We
would like to take the opportunity to welcome all students to
The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize students and parents with the policies, rules, regulations, and activities of the local school environment. The local School Board, educators, parents, students and other concerned citizens working cooperatively can maintain a well-regulated school environment where maximum learning is the ultimate goal and end result.
Administration
Chance Welch, Superintendent
(940) 664-3101
Pat Narcomey,
High School Principal
(940) 664-3161
Board of Trustees
Mr. Jakie Long - President
Mr. Matt Biery - Vice-President
Mrs. Kay Lynn Bridges - Secretary
Mr. Mike Pendergraft - Member
Mrs. Susan Wolfe - Member
Mr. Hal Brown – Member
Mr. Ed Laney - Member
Website: www.grafordisd.net
THE
The aim of the District shall
be to give the students the best possible education that planning, experience,
and effort can devise, by providing an effective school system in which there
is strong instructional leadership and an orderly climate conducive to teaching
and learning.
The function of the District shall be to provide a favorable and flexible environment that encourages a student to participate in democratic living and provides opportunities to engage in worthwhile activities. All students shall be expected to master essential academic skills, as taught in the core curriculum, and acquire a knowledge base on which to build lifelong learning. Students will be provided the opportunity to develop the ability to think logically, independently, creatively, and to communicate effectively. The formal program of instruction must be so flexible that each student will develop mentally, physically, morally, and socially in accordance with the student’s physical and mental structure.
The District shall foster a sense of pride in self, family, cultural background, and national heritage, while safeguarding respect for authority and the rights, beliefs, and property of others. Values such as courage, honesty, fairness, kindness, self-confidence, and self-discipline shall be taught.
A system that can accomplish this mission must provide instruction at the highest levels of quality, distribute educational opportunities and resources equitably, and maintain accountability for demonstrated results and continuous improvement.
We believe that our school’s purpose shall be to give the students the best possible education that planning, experience, and effort can devise by providing an effective school system in which there is a combined effort by students, administration, teachers, parents, and the community and an orderly climate conducive to teaching and learning. We accept the responsibility of not only educating, but further developing social skills, self-esteem, good citizenship, and academic excellence for the students of Graford I.S.D.
I believe in the United States
of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose
just powers are derived from the consent of the governed--a democracy in a
republic, a sovereign state, a perfect union, one inseparable, established upon
those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American
patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies, for I am an American.
Graford Our Graford
Graford, your colors are gleaming
For every person to see;
To us you’re the best school ever,
Numerous your victories:
We’ll work and we’ll toil for achievement;
We’ll bring honor to your name.
Though we may change
Still you’ll be the same,
Our own dear school.
CHORUS
We love Graford, Graford
School that we love the best,
Graford, Graford
Way out in the ole’ west:
How we love thy school room memories,
Where we have learned so long,
Though we may leave,
To you we will cleave,
Our own dear school!!!!
O say ,can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming ?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming ?
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
Oh say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave ?
I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the
and to the republic for
which it stands one nation
under God , indivisible with
liberty and justice for all.
Honor the
I pledge allegiance to thee,
To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2006-2007! For this year to be successful for your child, we must all work together: students, parents, teachers, and other school staff members.
The Graford Secondary 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 three sections:
Section I—IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS—with information all parents will need about assisting their child and responding to school-related issues;
Section II—CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION—to provide information to students and their parents about graduation programs, required courses, class rank, and extracurricular and other activities; and
Section III—GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS—describing school operations and requirements such as safety procedures, the dress code, and fees that may be charged.
Each section has a Quick Reference component to serve as a guide for day-to-day questions that may arise.
Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents must be familiar with the Graford ISD Student Code of Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this handbook.
The student handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.
In case of conflict between Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of student handbooks, the provisions of Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct that were most recently adopted by the Board are to be followed.
We strongly recommend that parents review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Also, please complete and return the parental acknowledgment and consent/opt-out forms so that we have a record of your choices. [See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights].
This section of the Graford Secondary Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
Where to look when
you need information about…
· Parental involvement page 6
· Grading period timelines page 9
· Report cards/progress reports and conferences page 10
· State-mandated assessment testing page 10
· Other standardized testing: College Requirements page 11
· Medicine at school page 11
· Psychotropic drugs page 12
· Student records page 12
· Student or parent complaints and concerns page 14
· Release of students from school page 14
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
· Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the District. Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. If your child is entering ninth grade, review the requirements of the graduation programs with your child. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling and Academic Programs]
· 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 940-664-3161 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.]
· Offering to serve as a parent representative on the District-level or campus-level planning committees assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact Pat Narcomey.
· Attending Board meetings to learn more about District operations. [See policies BE and BED for more information.]
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, anti-social, 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.]
As a parent, you also have a right to receive notice and request your child out of participating 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 non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student. Exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. See policies EF and FFAA.
As
a parent, if you choose that your child’s artwork, special projects,
photographs and the like not be displayed to the community on the
District’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or any other method
of communication, you must notify the principal in writing.
· To request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers, including whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.
· To review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum and to examine tests that has been administered to your child.
· To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
· To review your child’s student records when needed. These records include:
· Attendance records,
· Test scores,
· Grades,
· Disciplinary records,
· Counseling records,
· Psychological records,
· Applications for admission,
· Health and immunization information,
· Other medical records,
· Teacher and counselor evaluations,
· Reports of behavioral patterns, and
· State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
(See Student Records).
· To grant or deny any written request from the District to make a videotape or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a videotape or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:
Ø When it is to be used for school safety;
Ø When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or
Ø When it relates to media coverage of the school.
· To remove your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.
·
To request that your child be excused from
participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the
· To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the District determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK]
· To request in writing, if you are a non-custodial parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. See policies FL (LEGAL) and (LOCAL), FO (LEGAL) and the Student Code of Conduct.
· To request a transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been verified by the Board of trustees 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 principal for information.
· To request a 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 was a victim of a violent criminal offense while in school or on school grounds. See policy FDD (LOCAL).
In grades 7-12, achievement is reported to parents as:
REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES
Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every three weeks.
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, parents will be given a written unsatisfactory progress report if their child’s performance in any course (in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) is near or below 70, or is below the expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject during a grading period, the parent will be requested to schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. [See Working Together on how to schedule a conference.]
Teachers follow grading guidelines approved by the principal that have been designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a teacher cannot be changed unless the Board determines that the grade was arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the District’s grading policy. [See policy EIA.]
Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG (LOCAL).
The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.
Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within three days.
Students at certain grade levels will take state assessment tests (such as TAKS: the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in the following subjects, as well as routine testing and other measures of achievement:
· Mathematics, annually in grades 3–7 without the aid of technology and, in grades 8–11, with the aid of technology on any assessment test that includes algebra
·
· Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
· English language arts in grade 10
· Social studies in grades 8 and 10
· Science in grades 5, 8, and 10 [See note below.]
· Any other subject and grade required by federal law
OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTING:
COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
Most colleges require either the American College Test (ACT)
or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the
counselor early during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to
take; entrance exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. (Prior to enrollment in a
District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:
·
Authorized
employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:
· Prescription medication provided by the parent, along with a written request, and in the original, properly labeled container.
· 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 provided by the parent along with a written request, and in the original, properly labeled container.
· Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent 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 who has written authorization from his or her parent and physician or other licensed health-care provider may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma medication at school or school-related events. The student and parents should see the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication for use during the school day.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information.
Parents and students should be aware that 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.
Under state law, 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.
PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS
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 will not 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.
“Psychotropic drug” means a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication and intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior. It is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
[For further information, see policies at FFAC.]
Both federal and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and “eligible” students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
The law specifies that certain general information about Graford ISD students is considered “directory information” and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.
Release of any or all directory information regarding a student may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the child’s first day of this school year. [See the acknowledgment form attached to this handbook.]
Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:
· The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless parental rights have been legally terminated and if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as the student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, control of the records goes to the student. However, the parents may continue to have access to the records if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.
· District staff members who have what federal law defines as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. Such persons would include school officials (such as Board members, the Superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the District (such as a medical consultant).
· Various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order.
· A school to which a student transfers or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.
Release to any other person or agency—such as a prospective employer or for a scholarship application—will occur only with parental or student permission as appropriate.
The District must comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the District not to release their child’s information without prior written consent.
The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The principal is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.
Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student
during regular school hours. If
circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the District will either
provide a copy of the requested records, or make other arrangements for the
parent or student to review the requested records. The records custodian or designee will
respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the
records. The address of the
Superintendent’s office is
A parent (or the student if he or she is 18 or older or is attending an institution of postsecondary education) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process defined by policy FNG. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences, and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns for an overview of the process.]
Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.
Please note:
Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the District is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The District’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or Superintendent’s office.
The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student a record does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records—such as teachers’ personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply—by a phone call or a conference with the teacher. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the District has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG (LOCAL) in the District’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or Superintendent’s office.
In general, the student or parent should first discuss the complaint with the campus principal. If unresolved, a written complaint and a request for a conference should be sent to the Superintendent. If still unresolved, the District provides for the complaint to be presented to the Board of Trustees.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school day should, with the teacher’s permission, report to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.
A student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day except with permission from the principal or designee and according to the campus sign-out procedures. Unless the principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.
Late Arrival to School
A student who is tardy to school by more than fifteen minutes will be assigned to lunch detention. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action. [See Attendance for Credit]
Withdrawing from School
A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. A withdrawal form may be obtained by the parent from the principal’s office.
On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the clinic for health records; to the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the student and a copy placed in the student’s permanent record.
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.
This section of the handbook contains pertinent requirements for academics and activities. Much of this information will also be of interest to your parents and should be reviewed with them—especially if you are entering 9th grade or are a transfer student. The section includes information on graduation programs and requirements; options for earning course credit; extracurricular activities and other school-related organizations; and awards, honors, and scholarships.
· Academic Dishonesty/cheating/plagiarism page 16
· Awards and honors page 16
· Class rank/top ten percent/highest ranking student page 16
· State scholarships and grants page 17
·
· Computer resources page 18
· Correspondence courses page 18
· Corporal Punishment page 18
· Counseling: academic page 19
· Counseling: personal page 19
· Credit by exam page 19
· Distance Learning page 20
· Dual credit courses/college courses page 20
· Career and technology programs page 20
· Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations page 20
· Grade classification page 24
· Promotion and retention page 24
· Graduation page 25
· Homework page 27
· Lockers page 27
· Lunch program page 28
· Special programs page 28
· Textbooks page 29
The school counselor provides students and their parents’ information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices.
ACADEMIC
DISHONESTY / CHEATING / PLAGIARISM
Academic
dishonesty, as in cheating or plagiarism, is not acceptable. Cheating includes the copying of another
student’s work, such as homework, class work, or test answers as
one’s own. Plagiarism is the
use of another person’s original ideas or writing without giving credit
to the true author. A student found to have engaged in cheating
will be subject to the following:
1st
time – Automatic zeroes for the work in question.
2nd time and any time thereafter – Automatic zeroes for
the work in question
and/or
3 days suspension.
Each six-weeks grading period an all
“A” and an “A-B” Honor Roll will be released and
published in the Lake Country Sun
and on campus. A student must have
all A’s for the A Honor Roll or all A’s and B’s for the A-B
Honor Roll. Two (2) students in Grade 7-12 with the highest overall average for
each subject will receive awards at the end of the year. In addition, the top two students
overall in Grades 7-12 will be presented academic awards for their grade in the
current year.
For purpose of
six-week Honor Rolls, students who receive a U in conduct or who have been
placed in ISS, OSS, DAEP, or has been suspended during the grading period will NOT be eligible for Honor Roll
recognition. Any student who is ineligible for a grading period Honor Roll
will be ineligible for the corresponding Semester Honor Roll.
There will be opportunities during the year for seniors to apply for scholarships. The counselor or principal will make this information available to the students. If a student needs help filling out applications, the counselor will be available to help.
Students who are ranked in the top ten percent of their
graduating class are eligible for a period of two school years following their
graduation for automatic admission into
The valedictorian and the salutatorian are those members of
the senior class who have the two highest scholastic averages. Beginning with the graduating seniors of
2008, to be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian, students must be on
the recommended or distinguished achievement plan. These students are
determined at the end of the 5th six-week grading period of their
senior year. No accelerated graduation plan will be eligible to receive the
valedictorian and salutatorian.
To be eligible, a student must have attended the last two years at Graford High School and must carry a regular education schedule at all times. An exception to the attendance rule will be made in the case of the transfer of an entire high school, where the determination will be made based on the records from the transferring school.
In calculating
scholastic averages for class ranking for high school students,
Advanced courses are:
AP English
Spanish
3
Physics
Pre-Calculus
&n