KNOX CITY-O'BRIEN CISD
HOME OF THE MIGHTY GREYHOUNDS
High School Handbook
PREFACE
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2006-2007! For this new year to be successful for your child, we must all work together: students, parents, teachers, and other school staff members.
The Knox City High School 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 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 a separate document sent home to parents and 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 strongly recommend that parents review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child have 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 and consent/opt-out forms so that we have a record of your choices.
Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current District policy. A copy of the District’s policy manual is available in the school office.
This section of the Knox City High School Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
Where to look when you need information about…
· Debts
· Discipline
· Parental involvement
· Grading guidelines
· Report cards/progress reports and conferences
· State-mandated assessment testing
· Other standardized testing: College Requirements
· Medicine at school
· Psychotropic drugs
· Student records
· Student or parent complaints and concerns
· Release of students from school
Debts
All debts to the school or school related organizations shall be paid before any grades will be released at the end of the year.
A graduating Senior that owes money will forfeit honors and privileges, including not being allowed to attend graduation exercises.
Students will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities until all debts from the previous school year have been paid. If a student is financially unable to pay his/hers debt, the student may be allowed to work-off the debt at an hourly rate, set by the administration ( with a minimum of one hour).
Discipline
The District is responsible for ensuring a school climate that is free from disruptions that interfere with the learning process, It is expected that the students assume the responsibility for self-discipline and adherence to communicated expectations of student behavior ( Student Code of Conduct). However, when violations of the Code of Conduct do occur, discipline will be administered in order to correct disruptive behavior, to protect the other students, school employees or property and/or maintain a positive learning environment.
Parents or guardians shall not have the right to control student discipline in the school and, particularly, shall not have the right to prevent the school from disciplining any student. School officials, responsible for disciplinary procedures, may consult with or respectfully listen to a parent/guardian’s ideas as to the most effective type of discipline, but they shall not be obligated to abide thereby.
When imposing discipline, school personnel shall adhere to the following guidelines :
· The District’s objective is to educate students. Consequences shall be administered only when necessary to protect students, school employees or property, or to maintain essential order and discipline.
· Disciplinary action should not be “ punitive “, re se, but should be designed to correct the misconduct of the individual student and to promote the compliance of all students with the District’s rules and regulations.
· Students will be treated fairly and equitably after consideration of the circumstances of each offense. Consideration will be taken of the seriousness of the offense, age of the student, the student’s attitude, frequency of misconduct and the potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment.
· Consequences of the misconduct shall not be administered as to ridicule a student or to be imposed maliciously.
Corporal punishment—spanking or paddling the student—may be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and policy FO(LOCAL) in the District's policy manual. Corporal punishment will be governed by the following conditions :
· The student will be told the reason for the corporal punishment.
· The punishment will be administered only by the principal, assistant principal or a teacher.
· The instrument to be used will be approved by the principal.
· The punishment will be administered in the presence of one other District professional employee and out of the view of the other students.
· A record will be maintained of each instance of the use of corporal punishment.
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 Counseling and Academic Programs.]
· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 940-657-3565 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]
· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG and contact Mack Lowe at 657-3565.]
· Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: Knox City Athletic Booster Club and Knox City Band Booster Club.
· 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 Mack Lowe at 657-3565.
· 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 and EHAA and School Health Advisory Council.]
· 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 and opt your child out of participating 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 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 have 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]
· 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 moment of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence 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 a transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been verified by the board or its designee to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the superintendent or designee for information.
· To request a 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 was a victim of a violent criminal offense while in 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)]
· Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten - achievement is reported to parents as: Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement and Unsatisfactory.
· Grades 1 – 12 - achievement shall be reported to parents as numerical grades
All grades are 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 six weeks.
Unsatisfactory progress reports will be mailed at the end of each three week period. If a students grade average in any subject or course is “borderline “ or below 75 at the end of the three weeks of any grading period the student’s parents/guardian will be notified. Parent-teacher conferences for those students that are failing are encouraged.
A student’s Six Weeks grade will be determined from three areas :
1. Daily work 55%
2. Test average 30%
3. Six Weeks Test 15% ( when applicable)
A student’s Semester Grade will be determined by the following computation:
1. Three Six Weeks Average 85%
2. Semester Test 15%
To figure a student’s grades multiply the averages by the percentages and add.
All decimals will be rounded using normal mathematical rounding procedures.
The lowest grade given for a six weeks period will be 50; however, all grade assignments will be recorded as graded.
Extra credit will be given only by arrangement and consent of the teacher.
There will be a minimum of six daily grades per six weeks.
The highest possible grade for a six week period will be 100.
The two semester grades from a full year course will be averaged together to determine course credit. The average must be 70 using normal rounding procedures.
The lowest grade recorded for a semester test will be a 50.
· Six Weeks Tests
At the end of each six weeks grading period students will be given a six week test which will count fifteen (15%) of the final grade for that period.
Six weeks tests will not be required of PE, band or any course offered for local credit, at the discretion of the teacher and the building principal.
Re-teaching and re-testing will be done during tutorials (before and after school and during the tutorial period)
Re-testing will be at the discretion of the teacher and the building principal.
It is the responsibility of the student to ask for re-testing. The highest grade granted on a retest will be a seventy (70).
Teachers are not required to grant requests for re-testing.
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 during a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. [See Working Together for how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow grading guidelines approved by the principal/Superintendent that have been 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 three days.
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.]
Many colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the counselor early during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to take; these exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. (Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take a standardized test, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA]).
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.
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.
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 law 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 post-secondary 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 the student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, control of the records goes to the student. However, the parents may continue to have access to the records 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 principal 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 requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested 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 and Principal’s are:
Knox City- O’Brien CISD
606 East Main
St.
Knox City, Tx
79529
A parent (or the student if he or she is 18 or older or is attending an institution of post-secondary education) 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 defined by policy FNG. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns 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.
The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.
However, release of a student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the child’s first day of this school year. [See the “Notices Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” attached to this handbook.]
The district often requires the use of student information for the following school-sponsored purposes: [ See FL(LOCAL)]
For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use the student’s:
1. Name
2. Address
3. Telephone listing
4. Date and place of birth
5. Photograph
6. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
7. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
8. Dates of attendance
9. Grade level
10. Enrollment status
11. Honors and awards received in school
12. Most recent previous school attended
13. E-mail address
This information will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.
Unless you object to the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed.
The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form has been attached for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.
Please note:
Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The district’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at
http:www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/138902
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as teachers’ personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at
http:www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/138902
In general, the student or parent should submit a
written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If
the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to
the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the
complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.
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.
Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal or superintendent has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent. Generally, a student will not be allowed to go home, because of an illness, unless the parent/guardian can be notified.
A student who is tardy to class may be assigned to detention hall. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action.
1st Offense – Verbal warning 4th Offense – 5 days detention and contact parents
2nd Offense – 1 day detention 5th Offense – Severe Disciplinary Action
3rd Offense – 3 days detention [See Detention and Attendance for Credit.]
A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. A withdrawal form may be obtained by the parent from the principal’s office.
On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the clinic for health records; to the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the student and a copy placed in the student’s permanent record.
A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor, may withdraw without parental signature.
· Academic Records
· Awards and honors
· Class rank/top ten percent/highest ranking student
· State scholarships and grants
· Class schedules
· Computer resources
· Correspondence courses
· Counseling: academic
· Counseling: personal
· Credit by exam
· Distance Learning
· Dual credit courses/college courses
· Career and technology programs
· Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations
· Grade classification
· Promotion and retention
· Graduation
· Homework
· Nontraditional academic programs
· Special programs
· Summer school
· Textbooks
The school counselor provides students and their parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices. [For more information, see policy EIF.]
Any award or honor, conferrable upon graduation, or conferrable at a time subsequent to determination that the award will be conferred is conditioned upon the conferee student’s complying with all rules and regulations of the District up to the time the award or honor is to be conferred.
[See Class Rank Academic Counseling.]
Class ranking shall be determined by grades averaged from the following courses in both the Minimum and Recommended high school programs.
1. English I, II, III, IV – 4 credits
2. World Geography/World History – 1 credit
3. U.S. History – 1 credit
4. U.S. Government – ½ credit
5. Economics – ½ credit
6. * Math – 3 credits
7. * Science – 3 credits
· if more than three courses are taken in one of these subject areas the highest three grades will be averaged
· Graduating academic averages will be based on (approximately) the thirty-third week average.
For two school years following their graduation, District graduates who ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas. Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.
[For further information, see policies at EIC.]
Students selected for Valedictorian or Salutatorian honors shall meet the following requirements :
1. Enrollment in the District for two consecutive years prior to and including the year of graduation. ( Early graduates are not eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian honors)
2. Completion of the Recommended High School Program
Honor Graduates will be recognized during the graduation ceremony by wearing of an honor cord. Honor Graduates must have a cumulative grade point average of ninety (90) or above in the courses listed in the previous Class Ranking section in the handbook.
· Under the Texas Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, students who complete the Recommended or Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) High School Program may earn financial credits in varying amounts to apply toward college tuition. The amounts depend on the number of consecutive months in which the student completed graduation requirements and the number of early college credits earned and may be used at public or private Texas higher education institutions within the state. The counselor can provide additional information about meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.
· Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions. [For further information, see the principal or counselor and policy EJ.]
To prepare students for an increasingly computerized society, the District has made a substantial investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only. Students and their parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Students and their parents should be aware that e-mail, using District computers, is not private and may be monitored by District staff. [For additional information, see policy CQ.]
The District permits high school students to take correspondence courses by mail or via the Internet for credit toward high school graduation.
A maximum of two (2) credits may be earned through correspondence courses. Correspondence may be approved for required course that a student may have failed and when scheduling conflicts make it impossible for a student to enroll in a make-up course offered by the District. For further information contact the building principal. [For further information, see policy EEJC.]
Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn about course offerings, the graduation requirements of various programs, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 8 through 11 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next year and other information that will help to make the most of academic and vocational opportunities.
To plan for the future students should work closely with the counselor in order to take the high school courses that best prepare them for attendance at a college, university, or training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education. The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and deadlines for application, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.
The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should contact the counselor, the high secretary or the principal.
Please note: The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.[For more information, refer to policy FFE and FFG (EXHIBIT).]
A student who has received prior instruction in a course or subject—but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the teacher, counselor, principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score at least 70 on the exam.
The attendance review committee may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam. A student may not use this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
In other instances, the District administration will determine whether any opportunity for credit by exam will be offered.
[For further information, see the counselor and policy EEJA.]
A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. The dates on which exams are scheduled during the 2005–2006 school year include:
Date Scheduled Application Deadline to Region
Oct. 28, 2006 (recommended - HS only) Sept. 15, 2006
March 3, 2007 Jan. 26, 2007
June 9, 2007 April 27, 2007
June 16, 2007 May 4, 2007
July 14, 2007 June 1, 2007
July 15, 2007 June 1, 2007
Oct. 27, 2007(recommended - HS only) Sept. 14, 2007
A student will earn credit with a passing score of at least 90 on the exam.
If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The District will not honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. The parent will be responsible for purchasing the test from a university approved by the State Board of Education. [For further information, see policy EEJB.]
Students may be enrolled in distance learning coursework, as arranged by the District. Also, during their Junior and Senior years, students may enroll in college coursework as the High School Master schedule and their individual schedules permit.
Knox City High School, at the present time, does not have working agreements with any college or university to allow the awarding of dual credit to high school students.
The District offers career and technology programs in computer and agricultural fields. Admission to these programs is based on student interest.
Knox City - O’Brien CISD 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.
Participation in school related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
The following is a list of extracurricular activities and programs that are available to you:
Football Basketball Track Volleyball
Tennis Golf Baseball Softball
Band FFA FHA One-Act-Play
Cheerleading Drum Major Yearbook 4-H Club
UIL Literary Student Council National Honor Society
Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing inter-district competition. The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:
· A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than a class identified as honors or advanced by either the State Board of Education or by the local Board of Trustees—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks.
· A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school weeks.
· An ineligible student may practice or rehearse.
· A student is allowed in a school year up to ten absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of two absences for state competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the Board, are subject to these restrictions.
· A student who misses a class because of participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.
Please note: 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.
[For further information, see policies FM and FO.]
SPORTSMANSHIP
Good, friendly relations between schools is one of the most important aspects of inter-school competition. Visiting teams and their fans are our guests and should be treated with respect and hospitality. Knox City High School will strive to win without boasting and lose without bitterness. Victory is important, but more important is the effort to excel!
The Knox City Chapter of the National Honor Society, formed in the Spring of 1996, is maintained with the purpose of creating enthusiasm for scholarship, service, leadership and encouraging the development of character. Students must have completed the 1st semester of their Sophomore year of High School, attended Knox City High School for at least one semester and maintained an overall average of 90% in their academic courses. All eligible students, who have satisfied the preceding qualifications, are then reviewed and elected to membership by a Faculty Selection Committee.
[See Requirements for a Diploma ]
Information regarding student offices and elections may be secured from the building principal.
Project ABC is an educational program offered at Knox City High School for gifted and talented students. Participation in the program is encouraged for students who meet the eligibility requirements. For more information students and parents should consult the building principal.
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation.
Credits Earned Classification
5 Grade 10 (Sophomore)
10 Grade 11 (Junior)
15 Grade 12 (Senior)
A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. 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, at certain grade levels a student—with limited exceptions—will be required to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any day between January 1 and April 15 and is a Texas resident during the week that the TAKS is administered the first time.
· In order to be promoted to grade 4, students must have performed satisfactorily on the Reading section of the grade 3 assessment in English or Spanish.
· In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must have performed satisfactorily on the Mathematics and Reading sections of the grade 5 assessment in English or Spanish.
· In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 in the 2007–2008 school year must perform satisfactorily on the Mathematics and Reading sections of the grade 8 assessment in English.
Parents of a student in grade 3, 5, or 8 who does not perform satisfactorily on his or her exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance. Such students will have two additional opportunities to take the test. If a student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the district, the decision of the committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policy EIE.]
A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student in a middle school or beyond who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment or is determined by the district as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan will identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruction program for the student. [For additional information, see the counselor or principal and policy EIF.]
Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special education director.
To receive a high school diploma from the District, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level exam.
The grade 11 exit-level test, required for students in grade 11, covers English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Integrated Chemistry and Physics, English III, and early American and United States History. A student who does not pass the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test.
The District offers the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade 9 are required to enroll in the Recommended High School Program. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only if an agreement is reached among the student, the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation, and the counselor or appropriate administrator. [See policy EIF.]
Number of Credits
· Minimum Graduation Plan 25.5 credits
· Recommended High School Program 28 credits
Each program has it’s own set of requirements that students must successfully complete in order to earn a high school diploma. All graduates of Knox City High School are awarded the same type of diploma. The academic achievement record ( transcript ), rather than the diploma, records individual accomplishments, achievements and courses completed. All courses used to meet state graduation requirements and all electives shall be selected from State Board approved courses for grades nine through twelve.
· All credit earned in ESL, English as a Second Language, which is not counted toward the graduation requirements in English may be counted as electives in meeting state graduation requirements.
· Out-of-state students shall complete all requirements of this section to be eligible to satisfy state graduation requirements.
· The District Board of Trustees allows students to substitute certain physical activities for the one and one-half required credits of physical education. Such