Microsoft Word - MISD Student HB in English-2023-24 Sept

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MANSFIELDINDEPENDENTSCHOOLDISTRICT

2023–2024StudentHandbook(Alllevels)

ENGLISHVERSION



Rev ised 9/23

Ifyouhavedifficultyaccessingtheinformationinthisdocumentbecauseofdisability,please

contactyourstudent’scampus.

Contents

Preface Parents and Students: ..............................................................................................2

Accessibility ............................................................................................................................ 3

Section One: Parental Rights ..................................................................................................4

Consent, Opt-Out, and Refusal Rights ................................................................................... 4

Removing a Student from Instruction or Excusing a Student from a Required Component of

Instruction ............................................................................................................................. 12

Right of Access to Student Records, Curriculum Materials, and District Records/Policies .. 13

A Student with Exceptionalities or Special Circumstances ................................................... 18

Section Two: Other Important Information for Parents and Students .............................24

Absences/Attendance .......................................................................................................... 24

Accountability under State and Federal Law (All Grade Levels) .......................................... 28

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (Grades 10-12) ....................................... 29

Bullying (All Grade Levels) ................................................................................................... 29

MISD Bullying Policy ............................................................................................................ 31

Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Other Work-Based Programs (Secondary Grade

Levels Only) ......................................................................................................................... 32

Celebrations (All Grade Levels) ........................................................................................... 32

Child Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children (All Grade Levels) .... 33

Class Rank/Highest-Ranking Student (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ............................... 35

Class Schedules (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ............................................................... 35

College and University Admissions and Financial Aid (All Grade Levels) ............................ 35

College Credit Courses (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ..................................................... 36

Communications (All Grade Levels) ..................................................................................... 36

Complaints and Concerns (All Grade Levels) ...................................................................... 37

Conduct (All Grade Levels) .................................................................................................. 37

Counseling ........................................................................................................................... 38

Course Credit (Secondary Grade Levels Only) .................................................................... 40

Credit by Examination — If a Student Has Taken the Course/Subject (Grades 6-12) ......... 40

Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration — If a Student Has Not Taken the

Course/Subject ..................................................................................................................... 40

Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (All Grade Levels) ............... 41

Discrimination ....................................................................................................................... 44

Distance Learning (High School) .......................................................................................... 44

Distribution of Literature, Published Materials, or Other Documents (All Grade Levels) ...... 45

Dress and Grooming (All Grade Levels) ............................................................................... 46

Electronic Devices and Technology Resources (All Grade Levels) ...................................... 47

Student Device Overview ..................................................................................................... 49

MISD Student Responsible Use Policy (RUP) ..................................................................... 49

End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments ..................................................................................... 56

Emergent Bilingual Students (All Grade Levels) .................................................................. 56

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations (All Grade Levels) ............................... 56

Fees (All Grade Levels) ........................................................................................................ 58

Fundraising (All Grade Levels) ............................................................................................. 58

Gang-Free Zones (All Grade Levels) ................................................................................... 59

Gender-Based Harassment .................................................................................................. 59

Grade-Level Classification (Grades 9-12 Only) .................................................................... 59

Grading Guidelines (All Grade Levels) ................................................................................. 59

Graduation (Secondary Grade Levels Only) ........................................................................ 59

Graduation Honors ............................................................................................................... 65

Harassment .......................................................................................................................... 65

Hazing (All Grade Levels) .................................................................................................... 65

Health — Physical and Mental ............................................................................................. 66

Health-Related Resources, Policies, and Procedures .......................................................... 73

Homework (All Grade Levels)............................................................................................... 74

Law Enforcement Agencies (All Grade Levels) .................................................................... 75

Leaving Campus (All Grade Levels) ..................................................................................... 76

Closed Campus .................................................................................................................... 77

Lost and Found (All Grade Levels) ....................................................................................... 77

Makeup Work ....................................................................................................................... 78

Nondiscrimination Statement (All Grade Levels) .................................................................. 78

Nontraditional Academic Programs (All Grade Levels) ........................................................ 79

Parent and Family Engagement (All Grade Levels) ............................................................. 79

Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence (All Grade Levels) ....................................... 80

Prayer (All Grade Levels) ..................................................................................................... 80

Promotion and Retention ...................................................................................................... 80

Release of Students from School ......................................................................................... 81

Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences (All Grade Levels) ................................. 81

Retaliation ............................................................................................................................ 82

Required State Assessments ............................................................................................... 82

Safety (All Grade Levels) ..................................................................................................... 84

SAT, ACT, and Other Standardized Tests ............................................................................. 85

School Facilities ................................................................................................................... 85

School-Sponsored Field Trips (All Grade Levels) ................................................................. 88

Searches .............................................................................................................................. 88

Sexual Harassment .............................................................................................................. 90

Special Programs (All Grade Levels) ................................................................................... 90

Standardized Testing ............................................................................................................ 90

Student Speakers (All Grade Levels) ................................................................................... 91

Tardies (All Grade Levels) .................................................................................................... 91

Textbooks, Electronic Textbooks, Technological Equipment, and Other Instructional

Materials (All Grade Levels) ................................................................................................. 91

Transfers (All Grade Levels) ................................................................................................. 92

Transportation (All Grade Levels) ......................................................................................... 92

Vandalism (All Grade Levels) ............................................................................................... 93

Video Cameras (All Grade Levels) ....................................................................................... 93

Visitors to the School (All Grade Levels) .............................................................................. 93

Guidelines for Visitors at Lunch ............................................................................................ 94

Volunteers (All Grade Levels) ............................................................................................... 95

Voter Registration (Secondary Grade Levels Only) .............................................................. 95

Withdrawing from School (All Grade Levels) ........................................................................ 95

Appendix A ............................................................................................................................96

Class Rank/Highest-Ranking Student (High School) ........................................................... 96

Class Schedules (All Grade Levels) ..................................................................................... 96

College and University Admissions (High School) ................................................................ 96

College Credit Courses (High School).................................................................................. 97

Course Credit (High School) ................................................................................................ 97

Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration—If a Student Has Taken the

Course/Subject (All Grade Levels) ....................................................................................... 97

Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration—If a Student Has Not Taken the

Course/Subject (All Grade Levels) ....................................................................................... 98

Driver License Attendance Verification (Secondary Students) ............................................. 99

Exam Exemptions (High School) .......................................................................................... 99

Grade Level Classification .................................................................................................. 101

Grading Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 101

Student Welfare: Freedom from Bullying ....................................................................... 102

Glossary ..............................................................................................................................123

Page 1

Page 2

PrefaceParentsandStudents:

Welcome to the new school year!

Education is a team effort. Students, parents, teachers, and other staff members working

together will make this a successful year.

The Mansfield ISD Student Handbook is a general reference guide that is divided into two

sections:

Section One: Parental Rights describes certain parental rights as specified in state or federal

law.

Section Two: Other Important Information for Parents and Students is organized

alphabetically by topic. Where applicable, the topics are further organized by grade level.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, the term “parent” refers to the parent, legal guardian, any person

granted some other type of lawful control of a student, or any other person who has agreed to

assume school-related responsibility for a student.

The Student Handbook is designed to align with law, board-adopted policy, and the Student

Code of Conduct, a board-adopted document intended to promote school safety and an

atmosphere for learning. The Student Handbook is not meant to be a complete statement of all

policies, procedures, or rules in any given circumstance.

In case of conflicts between board policy (including the Student Code of Conduct) and any

Student Handbook provision, the district will follow board policy and the Student Code of

Conduct.

Therefore, parents and students should become familiar with the Mansfield ISD Student Code of

Conduct. To review the Code of Conduct, visit the district’s website at www.mansfieldisd.org.

State law requires that the Code of Conduct be prominently displayed or made available for

review at each campus.

The Student Handbook is updated annually; however, policy adoption and revisions may occur

throughout the year. The district encourages parents to stay informed of proposed policy

changes by attending board meetings and reviewing communications explaining changes in

policy or other rules that affect Student Handbook provisions. The district reserves the right to

modify the Student Handbook at any time. Notice of revisions will be provided as is reasonably

practical.

Although the Student Handbook may refer to rights established through law or district policy, it

does not create additional rights for parents and students. It does not, nor is it intended to,

represent a contract between any parent or student and the district.

A hard copy of either the Student Code of Conduct or Student Handbook can be requested at

your campus administration office. If you or your child have questions about the material in this

handbook, please contact campus administration.

Your child’s school will request that you provide contact information, such as your current phone

number and e-mail address, in order for the school to communicate items specific to your child,

your child’s school, or the district. If you consent to receive such information through a landline

or wireless phone, please ensure that you notify the school’s administration office immediately

upon a change in or disconnection of your phone number. The district or school may generate

automated or pre-recorded messages, text messages, or real-time phone or e-mail

Page 3

communication, so prompt notification of any change in contact information will be crucial to

maintain timely communication with you. Standard messaging rates of your phone carrier may

apply. If you have specific requests or needs related to how the district contacts you, please

contact your child’s principal. Please see Safety for information regarding contact with parents

during an emergency situation.

Also, please complete and return to your child’s campus the following forms provided in the

forms packet distributed at the beginning of the year or upon the student’s enrollment:

1. Acknowledgment of Electronic Distribution of Student Handbook;

2. Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of

Student Information;

3. Parent’s Objection to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and

Institutions of Higher Education, if you choose to restrict the release of information to

these entities; and

4. Consent/Opt-Out Form.

[See Objecting to the Release of Directory Information on page 10 and Consent Required

Before Student Participation in a Federally Funded Survey, Analysis, or Evaluation on

page Error! Bookmark not defined. for more information.]

Note: References to policy codes are included so that parents can refer to board policy. The

district’s official policy manual is available for review in the district administration office and an

electronic copy is available at http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1104 .

Accessibility

If you have difficulty accessing this handbook because of a disability, please contact: Student

Services at 817-299-6360 or your student’s campus.

Page 4

SectionOne:ParentalRights

This section describes certain parental rights as specified in state or federal law.

Consent,Opt‐Out,andRefusalRights

ConsenttoConductaPsychologicalEvaluation

Unless required under state or federal law, a district employee will not conduct a psychological

examination, test, or treatment without obtaining prior written parental consent.

Note: An evaluation may be legally required under special education rules or by the Texas

Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.

ConsenttoDisplayaStudent’sOriginalWorksandPersonalInformation

Teachers may display a student’s work in classrooms or elsewhere on campus as recognition of

student achievement without seeking prior parental consent. These displays may include

personally identifiable student information. Student work includes:

 Artwork,

 Special projects,

 Photographs,

 Original videos or voice recordings, and

 Other original works.

However, the district will seek parental consent before displaying a student’s work on the

district’s website, a website affiliated or sponsored by the district (such as a campus or

classroom website), or in district publications, which may include printed materials, videos, or

other methods of mass communication.

ObjectingtotheReleaseofDirectoryInformation

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, permits the district to disclose

appropriately designated “directory information” from a student’s education records without

written consent.

“Directory information” is information that, if released, is generally not considered harmful or an

invasion of privacy. Examples include:

 E-mail(s)

 A student’s photograph (for publication in the school yearbook);

 A student’s name and grade level (for communicating class and teacher assignments);

 The name, weight, and height of an athlete (for publication in a school athletic program);

 A list of student birthdays (for generating school wide or classroom recognition);

 A student’s name and photograph (posted on a district-approved and

-managed social media platform); and

 The names and grade levels of students submitted by the district to a local newspaper or

other community publication (to recognize the A/B honor roll for a specific grading period.)

Page 5

Directory information will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

As allowed by state law, the district has identified two directory information lists—one for school-

sponsored purposes and the second for all other requests. For all district publications and

announcements, the district has designated the following as directory information: student

name; address; photograph; degrees, honors, and awards received; grade level; most recent

educational institution attended; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight

and height of members of athletic teams; and enrollment status. If you do not object to the use

of your child’s information for these limited school-sponsored purposes, the school will not need

to ask your permission each time the district wishes to use the information for the school-

sponsored purposes listed above.

For all other purposes, the district has identified the following as directory information: student

name; photograph; degrees, honors, and awards received; grade level, and most recent

educational institution attended.

However, a parent or eligible student may object to the release of a student’s directory

information. Any objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of your

child’s first day of instruction for this school year. [See the “Notice Regarding Directory

Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” included in the

forms packet.]

Also review the information at Authorized Inspection and Use of Student Records on page

15.

ObjectingtotheReleaseofStudentInformationtoMilitaryRecruitersandInstitutionsofHigher

Education(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

Unless a parent has advised the district not to release his or her student’s information, Every

Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires the district to comply with requests by military recruiters

or institutions of higher education for the student’s:

 Name,

 Address, and

 Telephone listing.

See a document in the forms packet for this purpose.

ParticipationinThird‐PartySurveys

ConsentRequiredBeforeStudentParticipationinaFederallyFundedSurvey,Analysis,orEvaluation



A student will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or

evaluation—funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education—that concerns:

 Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.

 Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.

 Sex behavior or attitudes.

 Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.

 Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student has a close family relationship.

 Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians, and

ministers.

Page 6

 Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parent.

 Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to determine

the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive financial

assistance under such a program.

A parent can inspect the survey or other instrument and any corresponding instructional

materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For more information,

see policy EF(LEGAL).]

“OptingOut”ofParticipationinOtherTypesofSur veysorScreeningsandtheDisclosure ofPersonal

Information

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires that a parent be notified when a

survey is not funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

A parent has a right to deny permission for his or her child’s participation in:

 Any survey concerning private information listed above, regardless of funding.

 School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered

from the child for the purpose of marketing, selling, or otherwise disclosing that information.

 Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of

attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance, and not necessary to

protect the immediate health and safety of the student.

Exceptions are hearing, vision, or spinal screenings, or any physical examination or screening

permitted or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA.]

A parent may inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or

distributed to his or her child.

ConsenttoHumanSexualityInstruction

As a part of the district’s curriculum, students receive instruction related to human sexuality. The

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) makes recommendations for course materials.

State law requires that the district provide written notice before each school year of the board’s

decision to provide human sexuality instruction.

State law requires that any instruction related to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases,

or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) must:

 Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in

relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age;

 Devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior;

 Emphasize that abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing

pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and the emotional trauma associated with

adolescent sexual activity;

 Direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence from sexual activity

before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted

diseases; and

 If included in the content of the curriculum, teach contraception and condom use in

terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates.

Page 7

A parent is entitled to review the curriculum materials. In addition, a parent may remove his or

her child from any part of the human sexuality instruction without academic, disciplinary, or other

penalties. A parent may also choose to become more involved with the development of this

curriculum by becoming a member of the district’s SHAC. (See the campus principal for details.)

RecitingaPortionoftheDeclarationofIndependenceinGrades3–12

State law designates the week of September 17 as Celebrate Freedom Week and requires all

social studies classes provide:

 Instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of

Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and

 A specific recitation from the Declaration of Independence for students in grades 3–12.

Per state law, a student may be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of

Independence if:

 A parent provides a written statement requesting that his or her child be excused,

 The district determines that the student has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or

 A parent is a representative of a foreign government to whom the U.S. government extends

diplomatic immunity.

[See policy EHBK(LEGAL).]

RecitingthePledgestotheU.S.andTexasFlags

A parent may request that his or her child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of

the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The

request must be made in writing.

State law, however, requires that all students participate in one minute of silence following

recitation of the pledges.

[See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 80 and policy EC(LEGAL).]

ReligiousorMoralBeliefs

A parent may remove his or her child temporarily from the classroom if a scheduled instructional

activity conflicts with the parent’s religious or moral beliefs.

The removal may not be used to avoid a test and may not extend for an entire semester.

Further, the student must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the

school and by state law.

TutoringorTestPreparation

A teacher may determine that a student needs additional targeted assistance for the student to

achieve mastery in state-developed essential knowledge and skills based on:

 Informal observations,

 Evaluative data such as grades earned on assignments or tests, or

 Results from diagnostic assessments.

The school will always attempt to provide tutoring and strategies for test-taking in ways that

prevent removal from other instruction as much as possible.

Page 8

In accordance with state law and policy EC, without parental permission, districts are prohibited

from removing a student from a regularly scheduled class for remedial tutoring or test

preparation for more than ten percent of the days the class is offered.

Under state law, students with grades below 70 for a reporting period are required to attend

tutorial services—if the district offers these services.

[Also refer to policies EC and EHBC, and contact your student’s teacher with questions about

any tutoring programs provided by the school.]

AnnualNotification

As a part of the district’s curriculum, students receive instruction related to human sexuality. The

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) makes recommendations for curriculum materials, and

the school board adopts the materials and determines the specific content of the instruction.

In accordance with state law, a parent may:

 Review, receive a copy of, or purchase a copy of curriculum materials depending on the

 Remove his or her child from any part of the human sexuality instruction without academic,

disciplinary, or other penalties.

 Become involved in the development of this curriculum by becoming a member of the

district’s SHAC or attending SHAC meetings. (See the campus principal for details.)

 Use the district’s grievance procedure concerning a complaint. See Complaints and

Concerns (All Grade Levels) on page 37 and FNG(LOCAL).

State law also requires that instruction related to human sexuality, sexually transmitted

diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome

(AIDS):

 Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice in relationship to all sexual

activity for unmarried persons of school age.

 Devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior.

 Emphasize that abstinence, if used consistently and correctly, is the only method that is 100

percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and the emotional

trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity.

 Direct adolescents to abstain from sexual activity before marriage as the most effective way

to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

 If included in the content of the curriculum, teach contraception and condom use in terms of

human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates.

[See Consent to Instruction of Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating Violence, and

Sex Trafficking on page 8.]

ConsenttoInstructiononPr eventionofChildAbuse,FamilyViolence,DatingViolence,andSex

Trafficking

Before a student receives instruction on the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating

violence and sex trafficking, the district must obtain written consent from the student’s parent.

Parents will be sent a request for written consent at least 14 days before the instruction will

begin.

Page 9

AnnualNotification

Students receive instruction related to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating

violence, and sex trafficking. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) makes

recommendations for curriculum materials, and the school board adopts the materials and

determines the specific content of the instruction.

In accordance with state law, a parent may:

 Review, receive a copy of, or purchase a copy of curriculum materials depending on the

used in this instruction will be posted on the district’s website at the location indicated

above.

 Remove his or her child from any part of this instruction without academic, disciplinary, or

other penalties.

 Become involved in the development of this curriculum by becoming a member of the

district’s SHAC or attending SHAC meetings. (See the campus principal for details.)

 Use the district’s grievance procedure concerning a complaint. See Complaints and

Concerns (All Grade Levels) on page 37 and policy FNG for information on the grievance

and appeals process.

[See Consent to Human Sexuality Instruction on page 6; Dating Violence on page 41; and

Child Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other Maltreatment of Children on page 33]

ConsenttoProvideaMentalHealthCareService

The district will not provide a mental health care service to a student or conduct a medical

screening of a student as part of the district’s intervention procedures except as permitted by

law.

The district has established procedures for recommending to a parent an intervention for a

student with early warning signs of mental health concerns, substance abuse, or suicide risk.

The district’s mental health liaison will notify the student’s parent within a reasonable amount of

time after the liaison learns that a student has displayed early warning signs and provide

information about available counseling options.

The district has also established procedures for staff to notify the mental health liaison regarding

a student who may need intervention.

The mental health liaison can provide further information regarding these procedures as well as

curriculum materials on identifying risk factors, accessing resources for treatment or support on

and off campus, and accessing available student accommodations provided on campus.

[See Mental Health Support on page 69.]

ConsenttoReceiveParentingandPaternityAwarenessInstructionifaStudentisUnderAge

14

A student under age 14 must have parental permission to participate in the district’s Parenting

and Paternity Awareness Program (https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-

support/programs-and-initiatives/parenting-and-paternity-awareness-papa/papa-

educators/papa-curriculum). This program was developed by the Office of the Texas Attorney

General and the State Board of Education (SBOE) to be incorporated into health education

classes.

Page 10

ConsenttoVideoorAudioRecordaStudentwhenNotAlreadyPermittedbyLaw

State law permits the school to make a video or voice recording without parental permission

when it:

 Is to be used for school safety,

 Relates to classroom instruction or a cocurricular or extracurricular activity,

 Relates to media coverage of the school, or

 Relates to the promotion of student safety as provided by law for a student receiving special

education services in certain settings.

In other circumstances, the district will seek written parental consent before making a video or

voice recording of a student.

Please note that parents and visitors to a classroom, both virtual and in person, may not record

video or audio or take photographs or other still images without permission from the teacher or

other school official.

LimitingElectronicCommunicationsbetweenStudentsandDistrictEmployees

The district permits teachers and other approved employees to use electronic communications

with students within the scope of professional responsibilities, as described by district

guidelines.

For example, a teacher may create a social networking page for his or her class to relay

information regarding class work, homework, and tests. A parent is welcome to access such a

page.

However, text messages sent to an individual student are only allowed if a district employee with

responsibility for an extracurricular activity must communicate with a student participating in that

activity.

A parent who does not want his or her child to receive one-to-one electronic communications

from a district employee should contact the campus principal.

ObjectingtotheReleaseofDirectoryInformation

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, permits the district to disclose

appropriately designated “directory information” from a student’s education records without

written consent.

“Directory information” is information that, if released, is generally not considered harmful or an

invasion of privacy. Examples include:

 A student’s photograph (for publication in the school yearbook)

 A student’s name and grade level (for communicating class and teacher assignments)



The name, weight, and height of an athlete (for publication in a school athletic program)

 A list of student birthdays (for generating schoolwide or classroom recognition)

 A student’s name and photograph (posted on a district-approved and

-managed social media platform)

 The names and grade levels of students submitted by the district to a local newspaper or

other community publication (to recognize the A/B honor roll for a specific grading period)

Page 11

Directory information will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.

However, a parent or eligible student may object to the release of this information. Any objection

must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the student’s first day of

instruction for this school year. [See Notice Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s

Response Regarding Release of Student Information, included in the forms packet.]

The district requests that families living in a shelter for survivors of family violence or trafficking

notify district personnel that the student currently resides in such a shelter. Families may want to

opt out of the release of directory information so that the district does not release any

information that might reveal the location of such a shelter.

As allowed by state law, the district has identified two directory information lists — one for

school-sponsored purposes and a second for all other requests. For district publications and

announcements, the district has designated the following as directory information: student

name; address; photograph; degrees, honors, and awards received; grade level; most recent

educational institution attended; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight

and height of members of athletic teams; and enrollment status If a parent does not object to

the use of his or her child’s information for these school-sponsored purposes, the school will not

ask permission each time the district wants to use the information for these purposes.

For all other purposes, the district has identified the following as directory information: student

name; photograph; degrees, honors, and awards received; grade level; most recent educational

institution attended. If a parent does not object to the use of the student’s information for these

purposes, the school must release this information when requested by an outside entity or

individual.

ObjectingtotheReleaseofStudentInformationtoMilitaryRecruitersandInstitutionsofHigher

Education(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

Unless a parent has advised the district not to release his or her student’s information, the Every

Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires the district to comply with requests from military

recruiters or institutions of higher education to provide the following information about students:

 Name

 Address

 Telephone listing

Military recruiters may also have access to a student’s district-provided email address, unless a

parent has advised the district not to release this information.

[See Parent’s Objection to the Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and

Institutions of Higher Education, included in the forms packet.]

“OptingOut”ofParticipationinOtherTypesofSur veys

orScreeningsandtheDisclosureofPersonal

Information

The PPRA gives parents the right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of:

 Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from

the child for the purpose of marketing, selling, or otherwise disclosing that information to

 others.

Page 12

 Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of

attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the

immediate health and safety of the student.

Exceptions are hearing, vision, or spinal screenings, or any physical examination or screening

permitted or required under state law. [See policies EF and FFAA for more information.]

A parent may inspect:

 Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party

 Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above

marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes

 Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum

The ED provides extensive information about the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

(https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources/protection-pupil-rights-amendment-ppra-general-

guidance), including a PPRA Complaint Form (https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint).

RemovingaStudentfromInstructionorExcusingaStudentfromaRequiredComponentof

Instruction

See Consent to Human Sexuality Instruction on page 6 and Consent to Instruction on

Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating Violence, and Sex Trafficking on page

8 for information on a parent’s right to remove a student from such instruction.

RecitingaPortionoftheDeclarationofIndependenceinGrades3‐12

State law designates the week of September 17 as Celebrate Freedom Week and requires all

social studies classes to provide the following:

 Instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of

Independence and the U.S. Constitution

 A specific recitation from the Declaration of Independence for students in grades 3-12.

Per state law, a student may be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of

Independence if any of the following apply:

 A parent provides a written statement requesting that his or her child be excused.

 The district determines that the student has a conscientious objection to the recitation.

 A parent is a representative of a foreign government to whom the U.S. government extends

diplomatic immunity.

[See policy EHBK(LEGAL) for more information.]

RecitingthePledgestotheU.S.andTexasFlags

A parent may request that his or her child be excused from participation in the daily recitation of

the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. The

request must be made in writing.

State law, however, requires that all students participate in one minute of silence following

recitation of the pledges.

Page 13

[See Pledges of Allegiance and a Minute of Silence on page 80 and policy EC(LEGAL) for

more information.]

ReligiousorMoralBeliefs

A parent may remove his or her child temporarily from the classroom if a scheduled instructional

activity conflicts with the parent’s religious or moral beliefs.

The removal may not be used to avoid a test and may not extend for an entire semester. The

student must also satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school

and by state law.

TutoringorTestPreparation

A teacher may determine that a student needs additional targeted assistance for the student to

achieve mastery in state-developed essential knowledge and skills based on:

 Informal observations

 Evaluative data such as grades earned on assignments or tests

 Results from diagnostic assessments

The school will always attempt to provide tutoring and strategies for test-taking in ways that

prevent removal from other instruction as much as possible.

In accordance with state law and policy EC, districts must obtain parental permission before

removing a student from a regularly scheduled class for remedial tutoring or test preparation for

more than ten percent of the days the class is offered.

If a district offers tutorial services to students, state law requires a student with a grade below 70

for a reporting period to attend.

[For questions about school-provided tutoring programs, contact the student’s teacher and see

policies EC and EHBC. See Standardized Testing on page 90 for information regarding

required accelerated instruction after a student fails to perform satisfactorily on certain state-

mandated tests.]

RightofAccesstoStudentRecords,CurriculumMaterials,andDistrictRecords/Policies

ParentReviewofInstructionalMaterials

A parent has the right to review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and

instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been

administered, whether instruction is delivered in-person, virtually, or remotely.

The district will make instructional materials available for parent review no later than 30 days

before the school year begins and for at least 30 days after the school year ends. However,

tests that have not yet been administered will not be made available for parent examination.

The district will provide login credentials to each student’s parent for any learning management

system or online learning portal used in instruction to facilitate parent access and review.

A parent is also entitled to request that the school allow the student to take home instructional

materials the student uses. The school may ask the student to return the materials at the

beginning of the next school day.

Page 14

A school must provide printed versions of electronic instructional materials to a student if the

student does not have reliable access to technology at home.

DistrictReviewofInstructionalMaterials

A parent may request that the district conduct an instructional material review in a math, English

Language Arts, science, or social studies class in which the parent’s student is enrolled to

determine alignment with state standards and the level of rigor for the grade level.

The district is not required to conduct an instructional material review for a specific subject area

or grade level at a specific campus more than once per school year.

NoticesofCertainStudentMisconducttoNoncustodialParent

A noncustodial parent may request in writing that he or she be provided, for the remainder of the

school year, a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to his or her child’s

misconduct that may involve placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP)

or expulsion. [See the Student Code of Conduct and policy FO(LEGAL) for more information.]

ParticipationinFederallyRequired,State‐Mandated,andDistrictAssessments

In accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a parent may request information

regarding any federal, state, or district policy related to his or her child’s participation in required

assessments.

StudentRecords

AccessingStudentRecords

A parent may review his or her child’s records. These records include:

 Attendance records

 Test scores

 Grades

 Disciplinary records

 Counseling records

 Psychological records

 Applications for admission

 Health and immunization information

 Other medical records

 Teacher and school counselor evaluations

 Reports of behavioral patterns

 Records relating to assistance provided for learning difficulties, including information

collected regarding any intervention strategies used with the child, as the term “intervention

strategy” is defined by law



State assessment instruments that have been administered to the child

 Teaching materials and tests used in the child’s classroom

Page 15

AuthorizedInspectionandUseofStudentRecords

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and eligible students

certain rights regarding student education records.

For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is anyone age 18 or older or who attends

a postsecondary educational institution. These rights, as discussed here and at Objecting to

the Release of Directory Information on page 10, are the right to:

 Inspect and review student records within 45 days after the day the school receives a

request for access.

 Request an amendment to a student record the parent or eligible student believes is

inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of FERPA.

 Provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information from

the student’s records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without

consent.

 File a complaint (https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint) with the U.S. Department of

Education concerning failures by the school to comply with FERPA requirements.

Both FERPA and state laws safeguard student records from unauthorized inspection or use and

provide parents and eligible students certain rights of privacy.

Before disclosing personally identifiable information from a student’s records, the district must

verify the identity of the person, including a parent or the student, requesting the information.

Virtually all information pertaining to student performance — including grades, test results, and

disciplinary records — is considered confidential educational records.

Inspection and release of student records is restricted to an eligible student or a student’s

parent unless the school receives a copy of a court order terminating parental rights or the right

to access a student’s education records. A parent’s rights regarding access to student records

are not affected by the parent’s marital status.

Federal law requires that control of the records goes to the student as soon as the student:

 Reaches the age of 18;

 Is emancipated by a court; or

 Enrolls in a postsecondary educational institution.

However, the parent may continue to have access to the records if the student is a dependent

for tax purposes and, under limited circumstances, when there is a threat to the health and

safety of the student or other individuals.

FERPA permits the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a student’s education

records without written consent of the parent or eligible student when school officials have what

federal law refers to as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records.

Legitimate educational interest may include:

 Working with the student

 Considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or an individualized

education program for a student with disabilities

Page 16

 Compiling statistical data

 Reviewing an educational record to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility

 Investigating or evaluating programs

School officials may include:

 Board members and employees, such as the superintendent, administrators, and principals

 Teachers, school counselors, diagnosticians, and support staff (including district health or

medical staff)

 A person or company with whom the district has contracted or allowed to provide a specific

institutional service or function (such as an attorney, consultant, third-party vendor that offers

online programs or software, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, school resource officer,

or volunteer)

 A person appointed to serve on a team to support the district’s safe and supportive school

program

 A parent or student serving on a school committee

 A parent or student assisting a school official in the performance of his or her duties

FERPA also permits the disclosure of personally identifiable information without written consent:

 To authorized representatives of various governmental agencies, including juvenile service

providers, the U.S. Comptroller General’s office, the U.S. Attorney General’s office, the U.S.

Secretary of Education, the Texas Education Agency, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s

office, and Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers or, in certain cases, other child

welfare representatives.

 To individuals or entities granted access in response to a subpoena or court order.

 To another school, district/system, or postsecondary educational institution to which a

student seeks or intends to enroll or in which the student already is enrolled.

 In connection with financial aid for which a student has applied or has received.

 To accrediting organizations to carry out accrediting functions.

 To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school to develop, validate, or

administer predictive tests; administer student aid programs; or improve instruction.

 To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency.

 When the district discloses directory information-designated details. [See Objecting to the

Release of Directory Information on page 10 to prohibit this disclosure.]

Release of personally identifiable information to any other person or agency — such as a

prospective employer or for a scholarship application — will occur only with parental or student

permission as appropriate.

The campus principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned

school. The superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or

graduated.

A parent or eligible student who wants to inspect the student’s records should submit a written

request to the custodian of records identifying the records he or she wants to inspect.

Page 17

Records may be reviewed in person during regular school hours. The records custodian or

designee will be available to explain the record and to answer questions.

A parent or eligible student who submits a written request and pays copying costs of ten cents

per page may obtain copies. If circumstances prevent inspection during regular school hours

and the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, the district will either provide a copy of

the records requested or make other arrangements for the parent or student to review the

records.

A parent or eligible student may inspect the student’s records and request a correction or

amendment if the records are considered inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the

student’s privacy rights.

A request to correct a student’s record should be submitted to the appropriate custodian of

records. The request must clearly identify the part of the record that should be corrected and

include an explanation of how the information is inaccurate. If the district denies the request to

amend the records, the parent or eligible student has the right to request a hearing. If after the

hearing the records are not amended, the parent or eligible student has 30 school days to place

a statement in the student’s record.

Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a

course or on an examination is handled through the complaint process found in policy

FNG(LOCAL). A grade issued by a teacher can be changed only if the board of trustees

determines that the grade is arbitrary, erroneous, or inconsistent with the district’s grading

guidelines.

[See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 81, Complaints and

Concerns on page 37, and Finality of Grades at policy FNG(LEGAL).]

The district’s student records policy is found at policy FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL) and is available

at the principal’s or superintendent’s office or at http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1104?filter=FL .

Note: The parent’s or eligible student’s right of access to and copies of student records does

not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records — such as a

teacher’s personal notes about a student shared only with a substitute teacher — do not have to

be made available.

TeacherandStaffProfessionalQualifications

A parent may request information regarding the professional qualifications of his or her child’s

teachers, including whether the teacher:

 Has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in

which the teacher provides instruction;

 Has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have

been waived; and

 Is currently teaching in the field or discipline of his or her certification.

The parent also has the right to request information about the qualifications of any

paraprofessional who may provide services to the child.

Page 18

AStudentwithExceptionalitiesorSpecialCircumstances

ChildrenofMilitaryFamilies

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children

(https://www.dodea.edu/partnership/interstatecompact.cfm) entitles children of military families

to flexibility regarding certain district and state requirements, including:

 Immunization requirements

 Grade level, course, or educational program placement

 Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities

 Enrollment in the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN)

 Graduation requirements

The district will excuse absences related to a student visiting a parent, including a stepparent or

legal guardian, who is:

 Called to active duty

 On leave

 Returning from a deployment of at least four months

The district will permit no more than five excused absences per year for this purpose. For the

absence to be excused, the absence must occur no earlier than the 60th day before deployment

or no later than the 30th day after the parent’s return from deployment.

Additional information may be found at Military Family Resources at the Texas Education

Agency (https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/military-family-resources).

ParentalRoleinCertainClassroomandSchoolAssignments

Multiple‐BirthSiblings

State law permits a parent of multiple-birth siblings (for example, twins, triplets) assigned to the

same grade and campus to request in writing that the children be placed in either the same

classroom or separate classrooms.

Written requests must be submitted by the 14th day after the students’ enrollment. [See policy

FDB(LEGAL) for more information.]

SafetyTransfers/Assignments

The board or its designee will honor a parent’s request to transfer his or her child to another

classroom or campus if the district has determined that the child has been a victim of bullying,

including cyberbullying, as defined by Education Code 37.0832.

[See Bullying on page 29, and policies FDB and FFI for more information.]

The district will honor a parent’s request for the transfer of his or her child to a safe public school

in the district if the child attends a school identified by the Texas Education Agency as

persistently dangerous or if the child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at

school or on school grounds.

[See policy FDE for more information.]

Page 19

StudentUseofaService/AssistanceAnimal

A parent of a student who uses a service/assistance animal because of the student’s disability

must submit a written request to the principal before bringing the service/assistance animal on

campus. The district will try to accommodate a request as soon as possible but will do so within

ten district business days.

AStudentintheConservatorshipoftheState(FosterCare)

In an effort to provide educational stability, the district will provide enrollment and registration

assistance, as well as other educational services throughout the student’s enrollment, to any

student who is currently placed or newly placed in foster care (temporary or permanent custody

of the state, sometimes referred to as substitute care).

A student in the conservatorship (custody) of the state who enrolls in the district after the

beginning of the school year will be allowed credit-by-examination opportunities at any point

during the year.

The district will assess the student’s available records to determine transfer of credit for subjects

and courses taken before the student’s enrollment in the district.

The district will award partial course credit when the student only passes one half of a two-half

course. [For provisions on partial course credit for students who are not in the conservatorship

of the state, see EI(LOCAL).]

A student in the conservatorship of the state who is moved outside the district’s or school’s

attendance boundaries — or who is initially placed in the conservatorship of the state and

moved outside the district’s or school’s boundaries — is entitled to remain at the school the

student was attending prior to the placement or move until the student reaches the highest

grade level at that particular school.

If a student in grade 11 or 12 transfers to another district but does not meet the graduation

requirements of the receiving district, the student can request a diploma from the previous

district if the student meets its graduation criteria.

For a student in the conservatorship of the state who is eligible for a tuition and fee exemption

under state law and likely to be in care on the day preceding the student’s 18th birthday, the

district will:

 Assist the student with the completion of applications for admission or financial aid.

 Arrange and accompany the student on campus visits.

 Assist in researching and applying for private or institution-sponsored scholarships.

 Identify whether the student is a candidate for appointment to a military academy.

 Assist the student in registering and preparing for college entrance examinations, including

(subject to the availability of funds) arranging for the payment of examination fees by the

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

 Coordinate contact between the student and a liaison officer for students formerly in the

conservatorship of the state.

If you have questions, please contact the district’s foster care liaison.

[See Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration on page 40 and Course Credit

on page 40.]

Page 20

AStudentWhoIsHomeless

A parent is encouraged to inform the district if his or her child is experiencing homelessness.

District staff can share resources that may be able to assist families.

A student who is homeless will be provided flexibility regarding certain district provisions,

including:

 Proof of residency requirements

 Immunization requirements

 Educational program placement (if the student is unable to provide previous academic

records or misses an application deadline during a period of homelessness)

 Credit-by-examination opportunities at any point during the year (if the student enrolled in

the district after the beginning of the school year), per State Board of Education (SBOE)

rules

 Assessment of the student’s available records to determine transfer of credit for subjects

and courses taken before the student’s enrollment in the district

 Awarding partial credit when a student passes only one half of a two-half course

 Eligibility requirements for participation in extracurricular activities

 Graduation requirements

Federal law allows a student who is homeless to remain enrolled in the “school of origin” or to

enroll in a new school in the attendance area where the student is currently residing.

If a student who is homeless in grade 11 or 12 transfers to another district but does not meet the

graduation requirements of the receiving district, state law allows the student to request a

diploma from the previous district if the student meets the criteria to graduate from the previous

district.

A student or parent who is dissatisfied by the district’s eligibility, school selection, or enrollment

decision may appeal through policy FNG(LOCAL). The district will expedite local timelines,

when possible, for prompt dispute resolution.

[See Credit by Examination for Advancement/Acceleration on page 40 and Course Credit

on page 40.]

AStudentWhoHasLearningDifficultiesorWhoNeedsSpecialEducationorSection504Services

For those students who are having difficulty in the regular classroom, all school districts must

consider tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are

available to all students, including a process based on Response to Intervention (RtI). The

implementation of RtI has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of districts to

meet the needs of all struggling students.

If a student is experiencing learning difficulties, his or her parent may contact the individuals

listed below to learn about the school’s overall general education referral or screening system

for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including making

a referral for a special education evaluation or for a Section 504 evaluation to determine

whether the student needs specific aids, accommodations, or services. A parent may request an

evaluation for special education or Section 504 services at any time.

Page 21

SpecialEducationorSection504Services—AidingStudentsWhoHaveLearningDifficulties

If a parent makes a written request for an initial evaluation for special education services to the

director of special education services or to a district administrative employee of the school

district, the district must respond no later than 15 school days after receiving the request. At that

time, the district must give the parent prior written notice of whether it agrees or refuses to

evaluate the student, along with a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards

(https://fw.escapps.net/Display_Portal/publications). If the district agrees to evaluate the student,

it must also give the parent the opportunity to give written consent for the evaluation.

Note: A request for a special education evaluation may be made verbally; it does not need to be

made in writing. Districts must still comply with all federal prior-written notices and procedural

safeguard requirements as well as the requirements for identifying, locating, and evaluating

children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education. However, a

verbal request does not require the district to respond within the 15 school-day timeline.

If the district decides to evaluate the student, it must complete the student’s initial evaluation

and evaluation report no later than 45 school days from the day it receives a parent’s written

consent. However, if the student is absent from school during the evaluation period for three or

more school days, the evaluation period will be extended by the number of school days equal to

the number of school days that the student is absent.

There is an exception to the 45-school-day timeline. If the district receives a parent’s consent for

the initial evaluation at least 35 but less than 45 school days before the last instructional day of

the school year, it must complete the written report and provide a copy of the report to the

parent by June 30 of that year. However, if the student is absent from school for three or more

days during the evaluation period, the June 30 due date no longer applies. Instead, the general

timeline of 45 school days plus extensions for absences of three or more days will apply.

Upon completing the evaluation, the district must give the parent a copy of the evaluation report

at no cost.

Additional information regarding special education is available from the school district in a

companion document titled Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process

(https://fw.escapps.net/Display_Portal/publications).

ContactPersonforSpecialEducationReferrals

The designated contact person regarding options for a student experiencing learning difficulties

or regarding a referral for evaluation for special education services is:

 Contact Person: Kimberly Schwartz

 817-299-4300

For questions regarding post-secondary transitions, including the transition from education to

employment, for students receiving special education services, contact the district’s transition

and employment designee in the office of Special Populations.

Section504Referrals

Each school district must have standards and procedures in place for the evaluation and

placement of students in the district’s Section 504 program. Districts must also implement a

system of procedural safeguards that includes:

 Notice

Page 22

 An opportunity for a parent or guardian to examine relevant records

 An impartial hearing with an opportunity for participation by the parent or guardian and

representation by counsel

 A review procedure

ContactPersonforSection504Referrals

The designated person to contact regarding options for a student experiencing learning

difficulties or regarding a referral for evaluation for Section 504 services is: Director of

STARS/SPED Compliance

 Contact Person: Neta Alexander

 682-314-1763.

[See A Student with Physical or Mental Impairments Protected under Section 504 on page

23.]

Visit these websites for information regarding students with disabilities and the family:

 Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Special Education Process

(https://fw.escapps.net/Display_Portal?destination=/)

 Partner Resource Network (http://prntexas.org/)

 SPEDTEX: Special Education Information Center (https://www.spedtex.org/)

 Texas First Project (http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/)

NotificationtoParentsofInterventionStrategiesforLearningDifficultiesProvidedtoStudentsin

GeneralEducation

In accordance with state law, the district will annually notify parents if their child receives

assistance for learning difficulties. Details of such assistance can include intervention strategies.

This notice is not intended for those students already enrolled in a special education program.

AStudentWhoReceivesSpecialEducationServiceswithOtherSchool‐AgedChildrenintheHome

If a student is receiving special education services at a campus outside his or her attendance

zone, state law permits the parent or guardian to request that other students residing in the

household be transferred to the same campus — if the grade level for the transferring student is

offered on that campus.

The student receiving special education services would be entitled to transportation; however,

the district is not required to provide transportation to other children in the household.

The parent or guardian should contact the school principal regarding transportation needs prior

to requesting a transfer for other children in the home. [See policy FDB(LOCAL) for more

information.]

AStudentWhoSpeaksaPrimaryLanguageOtherthanEnglish

A student may be eligible to receive specialized support if his or her primary language is not

English, and the student has difficulty performing ordinary class work in English.

If the student qualifies for these services, the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee

(LPAC) will determine the types of services the student needs, including accommodations or

Page 23

modifications related to classroom instruction, local assessments, and state-mandated

assessments.

[See Emergent Bilingual Students on page 56 and Special Programs on page 90.]

AStudentwithPhysicalorMentalImpairmentsProtectedunderSection504

A student with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, as

defined by law — and who does not otherwise qualify for special education services — may

qualify for protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Section 504 is a federal law designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with

disabilities.

When an evaluation is requested, a committee will be formed to determine whether the student

needs services and supports under Section 504 in order to receive a free appropriate public

education (FAPE), as defined in federal law.

[See A Student Who Has Learning Difficulties or Who Needs Special Education or Section

504 Services on page 20 and policy FB for more information.]

Page 24

SectionTwo:OtherImportantInformationforParentsandStudents

This section contains important information on academics, school activities, and school

operations and requirements.

It is organized alphabetically to serve as a quick-reference guide. Where applicable, the topics

are further organized by grade level.

Parents and children should take a moment together to become familiar with the issues

addressed in this section. For guidance on a particular topic, please contact a campus

administrator.

Absences/Attendance

Regular school attendance is essential. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of

a student’s education. The student and parent should avoid unnecessary absences.

Two important state laws are discussed below — one dealing with compulsory attendance and

the other with how attendance affects the award of a student’s final grade or course credit.

CompulsoryAttendance

PrekindergartenandKindergarten

Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten are required to attend school and are

subject to the compulsory attendance requirements as long as they remain enrolled.

Ages6‐18

State law requires that a student who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six

years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet reached their

19th birthday, shall attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program,

extended-year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from

attendance or legally exempt.

State law requires a student in kindergarten-grade 2 to attend any assigned accelerated reading

instruction program. Parents will be notified in writing if their child is assigned to an accelerated

reading instruction program based on a diagnostic reading instrument.

A student will be required to attend any assigned accelerated instruction program before or after

school or during the summer if the student does not meet the passing standards on an

applicable subject area state assessment.

Age19andOlder

A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her 19th birthday is required to attend

each school day until the end of the school year. If the student incurs more than five unexcused

absences in a semester, the district may revoke the student’s enrollment. The student’s

presence on school property thereafter would be unauthorized and may be considered

trespassing. [See policy FEA for more information.]

CompulsoryAttendance—Exemptions

AllGradeLevels

State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for the following

activities and events, as long as the student makes up all work:

Page 25

 Religious holy days

 Required court appearances

 Appearing at a governmental office to obtain U.S. citizenship

 Taking part in a US naturalization oath ceremony

 Serving as an election clerk

 Health-care appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences

related to autism services

 Absences resulting from a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes

a student’s attendance infeasible, with certification by a physician

 For students in the conservatorship of the state:

 An activity required under a court-ordered service plan; or

 Any other court-ordered activity, provided it is not practicable to schedule the student’s

participation in the activity outside of school hours.

For children of military families, absences of up to five days will be excused for a student to visit

a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian going to, on leave from, or returning from certain

deployments. [See Children of Military Families on page 18.]

Note that documented health-care appointments may include telehealth appointments. Students

who are physically on campus will not be allowed to participate in telehealth or other online

appointments without specific authorization from an appropriate administrator. Students should

not use district-issued technology, including wifi or internet, for telehealth appointments because

use of district-owned equipment and its network systems is not private and may be monitored

by the district. For more information, see Telecommunication and Other Electronic Devices

on page 89 .

SecondaryGradeLevels

The district will allow a student who is 15 years of age or older to be absent for one day to

obtain a learner license and one day to obtain a driver’s license, provided that the board has

authorized such excused absences under policy FEA(LOCAL). The student will be required to

provide documentation of his or her visit to the driver’s license office for each absence and must

make up any work missed.

[See Driver License Attendance Verification on page 28.]

The district will allow junior and senior students to be absent for up to two days per year to visit

a college or university if the following conditions are met:

 The board has authorized such excused absences under policy FEA(LOCAL).

 The principal has approved the student’s absence.

 The student follows campus procedures to verify the visit and makes up any work missed.

The district will allow a student 17 years old or older to be absent for up to four days during the

period the student is enrolled in high school to pursue enlistment in the U.S. armed services or

Texas National Guard, provided the student verifies these activities to the district.

Page 26

The district will allow a student to be absent for up to two days during the student’s junior year

and two days during the student’s senior year for a career investigation day to visit a

professional at that individual’s workplace to determine the student’s interest in pursuing a

career in the professional’s field, provided the student verifies these activities to the district.

The district will allow a student to be absent for up to two days per school year to serve as:

 An early voting clerk, provided the district’s board has authorized this in policy FEA(LOCAL),

the student notifies his or her teachers, and the student receives approval from the principal

prior to the absences; or

 An election clerk, if the student makes up any work missed.

The district will allow a student in grades 6-12 to be absent for the purpose of sounding “Taps”

at a military honors funeral for a deceased veteran.

CompulsoryAttendance—FailuretoComply

AllGradeLevels

School employees must investigate and report violations of the compulsory attendance law.

A student who is absent without permission from school, any class, any required special

program, or any required tutorial will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance

law and subject to disciplinary action.

StudentswithDisabilities

If a student with a disability is experiencing attendance issues, the student’s ARD or Section 504

committee will determine whether the attendance issues warrant an evaluation, a reevaluation,

and/or modifications to the student's individualized education program or Section 504 plan, as

appropriate.

Ages6‐18

When a student age 6-18 incurs three or more unexcused absences within a four-week period,

the law requires the school to send notice to the parent.

The notice will:

 Remind the parent of his or her duty to monitor the student’s attendance and require the

student to attend school.

 Request a conference between school administrators and the parent.

 Inform the parent that the district will initiate truancy prevention measures, including a

behavior improvement plan, school-based community service, referrals to counseling or

other social services, or other appropriate measures.

For any questions about student absences, parents should contact the facilitator or any other

campus administrator.

A court of law may impose penalties against the parent if a school-aged student is deliberately

not attending school. The district may file a complaint against the parent if the student incurs ten

or more unexcused absences within a six-month period in the same school year.

If a student age 12-18 incurs ten or more unexcused absences within a six-month period in the

same school year, the district, in most circumstances, will refer the student to truancy court.

Page 27

[See policies FEA(LEGAL) and FED(LEGAL) for more information.]

Age19andOlder

After a student age 19 or older incurs a third unexcused absence, the district is required by law

to send the student a letter explaining that the district may revoke the student’s enrollment for

the remainder of the school year if the student has more than five unexcused absences in a

semester. As an alternative to revoking a student’s enrollment, the district may implement a

behavior improvement plan.

AttendanceforCreditorFinalGrade(AllGradeLevels)

To receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student must attend the class at least 90 percent

of the days it is offered. A student who attends at least 75 percent but fewer than 90 percent of

the days may receive credit or a final grade if he or she completes a plan, approved by the

principal, that allows the student to fulfill the class’s instructional requirements. If a student is

involved in a criminal or juvenile court proceeding, the judge presiding over the case must also

approve the plan before the student receives credit or a final grade.

If a student attends fewer than 75 percent of the class days or does not complete the principal-

approved plan, then the attendance review committee will determine whether there are

extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit or a final

grade. [See policy FEC for more information.]

With the exception of absences due to serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment, all

absences, excused or unexcused, may be held against a student’s attendance requirement. To

determine whether there were extenuating circumstances for any absences, the attendance

committee will consider:

 Whether the student has mastered the essential knowledge and skills and maintained

passing grades in the course or subject.

 Whether the student has completed makeup work satisfactorily. If the student completes

makeup work, absences listed under Compulsory Attendance — Exemptions on page 24

and absences for extracurricular activities will be considered extenuating circumstances.

 Whether the student or the student’s parent had any control over the absences.

 Any information presented by the student or parent to the committee about the absences.

The student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the board by following policy

FNG(LOCAL).

OfficialAttendance‐TakingTime(AllGradeLevels)

Official attendance is taken every day at a specific time determined by the district (times per

level may vary) as required by state rule.

A student absent for any portion of the day, should follow the procedures below to provide

documentation of the absence.

DocumentationafteranA bsence(AllGradeLevels)

A parent must provide an explanation for any absence upon the student’s arrival or return to

school. The student must submit a note signed by the parent. The campus may accept a phone

call from the parent but reserves the right to require a written note.

Page 28

A note signed by the student will not be accepted unless the student is age 18 or older or is an

emancipated minor under state law.

The campus will document in its attendance records whether the absence is excused or

unexcused.

Note: The district is not required to excuse any absence, even if the parent provides a note

explaining the absence, unless the absence is an exemption under compulsory attendance

laws.

Doctor’sNoteafteranAbsenceforIllness(AllGradeLevels)

Within 3 days of returning to school, a student who is absent for more than 5 consecutive days

because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the

illness or condition that caused the absence. Otherwise, the absence may be considered

unexcused and in violation of compulsory attendance laws.

Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences, the principal or attendance

committee may require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or

condition that caused the absence to determine whether an absence will be excused or

unexcused.

CertificationofAbsenceDuetoSevereIllnessorTreatment

If a student is absent because of a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that

makes a student’s attendance infeasible, a parent must provide certification from a physician

licensed to practice in Texas specifying the student’s illness and the anticipated period of

absence related to the illness or treatment.

FamilyTrips(AllGradeLevels)

Students shall be excused for family trips, subject to the following guidelines:

 Parents must notify the school in advance in writing.

 Students must make prior arrangements (at least one week) with teachers for make-up work.

 Semesters exams will not be given early.

 A maximum of five consecutive school days or one trip per year shall be allowed. These

days are included in the 90% permitted by law. [Board Policy FEC (Local)]

DriverLicenseAttendanceVerification(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

A currently enrolled student seeking a driver’s license shall submit the Texas Department of

Public Safety Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form (VOE), signed by the parent, to

the campus central office at least 10 days before it is needed. The district will issue a VOE only

if the student meets class credit or attendance requirements. The VOE form

(https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/forms/VOE.pdf) is available online.

Further information may be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety website

(https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-driver-license-teen).

See Compulsory Attendance — Exemptions for Secondary Grade Levels on page 24 for

information on excused absences for obtaining a learner license or driver’s license.

AccountabilityunderStateandFederalLaw(AllGradeLevels)

Mansfield ISD and each of its campuses are held to certain standards of accountability under

state and federal law. A key component of accountability is the dissemination and publication of

certain reports and information, including:

Page 29

 The Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for the district, compiled by the Texas

Education Agency (TEA), based on academic factors and ratings

 A School Report Card (SRC) for each campus in the district, compiled by TEA

 The district’s financial management report, which includes the financial accountability rating

assigned to the district by TEA

 Information compiled by TEA for the submission of a federal report card that is required by

federal law

Accountability information can be found on the district’s website at www.mansfieldisd.org. Hard

copies of any reports are available upon request to the district’s administration office.

TEA maintains additional accountability and accreditation information at TEA Performance

Reporting Division (https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-

accountability/performance-reporting).

ArmedServicesVocationalAptitudeBatteryTest(Grades10‐12)

A student in grades 10-12 will be offered an opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational

Aptitude Battery test and consult with a military recruiter.

Contact the principal for information about this opportunity.

Bullying(AllGradeLevels)

The district strives to prevent bullying, in accordance with the district’s policies, by promoting a

positive school culture; building healthy relationships between students and staff; encouraging

reporting of bullying incidents, including anonymous reporting; and investigating and addressing

reported bullying incidents.

Bullying is defined in state law as a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more

students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging

in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that:

 Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s

property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of

damage to the student’s property

 Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an

intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student

 Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a

classroom or school

 Infringes on the rights of the victim at school

Bullying includes cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is defined in state law as bullying that is done

using any electronic communication device, including:

 A cellular or other type of telephone

 A computer

 A camera

 Electronic mail

 Instant messaging

Page 30

 Text messaging

 A social media application

 An internet website

 Any other internet-based communication tool

Bullying is prohibited by the district and could include:

 Hazing

 Threats

 Taunting

 Teasing

 Confinement

 Assault

 Demands for money

 Destruction of property

 Theft of valued possessions

 Name-calling

 Rumor-spreading

 Ostracism

If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or witnesses the bullying of another

student, the student or parent should notify a teacher, school counselor, principal, or another

district employee as soon as possible. Any district employee aware of a report of a bullying

incident will relay the report to an appropriate administrator. Procedures for reporting allegations

of bullying may be found on the district’s website.

A student may anonymously report an alleged incident of bullying by contacting MISD Police or

campus administration

The administration will investigate any allegations of bullying and related misconduct. The

district will also provide notice to the parent of the alleged victim and the parent of the student

alleged to have engaged in bullying.

If an investigation determines that bullying occurred, the administration will take appropriate

disciplinary action and may, in certain circumstances, notify law enforcement. Disciplinary or

other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of bullying.

The district will provide research-based interventions, which may include counseling options, for

students who engage in bullying behaviors, students who are targeted by bullying behaviors,

and any student who witnessed bullying behaviors.

Any action taken in response to bullying will comply with state and federal law regarding

students with disabilities.

Any retaliation against a student who reports an incident of bullying is prohibited.

Page 31

Upon recommendation of the administration, the board may transfer a student found to have

engaged in bullying to another classroom at the campus. In consultation with the student’s

parent, the board may transfer the student to another campus in the district.

The parent of a student who has been determined to be a victim of bullying may request that the

student be transferred to another classroom or campus within the district. [See Safety

Transfers/Assignments on page 18.]

MISDBullyingPolicy

The District prohibits retaliation by a student or District employee against any person who in

good faith makes a report of bullying, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation.

Reports of bullying shall be made as soon as possible after the alleged act or knowledge of the

alleged act. A failure to immediately report may impair the District’s ability to investigate and

address the prohibited conduct.

To obtain assistance and intervention, any student who believes that he or she has experienced

bullying or believes that another student has experienced bullying should immediately report the

alleged acts to a teacher, school counselor, principal, or other District employee.

Any District employee who suspects or receives notice that a student or group of students has

or may have experienced bullying shall immediately notify the principal or designee.

A report may be made orally or in writing. The principal or designee shall reduce any oral

reports to written form.

The principal or designee shall determine whether the allegations in the report, if proven, would

constitute prohibited conduct as defined by policy FFH, including dating violence and

harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or

disability. If so, the District shall proceed under policy FFH. If the allegations could constitute

both prohibited conduct and bullying, the investigation under FFH shall include a determination

on each type of conduct.

The principal or designee shall conduct an appropriate investigation based on the allegations in

the report. The principal or designee shall promptly take interim action calculated to prevent

bullying during the course of an investigation, if appropriate. Absent extenuating circumstances,

the investigation should be completed within ten District business days from the date of the

initial report alleging bullying.

The principal or designee shall prepare a final, written report of the investigation. The report

shall include a determination of whether bullying occurred, and if so, whether the victim used

reasonable self-defense. A copy of the report shall be sent to the Superintendent or designee.

If an incident of bullying is confirmed, the principal or designee shall promptly notify the parents

of the victim and of the student who engaged in bullying.

If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying occurred, the District shall promptly

respond by taking appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the District’s Student Code

of Conduct and may take corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct.

A student who is a victim of bullying and who used reasonable self-defense in response to the

bullying shall not be subject to disciplinary action.

The principal or designee shall notify the victim, the student who engaged in bullying, and any

students who witnessed the bullying of available counseling options.

Page 32

If the investigation reveals improper conduct that did not rise to the level of prohibited conduct or

bullying, the District may take action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or any

other appropriate corrective action.

A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through

policy FNG(LOCAL).

[See Safety Transfers/Assignments on page 18, Dating Violence, Discrimination,

Harassment, and Retaliation on page 41, Hazing on page 65, policy FFI, the district’s Student

Code of Conduct, and the district improvement plan, a copy of which can be viewed in the

campus office.]

CareerandTechnicalEducation(CTE)andOtherWork‐BasedPrograms(SecondaryGrade

LevelsOnly)

Mansfield ISD provides a large selection of CTE courses. A majority of the courses are offered

at Ben Barber Innovation Academy. Admission to these programs is based on diverse criteria

which are outlined in the High School Course Description Guide. These courses provide

students the potential for college credit, industry level training, certifications, and internships that

can be aligned with students’ career pathway preferences. Questions regarding MISD Career

and Technology programs can be answered by calling BBIA at 817-299-1900 or by accessing

the Ben Barber website.

District policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or

handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities, and provides equal access to the

Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of

1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

District policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,

handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of

1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of

1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The district will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to

admission or participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX coordinator and

the ADA/Section 504 coordinator.

[See Nondiscrimination Statement on page 78 for the name and contact information for the

Title IX coordinator and ADA/Section 504 coordinator.]

Celebrations(AllGradeLevels)

Although a parent or grandparent may provide food to share for a school-designated function or

for a student’s birthday, please be aware that children in the school may have severe allergies

to certain food products. Discuss any classroom allergies with the teacher before bringing food

to share.

Occasionally, the school or a class may host functions or celebrations tied to the curriculum that

involve food. The school or teacher will notify students and parents of any known food allergies

when soliciting potential volunteers to provide food.

[See Food Allergies on page 72.]

Page 33

ChildSexualAbuse,Trafficking,andOtherMaltreatmentofChildren(AllGradeLevels)

The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual abuse, trafficking, and other

maltreatment of children, which may be accessed at

http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1104?filter=DMA. Trafficking includes both sex and labor

trafficking.

WarningSignsofSexualAbuse

Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s

mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent

sexual conduct with a child. A person who compels or encourages a child to engage in sexual

conduct commits abuse. It is illegal to make or possess child pornography or to display such

material to a child.

Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal

responsibility, under state law, to report the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to

Child Protective Services (CPS).

A child who has been or is being sexually abused may exhibit physical, behavioral, or emotional

warning signs, including:

 Difficulty sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and

headaches

 Verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children, fear of

being alone with adults of a particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior

 Withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school

Be aware that children and adolescents who have experienced dating violence may show

similar physical, behavioral, and emotional warning signs. [See Dating Violence,

Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 41 and Consent to Instruction on

Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating Violence, and Sex Trafficking on page

8.]

WarningSignsofTrafficking

Child trafficking of any sort is prohibited by the Penal Code. Sex trafficking involves forcing a

person, including a child, into sexual abuse, assault, indecency, prostitution, or pornography.

Labor trafficking involves forcing a person, including a child, to engage in forced labor or

services.

Traffickers are often trusted members of a child’s community, such as friends, romantic

partners, family members, mentors, and coaches. Some traffickers contact victims online.

Possible warning signs of sexual trafficking in children include:

 Changes in school attendance, habits, friend groups, vocabulary, demeanor, and attitude

 Sudden appearance of expensive items (for example, manicures, designer clothes, purses,

technology)

 Tattoos or branding

 Refillable gift cards

 Frequent runaway episodes

Page 34

 Multiple phones or social media accounts

 Provocative pictures posted online or stored on the phone

 Unexplained injuries

 Isolation from family, friends, and community

 Older romantic partners

Additional warning signs of labor trafficking in children include:

 Being unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips

 Being employed but not having a school-authorized work permit

 Being employed and having a work permit but clearly working outside the permitted hours

for students

 Owing a large debt and being unable to pay it off

 Not being allowed breaks at work or being subjected to excessively long work hours

 Being overly concerned with pleasing an employer and/or deferring personal or educational

decisions to a boss

 Not being in control of his or her own money

 Living with an employer or having an employer listed as a student’s caregiver

 A desire to quit a job but not being allowed to do so

[See Consent to Instruction on Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating

Violence, and Sex Trafficking on page 8.]

ReportingandRespondingtoSexualAbuse,Trafficking,andOtherMaltreatmentofChildren

Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused, trafficked, or neglected has a

legal responsibility, under state law, to report the suspected abuse or neglect to law

enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).

A child who has experienced sexual abuse or any other type of abuse or neglect should be

encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Children may be more reluctant to disclose sexual

abuse than physical abuse and neglect and may only disclose sexual abuse indirectly. As a

parent or trusted adult, it is important to be calm and comforting if your child or another child

confides in you. Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you.

If your child is a victim of sexual abuse, trafficking, or other maltreatment, the school counselor

or principal will provide information on counseling options for you and your child available in

your area. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) also manages early

intervention counseling programs.

To find out what services may be available in your county, see Texas Department of Family and

Protective Services, Programs Available in Your County

(http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/Programs_Available_In_Your_C

ounty/default.asp)

Reports of abuse, trafficking, or neglect may be made to the CPS division of the DFPS at 1-800-

252-5400 or on the web at Texas Abuse Hotline Website (www.txabusehotline.org).

Page 35

FurtherResourcesonSexualAbuse,Trafficking,andOtherMaltreatmentofChildren

The following websites include resources to help increase awareness of child abuse and

neglect, sexual abuse, trafficking, and other maltreatment of children:

 Child Welfare Information Gateway (https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/whatiscan.pdf)

 KidsHealth, For Parents, Child Abuse (https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/child-abuse.html)

 Office of the Texas Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking Team

(https://gov.texas.gov/organization/cjd/childsextrafficking)

 Human Trafficking of School-aged Children (https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-

services/human-trafficking-of-school-aged-children)

 Child Sexual Abuse: A Parental Guide from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

(https://taasa.org/product/child-sexual-abuse-parental-guide/)

 National Center of Safe Supportive Learning Environments: Human Trafficking in America's

Schools (https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/human-trafficking-americas-schools)

ClassRank/Highest‐RankingStudent(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

[See appropriate Appendix for High, Middle, Intermediate, and Elementary guidelines. For

further information, see policy EIC.]

ClassSchedules(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

All students are expected to attend school for the entire school day and maintain a full class

schedule. Exceptions may be made occasionally by the campus principal for students in grades

9-12 who meet specific criteria and receive parental consent to enroll in less than a full-day

schedule.

[See appropriate Appendix for High, Middle, Intermediate, and Elementary guidelines. For

further information, see policy EIC.]

CollegeandUniversityAdmissionsandFinancialAid(AllGradeLevels)

For two school years following graduation, a district student who graduates as valedictorian or in

the top ten percent of his or her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public

universities and colleges in Texas if the student:

 Completes the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation graduation program

[see Foundation Graduation Program on page 60]; or

 Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on

the SAT.

The student is ultimately responsible for meeting the admission requirements of the university or

college, including timely submission of a completed application.

If a college or university adopts an admissions policy that automatically accepts the top 25

percent of a graduating class, the provisions above will also apply to a student ranked in the top

25 percent of his or her class.

The University of Texas at Austin may limit the number of automatically admitted students to 75

percent of the University’s enrollment capacity for incoming resident freshmen. From the

summer 2023 term through the spring 2025 term, the University will admit the top six percent of

Page 36

a high school’s graduating class who meet the above requirements. Additional applicants will be

considered by the University through a holistic review process.

As required by law, the district will provide written notice concerning the following:

 Automatic college admission

 Curriculum requirements for financial aid

 Benefits of completing the requirements for automatic admission and financial aid

 The Texas First Early High School Completion Program, which requires a student to provide

an official copy of assessment results and transcripts, as applicable, to receive credit for the

assessments and credits required for early graduation under the program

 The Texas First Scholarship Program

 The Future Texas Teachers Scholarship Program

Parents and students will be asked to sign an acknowledgment that they received this

information.

Students and parents should contact the school counselor for further information about

automatic admissions, the application process, and deadlines.

[See appropriate Appendix for High, Middle, Intermediate, and Elementary guidelines.]

[See Students in the Conservatorship of the State (Foster Care) on page 19 for information

on assistance in transitioning to higher education for students in foster care.]

CollegeCreditCourses(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

[See appropriate Appendix for High School and Middle School guidelines.]

Not all colleges and universities accept credit earned in all dual credit or AP courses taken in

high school for college credit. Students and parents should check with the prospective college

or university to determine if a particular course will count toward the student’s desired degree

plan.

Communications(AllGradeLevels)

ParentContactInformation

A parent is legally required to provide in writing the parent’s contact information, including

address, phone number, and email address.

A parent must provide the contact information to the district upon enrollment and again within

two weeks after the beginning of each following school year while the student is enrolled in the

district.

If the parent’s contact information changes during the school year, the parent must update the

information in writing no more than two weeks after the date the information changes.

AutomatedEmergencyCommunications

The district will rely on contact information on file with the district to communicate with parents in

an emergency situation, which may include real-time or automated messages. An emergency

situation may include early dismissal, delayed opening, or restricted access to the campus due

Page 37

to severe weather, another emergency, or a security threat. It is crucial to notify your child’s

school when a phone number changes.

[See Safety on page 82 for information regarding contact with parents during an emergency

situation.]

AutomatedNonemergencyCommunications

Your child’s school periodically sends information by automated or pre-recorded messages, text

messages, or real-time phone or email communications that are closely related to the school’s

mission and specific to your child, your child’s school, or the district.

Standard messaging rates of your wireless phone carrier may apply.

If you do not wish to receive such communications, please contact your child’s principal. [See

Safety on page 82 for information regarding contact with parents during an emergency.]

ComplaintsandConcerns(AllGradeLevels)

Usually, student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed informally by a phone call

or a conference with the teacher or principal.

For those complaints and concerns that cannot be resolved informally, the board has adopted a

Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances policy at FNG(LOCAL). This policy can be viewed in

the district’s policy manual, available online a thttp://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1104?filter=FNG.

To file a formal complaint a parent or student should complete and submit the complaint form. In

general, the written complaint form should be completed and submitted to the campus principal

in a timely manner.

If the concern is not resolved, a parent or student may request a conference with the

superintendent.

If the concern is still unresolved, the district provides a process for parents and students to

appeal to the board of trustees.

Conduct(AllGradeLevels)

ApplicabilityofSchoolRules

The board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that defines standards of acceptable

behavior — on and off campus, during remote and in-person instruction, and on district vehicles

— and outlines consequences for violation of these standards. The district has disciplinary

authority over a student in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents

should be familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as campus

and classroom rules.

During summer instruction, the Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct in place for the

school year immediately preceding the summer period shall apply, unless the district amends

either or both documents for the purposes of summer instruction.

CampusBehaviorCoordinator

Each campus has a campus behavior coordinator to apply discipline management techniques

and administer consequences for certain student misconduct, as well as provide a point of

contact for student misconduct.

Page 38

Deliveries

Except in emergencies, delivery of messages or packages to students will not be allowed during

instructional time. A parent may leave a message or a package, such as a forgotten lunch, for

the student to pick up from the front office during a passing period or lunch.

DisruptionofSchoolOperations

Disruption of school operations is not tolerated and may constitute a misdemeanor offense. As

identified by state law, disruptions include the following:

 Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a district

building without authorization from an administrator.

 Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a building.

 Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an authorized

assembly.

 Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

 Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district property.

 Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from entering or leaving

district property without authorization from an administrator.

Disruption of classes or other school activities while on or within 500 feet of district property

includes:

 Making loud noises

 Trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required

class or activity

 Entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with loud or profane

language or any misconduct

Interference with the transportation of students in vehicles owned or operated by the district is

also considered a disruption.

SocialEvents

School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are expected to

observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a guest will share responsibility for

the conduct of his or her guest.

A student attending a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before the end of the

event and will not be readmitted.

A parent interested in serving as a chaperone for any school social events should contact the

campus principal.

Counseling

The district has a comprehensive school counseling program that includes:

 A guidance curriculum to help students develop their full educational potential, including the

student's interests and career objectives

Page 39

 A responsive services component to intervene on behalf of any student whose immediate

personal concerns or problems put the student's continued educational, career, personal, or

social development at risk

 An individual planning system to guide a student as the student plans, monitors, and

manages the student's own educational, career, personal, and social development

 Systems to support the efforts of teachers, staff, parents, and other members of the

community in promoting the educational, career, personal, and social development of

students

AcademicCounseling

ElementaryandMiddle/JuniorHighSchoolGradeLevels

The school counselor will provide information to students and parents about college and

university admissions and the importance of planning for postsecondary education, including

appropriate coursework and financial aid availability and requirements.

In either grade 7 or 8, each student will receive instruction on how best to prepare for high

school, college, and a career.

HighSchoolGradeLevels

High school students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher,

or principal to learn more about course offerings, graduation requirements, and early graduation

procedures.

Each year, high school students will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for

the next school year, how to make the most of academic and career and technical education

(CTE) opportunities, and the importance of postsecondary education.

The school counselor will also provide information each year a student is enrolled in high school

regarding:

 The importance of postsecondary education

 The advantages of earning an endorsement and completing the foundation program with the

distinguished level of achievement

 The disadvantages of pursuing a high school equivalency exam (GED) as opposed to

earning a high school diploma

 Financial aid eligibility and how to apply for financial aid

 Automatic admission to state-funded Texas colleges and universities

 Eligibility requirements for the TEXAS Grant

 Availability of district programs that allow students to earn college credit

 Availability of tuition and fee assistance for postsecondary education for students in foster

care

 Availability of college credit awarded by institutions of higher education to veterans and

military service members for military experience, education, and training

Additionally, the school counselor can provide information about workforce opportunities after

graduation or technical and trade school opportunities, including opportunities to earn industry-

recognized certificates and licenses.

Page 40

[See Scholarships and Grants on page 65 for more information.]

PersonalCounseling (AllGradeLevels)

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal, social, and

family concerns, including emotional or mental health issues and substance abuse. A student

who wishes to meet with the school counselor should schedule an appointment with the school

counselor. As a parent, if you are concerned about your child’s mental or emotional health,

please speak with the school counselor for a list of resources that may be of assistance.

If your child has experienced trauma, contact the school counselor for more information.

[See Mental Health Support on page 69, and Child Sexual Abuse, Trafficking, and Other

Maltreatment of Children on page 33 and Dating Violence on page 41.]

CourseCredit(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

[See appropriate Appendix for High School and Middle School guidelines.]

CreditbyExamination—IfaStudentHasTakentheCourse/Subject(Grades6‐12)

[See appropriate Appendix for High, Middle, Intermediate, and Elementary guidelines.]

[See the school counselor and policy EHDB(LOCAL) for more information.]

CreditbyExaminationforAdvancement/Acceleration—IfaStudentHasNotTakenthe

Course/Subject

[See policy EHDC for more information.]

KindergartenAcceleration

[For further information, see policy EDHB and EDHC.]

StudentsinGrades1‐5

A student in elementary school is eligible to accelerate to the next grade level if:

 The student scores at least an 80 on each examination in the subject areas of language

arts, mathematics, science, and social studies;

 A district administrator recommends that the student be accelerated; and

 The student’s parent gives written approval of the grade advancement.

StudentsinGrades6‐12

A student in grade 6 or above is eligible to earn course credit with:

 A passing score of at least 80 on an examination approved by the board; or

 A scaled score of 50 or higher on an examination administered through the College Level

Examination Program (CLEP); or

 A score of 3 or higher on an AP examination, as applicable.

A student may take an examination to earn high school course credit no more than twice. If a

student fails to achieve the designated score on the applicable exam before the beginning of the

school year in which the student would need to enroll in the course according to the school’s

high school course sequence, the student must complete the course.

Page 41

DatingViolence,Discrimination,Harassment,andRetaliation(AllGradeLevels)

Students learn best, and their welfare is best served, in a school environment that is free from

dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Students are expected to treat peers and district employees with courtesy and respect, avoid

offensive behaviors, and stop those behaviors as directed. District employees are likewise

expected to treat students with courtesy and respect.

The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly address

inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex,

gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. A copy of the

district’s policy is available in the principal’s office and in the superintendent’s office or on the

district’s website at www.mansfieldisd.org. [See policy FFH for more information.]

DatingViolence

Dating violence will not be tolerated at school.

Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship uses physical,

sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control the other person in

the relationship or any of the person’s past or subsequent partners. This type of conduct is

considered harassment if it is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects a student’s ability

to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating,

threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially interferes with the

student’s academic performance.

Examples of dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to:

 Physical or sexual assaults

 Name-calling

 Put-downs

 Threats to hurt the student, the student’s family members, or members of the student’s

household

 Destroying property belonging to the student

 Threats to commit suicide or homicide if the student ends the relationship

 Threats to harm a student’s past or current dating partner

 Attempts to isolate the student from friends and family

 Stalking

 Encouraging others to engage in these behaviors

In accordance with law, when the district receives a report of dating violence, a district official

will immediately notify the parent of the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator.

The counselor’s office has information about the dangers of dating violence and resources for

seeking help.

For more information on dating violence, see:

Page 42

 Texas Attorney General’s office recognizing and responding to dating violence flier

(https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/files/child-

support/papa/session%2010/recognizing-relationship-violence-en.pdf)

 The CDC’s Preventing Teen Dating Violence

(https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teendatingviolence/fastfact.

html)

[See Consent to Instruction on Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Violence, Dating

Violence, and Sex Trafficking on page 8.]

Discrimination

Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color,

religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law that

negatively affects the student.

Harassment

Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects a

student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an

intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or substantially

interferes with the student’s academic performance.

Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to:

 Offensive or derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices,

accent, skin color, or need for accommodation

 Threatening, intimidating, or humiliating conduct

 Offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors

 Physical aggression or assault

 Graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes

 Other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property

SexualHarassmentandGender‐BasedHarassment

Sexual harassment and gender-based harassment of a student by an employee, volunteer, or

another student are prohibited.

Examples of sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to:

 Touching private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature

 Sexual advances

 Jokes or conversations of a sexual nature

 Other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include necessary or

permissible physical contact that a reasonable person would not construe as sexual in nature,

such as comforting a child with a hug or taking the child’s hand. However, romantic, sexual, and

other inappropriate social relationships between students and district employees are prohibited,

even if consensual.

Page 43

Gender-based harassment includes physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct based on a student’s

gender, the student’s expression of characteristics perceived as stereotypical for the student’s

gender, or the student’s failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity.

Gender-based harassment can occur regardless of the student’s or the harasser’s actual or

perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Examples of gender-based harassment directed

against a student may include, but are not limited to:

 Offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors

 Physical aggression or assault

 Threatening or intimidating conduct

 Other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property

Retaliation

Retaliation against a person who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation of

discrimination, harassment, or dating violence is prohibited. A person who makes a false claim,

offers false statements, or refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be

subject to appropriate discipline.

Examples of retaliation may include threats, rumor spreading, ostracism, assault, destruction of

property, unjustified punishments, or unwarranted grade reductions. Unlawful retaliation does

not include petty slights or annoyances.

ReportingProcedures

Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, discrimination,

harassment, or retaliation should immediately report the problem to a teacher, school counselor,

principal, or other district employee. The report may be made by the student’s parent. [See

policy FFH(LOCAL) and (EXHIBIT) for other appropriate district officials to whom to make a

report.]

Upon receiving a report, the district will determine whether the allegations, if proven, constitute

prohibited conduct as defined by policy FFH. If not, the district will refer to policy FFI to

determine whether the allegations, if proven, constitute bullying, as defined by law and policy

FFI. If the alleged prohibited conduct also meets the statutory and policy definitions for bullying,

an investigation of bullying will also be conducted. [See Bullying on page 29]

The district will promptly notify the parent of any student alleged to have experienced prohibited

conduct involving an adult associated with the district. In the event alleged prohibited conduct

involves another student, the district will notify the parent of the student alleged to have

experienced the prohibited conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation

as defined by policy FFH.

InvestigationofReport

Allegations of prohibited conduct, which includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment,

and retaliation, will be promptly investigated.

To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student. However, limited

disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and comply with law.

Page 44

If a law enforcement or other regulatory agency notifies the district that it is investigating the

matter and requests that the district delay its investigation, the district will resume its

investigation at the conclusion of the agency’s investigation.

During an investigation and when appropriate, the district will take interim action to address the

alleged prohibited conduct.

If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred, appropriate disciplinary

action and, in some cases, corrective action will be taken to address the conduct. The district

may take disciplinary and corrective action even if the conduct was not unlawful.

All involved parties will be notified of the outcome of the district investigation within the

parameters and limits allowed under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal in

accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

Discrimination

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 41.]

DistanceLearning(HighSchool)

Distance learning and correspondence courses include courses that encompass the state-

required essential knowledge and skills but are taught through multiple technologies and

alternative methodologies such as mail, satellite, internet, video-conferencing, and instructional

television.

If a student wishes to enroll in a correspondence course or a distance learning course that is not

provided through the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN), as described below, to earn credit

in a course or subject, the student must receive permission from the principal prior to enrolling in

the course or subject. If the student does not receive prior approval, the district may not

recognize and apply the course or subject toward graduation requirements or subject mastery.

TexasVirtualSchoolNetwork(TXVSN)(SecondaryGradeLevels)

The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) has been established by the state as one method of

distance learning. A student has the option, with certain limitations, to enroll in a course offered

through the TXVSN to earn course credit for graduation.

Depending on the TXVSN course in which a student enrolls, the course may be subject to the

“no pass, no play” rules. [See Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations on page

56.] In addition, a student who enrolls in a TXVSN course for which an end-of-course (EOC)

assessment is required must still take the corresponding EOC assessment.

A parent may ask questions or request that their child be enrolled in a TXVSN course by

contacting the school counselor. A student will not be allowed to enroll in a TXVSN course if the

school offers the same or a similar course.

A copy of policy EHDE addressing distance learning will be distributed to parents of middle and

high school students at least once each year. If you do not receive a copy or have questions

about this policy, please contact the campus principal.

Page 45

DistributionofLiterature,PublishedMaterials,orOtherDocuments(AllGradeLevels)

SchoolMaterials

Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with the prior approval

of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school posters, newspapers,

yearbooks, brochures, flyers, and the like.

All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the principal.

NonschoolMaterials

FromStudents

Students must obtain prior approval from the campus principal before selling, posting,

circulating, or distributing more than 10 copies of written or printed materials, handbills,

photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials that were not developed

under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any nonschool material must include the

name of the sponsoring person or organization. Approval will be granted or denied within two

school days.

The campus principal has designated the location for approved nonschool materials to be

placed for voluntary viewing or collection by students. [See policy FNAA for more information.]

A student may appeal a decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any student who

sells, posts, circulates, or distributes nonschool material without prior approval will be subject to

disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without

approval will be removed.

[See policy FNG(LOCAL) for student complaint procedures.]

FromOthers

No person or group will sell, circulate, distribute, or post on any district premises written or

printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory

materials that is not sponsored by the district or by a district-affiliated school-support

organization, except as permitted by policy GKDA.

To be considered for distribution, any nonschool material must meet the limitations on content

established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or organization, and be

submitted to MISD Communication Department for prior review. The MISD Communication

Department will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the materials

are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with the appropriate district

complaint policy. [See policies DGBA or GF for more information.]

The Campus Principal has designated the location for approved nonschool materials to be

placed for voluntary viewing or collection.

Prior review will not be required for:

 Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-sponsored meeting

intended for adults and held after school hours.

 Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community group meeting

held after school hours in accordance with policy GKD(LOCAL) or a noncurriculum-related

student group meeting held in accordance with policy FNAB(LOCAL).

Page 46

 Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is being used as a

polling place, in accordance with state law.

All nonschool materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed from district

property immediately following the event at which the materials are distributed.

DressandGrooming(AllGradeLevels)

The district’s dress code teaches grooming and hygiene, prevents disruption, and minimizes

safety hazards. Students and parents may determine a student’s personal dress and grooming

standards, provided that they comply with the following:

MISD Student Dress

A school district’s dress codes can help kids stay focused on their education. While at

school a student’s personal appearance should observe appropriateness and modesty in

clothing. Items or style of clothing, cosmetics, tattoos, jewelry, contact lenses, or hair style worn

that interferes with the purposes of classes or activities should not be worn.

Clothing Item Permitted Styles Special Comments

ID- 7

-12

grade only

 School ID with Lanyard



ID must be worn so that it is displayed on torso

Tops

 Any style shirt



No visible cleavage



All multi-layers must comply with dress code



Must cover majority of the top of the shoulder area and

no large arm pits



All shirts must extend to the waist line and no large arm

holes with appropriate under shirt



No sheer, see-through, spandex or other stretch material

Bottoms



Pants



Non-pants permitted at mid-

thigh



Must be worn that fit at the waistline (no sagging)



No holes or skin showing above mid-thigh



No pajamas bottom



Tights, leggings and yoga style must completely cover

the individuals bottom by a “Top”

Outerwear



Sweatshirt



Jacket, Coat, Windbreaker



School-sponsored jacket



Religious head coving



Coats, jackets or sweatshirts with attached hoodies

cannot be worn up on the head in the building

 No trench coats

 No hats or head coverings

 Appropriately-sized coats and jackets may be worn to

school

Footwear



Must wear shoes

 No house shoes

 No shoes with wheels

Hair/Face

 Hair that causes a health or safety hazard

 Hair styles deemed distracting or inappropriate that interferes with the educational environment

as determined by the campus administration may be address be campus administration

 One single piercing on the face

Page 47

 No extreme make-up [that may render someone unrecognizable]

Items not

Permitted



Clothing, jewelry, or tattoos which displays or advertises controlled substances, such as alcohol,

tobacco or drugs, or that is lewd and offensive, or obscene is prohibited (weapons, drug or

alcohol related)



No gang-related clothing or anything that may be allusive to gang-like affiliation



Halloween/costumes and costumes style eye contacts.



Blankets



No chains, bandanas, spiked jewelry or mouth accessories

Campus administrators will have final judgment on all matters concerning interpretation of the

dress code.

If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the school’s dress

code, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school and return to the

classroom. If the problem cannot be corrected at school, the principal will work with the student

and parent to obtain an acceptable change of clothing for the student in a way that minimizes

loss of instructional time. Repeated or severe offenses may result in more serious disciplinary

action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

ElectronicDevicesandTechnologyResources(AllGradeLevels)

Personal Electronic Communications

Under the Personal Electronic Communications guidelines, all Cell Phones, Smart Watches, any

type of Headphones and other devices used to electronically communicate are considered

personal electronic communications devices. To promote the best possible learning and social

environment in the classrooms and schools of Mansfield ISD, students will adhere to the

Guidelines listed below during the school day. The intent of the cell phone policy is to limit

access and use to avoid cellphones distracting from learning and causing a loss of instructional

time.

Guidelines for Use

Grades PK-6:

Students are required to keep their devices turned off and stored away during the school day.

Grades 7-8

Students are expected to keep their devices turned off and stored away during the school day.

Use of personal electronic communications devices during passing periods and lunch-time will

be an individual campus decision. Students who violate the campus policy will be subject to

disciplinary actions.

Grades 9-12

Students are expected to keep their devices turned off and stored away during the school day.

Use of personal electronic communications devices during passing periods and lunch-time will

be an individual campus decision. Students who violate the campus policy will be subject to

disciplinary actions.

Page 48

A student must have approval to possess other personal telecommunications devices on

campus such as laptops, tablets, or other portable computers.

Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the assistant

principal’s office.

The use of cell phones or any other device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in

locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school sponsored

event.

If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day, the

device will be confiscated. Failure to surrender the device, will result in disciplinary

consequences.

The parent or student may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the

assistant principal’s office.

An administrative fee of $15 may be charged as well as disciplinary consequences for repeat

offenses.

Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s

parent will be disposed of after the notice required by law [See policy FNCE for more

information.]

In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal telecommunications

device may be searched by authorized personnel. [See Searches on page 85 and policy FNF

for more information.]

Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district is

not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.

AcceptableUseofDistrictTechnologyResources

District-owned technology resources may be issued to individual students for instructional

purposes. Use of the district’s network systems and equipment is restricted to approved

purposes only. Students and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this

handbook) regarding use of these district resources. Violations of the user agreement may

result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

UnacceptableandInappropriateUseofTechnologyResources

Students are prohibited from possessing, sending, forwarding, posting, accessing, or displaying

electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing,

damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition also applies to conduct off school

property, whether on district-owned or personally owned equipment, if it results in a substantial

disruption to the educational environment.

Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, possessing, or sharing obscene, sexually

oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content — commonly referred to as “sexting”

— will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, may be required to

complete an educational program related to the dangers of this type of behavior, and, in certain

circumstances, may be reported to law enforcement.

This type of behavior may constitute bullying or harassment, as well as impede future

endeavors of a student. We encourage parents to review with their child the "Before You Text"

Sexting Prevention Course (https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/courses/before-you-text/), a state-

developed program that addresses the consequences of sexting.

Page 49

In accordance with state law, the district prohibits the installation or use of TikTok or any

successor application or service on a district device, along with any other social media

application or service determined by the governor.

Any student who engages in conduct that results in a breach of the district’s computer security

will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. In some cases, the

consequence may be expulsion.

StudentDeviceOverview

Mansfield ISD will provide students in PK-1 an iPad, case and charger. Students 2-12 will be

provided a Chromebook, case and charger. Second grade students will receive class sets of

Chromebooks to be used at school. Laptops may be provided for special programs and devices

may vary based on programs, choice schools, and other variables. Device selection and

distribution is subject to change annually due to budget consideration, legislative changes,

district policy changes, and equipment manufacturer changes.

MISDStudentResponsibleUsePolicy(RUP)

Mansfield ISD provides students with access to the District’s electronic communication system

for educational purposes. The electronic communications system is defined as the District’s

network, servers, computers, mobile devices, peripherals, applications, databases, online

resources, Internet access, email and any other technology designated for use by students,

including all new technologies as they become available. Please note that the Internet is a

network of many types of communication and information networks, including Websites and app

resources, such as blogs, e-portfolios, Google for Education, Microsoft 365, webcasts, etc. and

is part of the district’s electronic communications systems. Websites and apps offer a variety of

future ready opportunities. Equipping our students with communication, collaboration, critical

thinking, and creativity skills are essential. With this educational opportunity comes

responsibility.

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, Mansfield ISD educates staff and

students regarding appropriate online behavior to ensure Internet Safety, including the use of

email, websites, and apps. While the District uses filtering technology and protection measures

to restrict access to inappropriate material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access.

It will be each student’s responsibility to follow the rules for appropriate and responsible use.

Access to the Mansfield ISD network is a privilege and administrators and faculty may review

ﬁles and messages to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are acting responsibly.

Appropriate use of the Mansfield ISD may include the following:

 Students must only open, view, modify, and delete their own files.

 Internet use at school must be directly related to school assignments and projects.

 Students will be issued student email and network accounts. Account use should be for

educational purposes only.

 Students must immediately report threatening messages or discomforting Internet

files/sites to a teacher.

 Students must at all times use the district’s technology infrastructure in ways that are kind

and respectful.

 Students are responsible at all times for their use of the district’s electronic

communications system and must assume personal responsibility to behave ethically and

responsibly.

Page 50

The following examples of inappropriate use are strictly prohibited:

 Individual use will not interfere with others’ use and enjoyment of the technology

infrastructure. Use in a manner that is not consistent with the mission of Mansfield ISD,

misrepresents Mansfield ISD, or violates any Mansfield ISD policy is prohibited.

 The systems may not be used for illegal or unlawful purposes, including hacking, copyright

infringement, obscenity, libel, slander, fraud, defamation, plagiarism, intimidation, forgery,

impersonation, illegal gambling, soliciting for illegal pyramid schemes, and computer

tampering (e.g., spreading computer viruses).

 Individuals may not view, copy, alter, or destroy data, software, documentation or data

communications belonging to Mansfield ISD or another individual without authorized

permission.

 Users will not violate the policies of any network accessed through their account.

 Sharing usernames and passwords with others; and/or borrowing someone else’s

username, password, or account access.

 Electronically posting personal information about oneself or others (i.e., addresses, phone

numbers, and pictures).

 Disabling or attempting to disable any system monitoring or filtering or security measures.

Consequences for inappropriate use include:

 Appropriate disciplinary or legal action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct

and applicable laws including monetary damages.

 Suspension of access to the district’s electronic communications system.

 Revocation of the district’s electronic communications system account(s).

 Termination of System User Account: The district may deny, revoke, or suspend specific

user’s access to the district’s system with or without cause or notice for lack of use,

violation of policy or regulations regarding acceptable network use, or as a result of

disciplinary actions against the user.

 Possible criminal action.

 According to Texas Penal Code Chapter 33.07 it is illegal to impersonate someone

online. Please see the complete Texas Online Impersonation statute here:

(http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.33.htm#33.07).

AllstudentsinMansfieldISDMustAdheretotheFollowingStandards

ofResponsibleUse:



 The District may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure

that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on

district servers will always be private.

 Students are always responsible for their use of the District’s electronic communication

system and must assume personal responsibility to behave ethically and responsibly, even

when technology provides them the freedom to do otherwise. Students will not retrieve,

save, distribute, or display hate-based, offensive, sexually explicit material, or otherwise

inappropriate material.

 Students must log in and use the Mansfield ISD Guest wireless network during the school

day on personal electronic devices.

Page 51

 Students must not access, modify, download, or install computer programs, files or

information belonging to others.

 Students must not waste or abuse school resources through unauthorized system use

(e.g. playing online games, downloading music, watching video broadcasts, participating in

chat rooms, etc.).

 Students must not alter computers, networks, printers, or other equipment except as

directed by a staff member. Students will refrain from attempting to bypass, hack, or

circumvent security settings or Internet filters or interfere with the operation of the network

by installing software or web-based services.

 Technology, including electronic communication, should be used for appropriate

educational purposes only and should be consistent with the educational objectives of

Mansfield ISD.

 Students must not release personal information on the Internet or electronic

communications.

 If a student finds an inappropriate site or image, he or she must immediately minimize the

program and contact the instructor.

 Students are responsible for not pursuing material that could be considered offensive.

Students should notify a teacher or administrator immediately if they encounter materials

which violate appropriate use.

 Students are always responsible to keep their district issued network and email account

safe and secure. Do not share usernames, passwords, or other account information, nor

attempt to access other users’ accounts. Report any suspected unauthorized use of their

account to a teacher or district official immediately.

 Masquerading, spoofing, or pretending to be someone else is forbidden. This includes, but

is not limited to, sending out email, creating accounts, or posting messages or other online

content (e.g. text, images, audio, or video) in someone else’s name.

 Students will use electronic mail and other means of communication such as blogs, wikis,

podcasting, chat, instant-messaging, discussion boards, and virtual learning environments

responsibly. Students must not create/publish/submit/distribute or display any abusive,

obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation or

illegal material and should report any instances encountered.

 Students will refrain from the use of or access of files, software, or other resources owned

by others without the owner’s permission. They will use only those school network

directories that are designated for student use and for the purpose designated by the

teacher.

 Students shall respect the intellectual property of other users and information providers.

They will obey copyright guidelines and will not plagiarize or use the work of others without

proper citation and permission.

 Students will be polite and use appropriate language in electronic mail messages, virtual

learning environments, online postings, and digital communications with others. They will

refrain from using profanity, vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language as determined

by school administrators.

 Violation of any of these standards may result in suspension of computer use, Internet

privileges and/or other disciplinary action.

Page 52

The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the

district system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any

damages the user may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of

service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained

through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations

arising from unauthorized use of the system.

Computer network privileges, including Internet access, will be granted after the online

registration signature page acknowledging the MISD Technology Responsible Use policy is

received. By signing, you and your child agree to comply with the responsible use policy

presented here.

StudentAcknowledgment

When accepting a device, I acknowledge the following rules and conditions:

 I will use technology in a meaningful, safe, and responsible way.

 I understand that I represent the school district in all my online activities.

 I understand that what I do on social media should not reflect negatively on my fellow

students, teachers, or on the District.

 I will use technology resources productively and appropriately for school-related

purposes.

 I will avoid using any technology resource in such a way that would disrupt the activities

of other users. ·

 I will use digital communication (email, texting, video, and photo sharing apps) with the

understanding that I am creating a digital reputation. ·

 I understand that my school network and my school account are property of Mansfield

ISD and anything that I do can be monitored. ·

 I understand that District administrators will deem what conduct is inappropriate use if

such conduct is not specified in this agreement as outlined in the MISD Student

Handbook.

 This acknowledgment is also stated on the Distribution Receipt for MISD Student

Equipment form. Students receive this form when a device is issued to them.

ParentGuardianResponsibility

Encourage your student to:

 Keep device in good condition and free of stickers. Paint, or other damaging materials.

 Promptly report any damage to school staff and technology via the process found online.

 Notify a MISD staff member if you see, hear, or encounter any inappropriate information.

 Communicate expectations for kind, safe, and respectful online etiquette.

 Develop rules for home use.

 Demonstrate interest in what your student is using their device for and how it is enhancing

learning.

 Check on your student’s progress.

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 Set expectations for hours of use and charge device nightly.

Schools’Responsibility

Schools will:

 Provide student with functioning device.

 Teach care and responsibility of device.

 Reinforce Student Reasonable Use Policy.

 Teach students to use digital tools and online resources.

 Encourage students to use digital tools to collaborate, communicate, and create as part

of their learning process.

DeviceOptions

We recognize the importance of providing our students and their families with options in what

technology they use in school. The district will provide every student a device. Students also have

the option to provide their own device if it meets district approved criteria.

District Provided Device Advantages:

 Teachers can better ensure that instructional activities work appropriately.

 Direct, on-site support by MISD technology department staff.

 Device is managed and will include appropriate extensions and settings preinstalled.

 Managed devices can be disabled if misplaced, stolen or broken.

 Internet filter.

Student Provided Device Disadvantages:

 Instructional activities and applications may not run on student provided device.

 Student / family will be responsible for keeping device up-to-date and in working order.

 Student / family is responsible for installing and updating software.

 MISD is not responsible for non-working device.

 District staff will not be able to assist or access student’s personal device.

DeviceDistributions

Device Deployment:

Devices will typically be distributed at the beginning of the school year and are intended for

educational purposes only. Devices may be distributed anytime during the school year as

replacements are deemed necessary or other upgrades are required. Device distribution for in-

person learners will be conducted during the school day at the campus the student is enrolled.

 Pre-K through 1

grade will receive an iPad.

 2

grade through 12

grade will receive a Chromebook (2

grade students will use

classroom sets of Chromebooks).

 Special Programs may receive Laptops or iPads, as administrators deem appropriate.

Page 54

The device will be issued upon:

 The student's acknowledgment and acceptance of the rules & conditions documented on

the Distribution Receipt for MISD Student Equipment.

 The parent/guardian/student’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the Student

Handbook, which is signed by the parent/guardian during the enrollment/registration

process.

Device Return:

 Students exiting the district must return their device prior to the last day enrolled. Parents

will be issued fees for damaged devices, as well as devices not returned. Official

transcripts may be delayed or withheld pending payment.

 Graduating Seniors must return their device at the specified time prior to graduation. Date

and Time will be communicated by home campus. Failure to return device may result in

official transcript being withheld.

 The district reserves the right to pursue any remedies available to it at law or equity,

including but not limited to criminal or civil charges, for failure to return the device.

Vandalism and Intentional Damage

See the Student Device Management Handbook for details regarding damaged, lost or stolen

devices. This includes repair and replacement device costs. Vandalism is defined as any

malicious attempt to harm or destroy network or computer equipment and/or data of anyone

connected to the network. This includes the damage or destruction of district issued devices and

accessories. It also includes, but is not limited to, uploading, creating, or transmitting computer

viruses. Parent/Guardian will be responsible for retribution of cost to repair or correct damage

resulting in malicious harm to the district network and equipment.

Internet Safety

Congress passed the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in 2000, tying E-rate program

discounts to a school’s Internet safety policy. The FCC requires three elements for compliance:

content filtering to prevent access to obscene, pornographic, or harmful images; monitoring of

online activities of minors; and education in appropriate online behavior and cyber-bullying.

To comply with CIPA, Mansfield ISD employs a variety of methods to manage devices including

Internet filtering, Chromebook management, and application restrictions. Internet filtering collects

information about the sites students access. If a student attempts to access an inappropriate site,

a block or firewall screen is generated, and the filtering software blocks the viewing of the site.

Our technology department uses Google management to monitor Chromebook use and for device

inventory. AirWatch, a management software program, is used to monitor iPads. Other

management software utilized by the technology staff may be used to monitor and manage

applications on student devices.

All students must be on the Mansfield ISD Wi-Fi and logged into our systems (Personal devices

must be on the Guest Wi-Fi). Chromebooks must be logged into Google Chrome at school

regardless of if it is a district-issued or personal device.

Page 55

Passwords are the first level of security for user accounts. System logins and passwords are to

be used by the authorized user only and should never be shared.

 Never use another’s user account or password.

 Do not reveal or insert your password in emails or other websites.

Students under 13

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law that regulates the online

collection of personal information from children under the age of 13. The law generally requires

website operators to provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting

personal information from these students. However, COPPA also authorizes school districts to

provide this consent when the collection of information is for the use and benefit of the school and

for no other commercial purpose. Parents can obtain more information regarding COPPA via the

Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov.

In an effort to succeed in a global community of the 21

century, Mansfield ISD will use or

recommend certain web based applications to enhance your child’s learning experience. These

may include tools such as [iStation, Canvas, Google Apps, ClassLink, or others]. The use of

these services requires the District to disclose certain student information to the operators of these

online services. A list of core applications and websites can be found on the district’s website on

the Curriculum Management Plan and ClassLink.

According to the Student Code of Conduct students are responsible for appropriate behavior on

the district’s technology infrastructure just as they are in a classroom or on a school playground.

Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and

communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with district standards and the specific

rules set forth. The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused.

The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school’s

technology infrastructure.

Digital Citizenship

The use of student devices and the network is a privilege. Students are responsible for what they

say and do on the network. It is important for the user to stop and think before communicating

and to always show respect for others and for the ideas of others. Students must assume that

none of their data is private or confidential and nay and all communication may be subject to

review by the District and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Periodic checks

may be made by designed staff and the Technology Department to make sure that required

software and applications have not been removed by the student.

International Travel

Mansfield ISD cannot provide any guarantee of service or connectivity outside of the United

States. Many applications and log-on services require secure connections only available while in

the United states. Mansfield ISD will not be responsible for providing secure connections for

students traveling abroad.

Terms of Agreement

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The student’s right to use and possess the property terminates no later than the last day of

enrollment in Mansfield ISD unless terminated earlier by the district.

Each student is required to comply with this mobile device book as well as the Student Handbook

and Board Policy. Any failure to comply may terminate the student’s rights of possession, effective

immediately, and the district may repossess the property.

Mansfield ISD has legal title to the property at all times. The student’s rights of possession and

use is limited to and conditioned upon the student’s full and complete compliance with the MISD

Student Handbook. At all times, Mansfield ISD retains the right to perform an annual audit of

devices. All students must bring their device to the campus when requested by Technology or

campus administration as part of the audit process.

End‐of‐Course(EOC)Assessments

[See Graduation on page 59 and Standardized Testing on page 90.]

EmergentBilingualStudents(AllGradeLevels)

A student who is an emergent bilingual student is entitled to receive specialized services from

the district. A Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), consisting of both district

personnel and at least one parent representative, will determine whether the student qualifies

for services. The student’s parent must consent to any services recommended by the LPAC.

However, pending the receipt of parental consent or denial of services, an eligible student will

receive the services to which the student is entitled and eligible.

To determine a student’s level of proficiency in English, the LPAC will use information from a

variety of assessments. If the student qualifies for services, and once a level of proficiency has

been established, the LPAC will designate instructional accommodations or additional special

programs that the student will require to eventually become proficient at grade level work in

English. Ongoing assessments will be conducted to determine a student’s continued eligibility

for the program.

The LPAC will also determine whether certain accommodations are necessary for any state-

mandated assessments. The STAAR Spanish, as mentioned at Standardized Testing on page

90, may be administered to an emergent bilingual student up to grade 5. In limited

circumstances, a student’s LPAC may exempt the student from an otherwise required state-

mandated assessment or may waive certain graduation requirements related to the English I

end-of-course (EOC) assessment. The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment

System (TELPAS) will also be administered to emergent bilingual students who qualify for

services.

If a student is considered an emergent bilingual student 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.

ExtracurricularActivities,Clubs,andOrganizations(AllGradeLevels)

Participation in school-sponsored activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents,

receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships.

Some extracurricular activities may include off-campus events. Students are required to use

transportation provided by the district to and from the events. Exceptions may only be made

with the approval of the activity’s coach or sponsor. [See Transportation on page 92.]

Page 57

Eligibility for many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University

Interscholastic League (UIL), a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. If a

student is involved in an academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student and

parent are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. Students and parents

can access the UIL Parent Information Manual (https://www.uiltexas.org/athletics/manuals)

online. A hard copy can be provided by the coach or sponsor of the activity on request.

To report alleged noncompliance with required safety training or an alleged violation of safety

rules required by law and the UIL, please contact the curriculum division of TEA at (512) 463-

9581 or [email protected].

[See UIL Texas (https://www.uiltexas.org/) for additional information on all UIL-governed

activities.]

Student safety in extracurricular activities is a priority of the district. Parents are entitled to

review the district’s records regarding the age of each football helmet used by the campus,

including when a helmet has been reconditioned.

Generally, a student who receives a grade below 70 at the end of a grading period in any

academic class may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks.

However, if a student receives a grade below 70 at the end of a grading period in an Advanced

Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, or dual credit course in English

language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or languages other than

English, the student remains eligible for participation in all extracurricular activities.

In addition, the following applies to all extracurricular activities:

 A student who receives special education services and who fails to meet the standards in

the individualized education program (IEP) may not participate for at least three school

weeks.

 An ineligible student may practice or rehearse but may not participate in any competitive

activity.

 A student is allowed in a school year up to 12 extracurricular absences not related to post-

district competition; however, an unlimited amount of absences for post-district competition

prior to state, state competition, or national competition. All extracurricular activities and

public performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the board, are

subject to these restrictions.

 An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will be considered an

unexcused absence.

StandardsofBehavior

Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic

teams may establish standards of behavior — including consequences for misbehavior — that

are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the

consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or by board policy will apply in addition

to any consequences specified by the organization’s standards of behavior.

OfficesandElections

Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups will hold elections for student officers.

Please check with your student’s campus to determine groups offered.

Page 58

Fees(AllGradeLevels)

Basic educational program materials are provided at no charge to a student. However, a student

is expected to provide his or her own supplies, such as pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks.

A student may also be required to pay certain other costs, fees, or deposits, including:

 Materials for a class project that the student will keep.

 Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations.

 Admission fees to extracurricular activities.

 Security deposits.

 Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

 Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks, graduation

announcements, and the like.

 Voluntarily purchased student health and accident insurance.

 Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance when uniforms are provided by the

district.

 Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property of the student.

 Parking fees and student identification cards.

 Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.

 Fees for driver training courses.

 Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not available on

district premises.

 Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular school year.

 A reasonable fee for providing transportation to a student who lives within two miles of the

school. [See Buses and Other School Vehicles on page 92.]

 A maximum fee of $50 for an educational program outside of regular school hours for a

student who has lost credit or has not been awarded a final grade because of absences and

whose parent chooses the program for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance

requirements. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a district-provided

request form.

 In some cases, a fee for a course taken through the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN).

Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to pay.

Application for such a waiver may be made to the campus principal. [See policy FP for more

information.]

Fundraising(AllGradeLevels)

Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct fundraising drives

for approved school purposes in accordance with administrative regulations. [See policies FJ

and GE for more information.]

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Gang‐FreeZones(AllGradeLevels)

Certain criminal offenses, including gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next-highest

category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. Gang-free zones include a school

bus and any location in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or

campus playground.

Gender‐BasedHarassment

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 41.]

Grade‐LevelClassification(Grades9‐12Only)

After grade 9, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward

graduation.

GradingGuidelines(AllGradeLevels)

[See appropriate Appendix for High, Middle, Intermediate, and Elementary guidelines.]

[See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page 81 for additional information

on grading guidelines.]

Graduation(SecondaryGradeLevelsOnly)

RequirementsforaDiploma

A student must meet the following requirements to receive a high school diploma from the

district:

 Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or approved

substitute assessments, unless specifically waived as permitted by state law

 Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any additional credits

required by the district

 Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state

 Demonstrate proficiency, as determined by the district, in the specific communication skills

required by the State Board of Education (SBOE)

 Complete and submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas

application for state financial aid (TASFA)

TestingRequirementsforGraduation

Students are required, with limited exceptions and regardless of graduation program, to perform

satisfactorily on the following EOC assessments:

 English I

Credits Earned Classification

6-11.5 Grade 10 (Sophomore)

12-18.5 Grade 11 (Junior)

19+ Grade 12 (Senior)

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 English II

 Algebra I

 Biology

 U.S. History

A student who does not achieve a sufficient score will have opportunities to retake an

assessment.

State law allows a student to meet EOC requirements by substituting satisfactory performance

on approved national standardized assessments or on the state-developed assessment used

for entrance into Texas public universities. [See the school counselor for more information on

the state testing requirements for graduation.]

If a student fails to perform satisfactorily on an EOC assessment, the district will provide

remediation in the applicable content area. This may require the student’s participation outside

normal school operating times.

In limited circumstances, a student who fails to demonstrate proficiency on up to two of the

required assessments may still be eligible to graduate if an individual graduation committee,

formed in accordance with state law, unanimously determines that the student is eligible to

graduate.

[See Standardized Testing on page 90.]

FoundationGraduationProgram

Every Texas public school student will graduate under the foundation graduation program. The

foundation graduation program features endorsements, which are paths of interest that include:

 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

 Business and Industry

 Public Service

 Arts and Humanities

 Multidisciplinary Studies

Endorsements earned by a student will be noted on the student’s transcript.

A student can complete the foundation graduation program with a “distinguished level of

achievement,” which reflects the completion of at least one endorsement and Algebra II as one

of the required advanced mathematics credits.

A Personal Graduation Plan will be completed for each high school student, as described on

page 63.

State law generally prohibits a student from graduating solely under the foundation graduation

program without an endorsement. However, after the student’s sophomore year, the student and

student’s parent may request that the student graduate without an endorsement. The district will

advise the student and the student’s parent of the specific benefits of graduating with an

endorsement. The student and the student’s parent must then submit written permission to the

school counselor for the student to graduate without an endorsement.

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A student who wishes to attend a four-year university or college after graduation must carefully

consider whether graduation under the foundation program without an endorsement will satisfy

the admission requirements of the student’s desired college or university.

A student graduating under the foundation graduation program can also earn performance

acknowledgments on his or her transcript. Performance acknowledgments are available for

outstanding performance in bilingualism and biliteracy, in a dual credit course, on an AP or IB

examination, on certain national college preparatory and readiness or college entrance

examinations, or for earning a license or certificate recognized at the state, national, or

international level. The school counselor can provide more information about these

acknowledgments.

CreditsRequired

The foundation graduation program requires completion of the following credits:

Course Area Number of Credits:

Foundation

Graduation

Program

Number of Credits:

Foundation Graduation

Program with an

Endorsement

English/Language

Arts

4 4

Mathematics 3 4

Science 3 4

Social Studies 3 3

Physical Education 1 1

Languages other

than English

2 2

Fine Arts 1 1

Locally required

courses

.5 Health credit

.5 Professional

Communications

credit

.5 Health credit

.5 Professional

Communications credit

Miscellaneous Available Endorsements:

 Science, Technology,

Engineering, and

Math

 Business and Industry

 Public Services

 Arts and Humanities

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Course Area Number of Credits:

Foundation

Graduation

Program

Number of Credits:

Foundation Graduation

Program with an

Endorsement

 Multidisciplinary

Studies

Total 26 credits 26 credits

Additional considerations apply in some course areas, including:

 Mathematics: To obtain the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation

graduation program, a student must complete an endorsement and take Algebra II as one of

the 4 mathematics credits. A student’s completion of the distinguished level of achievement

is a requirement to be considered for automatic admission to a Texas four-year college or

university and will be included on a student’s transcript.

 Physical education: A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to a

disability or illness may be able to substitute a course in English language arts,

mathematics, science, social studies, or another locally determined credit-bearing course for

the required credit of physical education. This determination will be made by the student’s

ARD committee, Section 504 committee, or other campus committee, as applicable.

 Languages other than English: Students are required to earn 2 credits in the same

language other than English to graduate. Any student may substitute computer

programming languages for these credits.

 A student may satisfy one of the 2 required credits by successfully completing in

elementary school a dual language immersion program or a course in American Sign

Language.

 In limited circumstances, a student may be able to substitute this requirement with other

courses, as determined by a district committee authorized by law to make these

decisions for the student.

AvailableEndorsements

A student must specify upon entering grade 9 which endorsement he or she wishes to pursue.

FinancialAidApplicationRequirement

Before graduating from high school, each student must complete and submit an application for

financial aid for post-secondary education. Students must complete and submit either a free

application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA).

A student is not required to complete and submit a FAFSA or TASFA if:

 The student’s parent submits a form provided by the district indicating that the parent

authorizes the student to opt out;

 A student who is 18 years of age or older or a legally independent minor submits a form

provided by the district indicating that the student opts out; or

 A school counselor authorizes the student to opt out for good cause.

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Please contact the school counselor for more information.

To confirm that a student has completed and submitted a TASFA, the student must submit one

of the following:

 A screenshot that includes the processed date field of the FAFSA Apply Texas Counselor

Suite

 Notification, such as a copy of an email, from the United States Department of Education

verifying completion of the FAFSA

 A copy or screenshot of the FAFSA acknowledgment page

 A screenshot of the TASFA submission acknowledgment page (from those institutions that

offer an electronic form)

 An acknowledgment receipt from an institution of higher education (IHE)

 A copy of a financial aid award letter from an IHE

PersonalGraduationPlans

A personal graduation plan will be developed for each high school student.

The district encourages all students to pursue a personal graduation plan that includes the

completion of at least one endorsement and to graduate with the distinguished level of

achievement. Attainment of the distinguished level of achievement is a requirement for a student

to be considered for automatic admission to a public four-year college or university in Texas,

depending on his or her rank in class.

The school will review personal graduation plan options with each student entering grade 9 and

his or her parent. Before the end of grade 9, a student and his or her parent will be required to

sign off on a personal graduation plan that promotes college and workforce readiness, promotes

career placement and advancement, and facilitates the transition from secondary to

postsecondary education.

The student’s personal graduation plan will outline an appropriate course sequence based on

the student’s choice of endorsement.

Please review TEA’s Graduation Toolkit (https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-

multimedia/brochures/tea-brochures).

A student may amend his or her personal graduation plan after this initial confirmation. The

school will send written notice of any such amendment to the student’s parent.

AvailableCourseOptionsforAllGraduationPrograms

Each spring, the district will update students on the courses required or offered in each

curriculum area so students can enroll for the upcoming school year.

Note: The district may require the completion of certain courses for graduation even if these

courses are not required by the state for graduation.

Not all courses are offered at every secondary campus in the district. A student who wants to

take a course not offered at his or her regular campus should contact the school counselor

about a transfer or other alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students request a transfer for

a course in the required curriculum other than fine arts or career and technical education (CTE),

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the district will offer the course the following year either by teleconference or at the school from

which the transfers were requested.

CertificatesofCourseworkCompletion

A certificate of coursework completion will not be issued to a student who has successfully

completed state and local credit requirements for graduation but has not yet demonstrated

satisfactory performance on the state-mandated tests required for graduation.

StudentswithDisabilities

Admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committees will make instructional and assessment

decisions for students with disabilities who receive special education services in accordance

with state law.

Upon the recommendation of the ARD committee, a student with a disability who receives

special education services may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her

individualized education program (IEP) and in accordance with state rules.

A student who receives special education services may earn an endorsement under the

foundation program. If the student’s curriculum requirements for the endorsement were

modified, the student’s ARD committee will determine whether the modified curriculum is

sufficiently rigorous to earn the endorsement. The ARD committee must also determine whether

the student must perform satisfactorily on any end-of-course assessment to earn an

endorsement.

A student who receives special education services and has completed four years of high school

but has not met the requirements of his or her IEP may participate in graduation ceremonies

and receive a certificate of attendance. The student may then remain enrolled to complete the

IEP and earn his or her high school diploma but will only be allowed to participate in one

graduation ceremony.

[See policy FMH(LEGAL) for more information.]

GraduationSpeakers

Certain graduating students will be given an opportunity to speak at graduation ceremonies.

A student must meet local eligibility criteria, which may include requirements related to student

conduct, to have a speaking role. Students eligible for speaking roles will be notified by the

principal and given an opportunity to volunteer.

[See the Student Code of Conduct and policy FNA(LOCAL) for more information.]

[See Student Speakers on page 91 for student speakers at other school events.]

GraduationExpenses

Because students and parents will incur expenses to participate in the traditions of graduation

— such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and senior picture — both the

student and parent should monitor progress toward completion of all requirements for

graduation. The expenses often are incurred in the junior year or first semester of the senior

year. [See Fees on page 58.]

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ScholarshipsandGrants

Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who complete the

foundation graduation program may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program, Teach for

Texas Grant Program, and Future Texas Teachers Scholarship Program for scholarships and

grants toward tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical

schools, as well as to private institutions. Certain students who graduate early may also be

eligible for the Texas First Scholarship Program.

Contact the school counselor for information about other scholarships and grants available to

students.

GraduationHonors

For the purpose of determining honors to be conferred during graduation activities, the District

shall calculate class rank for the valedictorian, salutatorian, top ten students, summa cum laude

students, magna cum laude students, and cum laude students at the end of the 5

six weeks of

the students’ senior year.

 The valedictorian and salutatorian shall be the two eligible students with the highest

class ranking, respectively.

 The ten eligible students with the highest GPAs shall be the top ten ranking graduates of

their class, respectively.

 An honor graduate is any student who has a 95.00 cumulative average or higher:

Summa Cum Laude (100.00 +), Magna Cum Laude (97.00 – 99.99) and Cum Laude

(95.00 – 96.99). These honors will be determined at the end of the 5

six weeks of their

senior year. See EIC (LOCAL)

Harassment

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page 41.]

Hazing(AllGradeLevels)

Hazing is defined as an intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person

alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into,

affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in a student organization if the act

meets the elements in Education Code 37.151, including:

 Any type of physical brutality

 An activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects

the student’s mental or physical health, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the

elements, confinement to small spaces, calisthenics, or consumption of food, liquids, drugs,

or other substances

 An activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that

violates the Penal Code

 Coercing a student to consume a drug or alcoholic beverage in an amount that would lead a

reasonable person to believe the student is intoxicated

The district will not tolerate hazing. Disciplinary consequences for hazing will be in accordance

with the Student Code of Conduct. It is a criminal offense if a person engages in hazing; solicits,

encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in hazing; or has firsthand knowledge of an

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incident of hazing being planned or having occurred and fails to report this to the principal,

superintendent, or law enforcement official.

[See Bullying on page 29 and policies FFI and FNCC for more information.]

Health—PhysicalandMental

Illness(AllGradeLevels)

When your child is ill, please contact the school to let us know he or she will not be attending

that day.

State rules require schools to exclude students with certain illnesses from school for certain

periods of time. For example, if a child has a fever over 100 degrees, he or she must stay out of

school until fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications. Students with

diarrheal illnesses must stay home until they are diarrhea-free without use of diarrhea-

suppressing medications for 24 hours.

A full list of conditions for which the school must exclude children can be obtained from the

school nurse.

If a student becomes ill during the school day and the school nurse determines that the child

should go home, the nurse will contact the parent.

The district is required to report certain contagious (communicable) diseases or illnesses to the

Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or our local/regional health authority. The school

nurse can provide information from DSHS on these notifiable conditions.

The school nurse is available to answer any questions for parents who are concerned about

whether or not their child should stay home.

Immunization(AllGradeLevels)

A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or

statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the

student will not be immunized.

For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas

Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the

district. You may access the DSHS exemption form (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-

unit/texas-school-child-care-facility-immunization/texas-immunization-exemptions) online or by

writing to this address:

Texas Department of State Health Services

Immunization Section, Mail Code 1946

P.O. Box 149347

Austin, Texas 78714-9347

The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of

notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a

separate form must be provided for each student.

The immunizations required are:

 Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis

 Polio

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 Measles, mumps, and rubella

 Hepatitis B

 Varicella (chicken pox)

 Meningococcal

 Hepatitis A

The school nurse can provide information on immunization requirements. Proof of immunization

may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a

signature or rubber-stamp validation.

If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent 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 contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the

health and well-being of the student or a member of the student’s family or household. This

certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a lifelong condition.

For information on immunization against bacterial meningitis and college enrollment and

attendance, see Bacterial Meningitis on page 72 .

[See the DSHS’s Texas School & Child Care Facility Immunization Requirements

(https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/texas-school-child-care-facility-immunization)

and policy FFAB(LEGAL) for more information.]

Lice(AllGradeLevels)

Head lice is very common among children. Although not an illness or a disease, head lice

spread through head-to-head contact during play, sports, nap time, and when children share

things like brushes, combs, hats, and headphones.

The district does not require or recommend that students be removed from school because of

lice or nits.

If careful observation indicates that a student has head lice, the school nurse will contact the

student’s parent to discuss a treatment plan using an FDA-approved medicated shampoo or

cream rinse that may be purchased from any drug or grocery store. After the student undergoes

one treatment, the parent should contact the school nurse to discuss the treatment used. The

nurse can also offer additional recommendations, including subsequent treatments, how best to

get rid of lice, and how to prevent lice from returning.

The district will provide notice to parents of elementary school students in an affected classroom

without identifying the student with lice.

More information on head lice can be obtained from the DSHS website Managing Head Lice in

School Settings and at Home (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/texas-school-health/skilled-

procedures-texas-school-health/managing-head-lice-school) and from the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention’s website Head Lice Information for Parents

(https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/parents.html).

[See policy FFAA for more information.]

MedicineatSchool(AllGradeLevels)

If a student must take medication during school hours, the student’s parent must provide the

medication. All medication, whether prescription or nonprescription, must be kept in the nurse’s

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office and be administered by the nurse or another authorized district employee. A student may

be authorized to possess his or her own medication because of asthma or a severe allergy as

described below or as otherwise allowed by law.

The district will not purchase nonprescription medication to give to a student.

In accordance with policy FFAC, authorized employees 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 by a registered

nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container

provided by the parent along with a written request.

 Nonprescription medication in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent

along with a written request. Note: Insect repellant is considered a nonprescription

medication.

 Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s

individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.

An elementary or secondary student may possess and self-apply sunscreen to avoid

overexposure to the sun. An elementary student’s teacher or other district personnel will apply

sunscreen to the student’s exposed skin if the student brings the sunscreen to school and asks

for help applying it. If a secondary student needs assistance with sunscreen application, please

address the need with the school nurse.

Whether a student is at the elementary or secondary level, if sunscreen needs to be

administered to treat any type of medical condition, this should be handled through

communication with the school nurse so that the district is made aware of any safety and

medical issues.

AsthmaandSevereAllergicReactions

A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may possess and use

prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or

she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-

care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her health-care provider and the

school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to

administer the medication.

If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school

day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal.