To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2011-2012! Education is
a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff
members all working together can make this a wonderfully successful year for
our students.
The New Diana Intermediate School Student Handbook is
designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you
and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it
easier to use, the handbook is divided into two sections:
Section I—PARENTAL RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES—with information to assist you in responding to
school-related issues. We encourage you to take some time to closely review
this section of the handbook.
Section II—OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
STUDENTS AND PARENTS—organized alphabetically by topic for quick access when
searching for information on a specific issue.
Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is
used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has
agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents should become familiar with
the New Diana ISD Student Code of Conduct, which is a document adopted by
the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for
learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this handbook and
[posted at
www.ndisd.org or available in the principal’s office].
The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with
board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that the
handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur
throughout the year. Changes in policy or other rules that affect Student
Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through
newsletters or other communications.
In case of conflict between board policy (including the
Student Code of Conduct) and any provisions of the Student Handbook, the
current provisions of board policy and the Student Code of Conduct are to be
followed.
After reading through the entire handbook with your
child, 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 the
principal, Donna McGuire.
Also, please complete and return to your child’s campus
the following required forms provided in the forms packet accompanying this
handbook
1.
Parental Acknowledgment Form
2.
Home Language Survey
3.
Acceptable Use Policy
4.
Use of Student Work and Publications
5.
Student Directory Information and Release of Student Information Form
6.
Media Release
7.
Free and Reduced Lunch Forms
8.
Drug Free form
9.
Title 1 Family School Compact
10.
Ethnicity Form
11.
Emergency Medical Release Consent
12.
Required Family Survey
13.
Student Release Authorization – Campus
14.
PTO Membership
[See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student
Rights on page 4 and Directory Information on page 10 for more
information.]
Please note that references to policy codes are
included so that parents can refer to current board policy. A copy of the
district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office or
online at
www.ndisd.org .
This section of the New Diana Intermediate School
Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to
you as a parent.
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.
·
Ensuring 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.
·
Discussing with the counselor or principal any questions you
may have about the options and opportunities available to your child.
·
Reviewing the requirements of the graduation programs with
your child, if your child is entering ninth grade.
·
Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting
teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling on page 18 and
Academic Programs on page 14.]
·
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 (903)
663-8003 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
34.]
·
Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see
policies at GKG and contact Cindy Hudgins at New Diana Intermediate School
at 903-663-8003 or
chudgins@ndisd.org
·
Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent
organizations include: Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Campus Decision
Making Team, Title I meetings
·
Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or
campus-level planning committees, assisting in the development of
educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further
information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact Joyce Sloan,
superintendent. (903) 663-8000
jsloan@ndisd.org
·
Serving on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the
district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health
education instruction. [See policies at BDF, EHAA, FFA, and information in
this handbook at School Health Advisory Council on page 27.]
·
Attending board meetings to learn more about district
operations. [See policies at BE and BED for more information.]
The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with
parents of students participating in Title I programs is Holly Duncan and
may be contacted at (903) 663-8000
hduncan@ndisd.org
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(LEGAL).]
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 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.]
As a parent, you may inspect a survey created by a
third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
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.
[Also see Removing a Student from Human Sexuality
Instruction on page 6 for additional information.]
Teachers may display students’ work in classrooms or
elsewhere on campus as recognition of student achievement. The district
will seek parental consent before displaying students’ artwork, special
projects, photographs taken by students, and the like on the district’s Web
site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of mass
communication.
You may review your child’s student records. 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 8.]
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 cocurricular or
extracurricular activity; or
·
When it relates to media coverage of the school.
As a parent, if your child is under the age of 14, you
must grant permission for your child to receive instruction in the
district’s parenting and paternity awareness program or your child will not
be allowed to participate in the instruction. This program, developed by
the Office of the Texas Attorney General and the State Board of Education
(SBOE), is incorporated into the district’s health education classes.
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 part of the district’s curriculum, students
receive instruction related to human sexuality. The School Health Advisory
Council (SHAC) is involved with the selection of course materials for such
instruction.
State law requires that any instruction related to
human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency
virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must:
·
Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred
choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried
persons of school age;
·
Devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than
to any other behavior;
·
Emphasize that abstinence is the only method that is 100
percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases,
and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity;
·
Direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which
abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to
prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; and
·
If included in the content of the curriculum, teach
contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates instead of
theoretical laboratory rates.
In accordance with state law, below is a summary of the
district’s curriculum regarding human sexuality instruction:
Students who elect to take
health education are required by state law to receive Parenting and
Paternity Awareness P.A.P.A. Parents may access information to this
curriculum by going to http://www.oag.state.tx.us/cs/ofi/papa/
or can contact Holly Duncan, Director of Curriculum and Special Programs at
(903) 663-8000 to receive a copy of the curriculum.
As a parent, you are entitled to review the curriculum
materials. In addition, you may remove your child from any part of this
instruction with no academic, disciplinary, or other penalties. You may
also choose to become more involved with the development of curriculum used
for this purpose by becoming a member of the district’s SHAC. Please see
the campus principal for additional information.
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 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 32 and policy EC(LEGAL).]
You may 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(LEGAL).]
A noncustodial parent may request in writing that he or
she be provided, for the remainder of the school year, a copy of any written
notice usually provided to a parent related to his or her child’s misconduct
that may involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program
(DAEP) or expulsion. [See policy FO(LEGAL) and the Student Code of
Conduct.]
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.
If you do not want corporal punishment to be
administered to your child as a method of student discipline, a signed
statement must be provided each year.
You may choose to revoke this request at any time
during the year by providing a signed statement to the campus principal.
However, district personnel may chose to use discipline methods other than
corporal punishment even if the parent request that this method be used on
the student.
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 board or its designee to
have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code
25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus.
See the superintendent or designee for information. [See policy FDB.]
[See Bullying on page
15, and policy FFI(LOCAL).]
·
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
FDE(LOCAL).]
·
To request the transfer of your child to another campus or a
neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault
by another student assigned to the same campus, whether that assault
occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed
on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policy FDE.]
As a parent, if your children are multiple birth
siblings (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) assigned to the same grade and
campus, you may request that they be placed either in the same classroom or
in separate classrooms. Your written request must be submitted no later
than the 14th day after the enrollment of your children. [See policy
FDB(LEGAL).]
Parents of students with learning difficulties or who
may need special education services may request an evaluation for special
education at any time. For more information, see Special Programs on
page 37 and contact Holly Duncan at
hduncan@ndisd.org (903) 663-8000
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 (RtI). The implementation of RtI 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 prior written notice that
explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will
include a statement that informs the parents of their rights, if they
disagree with the district. The district is required to give parents the
Notice of Procedural Safeguards—Rights of Parents of Students with
Disabilities. Additional information regarding the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is available from the school district in a
companion document, A Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal
Process.
The following Web sites provide information to those
who are seeking information and resources specific to students with
disabilities and their families:
·
Texas Project First, at
http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/
·
Partners Resource Network, at
http://www.partnerstex.org/howPRNhelps.html
The designated person to contact regarding options for
a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for
special education is Brandy Camp at (903) 663-8000.
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).]
Children of military families will be provided
flexibility regarding certain district requirements, including:
·
Immunization requirements.
·
Grade level, course, or educational program placement.
·
Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular
activities.
·
Graduation requirements.
In addition, absences related to a student visiting
with his or her parent related to leave or deployment activities may be
excused by the district. The district will permit no more than 10 excused
absences per year for this purpose. Should extenuating circumstances arise,
additional days may be granted by the superintendent.
Additional information may be found at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.asps?id=7995
Both federal and state laws safeguard student records
from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible
students certain rights of privacy. Before disclosing any personally
identifiable information from a student’s records, the district must verify
the identity of the person, including a parent or the student, requesting
the information. 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 the
school is given a copy of a court order terminating parental rights or the
right to access a student’s education records.
Federal law requires that,
as soon as a student becomes 18, is emancipated by a court, or enrolls in a
postsecondary institution, 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 and under limited circumstances when there
is a threat to the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
·
District school officials who have what federal law refers to
as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. School
officials would include trustees and employees, such as the superintendent,
administrators, and principals; teachers, counselors, diagnosticians, and
support staff; a person or company with whom the district has contracted or
allowed to provide a particular service or function (such as an attorney,
consultant, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or volunteer); a parent
or student serving on a school committee; or a parent or student assisting a
school official in the performance of his or her duties. “Legitimate
educational interest” in a student’s records includes working with the
student; considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case,
or an individualized education program for a student with disabilities;
compiling statistical data; reviewing an educational record to fulfill the
official’s professional responsibility; or investigating or evaluating
programs.
·
Various governmental agencies, including juvenile service
providers
·
Individuals granted access in response to a subpoena or court
order.
·
A school or institution of postsecondary education to which a
student seeks or intends to enroll or in which he or she is already
enrolled.
Release to any other person or agency—such as a
prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with
parental or student permission as appropriate.
The principal is custodian of all records for currently
enrolled students at the assigned school. The principal or 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. The records custodian or designee will
respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the
records.
A parent or eligible student who provides a written
request and pays copying costs of ten cents per page may obtain copies. If
circumstances prevent inspection during regular school hours and the student
qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, 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 address of the superintendent’s office
is 1376 US Highway 259 South, Diana, Texas 75640.
The address(es) of the principals’ offices are:
Robert F. Hunt Elementary 11150 State
Highway 154 East, Diana, Texas 75640
New Diana Intermediate School, 1379 US
Highway 259 South, Diana, Texas 75640
New Diana Middle School,
11854 State Highway 154 East, Diana, Texas 75640
New Diana High School, 11826
State Highway 154 East, Diana, Texas 75640
A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the
student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered
inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy
rights. A request to correct a student’s record should be submitted to the
principal. The request must clearly identify the part of the record that
should be corrected and include an explanation of how the information in the
record is inaccurate. If the district denies the request to amend the
records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing.
If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the parent or
eligible student 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(LOCAL). A grade issued by a classroom teacher can be changed only if,
as determined by the board of trustees, the grade is arbitrary, erroneous,
or inconsistent with the district’s grading policy. [See FINALITY OF GRADES
at FNG(LEGAL), Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page
34, and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns on page 16 for an
overview of the process.]
The district’s policy regarding student records found
at FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL) is available from the principal’s or
superintendent’s office or on the district’s Web site at
www.ndisd.org .
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to
and copies of student records do not extend to all records. Materials that
are not considered educational records—such as a teacher’s 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.
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
complaint may be mailed to:
Family Policy Compliance
Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
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 your child’s
first day of instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding
Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student
Information” included in this handbook and included in the forms packet.
The district often needs to use student information for
the following school-sponsored purposes: District publications and
announcements.
For these specific school-sponsored purposes, the
district would like to use the following:
·
Student’s name
·
Address
·
Telephone listing
·
E-mail address
·
Photograph
·
Date of birth
·
Major field of study
·
Honor and awards received
·
Dates of attendance
·
Grade level
·
Most recent educational institution attended
·
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
·
Weight and height, if a member of an athletic team
·
Enrollment status
FL(LOCAL). This information will not be used for other
purposes without the consent of the parent or eligible student, except as
described above at Directory Information.
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 above.
Topics in this section of the handbook contain
important information on academics, school activities, and school operations
and requirements. Take a moment with your child to become familiar with the
various issues addressed in this section. It is organized in alphabetical
order to serve as a quick-reference when you or your child has a question
about a specific school-related issue. Should you be unable to find the
information on a particular topic, please contact your child’s principal,
Donna McGuire at (903) 663-8003
dmcguire@ndisd.org .
Regular school attendance is essential for a 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 with attendance for
course credit—are of special interest to students and parents. They are
discussed below.
State law requires that a student between the ages of
six and 18 attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction
program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is
otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his
or her 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.]
Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten
are required to attend school.
State law requires attendance in an accelerated reading
instruction program when kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students
are assigned to such a program. Parents will be notified in writing if
their child is assigned to an accelerated reading instruction program as a
result of a diagnostic reading instrument.
A student in grades 3–8 will be required to attend any
assigned accelerated instruction program, which may occur before or after
school or during the summer, if the student does not meet the passing
standards on the state assessment for his or her grade level and applicable
subject area.
State law allows exemptions to the compulsory
attendance requirements for several types of absences if the student makes
up all work. These include the following activities and events:
·
Religious holy days;
·
Required court appearances;
·
Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship;
·
Service as an election clerk; and
·
Documented health-care appointments, including absences for
recognized services for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
In addition, a junior or senior student’s absence of up
to two days related to visiting a college or university will be considered
an exemption, provided the student receives approval from the campus
principal, follows the campus procedures to verify such a visit, and makes
up any work missed.
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; or from required tutorials will be considered in violation of the
compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action.
A court of law may also impose penalties against both
the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately
not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court
if the student:
·
Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days
(parts of days include tardiness) within a six-month period in the same
school year, or
·
Is absent on three or more days or parts of days (parts of
days include tardiness) within a four-week period.
For a
student younger than 12 years of age, the student’s parent could be charged
with a criminal offense based on the student’s failure to attend school.
If a
student between the ages of 12 and 18 violates the compulsory attendance
law, both the parent and student could be charged with a criminal offense.
If the
student is age 18 or older; the student, but no the student’s parents, would
be subject to the penalties as a result of the student’s violation of state
compulsory attendance law. [ See policy FEA (LEGAL)]
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 at
least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered
may receive credit for the class if he or she completes a plan, approved by
the principal that allows the student to fulfill the instructional
requirements for the class. If a student is involved in a criminal or
juvenile court proceeding, the approval of the judge presiding over the case
will also be required before the student receives credit for the class.
If a student attends less than 75 percent of the days a
class is offered or has not completed a plan approved by the principal, then
the student will be referred to the attendance review committee to determine
whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the
student can regain credit, if appropriate. [See policies at FEC.]
In determining whether there were extenuating
circumstances for the absences, the attendance 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 the reasons listed above at Exemptions to
Compulsory Attendance will be considered days of attendance for this
purpose.
·
A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences
only after he or she has enrolled in the district. For a student
transferring into the district after school begins, including a migrant
student, only those 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 parent 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(LOCAL).
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—upon returning to school—must bring a note signed by the parent that
describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even
with the parent’s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18
or older.
Upon return to school, a student absent for more than 5
consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a
doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the
student’s extended absence from school.
Should the student develop a questionable pattern of
absences, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement from
a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the
student’s absence from school.
[See policy FEC(LOCAL).]
For a student between the ages of 16 and 18 to obtain a
driver license, written parental permission must be provided for the Texas
Department of Public Safety (DPS) to access the student’s attendance and, in
certain circumstances, for a school administrator to provide the student’s
attendance information to DPS.
The school counselor provides students and parents
information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and
career choices. [For more information, see Academic Counseling on
page 18 of this handbook and policies at EIF.]
New Diana Intermediate School recognizes outstanding
student accomplishments at Awards Assemblies held at the end of each
semester. Also, students have the opportunity to be recognized for
outstanding academic, responsibility, and leadership characteristics by
being invited to join the Elementary National Honor Society.
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students
engages in written or verbal expression 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 physical harm or of damage to the
student’s property, or
·
Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an
intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment.
Bullying is prohibited by the district and could
include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, assault, demands for money,
confinement, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions,
name-calling, rumor-spreading, and ostracism. In some cases, bullying can
occur through electronic methods, called “cyberbullying.”
If a student believes that he or show has experienced
bullying or has witnessed bullying of another student, it is important for
the student or parent to notify a teacher, counselor, principal, or another
district employee as soon as possible. The administration will investigate
any allegations of bullying and will take appropriate disciplinary action if
an investigation indicates that bullying has occurred. Disciplinary or
other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of
bullying.
Any retaliation against a student who reports and
incident of bullying is prohibited.
[See School Safety Transfers on page 7 and
policy FFI(LOCAL).]
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM
Copying another person’s work, such as homework, class
work, or a test is a form of cheating. Plagiarism, which is the use as
one’s own of another person’s original ideas or writing without giving
credit to the true author, will also be considered cheating and the student
will be subject to academic disciplinary action that may include loss of
credit for the work in question. Teachers who have the reason to believe
that a student has engaged in cheating will assess the academic penalty to
be imposed.
The district has established a plan for addressing
child sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children, which may be accessed
at
www.ndisd.org . As a parent, it is important for you to be aware of
warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being sexually
abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual
conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well
as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a
child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or
neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the
suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective
Services (CPS).
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could
be difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of
stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include verbal
references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children,
fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually
suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be aware of include
withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in
school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse or any other
type of abuse or neglect should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult.
Be aware as a parent or other trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse
may be more indirect than disclosures of physical abuse and neglect, and it
is important to be calm and comforting if your child, or another child,
confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by
telling you.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse
or other maltreatment, the campus counselor or principal will provide
information regarding counseling options for you and your child available in
your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS)
also manages early intervention counseling programs. To find out what
services may be available in your county, see
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/Programs_Available_In_
Your_County/default.asp.
The following Web sites might help you become more
aware of child sexual abuse:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm
http://sapn.nonprofitoffice.com/
http://www.taasa.org/member/materials2.php
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse2.shtml
Reports may be made to:
The Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (1-800-252-5400 or on the
Web at
http://www.txabusehotline.org).
Students at New Diana Intermediate School are assigned
class schedules based on their individual grade level. Students in 4th
grade are assigned to a team of teachers with one enrichment (homeroom)
teacher. 5th grade students rotate classrooms to various
teachers and follow a class schedule, with one enrichment (homeroom) teacher
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
www.ndisd.org .
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.
To prepare students for an increasingly technological
society, the district has made an investment in computer technology for
instructional purposes. Use of these computer resources is restricted to
students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes
only. Students and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate
from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this
agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary
action.
Students and their parents should be aware that e-mail
and other electronic communications using district computers are not private
and will be monitored by district staff. [For additional information, see
policies at CQ.]
As required by law, the board has adopted a Student
Code of Conduct that prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of
acceptable behavior—both on and off campus—and consequences for violation of
these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be
familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well
as campus and classroom rules.
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.
If you do not want corporal punishment to be
administered to your child as a method of student discipline, a signed
statement must be provided each year.
You may choose to revoke this request at any time
during the year by providing a signed statement to the campus principal.
However, district personnel may chose to use discipline methods other than
corporal punishment even if the parent request that this method be used on
the student.
As identified by law, disruptions include the
following:
·
Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance,
or hallway of a district building without authorization from an
administrator.
·
Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of
all or part of a building.
·
Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent
participation in an authorized assembly.
·
Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during
an assembly.
·
Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an
entrance to district property.
·
Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent
people from entering or leaving district property without authorization from
an administrator.
·
Disruption of classes or other school activities while on
district property or on public property that is within 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; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting
the activity with loud or profane language or any misconduct.
·
Interference with the transportation of students in vehicles
owned or operated by the district.
School rules apply to all school social events. Guests
attending these events are expected to observe the same rules as students,
and a student inviting a guest will share responsibility for the conduct of
his or her 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 readmitted.
To protect other students 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
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.
The school nurse or the principal’s office can provide
information from the Department of State Health Services regarding these
diseases.
Students and their 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 5 - 11 will be provided information on
anticipated course offerings for the next school year and other information
that will help them make the most of academic and CTE opportunities.
To plan for the future, each student should work
closely with the counselor in order to enroll in the high school courses
that best prepare him or her for attendance at a college, university, or
training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education.
The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and
application deadlines, as well as information about automatic admission to
state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.
The school counselor is available to assist students
with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social,
family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also
make available information about community resources to address these
concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should contact
his/her counselor for an appointment or visit with the principal.
The school will not conduct a psychological
examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written
consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological
examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for
special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse
investigations and reports.
[For more information, refer to policies EHBAA(LEGAL),
FFE(LEGAL), and FFG(EXHIBIT).]
A student who has previously taken a course or
subject—but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined
by the teacher, counselor, principal, or attendance committee, be permitted
to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills
defined for that course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for
example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course or excessive absences,
homeschooling, correspondence courses, or independent study supervised by a
teacher.
The counselor or principal would determine if the
student could take an exam for this purpose. If approval is granted, the
student must score at least 70 on the exam to receive credit for the course
or subject.
The attendance review committee may also 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 and policy
EEJA(LOCAL).]
A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn
credit for an academic course for which the student has had no prior
instruction. Exams are scheduled during the 2010–2011 school year at Region
7 Education Service Center . They offer these examinations in June and
July. A student will earn credit with a passing score of at least 90 on
the exam.
If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or
parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the
scheduled testing date. The district will not honor a request by a parent
to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. If the
district agrees to administer a test other than the one chosen by the
district, the parent must purchase a test from a university approved by the
State Board of Education. [For further information, see EEJB(LOCAL).]
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 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. Dating violence also occurs when a person commits these acts
against a person in a marriage or dating relations whip with individual who
is or was once in a marriage or dating relationship with the person
committing the offense. 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 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 negatively affects
the student.
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 the district’s web site
www.ndisd.org .
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 of a student by an employee,
volunteer, or another student is prohibited.
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 against a person, who makes a good faith
report of discrimination or harassment, including dating violence, is
prohibited. Retaliation against a person who is participating in an
investigation of alleged discrimination or harassment is also prohibited. A
person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or refuses to
cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to
appropriate discipline.
Retaliation against a student might occur 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.
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 district officials to whom to make a
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 involving 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).
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment,
and Retaliation on page 19.]
Publications prepared by and for the school may be
posted or distributed, with the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or
teacher. Such items may include school posters, brochures, flyers, etc.
The school newspaper and the yearbook, are available to
students.
All school publications are under the supervision of a
teacher, sponsor, and the principal.
[See Directory Information for School-Sponsored
Purposes on page 10.]
Students must obtain prior approval from the principal
before posting, circulating, or distributing more than ten copies of written
materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes,
posters, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed under
the oversight of the school. To be considered, any nonschool material must
include the name of the sponsoring person or organization. The decision
regarding approval will be made within two school days.
The principal has designated the table in the hallway
as the location for approved nonschool materials to be placed for voluntary
viewing by students. [See policies at FNAA.]
A student may appeal a principal’s decision in
accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who posts nonschool material
without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance
with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without the
principal’s approval will be removed.
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 for
distribution, any nonschool material must meet the limitations on content
established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or
organization, and be submitted to the superintendent for prior review. The
superintendent 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.
[See policies at DGBA, FNG, or GF.]
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 noncurriculum-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 nonschool materials distributed under these
circumstances must be removed from district property immediately following
the event at which the materials are distributed.
General Guidelines
for Student Dress and Grooming Guidelines
Appropriate student dress and grooming are important
factors in the safe and orderly operation of the schools. Each student's
appearance should reflect a positive image of the school and contribute to a
distraction-free learning environment.
Our district values and needs the support of parents in
upholding the district and campus dress and grooming guidelines. The
student and his/her parent(s) may determine the student's personal dress and
grooming standards provided that the student's dress and grooming:
·
shall not lead school officials to reasonably believe that
such dress or grooming will disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract
from school activities; and
·
shall not create a health problem or safety hazard for the
student or others.
Using these general guidelines and the specific
guidelines listed below, school administrators, with the input and support
of faculty members, have the final decision in determining and enforcing
student dress and grooming standards at school and at all school-related
activities.
Individual campuses may develop and enforce additional
or standardized dress codes and grooming guidelines that meet the standards
of the campus (see additional information on standardized dress codes
below). These campus guidelines or standardized dress codes may be more
restrictive than those established by the district. However, these
additional campus guidelines must be publicized to the students and parents
in a timely manner, so that students and parents can select the appropriate
clothing that will meet the individual campus guidelines or standardized
dress codes.
All students are required to adhere to the district
dress and grooming guidelines, as well as to any additional guidelines
developed and approved for the campus. Exceptions will be permitted for
bona fide religious reasons. Parents are expected to be knowledgeable
and supportive of the dress and grooming guidelines.
Specific Guidelines/Restrictions
Students should wear garments, shoes, jewelry,
accessories and hairstyles that
- are appropriate and modest in length and coverage
- reflect a positive image of the school and
contribute to a distraction-free learning environment and
- lead teachers and/or staff to reasonably believe
that the issue does not interfere with, disturb, or distract from the
classroom and/or learning environment.
Students are not to wear clothing that is tight,
sagging, cut, torn, baggy, revealing, spaghetti-strap, backless, low cut or
short.
Pants – must be worn at the waist or upper hip and must not reveal
underclothing. If a student wears leggings, they must have a top that
matches the dress code of dresses - 3 inches above the kneecap in length or
longer. They must be free of holes.
Shorts and Skirts - must be fitted at the waist or upper hip,
must not reveal underclothing, and must be 3 inches above the kneecap in
length or longer
Tops, Shirts and Blouses – must not reveal underclothing, midsection,
torso, back, chest, breasts or cleavage
Dresses – must not reveal underclothing, midsection, torso, back,
chest, breasts, or cleavage and must be 3 inches above the kneecap in length
or longer
Shoes – must not detract from or interfere with the learning
environment or present a safety or health hazard . Tennis shoes or
closed-toe shoes are preferred. House shoes/house slippers of any kind are
not allowed.
Head Coverings – no type of head covering is to be worn with the
exception of (1) a cap or hat that is part of a uniform worn at a school
activity or (2) for religious or medical purposes
Underclothing – must wear appropriate underclothing;
Pajamas/loungewear – any and all pajamas/loungewear are prohibited
Jewelry/Piercings – Noisy, distracting and excessive jewelry or
accessories are prohibited (including wallet chains). Jewelry/Piercings
must not detract from or interfere with the learning environment or present
a safety or health hazard. No body piercing is allowed. Pierced earrings
may only be worn by girls.
Tattoos - permanent or temporary, must be covered at all times.
Hair/Make-up – Hair must be well groomed, neat, out of their faces,
and clean at all times; hair style/color and makeup must not detract from or
interfere with the learning and school environment. Boys’ hair length is
not to extend below the shirt collar or below the base of the earlobe. No
student may wear bangs that extend below the eyebrows. Boys may not wear
ponytails, rat-tails, or Mohawks.
Backpacks – must not detract from or interfere with the learning
environment or present a safety or health hazard
Except as described below, students are not permitted
to possess or use personal electronic devices such as MP3 players, video or
audio recorders, DVD players, cameras, games, e-readers, or other electronic
devices at school, unless prior permission has been obtained. Without such
permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the
principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to
students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a
student’s personal electronic device may be searched by authorized
personnel. [See Searches on page ___ and policy FNF.]
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the
Student Code of Conduct. The district will not be responsible for
any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.
In some cases, students may find it beneficial or might
be encouraged to use personal telecommunications or other personal
electronic devices for instructional purposes while on campus. Students
must obtain prior approval before using personal telecommunications or other
personal electronic devices for instructional use. Students must also sign
a user agreement that contains applicable rules for use (separate from this
handbook). When students are not using the devices for approved
instructional purposes, all devices must be turned off during the
instructional day. Violations of the user agreement may result in
withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
To prepare students for an increasingly technological
society, the district has made an investment in the use of district-owned
technology resources for instructional purposes; specific resources may be
issued individually to students. Use of these technological resources,
which include the district’s network systems and use of district equipment,
is restricted to approved purposes only. Students and parents will be
asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use
of these district resources. Violations of the user agreement may result in
withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Students are prohibited from possessing, sending,
forwarding, posting, accessing, or displaying electronic messages that are
abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to
another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition also applies to conduct
off school property, whether the equipment used to send such messages is
district-owned or personally owned, if it results in a substantial
disruption to the educational environment. Any person taking,
disseminating, transferring, possessing, or sharing obscene, sexually
oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content, commonly
referred to as “sexting,” will be disciplined according to the Student Code
of Conduct and may, in certain circumstances, be reported to law
enforcement.
In addition, any student who engages in conduct that
results in a breach of the district’s computer security will be disciplined
in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, and, in some cases, the
consequence may rise to the level of expulsion.
Participation in school-sponsored activities is an
excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual
recognition, and build strong friendships with other students;
participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
Eligibility for initial and continuing participation in
many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the
University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing
interdistrict competition. If a student is involved in an academic,
athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student and parent are
expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. [See
http://www.uil.utexas.edu for additional information.]
The following requirements apply to all extracurricular
activities:
·
A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade
below 70 in any academic class—other than an Advanced Placement or
International Baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit course in
English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or
language other than English—may not participate in extracurricular
activities for at least three school weeks.
·
A student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in
the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least
three school weeks.
·
An ineligible student may practice or rehearse.
·
A student is allowed in a school year up to 10 absences not
related to post-district competition, a maximum of 5 absences for
post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of 2 absences for
state competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances,
whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the board, are
subject to these restrictions. (FM/LOCAL)
·
An absence for participation in an activity that has not been
approved will receive an unexcused absence.
Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as
the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish standards of
behavior—including consequences for misbehavior—that are stricter than those
for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school
rules, the consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or by local
policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the
organization’s standards of behavior.
[For further information, see policies at FM and FO.
For student-organized, student-led groups, see Meetings of
Noncurriculum-Related Groups on page 37.]
Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups
will hold elections for student officers.
Materials that are part of the basic educational
program are provided with state and local funds at no charge to a student.
A student, however, is expected to provide his or her own pencils, paper,
erasers, and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or
deposits, including:
·
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.
·
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 driver training courses, if offered.
·
Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use
of facilities not available on district premises.
·
Summer school for 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. [See Buses and Other School
Vehicles on page 40.]
·
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
because of 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.
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. [For further information, see policies at FP.]
Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be
permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An
application for permission must be made to the superintendent at least 60
days before the event. [For further information, see policies at FJ and
GE.]
Certain criminal offenses, including those involving
organized criminal activity such as gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to
the next highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free
zone. For purposes of the district, a gang-free zone includes a school bus
and a location in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any district-owned or leased
property or campus playground.
Grading guidelines for each grade level or course will
be communicated and distributed to students and their parents by the
classroom teacher. These guidelines have been reviewed by each applicable
curriculum department and have been approved by the campus principal. These
guidelines establish the minimum number of assignments, projects, and
examinations required for each grading period. In addition, these
guidelines establish how the student’s mastery of concepts and achievement
will be communicated (i.e., letter grades, numerical averages, checklist of
required skills, etc.). Grading guidelines also outline in what
circumstances a student will be allowed to redo an assignment or retake an
examination for which the student originally made a failing grade.
Also see Report Cards/Progress Reports and
Conferences on page 34 for additional information.
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment,
and Retaliation on page 19.]
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or
reckless act occurring on or off campus directed against a student that
endangers the mental or physical health or the safety of a student for the
purpose of pledging, being initiated to, affiliating with, holding office
in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or
include other students.
Hazing will not be tolerated by the district. If an
incident of hazing occurs, disciplinary consequences will be handled in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. It is a criminal offense if a
person engages in hazing; solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts
to aid another in hazing; or has firsthand knowledge of an incident of
hazing being planned or having occurred and fails to report this to the
principal or superintendent.
[Also see Bullying on page 16 and policies FFI
and FNCC.]
State law specifically 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 1 year 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 Department of State
Health Services office to ask about a meningococcal vaccine. Additional
information may also be found at the Web sites for the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention,
http://www.cdc.gov, and the Department of State Health Services,
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.
The district requests to be notified when a student has
been diagnosed with a food allergy, especially those allergies that could
result in dangerous or possibly life-threatening reactions either by
inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with the particular food. It is
important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic, as well as
the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse or
campus principal if your child has a known food allergy or as soon as
possible after any diagnosis of a food allergy.
In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, and EHBG the
district will ensure that students in full-day prekindergarten through grade
5 engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes
per day or 135 minutes per week.
Students in middle or junior high school will engage in
either 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day for at
least four semesters OR at least 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous
physical activity within each two-week period for at least four semesters.
For additional information on the district’s
requirements and programs regarding elementary, middle, and junior high
school student physical activity requirements, please see the principal.
During the preceding school year, the district’s School
Health Advisory Council held 3 meetings. Additional information regarding
the district’s School Health Advisory Council is available from the
Curriculum Office. [See also policies at BDF and EHAA.]
[See Removing a Student from Human Sexuality
Instruction on page 6 for additional information.]
Annually, the district will conduct a physical fitness
assessment of students in grades 3–12. At the end of the school year, a
parent may submit a written request to the principal to obtain the results
of his or her child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the
school year.
The district has adopted policies and implemented
procedures to comply with state and federal food service guidelines for
restricting student access to vending machines. For more information
regarding these policies and guidelines see the Business Manager, Melinda
Benson at (903) 663-8000
mbenson@ndisd.org [See policies at CO and FFA.]
The district and its staff strictly enforce
prohibitions against the use of tobacco products by students and others on
school property and at school-sponsored and school-related activities. [See
the Student Code of Conduct and policies at FNCD and GKA.]
The district works diligently to maintain compliance
with federal and state law governing asbestos in school buildings. A copy
of the district’s Asbestos Management Plan is available in the
superintendent’s office. If you have any questions or would like to examine
the district’s plan in more detail, please contact Bobby Hunt, the
district’s designated asbestos coordinator, at
bhunt@ndisd.org
The district is required to follow integrated pest
management (IPM) procedures to control pests on school grounds. Although
the district strives to use the safest and most effective methods to manage
pests, including a variety of non-chemical control measures, pesticide use
is sometimes necessary to maintain adequate pest control and ensure a safe,
pest-free school environment.
All pesticides used are registered for their intended
use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are applied
only by certified pesticide applicators. Except in an emergency, signs will
be posted 48 hours before indoor application. All outdoor applications will
be posted at the time of treatment, and signs will remain until it is safe
to enter the area. Parents who have further questions or who want to be
notified prior to pesticide application inside their child’s school
assignment area may contact Bobby Hunt, the district’s IPM coordinator, at
bhunt@ndisd.org or 903-663-8000
For more information on services for homeless students,
contact the district’s Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths, Holly
Duncan at (903) 663-8000
hduncan@ndisd.org
Studying and homework are an
integral part of all courses. It is a student's responsibility to establish
good study habits and to complete assigned homework. Homework should be
turned in on time. In order to assist students completing their homework,
we at NDIS have created two (2) ways to assist students. First, we have a
daily Eagle Enrichment time. This time will not only be used for homework
time – for those who did not complete the assignments required, but it will
also provide additional learning opportunities and activities for students
such as club meeting times, Eagle Singers, UIL practice, special event
rehearsal, tutoring and team building activities to name a few. This is NOT
to replace homework time at HOME. The second way, is through our ZAP
program – Zeros Aren’t Permitted. More information on this program is
included in the student packet.
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, varicella (chicken pox),
and meningococcal. 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 a 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.]
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 at school.
·
The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to
notify the 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.
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.
·
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.
·
To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student
into custody.
Before a student is released 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.
The district is 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 is required to register as a sex offender or who
has been convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred
adjudication, or was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony
offense or certain misdemeanors.
[For further information, see policies FL(LEGAL) and
GRA(LEGAL).]
A student with limited English proficiency (LEP) is
entitled to receive specialized services from the district. To determine
whether the student qualifies for services, a Language Proficiency
Assessment Committee (LPAC) will be formed, which will consist of both
district personnel and at least one parent representative. The student’s
parent must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC for a LEP
student.
In order to determine a student’s level of proficiency
in English, the LPAC will use information from a variety of assessments. If
the student qualifies for services and once a level of proficiency has been
established, the LPAC will then designate instructional accommodations or
additional special programs the student will require to eventually become
proficient at grade level work in English. Ongoing assessments will be
conducted to determine a student’s continued eligibility for the program.
The LPAC will also determine whether certain
accommodations are necessary for any state-mandated assessments. The
STAAR-L, as mentioned at Standardized Testing, below, may be administered to
a LEP student. The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System
(TELPAS) will also be administered to LEP students who qualify for services.
If a student is considered LEP and receives special
education services because of a qualifying disability, the student’s ARD
committee will make these decisions.
For any class missed, the
teacher may assign the student makeup work based on the instructional
objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student
in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting subject or
course requirements.
A student will be responsible for obtaining
and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time
specified by the teacher. Basically, for each day missed the student
will have that number of days allowed to make up work. For example, if a
student misses 3 days, he/she will have 3 days to make up the work. The
exception to this policy is work that had been pre-assigned prior to the
absence will be due upon return or on the due date. An example of this is –
students are told a book report is due on the 20th; the student
misses 2 days and returns to school on that date. He/she should have the
project ready to turn in upon their return.
A student who does not make up assigned work within the
time allotted by the teacher may receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
A student will be permitted to make up tests and to
turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Teachers may
assign a late penalty to any long-term project in accordance with time lines
approved by the principal and previously communicated to students.
A student removed to a disciplinary alternative
education program (DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to
complete, before the beginning of the next school year, a foundation
curriculum course in which the student was enrolled at the time of removal.
The district may provide the opportunity to complete the course through an
alternative method, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or
summer school. The district will not charge the student for any method of
completion provided by the district. [See policy FOCA(LEGAL).]
A student removed from the regular classroom to
in-school suspension or another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an
opportunity to complete before the beginning of the next school year each
course the student was enrolled in at the time of removal from the regular
classroom. The district may provide the opportunity by any method
available, including a correspondence course, distance learning, or summer
school. The district will not charge the student for any method of
completion provided by the district. [See policy FO(LEGAL).]
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 policies at
FFAC, may administer:
·
Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled
container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.
·
Prescription 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 school nurse or principal.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan
for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to
possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at
school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal
for information. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL).]
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.]
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination, New Diana
ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national
origin, gender, or disability in providing education services, activities,
and programs, including CTE programs, in accordance with Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments
of 1972; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA),
as amended, which incorporates and expands upon the requirements of Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The following district representatives have been
designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:
·
Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on
the basis of gender: Joyce Sloan, Superintendent, (903) 663-8000,
jsloan@ndisd.org , 1373 US Hwy 259 South, Diana, Texas 75640
·
ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding
discrimination on the basis of disability: Holly Duncan, Director of
Curriculum and Special Programs, 1373 US Hwy 259 South, Diana, Texas 75640
·
All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the
superintendent, Joyce Sloan, (903) 663-8000
jsloan@ndisd.org
Sixth (6th) grade students will undergo a
scoliosis screening in the spring semester. Parents may opt. out of this
screening. Also, 6th grade students who wish to participate in
Athletics must have a physical prior to entering the program. These are
usually offered at school for a minimal cost. All fifth (5th)
grade students undergo a vision and hearing screening. All students new
to the district will be screened unless they were screened by their previous
district. In the event a staff member is concerned that there may be a
vision or hearing problem, the school nurse will check the student and
notify the parents should there be an abnormal result.
Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of
Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the principal to excuse
their child from reciting a pledge. [See Excusing a Student from Reciting
the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags on page 6.]
One minute of silence will follow recitation of the
pledges. Each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in
any other silent activity during that minute so long as the silent activity
does not interfere with or distract others. [See policy EC(LEGAL) for more
information.]
Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily,
and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt
instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not
encourage, require, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such
prayer or meditation during any school activity.
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, the recommendation of the student’s teacher, the
score received on any criterion-referenced or state-mandated assessment, and
any other necessary academic information as determined by the district. To
earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based
on course-level or grade-level standards.
In grades 5 & 8, promotion is based on the following:
1. The recommendation of the student’s teacher;
2. The student’s grade in each subject or course; 3.
The student’s score on an assessment instrument administered under Education
Code 39.023(a), (b), or (l); and 4. Any other necessary academic
information, as determined by the District.
In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with
limited exceptions—will be required to pass the State of Texas Assessments
of Academic Readiness (STAAR), if the student is enrolled in a public Texas
school on any day between January 1 and the date of the first administration
of the STAAR.*
·
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.
* Because the 2011–2012 school year is the first year
of implementation of the STAAR, students will not be required by state law
to perform satisfactorily on the grade 5 or 8 STAARs for this one year only
in order to be promoted to the next grade level.
If a student in grade 5 or 8 is enrolled in a course
that earns high school credit and for which an end-of-course (EOC)
assessment will be administered or in a course intended for students above
the student’s current grade level in which the student will be administered
a state mandated assessment, the student will not be subject to the
promotion requirements described above for the relevant grade 5 or 8
assessment. However, the student’s score on the EOC assessment will be used
in determining whether the student meets the minimum cumulative score
required for graduation.
If a student is enrolled in a class or course intended
for students above his or her current grade level in which the student will
be administered a state mandated assessment, the student will only be
required to take an applicable state mandated assessment for the course in
which he or she is enrolled.
[See Standardized Testing on page 40]
Parents of a student in grades 3–8 who does not perform
satisfactorily on his or her exams will be notified that their child will
participate in special instructional programs designed to improve
performance. The student may be required to participate in this instruction
before or after normal school hours or outside of the normal school year.
With the exception of the 2011–2012 school year, a
student in grade 5 or 8 will have two additional opportunities to take a
failed assessment. If a student fails a second time, a grade placement
committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the
student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the
student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be
retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In
order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously
established by the district, the decision of the committee must be unanimous
and the student must complete additional special instruction before
beginning the next grade level. Whether the student is retained or promoted,
an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student
to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policies
at EIE.]
Certain students—some with disabilities and some with
limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations,
or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or
special education director.
A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for
any student in a middle school or beyond who did not perform satisfactorily
on a state-mandated assessment or is determined by the district as not
likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following
enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented by a
guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the
principal. The plan will, 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 principal, Donna McGuire, and policy
EIF(LEGAL).] For a student receiving special education services, the
student’s IEP may serve as the student’s PGP and would therefore be
developed by the student’s ARD committee.
Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments
should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss
instructional time.
A student who will need to leave school during the day
must bring a note from his or her parent that morning and follow the campus
sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will
not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school
day. Unless the principal or superintendent has granted approval because of
extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before
the end of the instructional day.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, the
student should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the
school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be
sent home and will notify the student’s parent.
Report cards with each student’s grades or performance
and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once
every 3 weeks.
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period
or during the fourth week of a nine-week grading period, parents will be
given a written progress report if their child’s performance in any course
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
3 for how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been
approved by the principal pursuant to the board-adopted policy and are
designed to reflect each student’s relative mastery of each assignment for
the grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or
course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the board
determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the
teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy. [See policy
EIA(LOCAL) and Grading Guidelines on page 26.]
Questions about grade calculation should first be
discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or
parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with
FNG(LOCAL).
The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will
state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade
lower than 70 in a class or subject.
Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must
be signed by the parent and returned to the school within 5 days.
[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment,
and Retaliation on page 19.]
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 ensuring
school safety. A student should:
·
Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or others 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 to a teacher or the
principal any safety hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by
any person toward a student or staff member.
·
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.
Soon after the school year begins, parents will have
the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that would help meet
medical expenses in the event of injury to their child.
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.
1 continuous bell leave
the building
1
bell halt; stand at attention
2
bells return to the classroom
3 short bells (tor-na-do) move
quietly but quickly to the designated locations
2
bells return to the classroom
If a student has a medical emergency at school or a
school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school may
have to rely on written parental consent to obtain emergency medical
treatment, and information about allergies to medications, foods, insect
bites, etc. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency
care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information
up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.).
Please contact the school nurse to update any information that the nurse or
the teacher needs to know.
Each year, parents are asked to complete an emergency
release form to provide contact information in the event that school is
dismissed early because of severe weather or another emergency.
Certain areas of the school will be accessible to
students before and after school for specific purposes. Students are
required to remain in the area where their activity is scheduled to take
place.
The following areas are open to students before school,
beginning at 7:30 a.m.
·
Lego Gym
·
Cafeteria
Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing the activity
gives permission, a student will not be permitted to go to another area of
the building or campus.
After dismissal of school in the afternoon, and unless
involved in an activity under the supervision of a teacher, students must
leave campus immediately.
Teachers and administrators have full authority over
student conduct at before- or after-school activities on district premises
and at school-sponsored events off district premises, such as play
rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, and special study groups or
tutorials. Students are subject to the same 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 standards of behavior
established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants.
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.
The district participates in the School Breakfast
Program and National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally
balanced meals daily. Free and reduced-price meals are available based on
financial need. Information about a student’s participation is
confidential. See Chris Hackett, Food Service Manager, to apply.
The district follows the federal and state guidelines
regarding foods of minimal nutritional value being served or sold on school
premises during the school day. [For more information, see policy
CO(LEGAL).]
The library is a learning laboratory with books,
computers, magazines, and other materials available for classroom
assignments, projects, and reading or listening pleasure.
Student-organized, student-led noncurriculum-related
groups are permitted to meet during the hours designated by the principal
before and after school. These groups must comply with the requirements of
policy FNAB(LOCAL).
A list of these groups is available in the principal’s
office.
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.
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 their assigned desks and lockers. Students must be certain that
their lockers are locked, and that the combinations are 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 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.
Use of district-owned equipment and its network systems
is not private and will be monitored by the district. [See policy CQ for
more information.]
Any searches of personal telecommunications or other
personal electronic devices will be conducted in accordance with law, and
the device may be confiscated in order to perform a lawful search. A
confiscated device may be turned over to law enforcement to determine
whether a crime has been committed.
[See policy FNF(LEGAL) for more information.]
Vehicles parked on school property are under the
jurisdiction of the school. School officials may search any vehicle any
time there is reasonable cause to do so, with or without the permission of
the student. A student has full responsibility for the security and content
of his or her vehicle and must make certain that it is locked and that the
keys are not given to others. [See also the Student Code of Conduct.]
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 around lockers and the
areas around 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. An item in a classroom, a locker, or a
vehicle to which a trained dog alerts may be searched by school officials.
The district provides special programs for gifted and
talented students, homeless students, bilingual students, migrant students,
students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, and students
with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions
about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in
the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions
about these programs should contact Holly Duncan, (903) 663-8000
hduncan@ndisd.org .
In addition to routine tests and other measures of
achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state-mandated
assessments, such as the STAAR, in the following subjects:
·
Mathematics, annually in grades 3–8
·
Reading, annually in grades 3–8
·
Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
·
Science in grades 5 and 8
·
Social Studies in grade 8
Successful performance on the reading and math
assessments in grades 5 and 8 is required by law in order for the student to
be promoted to the next grade level. For the 2011–2012 school year only,
this requirement will be waived. See Promotion and Retention on page
35 for additional information.
STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate, for students
receiving special education services, will be available for eligible
students, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR-L is a linguistically accommodated assessment
that is available for certain limited English proficient (LEP) students, as
determined by the student’s Language Proficiency Assessment Committee
(LPAC).
Beginning with ninth graders in the 2011–2012 school
year, end-of-course (EOC) assessments will be administered for the following
courses:
·
Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
·
English I, English II, and English III
·
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
·
World Geography, World History, and United States History
Satisfactory performance on the applicable assessments
will be required for graduation and will also affect the plan under which
the student may graduate.
Normally, there will be three testing windows during
the year in which a student may take an EOC assessment, which will occur
during the fall, spring, and summer months. For the 2011–2012 school year,
however, there will be only the spring and summer administrations of the EOC
assessments.
In each content area (English language arts,
mathematics, science, and social studies), a student must achieve a
cumulative score. To determine whether the student meets the cumulative
score, the student’s EOC assessment scores in each content area will be
added together. If the student’s total score on the assessments within the
content area is not equal to or greater than the cumulative score set by
TEA, the student may retake any of the assessments in that content area
until the student achieves the cumulative score. A student who does not
achieve the minimum required score on any individual assessment will be
required to retake that assessment.
A student may choose to retake an EOC assessment in
situations other than those listed above as well.
STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate, for students
receiving special education services, will be available for eligible
students, as determined by the student’s ARD committee. These particular
EOC assessments may have different testing windows than the general
assessments, and the ARD committee will determine whether successful
performance on the assessments will be required for graduation.
STAAR-L, which is a linguistically accommodated
assessment, will be available for students who have been determined to be
limited English proficient (LEP) and who require this type of testing
accommodation.
Additional information will be provided to students and
parents prior to the spring 2012 administrations.
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.
Students participating in UIL athletic competition may
be subject to random steroid testing. More information on the UIL testing
program may be found on the UIL Web site at
http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/health/steroid_information.html.
The district strives to assist any student who has been
placed in either temporary or permanent conservatorship (custody) of the
state of Texas with the enrollment and registration process, as well as
other educational services throughout the student’s enrollment in the
district.
Please contact Holly Duncan who has been designated as
the district’s liaison for children in the conservatorship of the state, at
hduncan@ndisd.org or 903-663-8000 with any questions.
The district provides students the opportunity to introduce the following
school events: Pep rallies; and extracurricular banquets, graduation, and
award ceremonies. Students are eligible to introduce these events if they
are in the highest two grade levels of the school, volunteer, have written
parent permission to speak, and are not in a disciplinary placement at the
time of the speaking event.
A
student who is eligible and wishes to introduce one of the school events
listed above should submit his or her name to the Eligible students who wish
to volunteer shall submit their names to
the campus principal during the first full four weeks of instruction each
semester. Students are not eligible to volunteer if they are in a
disciplinary placement during any part of the first four full weeks of
instruction. If there are no student volunteers, the District shall seek
volunteers again at the beginning of the next semester. The names of the
eligible students who volunteer to introduce the designated school event
shall be randomly drawn until all names have been selected; the names shall
be listed in the order drawn. FNA(LOCAL).
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).]
The district is committed to partnering with parents to
support the healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral development of its
students. If you are concerned about your child, please access the
following Web sites or contact the school counselor for more information
related to suicide prevention and to find mental health services available
in your area:
·
www.texassuicideprevention.org
·
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhservices-search/
Various classes may be offered each summer for
advancement, remediation, or loss of credit. Please check with the campus
counselor for opportunities. These courses may require a fee.
A student is tardy when he/she is not in their correct
place at the designated time. Repeated instances of tardiness will result
in more severe disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student Code of
Conduct.
A 4th and 5th grade student
who is tardy will be subject to the following consequences. These will
begin again each 6 weeks.
1st Tardy….Student
is warned.
2nd Tardy…A notice is sent home and informs
parents of tardy.
3rd Tardy… A notice is sent home and is
assigned one lunch detention.
4th
Tardy… A notice is sent home and is assigned one lunch detention and misses
recess/free time.
5th Tardy…
A notice is sent home and is assigned one day of lunch detention; misses
recess/free time and assigned one after school detention.
6th Tardy…
A notice is sent home, a parent conference is held and the student is
assigned one day of lunch detention; misses recess/free time and assigned
one after school detention. .
7th
Tardy… … A notice is sent home and the student is assigned two days of lunch
detention; misses recess/free time and assigned two days of after school
detention
8th Tardy… Parent notified and/ one
Saturday School.
9th
Tardy…Truancy charges filed.
3
tardies equal one absence. Therefore, truancy charges may be filed sooner
if absences are excessive as well.
From the Attendance Section of the Handbook. “A court
of law may also impose penalties against both the student and his or her
parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A
complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student:
·
Is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days
(parts of days include tardiness) within a six-month period in the same
school year, or
·
Is absent on three or more days or parts of days (parts of
days include tardiness) within a four-week period.
If the student is over age 18, the student’s parents
will not be subject to penalties as a result of their child’s violation of
state compulsory attendance law. [See FEA(LEGAL).]” Please have your
child here each and every day on time.
State-approved textbooks are provided to students free
of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by the student,
as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. Electronic textbooks and
technological equipment may also be provided to students, depending on the
course and course objectives. A student who is issued a damaged item should
report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return an item in
acceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and technological
equipment until the item is returned or paid for by the parent; however, the
student will be provided textbooks and equipment for use at school during
the school day.
New Diana ISD accepts or rejects transfer students
without regard or preference for race, religion, color, sex, disability,
national origin or ancestral language. Currently, decisions about accepting
or rejecting transfer students are made on an annual basis and are based on
factors described below.
To be considered for a transfer, parents acknowledge
their understanding by their signature that:
·
Decisions about transfers will be based on the factors listed
below
·
Does the student have attendance problems?
·
Is school performance such that no additional services are
needed?
·
If a current student, is there a record of timely payments?
·
Will this transfer adversely affect the student/teacher ratio
in the grade level?
·
Decisions about transfers will be made annually
·
Acceptance of their child as a transfer student does not
obligate the district to accept other children in the family
·Currently, the transfer fee for 2010-2011 is $900
for the first child in a family and $300 for each additional child.
[See School Safety Transfers, on page 7, and
Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have
Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education, on page
7, for other transfer options.]
Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are
required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the
event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent makes a
written request that the student be released to the parent or to another
adult designated by the parent.
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 and on the district’s Web Site
www.ndisd.org
A parent may also designate a child-care facility or
grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off location for his
or her child. The designated facility or residence must be on an approved
stop on an approved route. For information on bus routes and stops or to
designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may contact the
Intermediate Office at 903-663-8003
See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions
regarding transportation to the DAEP.
Students are expected to assist district staff in
ensuring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is
provided safely. When riding in district vehicles, students are held to
behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of
Conduct. Students must:
·
Follow the driver’s directions at all times.
·
Enter and leave the bus or van in an orderly manner at the
designated stop.
·
Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of
the aisle.
·
Not deface the bus, van, or its equipment.
·
Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any
object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus or van.
·
Not possess or use any form of tobacco on school buses.
·
Observe all usual classroom rules.
·
Be seated while the vehicle is moving.
·
Fasten their seat belts, if available.
·
Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the bus or van and
before crossing in front of the vehicle.
Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the
Student Code of Conduct; bus-riding privileges may be suspended.
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 for years to come—littering, defacing, or
damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay
for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal proceedings as well
as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
For safety purposes, video/audio equipment may be used
to monitor student behavior, including on buses and in common areas on
campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used.
The principal will review the video/audio recordings
routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance
with the Student Code of Conduct.
Parents and others are welcome to visit district
schools. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption
of instructional time, all visitors must first report to the principal’s
office and must comply with all applicable district policies and procedures
– which include providing a valid driver’s license or state i.d.
Visits to individual classrooms during instructional
time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher and only
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.
On Career Day New Diana Intermediate Schoo, may invite
representatives from colleges and universities and other higher education
institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters to present
information to students.
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 and equipment
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.
Accelerated instruction is an intensive
supplemental program designed to address the needs of an individual student
in acquiring the knowledge and skills required at his or her grade level
and/or as a result of a student not meeting the passing standard on a
state-mandated assessment.
ACT refers to one of the two most frequently
used college or university admissions exams: the American College Test.
The test may be a requirement for admission to certain colleges or
universities.
ARD is the admission, review, and dismissal
committee convened for each student who is identified as needing a full and
individual evaluation for special education services. The eligible student
and his or her parents are members of the committee.
Attendance review committee is sometimes
responsible for reviewing a student’s absences when the student’s attendance
drops below 90 percent of the days the class is offered. Under guidelines
adopted by the board, the committee will determine whether there were
extenuating circumstances for the absences and whether the student needs to
complete certain conditions to master the course and regain credit lost
because of absences.
DAEP stands for disciplinary alternative
education program, a placement for students who have violated certain
provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
EOC assessments are end-of-course tests, which
are state-mandated, and are part of the STAAR program. Successful
performance on EOC assessments will be required for graduation beginning
with students in grade 9 during the 2011–2012 school year. These exams will
be given in English I, English II, English III, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra
II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World Geography, World History, and United
States History.
FERPA refers to the federal Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act that grants specific privacy protections to student
records. The law contains certain exceptions, such as for directory
information, unless a student’s parent or a student 18 or older directs the
school not to release directory information.
IEP is the written record of the individualized
education program prepared by the ARD committee for a student with
disabilities who is eligible for special education services. The IEP
contains several parts, such as a statement of the student’s present
educational performance; a statement of measurable annual goals, with
short-term objectives; the special education and related services and
supplemental aids and services to be provided, and program modifications or
support by school personnel; a statement regarding how the student’s
progress will be measured and how the parents will be kept informed;
accommodations for state or district wide tests; whether successful
completion of state-mandated assessments is required for graduation, etc.
ISS refers to in-school suspension, a
disciplinary technique for misconduct found in the Student Code of Conduct.
Although different from out-of-school suspension and placement in a DAEP,
ISS removes the student from the regular classroom.
LAT stands for linguistically accommodated
testing, which is an assessment process for recent immigrant English
language learners who are required to be assessed in certain grades and
subjects under the NCLB Act.
NCLB Act is the federal No Child Left Behind Act
of 2001.
PGP stands for Personal Graduation Plan , which
is recommended for all students entering grade 9 and is required by state
law for any student in middle school or higher who fails a section on a
state-mandated test or is identified by the district as not likely to earn a
high school diploma before the fifth school year after he or she begins
grade 9.
SAT refers to one of the two most frequently
used college or university admissions exams: the Scholastic Aptitude Test.
The test may be a requirement for admissions to certain colleges or
universities.
SHAC stands for School Health Advisory Council,
a group of at least five members, a majority of whom must be parents,
appointed by the school board to assist the district in ensuring that local
community values and health issues are reflected in the district’s health
education instruction.
Section 504 is the federal law that prohibits
discrimination against a student with a disability, requiring schools to
provide opportunities for equal services, programs, and participation in
activities. Unless the student is determined to be eligible for special
education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), general education with appropriate instructional accommodations will
be provided.
STAAR is the State of Texas Assessments of
Academic Readiness, the state’s system of standardized academic achievement
assessments, effective beginning with certain students for the 2011–2012
school year.
STAAR Alternate is an alternative state-mandated
assessment designed for students with severe cognitive disabilities
receiving special education services who meet the participation
requirements, as determined by the student’s ARD committee.
STAAR Modified is an alternative state-mandated
assessment based on modified achievement standards that is administered to
eligible students receiving special education services, as determined by the
student’s ARD committee.
STAAR Linguistically Accommodated (STAAR L) is
an alternative state-mandated assessment with linguistic accommodations
designed for certain recent immigrant English language learners.
State-mandated assessments are required of
students at certain grade levels and in specified subjects. Successful
performance sometimes is a condition of promotion, and passing the grade 11
exit-level test or end-of-course assessments, when applicable, is a
condition of graduation. Students have multiple opportunities to take the
tests if necessary for promotion or graduation.
Student Code of Conduct is developed with the
advice of the district-level committee and adopted by the board and
identifies the circumstances, consistent with law, when a student may be
removed from the classroom or campus. It also sets out the conditions that
authorize or require the principal or another administrator to place the
student in a DAEP. It outlines conditions for out-of-school suspension and
for expulsion. The Student Code of Conduct also addresses notice to the
parent regarding a student’s violation of one of its provisions.
TAKS is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and
Skills, the state’s standardized achievement test currently given to
students in certain subjects in grades 10 and 11 and required for graduation
for students at these grade levels. .
TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language
Proficiency Assessment System, which assesses the progress that English
language learners make in learning the English language, and is administered
for those who meet the participation requirements in kindergarten–grade 12.
TxVSN is the Texas Virtual School Network, which
provides online courses for Texas students to supplement the instructional
programs of public school districts. Courses are taught by qualified
instructors, and courses are equivalent in rigor and scope to a course
taught in a traditional classroom setting.
UIL refers to the University Interscholastic
League, the statewide voluntary nonprofit organization that oversees
educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests.
New Diana
Independent School District
www.ndisd.org
CODE OF
CONDUCT
2011-2012
Table of Contents
TOC \o "1-4" \h \z \u
Purpose………………………………………………………………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825327 \h 1
Contents ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
PAGEREF _Toc234825328 \h 1
School District Authority and Jurisdiction…………………………………………………………
……. PAGEREF _Toc234825329 \h 2
Reporting Crimes………………………………………………………………………………..……..
PAGEREF _Toc234825330 \h 2
Revoking Transfers
………………………………………………………………………………….… PAGEREF _Toc234825331 \h 2
Standards for Student Conduct……………………………………………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825332 \h 2
General Conduct Violations………………………………………………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825333 \h 4
Disregard for Authority…………………………………………………………………………….…..
PAGEREF _Toc234825334 \h 4
Mistreatment of Others………………………………………………………………………………...
PAGEREF _Toc234825335 \h 4
Property Offenses…………………………………………………………….…………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825336 \h 4
Possession of Prohibited Items………………………………………………………………….……...
PAGEREF _Toc234825337 \h 5
Possession of Telecommunications or Other Electronic Devices………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825338 \h 5
Illegal, Prescription, and Over-the-Counter Drugs
…………….………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825340 \h 5
Misuse of Computers and the Internet…………………………………………….……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825341 \h 6
Safety Transgressions…….…………………………………………………………………………….
PAGEREF _Toc234825342 \h 6
Miscellaneous Offenses…………………………………………………………...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825343 \h 7
Discipline Management
Techniques………………………………………………………...………….8
Students with Disabilities…………………………………………………...………………………….
PAGEREF _Toc234825344 \h 8
Techniques…………………………………………………...…………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825345 \h 8
Notification
…………………………………………………...……………………………………....
PAGEREF _Toc234825346 \h 9
Appeals…………………………………………………...………………………………………..….
PAGEREF _Toc234825347 \h 9
Removal from the Regular Educational
Setting…………………………………………………...….10
Routine Referral…………………………………………………...…………………………………..
PAGEREF _Toc234825348 \h 10
Formal Removal…………………………………………………...…………………………………..
PAGEREF _Toc234825349 \h 10
Returning Student to Classroom………………………………………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825350 \h 10
Out-of-School Suspension…………………………………………………...…………………………..
PAGEREF _Toc234825351 \h 11
Misconduct
…………………………………………………...……………………………………….
PAGEREF _Toc234825352 \h 11
Process…………………………………………………...……………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825353 \h 11
Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Placement………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825354 \h 12
Discretionary Placement: Misconduct That May Result in DAEP Placement……………………….
PAGEREF _Toc234825355 \h 12
A student may be placed in a DAEP for behaviors prohibited in the General
Conduct Violations section of this Code…………………………………………………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825356 \h 12
Misconduct Identified in State Law…………………………………………………...………........
PAGEREF _Toc234825357 \h 12
Mandatory Placement: Misconduct That Requires DAEP
Placement…………………………………………………...……………………
…………………… PAGEREF _Toc234825358 \h 12
Sexual Assault and Campus Assignments…………………………………………………...………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825359 \h 13
Emergencies…………………………………………………...………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825360 \h 13
Process…………………………………………………...……………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825361 \h 14
Conference…………………………………………………...…………………………………..…
PAGEREF _Toc234825362 \h 14
Placement Order…………………………………………………...……………………………...................…
PAGEREF _Toc234825363 \h 14
Length of Placement…………………………………………………...……………………………...
PAGEREF _Toc234825364 \h 14
Exceeds One Year…………………………………………………...……………………………...
PAGEREF _Toc234825365 \h 14
Exceeds School Year…………………………………………………...…………………………..
PAGEREF _Toc234825366 \h 15
Exceeds 60 Days…………………………………………………...……………………………….
PAGEREF _Toc234825367 \h 15
Appeals…………………………………………………...…………………………………………...
PAGEREF _Toc234825368 \h 15
Restrictions during Placement.
…………………………………………………...………………..…
PAGEREF _Toc234825369 \h 15
Placement Review…………………………………………………...……………………………...…
PAGEREF _Toc234825370 \h 15
Additional Misconduct…………………………………………………...……………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825371 \h 16
Notice of Criminal Proceedings…………………………………………………...…………………..
PAGEREF _Toc234825372 \h 16
Withdrawal during Process
…………………………………………………...……………….………
PAGEREF _Toc234825373 \h 16
Newly Enrolled Students…………………………………………………...…………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825374 \h 16
Emergency Placement Procedure…………………………………………………...……...…………
PAGEREF _Toc234825375 \h 17
Placement and/or Expulsion for Certain Serious Offenses………………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825376 \h 18
Registered Sex Offenders…………………………………………………..........……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825377 \h 18
Review Committee…………………………………………………...…………….………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825378 \h 18
Newly Enrolled Student…………………………………………………...……..…………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825379 \h 18
Appeal…………………………………………………...……………………………………….…
PAGEREF _Toc234825380 \h 18
Certain Felonies…………………………………………………...………………………..…………
PAGEREF _Toc234825381 \h 18
Hearing and Required Findings…………………………………………………...………………..
PAGEREF _Toc234825382 \h 19
Length of Placement…………………………………………………...………………………...…
PAGEREF _Toc234825383 \h 19
Newly Enrolled Students…………………………………………………...………..…………..…
PAGEREF _Toc234825384 \h 19
Expulsion…………………………………………………...……………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825385 \h 20
Discretionary Expulsion: Misconduct That May Result in Expulsion………………………………..
PAGEREF _Toc234825386 \h 20
Any Location…………………………………………………...…………………..………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825387 \h 20
At School, Within 300 Feet, or at a School Event………………………..…...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825388 \h 20
Within 300 Feet of School……………………………………………..……...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825389 \h 21
Property of Another District…………………………………………………...…………...………
PAGEREF _Toc234825390 \h 21
While in DAEP…………………………………………………...…………………...……………
PAGEREF _Toc234825391 \h 21
Mandatory Expulsion: Misconduct That Requires Expulsion…………………………………...……
PAGEREF _Toc234825392 \h 21
Federal Law…………………………………………………...……………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825393 \h 21
Texas Penal Code…………………………………………………...………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825394 \h 22
Under Age Ten…………………………………………………...……………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825395 \h 23
Emergency…………………………………………………...……………………………..…………
PAGEREF _Toc234825396 \h 23
Process…………………………………………………...……………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825397 \h 23
Hearing…………………………………………………...…………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825398 \h 23
Expulsion Order…………………………………………………………..…...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825399 \h 24
Length of Expulsion…………………………………………………...………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825400 \h 24
Withdrawal during Process
……………………………………………….……...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825401 \h 24
Additional Misconduct…………………………………………………………...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825402 \h 25
Restrictions during Expulsion…………………………………………………...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825403 \h 25
Newly Enrolled Students………………………………………………………...……………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825404 \h 25
DAEP Placement of Expelled Students………………………………………………………………
PAGEREF _Toc234825406 \h 25
Glossary…………………………………………………...…………………………….………………26
