BANQUETE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

2006-2007

 

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

Please read and discuss this student handbook with your son/daughter.  If you have any questions concerning the contents of this handbook, please call the Banquete Elementary Office at (361) 387-4329.

 

“I understand and consent to the responsibilities outlined in the District’s Student Code of Conduct. I also understand and agree that my child, _______________________, shall be held accountable for the behavior and consequences outlined in the Student Code of Conduct at school and school-sponsored and school-related activities, including school-sponsored travel, and for any school-related conduct, regardless of time or location.  I understand that any student who violates the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including referral for criminal prosecution for violation of law.

 

Regarding student records, I understand that certain information about my child is considered directory information.  Directory information includes:  a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received in school, and most recent previous school attended. Directory information may be released by the District to anyone who requests it unless I object in writing to the release of any or all of this information within ten (10) school days of the time this handbook was issued to my child.  I have marked through those types of directory information listed above that I wish the District to withhold.”

 

 

I acknowledge that I have received and read a copy of Banquete Elementary School’s Student Handbook.

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________Date: _____________

 

             

Student’s Name: _______________________________________        Grade: ____________                    

 

 

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT

                                         AGREEMENT FOR 2005-2006

 

 

STUDENT AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN BANQUETE ISD  

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:

 

The student agreement must be renewed each academic year.

 

STUDENT:

 

NAME __________________________________________  GRADE _____________________

 

SCHOOL _____________________________________________________________________

 

I have read the District’s Electronic Communications System Policy and administrative regulations and agree to abide by their provisions. I understand that violations of these provisions may result in suspension or revocation of system access.

 

STUDENT’S SIGNATURE ________________________________  DATE _____________

 

PARENT:

 

I have read the District’s Electronic Communications System policy and administrative guidelines. In consideration for the privilege of using the District’s electronic communication system, and consideration for having access to public networks, I herby release the District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my child’s use of, inability to use, the system, including without limitation, the type of damage identified in the District’s policy and administrative regulations.

 

_____  I give permission for my child to participate in the District’s Electronic Communication

            System and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

 

_____  I do not give permission for my child to participate in the District’s Electronic

            Communication System.

 

Signature of parent or guardian _______________________________  Date ____________

 

Home address _______________________________________________________________

 

Phone # ____________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Banquete Elementary School

“Striving For Success”

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Parents and Student:

 

This handbook has been prepared to provide you with information about school services, rules, holidays, schedules, and co-curricular opportunities.

 

Information printed in this book is an attempt to save you time and trouble by making general school information readily available to you. Since it is important that each person understands his/her responsibility for the successful operation of this school, information is provided on attendance, discipline, the standard school day, and other general information.

 

It is your responsibility to be familiar with the contents of this handbook. Additional information or explanation will gladly be provided upon request. Ask your teacher, your counselor, or your principal for further help.

 

This handbook represents a desire on the part of the faculty and administration to serve you. Please keep this handbook and refer to it often.

 

The faculty and administration of Banquete Elementary School wish you a happy and successful school year.

 

Yours In Education,

 

Nancy Mooney

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banquete Independent School District Mission

 

2005-2006

 

The mission of Banquete Independent School District is to provide a well-balanced instructional program, in conjunction with parents, community that produces young citizens who excel in an ever-changing society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banquete Elementary School Mission

 

2005-2006

 

 

The mission of Banquete Elementary School, as a total community educational campus committed to excellence, with primary emphasis on the pre-k to fifth program, is to produce quality citizens for tomorrow through participation in a quality instructional program, in innovative and challenging educational experiences, and in creative partnerships with the community, will develop self-esteem, moral values, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills which will prepare them to become responsible, productive citizens of the 21st century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.                   

2.                  PREFACE

 

 

To Students and Parents:

 

Welcome to school year 2005–2006! For this new school year to be successful for your child, we must all work together:  students, parents, teachers, and other school staff members.  This student handbook is designed to help us do this.

 

The Banquete Elementary Student Handbook contains information that both students and parents are likely to need during the school year.  Please be aware that the term "the student's parent" is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student. 

 

Both students and parents must be familiar with the Banquete ISD Student Code of Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning.  That document will be sent to you as a separate document and a copy will be maintained in the principal’s office for reference.

 

The student handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct.  Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year.  Changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.

 

In case of conflict between Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of student handbooks, the provisions of Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct that were most recently adopted by the Board are to be followed.

 

We strongly recommend that parents review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during this school year.  If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal.  Also, please complete and return the parental acknowledgment and consent/opt-out forms so that we have a record of your choices.

 

Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current policy.  A copy of the District's policy manual is available in the superintendent’s office or on-line at www.banqueteisd.esc2.net

 

 

 

 

 

Nondiscrimination

Banquete ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The following District staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements:

·        Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex.:  Superintendent.

·        Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability:   Superintendent

 

 

Services for the Homeless and for Title I Participants

Other designated staff you may need to contact include:

·        Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, who coordinates services for homeless students:  Aleρa Garza,  Elementary Counselor.

·        Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students participating in Title I programs:  Aleρa Garza, Elementary Counselor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

 

 

 

Jerome Tymrak                                                President

 

Marty Lopez                                                    Vice-President

 

Larry Wright                                                     Secretary

 

Tracy Wright                                                    Member

 

Aaron Ramon                                                   Member

 

Catarino Alvear                                                Member

 

Gary Taub                                                        Member

 

 

ADMINISTRATION

           

 

                                                                                                            Superintendent

                                    Gerald Mooney                                                Curriculum Director

                                    Aurelio Tamayo                                                High School Principal

                                    Eusebio Torres                                     Jr. High Principal

                                    Nancy Mooney                                                Elementary Principal

                                    Adrian Pena                                                     Business Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BANQUETE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STAFF

 

PRINCIPAL                                       TEACHERS’ NAMES

Nancy Mooney                                    Julie Ramirez                -Pre-Kindergarten

                                                            Maria Soza                   -Kindergarten

COUNSELOR                                   Rita Stevens                 -Kindergarten

Aleρa Garza                                         Karen Harris                -Kindergarten

                                                            Amy Smith                   -First Grade

SECRETARY                                    Emelda Espinoza          -First Grade                            

Veronica Lira                                       Jill Malek                      -First Grade

                                                            Lauren Miller                -First Grade

                                                            Donna Barrera              -Second Grade

CUSTODIANS                                  Ellie Killian                   -Second Grade

Salema Pacheco                                   Debbie Parr                  -Second Grade

Dora Mendez                                       Emma Buitron               -Second Grade

Ismael Chavez                                      Gloria Carreon -Third Grade

                                                Kathy Otahal                -Third Grade

                                                            Kari Hendricks -Third Grade

                                                            Margaret Sauceda        -Third Grade

                                                            Brenda Krnavek           -Fourth Grade

                                                            Robin Sykora               -Fourth Grade

NURSE                                               Nancy Driver                -Fourth Grade

                                                            Jennifer Pena                -Fourth Grade

Carol Bandelow                                   Delilah Linenberger       -Fifth Grade

                                                            Rosalinda Garcia          -Fifth Grade

                                                            Mike Pena                    -Fifth Grade

                                                            Ofelia Pena                   -Fifth Grade

PARAPROFESSIONALS                 Jim Culpepper              -Band/Music

Margarita Ysassi                                   Jason Bowie                 -Music

Thelma Trevino                         Gerardo Carpentier      -Physical Education

Alicia Luna                                           Adrienne Strong           -Special Education

Evita Pena                                            Dalia Benitez                -Special Education       

Ernestina Garcia                                   Katherine Greenup       -Speech Therapist

Irene Stuart                                         

Liz Sendejo                             

           

                                   

PROJECT REAL-TIME AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Pete Garza – Site Coordinator

Mari Valdez

Robert Ramirez

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I – Parent Information

            Important Information For Parents……………………………………………….11

            Your Involvement As A Parent…………………………………………………..11

            Grading Guidelines……………………………………………………………….14

            Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Conferences……………………………….14

            State Assessment…………………………………………………………………14

            Promotion and Retention…………………………………………………………15

            Medicine at School……………………………………………………………….15

            Student Records…………………………………………………………………..16

            Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns……………………………………..18

            Release of Students From School………………………………………………...18

Section II – General Information and Requirements

            Admissions………………………………………………………………………21

            Assemblies……………………………………………………………………….20

            Attendance……………………………………………………………………….22

            Attendance Documentation………………………………………………………23

            Attendance/Tardies………………………………………………………………24

            Awards and Honors……………………………………………………………...24

            Bus Services……………………………………………………………………..24

            Cafeteria Services………………………………………………………………. 25

            Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty……………………………………. 26

            Communicable Diseases/Conditions…………………………………………… 26

            Communication Between Home and School…………………………………… 28

            Complaints by Students/Parents…………………………………………………28

            Computer Resources…………………………………………………………….28

            Conduct………………………………………………………………………… 31

            Conferences…………………………………………………………………….  32

            Corporal Punishment…………………………………………………………...  32

            Counseling……………………………………………………………………..   32

            Credit By Examination………………………………………………………...   33

            Detention………………………………………………………………………   33

            Discipline………………………………………………………………………  33

            Disruption by Students or Others………………………………………………. 34

            Distribution of Published Materials or Documents…………………………….  34

            Dress Code……………………………………………………………………..   35

            Emergency School Closing Information……………………………………….   37

            Extracurricular Activities………………………………………………………   37

            Faculty Lounge…………………………………………………………………   38

            Field Trips………………………………………………………………………  38

            Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value……………………………………………..38

            Freedom from Discrimination    ……………………………………………………38

            Fund Raising……………………………………………………………………. 39

            Harassment……………………………………………………………………..   40

            Health……………………………………………………………………………40

            Homework……………………………………………………………………..  41

            Immunization……………………………………………………………….…..41

            Insurance………………………………………………………………………..41

            Law Enforcement……………………………………………………………….42

            Library…………………………………………………………………………..43

            Lockers………………………………………………………………………….43

            Medicine at School……………………………………………………………...43

            Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups…………………………………...44

            Parental Involvement and Responsibilities……………………………………..44

            Parental Rights and Responsibilities……………………………………………44

            Parties and Social Events……………………………………………………….46

            Pest Control Information………………………………………………………..46

            Physical Education……………………………………………………………...47

            Pledge of Allegiance……………………………………………………………47

            Prayer…………………………………………………………………………...47

            Promotion and Retention……………………………………………………….47

            Radios, CD Players, Cell Phones, Etc………………………………………….48

            Release of Students from School……………………………………………… 49

            Report Cards……………………………………………………………………49

            Safety…………………………………………………………………………   50

            School Buses or Other Vehicles………………………………………………..51

            School Facilities………………………………………………………………. 51

            Searches……………………………………………………………………… ..52

            Sexual Harassment……………………………………………………………. 52            Smoking………………………………………………………………………. 53

            Special Programs……………………………………………………………… 53

            Student Fees…………………………………………………………………    54

            Student Records………………………………………………………………. 54

            Textbooks……………………………………………………………………..  55

            Transportation………………………………………………………………… 55

            Vandalism…………………………………………………………………….. .56

            Videotaping of Students………………………………………………………...56

            Visitors………………………………………………………………………..   56

            Withdrawal from School………………………………………………………  56

Notice of Parent and Student Rights ……………………………………………….  57

           

 

3.                   

4.                   

5.                   

6.                   

7.                   

8.                   

 

9.                   

10.              SECTION 1
 

11.              IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the Banquete Elementary Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent, such as:

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

·        Information you may request about your child's teacher and any instructional paraprofessional who works with your child in the Title I program;

·        Your child's grades and progress reports;

·        State and local testing and promotion requirements;

·        Records pertaining to your child and your right, under certain circumstances, to consent or deny their release;

·        Conferences with your child's teacher; and

·        Procedures to follow if you have a concern that isn't resolved by a conference.

 

 

YOUR INVOLVEMENT AS A PARENT

Working Together

A child's education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication.  Your involvement in this partnership may include:

·        Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides.  Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

·        Becoming familiar with all of your child's school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the District.  Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.  Monitor your child's academic progress and contact teachers as needed. 

·        Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed.  To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at 387-4329 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.

·        Becoming a school volunteer.  For further information, see policy GKG and contact Aleρa Garza, Counselor.

·        Participating in campus parent organizations.  Parent organizations include:  Banquete PTA; and Banquete  Booster Club.

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

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

·        Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations. 

 

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 or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.

·        Sexual behavior or attitudes.

·        Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

·        Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.

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

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

·        Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine the student's eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial assistance under such a program.

You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF.]

 

"Opting Out" of Surveys and Activities

As a parent, you also have a right to receive notice and opt your child out of participating in:

·        Any survey concerning the private information listed above.

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

Parents also have a right:

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

·        To request a transfer of your child to another classroom if your child has been verified by the board’s designee to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341.

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

·        To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.

·        To review your child's student records when needed.  These records include:

Attendance records,

Test scores,

Grades,

Disciplinary records,

Counseling records,

Psychological records,

Applications for admission,

Health and immunization information,

Other medical records,

Teacher and counselor evaluations,

Reports of behavioral patterns, and

State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child. 

·        To grant or deny any written request from the District to make a videotape or voice recording of your child.  State law, however, permits the school to make a videotape or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:

When it is to be used for school safety;

When it relates to classroom instruction or a cocurricular or extracurricular activity; or

When it relates to media coverage of the school.

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

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

·        To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the District determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity.  [See policy EHBK]

·        To request in writing, if you are a noncustodial parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion.  See policies FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.

 

GRADING GUIDELINES

In grades PK-1, achievement is reported to parents as B=Beginning; D=Developed; I=Independent X= Major Area of Concern; S=Satisfactory; N=Needs Improvement; and U=Unsatisfactory.   In grades 2-5 numeric grades are reported. 

 

REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS, AND CONFERENCES

Report cards with your child's grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to you at least once every six weeks.  At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, you will be given a written unsatisfactory progress report if your child's performance in any course (in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance.  If your child receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, you will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject.  The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.  Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within three days.

 

STATE ASSESSMENT

Students at certain grade levels will take state assessment tests (such as TAKS: the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in the following subjects, as well as routine testing and other measures of achievement:

·        Mathematics, annually in grades 3–7 without the aid of technology and, in grades 8–11, with the aid of technology on any assessment test that includes algebra

·        Reading, annually in grades 3–9

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

·        English language arts in grade 10

·        Social studies in grades 8 and 10

·        Science in grades 5, 8, and 10 [See note below.]

·        Any other subject and grade required by federal law.

Note: The science assessment test in grade 8 will be administered beginning in the 2006–2007 school year.  [See policy EKB.]

 

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level.  In grades 1-8, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100 based upon course level, grade-level standards (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) for all subject areas and a grade of 70 or above in three of the following areas:  language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.  In addition, students at certain grade levels will be required to pass the new Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) as a further requirement for promotion:

·        In order to be promoted to grade 4 in school year 2004–2005 and thereafter, students must have performed satisfactorily on the Reading section of the grade 3 assessment test in English or Spanish.

·        In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 in school year 2004–2005 and thereafter must perform satisfactorily on the Mathematics and Reading sections of the grade 5 assessment test in English or Spanish.

·        In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 in school year 2007–2008 must perform satisfactorily on the Mathematics and Reading sections of the grade 8 assessment test in English.

In addition, students in grades 3, 5, and 8 must meet promotion standards established by the District in order to be promoted.

 

Parents of students who do not perform satisfactorily on their exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance.  These students will also have two additional opportunities to take the test.  If the student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student's parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive.  After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee.  In order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the District, the decision of the committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year.

 

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.

 

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

No District employee will give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, or dietary supplements except:

·        Authorized employees, in accordance with policy, and:

If the medication is prescription, it must be provided by the parent, along with a written request, and be in the original, properly labeled container.

If the medication is nonprescription, it must be provided by the parent, along with a written request, and be in the original, properly labeled container.

If the substance is herbal or a dietary supplement, it must be provided by the parent and will be administered only if it is required by the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.

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

In accordance with the guidelines developed with the District's medical advisor for treatment of the particular emergency; and

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

A student with asthma who has written authorization from his or her parent and physician or other licensed health care provider may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma medication at school or school-related events.  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.

 

In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school related activity.  See school nurse or principal for information.

 

STUDENT RECORDS

Both federal and state law safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and "eligible" students certain rights.  For purposes of student records, an "eligible" student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.

The law specifies that certain general information about Banquete ISD students is considered "directory information" and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

 

Release of any or all directory information regarding a student may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student.  This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the child's first day of instruction for this school year. (See the Acknowledgement Form attached to this h andbook)

 

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

·        The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless parental rights have been legally terminated and if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.  Federal law requires that, as soon as the student becomes eligible, control of the records goes to the student.  However, the parents may continue to have access to the records if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.

·        District staff members who have what federal law defines as a "legitimate educational interest" in a student's records.  Such persons would include school officials (such as Board members, the Superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the District (such as a medical consultant).

·        Various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order.

·        A school to which a student transfers or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.

Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer, or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.

The District must 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.

The Principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school.  The Superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.

 

Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours.  If   circumstances effectively prevent inspection during these hours, the District shall either provide a copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the requested records.  The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records.  The address of the Superintendent's office is:

           

Banquete ISD

            PO Box 369

            Banquete, Texas  78339

The address of the principals' office is:

            Nancy Mooney

            Banquete Elementary

            PO Box 369

            Banquete, Texas  78339

A parent may inspect the student's records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights.  If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing.  If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student's record.  Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student's grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process defined by policy FNG. 

 

Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance.  If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.

 

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 at the principal's or Superintendent's office.

 

The parent's or eligible student's right of access to, and copies of, student records does not extend to all records.  Materials that are not considered educational records—such as teachers' personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

 

STUDENT OR PARENT COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply—by a phone call or a conference with the teacher.  For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the District has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG (LOCAL) in the District's policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the Superintendent's office or on the District's Web site at:  www.banqueteisd.esc2.net.

In general, the student or parent should first discuss the complaint 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.

 

RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.

 

A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning.  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.

 

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.

 

 

 

Late Arrival to School

A student who is tardy to class two times during the six weeks will be assigned to detention hall.  Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action to include making up time during summer school.

 

Withdrawal 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.  A withdrawal form may be obtained by the parent from the principal's office.

 

On the student's last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the clinic for health records; to the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal.  A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the student and a copy placed in the student's permanent record.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.              SECTION II

13.               

14.              GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMEN