Model Student Handbook 2015-16(Annotated)

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Physical Activity Requirements for Students in Elementary and Middle
School

Elementary School State law requires that districts publish Education Code 28.002(l), .004(k);
in the Student Handbook and on the BDF(LEGAL), EHAB(LEGAL),
In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, EHBG, [and FFA], the district will district website a statement of the EHAC(LEGAL), EHBG(LEGAL),
ensure that students in full-day prekindergarten through grade 5 engage in policies adopted to ensure that FFA(LOCAL)
moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day or 135 students in elementary school engage
minutes per week. in at least 30 minutes of physical
activity per day or 135 minutes per
Students in middle or junior high school will engage in [30 minutes of moderate week, among other assurances (see
or vigorous physical activity per day for at least four semesters OR at least 225 School Health Advisory Council and
minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity within each two-week period Other Health-Related Matters,
for at least four semesters]. below). These physical activity
requirements also pertain to students
For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding who attend full-day prekindergarten.
elementary, middle, and junior high school student physical activity To the extent practicable, students who
requirements, please see the principal. attend prekindergarten on a less than
full-day basis should adhere to these
requirements as well.

If the district’s wellness policy at
FFA(LOCAL) specifically addresses
physical activity requirements, be sure
to list FFA in the first sentence.

Junior High/Middle School Students in grades 6–8 are required to Education Code 28.002(l), .004(k);
participate in 30 minutes of moderate BDF(LEGAL), EHAB(LEGAL),
In accordance with policies at EHAB, EHAC, EHBG, [and FFA], the district will or vigorous physical activity per day for EHAC(LEGAL), EHBG(LEGAL),
ensure that studentsStudents in middle or junior high school will engage in [30 at least four semesters. If a district has FFA(LOCAL)
minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day for at least four established block scheduling for
semesters OR at least 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity students at these grade levels, then
within each two-week period for at least four semesters]. students must engage in at least 225
minutes of moderate or vigorous
For additional information on the district’s requirements and programs regarding physical activity within each two-week
junior high and middle school student physical activity requirements, please see period for at least four semesters.
the principal. Please select the appropriate

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requirement based on the district’s
instructional schedule.

If the district’s wellness policy at
FFA(LOCAL) specifically addresses
physical activity requirements, be sure
to list FFA in the first sentence.

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) (All Grade Levels) Education Code 28.004; BDF(LEGAL)

During the preceding school year, the district’s School Health Advisory Council Education Code 28.004(k) requires the
(SHAC) held ______ meetings. Additional information regarding the district’s district to publish in the Student
School Health Advisory CouncilSHAC is available from the _____________. [See also Handbook and on the district’s website,
policies at BDF and EHAA.] if the district maintains a website, the
number of School Health Advisory
The duties of the SHAC range from recommending curriculum to developing Council (SHAC) meetings held during
strategies for integrating curriculum into a coordinated school health program the previous year. The district should
encompassing issues such as school health services, counseling services, a safe fill in the blank to indicate the number
and healthy school environment, recess recommendations, improving student of meetings held or revise this section
fitness, mental health concerns, and employee wellness. [See policies at BDF and accordingly. By law, the SHAC must
EHAA.] meet at least four times each school
year.
[See policies at BDF and EHAA. See Removing a Student from Human Sexuality
Instruction on page ____ for additional information.]

Student Wellness Policy/Wellness Plan (All Grade Levels) Every district that participates in the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act of
National School Lunch Breakfast 2010; 4 TAC 26.11; CO(LEGAL),
[District name] is committed to encouraging healthy students and therefore has Program or School Breakfast Program FFA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)
developed a board-adopted wellness policy at FFA(LOCAL) and corresponding must establish a wellness policy.
plans and procedures to implement the policy. You are encouraged to contact Because the Healthy and Hunger Free
___________ with questions about the content or implementation of the district’s Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 requires
wellness policy and plan. districts to permit parents and
students to participate in the
development of wellness policies and
requires districts to inform and update
the public about the content and
implementation of the local wellness
policy, the adjacent text has been added
to more prominently alert parents and
students to the policy and
corresponding plans. The HHFKA also

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Other Health-Related Matters
requires districts to designate at least
one district official to ensure that each
school complies with the wellness
policy, and requires that the district
measure periodically and make
available an assessment of the wellness
policy. As of the publication date of this
Model, federal regulations to
implement the HHFKA were still
pending. Districts, therefore, are
expected to make an effort to comply
with the HHFKA requirements
described above but will not be
penalized by the Texas Department of
Agriculture until after formal
publication of these regulations.

Physical Fitness Assessment (Grades 3–12) Districts are required to administer the Education Code 38.101, .103;
Fitnessgram to students who are FFAA(LEGAL);
Annually, the district will conduct a physical fitness assessment of students in enrolled in a physical education course http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/News
grades 3–12 who are enrolled in a physical education course or a course for or a course for which physical _and_Multimedia/Correspondence/
which physical education credit is awarded. At the end of the school year, a parent education credit is awarded. TAA_Letters/Required_Physical_
may submit a written request to _________________ to obtain the results of his or her Fitness_Assessment/
child’s physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year. The district must publish in the
Student Handbook and on the district’s
website a statement informing parents
that they may obtain the results of
their child’s assessment by submitting
a written request. Fill in the blank to
specify to whom such a request must
be submitted.

Vending Machines (All Grade Levels) Education Code 28.004(k); CO(LEGAL),
FFA(LEGAL)
The district has adopted and implemented the state and federal policies and
guidelines for food service, including the guidelines to restrict student access to Continuing with the requirements
vending machines. For more information regarding these policies and guidelines, contained in Education Code
see the [school official]. [See policies at CO and FFA.] 28.004(k), the district must publish in
the handbook and on the district’s

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website a statement indicating whether
the district has adopted and enforces
policies to ensure that district
campuses comply with agency vending
machine and food service guidelines
for restricting student access to
vending machines. See CO(LEGAL),
regarding information on the Texas
Department of Agriculture Child
Nutrition guidelines, and FFA(LOCAL),
the district’s wellness policy.

The United States Department of
Agriculture has developed minimum
standards for all food served in school,
including those foods that would be
available from vending machines. See
the Smart Snacks website here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-
meals/smart-snacks-school.

Tobacco Prohibited (All Grade Levels and All Others on School Property) Education Code 28.004(k), 38.006

Students are prohibited from possessing or using any type of tobacco product, Another notification requirement
including electronic cigarettes or any other electronic vaporizing device, while on contained in Education Code 28.004(k)
school property at any time or while attending an off campus school-related is whether the district has adopted and
activity. enforces policies and procedures that
prescribe penalties for tobacco use.
The district and its staff strictly enforce prohibitions against the use of all tobacco This notice must also be published on
products, including electronic cigarettes or any other electronic vaporizing the district’s website.
device, by students and all others on school property and at school-sponsored
and school-related activities. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policies at For clarification, included in the
FNCD and GKA.] adjacent prohibitions is a statement
that the tobacco prohibition extends to
electronic cigarettes and any other
electronic vaporizing device.

Asbestos Management Plan (All Grade Levels) This notice of the availability of the 40 Code of Federal Regulations
management plans must be provided 763.84(c), (f), .93(g)(4); CKA(LEGAL)
The district works diligently to maintain compliance with federal and state law annually in writing to parent, teacher,
governing asbestos in school buildings. A copy of the district’s Asbestos and employee organizations. If you
Management Plan is available in the superintendent’s office. If you have any
questions or would like to examine the district’s plan in more detail, please

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contact ____________________, the district’s designated asbestos coordinator, at have individual school plans, add to the
____________________. adjacent text that these will be
available for review in the main office
of each campus.

Pest Management Plan (All Grade Levels) Occupations Code 1951.212;
CLB(LEGAL)
The district is required to follow integrated pest management (IPM) procedures Application of pesticides is strictly
to control pests on school grounds. Although the district strives to use the safest controlled by federal and state
and most effective methods to manage pests, including a variety of non-chemical guidelines. Information regarding
control measures, pesticide use is sometimes necessary to maintain adequate pesticide application must be given to
pest control and ensure a safe, pest-free school environment. parents at the time of registration as
well.
All pesticides used are registered for their intended use by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency and are applied only by certified pesticide
applicators. Except in an emergency, signs will be posted 48 hours before indoor
application. All outdoor applications will be posted at the time of treatment, and
signs will remain until it is safe to enter the area. Parents who have further
questions or who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside their
child’s school assignment area may contact _______________________, the district’s IPM
coordinator, at ____________________.

HOMELESS STUDENTS (All Grade Levels) If your district has not adopted a policy 42 United States Code
designating the liaison for homeless 11432(e)(3)(C)(iii); FFC(LEGAL) and
For more information on services for homeless students, contact the district’s students, contact your policy (LOCAL)
Liaison for Homeless Children and Youthshomeless education liaison, [name], at consultant. You also need to register
[contact information]. the name of the liaison to the Texas
Homeless Education Office (THEO), at
http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless
Education Assistance Act requires
homeless education liaisons to provide
public notice of the education rights of
homeless students. See the THEO
website listed above and
http://center.serve.org/nche/pr/
er_poster.php#youth for free
educational rights posters.

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HOMEWORK (All Grade Levels)

Include a description of the district
and/or campus homework rules and
an explanation of the homework
grading system. Note that this may
already be a part of the district’s
grading guidelines.

ILLNESS

[See Student Illness under Health-Related Matters on page ____.]

IMMUNIZATION (All Grade Levels) Education Code 38.001, .019; 25 TAC
97.62–.63; FFAB(LEGAL)
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a
certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, Education Code 38.001 permits an
including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions exemption from immunization for
based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas “reasons of conscience, including a
Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), Immunization Branch, can be religious belief.” In order to qualify
honored by the district. This form may be obtained by writing the TDSHS under this standard, a parent must use
Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347; or only an official form obtained in
online at https://corequest.dshs.texas.gov/. writing from the Texas Department of
https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/default.aspx. The form must be notarized State Health Services, Immunization
and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If Branch. Parents also have the option of
the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a submitting a request for this form
separate form must be provided for each student. online at
https://corequest.dshs.texas.gov/.

The form must be notarized and
submitted to the principal or nurse
within 90 days of notarization. Each
child in the family must have a separate
form.

As of the publication date of this Model,
rules by the Texas Department of State
Health Services (TDSHS) were pending
adoption. The proposed amendments
would not add any new vaccinations
but would remove outdated language
and more clearly state age ranges for

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The immunizations required are: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; measles, each vaccination series. Watch for
mumps, and rubella; polio; hepatitis A; hepatitis B; varicella (chicken pox); and alerts from TDSHS regarding any
meningococcal. The school nurse can provide information on age-appropriate adopted changes prior to the 2015–16
doses or on an acceptable physician-validated history of illness required by the school year.
TDSHS. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a
licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp Note that a child who is pregnant or
validation. who is a parent that has custody of the
child can consent to his or her own
If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent immunizations.
must present a certificate signed by a U.S. registered and licensed physician
stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required is medically The law also permits a medical
contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the exemption if immunization “poses a
student or a member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must significant risk” to the health and well-
be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a life-long condition. being of the student or any member of
the student’s family or household.
As noted at Bacterial Meningitis, entering college students must also, with
limited exception, furnish evidence of having received a bacterial meningitis Exceptions must be made for students
vaccination within the five years prior to enrolling in and attending classes at an who are homeless or who are military
institution of higher education. A student wanting to enroll in a dual credit course dependents. Please note: State law
taken off campus may be subject to this requirement. requires school districts to post on the
district website, in English and
[For further information, see policy FFAB(LEGAL) and the TDSHS website: Spanish, the following information:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm.]
■ Immunizations required for
admission;

■ Immunizations recommended by
the TDSHS;

■ Health clinics in the district that
offer the influenza vaccine; and

■ A link to the TDSHS web page with
information on requesting an
exemption from immunization
requirements.

With the exception of the health clinics
in your district, much of the remaining
information is available at the TDSHS
web link provided in this section.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES (All Grade Levels) Family Code 261.302(b), .303(a);
GRA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)
Questioning of Students
Family Code 52.01(a), 58.021, Family
When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities wish to question or Code Chapter 262; GRA(LEGAL) and
interview a student at school, the principal will cooperate fully regarding the (LOCAL)
conditions of the interview, if the questioning or interview is part of a child abuse
investigation. In other circumstances: 97

■ The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other
authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question or interview the
student at school.

■ The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the parents
unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid
objection.

■ The principal ordinarily will be present unless the interviewer raises what
the principal considers to be a valid objection.

Students Taken Into Custody

State law requires the district to permit a student to be taken into legal custody:

■ To comply with an order of the juvenile court.

■ To comply with the laws of arrest.

■ By a law enforcement officer if there is probable cause to believe the student
has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision.

■ By a probation officer if there is probable cause to believe the student has
violated a condition of probation imposed by the juvenile court.

■ By an authorized representative of Child Protective Services, Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services, a law enforcement officer, or a
juvenile probation officer, without a court order, under the conditions set out
in the Family Code relating to the student’s physical health or safety.

■ To comply with a properly issued directive to take a student into custody.

Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer or other legally
authorized person, the principal will verify the officer’s identity and, to the best of
his or her ability, will verify the official’s authority to take custody of the student.

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The principal will immediately notify the superintendent and will ordinarily
attempt to notify the parent unless the officer or other authorized person raises
what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parents.
Because the principal does not have the authority to prevent or delay a student’s
release to a law enforcement officer, any notification will most likely be after the
fact.

Notification of Law Violations Education Code 37.007(e), .015;
FL(LEGAL), GRAA(LEGAL)
The district is required by state law to notify:

■ All instructional and support personnel who have responsibility for
supervising a student who has been taken into custody, arrested, or referred
to the juvenile court for any felony offense or for certain misdemeanors.

■ All instructional and support personnel who have regular contact with a
student who is thought to have committed certain offenses or who has been
convicted, received deferred prosecution, received deferred adjudication, or
was adjudicated for delinquent conduct for any felony offense or certain
misdemeanors.

■ All appropriate district personnel in regards to a student who is required to
register as a sex offender.

[For further information, see policies FL(LEGAL) and GRAA(LEGAL).]

LEAVING CAMPUS (All Grade Levels) 19 TAC 129.21; FEB(LEGAL) and
(LOCAL), FEE(LOCAL) and FEF(LOCAL)
Please remember that student attendance is crucial to learning. We ask that if the district has either of these
appointments be scheduled outside of school hours as much as reasonably policies; FEB in the TASB Regulations
possible. Also note that picking up a child early on a regular basis results in Resource Manual
missed opportunities for learning. Unless the principal has granted approval
because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released
before the end of the school day.

State rules require that parental consent be obtained before any student is Adjust the adjacent text as needed
allowed to leave campus for any part of the school day. The district has put the based on the grade levels for which
following procedures in place in order to document parental consent: your handbook is intended. In order to
receive state funding, State Board of
■ For students in elementary and middle school, a parent or otherwise Education rules require the board to
authorized adult must come to the office and sign the student out. Please be adopt a policy addressing parental
prepared to show identification. Once an identity is verified, a campus consent for a student to leave campus

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representative will then call for the student or collect the student and bring during the school day, or delegate to

him or her to the office. For safety purposes and stability of the learning the superintendent the authority to

environment, we cannot allow you to go to the classroom or other area develop procedures for this purpose.

unescorted to pick up the student. If the student returns to campus the same This would apply to any situation for

day, the parent or authorized adult must sign the student back in through the which a student would leave the

physical premises of the campus. The

main office upon the student’s return. Documentation regarding the reason policy or procedures must be

for the absence will also be required. distributed to staff, parents, and

■ For students in high school, the same process will be followed. If the student’s students. The adjacent text is included
parent will authorize the student to leave campus unaccompanied, a note to expand upon the recommendation
provided by the parent must be submitted to the main office in advance of the for the superintendent to develop
absence, no later than two hours prior to the student’s need to leave campus. procedures as described in most
A phone call received from the parent may be accepted, but the school may districts’ FEB(LOCAL) policies. Make
ultimately require a note to be submitted for documentation purposes. Once sure to revise the text according to
the office has received information that the student’s parent consents to the your local procedures as they relate to
student leaving campus, a pass will be issued to the student to hand to his or the grade levels your handbook is
her teacher with the necessary information. The student must sign out intended to serve.

through the main office and sign in upon his or her return, if the student Remember to maintain, for purposes of

returns the same day. If a student is 18 years of age or is an emancipated an attendance audit, documentation

minor, the student may produce a note on his or her own behalf. related to the receipt of parental

Documentation regarding the reason for the absence will be required. consent for activities such as field trips,

■ If a student becomes ill during the school day and the school nurse or other extracurricular activity participation
district personnel determines that the student should go home, the nurse will that occurs during the school day when
contact the student’s parent and document the parent’s wishes regarding a student is not physically present on
release from school. Unless directed by the parent to release the student campus, and for any off-campus
unaccompanied, the parent or other authorized adult must follow the sign- courses in which students are enrolled.

out procedures as listed above. If a student is allowed to leave campus by

himself or herself, as permitted by the student’s parent, or if the student is

age 18 or is an emancipated minor, the nurse will document the time of day

the student was released. Under no circumstances will a child in elementary

or middle school be released unaccompanied by a parent or adult authorized

by the parent.

During Lunch

[Insert information associated with students who are allowed to leave campus Adjust the adjacent text as necessary
during lunch, if any. If your campus is a closed campus and no students are based on the ages/grade levels your
allowed to leave during lunch without a parent, add a statement to this effect here Student Handbook is intended to serve,
instead.] and include any details related to
whether you require prior parental
consent before a student has been

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At Any Other Time During the School Day determined to be authorized to leave
campus during this time. Ensure
Students are not authorized to leave campus during regular school hours for any alignment with FEE(LOCAL), if your
other reason, except with the permission of the principal. district has this policy.
Students who leave campus in violation of these rules will be subject to
disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS (All Grade Levels) Modify the text as appropriate to your Education Code Chapter 29,
district and any ESL or bilingual Subchapter B; 19 TAC Chapter 89,
A student with limited English proficiency (LEP), sometimes referred to as an programs you provide to students. Subchapter BB; 19 TAC 101.1005,
English language learner (ELL) in certain state statutes and state rules, is entitled Note that the district must place the .1007; EHBE(LEGAL), EKBA(LEGAL)
to receive specialized services from the district. To determine whether the student in the appropriate bilingual or
student qualifies for services, a Language Proficiency Assessment Committee ESL education program on the date
(LPAC) will be formed, which will consist of both district personnel and at least that the LPAC recommends that
one parent representative. The student’s parent must consent to any services services begin, but state funding will
recommended by the LPAC for a LEP student. However, pending the receipt of not be generated until documented
parental consent or denial of services, an eligible student will receive the services parental approval is received. If a
to which the student is entitled and eligible. parent denies the recommended
services, the district must then
In order to determine a student’s level of proficiency in English, the LPAC will use discontinue serving the student. See
information from a variety of assessments. If the student qualifies for services the 2014–15 Student Attendance
and once a level of proficiency has been established, the LPAC will then designate Accounting Handbook for more
instructional accommodations or additional special programs the student will information
require to eventually become proficient at grade level work in English. Ongoing (http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=
assessments will be conducted to determine a student’s continued eligibility for 25769817607) (Section 6.6) and
the program. review the 2015–16 version to confirm
this, if published by TEA prior to the
completion of your local Student
Handbook(s).

The LPAC will also determine whether certain accommodations are necessary for A student who meets the definition of
“unschooled asylee or refugee” may be
any state-mandated assessments. The STAAR-L, as mentioned at Standardized exempted by the LPAC from the
Testing on page ____, may be administered to a LEP student, or, for a student up to required state assessments based on
grade 5, a Spanish version of STAAR. In limited circumstances, a student’s LPAC

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may exempt the student from an otherwise required state-mandated assessment how long the student has been enrolled
or may waive certain graduation requirements related to the English I and II end- in a U.S. public school. See
of-course (EOC) assessments. The Texas English Language Proficiency http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessme
Assessment System (TELPAS) will also be administered to LEP students who nt/ell/lpac/ and the document entitled
qualify for services. “Instructions for Years in U.S. Schools
Data Collection” for more information.
If a student is considered LEP and receives special education services because of a
qualifying disability, the student’s ARD committee will make instructional and
assessment decisions in conjunction with the LPAC.

LOST AND FOUND (All Grade Levels) Revise according to your practice.

A “lost and found” collection box is located in the campus office. If your child has
lost an item, please encourage him or her to check the lost and found box. The
district discourages students from bringing to school personal items of high
monetary value, as the district is not responsible for lost or stolen items. The
campus will dispose of lost and found items at the end of each semester.

MAKEUP WORK

Makeup Work Because of Absence (All Grade Levels)

For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student makeup work based on This section ensures that the teacher
the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the and student are working together and
individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting focused on the student mastering the
subject or course requirements. course content. Coordinate these
provisions with the district’s grading
A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a guidelines.
satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher. A student who
does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will
receive a grade of zero for the assignment.

A student is encouraged to speak with his or her teacher if the student knows of
an absence ahead of time, including absences for extracurricular activities, so that
the teacher and student may plan any work that can be completed before or
shortly after the absence. Please remember the importance of student attendance
at school and that, even though absences may be excused or unexcused, all
absences account for the 90 percent threshold in regards to the state laws
surrounding “attendance for credit or final grade.” [See also Attendance for
Credit or Final Grade on page ____.]

A student involved in an extracurricular activity must notify his or her teachers
ahead of time about any absences.

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A student will be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any Regarding makeup work and grade
class missed because of absence. Teachers may assign a late penalty to any long- penalties related to student absences,
term project in accordance with time lines approved by the principal and many districts have begun to look at
previously communicated to students. this topic in the broader view of
student performance, best practices,
drop-out reduction, and accountability.
The focus is moving toward
improvement of the school
environment to encourage student
attendance and away from further
penalizing individual students because
they were absent. In response, some
districts are choosing to discontinue
the practice of imposing grade
reductions or caps on grades for
makeup work after unexcused
absences. However, all pre-established
decisions must be strictly and
uniformly enforced. Coordinate these
provisions with EIAB(LOCAL) if your
district has this policy. Also review
your Student Code of Conduct to see
whether your board has any provision
regarding grade reductions for makeup
work after unexcused absences and
adjust the text accordingly.

DAEP Makeup Work

Elementary and Middle/Junior High School Grade Levels

Add any local procedures related to the
completion of work while a student at
the elementary or middle/junior high
level is placed in a DAEP.

Grades 9–12 Education Code 37.008(l); 19 TAC
103.1201(f)(1); FOCA(LEGAL)
A high school student removed to a disciplinary alternative education program
(DAEP) during the school year will have an opportunity to complete, before the State law requires the district to
beginning of the next school year, a foundation curriculum course in which the provide written notice to a student’s
student was enrolled at the time of removal. The district may provide the parent of its obligation to provide an
opportunity for the student to

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opportunity to complete the course through an alternative method, including a complete course work required for
correspondence course, another distance learning option, or summer school. The graduation. Commissioner rules
district will not charge the student for any method of completion provided by the specify that this obligation is for
district. [See policy FOCA(LEGAL).] foundation curriculum courses, and the
district must offer an opportunity to
the student to complete each
foundation course he or she was
enrolled in at the time of removal by
the beginning of the next school year.
Additionally, a student’s four-year
graduation plan (Minimum,
Recommended, or
Advanced/Distinguished Achievement)
may not be altered when the student is
assigned to a DAEP.

Note that Commissioner rules have not
yet been revised related to the district’s
obligations for coursework in a DAEP
for students under the foundation
graduation program.

Although notice is provided here, we
suggest notice about the opportunities
to complete course work be included
also in any paperwork provided to a
parent when a student is assigned to a
DAEP.

In-school Suspension (ISS) Makeup Work (All Grade Levels) Education Code 37.021; FO(LEGAL)

A student removed from the regular classroom to in-school suspension or As opposed to the Commissioner rules
another setting, other than a DAEP, will have an opportunity to complete before referenced above that specify the
the beginning of the next school year each course the student was enrolled in at opportunity to complete a foundation
the time of removal from the regular classroom. The district may provide the curriculum course if a student is placed
opportunity by any method available, including a correspondence course, another in a DAEP, state law requires that a
distance learning option, or summer school. The district will not charge the student who is removed from the
student for any method of completion provided by the district. [See policy classroom to in-school suspension or
FO(LEGAL).] another setting other than DAEP must
be offered the opportunity to complete
each course he or she was enrolled in at
the time of removal before the
beginning of the school year.

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MEDICINE AT SCHOOL (All Grade Levels) Education Code 22.052(a), (b);
FFAC(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)
The district will not purchase medication to give to a student. District employees
will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, Coordinate with FFAC(LOCAL) and
herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following adjust this section to reflect policy.
exceptions:
The TDSHS cautions against districts
purchasing and administering any type
of medication to students that hasn’t
been provided by the student’s parent.
Review Chapter 5 of the TDSHS’ Texas
Guide to School Health Programs here:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/
schoolhealth/pgtoc.shtm. Many
districts have therefore chosen to
discontinue the practice of providing
nonprescription medication to
students, even in emergency situations,
which is the decision reflected in the
adjacent text.

If the district makes an exception that
would allow, for example, an athletic
trainer to administer district-
purchased nonprescription medication
to a student in accordance with a
standing order or procedures approved
by a physician, adjust the adjacent text
accordingly. Contact your TASB policy
consultant if your FFAC(LOCAL) does
not include a prohibition on the
purchase of nonprescription
medication and/or does not include an
exception for use in the district’s
athletic program.

Only authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:

■ Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided
by the parent, along with a written request.

■ Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled This provision allows a single dosage to

by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, be carried along for a student on a field

properly labeled container. trip or other activity away from the

regular campus.

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■ Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, If your FFAC(LOCAL) requires a written
provided by the parent along with a written request. request from a qualified health-care
professional, be sure to add a sentence
■ Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the to the first or second bullet, as
student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a appropriate.
student with disabilities.
Adjust the sections on nonprescription
Students whose schedules provide for regular time spent outdoors, including for medication and herbal substances or
recess and physical education classes, should apply sunscreen before coming to dietary supplements to reflect your
school. district’s policy FFAC(LOCAL) and
For students at the elementary level, the student’s teacher or other district practice; remember, herbal and dietary
personnel will apply sunscreen to a student’s exposed skin if the student brings supplements are not FDA-approved.
the sunscreen to school and requests assistance with the application of the Therefore, they should only be
sunscreen. Nothing prohibits a student at this level from applying his or her own administered in the rare circumstances
sunscreen if the student is capable of doing so. that an ARD committee or Section 504
For students at the secondary level, a student may possess and apply sunscreen committee determines them to be
when necessary. If the student will need assistance with this application, please necessary to administer at school.
address the need for assistance with the school nurse.
Whether a student is at the elementary or secondary level, if sunscreen needs to Adjust this text based on the grade
be administered to treat any type of medical condition, this should be handled levels for which your handbook is
through communication with the school nurse so that the district is made aware intended. Because sunscreens are
of any safety and medical issues. regulated as over-the-counter
medications by the FDA but application
in the school nurse’s office is
impractical, many states have begun
allowing students to possess their own
sunscreen to apply independently
when needed. The adjacent text would
allow application of sunscreen by an
employee at the elementary level and
self-application at the secondary level.
If the sunscreen is part of treatment for
an underlying medical condition, more
information would be sought prior to
allowing self-application. In this case,
student possession of the sunscreen is
seen as implied parental consent.
Adjust the text as necessary to reflect
district practice.

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A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted State law allows students diagnosed Education Code 38.015
to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or with anaphylaxis to “self-administer”
school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her prescribed anaphylaxis medication so
parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must long as the requirements of the law are
also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider [and to the met.
school nurse] the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device
required to administer the medication. The law also requires students
diagnosed with either asthma or
If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use anaphylaxis to demonstrate to their
during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the physician or health-care provider and
[school nurse or] principal. to the school nurse, if one is available,
that they are able to self-administer the
medication as prescribed and use any
device necessary to deliver the
medication. These students may keep
the medication and device in their own
possession rather than giving it to the
nurse or other designated district
employee. See policy FFAC(LEGAL).

If your district does not employ a
school nurse, be sure to delete the
highlighted text.

See also the Editorial Notes at Food
Allergies, above.

In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, A student with diabetes who needs Health and Safety Code Chapter 168;
a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment or care at school must have a FFAF(LEGAL)
treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. Diabetes Management and Treatment
See the [school nurse or] principal for information. [See policy FFAF(LEGAL).] Plan (DMTP) developed by the
physician and parent. A copy is to be
provided to the school; from this, the
principal, nurse (if one is assigned to
the school), parent or guardian,
physician (if possible), and teachers are
to develop an individualized health
plan for the student. If the school does
not have a nurse, the principal must
find employees who can serve as
unlicensed diabetes care assistants;
however, employees cannot be coerced
to serve this function. Training must be
provided by a health-care professional.

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The parent or guardian must sign an Education Code 26.0091, 38.016
authorization for care to be given.

Psychotropic Drugs

A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or An employee may not use or threaten
prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have to use a refusal by the parent to
an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described consent to the use of a psychotropic
as a mood- or behavior-altering substance. drug as the sole basis in making a
report of child abuse.
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 are not permitted to 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. [For further information, see policy FFAC.]

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT (All Grade Levels) The regulations that implement Title FB(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), FFH(LEGAL)
VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Age and (LOCAL); http://www2.ed.gov/
In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, [district Discrimination Act, the Boy Scouts Act, print/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/
name] does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, and Title II all require notices of nondisc.html
gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing nondiscrimination. Note that public
education services, activities, and programs, including CTE programs, and elementary and secondary schools that
provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. in receive funds made available through
accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the U.S. Department of Education must
the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Title II of the Americans with make available information regarding
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, which incorporates and expands the provisions of the Boy Scouts Act.
upon the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as See http://www2.ed.gov/print/about/
amended. offices/list/ocr/docs/nondisc.html for
more information.
The following district representatives have been designated to coordinate
compliance with these legal requirements: List names, titles, physical addresses,
and phone numbers.
■ Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of
sex, including sexual harassment or gender-based harassment: [name, title, See FB(LOCAL) and FFH(LOCAL) for
physical address, and phone number]. the names of the Title IX and
ADA/Section 504 coordinators for
■ ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the district students.
basis of disability: [name, title, physical address, and phone number].

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■ All other concerns regarding discrimination: See the superintendent, [name As clarified in FFH(LOCAL), the
and contact information]. superintendent’s responsibility as chief
executive officer includes ensuring
[See policies FB(LOCAL) and FFH(LOCAL).] compliance with antidiscrimination
laws.

NONTRADITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (All Grade If the district offers nontraditional Education Code 29.082, .0821, .0822,
Levels) programs, such as special evening .086, .087, .402, .908; EC(LEGAL),
programs for dropout recovery, EGA(LEGAL), EHBC(LEGAL),
[See Requirements for a Diploma on page ____.] weekend programs, an early college EHBI(LEGAL)
high school, or other alternatives such
as an extended year program or
flexible school day program, include a
description of each program and the
categories of students it is designed to
serve.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT (All Grade Levels) This provision has been moved from
Section I.
Working Together
Be aware that schools that receive Title BQ(LOCAL); http://www2.ed.gov/
I, Part A funding are required to programs/titleiparta/
develop a parental involvement parentinvguid.doc
“policy.” Note that the term policy as
used here is not typically intended for
local board adoption. [See BQ(LOCAL)
for a general board-adopted statement
about parental involvement]. Each
school must offer multiple
opportunities to have parents involved
in the development of the school’s
parental involvement policy and must
provide information to parents
regarding a description and
explanation of the school’s curriculum,
on the forms of academic assessment
used to measure student progress, and

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on the proficiency levels students are
expected to meet. A requirement for
the parental involvement policy is the
development of a school-parent
compact. See http://www2.ed.gov/
programs/titleiparta/
parentinvguid.doc for a sample policy
and student-parent compact.

Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when
there is good communication and a strong partnership between home and school.
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.

■ Ensuring that your child completes all homework assignments and special
projects and 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.

■ Discussing with the school counselor or principal any questions you may
have about the options and opportunities available to your child.

■ Reviewing the requirements and options for graduation with your child in
middle school and again while your child is enrolled in high school.

■ Monitoring your child’s academic progress and contacting teachers as
needed. [See Academic Counseling on page ____.]

■ Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as See EIA(LOCAL). If your district or EIA(LOCAL)

needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, school has set up regular conference

school counselor, or principal, please call the school office at [phone number] opportunities for parents, describe

for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with their purpose, structure, formality, etc.

you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report here.

Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page ____.]

■ Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG and Describe the activities for which GKG(LEGAL); GKG in the TASB
Volunteers on page ____.] volunteers are used and/or needed. If Regulations Resource Manual
your school involves parent volunteers
in such matters as chaperoning proms,
parties, field trips, etc., you may wish to
include information regarding how to
volunteer and what the responsibilities
are. Also see Volunteers, in Section II.

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■ Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: List parent organizations, booster GE(LOCAL)
[list current organizations]. clubs, etc., with information about
contact persons.

■ Serving as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level See BQ series in the district’s policy BQ series
planning committees, assisting in the development of educational goals and manual. If your district is a single-
campus district and only has one
plans to improve student achievement. [For further information, see policies committee that serves as the
at BQA and BQB, and contact [contact information].] district/campus committee, you should
delete the references to “campus-level
planning committees” and the
reference to policy “BQB.”

■ Serving on the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), assisting the district BDF(LEGAL), EHAA(LEGAL),
in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education FFA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)

instruction and other wellness issues. [See policies at BDF, EHAA, FFA, and

information in this handbook at School Health Advisory Council on page
____.]

■ Serving on a committee to determine criteria to be used to evaluate the If you have chosen not to include Education Code 39.0545
overall performance of the district and each campus in community and parents on this committee, please
delete or revise accordingly.
student engagement. For further information, please contact the campus
principal.

■ Being aware of the school’s ongoing bullying and harassment prevention FFB(LEGAL), FFI(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)
efforts.

■ Contacting school officials if you are concerned with your child’s emotional or
mental well-being.

■ Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See Include information on time and place BE(LOCAL), BED(LOCAL)
policies at BE and BED for more information.] for regular board meetings, as well as
posting location.

Parent Involvement Coordinator This requirement applies only if the EHBD(LEGAL)
district or campus receives Title I, Part
The Parent Involvement Coordinator, who works with parents of students A funds.
participating in Title I programs is [name] and may be contacted at [contact
information].

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PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS / HEALTH SCREENINGS

Athletics’ Participation (Secondary Grade Levels Only) Education Code 33.203(a);
FFAA(LOCAL), FM(LEGAL)
A student who wishes to participate in, or continue participation in, the district’s
athletics program governed by the UIL must submit certification from a health- Coordinate and reflect provisions from
care provider authorized under UIL rules that the student has been examined and FFAA(LOCAL) on examinations
is physically able to participate in the athletic program. required for UIL participation.

Choose if the district follows the UIL guidelines for physicals: This examination is
required in the first year of middle school competition and the first and third
years of high school competition. During the alternate years, the student must
complete a medical appraisal form, and the results of this appraisal may prompt
the district to require a physical examination.

OR

Choose if the district requires annual physicals: This examination is required to be
submitted annually to the district.

Other Exams and Screenings (All Grade Levels)

Choose if applicable to your regional education service area: Students are required If you are a district in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, Health and Safety Code 95.002–.004;
to undergo a risk assessment for type 2 diabetes at the same time the district 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, or 20, include FFAA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)
screens students for hearing and vision issues, or for abnormal spinal curvatures. more information regarding the
timeline in which the Type 2 diabetes
risk assessment will be conducted.

If your district’s FFAA(LOCAL) or local
health authority requires evidence of
screening for tuberculosis, include
those details in this section.

[Also see policy FFAA.]

PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE AND A MINUTE OF SILENCE (All Education Code 25.082, .0821;
Grade Levels) EC(LEGAL), EHBK(LEGAL)

Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States In addition to requiring the Pledge of
flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written Allegiance to the United States flag and
request to the principal to excuse their child from reciting a pledge. [See Excusing to the state flag, state law requires the
a Student from Reciting the Pledges to the U.S. and Texas Flags on page ____.] observance of one minute of silence

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State law requires that one minute of silence follow recitation of the pledges. Each following recitation of the pledges. The
student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent parent’s right to request that his or her
activity during that minute so long as the silent activity does not interfere with or child not participate in one or both
distract others. In addition, state law requires that each campus provide for the pledges is addressed on page 14 of this
observance of one minute of silence at the beginning of the first class period Model Student Handbook.
when September 11 falls on a regular school day in remembrance of those who
lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The students may choose their silent
activities, so long as the chosen
[See policy EC for more information.] activities do not interfere with or
distract another student. They may
reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any
other silent activity. Teachers are
required to ensure the period of
silence. State law requires that each
elementary and secondary school
observe a minute of silence each year
in which September 11 falls on a
regular school day. Prior to this
observance, the instructor must make a
statement of reference to the memory
of individuals who died on September
11, 2001. This period of observance
may be held in conjunction with the
minute of silence observed on a daily
basis.

PRAYER (All Grade Levels) FNA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)

Each student has a right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate
in school in a manner that does not disrupt instructional or other activities of the
school. The school will not encourage, require, or coerce a student to engage in or
to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION Education Code 28.021; EIE(LEGAL)
and (LOCAL)

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or In accordance with your EIE(LOCAL), 19 TAC 101.2003(b)–(c)
demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level, the adjust the text in this section to include
recommendation of the student’s teacher, the score received on any criterion- the grade levels for which the
referenced or state-mandated assessment, and any other necessary academic handbook is intended.
information as determined by the district. To earn credit in a course, a student
must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.

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In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with limited exceptions—will be The district must consider the
required to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), promotion requirements listed in the
if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any day between January 1 first paragraph. Make sure to include
and the date of the first administration of the STAAR. any additional promotion
requirements your district has in place.
In grades _______, promotion is based on [refer to your EIE(LOCAL) and include The district is required to make public
promotion standards for the respective grade levels here]. these promotion requirements.

In grades _______, promotion is based on [refer to your EIE(LOCAL) and include
promotion standards for the respective grade levels here].

A student in grades 9–12 will be advanced a grade level based on the number of
course credits earned. [Also see Grade Level Classification on page ____.]

Elementary and Middle/Junior High Grade Levels

In grades _______, promotion is based on [refer to your EIE(LOCAL) and include
promotion standards for the respective grade levels here].

In grades _______, promotion is based on [refer to your EIE(LOCAL) and include
promotion standards for the respective grade levels here].

In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must perform The superintendent is responsible for Education Code 28.0211, 39.023(a); 19
satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5 assessment notifying each student and his or her TAC 101.2003, .3012(b)
in English or Spanish. parent in writing no later than the
beginning of the student’s first grade
In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform year, or no later than the beginning of
satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 8 assessment the kindergarten year if the district
in English. offers kindergarten, of the testing
requirements for grade advancement;
therefore, if your handbook is meant
for a primary campus, for example, you
would still want to include information
regarding the grade advancement
requirements. The superintendent is
also charged with notifying each new
student in grades 1–8 of the testing
requirements for grade advancement
and must notify each student subject to
the grade advancement requirements
of the dates, times, and locations of
testing.

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In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with limited exceptions—will be
required to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR),
if the student is enrolled in a public Texas school on any day between January 1
and the date of the first administration of the STAAR.

■ In order to be promoted to grade 6, students enrolled in grade 5 must
perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 5
assessment in English or Spanish.

■ In order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must
perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the grade 8
assessment in English.

If a student in grade 5 or 8 is enrolled in a course that earns high school credit If a student is in grade 5 or 8 and is Education Code 28.0211(o)–(p); 19
and for which an end-of-course (EOC) assessment will be administered, the enrolled in a course for which high TAC 101.2001(d); http://tea.texas.gov/
student will not be subject to the promotion requirements described above for school credit is earned and an EOC About_TEA/News_and_Multimedia/
the relevant grade 5 or 8 assessment. However, for federal accountability assessment is scheduled to be Correspondence/TAA_Letters/Middle_
purposes, the student may be required to take both the grade level assessment administered, there may be federal School_Students_Taking_Algebra_I(1)/
and EOC assessment. accountability implications. However,
the Commissioner of Education has
If a student in grades 3–8 is enrolled in a class or course intended for students communicated that only the EOC
above his or her current grade level in which the student will be administered a assessment will be used for state and
state-mandated assessment, the student will be required to take an applicable federal accountability. Refer to the
state mandated assessment only for the course in which he or she is enrolled, Editorial Notes at Standardized
unless otherwise required to do so by federal law. Testing on page 125 for more
information. If any student in grades 3–
[See Standardized Testing on page ____.] 8 is enrolled in a course intended for
students above the student’s enrolled
grade level and for which the student
will be administered a state-mandated
assessment, the student is not required
by state law to also take the grade level
STAAR in that particular subject, but
this may also have federal
accountability implications. See the
link to the “To the Administrator
Addressed” letter in the References
column.

Parents of a student at any grade level at or above grade 3 who does not perform
satisfactorily on his or her state-mandated exams will be notified that their child
will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve
performance. The student may be required to participate in this instruction
before or after normal school hours or outside of the normal school year. Failure

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of a student to attend these programs may result in violations of required school
attendance as well as the student not being promoted to the next grade level.

A student in grade 5 or 8 will have two additional opportunities to take a failed A district may not promote a student in Education Code 28.0211; 19 TAC
assessment. If a student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, grade 5 or 8 who does not complete the 101.2001–.2009
consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will district’s accelerated instruction
determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third deemed appropriate by the student’s
failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this grade placement committee (GPC),
decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted, based on including after the third failed attempt.
standards previously established by the district, the decision of the committee
must be unanimous and the student must complete additional special instruction
before beginning the next grade level. Whether the student is retained or
promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the
student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policy
EIE.]

Students will also have multiple opportunities to retake EOC assessments. [See
Graduation on page ____ and Standardized Testing on page ____ for more
information about EOC assessments.]

Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English
proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred
testing. For more information, see the principal, school counselor, or special
education director.

Parents of a student at any grade level at or above grade level 3 who does not Accelerated instruction is required for
perform satisfactorily on his or her state-mandated exams will be notified that each student in grades 3–8 who does
their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve not perform satisfactorily on the
performance. The student may be required to participate in this instruction STAAR and for students who fail to
before or after normal school hours or outside of the normal school year. Failure perform satisfactorily on end-of-course
of a student to attend these programs may result in violations of required school assessments. For a student in grades 5
attendance as well as the student not being promoted to the next grade level. and 8, this accelerated instruction must
be provided after each testing
opportunity. The district is still
responsible for transportation if
accelerated instruction is provided
outside of regular school hours. State
law considers absences related to this
type of instruction for students in
grades 3–8 a violation of compulsory
attendance if the absences are
unexcused.

Also see the Editorial Notes at
Compulsory Attendance on page 27.

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A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student at the middle Personal graduation plans are Education Code 28.0212
school or junior high level who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated separated in the Education Code
assessment or is determined by the district as not likely to earn a high school between those required for middle
diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will school-aged students and those
be designed and implemented by a school counselor, teacher, or other staff required for high school students
member designated by the principal. The plan will, among other items, identify under the foundation graduation
the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for program requirements. For ease of
the student, and outline an intensive instruction program for the student. [For locating the material, the PGPs
additional information, see the [school counselor or principal] and policy required for high school are located
EIF(LEGAL).] For a student receiving special education services, the student’s IEP within the Graduation heading on
may serve as the student’s PGP and would therefore be developed by the page 71 of this Model.
student’s ARD committee.

[For information related to the development of personal graduation plans for high
school students, see Personal Graduation Plans for Students Under the
Foundation Graduation Program on page ____. ]

High School Grade Levels

To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on
course-level or grade-level standards.

A student in grades 9–12 will be advanced a grade level based on the number of
course credits earned. [Also see Grade Level Classification on page ____.]

Students will also have multiple opportunities to retake EOC assessments. [See
Graduation on page ____ and Standardized Testing on page ____ for more
information about EOC assessments.]

RELEASE OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

[See Leaving Campus on page ____.]

REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES Education Code 28.022; EIA(LEGAL)
(All Grade Levels) and (LOCAL)

Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each Adjust this section for six- or nine- 116
class or subject are issued to parents at least once every ____ weeks. week grading periods.

At the end of the [first three weeks of a grading period OR during the fourth week Be sure to adjust this section to reflect
of a nine-week grading period], parents will be given a written progress report if the district’s determination of
their child’s performance [in any course/subject area OR in English language arts, “consistently unsatisfactory” if the

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mathematics, science, or social studies] is near or below 70, or is below the grade that triggers the interim
expected level of performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in progress report is different from 70. If
any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent will be requested to interim reports are provided to all
schedule a conference with the teacher of that class or subject. [See Working students regardless of performance,
Together on page ____ for how to schedule a conference.] revise this section accordingly.

State law requires that districts report
unsatisfactory performance to parents
every three weeks or four-and-a-half
weeks, depending on your grading
period length. The statute requires
these reports only in the foundation
curriculum courses; if it is your
practice to send a notice in all courses,
that option is included. ”

Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the [principal or Statute provides for a teacher’s Education Code 28.0214; EIA(LOCAL);
superintendent] pursuant to the board-adopted policy and are designed to reflect examination or course grade to be final EIA in the TASB Regulations Resource
each student’s relative mastery of each assignment for the grading period, unless it is arbitrary, erroneous, or not Manual
semester, or course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by a consistent with the district grading
teacher cannot be changed unless the board determines that the grade was policy applicable to the grade, as
arbitrary or contains an error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s determined by the board. A
grading policy. [See policy EIA(LOCAL) and Grading Guidelines on page ____.] determination by the board is not
subject to appeal. In light of this law,
Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if principals need to ensure that each
the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with teacher understands and follows the
the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL). grading guidelines consistently. Review
your policy at EIA(LOCAL), your
grading guidelines, and any other
applicable administrative procedures.

See the Editorial Notes at Grading
Guidelines on page 70 and policies
DGBA and FNG.

The report card or unsatisfactory progress report will state whether tutorials are Remember that under state law, if the Education Code 29.084; EHBC(LEGAL)
required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject. district offers tutorials, students whose
grades fall below 70 in a grade-
reporting period must attend.

Report cards and unsatisfactory progress reports must be signed by the parent
and returned to the school within ____ days.

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RETALIATION

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page
____.]

SAFETY (All Grade Levels) Education Code 37.108, .109;
CK(LEGAL), CKC(LEGAL)
Student safety on campus, at school-related events, and on district vehicles is a
high priority of the district. Although the district has implemented safety If students and staff are required to
procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensuring school safety. A wear ID badges, insert a statement
student is expected to: regarding the requirement and how to
obtain a replacement if lost, etc.
■ Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or others at risk.

■ Follow the behavioral standards in this handbook and the Student Code of
Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the
principal, teachers, or bus drivers.

■ Remain alert to and promptly report to a teacher or the principal any safety
hazards, such as intruders on campus or threats made by any person toward
a student or staff member.

■ Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.

■ Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, bus drivers, and other
district employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

Accident Insurance If you do not make accident insurance
available, adjust this text accordingly.
Soon after the school year begins, parents will have the opportunity to purchase
low-cost accident insurance that would help meet medical expenses in the event
of injury to their child.

Preparedness Drills: Evacuation, Severe Weather, and Other Include any desired information
Emergencies regarding your campus procedures
related to preparedness drills, as well
From time to time, students, teachers, and other district employees will as whether these drills will be
participate in preparedness drills of emergency procedures. When the command announced by verbal command, bell, or
is given or alarm is sounded, students need to follow the direction of teachers or alarm. The Texas School Safety Center
others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.

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(TxSSC) recommends that drills be
named and announced using plain
language instead of code words. Each
type of drill should also be taught to
students in an age-appropriate manner,
including explanations as to why the
drills are important. Refer to your
Emergency Operations Plan and work
with your local emergency responders
to help best prepare for emergencies in
your community. Also see the TxSSC’s
website at http://txssc.txstate.edu/
topics/emergency-management/ for
more information associated with
preparedness drills.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Information FFAC(LOCAL); FFAC in the TASB
Regulations Resource Manual
If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when
the parent cannot be reached, the school may have to rely on previously provided The TASB Regulations Resource Manual
written parental consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, and contains a model “Authorization to
information about allergies to medications, foods, insect bites, etc. Therefore, Secure Emergency Medical Treatment.”
parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents
should keep emergency care information up-to-date (name of doctor, emergency
phone numbers, allergies, etc.). Please contact the school nurse to update any
information that the nurse or the teacher needs to know.

Emergency School-Closing Information EB(LOCAL)

Each year, parents are asked to complete an emergency release form to provide Include local information on weather-
contact information in the event that school is dismissed early or opening is related or other school-closing
delayed because of severe weather or another emergency, or if the campus must emergency procedures. List local radio
restrict access due to a security threat. or TV stations that will carry
announcements.
If the campus must close, delay opening, or restrict access to the building because
of an emergency, the district will alert the community in the following ways:
__________________________________________________________________________.

SAT, ACT, AND OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS

[See Standardized Testing on page ____.]

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SCHEDULE CHANGES (Middle/Junior High and High School
Grade Levels)

Include here the pertinent information
regarding how class schedules may be
changed, as well as any deadlines for
requesting a schedule change.

SCHOOL FACILITIES FNAB(LOCAL)

Use by Students Before and After School (All Grade Levels) 120

Certain areas of the school will be accessible to students before and after school
for specific purposes. Students are required to remain in the area where their
activity is scheduled to take place.

The following areas are open to students before school, beginning at ______ a.m.

■ [open area]

■ [open area]

■ [open area]

■ [open area]

Unless the teacher or sponsor overseeing an activity gives permission, a student
will not be permitted to go to another area of the building or campus.

After dismissal of school in the afternoon, unless a student is involved in an
activity under the supervision of a teacher or other authorized employee or adult,
or unless students are granted permission to remain on campus in accordance
with policy FNAB, students must leave campus immediately.

Conduct Before and After School (All Grade Levels)

Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before-
or after-school activities on district premises and at school-sponsored events off
district premises, such as play rehearsals, club meetings, athletic practices, and
special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same rules of
conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to
consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct or any stricter
standards of behavior established by the sponsor for extracurricular participants.

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Use of Hallways During Class Time (All Grade Levels)

Loitering or standing in the halls during class is not permitted. During class time,
a student must have a hall pass to be outside the classroom for any purpose.
Failure to obtain a pass will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the
Student Code of Conduct.

Cafeteria Services (All Grade Levels) You may want to include information Education Code 33.901; COB(LEGAL);
on cafeteria arrangements, prices, http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/
The district participates in the School Breakfast Program and National School schedules, etc. If the district does not default/files/cn/EliMan.pdf
Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced meals daily in provide a breakfast program, revise the
accordance with standards set forth in state and federal law. text accordingly. Note that a school in
which at least 80 percent of students
Free and reduced-price meals are available based on financial need or household qualify for free- or reduced-price
situation. Information about a student’s participation is confidential; however, breakfast is required to serve breakfast
disclosure of a student’s eligibility may be made without prior notice or consent at no cost to all students unless a
to programs, activities, and individuals that are specifically authorized access waiver is granted by the Commissioner.
under the National School Lunch Act (NSLA), which is the law that sets forth the See Education Code 33.901(b)–(c) for
disclosure limits for the district’s child nutrition programs. A student’s name, more information.
eligibility status, and other information may be disclosed to certain agencies as
authorized under the NSLA to facilitate the enrollment of eligible children in The National School Lunch Act allows
Medicaid or the state children’s health insurance program (CHIP) unless the disclosure of eligibility status in certain
student’s parent notifies the district that a student’s information should not be situations with no prior parental
disclosed. A parent’s decision will not affect the child’s eligibility for free and consent required; in other situations,
reduced price meals or free milk. See _________________________ to apply for free or prior notification is required with an
reduced price meal services. opportunity for a parent to refuse the
disclosure of information. See the link
in the References column for more
information.

Include the name of the district
employee responsible for information
on free and reduced-price meals and
for confidentiality of information
regarding individual eligibility.

Consider coordinating text at Leaving
Campus, on page 98, regarding
whether all students must remain on
campus for lunch or whether certain
students are allowed to leave the
premises during this time.

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The district follows all applicable federal and state guidelinesState and federal Include the appropriate information 4 TAC 26.11; CO(LEGAL), FFA(LOCAL);
law, as well as board-adopted policies, define when, where, and by whom according to the campus level for http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/
regarding foods of minimal nutritional valuecompetitive foods, which are foods which your handbook is intended. readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_
not sold as part of the regular meal program, can bebeing served or sold on Texas Department of Agriculture rules dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1
school premises during the school day. [For more information, see policy policies define the time and place standards for &p_tac=&ti=4&pt=1&ch=26&rl=11
CO(LEGAL) and FFA(LOCAL).] the sale and consumption of
competitive (Smart Snacks) foods;
however, the rules require revision to
the board-adopted wellness policy
[FFA(LOCAL)] should the district wish
to adopt alternative standards. Be sure
to coordinate any local text in
FFA(LOCAL) with this section.

Library (All Grade Levels) Include information about the hours
during which students may use the
The library is a learning laboratory with books, computers, magazines, and other library, criteria for using computers in
materials available for classroom assignments, projects, and reading or listening the library (such as a returned
pleasure. The library is open for independent student use during the following Acceptable Use Agreement form signed
times with a teacher permit: by both the student and parent), length
of time that materials may be checked
■ [days and times] out, procedure for overdue materials,
fines for lost and overdue materials,
■ [days and times] etc.

■ [days and times]

Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups (Secondary Grade Levels You may delete this section if your FNAB(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)
Only) handbook is intended only for
elementary grade levels as the Equal
Student-organized, student-led noncurriculum-related groups are permitted to Access Act pertains to secondary
meet during the hours designated by the principal before and after school. These students.
groups must comply with the requirements of policy FNAB(LOCAL).
Provisions may be found at
FNAB(LEGAL) and (LOCAL) on the
Equal Access Act and the board’s
decision regarding whether to
establish a limited open forum for
noncurriculum-related student groups
at the secondary level. Be sure to adjust
this provision if you do not permit such
meetings. See the note at Distribution

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TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

A list of these groups is available in the principal’s office. of Published Materials or
Documents on page 58 regarding the
Starting Points for the First
Amendment policies.

If the district or campus has developed
rules regarding use of the school public
address system for announcements
about meetings of noncurriculum-
related groups, you might include them
here.

SEARCHES FNF(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)

In the interest of promoting student safety and attempting to ensure that schools
are safe and drug free, district officials may from time to time conduct searches.
Such searches are conducted without a warrant and as permitted by law.

Students’ Desks and Lockers (All Grade Levels)

Students’ desks and lockers are school property and remain under the control
and jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.

Students are fully responsible for the security and contents of their assigned
desks and lockers. Students must be certain that their lockers are locked, and that
the combinations are not available to others.

Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable Searching desks and lockers only when
suspicion to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by policy, there is reasonable suspicion to do so
whether or not a student is present. is the stricter standard.

The parent will be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk NOTE: If the board has authorized
or locker. routine blanket searches of desks and
lockers, however, contact your policy
consultant to revise policy FNF(LOCAL)
if needed and delete from this section
“there is reasonable suspicion to believe
that they contain articles or materials
prohibited by policy.”

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Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices (All Grade Levels) CQ(LEGAL) and (LOCAL); CQ in the
TASB Regulations Resource Manual
Use of district-owned equipment and its network systems is not private and will
be monitored by the district. [See policy CQ for more information.]

Any searches of personal telecommunications or other personal electronic
devices will be conducted in accordance with law, and the device may be
confiscated in order to perform a lawful search. A confiscated device may be
turned over to law enforcement to determine whether a crime has been
committed.

[See policy FNF(LEGAL) and Electronic Devices and Technology Resources on
page ____ for more information.]

Vehicles on Campus (Secondary Grade Levels Only) CLC(LOCAL) and FFFD(LOCAL), if the
district has either of these policies
A student has full responsibility for the security and content of his or her vehicle
parked on district property and must make certain that it is locked and that the Include school regulations on parking
keys are not given to others. [See also the Student Code of Conduct.] or vehicle registration applicable to
students, vehicle safety on campus, and
Vehicles parked on district property are under the jurisdiction of the district. whether vehicle privileges on campus
School officials may search any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause may be revoked in accordance with
suspicion to do so, with or without the permission of the student. If a vehicle your Student Code of Conduct.
subject to search is locked, the student will be asked to unlock the vehicle. If the
student refuses, the student’s parent will be contacted. If a search is also refused
by the student’s parent, the district will turn the matter over to law enforcement.
The district may, in certain circumstances, contact law enforcement even if
permission to search is granted.

Trained Dogs (All Grade Levels) If specially trained dogs are not used to
search for prohibited or illegal items,
The district will use trained dogs to alert school officials to the presence of delete this section from the handbook.
prohibited or illegal items, including drugs and alcohol. At any time, trained dogs
may be used around lockers and the areas around vehicles parked on school
property. Searches of classrooms, common areas, or student belongings may also
be conducted by trained dogs when students are not present. An item in a
classroom, a locker, or a vehicle to which a trained dog alerts may be searched by
school officials.

Metal Detectors (All Grade Levels)

If the board has approved using metal
detectors for safety purposes, parents

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[For further information, see policy FNF(LOCAL).] and students should be given notice
that searches may occur at any time.

Drug-Testing (Secondary Grade Levels Only)

[For further information, see policy FNF(LOCAL). Also see Steroids on page ____.] If the district conducts drug testing of
students, include a statement here. Any
drug-testing provisions that go above
and beyond the state requirements for
testing for steroids should be
authorized by your board and
contained in your policy FNF(LOCAL).

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page
____.]

SPECIAL PROGRAMS (All Grade Levels)

The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless You may wish to make the principal or
students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English school counselor the primary source of
proficiency or who are English language learners, students diagnosed with information or to designate here the
dyslexia, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can coordinators of each program. Any
answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services program offered for identified special
offered in the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with needs populations may be listed. See
questions about these programs should contact ________________________________. the required TEA statement on page 24
regarding assistance to students with
learning difficulties or those who need
special education services.

STANDARDIZED TESTING EKB(LEGAL), EKBA(LEGAL)

Secondary Grade Levels 125

SAT/ACT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test)
Many colleges require either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the
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TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

school counselor early during their junior year to determine the appropriate Education Code 39.023(a), (b); 19 TAC
exam to take; these exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. The 101.3012(b); http://tea.texas.gov/
Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and ACT-Plan Aspire are the corresponding preparatory student.assessment/special-ed/;
and readiness assessments for the SAT and ACT,. Beginning in April 2014, the http://tea.texas.gov/
ACT-Plan has been replaced by the ACT-Aspire, and more information can be student.assessment/ell/
obtained on these assessments from the school counselor.
126
Note that participation in these assessments may qualify a student to receive a
performance acknowledgment on his or her diploma and transcript under the
foundation graduation program and may qualify as a substitute for an end-of-
course testing requirement in certain circumstances. A student’s performance at a
certain level on the SAT or ACT also makes the student eligible for automatic
admission to a Texas public institution of higher education.

TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment

Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must
take a standardized test called the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment. The
purpose of the TSI assessment is to assess the reading, mathematics, and writing
skills that entering freshmen-level students should have if they are to perform
effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public
colleges and universities. This assessment may be required before a student
enrolls in a dual-credit course offered through the district as well. Achieving
certain benchmark scores on this assessment for college readiness may also
waive certain end-of-course assessment requirements in limited circumstances.

STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness)

Grades 3–8

In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at
certain grade levels will take state-mandated assessments, such as the STAARare
required to take the state assessment, called STAAR, in the following subjects:

■ Mathematics, annually in grades 3–8
■ Reading, annually in grades 3–8
■ Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
■ Science in grades 5 and 8
■ Social Studies in grade 8

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Successful performance on the reading and math assessments in grades 5 and 8 is
required by law, unless the student is enrolled in a reading or math course
intended for students above the student’s current grade level, in order for the
student to be promoted to the next grade level. [See Promotion and Retention
on page ____ for additional information.]

STAAR-A will be available for an eligible student with a Section 504
accommodation plan who has been identified with dyslexia or a related disorder,
as well as for a student receiving special education services, if the student meets
state-established criteria and requires certain instructional and assessment
accommodations on a routine basis.

STAAR Alternate 2, for students receiving special education services who meet
certain state-established criteria, will be available for eligible students, as
determined by the student’s ARD committee.

STAAR-L is a linguistically accommodated assessment that is available for certain
limited English proficient (LEP) students, as determined by the student’s
Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC). A Spanish version of STAAR
is also available to students through grade 5 who need this accommodation.

High School Courses—End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments for Students in Note that in November 2014, the Education Code 39.023(c), .025;
Grades 9–12 Commissioner of Education reiterated http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/
TEA’s commitment to eliminate News_and_Multimedia/
STAAR end-of-course (EOC) assessments are administered for the following incentives to “double test” students Correspondence/TAA_Letters/Middle_
courses: when, for example, a student is taking School_Students_Taking_Algebra_I(1)/;
Algebra I in grade 8. Because there is http://tea.texas.gov/
■ Algebra I no other mathematics assessment in student.assessment/special-ed/;
high school for testing requirements http://tea.texas.gov/
■ English I and English II, under federal law, there have been student.assessment/ell/
lingering questions on what
■ Biology assessments should be given in this
case and how the decision would
■ United States History impact both state and federal
accountability. TEA has stated that
Satisfactory performance on the applicable assessments will be required for regardless if the district has a student
graduation, unless otherwise waived or substituted as allowed by state law and take both the grade 8 math assessment
rules. and Algebra I end-of-course
assessment in this scenario, only the
There are three testing windows during the year in which a student may take an Algebra I EOC assessment score will be
EOC assessment, which will occur during the fall, spring, and summer months. If a used for state and federal
student does not meet satisfactory performance, the student will have additional
opportunities to retake the assessment.

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accountability calculations for the
campus and district where the student
tested.

STAAR-A will be available for an eligible student with a Section 504
accommodation plan who has been identified with dyslexia or a related disorder,
as well as for a student receiving special education services, if the student meets
state-established criteria and requires certain instructional and assessment
accommodations on a routine basis.

STAAR Alternate 2, for students receiving special education services who meet
certain criteria established by the state, will be available for eligible students, as
determined by the student’s ARD committee.

A student’s ARD committee for students receiving special education services will
determine whether successful performance on the EOC assessments will be
required for graduation within the parameters identified in state rules and the
student’s personal graduation plan.

STAAR-L, which is a linguistically accommodated assessment, will be available for
students who have been determined to be limited English proficient (LEP) and
who require this type of testing accommodation.

[Also see Graduation on page ____ for additional information.]

TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment

Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must
take a standardized test called the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment. The
purpose of the TSI assessment is to assess the reading, mathematics, and writing
skills that entering freshmen-level students should have if they are to perform
effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public
colleges and universities. This assessment may be required before a student
enrolls in a dual-credit course offered through the district as well. Achieving
certain benchmark scores on this assessment for college readiness may also
waive certain end-of-course assessment requirements in limited circumstances.

STEROIDS (Secondary Grade Levels Only) This prohibition must be posted in a Education Code 33.091, 38.008,
conspicuous location in the gymnasium .0081(b); EHAA(LEGAL),
State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or of each district school that serves grade FNCF(EXHIBIT), FM(LEGAL)
administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and 7 or higher and in any other place in a
only a physician can prescribe use. building where physical education
classes are conducted. As authorized by
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.

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Students participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random state law, the UIL has developed a
steroid testing. More information on the UIL testing program may be found on the program to conduct random steroid
UIL website at http://www.uiltexas.org/health/steroid-information. testing of student athletes. The UIL has
adopted rules for the administration of
these tests, as well as for imposing
sanctions. More information can be
found at the website provided.

TEA, in conjunction with the
Department of State Health Services,
developed and distributed to schools
information about the use of steroids
and the health risks involved. Schools
must provide the information to
students, especially students involved
in extracurricular athletic activities at
appropriate grade levels as determined
by the SBOE.

STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE (All Grade Levels) Districts must designate a liaison Education Code 25.001(f)–(g),
officer to facilitate the enrollment in or 28.025(i), 33.904; EIF(LEGAL),
In an effort to provide educational stability, the district strives to assist any transfer to a public school of a child in FD(LEGAL), FFC(LEGAL);
student who is currently placed or newly placed in foster care (temporary or the district who is in the http://tea.texas.gov/FosterCare
permanent custody of the state) with the enrollment and registration process, as conservatorship of the state, and you StudentSuccess/
well as other educational services throughout the student’s enrollment in the must notify TEA of the name and
district. contact information of this liaison. This
would include a student placed by the
A student who is placed in foster care and who is moved outside of the district’s state in foster care, in a residential
attendance boundaries is entitled to continue in enrollment at the school he or placement, in a group home, with a
she was attending prior to the placement until the student reaches the highest relative, etc.
grade level at the particular school. In addition, if a student in grade 11 or 12 is
transferred to another district and does not meet the graduation requirements of
the transferring district, the student can request to receive a diploma from the
previous district if he or she meets the criteria to graduate from the previous
district.

Please contact ________________________________, who has been designated as the
district’s foster care liaison, at ________________________________ with any questions.

STUDENT SPEAKERS (All Grade Levels) The Religious Viewpoints Education Code Chapter 25,
Antidiscrimination Act requires each Subchapter E; FNA(LEGAL) and
The district provides students the opportunity to introduce the following school (LOCAL)
events: [include here those events listed in FNA(LOCAL) at INTRODUCTORY

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SPEAKERS]. If a student meets the eligibility criteria and wishes to introduce one district to adopt a local policy that
of the school events listed above, the student should submit his or her name in includes the establishment of a limited
accordance with policy FNA(LOCAL). public forum for student speakers at
each event at which a student is to
[See policy FNA(LOCAL) regarding other speaking opportunities and Graduation publicly speak. This policy must:
on page ____ for information related to student speech speakers at graduation
ceremonies.] 1. Provide for a limited open forum
that does not discriminate against
a student’s voluntary expression of
a religious viewpoint;

2. Provide for a method, based on
neutral criteria, to select student
speakers for graduation and other
school events;

3. Ensure that a student does not
engage in obscene, vulgar,
offensively lewd, or indecent
speech; and

4. State in writing, orally, or both, that
the student’s speech does not
reflect the endorsement,
sponsorship, position, or
expression of the district.

If your district has not adopted an
FNA(LOCAL), there is a Student
Expression Starting Points available on
the myTASB website to assist the
district in developing a policy.

If the district has been advised by local
counsel not to adopt an FNA(LOCAL),
please revise the text accordingly and
include your local guidelines,
developed in consultation with your
attorney, regarding the eligibility and
selection of student speakers.

For information on student speakers at
graduation ceremonies see
Graduation Speakers on page 83.

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SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION (All Substance abuse prevention and Health and Safety Code 161.325;
Grade Levels) intervention must be included in the FFB(LEGAL) and (LOCAL);
best-practice program list maintained http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhsa/
If you are worried that your child may be using or is in danger of experimenting, by the TDSHS. Please review the sb831/
using, or abusing illegal drugs or other prohibited substances, please contact the Editorial Notes for Suicide Awareness,
school counselor. The school counselor can provide you with a list of community below.
resources that may be of assistance to you. The TDSHS maintains information
regarding children’s mental health and substance abuse intervention services on
its website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhsa-child-adolescent-services/.

SUICIDE AWARENESS (All Grade Levels) The TDSHS, TEA, and each education Health and Safety Code 161.325;
service center are required to provide FFB(LEGAL) and (LOCAL);
The district is committed to partnering with parents to support the healthy and annually update a list of best http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhsa/
mental, emotional, and behavioral development of its students. If you are practices of early mental health sb831/; http://www.sprc.org/bpr
concerned about your child, please access intervention and suicide prevention
http://www.texassuicideprevention.org or contact the school counselor for more programs that you may choose to
information related to suicide prevention services available in your area. implement in the district. Refer to the
link in the References column for
these programs.

Although the district is not required to
adopt a policy concerning mental
health promotion and intervention,
substance abuse prevention and
intervention, and suicide prevention,
state law references the elements that
a district should include in such a
policy. Nevertheless, appropriate
training on these issues must be
provided to teachers, counselors,
principals, and all other appropriate
personnel.

TASB Policy Service has developed
sample policy language. Any policy
must be included in the Student
Handbook and district improvement
plan, so if your district currently has an
FFB(LOCAL) policy related to this

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issue, you will need to include a copy of
it in your Student Handbook.

SUMMER SCHOOL (All Grade Levels) Education Code 25.008; EHBC(LEGAL),
EHDA(LOCAL), EIE(LOCAL),
If you offer summer school, either FD(LEGAL), FEA(LEGAL),
traditional or an extended year FOCA(LEGAL)
program, include information needed
by parents and students. You may also
wish to remind parents and students of
the ability to take courses during the
summer through the TxVSN.

If the district provides summer school
to meet accelerated instruction
requirements for students who fail to
meet passing standards on STAAR or
requires it for those who do not meet
local promotion standards, consider
including information regarding those
programs here.

Summer school is among the options a
district may offer students who were
assigned to DAEP or ISS so that they
may complete coursework before the
beginning of the next school year. See
Makeup Work on page 101. State law
requires that a district permit a person
who is not enrolled in the district, but
who is otherwise eligible to enroll, to
enroll in a summer school course on
the same basis as a district student.
This would include satisfaction of any
course eligibility requirement and
payment of any fees the district has
authorized for summer school. The
obligation to enroll an unenrolled
student does not apply to intensive
programs of instruction, such as
intensive math or science programs, or
other types of intensive programs
listed in statute.

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TARDINESSTARDIES (All Grade Levels) Student Code of Conduct

A student who is tardy to class by more than ____ minutes will be assigned to If the district imposes more severe
detention hall. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe consequences for tardies, please adjust
disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. the text accordingly. Be sure to
coordinate this section with any
provisions added by the district in the
Student Code of Conduct. Note that
tardies are generally not considered
absences for purposes of compulsory
attendance enforcement. See
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov
/opinions/opinions/48morales/op/
1993/pdf/dm0200.pdf for more
information.

TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS, TECHNOLOGICAL Education Code 31.104(d), (e), (h); 19
EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS (All TAC 66.1201, .1203, .1205;
Grade Levels) CMD(LEGAL)

Textbooks and other district-approved instructional materials are provided to See the TAC cites in the References
students free of charge for each subject or class. Any books must be covered by column regarding acceptable
the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. Electronic textbooks conditions of printed textbooks,
and technological equipment may also be provided to students, depending on the electronic textbooks, and technological
course and course objectives. A student who is issued a damaged item should equipment.
report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return an item in
acceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and technological
equipment until the item is returned or the damage paid for by the parent;
however, the student will be provided the necessary instructional resources and
equipment for use at school during the school day.

TRANSFERS (All Grade Levels) FDA(LOCAL), FDB(LEGAL) and
(LOCAL)

The principal is authorized to transfer a student from one classroom to another. This section is included for you to
provide information on intradistrict
[See School Safety Transfers/Assignments, on page ____, Bullying, on page ____, transfers in your district [see
and Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who FDB(LOCAL)]. If the district has more
Need Special Education Services, on page ____, for other transfer options.] than one campus serving the same
grade level, include details regarding

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transfer requests to attend a different
campus located outside of a student’s
attendance zone (intradistrict
transfers). If your district has only a
single campus or has no more than one
campus serving the same grade level,
you might provide additional
information on class changes in this
section.

TRANSPORTATION (All Grade Levels)

School-Sponsored Trips Modify the text to reflect the district’s EFD(LOCAL) and FMG(LOCAL), if your
practice and any additional conditions district has either of these policies;
Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use imposed, including whether students EFD and FMG in the TASB Regulations
transportation provided by the school to and from the event. As approved by the are ever permitted to drive themselves Resource Manual
principal, a coach or sponsor of an extracurricular activity may establish to off-campus school-related activities.
procedures related to making an exception to this requirement when a parent
requests that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated It is recommended that a principal
by the parent. approve any procedures related to
making an exception to a requirement
to use district-provided transportation
to a school event.

Buses and Other School Vehicles Coordinate this section with CNA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL),
CNA(LOCAL), if your district has this CNC(LEGAL); CNA in the TASB
The district makes school bus transportation available to all students living two policy. Regulations Resource Manual
or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students.
State law allows a district to use its
Bus routes and stops will be designated annually, and any subsequent changes transportation allotment funding to
will be posted at the school and on the district’s website. For the safety of the provide a bus pass or card for another
operator of the vehicle and all passengers, students must board buses or other transportation system to a student who
vehicles only at authorized stops, and drivers must unload passengers only at is otherwise eligible for district
authorized stops. transportation but for which this is not
a feasible method of transportation.
You might consider adding a statement
to whom a student/parent would make

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a request if this is an issue in your
district.

Under some circumstances the district
may permit students who live within
two miles of the school and for whom
the district does not receive state
transportation funds to use school
transportation. If this is a practice in
your district, and/or the district
charges a fee for transportation service
not reimbursed by the state, that
information should be included here.

Use if the district receives additional funding from TEA for hazardous conditions Should the district request additional Education Code 42.155(d);
that exist within two miles of a campus: The district has identified the following funding to transport students who live CNA(LEGAL); CNA in the TASB
areas where hazardous conditions exist for students who live within two miles within two miles of the school because Regulations Resource Manual
from the campus: they live in identified hazardous areas,
the board must take action identifying
[list specific areas] the hazardous conditions that exist
within two miles of the campus as well
Because students in these areas might encounter hazardous conditions when as the specific hazardous areas. See
traveling to and from school independently, the district will provide CNA(LEGAL) regarding the definition
transportation to these students. Please contact _____________ for additional of hazardous conditions, and a sample
information. resolution that can be used for this
purpose can be found in the TASB
Regulations Resource Manual. If you
have identified hazardous areas and
conditions, consider adding that
information here. If your CNA(LOCAL)
does not reference hazardous
conditions or that the board will adopt
a resolution declaring these conditions,
contact your policy consultant for
appropriate language.

A parent may also designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the State law permits a parent to designate Education Code 34.007(b)(2)
regular pickup and drop-off location for his or her child. The designated facility or as the regular location for student
residence must be on an approved stop on an approved route. For information on pickup and drop-off a grandparent’s
bus routes and stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you residence or a child-care facility on an
may contact [phone number of office providing information]. approved route.

[See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the
DAEP.]

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Students are expected to assist district staff in ensuring that buses and other If the district chooses to conduct school Education Code 34.0021; CNC(LEGAL)
district vehicles remain in good condition and that transportation is provided bus emergency evacuation training,
safely. When riding in district vehicles, including buses, students are held to you are encouraged to do so in the fall
behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of and conduct at least a one-hour
Conduct. Students must: training, part of which occurs on a
school bus. Districts are also
■ Follow the driver’s directions at all times. encouraged to review emergency
■ Enter and leave the vehicle in an orderly manner at the designated stop. evacuation procedures before field
■ Keep feet, books, instrument cases, and other objects out of the aisle. trips involving school bus
■ Not deface the vehicle or its equipment. transportation.
■ Not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of
Coordinate this list with local rules
the window, or throw objects within or out of the vehicle. regarding conduct on district
■ Not possess or use any form of tobacco on any district vehicle. transportation.
■ Observe all usual classroom rules.
■ Be seated while the vehicle is moving. Districts are prohibited from allowing a Education Code 34.004, .013;
■ Fasten their seat belts, if available.
student to stand on a moving bus or Transportation Code 545.426

passenger van.

■ Wait for the driver’s signal upon leaving the vehicle and before crossing in If the district’s school bus is equipped
front of the vehicle. with seat belts for all riders, students
must have them fastened. Failure to
■ Follow any other rules established by the operator of the vehicle. fasten seat belts may be handled like
any other violation of school bus rules.

Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; the Coordinate with your Student Code of Education Code 37.0022; Student Code
privilege to ride in a district vehicle, including a school bus, may be suspended or Conduct. Disciplinary sanctions and of Conduct; FOA(LEGAL)
revoked. changes in transportation for a student
with a disability must be made only in
accordance with the student’s IEP or
other individually designed program.

School bus drivers are authorized to
send student riders to the campus
principal in order to maintain effective
discipline on a school bus.

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VANDALISM (All Grade Levels)

The taxpayers of the community have made a sustained financial commitment for
the construction and upkeep of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities
can serve those for whom they are intended—both this year and for years to
come—littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students
will be required to pay for damages they cause and will be subject to criminal
proceedings as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student
Code of Conduct.

VIDEO CAMERAS (All Grade Levels) Education Code 26.009(b)(1);
FO(LEGAL) and (LOCAL); FO in the
For safety purposes, video and audio recording equipment is used to monitor Although it is not required that the TASB Regulations Resource Manual
student behavior, including on buses and in common areas on campus. Students district inform students each time
will not be told when the equipment is being used. recording is in progress, it is
recommended that signs be posted
The principal will review the video and audio recordings routinely and document stating that both video and audio
student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of recording equipment may be used on
Conduct. district property. Correlate this text
with FO(LOCAL) and any
administrative regulations.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL (All Grade Levels)

General Visitors Coordinate with GKC(LOCAL) to Education Code 37.124, 38.022;
provide information on the district’s GKA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL),
Parents and others are welcome to visit district schools. For the safety of those procedures regarding visits to GKC(LEGAL) and LOCAL); GKC in the
within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must classrooms or other areas on campus, TASB Regulations Resource Manual
first report to the main office and must comply with all applicable district policies especially during instructional time or
and procedures. When arriving on campus, all parents and other visitors should when a visitor has been identified as a
be prepared to show identification. registered sex offender. See also
GKA(LOCAL) for the principal’s right to
refuse entry or to ask unauthorized
persons to leave the school. If, as a
safety procedure, you require all
visitors to sign in at the office and
obtain a visitor’s badge, be sure to
include the information for parents.

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