Student Handbook

***Please refer to the GWISD’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document for the most up to date information regarding COVID 19 guidelines for the school district.*** It is the policy of the George West ISD not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. George West ISD no descrimina por motives de edad, raza, religion, color, origen natal, sexo o necesidades especiales (incapacidades) en sús programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales, tal como lo requieren el Titulo VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Titulo IX de las Emmiendas de la Educación, de 1972, y la Sección de la Ley de Rehabilitacion de 1973, según enmienda. i ii Table of Contents Preface Students and Parents: ........................................................................................................ 1 Accessibility ............................................................................................................................. 2 Section One: Parental Rights .......................................................................................................... 3 CONSENT, OPT-OUT, AND REFUSAL RIGHTS ............................................................................ 3 Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation or Provide a Mental Health Care Service ............................................................................................................................... 3 Consent to Display a Student’s Original Works and Personal Information ............. 3 Consent to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction if Student is Under Age 14 .................................................................................................................... 4 Consent to Video or Audio Record a Student When Not Otherwise Permitted by Law ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Prohibiting the Use of Corporal Punishment ................................................................ 4 Limiting Electronic Communications with Students by District Employees ............ 5 Objecting to the Release of Directory Information ...................................................... 5 Objecting to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education ..................................................................................... 6 Participation in Third-Party Surveys .............................................................................. 6 Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation ........................................................................................................... 6 “Opting Out” of Participation in Other Types of Surveys or Screenings and the Disclosure of Personal Information .................................................................................... 7 REMOVING A STUDENT FROM INSTRUCTION OR EXCUSING A STUDENT FROM A REQUIRED COMPONENT OF INSTRUCTION .............................................................................................. 7 Human Sexuality Instruction ........................................................................................... 7 Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence in Grades 3–12 ................. 8 Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags ...................................................... 9 Religious or Moral Beliefs ............................................................................................... 9 Tutoring or Test Preparation ........................................................................................... 9 RIGHT OF ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS, CURRICULUM MATERIALS, AND DISTRICT RECORDS/POLICIES ................................................................................................................. 9 Instructional Materials ...................................................................................................... 9 Notices of Certain Student Misconduct to Noncustodial Parent ............................. 10 Participation in Federally Required, State-Mandated, and District Assessments 10 Student Records ............................................................................................................. 10 iii Accessing Student Records................................................................................................ 10 Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records .................................................... 11 Teacher and Staff Professional Qualifications ........................................................... 14 A STUDENT WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ................................... 14 Children of Military Families ......................................................................................... 14 Parental Role in Certain Classroom and School Assignments ............................... 15 Multiple Birth Siblings .......................................................................................................... 15 Safety Transfers/Assignments ........................................................................................... 15 Service/Assistance Animal Use by Students ............................................................. 15 Students in the Conservatorship of the State (Foster Care) ................................... 15 A Student Who Is Homeless ......................................................................................... 16 A Student Who Has Learning Difficulties or Who Needs Special Education or Section 504 Services ..................................................................................................... 17 Special Education Referrals ................................................................................................ 17 Contact Person for Special Education Referrals ........................................................... 18 Section 504 Referrals ............................................................................................................ 18 Contact Person for Section 504 Referrals ....................................................................... 18 Notification to Parents of Intervention Strategies for Learning Difficulties Provided to Student in General Education ...................................................................... 19 A Student Who Receives Special Education Services with Other School-Aged Children in the Home ..................................................................................................... 19 A Student Who Speaks a Primary Language Other than English .......................... 19 A Student with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected Under Section 504 .... 19 Section Two: Other Important Information for Parents and Students ........................................ 21 ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE ...................................................................................................... 21 Compulsory Attendance ................................................................................................ 21 Ages 6—18 ............................................................................................................................... 21 Age 19 and Older .................................................................................................................... 21 Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance ...................................................................... 21 All Grade Levels ..................................................................................................................... 21 Secondary Grade Levels ...................................................................................................... 22 Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance ....................................................... 22 All Grade Levels ..................................................................................................................... 22 iv Students with Disabilities .................................................................................................... 23 Ages 6—18 ............................................................................................................................... 23 Age 19 and Older .................................................................................................................... 23 Attendance for Credit or Final Grade .......................................................................... 24 Official Attendance-Taking Time ................................................................................... 25 Documentation after an Absence ................................................................................ 25 Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness ................................................................. 25 Driver License Attendance Verification ....................................................................... 25 ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ............................................................ 26 Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test ................................................................ 26 AWARDS

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