OLTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
2019-2020 STUDENT HANDBOOK
Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy. A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school office or online at www.oltonisd.net.
Olton Independent School District Board of Trustees Connie Maxwell – President Ruben Luera– Vice-President Jesus DeLaCruz, Jr. – Secretary Troy Don Allcorn Alicia Sanchez Michael Ramage Tullie Struve
MISSION STATEMENT Empowering every child to succeed tomorrow by inspiring and creating pathways today The mission of the Board of Olton ISD is to ensure that the people in and affected by the institution have the opportunity to grow and become productive citizens of society. The trustees will delegate operational power, adopt policies, require accountability, evaluate patterns of operation, and ensure flexibility and competence. At all times the Board will maintain accountability to the taxpayers and residents of the District. We believe the following: 1. Every employee of the District is important to the success of our educational goals and objectives. 2. Education is a joint venture that requires the involvement of families, churches, and the community. 3. Open communication is essential to student success. 4. All stakeholders should demonstrate respect for self and others. 5. We must educate all students to reach their highest potential and become life-long learners. 6. We should be innovative in the use of all our resources. 7. We must foster an environment, which attracts and retains high quality personnel. 8. Discipline must be consistent and fair for all students. 9. We must inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
Administration Superintendent – Kevin McCasland 285-2641 Federal Programs and Curriculum Director – Terri Sandoval 285-2641 High School Principal – Gregg Ammons 285-2691 High School Counselor/At-Risk Coordinator –Angi Martin 285-2691 Junior High School Principal – Brian Hunt 285-2681 Junior High School Counselor – Marisa Lopez 285-2681 Elementary School Principal – Stacie Ramage 285-2657 Elementary School Counselor Misti Lassiter 285-2657
- ii - Table of Contents PREFACE ...... 13 Accessibility ...... 14 SECTION I: PARENTAL RIGHTS ...... 15 CONSENT, OPT-OUT, AND REFUSAL RIGHTS ...... 15 Consent to Conduct a Psychological Evaluation or Provide a Mental Health Care Service...... 15 Consent to Display a Student’s Original Works and Personal Information ...... 15 Consent to Receive Parenting and Paternity Awareness Instruction if Student is Under Age 14 ...... 15 Consent to Video or Audio Record a Student When Not Otherwise Permitted by Law ...... 16 Prohibiting the Use of Corporal Punishment ...... 16 Limiting Electronic Communications with Students by District Employees ...... 16 Objecting to the Release of Directory Information ...... 17 Objecting to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 18 Participation in Third-Party Surveys ...... 18 Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation ...... 18 “Opting Out” of Participation in Other Types of Surveys or Screenings and the Disclosure of Personal Information ...... 18 REMOVING A STUDENT FROM INSTRUCTION OR EXCUSING A STUDENT FROM A REQUIRED COMPONENT OF INSTRUCTION ...... 19 Human Sexuality Instruction ...... 19 Reciting a Portion of the Declaration of Independence in Grades 3–12 ...... 20 Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags...... 20 Religious or Moral Beliefs ...... 20 Tutoring or Test Preparation ...... 20 RIGHT OF ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS, CURRICULUM MATERIALS, AND DISTRICT RECORDS/POLICIES ...... 21 Instructional Materials ...... 21 Notices of Certain Student Misconduct to Noncustodial Parent ...... 21 Participation in Federally Required, State-Mandated, and District Assessments ..... 21 Student Records ...... 21
- iii - Accessing Student Records ...... 21 Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records ...... 22 Teacher and Staff Professional Qualifications ...... 25 STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ...... 25 Children of Military Families ...... 25 Parental Role in Certain Classroom and School Assignments ...... 26 Multiple Birth Siblings ...... 26 Safety Transfers/Assignments ...... 26 Service/Assistance Animal Use by Students ...... 26 Students in the Conservatorship of the State (Foster Care) ...... 26 Students Who Are Homeless ...... 27 Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need Special Education or Section 504 Services ...... 27 Students Who Receive Special Education Services with Other School-Aged Children in the Home ...... 29 Students Who Speak a Primary Language Other than English...... 30 Students With Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504 ...... 30 SECTION II: OTHER INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS ...... 31 ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE ...... 31 Compulsory Attendance...... 31 Age 19 and Older ...... 31 Between Ages 6 and 19...... 31 Prekindergarten and Kindergarten ...... 32 Exemptions to Compulsory Attendance ...... 32 All Grade Levels ...... 32 Secondary Grade Levels ...... 32 Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance ...... 33 All Grade Levels ...... 33 Students with Disabilities ...... 33 Age 19 and Older ...... 33 Between Ages 6 and 19...... 33 Attendance for Credit or Final Grade (Kindergarten Through Grade 12) ...... 34 Official Attendance-Taking Time (All Grade Levels) ...... 35
- iv - Documentation after an Absence (All Grade Levels) ...... 35 Doctor’s Note after an Absence for Illness (All Grade Levels) ...... 35 Other attendance guidelines: ...... 36 Open/Closed Campus...... 36 Students attending District schools shall not be allowed to leave campus during the lunch period except as follows:...... 36 Driver License Attendance Verification (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 36 ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW (All Grade Levels) . 36 Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test ...... 37 AWARDS AND HONORS (All Grade Levels) ...... 37 BULLYING (All Grade Levels) ...... 37 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS (Secondary Grade Levels Only)...... 39 CELEBRATIONS (All Grade Levels) ...... 39 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, SEX TRAFFICKINGAND OTHER MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN (All Grade Levels) ...... 40 Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse (All Grade Levels) ...... 40 Warning Signs of Sex Trafficking (All Grade Levels) ...... 41 Reporting and Responding to Sexual Abuse, Sex Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children (All Grade Levels) ...... 41 Further Resources on Sexual Abuse, Sex Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children (All Grade Levels) ...... 42 CLASS RANK / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT (Secondary Grade Levels Only) 42 CLASS SCHEDULES (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 44 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 44 COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 45 COMMUNICATIONS - AUTOMATED ...... 46 Emergency ...... 46 Nonemergency ...... 46 COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS (All Grade Levels) ...... 47 CONDUCT (All Grade Levels) ...... 47 Applicability of School Rules ...... 47 Corporal Punishment ...... 47
- v - ISS ...... 47 PDA (Public Display of Affection) ...... 48 Campus Behavior Coordinator ...... 48 Deliveries ...... 48 Disruptions of School Operations ...... 48 Webb Elementary School Special School Events ...... 49 Olton ISD Guidelines for Fan Behaviors at Athletic Events ...... 49 Social Events ...... 50 COUNSELING ...... 50 Academic Counseling ...... 50 Elementary and Middle/Junior High School Grade Levels ...... 50 High School Grade Levels ...... 50 Personal Counseling (All Grade Levels) ...... 50 COURSE CREDIT (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 51 CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the Course (Grades 6-12) ...... 51 CREDIT BY EXAM FOR ADVANCEMENT/ACCELERATION—If a Student Has Not Taken the Course/Subject ...... 51 Kindergarten Acceleration ...... 52 Students in Grades 1–5 ...... 52 Students in Grades 6–12 ...... 52 DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION (All Grade Levels) ...... 52 Dating Violence ...... 53 Discrimination...... 53 Harassment ...... 53 Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Harassment ...... 53 Retaliation ...... 54 Reporting Procedures ...... 54 Investigation of Report ...... 55 DISCRIMINATION ...... 55 DISTANCE LEARNING ...... 55 All Grade Levels ...... 55 Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) (Secondary Grade Levels) ...... 56
- vi - DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE, PUBLISHED MATERIALS, OR OTHER DOCUMENTS (All Grade Levels) ...... 56 School Materials ...... 56 Nonschool Materials ...... 56 From Students ...... 56 From Others ...... 57 DRESS AND GROOMING (All Grade Levels) ...... 57 BOYS ...... 58 GIRLS ...... 58 ALL STUDENTS ...... 58 ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (All Grade Levels) ...... 60 Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones ...... 60 Possession and Use of Other Personal Electronic Devices ...... 61 Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices . 61 Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources ...... 61 Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources ...... 62 END-OF-COURSE (EOC) ASSESSMENTS ...... 62 ENGLISH LEARNERS (All Grade Levels)...... 62 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND ORGANIZATIONS (All Grade Levels)...... 63 Standards of Behavior ...... 64 Offices and Elections ...... 64 FEES (All Grade Levels) ...... 67 FUNDRAISING (All Grade Levels) ...... 68 GANG-FREE ZONES (All Grade Levels) ...... 68 GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT ...... 68 GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION (Grades 9–12 Only) ...... 68 GRADING GUIDELINES (All Grade Levels) ...... 68 GRADUATION (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 71 Requirements for a Diploma ...... 71 Testing Requirements for Graduation ...... 71 Foundation Graduation Program...... 72
- vii - Credits Required ...... 73 Personal Graduation Plans ...... 76 Available Course Options for all Graduation Programs ...... 76 Certificates of Coursework Completion ...... 76 Students with Disabilities ...... 77 Graduation Activities ...... 77 Graduation Speakers ...... 77 Graduation Expenses ...... 78 Scholarships and Grants ...... 78 HARASSMENT ...... 78 HAZING (All Grade Levels) ...... 78 HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS ...... 79 Student Illness (All Grade Levels) ...... 79 Bacterial Meningitis (All Grade Levels) ...... 79 Food Allergies (All Grade Levels) ...... 81 Head Lice (All Grade Levels) ...... 81 Physical Activity Requirements ...... 82 Elementary School ...... 82 Junior High/Middle School ...... 82 School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) (All Grade Levels) ...... 82 Seizures (All Grade Levels) ...... 83 Student Wellness Policy/Wellness Plan (All Grade Levels) ...... 83 Other Health-Related Matters (All Grade Levels) ...... 83 Physical Fitness Assessment (Grades 3–12) ...... 83 Vending Machines (All Grade Levels) ...... 83 Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Prohibited (All Grade Levels and All Others on School Property) ...... 83 Asbestos Management Plan (All Grade Levels) ...... 83 Pest Management Plan (All Grade Levels) ...... 84 HOMEWORK (All Grade Levels) ...... 84 H. P. Webb Elementary ...... 84 Olton Junior High School ...... 84 ILLNESS...... 84
- viii - IMMUNIZATION (All Grade Levels) ...... 84 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES (All Grade Levels) ...... 85 Questioning of Students ...... 85 Students Taken Into Custody ...... 85 Notification of Law Violations ...... 86 LEAVING CAMPUS (All Grade Levels) ...... 86 During Lunch ...... 87 At Any Other Time During the School Day ...... 88 LOST AND FOUND (All Grade Levels) ...... 88 MAKEUP WORK ...... 88 Makeup Work Because of Absence (All Grade Levels) ...... 88 Homework/Classroom Assignments When Absent From School ...... 88 DAEP Makeup Work ...... 89 Grades 9–12 ...... 89 In-school Suspension (ISS) and Out-of School Suspension (OSS) Makeup Work (All Grade Levels) ...... 89 Completion of Course Work ...... 89 MEDICINE AT SCHOOL (All Grade Levels) ...... 89 Psychotropic Drugs ...... 90 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT (All Grade Levels)...... 91 NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (All Grade Levels) ...... 91 PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT (All Grade Levels) ...... 91 Working Together ...... 91 PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS...... 92 Athletics’ Participation (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 92 Spinal Screening Program...... 93 Other Examinations and Screenings (All Grade Levels) ...... 93 PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE (All Grade Levels) 93 PRAYER (All Grade Levels) ...... 94 PROMOTION AND RETENTION ...... 94 Elementary and Middle/Junior High Grade Levels ...... 94 High School Grade Levels ...... 96 RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL ...... 96
- ix - REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES (All Grade Levels)...... 96 RETALIATION ...... 97 SAFETY (All Grade Levels) ...... 97 Accident Insurance...... 97 Insurance for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs ...... 97 Preparedness Drills: Evacuation, Severe Weather, and Other Emergencies ...... 97 Emergency Medical Treatment and Information ...... 98 Emergency School-Closing Information ...... 98 SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS ...... 99 SCHEDULE CHANGES (Middle/Junior High and High School Grade Levels) ...... 99 SCHOOL FACILITIES ...... 99 Use By Students Before and After School ...... 99 Conduct Before and After School (All Grade Levels) ...... 99 Use of Hallways During Class Time (All Grade Levels) ...... 100 Cafeteria Services (All Grade Levels) ...... 100 Library (All Grade Levels) ...... 100 Meetings of Non-curriculum-Related Groups (Secondary Grade Levels Only) .... 100 School-sponsored Field Trips (All Grade Levels) ...... 101 Searches ...... 101 District Property ...... 101 Searches ...... 101 District Property ...... 101 Searches in General...... 101 Vehicles on Campus (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 102 Metal Detectors (All Grade Levels) ...... 102 To maintain a safe and disciplined learning environment, the district reserves the right to subject students to metal detector searches when entering a district campus and at off-campus, school-sponsored activities.Trained Dogs (All Grade Levels) ...... 102 Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices (All Grade Levels) ...... 102 Drug-Testing (Grades 7-12 Only) ...... 103 SEXUAL HARASSMENT ...... 103 SPECIAL PROGRAMS (All Grade Levels) ...... 103
- x - STANDARDIZED TESTING ...... 104 Secondary Grade Levels ...... 104 SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test) ...... 104 TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment ...... 104 STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) ...... 104 Grades 3–8 ...... 104 High School Courses—End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments ...... 105 STEROIDS (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 105 STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE (All Grade Levels) ...... 106 Students Who are Homeless (All Grade Levels)...... 106 STUDENT SPEAKERS (All Grade Levels) ...... 106 SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION (All Grade Levels) ...... 106 SUICIDE AWARENESS AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT (All Grade Levels) ...... 106 SUMMER SCHOOL (All Grade Levels) ...... 107 TARDIES (All Grade Levels) ...... 107 TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS (All Grade Levels) ...... 107 TRANSFERS (All Grade Levels) ...... 108 TRANSPORTATION (All Grade Levels)...... 108 School-Sponsored Trips ...... 108 Buses and Other School Vehicles ...... 108 VANDALISM (All Grade Levels) ...... 109 VIDEO CAMERAS (All Grade Levels)...... 109 VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL (All Grade Levels) ...... 110 General Visitors ...... 110 Unauthorized Persons ...... 110 Visitors Participating in Special Programs for Students ...... 110 VOLUNTEERS (All Grade Levels) ...... 111 VOTER REGISTRATION (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ...... 111 WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL (All Grade Levels) ...... 111 GLOSSARY ...... 112
- xi - APPENDIX I: Freedom From Bullying Policy ...... 115
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PREFACE To Students and Parents: Welcome to the 2019-2020 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 Olton ISD Student Handbook is designed to provide basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. The handbook is divided into two sections: 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 Olton ISD Student Code of Conduct, which is a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found on the district’s website at www.oltonisd.net 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 and reviewing newsletters and other communications explaining changes in policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions. 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 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.
- xiii - If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact your child’s principal. 1. Also, please complete and return to your child’s campus the following required forms provided in the forms packet distributed at the beginning of the year or upon the student's enrollment. 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: Acknowledgment Form 2. Notices Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information form; 3. Parent’s Objection to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education form, if you choose to restrict the release of information to these entities and 4. Parent Statement Prohibiting Corporal Punishment (if applicable to your child) 5. Release form for display of student work and personal information [See Objecting to the Release of Directory Information on page 15 and Consent Required Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation on page 16 for more info