SECTION I: REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION F= OR PARENTS

This section of the Bartlett ISD Student Handbook incl= udes several notices that the district is required to provide to you, as well as other information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION<= o:p>

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, Bartlett = ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origi= n, gender, 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 Amendment= s of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The following district staff members have been designa= ted to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:

· &nb= sp; Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex: Mrs. Sammy Edwards, Principal, Grades 7-12.

· &nb= sp; Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regard= ing discrimination on the basis of disability:= Mrs. Nancy Bergman.

· &nb= sp; All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the schoo= l superintendent, Mr. Mike Mayfield.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT=

Working Together

Both experience and research tell us that a child̵= 7;s education succeeds best when there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement in this partnership may include:

· &nb= sp; Encouraging your child to put a high priorit= y on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of = the educational opportunities the school provides.

· &nb= sp; Ensuring that your child completes all homew= ork assignments and special projects and comes to school each day prepared, res= ted, and ready to learn.

· &nb= sp; Becoming familiar with all of your childR= 17;s school activities and with the academic programs, including special program= s, offered in the district.

· &nb= sp; Discussing with the counselor or principal a= ny questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.

· &nb= sp; Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with your child, if your child is entering ninth grade.

· &nb= sp; Monitoring your child’s academic progr= ess and contacting teachers as needed. <= /span>

· &nb= sp; Attending scheduled conferences and requesti= ng additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 254-527-3353 for = an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference peri= od or before or after school.

· &nb= sp; Becoming a school volunteer. For further information, contact t= he school secretary.

· &nb= sp; Participating in the Parent Teacher Organiza= tion. Contact Mrs. Nancy Horton, teacher liaison for more information.

· &nb= sp; Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees, assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> For further information, contact M= r. Allen Reese, Principal, grades K-6.

· &nb= sp; Serving on the School Health Advisory Counci= l, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in = health education instruction. See the information in this handbook at Sc= hool Health Advisory Council and contact Mr. Allen Reese, Principal, grades = K-6.

· &nb= sp; Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations.

PARENTAL RIGHTS<= /h2>

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student = Rights

Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation—funded in who= le or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:

· &nb= sp; Political affiliations or beliefs of the stu= dent or the student’s parent.

· &nb= sp; Mental or psychological problems of the stud= ent or the student’s family.

· &nb= sp; Sexual behavior or attitudes.

· &nb= sp; Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

· &nb= sp; Critical appraisals of individuals with whom= the student has a close family relationship.

· &nb= sp; Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

· &nb= sp; Religious practices, affiliations, or belief= s of the student or parents.

· &nb= sp; Income, except when the information is requi= red by law and will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under s= uch a program.

You will be able to inspect the survey or other instru= ment and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation.

“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activ= ities

As a parent, you have a right to receive notice of and= deny permission for your child’s participation in:

· &nb= sp; Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

· &nb= sp; School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.

· &nb= sp; Any non-emergency, invasive physical examina= tion or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and schedu= led by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health = and safety of the student. Except= ions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or scree= ning permitted or required under state law.

Limiting the Display of a Student’s Art= work and Projects

As a parent, if you do not want your child’s art= work, special projects, photographs, and the like to be displayed on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication, you must notify the principal in writing.

Requesting Professional Qualifications of Tea= chers 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 sub= ject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements h= ave 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 mater= ials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.=

Inspecting Surveys

As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a thi= rd party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.

Accessing Student Records

You may review your child’s student records. These records include:

· &nb= sp; Attendance records,

· &nb= sp; Test scores,

· &nb= sp; Grades,

· &nb= sp; Disciplinary records,

· &nb= sp; Counseling records,

· &nb= sp; Psychological records,

· &nb= sp; Applications for admission,

· &nb= sp; Health and immunization information,

· &nb= sp; Other medical records,

· &nb= sp; Teacher and counselor evaluations,

· &nb= sp; Reports of behavioral patterns, and

· &nb= sp; State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child. <= /p>

Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student

As a parent, you may grant or deny any written request= from the district to make a video or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the sc= hool to make a video or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:

· &nb= sp; When it is to be used for school safety;

· &nb= sp; When it relates to classroom instruction or = a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or

· &nb= sp; When it relates to media coverage of the sch= ool.

Removing a Student Temporarily from the Class= room

You may remove your child temporarily from the classro= om 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 purp= ose 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.

Excusing a Student from Reciting the Pledges = to the U.S. and Texas Flags

As a parent, you may request that your child be excuse= d from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Un= ited States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your chil= d 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 4.

Excusing a Student from Reciting a Portion of= the Declaration of Independence

You may request that your child be excused from recita= tion of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires student= s 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.

Requesting Notices of Certain Student Miscond= uct

A non-custodial parent may request in writing that he = or she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written no= tice usually provided to a parent related to your child’s misconduct that = may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. See the Student Code of Conduct.

Requesting Transfers for Your Child

As a parent, you have a right:

· &nb= sp; To request the transfer of your child to ano= ther classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the principal to h= ave been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341.=

· &nb= sp; To request the transfer of your child to att= end 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 vic= tim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds.

· &nb= sp; To request the transfer of your child to ano= ther campus or a neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sex= ual assault by another student assigned to the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed= on deferred adjudication for that assault.

Requesting Classroom Assignment for Multiple = Birth Siblings

As a parent, if your children are multiple birth sibli= ngs (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 requ= est must be submitted no later than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See FDB(LEGAL).]

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Parents of Students with Disabilities

Parents of students with learning difficulties or who = may need special education services may request an evaluation for special educa= tion at any time. For more informa= tion, contact Mrs. Sammy Edwards at 254-527-3353 ext. 418.

Options and Requirements for Providing Assist= ance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education

Upon the recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal committee, a student with disabilities must follow the provisions= of his or her individualized education program (IEP).

If a child is experiencin= g 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 tutoria= l, compensatory, and other support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention (RtI). The implementa= tion of RtI has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability this Dist= rict to meet the needs of every struggling student.

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 evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide cons= ent for the evaluation. The distr= ict must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the = date of the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy= of the report to the parent.

If the district determine= s that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of their rights if they disagree with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a c= opy of the Notice of Procedural Safegua= rds - Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities.

The designated person to contact regarding options for= a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is Mrs. Sammy Edwards, 254-527-3353, ext. 418.

Services for Title I Participants

The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with par= ents of students participating in Title I programs is Mrs. Debora Bartosh and ma= y be contacted at 254-527-3353 ext. 520.

Student Records

Both federal and state law safeguards 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 olde= r OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.

Virtually all information pertaining to student perfor= mance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:

· &nb= sp; The parents—whether married, separated= , or divorced—unless the school is given a copy of a court order terminati= ng parental 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 a= ccess to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.

· &nb= sp; District staff members who have what federal= law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. “Legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records includes working with the student; considering disciplinary or acad= emic actions, the student’s case, or an individualized education program f= or a student with disabilities; compiling statistical data; or investigating or evaluating programs. Such per= sons 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)= .

· &nb= sp; Various governmental agencies.

· &nb= sp; Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.

· &nb= sp; A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a student seeks or intends to enroll or in which he or s= he 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.&= nbsp; The principal is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.

Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible stude= nt during regular school hours. = If circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will eith= er 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 and principals’ office is 404 N. Robinson, Bartlett, Texas 76511.

A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are conside= red inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the district refus= es the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hear= ing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the rig= ht 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 board poli= cy FNG(LOCAL). [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 28 and Stu= dent or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 12 for an overview of the process.]

Copies of student records are available at a cost of t= en 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 cop= y of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent= .

Directory Information

The law permits the district to designate certain pers= onal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information&= #8221; will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

However, release of a student’s directory inform= ation may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in wri= ting to the principal within ten school days of your child’s first day of = instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” included in the forms packet.]

Directory Information for School-Sponsored Pu= rposes

The district often needs to use student information fo= r school-sponsored purposes.

For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use your child’s name, address, telephone list= ing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic<= /p>

teams, honors and awards received, and the most r= ecent educational agency or institution attended . This information will not be relea= sed 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 school-sponsored purposes.

Please note:<= o:p>

Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the distric= t is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The district’s policy regard= ing student records is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at www.ba= rtlett.txed.net.

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 st= udent that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutio= ns of Higher Education

The distric= t 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.

Bacterial Meningitis<= /h3>
State law specifically requires the district to provid= e the following information:

·             What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammat= ion of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.= It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common an= d the least serious. Bacterial meni= ngitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential f= or serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.

·             What are the symptoms?

Someone with meningitis wi= ll 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 meni= ngitis will have the same symptoms.

Children (over 1 year old)= and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiti= ng, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness= or confusion. In both children a= nd adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the bo= dy.

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 a= nd 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 b= acteria 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 a= ir where a person with meningitis has been.&n= bsp; The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but t= hey do not live for long outside the body.&nbs= p; They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sha= ring drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause me= ningitis 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? <= /p>
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes.&nbs= p; Limit the number of persons you kiss.

While there are vaccines f= or 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 cou= ntry 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 resid= ence 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. Immun= ity 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 fri= end might have bacterial meningitis?

You should seek prompt med= ical attention.

·             Where can you get more information?

Your school nurse, family = doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excell= ent 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 ab= out a meningococcal vaccine. Addi= tional information may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov<= /a>, and the Department of State Health Services, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.

SECTION II:<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PAREN= TS

Topics in this section of the handbook contain importa= nt information on academics, school activities, and school operations and requirements. Take a moment w= ith your child to become familiar with the various issues addressed in this section. It is conveniently organized in alphabetical order to serve as a quick-reference when you or y= our child has a question about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to find the information on a particular topic, please contact the appropriate campus principal.

ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE<= /u>

Regular school attendance is essential for a student t= o make the most of his or her education—to benefit from teacher-led and scho= ol activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s,= and to grow as an individual. Abs= ences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of= the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other wi= th attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed b= elow:

Compulsory Attendance

State law requires that a student between the ages of = six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.

A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his= or her 18^th birthday is required to attend each school day. If a student 18 or older has more = than five unexcused absences in a semester, however, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. T= he student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing.

State law requires attendance in an accelerated reading instruction program when kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students are assigned to such a program. Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program as a result of the reading diagnosis test.

School employees must investigate and report violation= s of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction” by the state) assigned by a grade placement committee and basic skills for ninth graders; or from required tutorials will be considered = in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary acti= on.

A court of law may also impose penalties against both = the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:

· &nb= sp; Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or

· &nb= sp; Is absent on three or more days or parts of = days within a four-week period.

Attendance for Credit

To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at= least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances f= or the absences and how the student can regain credit, if appropriate.

In determining whether there were extenuating circumst= ances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guideline= s:

· &nb= sp; All absences will be considered in determini= ng whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absen= ces for religious holy days and documented health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose. [See policies at FEB.]

· &nb= sp; A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled in the district. For a student transferring into the district after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absen= ces after enrollment will be considered.

· &nb= sp; In reaching a decision about a student’= ;s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best inter= est of the student.

· &nb= sp; The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences.

· &nb= sp; The committee will consider whether the abse= nces were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could exercise any control.

· &nb= sp; The committee will consider the extent to wh= ich the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge= and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.

· &nb= sp; The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences = and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit.

The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the superintendent in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

The actual number of days a student must be in attenda= nce in order to receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full seme= ster or for a full year.

Parent’s Note After an Absence

When a student must be absent from school, the student—upon returning to school—must bring a note, signed by t= he parent that describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even= with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 1= 8 or older.

Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illn= ess

Upon return to school, a student absent for more than 3 consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. [See FEC(LOCAL).]

Please schedule your child’s appointments during the afternoon hours only. Attendance will be taken throughout the day; however, for attendance purposes, the 3r^d period attendance is the most important. Have you child attend school during the morning hours and then t= ake them to any appointments that he/she may have in order to avoid problems wi= th excessive absenteeism.

Driver License Attendance Verification
To obtain a driver license, a student between the ages= of 16 and 18 must provide to the Texas Department of Public Safety a form obtained from the school verifying that the student has met the 90 percent attendance requirement for the semester preceding the date of application. The student can obtain this form a= t the high school office.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The school counselor provides students and parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices. [For more information, see policies at EIF.]

AWARDS AND HONORS

Bartlett ISD, Grades K-6, conducts awards ceremonies a= t the conclusion of each six weeks grading period. You will be notified of this at the best efforts of school personnel in order to have you attend with your child.

All grade levels will be recognized for perfect attendance. Honor R= oll will be recognized as follows: “All A”—Students must have= a 90 average or above in each course and “A-B”—Students must have A’s and B’s in all courses with no grade lower than 80.

BULLYING

Bullying oc= curs when a student or group of students directs written or verbal expressions or physical conduct against another student and the behavior results in harm to the student or the student’s property, places a student in fear of ha= rm to himself or his property, or is so severe that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment.

The board h= as established policies and procedures to prohibit bullying and to respond to reports of bullying. [See FFI(LOCAL).]

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

The District offers career and technology programs in agri-science, home economics and business/technology education. Admission to these programs is based on state/federal criteria, and the successful completion = of prerequisite courses.

Bartlett ISD will take steps = to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admiss= ion and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

Bartlett IS= D will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a bar= rier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.<= /span>

CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT<= /span>

Procedures for Calculating Class Rank

Only core area courses (English/Language Arts, math, science, and social studies) and foreign language will be included in the calculations.
Exclusions include non-c= ore courses, non-dual-non-core summer courses, correspondence courses, cre= dit by exam.
The following courses wi= ll be assigned a weight according to the weight chart listed below: Pre –AP and Honors cour= ses. Advanced Math (Pre-Cal, Calculus, Statistics); Temple College Dual Cre= dit Courses (US History, Comp 1 and Comp 2, Government, Economics, British Lit, American Lit, Bi= ology, Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy and Physiology)
Temple College dual cred= it grades will be used in calculating the final semester of the senior ye= ar by waiting until the final grades have been posted by Temple College.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The following scale will be u= sed to convert letter grades from Temple College: A=3D97, B=3D88, C=3D77, D=3D7= 2, F-65
Starting with the school= year 2007-2008, the PEIMS Coordinator/Registrar will be responsible for ent= ering the numerical grades into the RSCCC data base. The RSCCC program will then b= e used to calculate the grades. (See weight table below)
GPAs will be calculated = at the end of each semester for each grade 9-12 and at the end of the 5^t=
h six weeks for seniors.
The Counselor and Princi= pal will be responsible for monitoring and reporting the GPAs and class rankings.
GPAs and class rank of h= igh school seniors required for purposes of college admission and scholars= hip will be based on six semesters. However, a seven semester rank will automatically be done at the end of the first semester for all seniors= .
An “ad hoc’ committee composed of the high school principal, counselor, PEIMS Coordinator, the superintendent, and a faculty member will be used to resolve grade average disputes or appeals in a timely manner.

List of Classes and Their Weights

Classes	Include in GPA	Weight
English 1,2,3,4<= o:p>	Yes	1
Pre-AP Eng. Clas= ses	Yes	1.03
Alg. 1 & Alg= . 2	Yes	1
Geometry	Yes	1
Math Models=	Yes	1
Pre-Calculus	Yes	1.03
Calculus	Yes	1.09
IPC	Yes	1
Biology	Yes	1
Principals of Technology	Yes	1
Chemistry	Yes	1.03
Physics	Yes	1.03
World Geography<= o:p>	Yes	1
World History	Yes	1
US History (Bart= lett)	Yes	1
Government (Bart= lett)	Yes	1
Economics (Bartl= ett)	Yes	1
Spanish 1,2,	Yes	1
Spanish 3	Yes	1.03
Spanish 4	Yes	1.09
AP Spanish<= /o:p>	Yes	1.09
All Dual-Credit Courses TC	Yes	1.09
All Bio-Sciences=	Yes	1.09
All Agriculture Classes	No	1
All Family &= Cons. Classes	No	1
All Band	No	1
Art	No	1
Theatre Arts	No	1
All PE/Athletics=	No	1
Resource Classes=	No	1

Weighted Grades for Advanced Classes

· &nb= sp; Temple College/Bio Science Dual-Credit, Advanced Placement classes grade &= nbsp; &nbs= p; times 1.09

· &nb= sp; Pre-AP/ grades times 1.03

Example: Temple College/Bio-Science grade i= s an “A”, recorded in RSCCC as a “97” x 1.09 =3D 105.73<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; =

Pre-AP English grade is a “97” x 1.03 =3D 99.91

Class valedictorians and salutatorians will be designated according to the system below. High school graduates who are ranked in the Top 10 % of their gradua= ting class (rank is determined by system noted above) may be eligible for a peri= od of two years following their graduation for automatic admission to Texas pu= blic universities and colleges. =

Va= ledictorian and Salutatorian

Only studen= ts who have attended high school for four years, and their entire junior and senior years at Bartlett High School, are eligible for these honors.

The valedic= torian and salutatorian will be determined as soon as dual credit grades from Temp= le College are received using the four-year grade average calculated by the sc= ale approved by the Bartlett ISD Board of Trustees (noted above). The valedictorian and salutatorian= will be the students with the two highest GPAs as determined by carrying the decimals out as far as necessary. In case of ties for either position, co-valedictorians and/or co-salutatorians will be declared.

Aw= arding of Credit

For students enrolled in Bartlett ISD, credit for courses will only be granted for classes taken on campus or trans= ferred in as noted on the student academic record, or through dual-credit, credit-by-exam, or correspondence (credit-by-exam and correspondence courses may only be taken through the University of Texas or Texas Tech University). For further information, contact the high school counselor.

CLASS SCHEDULES

Schedules are created by the campus principal and take= into effect the best interests of each child on the campus. For more information= or a copy of your child’s schedule, please contact the school secretary = or school counselor.

COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES

Students in= grades 11–12 may earn college credit from the following:

Temple Junior College = Contact information: 254-298-8282

Please cont= act the school at 254-527-3353 to discuss services, as well.

COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns = that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or via the district’s Web site at www.bartlett.txed.net.

In general, the student or parent should submit a writ= ten 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.

COMPUTER RESOURCES

The Bartle= tt Independent School District provides technology resources to its students a= nd staff for educational and administrative purposes. The goal in providing these resour= ces is to promote educational excellence in the District’s schools by facilitating innovation, communication and resource sharing with support and supervision of parents, teachers and staff.

The use of= the technology resources is a privilege, not a right. Technology resources incl= ude the computer systems and network including: hardware, software, application software, operating system, stored text, and data files. These also include electronic mail, local databases, externally accessed databases (such as the Internet), CD-R= om, optical media, clip art, digital images, digitized information, communicati= ons technologies and new technologies as they become available. Bartlett ISD reserves the right to monitor all technology resource activity.

Proper beh= avior as it relates to the use of computers is no different than proper behavior in = all areas of Bartlett ISD activities. Any user who violates any condition of th= is policy is subject to disciplinary action or administrative sanctions as specified in the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policy. In addition to any other disciplin= ary action taken, the Technology Department reserves the right to terminate acc= ess to system resources for any user who violates these guidelines.<= /span>

Copyright: All users are expected to fol= low existing copyright laws, which may be found in the library. Users may = not download, install, copy, or distribute materials such as software, audio/video, file, graphics, and text without the express written permission of the copyright owner and the permission of the site administrator.
Attempting to log on or logging on to a computer or email syst= em by using another’s password is prohibited. Assisting others in violating = this rule by sharing information or passwords is unacceptable.
Improper use of any computer or the network is prohibited. This includes:

Submitting, publishing or displaying any defamatory, inaccura= te, racially offensive, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or threatening materials or messages either public or private.
Using the network for financial gain, political or commercial activity.
Attempting to or harming equipment, software, materials or da= ta
Attempting to or sending anonymous messages of any kind<= /o:p>
Using the network to access inappropriate material=
Knowingly placing a computer virus on a computer or network
Accessing another users account, files, documents and informa= tion resources
Users shall not erase, rename, or make unusable another users computer files, documents and information resources.
Forgery or attempted forgery of electronic messages is prohibited. Attempts to= read, delete, copy, or modify the email of other system users, deliberate interference with the ability of other users to send/receive email or= the use of another person’s email account is prohibited.=
Users shall not use system resources for any non-instructiona= l or non-administrative purpose.
Removing technology equipment from its location without permission
Revealing personal information of other users

System users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources could be a violation of local, state, or federal laws. Violations can lead to prosecution= .

Access to Bartlett ISD’s network will be governe= d as follows:

Students will have access to the District’s resources for class assignments and research with the teacher’s permission and supervision.
Any system user identified as a security risk or having violated the District’s Acceptable Use Guidelines may be denied access to the District’s system. Other consequences may be ass= igned.
Any system user having been deni= ed access rights may be reinstated with limited access rights to reduce t= he level of security risk to the system.

The following standards apply to all users of the Dist= rict’s computer network systems:

The user is responsible for the proper use of their system account. Not allowing others to logon using their information for any reason, except for authorized District personnel.
The system may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other activity prohibited by district guidelines.
System user may not use another person’s account.
System users are asked to delete electronic mail or outdated files on a regular basis.

System users should be aware the electronic mail and all other files stored on Bartlett ISD’s computers and network are the property of Bartlett ISD. Users should not create = any files or messages they would not want to make public. Users with email access must purge= their email file on a regular basis in accordance with the established retention guidelines and network limitations.

Please note that the Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks. It is possible that you may run across areas of adult content and some material y= ou or your parents might find objectionable.&= nbsp; While Bartlett ISD will use filtering technology to restrict access = to such material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access. It will be your responsibility to = follow the rules for appropriate use.

The district’s system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. The district does not = make warranties, whether expressed or implied, including, without limitation, th= ose of fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any services provided by the system and any information or software contained therein. The District uses a variety of vendor-supplied hardware and software, as well as donated hardware. Therefore, the district does not w= arrant that the functions or services performed by, or that the information or software contained on the system will meet the user’s requirements. Neither does the District warrant = that the system will be uninterrupted or error-free, nor that defects will be corrected.

Opinions, = advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users, information providers, service providers, or other third party individuals in the system are those of the providers and not necessarily the District.

The Distri= ct will cooperate fully with the local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the District’s comp= uter systems and networks.

CONDUCT

Applicability of School Rules

As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standa= rds of acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences = for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Stud= ents and parents should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.

To achieve the best possible learning environment for = all students, the Student Code of Conduct and other campus rules will apply whenever the interest of the district is involved, whether on or off school grounds, in conjunction with classes and school-sponsored activities.

Corporal Punishment

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.

Disruptions

As identified by law, disruptions include the followin= g:

· &nb= sp; Interference with the movement of people at = an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district building without authorization fro= m an administrator.

· &nb= sp; Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.

· &nb= sp; Use of force, violence, or threats in an att= empt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.

· &nb= sp; Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

· &nb= sp; Interference with the movement of people at = an exit or an entrance to district property.

· &nb= sp; Use of force, violence, or threats in an att= empt to prevent people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from an administrator.

· &nb= sp; Disruption of classes or other school activi= ties while on district property or on public property that is within 500 feet of district property. Class disr= uption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and enterin= g a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.

· &nb= sp; Interference with the transportation of stud= ents in district vehicles.

· &nb= sp; The use of gum, candy, soft drinks, etc. is prohibited at school. Please do not send these items with your students as = they are a disruption.

Radios, CD Players, Other Electronic Devices = and Games, and Cell Phones

Students are not permitted to possess such items as pa= gers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, electronic devices or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. = Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of = the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.

For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess cell phones; however, cell phones must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing. The use of cell phones at any time= while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event is strictly prohibited.

Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the= Student Code of Conduct and may include confiscation of the device. The school may charge the owner fo= r the release of certain telecommunications devices [See policy FNCE.]

Social Events

School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are expected to observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a gu= est will share responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest.

A student attending a social event will be asked to si= gn out when leaving before the end of the event; anyone leaving before the official end of the event will not be readmitted.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS

To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school w= hile contagious. If a parent suspe= cts that his or her child has a contagious disease, the parent should contact t= he school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been expose= d to the disease can be alerted.

The school nurse or the principal’s office can p= rovide information from the Department of State Health Services regarding these diseases.

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling

Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with= a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn more about course offering= s, graduation requirements, and early graduation procedures. To plan for the future, each stude= nt should work closely with the counselor in order to enroll in the high school courses that best prepare him or her for attendance at a college, universit= y, or training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education= . The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and application deadlines, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.&= nbsp;

Personal Counseling

The school counselor is available to assist students w= ith 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 her at 254-527-3353 ext. 416.

Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment<= /h3>
The school will not conduct a psychological examinatio= n, 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 Educati= on Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.

[For more information, refer to FFE(LEGAL) and FFG(EXHIBIT).]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course

A student w= ho has previously taken a course or subject—but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the teacher, counselor, princi= pal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on = the essential knowledge and skills defined for that course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course or excessive absences, homeschooling, correspondence courses, or independent study supervised by a teacher.

The counsel= or or principal would determine if the student could take an exam for this purpose. If approval is grant= ed, the student must score at least 70 on the exam to receive credit for the co= urse or subject.

The attenda= nce review committee may also offer a student with excessive absences an opport= unity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam.

A student m= ay not use this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurric= ular activities.

[For further information, see the counselor and policies EEJA.]

CREDIT BY EXAM—If= a Student Has Not Taken the Course=

A student w= ill be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which t= he student has had no prior instruction. The dates on which exams are scheduled during the 2009–2010 sc= hool year will be determined by the school counselor and high school principal.<= /span>

A student w= ill earn credit with a passing score of at least 90 on the exam.

If a studen= t plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The district may or may not honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than upon the deci= ded dates. If the district agrees= to administer a test other than the one chosen by the district, the parent must purchase a test from a university approved by the State Board of Education. [For further information, see EEJB(LOCAL).]

DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION=

The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from dating vi= olence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and that their welfare is best served when they are free from this prohibited conduct while attending school. Students are expected= to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to a= void behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop those behaviors when asked or = told to stop. District employees a= re expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.

The board h= as established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s ra= ce, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. [See polic= y FFH]

Da= ting Violence

Dating viol= ence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in the relationship. This type of conduct is cons= idered harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, host= ile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance.

Examples of= dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to, physical or sexual assaults, name-calling, put-downs, threats to hurt the student or the student’s family members or members of the student’s household, destroying property belonging to the student, threats to commit suicide or homicide if the student ends the relationship, attempts to isolate the stud= ent from friends and family, stalking, or encouraging others to engage in these behaviors.

Di= scrimination

Discriminat= ion is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibite= d by law, that it negatively affects the student.

Ha= rassment

Harassment,= in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affec= ts the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic performance. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office.

Examples of= harassment may include, but are not limited to, offensive or derogatory language direc= ted at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or = need for accommodation; threatening or intimidating conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.

Se= xual Harassment

Sexual hara= ssment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual.=

Examples of prohibited sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexua= lly motivated conduct, communications, or contact.

Re= taliation

Retaliation= of a student occurs when a student receives threats from another student or an employee or when an employee imposes an unjustified punishment or unwarrant= ed grade reduction. Retaliation = does not include petty slights and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that are justified by a student’s poor academ= ic performance in the classroom.

Retaliation= against a person who makes a good faith report of discrimination or harassment, including dating violence, is prohibited.&= nbsp; A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refus= es to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to appropriate discipline. Retal= iation against a person who is participating in an investigation of alleged discrimination or harassment is also prohibited.

Re= porting Procedures

Any student= who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teach= er, counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent. See policy FFH(LOCAL) for the appropriate districts officials to whom to make a report.

In= vestigation of Reports

To the exte= nt possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation an= d to comply with law. Allegations = of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassm= ent, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated. The district will notify the paren= ts of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited conduct by an adult associated with the district.

In the event prohibited conduct involves another student, the district will notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited conduct w= hen the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by poli= cy.

If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint was not unlawful.

A student o= r parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS

School Materials

Publications prepared by and for the school may be pos= ted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may inclu= de school posters, brochures, flyers, etc.

The school newsletter, PAUSE FOR PAWS, and the yearbook are available to students and parents.

All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal(s).

Non-school Materials...from students

Students must obtain prior approval from the principal= before posting, circulating, or distributing written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under the oversight of the schoo= l. To be considered, any non-school material must include the name of the sponsoring person or organization. The decision regarding approval will be made in two school days.

The principal has designated the school office as the location for approved non-school materials to be placed for voluntary viewi= ng by students. [See policies at FNAA.]

A student may appeal a principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts non-school material without prior approval wil= l be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct= . Materials displayed without the principal’s approval will be removed.

Non-school Materials...from others

Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored= by the district or by a district-affiliated school-support organization will n= ot 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 policies at GKDA.&n= bsp; To be considered for distribution, any non-school material must meet= the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be submitted to the principal for pr= ior review. The principal will ap= prove or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may a= ppeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate district complaint policy. [See policies at DGBA, FNG, or GF.= ]

Prior review will not be required for:

· &nb= sp; Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours.

· &nb= sp; Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting held after school hours in accordance with policy GKD(LOCAL) or a non-curriculum-related student group meeting held in accordance with FNAB(LOCAL).

· &nb= sp; Distribution for electioneering purposes dur= ing the time a school facility is being used as a polling place, in accordance = with state law.

All non-school materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following = the event at which the materials are distributed.

DRESS AND GROOMING

The district’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. Students and parents may determine= a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the following:

· = Students are required to attend school in a clean and healthy manner.<= /p>

· = Fishnet clo= thing, tank tops, midriff tops, spaghetti straps, garments with large arm holes, a= nd shoulder-less apparel will not be permitted.

· = Caps, headb= ands, head rags, and hats should be removed in all buildings. Kerchiefs for girls are included i= n this prohibition.

· = No apparel advertising, depicting, or implying sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, profanity= , or anything distasteful is to be worn.

· = No clothing= items that advertise or suggest racially motivated supremacy or inferiority are a= llowed.

· = Trench coat= s or any clothing that could be used to conceal a weapon will not be permitted.<= o:p>

· = Hair stylin= g of both boys and girls must be in keeping with sex, maturity, good grooming, a= nd kept in a manner that will not interfere or detract from the function of a classroom.

· = Sheer blous= es are prohibited.

· = Pants and s= horts will be worn with the waist above the hips. “Sagging” will not be tolerated.

· = Shirts may = in no manner be used to “cover up” sagging pants. If a shirt does ext= end past a student’s wrist the student will be compelled to tuck it into their pants.

· = Shorts, dre= sses, and skirts may be worn if they are decent and within reason. A) Length of dresses and skirts will be no more than 6 inches from the ground when kneel= ing, B) Wind-shorts, biking shorts, and spandex are not acceptable, and C) Shorts must be at least 4 inches in length or longer.

· = Any type of clothing/dress/hairstyle that is so extreme that it would cause comment or = be a source of distraction is not acceptable.

· = Sunglasses = are not to be worn in any building unless a doctor prescribes them, and a note = will be required.

· = Students mu= st wear tennis shoes at all times while at school. FLIP-FLOPS ARE NOT APPROPRI= ATE FOOTWEAR AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL FOR GRADES K-6, ONLY.

<= /o:p>

Except= ions to the dress code may be made on Spirit Day (Cheerleader uniforms), Pajama = Day, Crazy Hat Day, Picture Day, and other events the principal determines appropriate. The principal, in connection with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity may regulate the dress or grooming of students who participate in that activity.

DUAL CREDIT COURSES / COLLEGE COURSES=

Juniors and Seniors at Bartlett High S= chool have the opportunity to attend classes in college that will enable them to pursue productive careers. Va= rious courses can be taken for dual credit (high school and college credit) as approved by the Texas Education Agency.

To qualify for the college early admis= sions program students must:

1.&n= bsp; Must have 80% weighted average in each core subject= .

2.&n= bsp; Must have passed the TAKS test in all subjects in w= hich dual credit will be taken.

3.&n= bsp; Dual credit placement and course load will be asses= sed on an individual basis by all the core teachers, principal, and counselor.<= /span>

The mission of the District is to prov= ide educational opportunities for all its students. Therefore, it is the new policy of Bartlett ISD to pay the full tuition for the college course work with the f= inal grade of an A or B. Bartlett ISD will pay half of the tuition for a C and t= he students will be responsible for the full tuition for a final grade of a D or below. If a student withdraws= from the course or is forced to withdraw because of non-attendance, the student = will be required to reimburse the school district for the tuition expense. The student will not be able to register for the following semester until the tuition has been paid in full.

Transportation is provided to the coll= ege each day and students are required to ride the bus unless arrangements have been made in advance with the principal.&n= bsp; Daily attendance will be checked at TC. Books are purchased by the student= s.

A student may receive high school credit and col= lege credit for classes taken through Temple College. Grades will be converted u= sing the following scale:

= ; A =3D 97 &nbs= p; B =3D 88 C =3D 77 &= nbsp; D =3D 72 &= nbsp; F=3D65

A student who drops/withdraws from a Temple College class after the 3^{rd<=
/sup>
week of school will be enrolled in a corresponding Bartlett ISD class with a
transfer grade of 65.}

TEA requires students to be enrolled i= n at least 4 hours of course work on the Bartlett campus to be considered a full time student. Athletes are re= quired to remain in classes the full day.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Participati= on in school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop tale= nts, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.

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 interdistrict competition. The following requirements apply t= o all extracurricular activities:

· A student who receives at the end of a gradi= ng period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than an advanced placement or international baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or a foreign language—may not participate in extracurricul= ar 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 partici= pate for at least three school weeks.

· An ineligible student may practice or rehearse.

· A student is allowed in a school year up to = 10 absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of 5 absences = for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of 2 absences for s= tate competition. All extracurricu= lar activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activit= ies approved by the board, are subject to these restrictions.

· An absence for participation in an activity = that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.

Please note: Sponsors of student clubs and perf= orming groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—th= at are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation= of school rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct= or by local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by = the organization’s standards of behavior.

[For further information, see policies at FM and FO.]

FEES

Materials that are part of the basic educational progr= am are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including:

· &nb= sp; Costs for materials for a class project that= the student will keep.

· &nb= sp; Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities.

· &nb= sp; Security deposits.

· &nb= sp; Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

· &nb= sp; Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc.

· &nb= sp; Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance.

· &nb= sp; Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the district.

· &nb= sp; Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student.

· &nb= sp; Parking fees and student identification card= s.

· &nb= sp; Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.

· &nb= sp; Fees for driver training courses, if offered= .

· &nb= sp; Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not available on district premises.

· &nb= sp; Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.

· &nb= sp; A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providi= ng an educational program outside of regular school hours for a student who has lost credit because of absences and whose parent chooses the program in ord= er for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a district-provided request form.

Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the stude= nt and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the campus principal. [For further information, see poli= cies at FP.]

FUND-RAISING

Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must= be made to Mrs. Linda Broussard (254-527-3353 ext. 431) at least 30 days before the event. [For further information, see policies at FJ and GE.]

GRADE CLASSIFICATION=

After the ninth grade, students are classified accordi= ng to the number of credits earned toward graduation.

&nbs= p; Credits Earned &nb= sp; Classification

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; 5 &= nbsp; &nbs= p; Grade 10 (Sophomore)

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; 10 &= nbsp; Gr= ade 11 (Junior)

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; 15 &= nbsp; Gr= ade 12 (Senior)

GRADING GUIDELINES (7-12)<= /o:p>

All grades will be reported numerically. Any grade below 70 is failing. Passing grades are 70-100.

A zero will b= e given to any person cheating and others involved.

Grade Averaging:

In a six= -week grading period a minimum of six(6) minor and three(3) major grades will be given. Minor grades (homework, weekly notebook, checks, pop quizzes, warm-ups, worksheets, vocabulary, sho= rt writing, short presentations, cooperative learning group work, mini-assessm= ents, benchmark assessments, etc.) will count 60% of the grade. Major grades (any form of assessme= nt designed to measure what students have learned; projects, major papers, maj= or tests, presentations, labs, unit tests, unit projects, 6-week tests, notebo= oks, etc.) will count 40%. Semeste= r and six-week exams are not permitted to be taken earlier by students other than= the date(s) set by the school or at the principal’s discretion. When exams are missed a “0&#= 8221; shall be recorded. Permission= to miss an exam may be granted by the principal and consideration is given to extreme circumstances only.

Semester Grade Averaging:=

Semester grades will be determined by counting each of= the six(6) week’s averages twice add the semester exam once, and divide by seven(7). The final yearly gr= ade is an average of the two semester grades.

Grading Policy:

· Grades shall accurately reflect a student’s progress for learning.

· Nines will not appear on six (6) week averag= es.

· Minor grades count 60% and major grades 40%.=

Students in grades K through 12 will receive a report card for each six-week grading period. The report card is one form of communication betwe= en parents and teachers (academic progress, work habits, as well as personal behavior). Evaluation of student work on the report card is an indication of progress. Parents are encoura= ged to schedule appointments with teachers to discuss student progress.

Homework

When a teacher assigns homework, it is to help students prepare for= the next day’s lesson and to build good study habits. Students should always complete ho= mework assignments to the very best of their ability.

The purposes of homework are: a) to help students improve achieveme= nt; b) to nurture the development of good study habits; c) to familiarize paren= ts with their children’s work and give them a chance for involvement; an= d d) to provide more time for in-class instruction.

GRADUATION

Requirements for a Diploma

To receive a high school diploma from the district, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass = appropriate state-mandated exam(s). For more information on required and/or recommended course work please contact the high school office at 254-527-3353, ext. 431= .

Certificates of Coursework Completion

A certificate of coursework completion may be issued t= o a senior student who successfully completes state and local credit requiremen= ts for graduation but fails to perform satisfactorily on the exit-level tests.=

Students with Disabilities

Upon the recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal committee, a student with disabilities may be permitted to gradua= te under the provisions of his or her individualized education program (IEP).<= /p>

A student who receives special education services and = has completed four years of high school, but has not met the requirements of hi= s or her IEP, may participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate= of attendance. Even if the stude= nt participates in graduation ceremonies to receive the certificate of attenda= nce, he or she may remain enrolled to complete the IEP and earn his or her high school diploma; however, the student will only be allowed to participate in= one graduation ceremony.

[See FMH(LEGAL)]

Graduation Activities

Graduation activities will include:

· Baccalaureate

· Graduation Commencement

Graduation Speakers

Graduating students will be given an opportunity to pr= ovide opening and closing remarks during the graduation ceremony. The 3^rd and 4^{th
ranking students will be eligible to give these remarks; however, if the
student was assigned to disciplinary placement at any time during the spring
semester, he or she will not be eligible to speak at graduation.}

Students eligible to give the opening and closing rema= rks will be notified by the principal and given an opportunity to volunteer. In the event one of these students declines to speak, the next ranking student will be eligible.

[See FNA(LOCAL).]

Graduation Expenses

Because students and parents will incur expenses in or= der to participate in the traditions of graduation—such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and senior picture—both stude= nt and parent should monitor progress toward completion of all requirements for graduation. The expenses ofte= n are incurred in the junior year or first semester of the senior year.

State Scholarships and Grants

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 amoun= ts 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 higher education instit= utions within the state. The counsel= or 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 Advanced/D= istinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the T.E.X.A.S. Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions. [For further information, see the principal or counselor and policy EJ(LEGAL).]

HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS

Physical Activity for Students in Elementary = and Middle School

In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, and FFA, the district will ensure that students in elementary school engage in at least = 30 minutes of physical activity per day or 135 minutes per week.

The campus offers at least the minimum amount of physi= cal activity minutes to students in kindergarten through 8^th grade to meet district physical education requirements. For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding elementary, middle, and junior high school student physical activity requirements, please see your campus principal.

School Health Advisory Council

During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council held 2 meetings. Additional information regarding t= he district’s School Health Advisory Council is available from the princ= ipal for grades K-6. [See also policies at BDF and EHAA.]

Physical Fitness Assessment

Annually, t= he district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in grades 3–12. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a written request to the principal for gra= des K-6 in order to obtain the results of his or her child’s physical fit= ness assessment conducted during the school year.

Vending Machines

The district has adopted policies and implemented proc= edures 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 Mrs. Debbie Cane, school cafeteria manager. [See policies at CO and FFA.]

Other Health-Related Matters

Tobacco Prohibited

The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by studen= ts and others on school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]

Asbestos Management Plan

The district’s Asbes= tos Management Plan, designed to be in compliance with state and federal regulations, is available in the superintendent’s office. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Mike Mayfield at 254-527-3353 ext 412.

Pest Management Plan

The district applies only = pest control products that comply with state and federal guidelines. Except in an emergency, signs will= be posted 48 hours before application. Parents who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school assignment area may contact Mr. Mike Mayfield at 254-527-3353 ext 412.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, Mr. Allen Reese at 254-527-3353 ext. 414.

IMMUNIZATION

A student must be fully immunized against certain dise= ases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or rea= sons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions bas= ed on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mump= s, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox). The school nur= se can provide information on age-appropriate doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by the Department of State Health Services. Proof of imm= unization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.

If a student should not be immunized for medical reaso= ns, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the stude= nt or member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed y= early unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. [For further information, see poli= cy FFAB(LEGAL) and the Department of State Health Services Web site: http://ww= w.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm.]

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Questioning of Students

When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorit= ies wish to question or interview a student at school, the principal will coope= rate fully regarding the conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse investigation. In other circumstances:

· &nb= sp; 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.

· &nb= sp; The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents unless the interviewer raises what the princi= pal considers to be a valid objection.

· &nb= sp; The principal ordinarily will be present unl= ess 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:

· &nb= sp; To comply with an order of the juvenile cour= t.

· &nb= sp; To comply with the laws of arrest.

· &nb= sp; 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.

· &nb= sp; By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed = by the juvenile court.

· &nb= sp; 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 studentR= 17;s physical health or safety.

· &nb= sp; To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.

Before a student is released to a law enforcement offi= cer or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the officer̵= 7;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 superintende= nt and will ordinarily attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objecti= on to notifying the parents. Bec= ause the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a studentR= 17;s release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.

Notification of Law Violations

The district is required by state law to notify:

· &nb= sp; All instructional and support personnel who = have responsibility for supervising a student who has been arrested or referred = to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors.

· &nb= sp; All instructional and support personnel who = have regular contact with a student who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinqu= ent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors.

[For further information, see policy GRA(LEGAL).]

MAKEUP WORK

Routine and In-depth Makeup Work Assignments<= /a>

For any class missed, the teacher may assign the stude= nt makeup work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and sk= ills or in meeting subject or course requirements.

A student will be responsible for obtaining and comple= ting the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by t= he teacher. [For further informa= tion, see policy EIAB(LOCAL).]

A student who does not make up assigned work within th= e time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.

A student will be permitted to make up tests and to tu= rn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty= to any long-term project in accordance with time lines approved by the princip= al and previously communicated to students.

DAEP or In-school Suspension Makeup Work<= /h3>
A student removed to a Disciplinary Alternative Educat= ion Program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete, before the beginning of the next school year, coursework needed to fulfill = the student’s high school graduation requirements. The district may provide the oppor= tunity to complete the coursework through an alternative method, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer school. The district will not charge the s= tudent for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy FOCA(LEGAL).]

A student removed from the regular classroom to in-sch= ool suspension or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity = to complete before the beginning of the next school year each course the stude= nt was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular classroom. The district may provide the oppor= tunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, distance learni= ng, or summer school. [See policy FEA(LEGAL).]

Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss o= ptions with the teacher or counselor to ensure the student completes all work requ= ired for the course or grade level.

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroid= s, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:

Only authorized employees, in accordance with policies at F= FAC, may administer:

· &nb= sp; Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.

· &nb= sp; Prescription medication from a properly labe= led unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.

· &nb= sp; Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.

· &nb= sp; Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education pro= gram (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:

· &nb= sp; In accordance with the guidelines developed = with the district’s medical advisor; and

· &nb= sp; When the parent has previously provided writ= ten 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 licen= sed health-care provider. The stu= dent must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse or other identified school personnel responsible for the c= are of a student’s medical needs the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.

If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylax= is 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 sc= hool or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse, school secretary, or principal for information. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL).]

Psychotropic Drugs

A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnos= is, 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 m= ood- or behavior-altering substance.

Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s pare= nts 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.]

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS<= /u>

An examinati= on of a student for health based reasons is typically in order to prevent head lice= and infestation of nits on students. The following guidelines are in place to assist in their prevention.

Upon detection of lice or nits, = the school nurse will inform the child's parent/guardian of the presence of this and the need to treat before the child is allowed to return to school. The recommended treatment is the use of an acceptable over-the-counter anti-lice hair and scalp treatment. Also, educational materials will be given to the student and family regarding other home measures to prevent the re-infestation. The nurse will re-inspect the student prior to participation in school activities.<= /u>

If there is still evidence of infestation with lice, the nurse will instruct the parent/guardian to = come to the school for instruction on how to shampoo the hair and to remove= the nits. Additional educati= on concerning the prevention of re-infestation will be given at that time= .

For resistant cases, or for non-compliance, the student and caretaker will be referred to their primary care physician for further therapy. A note from the physician = will be required before returning to school is allowed. At this point, a "no nit" requirement will be enforced.

The goal is to allow for early and effective treatment= of head lice and to minimize any school absence related to this. Non-compliance and lice resistance issues are also addressed by progressively involving the parent/guardian and additional medical help when indicated.

PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILE= NCE

Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Te= xas flag. Parents may submit a wr= itten request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge.

One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. Each student may cho= ose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others. [See policy EC(LEGAL)= for more information.]

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, req= uire, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditati= on during any school activity.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academ= ic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course= or grade level. In grades K-8, promotion is based on:

· = An overall = yearly average of 70 or above which is decided by averaging the year’s avera= ge for language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and

· = A yearly av= erage of 70 or above in language arts, a= nd

· = A yearly av= erage of 70 or above in mathematics, and=

· = Attended at= least 90% of the school days.

In addition, at certain grade levels a student—w= ith 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 du= ring the week that the TAKS is administered the first time.

· &nb= sp; In order to be promoted to grade 4, students must perform satisfactorily on the reading section of the grade 3 assessmen= t in English or Spanish.

· &nb= sp; In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and read= ing sections of the grade 5 assessment in English or Spanish.

· &nb= sp; In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and read= ing 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 wi= ll 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 tea= cher, 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 pro= moted, 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 policies at EIE.]

Certain students—some with disabilities and some= with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special educa= tion director. For additional information, see the principal and policy EIF(LEGA= L).

RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL=

Because class time is important, doctor’s appoin= tments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time. All efforts should be made to schedule student appointm= ents at the end of the school day to avoid the problem of absenteeism.

A student who will need to leave school during the day= must bring a note from his or her parent that morning and follow the campus sign= -out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of t= he instructional day.

If a student becomes ill during the school day, the st= udent should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.

REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFER= ENCES

Report cards will be issued on Thursday following the close of each= six weeks. The report cards are t= o be taken home, signed by parents, and returned on Friday. If a parent does not receive grades each six weeks, he/she is encouraged to ask the student about the report card or call the office for a grade report.

= ;

Progress reports are another form of communication to parents from = the school. Please make note that you will not receive a progress report the fi= rst six weeks of school. You will receive a report card that first six weeks grading period and then each three weeks afterwards. These must be signed a= nd then turned back into the child’s homeroom teacher.=

Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been appr= oved by the principal and are 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(LOCAL).]

Questions about grade calculation should first be disc= ussed 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).

Report cards and progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within 3 days, if not the day a= fter it was distributed to the students.

SAFETY

Student safety on campus and at school-related events = is a high priority of the district. Although the district has implemented safety procedures, the coopera= tion of students is essential to ensuring school safety. A student should:

· &nb= sp; Avoid conduct that is likely to put the stud= ent or other students at risk.

· &nb= sp; Follow the behavioral standards in this hand= book and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.

· &nb= sp; Remain alert to and promptly report to a tea= cher or the principal any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward a student or staff member.

· &nb= sp; Know emergency evacuation routes and signals= .

· &nb= sp; Follow immediately the instructions of teach= ers, bus drivers, and other district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

Accident Insurance

Soon after the school year begins, parents will have t= he opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event of injury to their child.

Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Other Emergencies

From time to time, students, teachers, and other distr= ict employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alar= m is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in char= ge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Information

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a sc= hool-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school would need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, and informa= tion about allergies to medications, foods, insect bites, etc. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the sch= ool nurse to update any information that the nurse or the teacher needs to know= .

Emergency School-Closing Information

Parents will be notified by the school if time allows = via phone call. Local radio stations and television stations are the best metho= d of finding out if the school has been closed due to weather or other unforeseen emergency.

SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS

Many colleg= es require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude T= est (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. (Prio= r to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take= a standardized test, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA]). <= /span>

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Use By Students Before and After School
Certain areas of the school will be accessible to stud= ents before and after school for specific purposes. Students are required to remain in= the area where their activity is scheduled to take place.

Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity = gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to another area of the bu= ilding or campus.

After dismissal of school in the afternoon, and unless involved in an activity under the supervision of a teacher, students must l= eave campus immediately.

Conduct Before and After School

Teachers and administrators have full authority over s= tudent conduct at before- or after-school activities on district premises and at school-sponsored events off district premises, such as play rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, and special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same r= ules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricul= ar participants.

Use of Hallways During Class Time

Loitering or standing in the halls during class is not permitted. During class time,= a student must have a teacher’s permission to be outside the classroom = for any purpose. Failure to obtai= n permission will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct= .

Cafeteria Services

The district participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial need. Information about a student’s participation is confidential. See the school secretary 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. [For more information, see policy CO(LEGAL).]

The purpose of Nutrition Services is to serve nutritious meals to students and staff. Breakfast will be served for all stude= nts in K-6 from 8:00-9:15 a.m. at no cost. Students in grades 7-12 are welcome to = eat breakfast at no cost from 7:30-7:55am each morning.

The cafeteria uses a computerized accounting system. Each student h= as a personal account code number, which is used to purchase meals. Parents shou= ld send dollar amounts to be credited to a child’s account. Checks made payable to B.I.S.D. are acceptable. Please send cash in a sealed envelope with your child’s n= ame and amount of money you are sending written on it. We realize it is difficu= lt to keep track of your child’s purchases, however, once your childR= 17;s account becomes negative, lunch charge notices will be sent home. Your child will be allowed to charge 10 days after the notice is sent home. After that time, he/she will receive a peanut butter sandwich/cheese sandwich and milk until money is deposited into his/her account. Snacks will no longer be cha= rged to a student’s account; they will need to bring cash.

Applications for Free and Reduced Meal Prices are sent home with ea= ch child at the beginning of the school year. Applications are available from = the school office and can be completed at any time during the year.<= /span>

<= /o:p>

Cafeteria Prices

&= nbsp; &nbs= p; = = Breakfast = ; Lunch

K-6 Grades = = FREE = <= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> $1.75

7-12 Grades<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'> FREE = &nb= sp; $2.25

Adults &= nbsp; FREE = $3.00

Library

· &nb= sp; The library is a learning laboratory with bo= oks, computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignmen= ts, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. The library is open for independen= t student use with librarian and teacher approval.

· = Students ch= eck out books on a regular basis during their classes. Students who lose library material= s will not be allowed to check out other library materials until the lost material= is recovered or paid for. Payment is expected for lost library materials.

Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups<= /h3>
Student-organized, student-led, noncurriculum-related = groups are permitted to meet during the hours designated by the principal before a= nd after school. These groups mu= st comply with the requirements of policy FNAB(LOCAL).

A list of these groups is available in the principal&#= 8217;s office.

SEARCHES

In the interest of promoting student safety and attemp= ting 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 Hallway Storage= Hooks/Lockers

Students’ desks and hanging hooks/lockers are sc= hool property and remain under the control and jurisdiction of the school even w= hen assigned to an individual student.

Students are fully responsible for the security and co= ntents of their assigned desks and what is hung on their assigned hooks or placed = in a district locker.

Searches of desks or bags placed on hallway hooks or in district lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by policy, wheth= er or not a student is present.

The parent will be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk, book bag placed on a hallway hook, or lo= cker.

Vehicles on Campus

Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. S= chool officials may search any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause to do s= o, with or without the permission of the student. A student has full responsibility = for the security and content of his or her vehicle and must make certain that i= t is locked and that the keys are not given to others. [See also the Student Code of Conduct= .]

Trained Dogs

The district will use trained dogs to alert school off= icials to the presence of prohibited or illegal items, including drugs and alcohol= . At any time, trained dogs ma= y be used around lockers and the areas around vehicles parked on school property. Searches of classro= oms, common areas, or student belongings may also be conducted by trained dogs w= hen 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.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS=

The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, and students = with disabilities. The coordinator= of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well a= s programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions= about these programs should contact Mrs. Sammy Edwards, Principal, grades 7-12, at 254-527-3353 ext. 418.

STARS PROGRAM=

The STARS Program, or 21^st Century Grant Afterschool Program, is a free program provided to every student in an effo= rt to increase opportunities for enrichment and instruction, as well as to pro= vide a safe and warm environment for all students before and after the school day for students in grades PreK-8.

The STARS program provides tutorials in the beginning = of the school day from 7:00am-7:45am. Following the school day a two-hour program = will be held each day from 3:30-5:30pm providing opportunities for enrichment and supplemental instruction. Attendance in any STARS program may become compul= sory dependent upon your student’s need. If so, you will be notified by the school principal or your child’s teacher.

Transportation home in the afternoon will be provided = and every parent/guardian is encouraged to enroll their child. Contact Mrs. Erin Koehne for more information at 254-527-3353 ext. 414.

STEROIDS

State law p= rohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabo= lic steroid. Anabolic steroids ar= e for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.

Body buildi= ng, 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 by found on the UIL Web site at http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/he= alth/steroid_information.html.

SUMMER SCHOOL<= u>

This program is designed to assist students in reaching grade-level proficiency in language arts and mathematics. Campuses will identify the student= s with the greatest academic need. <= u>Because space is limited, students must be chosen by the school in order to attend summer school. Information concerning summer school will be sent out in= May to those students chosen to attend by their teachers and the campus princip= al.

TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SK= ILLS)

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 followi= ng subjects:

· &nb= sp; Mathematics, annually in grades 3–11

· &nb= sp; Reading, annually in grades 3–9

· &nb= sp; Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7

· &nb= sp; English language arts in grades 10 and 11

· &nb= sp; Social studies in grades 8, 10, and 11

· &nb= sp; Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11

· &nb= sp; Any other subject and grade required by fede= ral law

[See policy EKB(LEGAL).]

TARDINESS

A student who is tardy to class by more than 3 minutes= will be held accountable in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Exces= sive tardiness in the morning may result in an absence if the tardiness continues for more than three days even if the parent is solely responsible for the tardiness. This will count as an unexcused absence and will result in school follow-up including a possible legal remedy.

TEXTBOOKS

State-approved textbooks are provided to students free= of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. A student = who is issued a damaged book should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return a book issued by the school loses the right to free textb= ooks until the book is returned or paid for by the parent; however, the student = will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day.

TRANSPORTATION

School-Sponsored Trips

Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however= , may make an exception if the parent makes a written request that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.

Buses and Other School Vehicles

The district makes school bus transportation available= to all students. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are available at the school. Further information may be obtaine= d by calling Mrs. Lisa Luna, transportation director at 254-527-3353 ext. 414.

Students are expected to assist district staff in ensu= ring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding in distri= ct vehicles, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct.&n= bsp; Students must:

· &nb= sp; Follow the driver’s directions at all times.

· &nb= sp; Enter and leave the bus or van in an orderly manner at the designated stop nearest home.

· &nb= sp; Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle.

· &nb= sp; Not deface the bus, van, or its equipment.

· &nb= sp; Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus or van.

· &nb= sp; Not possess or use any form of tobacco on sc= hool buses.

· &nb= sp; Observe all usual classroom rules.

· &nb= sp; Be seated while the vehicle is moving.

· &nb= sp; Wait for the driver’s signal upon leav= ing the bus or van and before crossing in front of the vehicle.

When students ride in a district van or passenger car,= seat belts must be fastened at all times.

Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended.

VANDALISM

The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep of school facilities.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> To ensure that school facilities c= an serve those for whom they are intended—both this year and for years to come—littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

VIDEO CAMERAS
For safety purposes, video/audio equipment may be used= to monitor student behavior on buses and in common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used.

The principal will review the video/audio recordings routinely and document student misconduct.= Discipline will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct= .

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

Parents and others are welcome to visit district schools. For the safety of th= ose within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visito= rs must first report to the principal’s office.

Visits to individual classrooms during instructional t= ime are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and only so l= ong as their duration or frequency does not interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.

All visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will not be permitte= d.

WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only b= y a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. The parent may obtain a withdrawal= form from the principal’s office.

On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form m= ust 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 record= s; to the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally= , to the principal. A copy of the = withdrawal form will be given to the student, and a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent record.

A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who h= as been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor, may withdraw without parental signature.

Bartlett Independent School District<= /span>

Table of Contents

PREFACE