Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017 18 SCHOOL YEAR MISSION Roughrider Academy will provide a non-traditional academic program focused on providing students the skills needed to be independent, critical thinkers and work or college ready at the time of graduation. VISION Preparing students for their future.
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Table of Contents Roughrider Academy Student Handbook Roughrider Academy 1 Student Handbook 1 Table of Contents 3 Preface 12 Roughrider Academy Overview and Specifics 14 Program Overview 14 Entry Criteria 14 Enrollment Procedures 14 Required School Materials 14 Attendance 15 Tardies 15 The Roughrider Academy Bell Schedule 15 Official Attendance-Taking Time 15 Academic Expectations 16 Academic Integrity 16 Curriculum and Instruction 16 Satisfactory Academic Progress 16 Academic Probation 17 Graduation Plan 17 Graduation Requirements 18 Classroom Rules and Procedures 18 Breakfast and Lunch Procedures 19 Transportation/ Parking/ Drop-off Procedures 19 Use of Hallways During Class Time 19 Roughrider Academy Restroom Policy 20 Behavioral Expectations 20 Roughrider Academy Students Behavior Expectations 20 Unacceptable Behaviors 20 Consequences for Code of Conduct/Classroom Violations 20 Dress and Grooming 21 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 3
Dress Code 21 Discipline Management 22 Affiliation with Center High School 23 Section I: Parental Rights 24 Consent, Opt-Out, and Refusal Rights 24 Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation 24 Consent to Display a Student s Original Works and Personal Information 24 Consent to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction if Student is Under Age 14 24 Consent to Video or Audio Record a Student When Not Otherwise Permitted by Law 24 Prohibiting the Use of Corporal Punishment 25 Limiting Electronic Communications with Students by District Employees 25 Objecting to the Release of Directory Information 25 Objecting to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 26 Participation in Third-Party Surveys 26 Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation 26 Opting Out of Participation in Other Types of Surveys or Screenings and the Disclosure of Personal Information 27 Removing a Student from Instruction or Excusing a Student from a Required Component of Instruction 27 Human Sexuality Instruction 27 Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence in Grades 3 12 28 Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags 28 Religious or Moral Beliefs 28 Tutoring or Test Preparation 28 Right of Access to Student Records, Curriculum Materials, and District Records/Policies 29 Instructional Materials 29 Notices of Certain Student Misconduct to Noncustodial Parent 29 Participation in Federally Required, State-Mandated, and District Assessments 29 Student Records 30 Accessing Student Records 30 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 4
Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records 30 Teacher and Staff Professional Qualifications 33 Students with Exceptionalities or Special Circumstances 33 Children of Military Families 33 Parental Role in Certain Classroom and School Assignments 34 Multiple Birth Siblings 34 Safety Transfers/Assignments 34 Service/Assistance Animal Use by Students 34 Students in the Conservatorship of the State (Foster Care) 34 Students Who Are Homeless 35 Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need Special Education Services 35 Students Who Receive Special Education Services with Other School-Aged Children in the Home 37 Students Who Speak a Primary Language Other than English 37 Students with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected Under Section 504 37 Section II: Other Important Information for Students and Parents 38 Absences/Attendance 38 Compulsory Attendance 38 Age 19 and Older 38 Between Ages 6 and 19 38 Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance 39 All Grade Levels 39 Secondary Grade Levels 39 Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance 40 All Grade Levels 40 Students with Disabilities 40 Age 19 and Older 40 Between Ages 6 and 19 40 Attendance for Credit or Final Grade (Kindergarten Grade 12) 41 Official Attendance-Taking Time (All Grade Levels) 42 Documentation after an Absence (All Grade Levels) 42 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 5
Doctor s Note after an Absence for Illness (All Grade Levels) 42 Driver License Attendance Verification (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 43 Accountability under State and Federal Law (All Grade Levels) 43 Bullying (All Grade Levels) 44 Celebrations (All Grade Levels) 45 Child Sexual Abuse and Other Maltreatment of Children (All Grade Levels) 45 Class Rank/Highest-Ranking Student (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 46 Class Schedules (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 46 College and University Admissions (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 46 Communications Automated 47 Emergency 47 Nonemergency 47 Complaints and Concerns (All Grade Levels) 48 Conduct (All Grade Levels) 48 Applicability of School Rules 48 Campus Behavior Coordinator 48 Disruptions of School Operations 49 Social Events 49 Counseling 49 Academic Counseling 49 Elementary and Middle/Junior High School Grade Levels 49 High School Grade Levels 50 Personal Counseling (All Grade Levels) 50 Course Credit (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 50 Credit by Examination If a Student Has Taken the Course/Subject (All Grade Levels) 50 Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration If a Student Has Not Taken the Course/Subject 51 Students in Grades 6 12 51 Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (All Grade Levels) 52 Dating Violence 52 Discrimination 52 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 6
Harassment 52 Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Harassment 53 Retaliation 53 Reporting Procedures 54 Investigation of Report 54 Discrimination 55 Distribution of Literature, Published Materials, or Other Documents (All Grade Levels) 55 School Materials 55 Nonschool Materials 55 From Students 55 From Others 55 Dress and Grooming (All Grade Levels) 56 Electronic Devices and Technology Resources (All Grade Levels) 57 Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones 57 Possession and Use of Other Personal Electronic Devices 58 Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices 58 Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources 59 Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources 59 End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments 59 English Language Learners (All Grade Levels) 59 Fundraising (All Grade Levels) 60 Gang-Free Zones (All Grade Levels) 60 Gender-Based Harassment 60 Grade-Level Classification (Grades 9 12 Only) 61 Grading Guidelines (All Grade Levels) 61 Graduation (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 61 Requirements for a Diploma Beginning with the 2014 15 School Year 61 Testing Requirements for Graduation 61 Foundation Graduation Program 62 Credits Required 63 Available Endorsements 64 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 7
Personal Graduation Plans 64 Available Course Options for All Graduation Programs 64 Certificates of Coursework Completion 64 Students with Disabilities 65 Graduation Activities 65 Graduation Speakers 65 Graduation Expenses 66 Scholarships and Grants 66 Harassment 66 Hazing (All Grade Levels) 66 Health-Related Matters 66 Student Illness (All Grade Levels) 66 Bacterial Meningitis (All Grade Levels) 67 What is meningitis? 67 What are the symptoms? 67 How serious is bacterial meningitis? 67 How is bacterial meningitis spread? 67 How can bacterial meningitis be prevented? 68 What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis? 68 Where can you get more information? 68 Food Allergies (All Grade Levels) 68 Head Lice (All Grade Levels) 69 Physical Activity Requirements 69 Junior High/Middle School 69 School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) (All Grade Levels) 70 Student Wellness Policy/Wellness Plan (All Grade Levels) 70 Other Health-Related Matters 70 Vending Machines (All Grade Levels) 70 Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Prohibited (All Grade Levels and All Others on School Property) 70 Asbestos Management Plan (All Grade Levels) 70 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 8
Pest Management Plan (All Grade Levels) 71 Homeless Students (All Grade Levels) 71 Homework (All Grade Levels) 71 Illness 71 Immunization (All Grade Levels) 71 Law Enforcement Agencies (All Grade Levels) 72 Questioning of Students 72 Students Taken Into Custody 72 Notification of Law Violations 73 Leaving Campus (All Grade Levels) 73 During Lunch 74 At Any Other Time During the School Day 75 Lost and Found (All Grade Levels) 75 Makeup Work 75 Makeup Work Because of Absence (All Grade Levels) 75 DAEP Makeup Work 76 Middle/Junior High School Grade Levels and Grades 9 12 76 In-School Suspension (ISS) Makeup Work (All Grade Levels) 76 Medicine at School (All Grade Levels) 76 Psychotropic Drugs 78 Nondiscrimination Statement (All Grade Levels) 78 Parent and Family Engagement (All Grade Levels) 78 Working Together 78 Physical Examinations/Health Screenings 79 Other Examinations and Screenings (All Grade Levels) 79 Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence (All Grade Levels) 79 Prayer (All Grade Levels) 80 Promotion and Retention 80 Middle/Junior High Grade Levels 80 High School Grade Levels 82 Release of Students from School 82 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 9
Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences (All Grade Levels) 82 Retaliation 82 Safety (All Grade Levels) 83 Accident Insurance 83 Preparedness Drills: Evacuation, Severe Weather, and Other Emergencies 83 Emergency Medical Treatment and Information 83 Emergency School-Closing Information 84 SAT, ACT, and Other Standardized Tests 84 Schedule Changes (Middle/Junior High and High School Grade Levels) 84 School Facilities 84 Use by Students Before and After School (All Grade Levels) 84 Conduct Before and After School (All Grade Levels) 84 Use of Hallways During Class Time 85 Roughrider Academy Restroom Policy 85 Cafeteria Services (All Grade Levels) 85 Library (All Grade Levels) 86 Searches 86 Students Desks and Lockers (All Grade Levels) 86 Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices (All Grade Levels) 86 Vehicles on Campus (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 86 Trained Dogs (All Grade Levels) 87 Metal Detectors (All Grade Levels) 87 Drug Testing (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 87 Sexual Harassment 87 Special Programs (All Grade Levels) 87 Standardized Testing 87 Secondary Grade Levels 87 SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test) 87 TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment 88 STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) 88 Grades 3 8 88 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 10
High School Courses End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments 89 Steroids (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 89 Students in Foster Care (All Grade Levels) 89 Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention (All Grade Levels) 89 Suicide Awareness (All Grade Levels) 90 Tardies (All Grade Levels) 90 Textbooks, Electronic Textbooks, Technological Equipment, and Other Instructional Materials (All Grade Levels) 90 Transfers (All Grade Levels) 90 Transportation (All Grade Levels) 90 School-Sponsored Trips 90 Buses and Other School Vehicles 91 Vandalism (All Grade Levels) 91 Video Cameras (All Grade Levels) 92 Visitors to the School (All Grade Levels) 92 General Visitors 92 Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students 92 Volunteers (All Grade Levels) 92 Voter Registration (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 93 Withdrawing from School (All Grade Levels) 93 Glossary 93 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 11
Preface Roughrider Academy Student Handbook To Students and Parents: Welcome to the 2017 18 school year! 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 Roughrider Academy Student Handbook is designed to provide basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. The handbook is divided into three sections: Roughrider Academy Overview and Specifics specific information regarding Roughrider Academy Campus Rules and Expectations Section I Parental Rights 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, and, where possible, further divided by applicability to ages and/or grade levels, for quick access when searching for information on a specific issue. Please be aware that the term parent, unless otherwise noted, is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, any person granted some other type of lawful control of the student, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student. Both students and parents should become familiar with the Center Independent School District 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 on the district s website at www.centerisd.org and is available in hard copy upon request. The Student Handbook is a general reference guide only and is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that it is not a complete statement of all policies, procedures, or rules that may be applicable in a given circumstance. In case of conflict between board policy (including the Student Code of Conduct) and any provisions of the Student Handbook, the provisions of board policy and the Student Code of Conduct are to be followed. Please be aware that the Student Handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. The district encourages parents to stay informed of proposed board policy changes by attending board meetings. Changes in policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters or other communications. The district reserves the right to modify provisions of the Student Handbook at any time, whenever it is deemed necessary. Notice of any revision or Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 12
modification will be given as is reasonably practical under the circumstances. Although the Student Handbook may refer to rights established through law or district policy, the Student Handbook does not create any additional rights for students and parents. It does not, nor is it intended to, create contractual or legal rights between any student or parent and the district. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact the Director of Roughrider Academy at (936)589-1540. Also, please complete and return to your child s campus the following forms provided in the forms packet distributed at the beginning of the year or upon the student s enrollment: 1. Acknowledgment Form and Acknowledgment of Electronic Distribution of Student Handbook; 2. Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent s Response Regarding Release of Student Information; 3. Parent s Objection to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education, if you choose to restrict the release of information to these entities; and 4. Consent/Opt-Out Form. 5. Acceptable Use Policy - Technology [See Objecting to the Release of Directory Information and Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation for more information.] Note: References to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to board policy. The district s official policy manual is available for review in the district administration office, and an unofficial electronic copy is available at www.centerisd.org. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 13
Roughrider Academy Overview and Specifics Program Overview Roughrider Academy is a non-disciplinary academic school providing a flexed self-paced curriculum for students in secondary education. Accelerated education involves learning to be more effective in the way one works rather than simply working at a faster pace. The computer will be used to diagnose, teach, and test for mastery of learning. Roughrider Academy Teachers facilitate the program and provide direct instruction to enhance learning. Furthermore, the Roughrider Academy design is for students who have not successfully earned credits in the traditional classroom setting. Entry Criteria Roughrider Academy is a school offering an alternative to traditional school for students who are at-risk of dropping out from Center High School. Students applying for admission must meet at least one of the at-risk criteria identified by the state and/or be recommended by principal or counselor. Potential students and their parents are required to attend an interview with the Campus Administrator. Special education students are accepted only at the recommendation of the ARD Committee. 504 students will be admitted to the Roughrider Academy on the recommendation of the 504 committees. All Students are expected to follow the district s Student Code of Conduct. Roughrider Academy does not accept transfer students from other districts. Enrollment Procedures 1. Fill out and return completed application. 2. Schedule an interview with Campus Administrator. 3. Complete interview and parent conference. 4. Sign and return required documents. 5. Attend new student orientation prior to beginning coursework. Required School Materials All students will need a set of earbuds or headphones, one composition book per course enrollment, pen, and pencil every day of class. These items will be provided by the campus to any student who needs materials. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 14
Attendance Students enrolled in Roughrider Academy Roughrider Academy must attend a minimum of four hours each day and maintain the 90% attendance rule. Students must sign in and out with the attendance clerk each day to receive credit. In the event of absence, students are requested to notify the school. School hours are 8:00 am 3:30 pm, Monday Friday. Students are required to follow the attendance policies set forth by the Center Independent School District. Students who are excessively absent, without proper documentation, will have truancy charges filed against them. A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 19 th birthday is required to participate in each school day. However, if a student is 19 or older and has more than five unexcused absences in a semester, the District may revoke the student s enrollment. When you are absent, you are still responsible for completing each of your courses in a timely matter. By checking the online platform (Edgenuity), students have up to date individual course progress information. Tardies Students must get a tardy pass from the office if they arrive late. Students receiving three tardies will be required to stay an additional hour. This time must be served within three days of notification. The Roughrider Academy Bell Schedule Morning Bell 8:00 Afternoon Bell 3:00 Official Attendance-Taking Time The district must submit attendance of its students to Texas Education Agency (TEA) reflecting attendance at a specific time each day. Official attendance is taken every day at 11:30am. A student absent for any portion of the day, including at the official attendance-taking time, should contact the Director for instructions of making up missed class work or owed time. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 15
Academic Expectations Roughrider Academy offers flexible scheduling in an individualized, self-paced instructional program for students who are credit deficient. Students will be assigned a schedule of classes to attend depending on courses needed. The flexibility of this program allows students to demonstrate mastery of learned objectives and move ahead rapidly. Students are not limited in the number of credits earned in a semester. Students are expected to maintain progress as set by the school on a daily basis. Academic Integrity Academic honesty is expected and required in program courses. Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic misconduct by others, unauthorized prior possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used in a course, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Any evidence of academic misconduct may warrant a failing grade, forfeiture of all fees, and academic misconduct investigation, or other actions. If a program staff member suspects academic misconduct, he or she will inform the program administrator within 1 school day of discovering the evidence of possible misconduct. The Campus Administrator will notify the student s parents within 1 school day of receiving notification from the staff member. The administration will investigate and determine the resolution, including but not limited to removal from the program. The decision of the school s administration will be final. Curriculum and Instruction Roughrider Academy curriculum consists of a combination of direct teacher instruction and computer-based instruction to enhance student learning. Students must complete 100% of the material before receiving credit for a course. Roughrider Academy is a non-failure school. A non-failure school means students will work on the course material until they achieve mastery at not less than 70%. The student is responsible for his/her learning with teacher guidance. The Roughrider Academy follows the Scope and Sequence set for by the Center Independent School District. As such, when a student earns credit for a course, he/she enrolls immediately into a new course. Satisfactory Academic Progress Students are required to maintain a record of satisfactory progress at all times and complete a minimum of six credits per semester. Every week, students who are not on pace to complete a minimum of six credits per semester will be required to meet with the Director of Roughrider Academy to establish a plan for course completion. This plan may include the student being required to attend school on Roughrider Academy campus for 8 hours a day. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 16
For the purpose of communication of progress, parents can provide their email address to have daily or weekly progress reports emailed to the provided address. If no email is provided, weekly progress reports will be sent home with the student. Academic Probation Failure to get back on pace by the end of the semester will result in a student being placed on academic probation. Academic probation requires the student to complete the owed credits of the previous semester in the first four weeks of the next semester. If the requirement for all credits is still not on pace by the end of that semester, the student may have to stay for extended time over the minimum of 4 hours per day. This decision will be made by the Roughrider Academy Director. Graduation Plan Upon admittance, the Roughrider Academy Campus Director will meet with the student and his/her guardians to develop and Individual Graduation Plan. The plan will include courses needed, schedules, modifications, etc. These plans will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. The Roughrider Academy students will graduate when they have completed the number of credits required and pass the state required examinations. Upon meeting all criteria for completion, students may participate in the Roughrider Academy graduation ceremony and receive their diploma. Students may take part in the graduation ceremony ONLY if all CISD and state requirements are complete. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 17
Graduation Requirements Course Area Roughrider Academy Student Handbook Number of Credits: Foundation Graduation Program Number of Credits: Foundation Graduation Program with an Endorsement English/Language arts 4 4 Mathematics 3 4 Science 3 4 Social studies, including 3 3 economics Physical education 1 1 Language other than English 2 2 Fine arts 1 1 Electives 5 7 Total 22 credits 26 credits ***Students must also pass five (5) STAAR EOC exams as determined by the State of Texas: ENG I & II, ALG I, BIO I, and US History I. Classroom Rules and Procedures Check your station at the beginning of class; notify your teacher if equipment is missing, inoperative, or damaged in any way. Backpacks/bags/purses on the floor or desk behind your computer station. Log in and begin your next activity. For lectures, have your headphones on, pay attention to the lecture, and TAKE NOTES. If you fail a quiz or a test, your teacher will review it and your notes. Some or all of your activities in that lesson or topic may be reset after failing an assessment. Remain at your assigned station unless directed to move by your teacher. Follow directions; pay attention and then pay more attention. Raise your hand if you have questions or need help. Your teacher will get to you as soon as possible. No internet windows open except for those associated with Edgenuity. Do not bring distractions into class; your teacher will confiscate and hold them until the end of the school year. No food or drink in the classroom Students disrupting class will either be moved or removed. Check computer stations at the end of class; exit and save your work, log off Edgenuity, wrap and put away headphones, return calculator, put away notes, pens/pencils, and push the chair in neatly before leaving. Work until dismissed by the teacher. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 18
Breakfast and Lunch Procedures Students will place their breakfast and lunch orders the day before the meal is to be served. Breakfast and Lunch will be held in the Roughrider Academy building. At no time are students allowed to go to the High School Cafeteria. Breakfast will be from 7:30 8:00. If a student s start time is after 8:00am, arrangements can be made with the director for breakfast to be available. This will require the student to arrive earlier than their actual scheduled start time for instruction. Lunch will be from 11:30 12:00 for all students. Students are not allowed to leave campus for lunch. Food deliveries by parents, friends, or restaurants will not be accepted. Transportation/ Parking/ Drop-off Procedures CISD bus transportation will not be available for Roughrider Academy students. Students who are not driving will need to be dropped off and picked up at the doors of the Roughrider Academy. Students will not be let in from the main building of the high school. Students who are driving will park in front of the Roughrider Academy in the designated parking area. [APPENDIX II] Student vehicles must have the Roughrider Academy parking tags visibly displayed. [APPENDIX II] Student vehicles are subject to searches as described in Section II. Use of Hallways During Class Time Loitering or standing in the halls during class is not permitted. During class time, a student must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose. Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 19
Roughrider Academy Restroom Policy Restroom breaks are on an as needed basis. Students are expected to use this flexibility responsibly. Students who abuse this flexibility will have different expectations as assigned by the Director. Roughrider Academy will share the restroom with the 100 Hall of Center High School. Students must sign-out and in through the Roughrider Academy office. Students will not be allowed to use the restrooms during scheduled Center High School class transitions. If there is a restroom emergency the discretion of the Director will be used. Students found in violation of CISD Student Code of Conduct or in other locations of the Center High School facility during a restroom break will face disciplinary action. Only one Roughrider Academy student is allowed to go to the restroom at one time. Behavioral Expectations Roughrider Academy Students Behavior Expectations Be respectful, courteous and cooperative with teachers and classmates. Be on time to class. Be ready to work with all needed materials. Be dismissed by a teacher (not by the bell.) Be respectful of the learning environment. Be respectful of school property and the personal property of others. Wear appropriate school clothes at all times. Unacceptable Behaviors Inappropriate language Fighting Inappropriate dress Food in the classroom Cheating or forgery Public display of affection (PDA) Being in unauthorized area of building Disrespect to others Disrupting class Skipping class Consequences for Code of Conduct/Classroom Violations Verbal warning, proximity control (move you to a different seat) Phone call home Conference with coordinator/parent Disciplinary referral REMOVAL FROM CLASS or ACADEMY Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 20
If the infraction merits, a referral will be written immediately and you will be removed from the classroom. A severe infraction includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors: physical harm, destroying property, insubordination, profanity, behavior that stops the class. Dress and Grooming The district s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards. Students and parents may determine a student s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the following: Dress Code Center ISD has implemented the following dress code to ensure a safe, positive environment free for all students. Appropriate dress for the school day causes students to act in a manner which produces a higher standard for personal behavior and educational activities. Student dress must conform to the following rules. Shorts and skirts (including splits in skirts) may be worn as long as they are no shorter than two inches above the knee Sleep pants or pajamas/pajama pants, tennis shorts, athletic shorts, gym shorts, cycling shorts, and outer clothing made of lycra are not acceptable. House shoes are not permitted to be worn at school Pants worn below hips and buttocks are not acceptable. ( Sagging will not be tolerated.) Shirts that extend past the thumb when student is standing with arms relaxed by the side must be tucked in. Shirts and blouses must be long enough to prevent exposure of the midsection when arms are raised parallel to the floor. Any apparel that advertises or implies sex, drugs, alcohol, profanity or violence is not permitted. Transparent clothing is not permitted. Sleeveless shirts and dresses are permitted as long as no undergarment or the sides of the body are visible. The top of the shoulder must be covered. Muscle shirts, tank tops, halter tops, and/or spaghetti straps are not allowed. Shirts with the sleeves cut off are not allowed. No headwear is permitted. Headwear includes but is not limited to nonprescription eyewear, sunglasses, caps, hats, hair picks, hair nets, stocking caps, toboggans, headbands, and bandannas. Excessively tight pants, shorts, or skirts are not allowed. (Leggings must have a Shirt that reaches mid-thigh or lower.) Any hair color other than a natural hair color or hairstyle that is deemed to be distracting or disruptive to the educational process is not allowed. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 21
Students may not bring or have on their clothing or in their possession any type of chain; these include chains such as wallet chains, dog collars, and belts. Any accessory or clothing that is deemed gang related as determined by school administration is prohibited. Clothing must not be excessively torn and must not expose any undergarments or skin. Pants with holes above the knee must have something worn under them to prevent skin from showing. No body piercing is allowed except in the ear. No jewelry may be worn in the nose, lip, eyelid, tongue, or any other area deemed by administration to be distractive or inappropriate. The administration is authorized to require students to change their dress if it causes a distraction or disruption of school. Discipline Management In order to maintain an environment conducive to learning, discipline and behavior problems at the Roughrider Academy are dealt with in a fair and consistent manner. Major infractions of the program s rules and expectations may result in the student s immediate suspension, expulsion, DAEP placement, or removal from the program. Major infractions include but are not limited to the following behavior: Unauthorized use of, theft of, or damage to any property belonging to the school or another individual Possession or use of any illegal substance Possession of any item that may be used as a weapon Any conduct which threatens or endangers the safety or well-being of any individual Discrimination against other student or individual Sexual harassment in any form i.e. verbal, physical, cyber (texting, sexting, facebooking, myspacing, emailing, etc.) Bomb threats Gambling Obscene or offensive and indecent language and/or conduct Bullying in any form i.e. verbal, physical, cyber (texting, sexting, facebooking, myspacing, emailing, etc.) At Roughrider Academy, we believe that all actions have consequences. Proper behavior and work habits result in positive consequences. Unfortunately, some students choose actions that will result in negative consequences and these must be dealt with quickly and firmly so as to have a minimal effect on the learning environment of the other students Campus Level discipline procedures will follow the Center Independent School District Code of Conduct. District Level discipline procedures will follow the CISD Code of Conduct. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 22
Affiliation with Center High School Roughrider Academy is registered as an Alternative Education Campus through the Texas Education Agency. Roughrider Academy students are not allowed to participate in any activities at Center High School. Students may attend prom if they are invited by a CHS Junior or Senior. If a student needs to visit CHS, prior approval will be required. This includes all buildings, common areas, and parking lots. Once a student is enrolled in Roughrider Academy, students will not be able to transfer back to Center High School or re-enroll in Center High School. Returns/ Transfers to Center High School Once admitted and enrolled in the Roughrider Academy high school students must graduate from the Roughrider Academy. Students are not allowed to re-enroll to Center High School. Transfer Students from Out-of-District Roughrider Academy does not accept students from out-of-district for the primary purpose of attending Roughrider Academy. Students who have be previously enrolled to other CISD campuses, and choose to apply will be considered on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Director or Admission committee. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 23
Section I: Parental Rights This section of the Roughrider Academy Student Handbook includes information related to certain rights of parents as specified in state or federal law. Consent, Opt-Out, and Refusal Rights Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation A district employee will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without obtaining prior written parental consent unless the examination, test, or treatment is required under state or federal law regarding requirements for special education or by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for child abuse investigations and reports. Consent to Display a Student s Original Works and Personal Information Teachers may display students work, which may include personally identifiable student information, in classrooms or elsewhere on campus as recognition of student achievement. However, the district will seek parental consent before displaying students artwork, special projects, photographs taken by students, original videos or voice recordings, and other original works on the district s website, a website affiliated or sponsored by the district, such as a campus or classroom website, and in district publications, which may include printed materials, videos, or other methods of mass communication. Consent to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction if Student is Under Age 14 A child under the age of 14 must have parental permission to receive instruction in the district s parenting and paternity awareness program; otherwise, the 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. Consent to Video or Audio Record a Student When Not Otherwise Permitted by Law State law permits the school to make a video or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances: When it is to be used for school safety; When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; When it relates to media coverage of the school; or When it relates to the promotion of student safety as provided by law for a student receiving special education services in certain settings. The district will seek parental consent through a written request before making any other video or voice recording of your child not otherwise allowed by law. [See Video Cameras for more information, including a parent s right to request video and audio Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 24
equipment be placed in certain special education settings.] Prohibiting the Use of Corporal Punishment Corporal punishment spanking or paddling the student may be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and policy FO(LOCAL) in the district s policy manual. If you do not want corporal punishment to be administered to your child as a method of student discipline, please return the form included in the forms packet OR submit a written statement to the campus principal stating this decision. A signed statement must be provided each year if you do not want corporal punishment to be administered to your child. You may choose to revoke this prohibition at any time during the year by providing a signed statement to the campus principal. However, district personnel may choose to use discipline methods other than corporal punishment even if the parent requests that this method be used on the student. Note: If the district is made aware that a student is in temporary or permanent conservatorship (custody) of the state, through foster care, kinship care, or other arrangements, corporal punishment will not be administered, even when a signed statement prohibiting its use has not been submitted by the student s caregiver or caseworker. Limiting Electronic Communications with Students by District Employees Teachers and other approved employees are permitted by the district to communicate with students through the use of electronic media within the scope of the individual s professional responsibilities. For example, a teacher may set up a social networking page for his or her class that has information related to class work, homework, and tests. As a parent, you are welcome to join or become a member of such a page. An employee described above may also contact a student individually through electronic media to communicate about items such as homework or upcoming tests. If you prefer that your child not receive any one-to-one electronic communications from a district employee or if you have questions related to the use of electronic media by district employees, please contact the campus principal. Objecting to the Release of Directory Information The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, permits the district to disclose appropriately designated directory information from a child s education records without written consent. Directory information is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Examples include a student s photograph for publication in the school yearbook; a student s name and grade level for purposes of communicating class and teacher assignment; the name, weight, and height of an athlete for publication in a school athletic program; a list of student birthdays for generating schoolwide or classroom recognition; a student s name and photograph posted on a district-approved and -managed social media Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 25
platform; and the names and grade levels of students submitted by the district to a local newspaper or other community publication to recognize the A/B honor roll for a specific grading period. Directory information will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it. However, a parent or eligible student may object to the release of a student s directory information. 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. [See the Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent s Response Regarding Release of Student Information included in the The district has identified the following as directory information: student name; address; telephone listing; electronic mail address; photograph; date and place of birth; major field of study; degrees, honors, and awards received; dates of at-attendance; grade level; most recent educational institution attended; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; and weight and height of members of athletic teams. If you object to the release of the student information included on the directory information response form, your decision will also apply to the use of that information for school-sponsored purposes, such as the honor roll, school newspaper, the yearbook, recognition activities, news releases, and athletic programs. Also review the information at Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records. Objecting to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education (Secondary Grade Levels Only) The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child s information without prior written consent. A form included in the forms packet is available if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education. Participation in Third-Party Surveys Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation 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. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 26
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).] Opting Out of Participation in Other Types of Surveys or Screenings and the Disclosure of Personal Information 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, selling, or otherwise disclosing that information. Note: This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions. 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. Removing a Student from Instruction or Excusing a Student from a Required Component of Instruction Human Sexuality Instruction 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 (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) 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; Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 27
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. As a parent, you are entitled to review the curriculum materials. In addition, you may remove your child from any part of the human sexuality 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. Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence in Grades 3 12 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 U.S. government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK(LEGAL).] Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags As a parent, you may request that your child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. 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 and policy EC(LEGAL).] Religious or Moral Beliefs 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 state law. Tutoring or Test Preparation Based on informal observations, evaluative data such as grades earned on assignments or tests, or results from diagnostic assessments, a teacher may determine that a student is in need of additional targeted assistance in order for the student to achieve mastery in state-developed essential knowledge and skills. The school will always attempt to provide tutoring and strategies Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 28
for test-taking in ways that prevent removal from other instruction as much as possible. In accordance with state law and policy EC, the school will not remove a student from a regularly scheduled class for remedial tutoring or test preparation for more than ten percent of the school days on which the class is offered, unless the student s parent consents to this removal. The school may also offer tutorial services, which students whose grades are below 70 will be required to attend. [Also refer to policies EC and EHBC, and contact your student s teacher with questions about any tutoring programs provided by the school.] Right of Access to Student Records, Curriculum Materials, and District Records/Policies Instructional Materials 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. You are also entitled to request that the school allow your child to take home any instructional materials used by the student. If the school determines that sufficient availability exists to grant the request, the student must return the materials at the beginning of the next school day if requested to do so by the child s teacher. Notices of Certain Student Misconduct to Noncustodial Parent 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.] Participation in Federally Required, State-Mandated, and District Assessments You may request information regarding any state or district policy related to your child s participation in assessments required by federal law, state law, or the district. Roughrider Academy Student Handbook 2017-2018 29