Each district receiving assistance under Title 1, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) must allow a student to attend a safe public elementary or secondary school within the District, including a public charter school, if the student:

1. Attends a persistently dangerous public elementary or secondary school, as defined by the state’s education agency; or

2. Becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of the school the student attends.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. 7912

Section I

REQUIRED NOTICES AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the Paradise High School Student Handbook includes 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. It includes information about working with the school in guiding your child’s education, such as:

· Your child’s grades and progress reports

· Records pertaining to your child

· Conferences with your child’s teacher

· The District’s procedure to follow if you have a concern that isn’t resolved by a conference, and

· School events and school-related groups that would welcome your attendance or participation.

We strongly recommend that you review the entire handbook with your child and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child have questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Also, please complete and return the acknowledgement form, so that we have a record of your choices listed there.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

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

· Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects and comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district. Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed. If your child is entering the ninth grade, review the requirements of the graduation programs with your child. (See Academic Counseling)

· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the High School office at 940-969-5010 for an appointment. A teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or at a mutually convenient time before or after school. (See Report Cards, Progress Reports and Conferences.)

· Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the District in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction.

PARENTAL RIGHTS

Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights

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

§ Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.

§ Mental and psychological problems of the student or the student’s family

§ Sexual behavior and attitudes

§ Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior

§ Criticism of other individuals with whom the student or the student’s family has a close family relationship

§ Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.

§ Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.

§ Income, except when the information will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.

You will be able to inspect any teaching materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis or evaluation. For further information, see policy EF.

“Opting Out” of Surveys and Activities

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

· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.

· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.

· Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. See policies EF and FFAA.

· Displaying a Student’s Artwork and Projects. As a parent, you have a right to provide consent before the district can display your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs taken by your child, and the like on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass communication

Requesting Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Staff

· You may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's teachers, including whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.

· As a parent, you have a right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.

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

Accessing Student Records

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

· attendance records,

· test scores,

· grades,

· disciplinary records,

· counseling records,

· psychological records

· applications for admissions,

· health and immunization records,

· other medical records,

· teacher and counselor evaluations,

· report of behavioral patterns

· state assessment instruments that have been administered to your child (See Student Records)

Granting Permission to Video or Audio Record a Student

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

§ When it is to be used for school safety

§ When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or

§ When it relates to media coverage of the school.

· You may remove your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.

· As a parent, you may request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the state flag. The request must be in writing. State law does not allow your child to be excused from participation in the required moment of silence or silent activity that follows.

· You may request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week. The request must be in writing. State law requires the recitation as part of social studies classes in grades 3-12 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.

· A non-custodial parent may request in writing that he/she be provided, for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice 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 policy FO(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), and the Student Code of Conduct.

· As a parent, you have a right to request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the campus principal to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the campus principal for more information.

· Becoming a school volunteer. For further information, see policy GKKG and contact the campus principal.

Why have volunteers in Paradise schools?

Paradise ISD school board, administration, and faculty are committed to parent and community involvement as a means to improve Paradise schools. Paradise has always had generous parent volunteers, but we have never had a program to formally recognize the contributions that our parents and community members make to the school. Research shows that when parents and community members are involved in their local school, that these schools are safer and perform better scholastically than schools where people are not involved. In addition, the school needs extra people to help with different activities to help make Paradise schools a safe and friendly place to go to school.

How do I get involved with VIP?

Each school office has brochures with sign-up sheets if you are interested in being involved in the Volunteers in Paradise Schools program. Just fill out the volunteer forms, send them to school with your child, mail them in, or bring them by a school office. Somebody from the school will contact you on how you can get involved and get you started.

You are encouraged to participate in these parent organizations:

· Parent Teacher Organization

· Athletic Booster Club

· Band Booster Club

· Offering to serve as a parent representative on the District-level or campus-level planning committees assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies BQA and BQB, and contact the campus principal.

· Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations, including the procedure for addressing the Board when appropriate. See policies BE and BED for more information.

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. Corporal punishment will be governed by the following conditions:

· The student will be told the reason for the corporal punishment.

· The punishment may be administered only by the principal, assistant principal, or a teacher.

· The instrument to be used will be approved by the principal.

· The punishment will be administered in the presence of one other District professional employee and out of view of other students.

A record will be maintained of each instance of corporal punishment.

GRADING GUIDELINES

Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the campus principal and designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy.

Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG (LOCAL).

The grading policy for 7^th – 12^th grades will be as follows: daily grades 40%; tests 40%; and the six weeks test 20% of each six weeks.

Report cards are sent home with the student after each six week grading period. At the high school campus, progress reports are given to each student at the three week point of each six week period. All students are required to return his/her progress report, including a parent signature, within three school days of receiving the report. Students will be disciplined accordingly if the signed report is not received by the third school day.

Remember that under Education Code 29.084, if the District offers tutorials, students whose grades fall below 70 in a grade-reporting period must attend.

Make up work due to Absence(s)

The student will be allowed 2 days to make up work for the initial day absent. The student will then have one day for each additional day missed from the classroom.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Questioning of Students

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

· The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the student.

· The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify parents unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.

· The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection.

Students Taken into Custody

State law requires the District to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:

· To comply with an order of the juvenile court.

· To comply with the laws of arrest.

· By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision.

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

· To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.

· By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out in the Family Code relating to the student's physical health or safety.

Before a student is delivered to a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the officer's identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official's authority to take custody of the student. The principal will immediately notify the Superintendent and will ordinarily attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents. Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the fact.

Notification of Law Violations

The District is also required by state law to notify:

· 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.

· All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a student who has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain misdemeanors.

Personal Graduation Plan

A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student in a middle school or beyond who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment test or is determined by the District as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan will, among other items, identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruction program for the student. [For additional information, see the counselor and policy EIF (LEGAL).]

Certain students- some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency- may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special education director.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency of the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.

In addition, at certain grade levels a student-with limited expectations-will be required to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any day between January 1 and April 15 and is a Texas resident during the week that the TAKS is administered the first time.

High School credit courses:

Credit will be earned by a student who fails one semester, but passes the other semester and has an average of 70 or greater by combining both semester grades.

Credit for an individual semester shall be earned by a student who earns a passing grade for one semester, but who’s combined grade for the two semesters is lower than 70. In this circumstance, the student shall be required to retake only the semester in which the failing grade was earned.

Please be aware that, effective in the school years set out below, a student’s satisfactory performance on state exams, called the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), will be required for promotion. This requirement will be effective for the following students:

In order to be promoted to grade 4, students must perform satisfactorily on the reading section of the grade 3 assessment in English or Spanish.
In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5 assessment in English or Spanish.
In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 8 assessment in English.

A student who does not perform satisfactorily will participate in special instructional programs designed to help improve performance and will also have additional opportunities to take the test. If the student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; the parent can appeal this decision, however, to the grade placement committee. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed for the next school year to enable the student to perform at grade level.

For further information, see policies EHBC, EI AND EIE.

SEMESTER EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY

Students in high school may be exempt from semester exams provided they meet the following criteria:

· Students with an average of 90 – 100 may have no more than 3 excused absences.

· Students with an average of 80-89 may have no more than 2 excused absences.

· Students with an average of 79 or below will not be allowed to exempt from the semester exam.

· Students with more than 3 cumulative tardies in the semester may not be exempt from the semester exam.

· Students with an unexcused absence in ANY class during the semester will not be exempt from any semester exam.

· Students may not be exempt from semester exams if they have served any ISS or AEP in that semester.

· Students must meet the standards in all areas of the TAKS test.

· Freshman, sophomores, and juniors will be allowed to exempt half of their finals each semester. The same course may not be exempted twice in the same school year. Students will decide which classes to exempt in the fall semester.

· Seniors can exempt all classes if the requirements for exemption are met.

· Documented college days and extracurricular absences will not count against exemption status.

STUDENT FEES

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state and local funds and are 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:

· Costs for materials for a class project that the student will keep.

· Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities.

· Security deposits.

· Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

· Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc.

· A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providing an educational program outside of regular school hours for a student who has lost credit due to absences and whose parent chooses the program in order 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.

· Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance.

· Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the District.

· Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student.

· Parking fees and student identification cards.

· Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.

· Fees for lost or damaged textbooks.

· Fees for driver training courses, if offered.

· Fees for optional courses offered for credit that requires use of facilities not available on District premises.

· Summer school courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.

· A reasonable fee for providing transportation to a student who lives within two miles of the school.

Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the Superintendent.

COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply—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 policy code FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s web sit at www.pisd.net. In general, the parent or student should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If unresolved, a written complaint and 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.

Some complaints require different procedures. Any campus office or the Superintendent's office can provide information regarding specific processes for the following complaints. Additional information can also be found in the designated Board policy, available in the principal's and Superintendent's offices.

· Identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a student with a disability: policies EHBA and FB. See Special Programs.

· Loss of credit because of non-attendance: policy FDD.

· Removal of a student by a teacher for disciplinary reasons: policy FOAA and the Student Code of Conduct.

· Removal of a student to a disciplinary alternative education program: policy FOAB and the Student Code of Conduct.

· Expulsion of a student: policy OD and Student Code of Conduct.

· Discrimination on the basis of sex: policy FB.

· Harassment of a student on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or disability: policy FNCL and the Student code of Conduct. See Harassment of the Basis of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, or Disability.

· Sexual abuse or sexual harassment of a student; policy FNCJ and Student Code of Conduct. See Sexual Harassment/Sexual Abuse.

· Instructional materials: policy EFA.

· On-campus distribution of non-school materials to students: policy FMA.

STUDENT RECORDS

A student's school records are confidential and are protected from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each student from the time the student enters the District until the time the student withdraws or graduates. This record moves with the student from school to school.

The parents-whether married, separated, or divorced-unless the school is given a copy of a court order terminating 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 access to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.

The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The Superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated. Records may be reviewed during regular school hours upon completion of the written request form. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. If circumstances prevent a parent or eligible student from inspecting the records, the District will either provide a copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested records.

District staff members and school officials who have “legitimate educational interests” are the only persons who have general access to a student's records. "School officials with legitimate educational interests" include any employees, agents, or Trustees of the District; cooperatives of which the District is a member; or facilities with which the District contracts for the placement of students with disabilities, as well as their attorneys and consultants, who are:

· Working with the student;

· Considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student's case, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for a student with disabilities under IDEA, or an individually designed program for a student with disabilities under Section 504;

· Compiling statistical data; or

· Investigating or evaluating programs.

The parent's or 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 on a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher, records pertaining to former students after they are no longer students in the District, and records maintained by school law enforcement officials for purposes other than school discipline do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

Certain officials from various governmental agencies may have limited access to the records. The District forwards a student's records on request and without prior parental consent to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Records are also released in accordance with court order in response to a lawfully issued subpoena. Unless the subpoena is issued for law enforcement purposes and the subpoena orders that its contents, existence, or the information sought not be disclosed, the District will make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or eligible student in advance of compliance. Parental consent is required to release the records to anyone else. When the student reaches 18 years of age, only the student has the right to consent to release of records.

Students over 18, and parents of minor students may inspect the student's records and request a correction if the records are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights. If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to ask for a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student's record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, parents and the student are not allowed to contest a student's grade in a course through this process. [See FNG(LOCAL) for the complaint procedure.] Parents or the student have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the District is not in compliance with the law regarding student records.

Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. Parents may be denied copies of a student's records (1) after the student reaches age 18 and is no longer a dependent for tax purposes; (2) when the student is attending an institution of post-secondary education; (3) if the parent fails to follow proper procedures and pay the copying charge; or (4) when the District is given a copy of a court order terminating the parental rights. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, upon written request of the parent, one copy 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 personal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

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

Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education

The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form has been attached for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.

Please note: Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The district’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or at www.pisd.net .

STUDENT SPEAKERS

The district provides students the opportunity to introduce the following school events: see those events listed in FNA(LOCAL) at INTRODUCTORY SPEAKERS]. Students are eligible to introduce these events if they [are listed in FNA(LOCAL) the district’s ELIGIBILITY criteria].

A student who is eligible and wishes to introduce one of the school events listed above should submit his or her name to the principal during the first week of the fall semester and/or spring semester. The names of all students who volunteered will be randomly drawn and matched to the event for which the student will give the introduction. If the selected student speaker declines or becomes ineligible, then no student introduction will be made at that event. The selection of students to introduce school events will occur at the beginning of each semester.

As determined by the principal, students who have been selected for special honors, such as captain of an athletic team, student council officers, leaders of school-sponsored organizations, homecoming king or queen, or prom king or queen may also address school audiences at designated events. [See FNA(LOCAL)]

SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Parent of a student with disabilities who has been provided special education services by the District will be notified when any information that specifically identifies the student is no longer needed. If the parent requests destruction of the information and the time established by law for retention has expired, the records will be destroyed. However, if the retention period established by law has not expired, the material will be deleted from the records but the records will be maintained until the time has expired.

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

If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention. The implementation of Response to Intervention has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to meet the needs of all struggling students.

At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If the evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide informed written consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.

If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of his or her rights if the parent disagrees with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards—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 [Carla White] at [1-940-683-8361].

If a student is receiving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance zone, the parent or guardian may request that any other student residing in the household be transferred to the same campus, if the appropriate grade level for the transferring student is offered on that campus. [See policy FDB(LOCAL).]

TESTING

In order for students to do their best on any test, they must be comfortable and alert. Parents are encouraged to be aware of their child’s schedule and to assure that the child comes to school every day—but especially on test days—after:

· A good night’s sleep;

· A good breakfast; and

· Dressing for the weather or for the temperature inside the testing center.

TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)

In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state assessment tests in the following subjects:

· Mathematics, annually in grades 3-11

· Reading, annually in grades 3-9

· Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7

· English language arts in grades 10 and 11

· Social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11

· Science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11

· Any other subject and grade required by federal law.

To receive a high school diploma, students must successfully pass exit-level tests. (See Graduation for information regarding new exit-level tests required by state law).

Test results will be reported to students and parents; parents may review any assessment test that has been given to their child.

Other Standardized Testing: College Requirements

Many colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the counselor early during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to take; these exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. (Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students take a standardized test, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA].)

WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. The parent may obtain a withdrawal form from the principal’s office. On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to assure a clear library record; to the office 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 has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor, may withdraw without parental signature.

SECTION II

CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION

This section of the Handbook contains information on academics and school activities, which is of particular interest to students. Students should take the time to review this information with their parents – especially if you are entering 9^th grade or are a transfer student. This section includes information on:

· graduation programs and requirements

· options for earning course credit

· extracurricular activities and other school-related organizations

· awards, honors, and scholarships.

Advanced Placement/Pre-AP Requirements

Students must earn a yearly average of 85 in the previous course taken in the curriculum area which AP/Pre-AP course is desired. Students must also receive a teacher recommendation from the previous teacher in the same curriculum area. Exceptions to this may be made by way of principal approval following a conference between the principal and parent.

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

The District offers career and technology programs in Agriculture Science, Business, and Home Economics. Admission to these programs is based on the aptitude, grade level enrollment and degree plan. Paradise I.S.D. will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admissions and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

CLASS RANK / TOP TEN PERCENT

PURPOSE: The Paradise I.S.D. desires to develop a class rank policy that will support the District’s goal of increasing the percentage of students completing the Recommended and Distinguished Achievement Programs, increasing SAT and ACT scores, and to take Level Four classes to promote academic success.

HONORS TO BE EARNED: Valedictorian, Salutatorian, top ten percent for automatic admission to a State-funded institution.

ELIGIBILITY FOR VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN:

A. Must be enrolled in the Distinguished Achievement Programs.

B. Must be enrolled in Paradise High School during their last four semesters before graduation.

C. No major violations (AEP placements, out of school suspensions, or expulsions) of the student code of conduct during the student’s final year. Violations would result in forfeiture of giving a speech at the graduation ceremony.

IN CASE OF A TIE:

In cases of a tie in weighted grade averages among the top ranking students, the following methods shall be used to determine who shall be recognized as salutatorian or valedictorian:

1. Computing the weighted grade average to three decimal places.

2. However, if a tie still remains, the student with the most AP courses shall be considered first.

3. However, if a tie still remains, the student with the highest numerical grade average of all AP courses taken shall be the valedictorian.

In the event that the students are still tied after the above criteria have been met, the students will be named co-valedictorian, and there will be no salutatorian. If a tie occurs for salutatorian, both students will be co-salutatorians.

EARLY GRADUATES:

Students choosing to graduate early must notify the counselor during their sophomore year and pass all aspects of the most recent TAKS test administration. The student's ranking will calculate with the class of graduation.

TRANSFER STUDENTS:

Any grade received from an accredited institution will go towards the student's class rank. Any grade received from a non-accredited institution will be accepted, but will not go towards the class ranking.

CLASSES TO BE CONSIDERED:

Will consider regular academic courses only: all English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Business and Technology Education, Health, Vocational Ag., Consumer Economics, Computer Science, and Fine Arts.

Will not consider Physical Education, Athletics, Drill Team, Band, PAL’s, and courses of local credit, courses taken by correspondence, credit by examination with prior instruction, examinations for acceleration, or summer school courses.

A board of 5 faculty members (appointed by principal) will review any changes to this policy.

For two school years following their graduation, students who rank in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas. Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about the application process and deadlines.

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS:

Under the Texas Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, eligible students may earn financial credits in varying amounts, depending on the number of consecutive months in which the student completed graduation requirements and the number of early college credits earned. Students may choose public or private Texas higher education institutions within the state. Except for ninth graders who entered high school in the 2004-2005 school year, these financial credits will be limited to students who complete the Recommended or Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) High School Program. Exceptions will apply if necessary courses were unavailable at the appropriate times in the student’s high school years because of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another reason outside the student’s control. If the exception applies, the District will indicate the fact on the student’s transcript. The counselor can provide additional information about meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.

Students who have financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High school Graduation Program or Distinguished Achievement Program (Advanced) 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 information, see the principal or counselor and policy EJ(LEGAL).

CLASS SCHEDULES

Class schedules will not be changed after the first five (5) class days except in extenuating circumstances and approval from the Principal.

COMPUTER RESOURCES

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR COMPUTERS

AND COMPUTER RESOURCES

The purpose of technology at Paradise I.S.D. (PISD) is to advance the technical skills of students and to impact the learning of English, math, social studies, science and electives. All computer resources and distance learning place tremendous power in the hands of students, staff and teachers (users) and also require certain responsibilities and ethics to prevent abuse by any individual. Any unauthorized or unacceptable access or use of computers or computer resources will be dealt with disciplinary consequences as outlined in this policy by a referral to the campus principal. All students must sign and have on file the Student Agreement for Acceptable Use of the Electronic Communications System signifying their understanding of the rules and policies governing the proper use of computer and computer resources.

Rules

1. All files and programs on the computer belong to someone. Users shall not erase, rename, or make unusable, anyone else’s files or programs.

2. Users shall not authorize anyone else to use their name, login, password, or files for any reason (except faculty or staff member) or assist any other individual to find/use the same information for another individual.

3. Users shall not use PISD computer or networks for any purpose other than legitimate learning purposes. Users also must not use a computer for unlawful purposes, such as illegal copying or installation of software. Users shall not use any disk from outside the district in any district computer including games and other applications.

4. Users shall not write, produce, generate copy, propagate, or attempt to introduce any computer code designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer’s memory, file system, or software. (Such software is called a “bug”, “virus”, “worm”, or any other similar name.)

5. Users shall not use the computer to harass, offend, or annoy others with unacceptable language, images, or threats.

6. Users shall not access any unacceptable, obscene, or objectionable information, language, or images through the computers or computer resources. Users may only access specifically approved web sites approved by the classroom teacher in advance. Users may not download any software or files from the Internet without permission from the computer instructor.

7. Users shall not tamper with computers, network, printers, or other associated equipment (hardware) unless under the direct supervision and direction of the teacher.

Consequences

Violation of acceptable use rules and policies will result in disciplinary referral and action to the campus principal. Depending on the severity or the action by the user, the principal may utilize any or all of the following:

1. Loss of computer/network/resources access with length of time to be determined by the administration.

2. Any campus based disciplinary consequence (detention, written assignment, ISS) including suspension as deemed appropriate by the administration.

3. Expulsion or removal to long term AEP may be considered in flagrant violations that blatantly corrupt the educational value of computer use at PISD or in instances where students have used the PISD tenet to compromise/damage another computer network. Any violation falling into this category will be reviewed by a committee chaired by the PISD technology coordinator and reviewed by the Superintendent.

All of the above policies and procedures for acceptable use of computers and networks are intended to make the computers and networks more reliable and consistent for the users who depend upon them daily. They are intended to minimize the burden or administering the networks, so that more time can be spent enhancing services.

PARADISE I. S. D.

INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

Internet users are expected to use the Internet as an educational resource. The following procedures

and guidelines are used to help ensure appropriate use of the Internet at Paradise ISD.

Student Expectations for Use of the Internet:

· Students shall not access material that is obscene, pornographic, child pornography, “harmful to minors”, or otherwise inappropriate for educational use.

· Students shall not use school resources to engage in “hacking” or attempts to otherwise compromise system security.

· Students shall not engage in any illegal activities on the Internet.

· Students shall only use electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications for school-related purposes.

· Students shall not disclose personal information, such as name, school, address, and telephone number outside school network.

Any violation of school policy and rules may result in loss of school-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

Staff Expectations for Use of the Internet:

Staff shall not use or access material that is obscene or is child pornography.

Any violation of school policy may result in loss of school-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in keeping with existing procedures and practices. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

Enforcement of Internet Safety Policy:

· Paradise ISD uses a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to block access to some Internet sites that are not in accordance with the policy of Paradise ISD.

· The technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access may be disabled by a Paradise ISD staff member for bona fide research purposes by an adult.

· A Paradise ISD staff member may override the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access for a student to access a site with legitimate educational value that is wrongly blocked by the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access.

· Paradise ISD staff will monitor students’ use of the Internet, through either direct supervision, or by monitoring Internet use history, in order to ensure enforcement of the policy.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

Paradise I.S.D. permits high school students in their junior or senior year to take correspondence courses (courses by mail) for credit toward high school graduation.

A maximum of 2 credits may be earned through correspondence courses.

For further information and specific District policy in this regard, contact the high school counselor or see policies at EEJC.

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling

Students and parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn more about course offerings, graduation requirements, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 8 through 11 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next year and other information that will help them make the most of academic and vocational opportunities. The District offers career and technology programs in Agricultural Science, Business Applications, and Home Economics. Admission to these programs is based on aptitude, grade level, enrollment, and degree plan. A student who desires to take a course not offered at his or her regular campus should contact the counselor about a transfer or other alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students request a transfer in order for those students to take a course in the required curriculum other than fine arts or career and technology, then for the following year the District will either offer the course at the school from which the transfers were requested or offer it by teleconference.

Students who are interested in attending a college, university, or training school or pursuing some other type of advanced education should work closely with their counselor so that they take the high school courses that best prepare them. The counselor can also provide information about entrance examinations required by many colleges and universities, as well as information about financial aid, housing, and scholarships. (See the section on Graduation Requirements.)

Personal Counseling

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional, or substance abuse issues. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. Students who wish to meet with the counselor should stop by the counselor’s office and set up an appointment.

Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment

The school will not conduct psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports. (For more information, refer to FFE(LEGAL) and FFG(EXHIBIT).

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

If a Student Has Taken the Course

A student who has previously taken a course or subject---but did not receive credit for it and made a grade of at least 60, may, in circumstances determined by the teacher and counselor or principal, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score at least 70 on the exam. In other instances, the District administration will determine whether any opportunity for credit by exam will be offered.

The attendance review committee may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam. A student may not use this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities. For further information, see the counselor.

If You Have Not Taken the Course

A student will be permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. The dates on which examinations will be scheduled for the 2006-2007 school year are November 29-30, December 1, and May 9-11. No fee will be charged to the student for this test.

The passing score required to earn credit on an exam is 90.

If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date.

The District will honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. The parent will be responsible for purchasing the test from a university approved by the State Board of Education.

DISTANCE LEARNING / DUAL CREDIT COURSES / COLLEGE COURSE WORK

Students are allowed to take college coursework during the school year. They must have approval from the principal in advance to earn dual credit. These courses can give dual credit if the college course meets all the guidelines set forth in the TEA Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

In order for a student to receive approval to take a college or dual credit course, they must have met the standards in all areas of the TAKS test and they must have made an 85 or higher grade in the class previous to the college course.

Students who have previously failed a college or dual credit course will not be approved to sign up for another college or dual credit course.

Students will be required to meet entrance guidelines of the college through which the course is being offered. This may include the THEA test or other requirements listed by the individual college or university.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students. Participation is a privilege. While many of the activities are governed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association of participating districts—eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law as well as UIL rules:

· A student who receives, at the end of any grade evaluation period, a grade below 70 in any academic class, other than an identified honors or advanced by the State Board of Education or by the local Board of Trustees, or a student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three weeks. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse, however.

· A student shall be allowed in a school year a maximum of ten extracurricular absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of two absences for state competition. Students shall be allowed an additional five activity absences approved by the principal. The principal shall use the following criteria in approving these absences:

1. Grades

2. Attendance

3. Discipline

· All UIL activities and other activities approved by the Board are subject to these restrictions. A student who misses a class because of participation in a non-approved activity will receive an unexcused absence.

· Any restrictions on participation related to discipline are set out in the Student Code of Conduct.

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

GRADE CLASSIFICATION

Beginning with the 2004-2005 ninth grade students, the credit requirements will be as follows:

Credits Earned Grade Placement

6 10

12 11

18 12

GRADUATION

Requirements for a Diploma

To receive a high school diploma from the Paradise I.S.D., a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level examination or end-of-course examination. [See the section on Testing]

The grade 11 exit-level test, required for student in grade 11 in the 2003-2004 school year and thereafter, covers English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Integrated Chemistry and Physics, English III, and early American and United States History.

Graduation Programs

The district offers the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade 9 are required to enroll in the Recommended High School Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only if an agreement is reached among the student, the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation, and the counselor or appropriate administrator. [See policy EIF(LEGAL).]

The District offers the graduation plans listed below. Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, all students entering grade 9 are required to enroll in the Recommended High School Program or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only as described in the exception below. The counselor can help you decide which program is best for you.

Beginning with the 2005-2006 students who entered the ninth grade, the credit requirements will be as follows:

Graduation Program Number of Credits Required

Minimum 26

Recommended 26

Advanced/Distinguished Achievement 26

Beginning with the 2006-2007 students who entered the ninth grade, the credit requirements will be as follows:

Graduation Program Number of Credits Required

Minimum 26

Recommended 26

Advanced/Distinguished Achievement 26

Beginning with the 2007-2008 a student entering the ninth grade, must meet the following credit requirements for graduation:

Graduation Program Number of Credits Required

Minimum 26

Recommended 26

Advanced/Distinguished Achievement 26

Permission to complete the Minimum Graduation Plan will be granted only if an agreement is reached among:

· The student;

· The student’s parent or person standing in parental relation; and

· The counselor or appropriate administrator.

Certificates of Coursework Completion

A certificate of coursework completion will not be issued to a senior student who successfully completes state and local credit requirements for graduation but fails to perform satisfactorily on the exit-level or end-of-course examinations.

Students with Disabilities

Upon the recommendation of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee, a student with disabilities may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her Individual Education Plan (IEP).

[See the sections on Academic Counseling and Graduation Requirements]

Graduation Activities will include:

· Graduation Breakfast

· Graduation Ceremony

· Graduation Reception

Graduation Speakers

Graduating students will be given an opportunity to provide opening and closing remarks during the graduation ceremony. Only those students who [are listed in FNA(LOCAL) at OPENING AND CLOSING REMARKS] 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 remarks will be notified by the principal and given an opportunity to volunteer. In the event there are more eligible students volunteering than there are speaking roles at the graduation ceremony, the names of all eligible students who volunteered shall be randomly drawn. The student whose name is drawn first will give the opening remarks and the student whose name is drawn second will give the closing remarks.

In addition to the opening and closing remarks, the [include here those students who have attained special positions of honor based on neutral criteria] may also have speaking roles at the graduation ceremony. [For student speakers at other school events, see STUDENT SPEAKERS on page _10___.] [See FNA(LOCAL).]

Graduation Expenses

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

Homework

In order to achieve the highest level of academic success possible, students must often complete work at home. Homework will be evaluated by the teacher. Teacher discretion will be used on determining credit for late work.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The District provides special programs for gifted and talented students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the District or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact Mr. Monty Chapman at 969-2501.

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

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 consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.

If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of his or her rights if the parent disagrees with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards- 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 the campus counselor.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer school may be provided as an extended year district required tutorial program. Summer school attendance is required at 90 percent, the same as the regular school year. Students will be required to attend summer school at no cost to the parent for the following reasons:

· Failure of a course at the secondary level.

· Below standard score of a standardized test. (TAKS)

Students will only be allowed to earn credit for one semester at summer school.

Summer school is also used for students not meeting the 90 percent attendance standard. (See Attendance).

SECTION III

GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Topics in this section, while they may not be needed as frequently by students and parents, contain important information regarding school operations and requirements. Included are provisions such as:

· health and safety issues

· various aspects of attendance

· the school’s expectations for student conduct

· textbooks

· cafeteria, library, and transportation services.

For additional information or questions you may have, please the principal.

ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is essential for the student to make the most of his or her education- to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student and parent should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Two state laws, one dealing with compulsory attendance, the other dealing with attendance for course credit, are of special interest to students and parents. They are discussed in the following sections:

Compulsory Attendance

State law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction programs, extended year programs, or tutorial sessions, unless the student is otherwise exempt or excused. A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 18th birthday is required to attend each school day until the end of the school year and is subject to compulsory attendance laws, if the student is under 21 years old. In addition, if a student 18 or older has more than five unexcused absences in a semester the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered trespassing. [See FEA]

School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from school; from any class; from required special programs, such as additional special instruction (termed “accelerated instruction” by the state) assigned by the 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 action.

A court of law may 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:

· Is absent from school ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or

· Is absent on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.

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 may be referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit.

In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the committee will use the following guidelines:

· All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for religious holy days and health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose. [See policy FEB.]

· A transfer student 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 absences after enrollment will be considered.

· In reaching a decision about a student’s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure that it is in the best interest of the student.

· The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student’s absences.

· The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parents could exercise any control.

· The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.

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

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

The actual number of days a student must be in attendance in order to receive credit will depend on whether the class is for a full semester or for a full year.

When a student must be absent from school, the student- within 3 days of returning to school- must bring a note, signed by the parent, that describes the reason for the absence.

Driver License Attendance Verification

To obtain a driver license, a student between the ages of 16 and 18 must annually 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 the application. The student can obtain this form at the high school office.

Release of Students from School

A student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day, except with permission from the principal or designee and according to the campus sign-out procedures. Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.

A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher's permission, report to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student's parent.

DRIVERS EDUCATION CLASSES

Driver Education classes may be offered each semester before or after school hours. The cost of the class must be paid before the class begins. For the cost of the class, dates, and times, check in the high school office.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES / CONDITIONS

To protect children from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious.

If a parent suspects that his or her child has a communicable or contagious disease, the parent should contact the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.

Bacterial Meningitis

State law requires the District to provide the following information:

What is meningitis?

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

What are the symptoms?

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.

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

The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.

How serious is bacterial meningitis?

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability.

How is bacterial meningitis spread?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.

How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.

While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85-90 percent). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.

What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?

You should seek prompt medical attention.

Where can you get more information?

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov and the Texas Department of Health: www.tdh.state.tx.us.

School Health Advisory Council

Information regarding the District’s School Health Advisory Council, including the number of meetings scheduled or held during the year, and information regarding vending machines in District facilities and student access to the machines is available from the principal.

Other Health-Related Matters

The District and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on school property or at school-sponsored or school-related activities.

CONDUCT

In order for students to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be productive members of our campus community, each student is expected to:

· Demonstrate courtesy – even when others do not.

· Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.

· Attend all classes, regularly and on time.

· Prepare for each class. Take appropriate materials and assignments to class.

· Meet District or campus standards of grooming and dress.

· Obey all campus and classroom rules.

· Respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and other District staff.

· Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order and discipline.

· Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Dishonesty / Cheating / Plagiarism

Academic dishonesty—cheating or plagiarism—is not acceptable. Cheating includes the copying of another student's work—homework, class work, test answers, etc.—as one's own. Plagiarism is the use of another person's original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author. A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to loss of credit for the work in question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Applicability of School Rules and Discipline

To achieve the best possible learning environment for all our students, Paradise Junior and Senior High School rules and discipline will apply whenever the interest of the District is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school-related activities. The District has disciplinary authority over a student:

· During the regular school day or while a student is going to and from on District transportation.

· Within 300 feet of school property.

· While a student is in attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location.

· For any school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.

This includes school social events to which a student brings a guest. Guests are expected to observe the same rules as students attending the event, and the person inviting the guest will share responsibility for the conduct of the guest.

A student attending a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the event; anyone leaving before the official end of the event will not be re-admitted.

· When retaliation against a school employee or volunteer occurs or is threatened, regardless of time or location.

· When a student commits a felony, as described by Texas Education Code 37.006

· When criminal mischief is committed on or off school property or at a school-related event.

For information regarding searches of student lockers and vehicles brought onto school property, see Searches.

As required by law, the District has developed and adopted a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and establishes standards of acceptable behavior – both on and off campus – and consequences for violation of the standards. Students need to be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus and classroom rules.

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

In order to protect student safety and sustain an educational program free from disruption, state law permits the District to take action against any person -–student or non-student – who:

· Interferes with the movement of people in an exit, an entrance, or a hallway of a District building without authorization from an administrator.

· Interferes with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.

· Uses force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized assembly.

· Uses force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

· Interferes with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to District property.

· Uses force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving District property without authorization from an administrator.

· Disrupts classes or other school activities while on District property or on public property that is with 500 feet of District property. Class disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; entering a classroom without authorization, and disrupting the activity with profane language or any misconduct.

· Interferes with the transportation of student in vehicles owned or operated by the district.

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

Students are not permitted to possess such items as text messaging devices, pagers, 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 item and turn it in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return the item at the end of the day for the student to take home or whether the parent will be contacted to pick up the item. For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess cell phones; however, cell phones must remain turned off during the instruction day, including during all testing. The use of cell phones in locker room areas 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 for the release of certain telecommunications devices. (See policy FNCE)

Bullying or Taunting Behaviors

Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Such behaviors may include repeated teasing or ridicule, name-calling, threats, theft, gossip and rumors, or physical intimidation of any kind. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct.

BULLYING

Bullying occurs 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 harm to himself or his property, or is so severe that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment. The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit bullying and to respond to reports of bullying. [See FFI(LOCAL).]

Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, or Disability

Students must not engage in harassment behaviors motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, or disability directed toward another student. Students are expected to treat other students and District employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop. The District encourages parental and student support in its efforts to address and prevent harassment in any form in the public schools. Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the expectations in this area with a teacher, counselor, principal or designee, or Mr. Monty Chapman, Assistant Superintendent. A student who believes he or she has been harassed by another student or by a District employee is encouraged to report the incident to the principal or Title IX Coordinator. The allegations will be investigated and addressed. A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense and the Student Code of Conduct. The student or a parent may appeal the decision of the principal regarding the outcome of the investigation in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). See also policy FNCL.

DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION

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

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

Dating Violence

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

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

Discrimination

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

Harassment

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

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

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature. However, romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if consensual.

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 sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.

Retaliation

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 unwarranted grade reduction. Retaliation does not include petty slights and annoyances from other students or negative comments from a teacher that are justified by a student’s poor academic performance in the classroom.

Reporting Procedures

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

Investigation of Report

To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student; however, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be promptly investigated. The district will notify the parents 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 when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by policy. 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 or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

Sexual Harassment / Sexual Abuse

Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student or a District employee. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors. All students are expected to treat other students and District employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop.

The District will notify the parents of all students involved in sexual harassment by student (students) when the allegations are not minor, and will notify parents of any incident of sexual harassment or sexual abuse buy an employee. To the greatest extent possible, complaints will be treated as confidential. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation.

A complaint alleging sexual harassment by another student or sexual harassment or sexual abuse by a staff member may be presented by a student and/or parent in a conference with the principal or designee or with the Title IX coordinator.

The student or parent may appeal the decision regarding the outcome of the investigation in accordance with policy FNCJ(LOCAL).

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS

School Materials

Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with prior approval by the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, murals, etc.

The school yearbook is available to students.

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

Student Non-School Materials

Unless a student obtains specific prior approval from the principal, written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters, or other visual or auditory materials over which the school does not exercise control may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed on any school campus. To be considered, any non-school material must include the name of the sponsoring organization or individual. The decision regarding approval will be made in two school days.

The principal has designated the windows in the main office as the location for approved non-school materials to be placed for voluntary viewing by other students.

The students may appeal the principal’s decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without this 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 not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any District premises by any District employee or by persons or groups not associated with the District, except as permitted by policy GKDA. To be considered, any non-school material must meet the limitations on content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring organization or individual, and be submitted to the campus principal for specific prior review. The principal will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate District complaint policy.

Prior review will not be required for:

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

· 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).

· Distribution for electioneering purposes during 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. The administration will have the discretion to limit any other dress and grooming that is deemed inappropriate or distracting. Students and parents may determine a student's personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the guidelines set forth in the Student Code of Conduct.

FUND-RAISING

Student clubs or classes, outside organizations, and/or parent groups occasionally may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made to the principal at least 7 days before the event.

Except as approved by the principal, fund-raising is not permitted on school property.

IMMUNIZATION

A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. This form may be obtained by writing the DSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347; or online at https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student.

The immunizations required are: diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis (polio), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox). The school nurse 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 immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.

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

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

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

· Only authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:

o Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.

o Medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified District employee from the original, properly labeled container.

o Nonprescription medication provided by the parent, along with a written request, and in the original, properly labeled container.

o Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent, only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.

· In certain emergency situations, the District will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:

o In accordance with the guidelines developed with the District’s medical advisor and

o When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the District’s form.

A student with asthma may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student and parents should see the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication for use during the school day.

Steroids

State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.

Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense. More information on the UIL testing program may by found on the UIL Web site at http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/health/steroid_information.html.

PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND MINUTE OF SILENCE

Texas law requires students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag each school day. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge.

A minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. The student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in other silent activities so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or distract others.

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 require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.

PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS

A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect of perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.

Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advance 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.

SAFETY

Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority of the District. Although the District has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure school safety. A student should:

· Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.

· Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the principal, teachers, or bus drivers.

· Remain alert to and promptly report safety hazards, such as intruders on campus.

· Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.

· Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other District employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

[See the section on Emergency Medical Treatment]

Accident Insurance

Soon after school opens, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that will help in meeting medical expenses, in the event of injury to their child.

Drills - Fire, Tornado and Other Emergencies

From time to time, students, teachers, and other District employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.

Fire Drill Bells

3 bells leave the building

1 bell halt; stand at attention

2 bells return to the building

Tornado Drill Bells

1 continuous bell move quietly to the designated locations

2 bells return to classroom

Emergency Medical Treatment

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment and information about allergies to medications, food, 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 school nurse to update any information.

The District is not responsible for medical expenses associated with a student's injury. The District does make available, however, an optional, low cost student accident insurance program to assist parents in meeting medical expenses. A parent who desires coverage for his or her child will be responsible for paying insurance premiums and for submitting claims through the Central Administration office.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION

You will be contacted by the school’s Alert- Now service on your primary contact number to announce any school closings, delays, or early releases due to inclement weather or other emergencies.

Television Channels……4, 5, 8, and 11

Radio Stations.....WBAP 820, KLTY 94.9, KCLE, KTFW, and 99.5

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Use by Students Before and After School

The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended-both this year and in the coming years—littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay for damages they cause and shall be subject to disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Conduct Before and After School

Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after-school activities on District premises and school-sponsored events off District premises, such as play rehearsal, club meetings, athletic practice, and special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter code of conduct established by the sponsor in accordance with Board policy.

Loitering or standing in the halls between classes is not permitted. During class time, a student must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action.

Conduct at Parties / Social Events

The rules of conduct and grooming will be observed at school social events held outside the regular school day. Guests are expected to observe the same rules as students attending the event, and the person inviting the guest will share responsibility for the conduct of the guest. A student attending a party or social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the party; anyone leaving before the official end of the party will not be readmitted.

Cafeteria Services

The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers to students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial need. Information on this program can be obtained from Pam Jones at (940) 969-2501.

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.

Library

The library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure. Each student must check out his or her own library books and assume all responsibility for those books. Computers in the library are governed by the same usage guidelines as those in the guidance lab. Computers will be available on a space available basis and will be used only in accordance with the school’s acceptable use policy.

The library is open for student use from 7:45 until 4:30.

Meetings of Non-curriculum-Related Groups

Students are permitted to meet with non-curriculum-related groups during the hours designated by the principal before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements found in policy FNAB.

Asbestos

Paradise ISD is in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding asbestos. The local Asbestos Management Plan is located in every school office. Questions regarding asbestos can be directed to Monty Chapman, District Asbestos Manager, at 940-969-2501.

Pest Control Information

The District periodically applies pesticides inside buildings. 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 (ren)’s school assignment area may contact the Central Administration Office at 969-2501.

Trained Dogs

The district will use trained dogs to alert school officials to the presence of prohibited or illegal items, including drugs and alcohol. At any time, trained dogs may be used on lockers and vehicles parked on school property. Searches of classrooms, common areas, or student belongings may also be conducted by trained dogs when students are not present. A locker, a vehicle, or an item in a classroom to which a trained dog alerts may be searched by school officials.

Use of Hallways during Class Time

Loitering or standing in the halls during class is not permitted. During class time, a student must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Vandalism

The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for the construction and upkeep of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended – both this year and in the coming years – 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.

Vending Machines

The district has adopted policies and implemented procedures to comply with agency and food service guidelines for restricting student access to vending machines. For more information regarding these policies and guidelines see the campus principal.

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 tapes routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

SEARCHES

In the interest of promoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools are safe and drug free, District officials may from time to time conduct searches. Such searches are conducted without a warrant and as permitted by law.

Searches of Students’ Desks and Lockers

Students’ desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control and jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.

Students are fully responsible for the security and contents of the assigned desks and lockers. Students must be certain that the locker is locked, and that the combination is not available to others.

Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by District policy, whether or not a student is present.

The parent will be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk or locker.

Vehicles on Campus

All student vehicles must be registered with the principal's office and have a valid parking permit. The fee for a parking permit shall be $10.00. These permits are renewed each year and may be transferred to another vehicle provided the office has record of that vehicle belonging to the student. Students found parking in the high school parking lot without a permit may be required to pay $20 for a permit and/or lose their parking privileges. Students must have a valid driver's license and show proof of insurance in order to receive a parking permit and/or to bring a car on campus.

Students must leave their cars immediately upon arrival on campus. Students may not congregate in the parking lot.

Parking privileges may be suspended for students who exhibit reckless driving or excessive speed in the parking lot.

When parking, pull into the space in the appropriate manner. Do not pull all the way through the space so that the space may be exited by driving forward. Students found to be carrying prohibited objects may have their parking privileges suspended. Automobiles parked on school property are subject to searches by trained drug detection dogs. Students will be held responsible for articles found in any vehicle brought onto school property by that student.

Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school may search any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause to do so, with or without the presence of the student. A student has full responsibility for the security of his or her vehicle and must make certain that it is locked and that the keys are not given to others. [See also the Student Code of Conduct.]

Drug Detection Dogs

Trained dogs will be used according to guidelines in FNF (legal) to assist in maintaining a safe and orderly environment.

The use of a trained dog to sniff cars and lockers does not constitute a search under the Fourth Amendment. The alert of a trained dog to a locker or car provides reasonable cause for a search of the locker or car only in the dog is reasonable reliable in indicating that contraband is currently present.

Trained dogs’ sniffing of students does constitute a search and requires individualized reasonable suspicion.

TEXTBOOKS

State-approved textbooks are provided 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 textbooks until the book is returned or paid for by the parent. However, a student will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day.

TRANSPORTATION

School Sponsored Transportation

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 personally requests that the student be permitted to ride with the parent, or the parent presents - no later than the day before the scheduled trip - a written request that the student be permitted to ride with an adult designated by the parent.

Buses or Other School Vehicles

The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school. Further information may be obtained by calling the Bus Supervisor, Mr. Donald Johnson, at (940) 969-2501 or by contacting campus offices.

Students are expected to assist District staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding District vehicles, students are subject to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. The following rules apply:

· Be courteous and follow the driver's directions at all times.

· Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest home.

· Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus. Do not hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or outside of the bus.

· Upon boarding the bus, go to assigned seat, remain in your assigned seat and face forward keeping feet, books, and other objects out of the aisle.

· Upon leaving the bus, wait for the driver's signal before crossing in front of the bus.

· No eating or drinking is allowed on the bus.

· Animals, insects, or other pets are not allowed on the bus.

· The rear emergency door should be used for entry or exit only in an emergency.

· Use proper behavior at the bus stops; the principals’ jurisdiction extends to the bus stops.

· No excessive noise or yelling.

· No fighting - verbally or physically.

· No use of profanity or making offensive remarks or gestures.

· Do not deface the bus or its equipment

· Fasten their seat belt

Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended. The following rules and consequences will apply:

1. First violation: Bus driver will contact parent. Student will receive a warning. Parents will receive written notification.

2. Second violation: Suspension from the bus may occur (1-3 days). Consequences other than suspension may be decided by the administrator. Parents will receive written notification explaining the misconduct and future consequences.

3. Third violation: Student may be suspended from the bus for three to five school days, or other consequences as decided by the administration. Parent will receive written notification explaining the misconduct and future consequences.

4. Four or more violations: Student may be removed from the bus for the remainder of the semester unless the removal occurs during the last six-week period. Then the suspension may be carried over to the following semester. The principal will have final authority in resolving the situation.

IMPORTANT: Any time a student is suspended from riding the bus, PARENTS are responsible for providing transportation for the student to attend school. This is NOT suspension from class. If the student does not attend school when suspended from riding the bus, the absence is unexcused, and disciplinary action may result.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

Parents and guardians are welcome to visit District schools. For the safety of those within the school, all visitors must first report to the principal's office.

Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and so long 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 permitted.

Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students

On special occasions, the District invites representatives from colleges, universities and other higher education institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters to present information to interested students.

Notice Regarding Directory Information and
Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information

State law requires the district to give you the following information:

Certain information about district students is considered directory information and will be released to anyone who follows the procedures for requesting the information unless the parent or guardian objects to the release of the directory information about the student. If you do not want Paradise ISD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing by September 8, 2008/within ten school days of child’s first day of instruction for this school year.

This means that the district must give certain personal information (called “directory information”) about your child to any person who requests it, unless you have told the district in writing not to do so. In addition, you have the right to tell the district that it may, or may not, use certain personal information about your child for specific school-sponsored purposes. The district is providing you this form so you can communicate your wishes about these issues. [See Directory Information on page 11 for more information.]

For the following school-sponsored purposes: yearbook, class parties and activities, classroom and district web pages, Gifted and Talented newspaper, campus newsletter, class CD/DVD for parents, and local newspapers. See FL(LOCAL)]

Paradise ISD has designated the following information as directory information:

Student’s name

Address

Telephone listing

E-mail address

Photograph

Date and Place of Birth

Dates of attendance

Grade level

Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

Directory information identified only for limited school-sponsored purposes remains otherwise confidential and will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.

Parent: Please circle one of the choices below:

I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), (do give) (do not give) the district permission to use the information in the above list for the specified school-sponsored purposes.

Parent signature Date

For all other purposes, Paradise ISD has designated the following information as directory information:

Student’s name

Address

Telephone listing

E-mail address

Photograph

Date and place of birth

Dates of attendance

Grade level

Most recent school previously attended

Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

Enrollment status

Parent: Please circle one of the choices below:

I, parent of ______________________________ (student’s name), (do give) (do not give) the district permission to release the information in this list in response to a request unrelated to school-sponsored purposes.

Parent signature Date

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

GRADING GUIDELINES

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Questioning of Students

Students Taken into Custody

Notification of Law Violations

Personal Graduation Plan

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

SEMESTER EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY

STUDENT FEES

COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

STUDENT RECORDS

STUDENT SPEAKERS

CLASS SCHEDULES

COMPUTER RESOURCES

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR COMPUTERS

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

If a Student Has Taken the Course

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Permission to complete the Minimum Graduation Plan will be granted only if an agreement is reached among:

Graduation Activities will include:

SUMMER SCHOOL

SECTION III

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES / CONDITIONS

Academic Dishonesty / Cheating / Plagiarism

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS

School Materials

DRESS AND GROOMING

FUND-RAISING

IMMUNIZATION

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

PRAYER

PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS

SAFETY

SCHOOL FACILITIES

TEXTBOOKS

TRANSPORTATION

School Sponsored Transportation

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL