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SECTION I This section of the Banquete Junior High Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent. Where to look when you need information about … Parental involvement page 8 Grading guidelines page 12 Report cards/progress reports and conferences page 12 State-mandated tests page 13 Other standardized testing: college requirements page 13 Medicine at school page 13 Psychotropic drugs page 14 Steroids page 14 Student records page 15 Student or parent complaints and concerns page 17 Release of students from school page 17 Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include: Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn. Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district. Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. If your child is entering ninth grade, review the requirements of the graduation programs with your child. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling on page 21 and Academic Programs on page 21.] 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 387-6504 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 12.] Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG and contact the campus principal. Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: PTA 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 school principal. Offering to serve on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies BDF, EHAA, FFA and School Health Advisory Council on page 32.] Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies BE and BED for more information.] 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 of and deny permission for your child’s participation in: Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding. School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information. Any 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. Display of your child’s artwork, projects, and other special work products: As a parent, if you choose that your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs, and the like not be displayed to the community on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of communication, you must notify the principal in writing. As a parent, you 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 review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child. To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child. To review your child’s student records when needed. These records include: Attendance records, Test scores, Grades, Disciplinary records, Counseling records, Psychological records, Applications for admission, Health and immunization information, Other medical records, Teacher and counselor evaluations, Reports of behavioral patterns, and State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child. [See Student Records on page 15.] 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 minute of silence or silent activity that follows. [See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 41 and policy EC.] To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK] To request in writing, if you are a noncustodial parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. See policies FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), FO(LEGAL), and the Student Code of Conduct. To request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the Superintendent to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the Superintendent for information. [See policy FDB] To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDD(LOCAL)] To request the transfer of your child to another campus if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student on the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policy FDD(LOCAL)] In grades 6–8, achievement is reported to parents as: Six weeks grades: The daily grades for each six weeks period shall count forty percent(40%) of the final grade. All assessments, which may include test, quiz, pop test and Accelerated Reader(AR) test shall count sixty percent(60%) of the final grade. Term papers, notebooks, etc., may be weighed the same as one or more assessment grades depending on the complexity of the assignment. A report card grade should include weekly test, daily work, notebooks, themes, six weeks test and other assigned work. Grades for each of the students should be recorded in the Teacher’s Daily Grade Book. No fewer than 12 grades should be recorded each six weeks, more are recommended. REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every six weeks. At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, parents will be given a written unsatisfactory progress report if their child’s performance in any course (in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. [See Working Together on page 8 for how to schedule a conference.] Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the 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. [See policy EIA.] Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL). The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject. STATE-MANDATED TESTS In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state-mandated tests (such as TAKS: the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in the following subjects: Mathematics, annually in grades 3–7 without the aid of technology and, in grades 8–11, with the aid of technology on any test that includes algebra Reading, annually in grades 3–9 Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7 English language arts in grades 10 and 11 Social studies in grades 8, 10, and 11 Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11 Any other subject and grade required by federal law [See policy EKB.] 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 must take a standardized test, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA]). District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions: Only authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer: Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request. Medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container. Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request. Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities. In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only: In accordance with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor and When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form. A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication. If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the principal. In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF] A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance. Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.] State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use. Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense. Both federal and state 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. Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to: The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless parental rights have been legally terminated and if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, control of the records goes to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. District staff members who have what federal law defines as a "legitimate educational interest" in a student’s records. Such persons would include school officials (such as board members, the superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the district (such as a medical consultant). Various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order. A school to which a student transfers or in which he or she subsequently enrolls. Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate. The superintendent is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated. Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student during regular school hours. If circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will either provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review these records. The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. The address of the superintendent’s office is 4334 4th street. The address(es) of the principals’ office is: 4334 4th street, Banquete TX 78339 A parent (or eligible student ) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the district refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process found in policy FNG. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 12 and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 17 for an overview of the process.] Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent. The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as "directory information." This "directory information" will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. However, release of a student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the child’s first day of this school year. [See the "Notices Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information" attached to this handbook.] Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes The district often requires the use of student information for the following school-sponsored purposes: see FL Local For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use the student’s FL Local. This information will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student. Unless you object to the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed. 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 the district web site http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/178913/ 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 by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or at the District’s web site http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/178913/ In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees. 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 and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day. If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent. A student who is tardy to class by more than 10 minutes will be assigned to detention hall. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action. 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 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 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. Detention Hall Because punctuality, bringing proper materials and good work habits are so essential to success, both in school and later in life, students will be expected to exhibit these types of behavior without question. To firmly and fairly establish these types of good habits, noon detention exists. DETENTION HALL IS NOT DESIGNED TO BE A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE. Either teacher and/or principal may assign noon detention for the following offenses. Not completing classroom assignments/projects in a timely manner or not doing work of sufficiently quality. Not bringing materials to class, including not dressing out for Phy. Ed. Class. Persistent tardiness to school/class. Dress Code Violation Minor disciplinary reasons, which may include; foul language, running, etc. ANY STUDENT ASSISGNED TO DETENTION HALL WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THAT WEEK’S PEP-RALLY, PRESENTATION, ACTIVITY, ETC. In School suspension (ISS) Rules Unfortunately, there are times when students do not follow campus or code of conduct rules. Removal of that student from the regular educational setting then becomes necessary in order to maintain the proper educational environment at out school. Please read the following stipulations regarding placement. Follow all ISS rules. Failure to follow these rules may lead to additional assigned days, suspension, or expulsion. A student may not attend any school event at home or away during the time that the student is assigned to serve. If he/she is absent for an assigned day, the day will be made up when he/she returns to school. A student athlete who is assigned to ISS will be subject to discipline according to the Banquete Jr. High School Athletic Code of Conduct. If a student is discovered attending a school event during the time he/she is assigned to ISS, he/she will be asked to leave the event and extra ISS time may be assigned. The student must complete all assignments and return them to the ISS teacher. The student will not be dismissed from ISS until all assignments are completed. The student should bring all his/her books back with him/her when he/she has been dismissed from ISS. The student should report the office as soon as he arrives at school on the days he/she is assigned to ISS. National Junior Honor Society students assigned to ISS will be brought before the disciplinary committee and possibly put on probation. Dismissal from NJHS could also result depending on the severity of the violation of the Student code of Conduct.
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