BROCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2007 – 2008
Quality to the Core….
Table of Contents
Page
5 Administrator Phone Numbers
6 Forward
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Telecommunication Disclaimer
7 Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary & Secondary Institutions
8 Mission Statement
District Goals
School Song
9 Admission
Arrival / Dismissal
Asbestos
Assemblies
Athletics
10 Attendance
11 Automobile / Motorcycles
Backpacks & Book Bags
Bacterial Meningitis
13 Cafeteria Services
14 Career / Technical Education
Cell Phones
Schedule Changes
Class Functions
Classification, Promotion, and Course Credit
Class Ranking – High School
15 Clubs & Organizations
College Days
16 Communicable Diseases
Complaints by Students / Parents
Conferences
17 Correspondence Courses
Counseling
Credit by Examination, Credit Retrieval, Prevention & Recovery
Distribution of Material
18 Dress & Grooming Code
19 Fire, Tornado
Emergency Medical Treatment
Emergency School Closing Information
20 Examination for Acceleration
Exemptions
Extracurricular Activities
21 Fees and Fines
Fund Raising
Graduation Expenses
Graduation Requirements
Head Lice
22 Health Screenings
Honor Roll
Illness at School
Immunization
Insurance
23 Leaving Campus for Lunch
Library
Lockers
Lost & Found
24 Make Up Work & Grades
Medicine at School
Personal Items
Pest Control Information
25 Promotions, Retention, and Placement
26 Protection of Student Rights
27 Report Cards
School Buses
28 School-Related Social Events
School Trips
Searches by Trained Dogs
Security Cameras
Sign Out Sheet for Students Leaving School
29 Special Programs
Sportsmanship
Student Records
31 Student Right to Pray
Tardy Policy
Teacher Request
Telephone Use
32 Textbooks
Transportation
Tutorials
Withdrawals
33 Student Code of Conduct I
Implementation of the Code of Conduct
Responsibility and Authority for Administration & Enforcement of Code of Conduct
Role & Responsibilities of Certified Personnel in Maintaining Acceptable Conduct
34 Responsibilities of Parents
35 Placement Review Committee
Parent / Teacher Conferences
Student Records
36 Student Retrieval
Textbooks
Visitors
36 Student Code of Conduct II
Factors
37 Jurisdiction
Abiding by the Law
End of Semester / Year Offenses
Rights & Responsibilities of Students
38 Students at School or School-Related Activities Are Prohibited From
39 Dress Code & Attendance Laws
40 Attendance Committee
41 Compulsory Attendance Law
Vandalism / Damage to School Property
Sexual Harassment
42 Hazing
Tobacco Use
Messaging Devices, Paging Devices, Including Cellular Telephones
43 Drug / Alcohol Use
Drug & Alcohol Policy for Extracurricular & or Co-Curricular Activities
44 Weapons/Assaults
Disturbing School or Class
45 Disruption of Lawful Assembly
Distribution of Material
45 Prior Review
Student Conduct on School Buses
47 Secret or Self-perpetuation Societies
General Guidelines for Assessing Discipline III- Definitions
48 Definitions, Continued
List of Offenses and Consequences by Level
Level 1 Offenses
49 Level 1 Disciplinary Options
Level 2 Offenses
50 Level 2 Disciplinary Options
Level 3 Offenses
Level 3 Disciplinary Options
51 Level 4 Serious Offenses
52 Level 4 Disciplinary Options
Level 4 Mandatory Removal or Expulsion Offenses
Mandatory Removal
53 Mandatory Expulsion
54 Procedural Due Process
55 Expulsion/Appeal of Board’s Decision to Expel
Emergency Placement or Expulsion
56 Teacher Removal of a Student
58 Suspension
Placement of Students with Disabilities
Appeal of a Student with Disabilities Expulsion
60 Corporal Punishment
Detention
61 Readmission of Expelled Students
Interrogations and Searches
62 Physical Restraint
Cooperation with Law Enforcement Officials
Police Questioning of Students
Arrested Students
63 Telecommunications Network Acceptable Use Policy
Regulations & Guidelines
System Access
Campus-Level Coordinator Responsibilities
64 Individual User Responsibilities
On-Line Conduct
65 Vandalism and Forgery Prohibited
Information Content / Third Party Supplied Information
Network Etiquette
Termination / Revocation of System User Account
66 Technology Policy Student Agreement
67 Photo/Video and Website Agreement
68 Electronic Communication System Agreement
69 Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement Form
For inquiries, please contact the following personnel:
Mr. Richard Tedder, Superintendent of Schools 594-7642
599-3246 fax
Mrs. Carolyn Branch, Director of Finance 594-7642
599-3246 fax
Mr. Burt Green, Director of Transportation/Maintenance 594-7642
599-3246 fax
Mr. Scott Drillette, High School Principal 594-3492
594-2509 fax
Mr. Chad Massey, Middle School Principal 6-8 594-3195
599-5117 fax
Mrs. Dee Ann Mills, Elementary Principal EC-5 594-8017
599-5117 fax
Or write:
Brock Independent School District
100 Grindstone Road
Brock, Texas 76087
F O R E W O R D
The Brock Independent School District operates under the applicable laws and policies of the United States Government, the State of Texas, the local board of education, and the University Interscholastic League. It is the intent of the administration and staff to comply with all applicable laws and policies.
THE PASSAGE OF LAWS BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND THE ONGOING PROCESS OF INTERPRETATION BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NULLIFY OR ALTER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL POLICIES.
This document supersedes any other student handbook or folder that concerns Brock ISD student policies.
The Brock Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education or providing access to benefits or education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Specific personnel have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements. For the names of these compliance officers, please contact the administration building: 594-7642.
Additionally, the District will take steps to insure that the lack of English language skills will not prohibit any student's participation in the programs available at Brock Schools.
The District's system is provided on an "as is, as available" basis. The District does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, including, without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any services provided by the system and any information or software contained therein. The District does not warrant that the functions or services performed by, or that the information or software contained on, the system will meet the system's user's requirements, or that the system will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that defects will be corrected.
Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users, information providers, service providers, or other third party individuals in the system are those of the providers and not the District.
The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the District's electronic communications system.
Brock ISD will not be responsible for any damages suffered while on this system. These damages include loss of data as a result of delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by the system or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the information system is at your own risk. BISD specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained through its services.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:
1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the Brock Independent School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents or eligible student, the District will notify the parents or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, Brock ISD will disclose educational records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office 600 Independence Avenue, SW
U.S. Department of Education Washington, DC 20202 – 4605
MISSION STATEMENTS
The Brock I. S. D., established and supported by the community, is dedicated to helping each student prepare for independent, lifelong learning.
· Strive to increase parental involvement through the personal and academic development of all students, so that they meet of exceed state expectations for exemplary schools.
BROCK SCHOOL SONG
To dear old Brock High School
We'll always be true
We'll live by her standards
Whatever we do
Our meetings together
Our games and our fun
Our teamwork, our troubles, too
We've lost and we've won
We love our school colors
The gold and the blue
They're part of our memories
Brock High, WE LOVE YOU!
COLORS: Blue and Gold
MASCOT: Eagles
The student handbook contains information needed by both students and parents throughout the school year. It is organized alphabetically by topic. Students are addressed as "the student," "students," "the child," or "children." The term "the student's parent" refers to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for the student.
ADMISSION
A student (or the student's parent) seeking enrollment in the District for the first time or following attendance in another Texas district, out-of-state attendance, private school attendance, or admission through a bona fide foreign exchange program should contact the building principal.
The Board (or designees) shall determine what is acceptable proof of residence within the district, and may require evidence of eligibility to attend school within the district upon admission.
ARRIVAL / DISMISSAL
Proper supervision may not be provided to students who arrive prior to the cafeteria opening at 7:30 A.M. Students who wish to eat breakfast may go to the cafeteria. Students must be picked up from school in a timely manner. Students need to be told by a parent/guardian what transportation to use to leave school before they arrive at school each day. Calls to the campus to change a student’s pick up information should be limited to emergencies and must be made by 2:30 p.m.
ASBESTOS
As required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of October, 1986, the Environmental Protection Agency requires all schools to have an inspection for asbestos-containing materials and to have a management plan identifying the materials. The management plan is available in each campus office for public viewing. If you have any questions, discuss them with your school principal or call the administration office at (817) 594-7642.
ASSEMBLIES
A student's conduct in assemblies must meet the same standard as in the classroom. A student who is tardy or who does not abide by District rules of conduct during an assembly shall be subject to disciplinary action.
ATHLETICS
Brock ISD will generally adhere to the University Interscholastic League time frames for each sport and will abide by the time frames as stated by the UIL. For more information concerning these time frames, go to the UIL website (http://www.utexas.edu/admin/uil/) or contact the school office.
ATTENDANCE
Students must be in attendance at least 90% of the days that class is offered each semester.
Students not in compliance with state mandated attendance requirements will not receive the Texas Education Agency's verification form for driver’s license renewal (SBOE rule TAC 61.43).
A child required to attend school may be excused for temporary absence resulting from any cause acceptable to the teacher, principal, or Superintendent of the school in which the child is enrolled.
BISD shall excuse a student from attending school for the purpose of observing religious holy days, including traveling for that purpose, if before the absence the parent, guardian, or person having custody or control of the student submits a written request for the excused absence. A school district shall excuse a student for temporary absence resulting from health care professionals if that student commences classes or returns to school on the same day of the appointment.
If the attendance committee finds that there are no extenuating circumstances for the absence or if conditions established by the committee for earning or regaining credit are not met, the committee shall deny credit for the class. A student whose petition for credit is denied may appeal the attendance committee's decision to the Board of Trustees.
When returning to school after an absence, a student must bring a note that describes the reason for the absence. The student’s parent or guardian must sign this note. Notes signed by the student, even with the parent's consent, are unacceptable, and the student will be disciplined.
IMPORTANT: Any student who misses school time to go to the doctor and returns to school that day bringing a note from the doctor's office stating will NOT be counted absent for the school time missed for ADA purposes. This does not pertain to calculation of perfect attendance or final exam exemptions.
A student who has been absent for any reason is encouraged to make up specific assignments missed and/or to complete additional in-depth study assigned by the teacher to meet subject or course requirements. Failure to make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will result in a grade of zero for the assignment.
IMPORTANT – STATE LAW
The Texas Education Code 25.085 states that students must attend school. Texas Education Code 25.094 states that if a student is absent from school on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year or on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.
(1) The parent is subject to prosecution under Section 25.093 (b)
of the Education Code for failure to require the child to attend
school as required by law and
(2) The student is subject to prosecution under Section 25.094 of
the Education Code.
Section 25.095 further states that it is the parent’s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend school. Parents should request a conference with school officials to discuss the student’s absences.
Attendance 6-8th grade-
Attendance will be counted each period for grades 6-8th.
Perfect attendance-To receive a perfect attendance award, a student must not have an absence for any class during the school day.
AUTOMOBILE/MOTORCYCLES
Students who are licensed drivers may bring a vehicle on school property. Students who misuse motor vehicles may lose their motor vehicle privileges.
BACKPACKS AND BOOKBAGS
Students may bring backpacks or book bags on campus provided there is no disruption of the educational process. K-5 grades may have rolling back packs. 6-12 grades may not have rolling back packs. The building principal, or his or her designee, may search backpacks or book bags, may require see-through mesh or clear material, may require identification tags on backpacks, and may prohibit students from bringing unsuitable bags on campus.
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
Dear Parent,
Senate Bill 31, which was recently passed by the Texas Legislature, requires public schools to annually provide all students and parents with information relating to bacterial meningitis. The information enclosed is to educate parents about the symptoms of this disease and what to do in the event that a student is diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
The Texas Department of Health stresses that this disease is not a widespread problem with children who are in public schools. The regional and county health departments do not have this vaccine available unless there is an outbreak. If an outbreak occurs in our area, the health department will notify and advise families and schools regarding the necessity of the vaccinations. The population most at risk for contacting bacterial meningitis is college freshmen that live in dormitories. However, the Legislature did intend that all public school students and parents be made aware of this disease and the potential health consequences.
Please refer to the information sheet on bacterial meningitis.
If you have any questions, contact the school nurse on our campus, Melissa Burden, RN.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord -- also called the meninges. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral (aseptic) meningitis is common; most people recover fully. Medical management of viral meningitis consists of supportive treatment and there is usually no indication for the use of antibiotics. Parasitic and fungal meningitis are very rare. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and may involve complicated medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and life support management.
There are two common types of bacteria that cause meningitis:
Strep pneumonia causes pneumococcal meningitis; there are over 80 subtypes that cause illness
Neisseria meningitides - meningococcal meningitis; there are 5 subtypes that cause serious illness --
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:
Severe headache
High temperature Vomiting
Sensitivity to bright lights Neck stiffness, joint pains Drowsiness or confusion
..* In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots or bruises caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. They are a sign of blood poisoning (septicemia), which sometimes happens with meningitis, particularly the meningococcal strain.
How serious is bacterial meningitis?
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, such as deafness, blindness, amputations, or brain damage (resulting in mental retardation or paralysis) even with prompt treatment
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. 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. Being a carrier helps to stimulate your body’s natural defense system. The bacteria rarely overcomes the body's immune system and causes meningitis or. another serious illness.
What is the risk of getting bacterial meningitis?
The risk of getting bacterial meningitis in all age groups is about 2.4 cases per 100,000 population per year. However, the highest risk group for the most serious form of the disease, meningococcal meningitis, is highest among children 2 to 18 years old.
How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood. Spinal fluid is obtained by a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.
Vaccines against pneumococcal disease are recommended both for young children and adults over 64. A vaccine against four meningococcal serogroups (A, C, Y, W-135) is available. These four groups cause the majority of meningococcal cases in the United States. This 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%). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within 7 to 10 days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to 5 years.
What you should do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial meningitis?'
Seek prompt medical attention.
For 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 Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.QOV and the Texas Department of Health: www.tdh.state.tx.us.
CAFETERIA SERVICES
The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers free and reduced-price meals based on a student's financial need. Information can be obtained from the administration office.
All students, including those who bring a lunch from home, may eat in the cafeteria.
Cafeteria regulations:
1) Enter orderly and walk in a line.
2) Keep your place in line, but do not "save places." No cutting in line.
3) The student who used them must remove trays, paper cups, glasses, and other utensils from the table.
4) Students should follow proper table manners.
5) Do not take food or drink of any kind outside the cafeteria.
6) Place all garbage in receptacles provided for such.
7) Feel free to talk or visit with friends, but avoid shouting or "horseplay" of any kind.
However, to maintain schedules and a pleasant environment in which to eat lunch, campus principals may require students to remain silent as they proceed through the serving line.
The function of the food service program is to provide nutritionally sound and appetizing meals at the lowest possible cost to our students. The student prices are as follows:
Breakfast Grades K - 12 1.50
Lunch Grades K - 12 2.00
Employee and adult prices are:
Breakfast 1.50
Lunch 2.75
Students may not charge for the 2007-2008 school year until all money owed from 2006-2007 has been paid. ** All charges must be brought up to date every two weeks.
CAREER / TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Brock I.S.D. offers career and technology programs in Agricultural Science and Technology and MOCT, (Multi-Occupational Career Training). Admission to these programs is based on student interest and need.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones shall not to be used during the school day for any reason. Cell phones will be taken up when seen by school officials.
1) First offense – cell phone will be returned to the student at the end of the day on Friday, the week of the infraction.
2) Second offense – cell phone will be returned to a parent with a $10.00 storage charge at the end of the day on Friday, the week of the infraction.
3) Third offense – cell phone will be returned to a parent with a $15.00 storage charge at the end of the day on Friday, the week of the infraction.
Note: The building principal has approved that cell phones are permitted at school, but
must remain turned off during the school day.
CHANGE OF SCHEDULES
Schedule changes are difficult to make once the schedule has been established. If you feel you have a legitimate need for a schedule change, check with the building principal and counselor. No schedule changes are allowed after the third day of class.
Class sponsors, with consent of the building principal, must approve all class functions.
All class meetings will be coordinated with the building principal.
CLASSIFICATION, PROMOTION, AND COURSE CREDIT
9th grade - complete 5 credits to be a sophomore
10th grade - complete 10 credits to be a junior
11th grade - complete 15 credits to be a senior
12th grade - complete 21 credits to graduate
To earn credit, a grade of 70 must be earned besides any required projects, reports, etc.
To receive credit for a course, a student must maintain an average of 70 or above. The district may award credit semester by semester for a full (one unit) course.
Special grading situations may be available and will be detailed by the building principal as the need arises.
CLASS RANKING - HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian/Salutatorian: Must be enrolled in the District for a minimum of two (2) years.
Because of this two-year rule, it is possible that the highest-ranking student may not be the Valedictorian. The highest-ranking student (even if this student is not named Valedictorian) will receive the highest -ranking student scholarship.
Class rank for senior students shall be calculated by averaging grades earned in grades 9 – 12 and any high school courses in grade 8 for which a student earned state graduation credit. Courses that will not be used for computing GPA are listed below. GPA will be computed factoring in weighted grade values, excluding the last grading period of the senior year. Numerical grades on the AAR transcript do not show any added points for weighted GPA.
The following courses shall not be used in computing the GPA:
¼ point will be added to the final GPA for the following courses:
Students who are ranked in the top ten percent of their graduation class are eligible for a period of two school years following their graduation for automatic admission into Texas general academic universities and colleges. Students and parents should contact the building principal for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, cheerleaders, and athletic teams may establish rules of conduct--and 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 school may apply in addition to or in place of any consequences specified by the organization.
COLLEGE DAYS
Students are allowed one college day each semester (a total of two college days for the school year). Request forms must be filled out completely and presented to the counselor 48 hours in advance of the day to be missed. The counselor, with approval from the building principal, must approve all college days.
Because of the large interest of our students in Weatherford College and Tarleton State University, admission officers from those schools may be invited to Brock High School to meet with students interested in attending those two institutions. Therefore college days to those schools may not be necessary.
Students who have been already been accepted to a college or university, may not be allowed to take unnecessary college days.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease are asked to phone the school nurse/principal so that other students who have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. Such students diagnosed by a physician shall provide a doctors release to the school nurse/principal upon returning to school. A student with certain diseases is not allowed to come to school while the disease is contagious. These diseases include campylobacteriosis, chickenpox, diphtheria, fever (100 or greater, and must be fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to school), viral gastroenteritis, viral type A hepatitis, impetigo, influenza, measles, meningitis, mumps, pink eye/eye discharge (child can be readmitted after medical diagnosis to rule out bacterial infection or 24 hours on antibiotic treatment), polio, parasitic disease, ringworm (scalp), rubella, salmonella, scabies, shigellosis, strep throat, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, or whooping cough.
COMPLAINTS BY STUDENTS/PARENTS
Complaints by students or parents about instructional materials, loss of credit on the basis of attendance, removal to alternative education programs, expulsion, or prior review of nonschool materials intended for distribution to students are handled through procedures specific to policies in those particular areas. To review relevant policies or obtain further information, see the building principal.
A student and/or parent with a complaint regarding possible discrimination in any school program on the basis of sex should contact the Title IX Coordinator. A complaint or concern regarding the placement of a student with disabilities who is not eligible for special education or about the District's programs and services available to the student should be brought to the Section 504 Coordinator.
On all other matters, a student or parent who has a complaint should first bring the matter to the appropriate teacher. If the outcome is not satisfactory, a written record must be made and a conference with the building principal can be requested. Forms necessary to complete the written record may be obtained at the campus or administration office. If the outcome of the conference with the building principal is not satisfactory, a written record must be made and a conference with the Superintendent or designee can be requested. If the outcome of this conference is not satisfactory, the student or parent may appear before the Board of Trustees, in accordance with Board policy.
CONFERENCES
Students and parents may expect teachers to request a conference 1) if the student is not maintaining passing grades or achieving the expected level of performance (see REPORT CARDS below); 2) if the student presents any other problem to the teacher; or 3) in any other case the teacher considers necessary.
The District encourages a student or parent who wants information or wants to raise a question or concern to confer with the appropriate teacher, counselor, or principal. A parent who wishes to confer with a teacher shall call the office for an appointment during the teacher's conference period or request that the teacher call the parent during a conference period or at another mutually convenient time.
Some universities allow high school students to take correspondence courses--courses by mail--for credit. Students in grades 9 - 12 may earn credits toward high school graduation by these means. Students may be enrolled in only one correspondence course at a time. Grades earned in correspondence courses shall not be used in computing class rankings.
Seniors who enroll in correspondence courses to earn units required for graduation shall complete the course and submit the grade for recording at least thirty days prior to the graduation date in order to be eligible for graduation at the end of the term. For further information and specific District policy in this regard, contact the high school counselor.
COUNSELING
Students are encouraged to talk with school counselors, teachers, and principals to learn about the curriculum, course offerings, graduation requirements, and differences between graduation requirements for the regular high school program and the advanced program. All students in grades 7 - 12 and their parents shall be notified annually about the recommended courses for students preparing to attend college. Students who are interested in attending a college, university, or training school or pursuing another advanced education should work closely with their counselor so that they may take the high school courses that will best prepare them for further work. The counselor can also provide information about entrance examinations required by many colleges and universities and also information about financial aid and housing. Orientation will be provided for incoming freshmen and incoming seniors during the summer.
The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional, academic, or chemical dependency needs. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address personal concerns. Students in grades 9 – 12 who desire such assistance should see Mrs. Stacey Jerrett. Students in grades K – 8 should see Mrs. Mary Kay Davis.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION, CREDIT RETRIEVAL, PREVENTION AND RECOVERY
In accordance with state law, Brock ISD may use the ESC Region XI Credit by Exam or courses from the American Prepatory Institute for credit retrieval.
DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL
All aspects of school-sponsored newspapers and/or yearbooks are completely under the supervision of the teacher and campus principal.
Written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials may not be sold, circulated, or distributed on any school campus by a student or a nonstudent without the approval of the building principal and according to campus regulations.
All such material over which the District does not exercise editorial control and that is intended for distribution to students shall be submitted to the building principal for review and approval. If the material is not approved within 24 hours of the time that it was submitted, it must be considered disapproved. Disapproval may be appealed by submitting the disapproved material to the Superintendent; material not approved by the Superintendent within three days is considered disapproved. This disapproval may be appealed to the Board at its next regular meeting when the student shall have a reasonable period to present his or her viewpoint.
DRESS AND GROOMING
The District's dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevents disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority.
Students shall be dressed and groomed in a way that is clean and neat and that will not be a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that in the building principal's (or his designee's) judgment may reasonably be expected to cause a disruption of or interfere with normal school operations.
The District prohibits the following types of clothing and/or accessories:
1) Items that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, obscene, or depict sexual innuendo.
2) Items that advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under FNCF (L).
3) Biking shorts, unless worn under clothing.
4) Any inappropriate clothing or adornment.
5) Caps, headscarves, sunglasses and headbands inside the building.
6) Chains.
7) Clothing that exposes the midriff or halters without a jacket.
8) Boys shall not wear:
a) any visible body piercing
b) hair that is not neatly groomed, that extends below the eyebrow, or that extends below the bottom of the shirt collar or earlobe.
c) ponytails.
9) Facial hair.
10) Pants not worn in the proper position or that are the incorrect waist size.
11) Unnatural hair color shades.
12) Girls shall not wear any visible body piercing other than the ears.
13) Students participating in graduation ceremonies shall be expected to meet dress code requirements.
If the building principal decides that a student's grooming violates the dress code or is not appropriate, the student shall be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school. If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school suspension for the remainder of the day or until the problem is corrected.
Repeated offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action. Appropriate discipline procedures shall be followed in all cases.
The building principal, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, will regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. Students who violate those standards will be removed or excluded from the activity for a period determined by the building principal or sponsor and may be subject to other disciplinary action.
FIRE, TORNADO, AND OTHER EMERGENCY DRILLS
Brock I.S.D. attempts to meet the standards set forth by the State Fire Insurance Underwriters for the study of prevention of fires in the Texas Public Schools. Fire drills and tornado drills are serious matters. Fire drills are for practicing behavior in case of emergency. Students should be instructed to leave the building quickly and quietly but not hurriedly.
Fire drills do not end until the students have returned to the classroom.
a) If it is fast and safe to do so, all windows and doors should be closed, and the lights and air conditioning should be turned off.
b) Students will be expected to exit the building silently and in orderly fashion. Once outside, they should remain with their classes and stand quietly until they are summoned to return.
Students, teachers, and other District employees shall participate in frequent drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students must follow the direction of teachers or marshals quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
Emergency bells: Continuous...........................fire; leave the building
Tornado drill: 60 bursts per minute - continuous
Fire Drill: Continuous alarm
Elementary School Campus:
Fire Drill/Evacuation: Continuous alarm
All persons exit the building safely-without running or crowding-to designated areas
Tornado/Evacuation: Continuous alarm
Halt: By PA announcement
Return to building/classrooms: By PA announcement
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT
Parents are asked to complete an emergency care form each year that includes a place for parental consent for school officials to obtain medical treatment for the student, as permitted by law. Other information that may be required in case of an emergency should be provided and updated by the parents as necessary.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION
Information concerning emergency closing will be available from Channel 4, 8, 5 or 11 or QXFM, 89.5, KRLD, or WBAP 1080. School closing information may also be posted on the school’s website: www.brockisd.net.
EXAMINATION FOR ACCELERATION
A student in any grade may
take an examination for acceleration to be advanced one grade level or to gain
credit for a course he or she has not formally taken for credit. For additional
information contact the building counselor.
EXEMPTIONS
Students in grades 9 – 12 may be exempt from semester exams if they meet the following guidelines:
Definition of an Absence when determining exemption status:
A student is absent if they are not physically present for the entire class period.
The only exception to the policy is if the student is on a school-sponsored activity.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A student may be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities subject to the following provisions:
1. During the first grading period, a student is eligible if he/she was promoted at the end of the previous year or has accumulated the required number of units toward graduation.
2. A student who receives, at the end of any grade evaluation period, a grade below 70 in any academic class, other than an identified honors or advanced class, or a student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse, however. The student regains eligibility when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has: (1) earned a passing grade (70 or above) in all academic classes, other than those that are honors or advanced, and (2) completed the three weeks of ineligibility.
3. Students must receive written permission from their teacher to miss a class for extracurricular activities. <