To Students and Parents:
Welcome to school year 2007–2008! Education is a team effort, and we know that students, parents, teachers, and other staff members all working together will make this a successful year for our students.
The West Rusk Secondary School Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into three sections:
Section I—IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS—with information all parents will need about assisting their child and responding to school-related issues;
Section II—CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION—to provide information to students and their parents about graduation programs, required courses, class rank, and extracurricular and other activities; and
Section III—GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS—describing school operations and requirements such as safety procedures, the dress code, and fees that may be charged.
Each section has a Quick Reference component to serve as a guide for day-to-day questions that may arise.
Please be aware that the term “the student’s parent” is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Both students and parents must be familiar with the West Rusk CCISD Student Code of Conduct, required by state law and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. That document may be found as an attachment to this handbook and posted on the web page www.westrusk.esc7.net
The student handbook is designed to be in harmony with board policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.
In case of conflict between board policy or the Student Code of Conduct and any provisions of student handbooks, the provisions of board policy or the Student Code of Conduct that were most recently adopted by the board are to be followed.
We encourage parents to review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Also, please complete and return the parental acknowledgment, student directory information, release of information to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, and consent/opt-out forms so that we have a record of your choices. [See Obtaining Information and Protecting Student Rights]
Please note that references to alphabetical policy codes are included so that parents can refer to current board policy. A copy of the district’s policy manual is available for review in the school’s central office or on line at www.westrusk.esc7.net.
This section of the West Rusk Secondary School Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.
Where to look when you need information about …
· Parental involvement page 8
· Grading guidelines page 12
· Report cards/progress reports and conferences page 12
· State-mandated tests page 13
· Other standardized testing: college requirements page 13
· Medicine at school page 13
· Psychotropic drugs page 14
· Steroids page 14
· Student records page 15
· Student or parent complaints and concerns page 17
· Release of students from school page 17
Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include:
· Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities the school provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.
· Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs, including special programs, offered in the district. Discuss with the counselor or principal any questions you may have about the options and opportunities available to your child. If your child is entering ninth grade, review the requirements of the graduation programs with your child. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed. [See Academic Counseling and Academic Programs]
· Attending scheduled conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. To schedule a telephone or in-person conference with a teacher, counselor, or principal, please call the school office at HS 903-895-4803 Ext 3 or MS 903-895-4613 Ext 4 for an appointment. The teacher will usually return your call or meet with you during his or her conference period or before or after school. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences]
· Becoming a school volunteer. [For further information, see policy GKG and contact Campus principal.
· Participating in campus parent organizations. Parent organizations include: Ag Boosters, Athletic Boosters, and Band Boosters.
· Offering to serve as a parent representative on the district-level or campus-level planning committees assisting in the development of educational goals and plans to improve student achievement. For further information, see policies at BQA and BQB, and contact campus principal.
· Offering to serve on the School Health Advisory Council, assisting the district in ensuring local community values are reflected in health education instruction. [See policies BDF, EHAA, FFA and School Health Advisory Council on page.]
· Attending board meetings to learn more about district operations. [See policies BE and BED for more information.]
Your child 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.
· Sexual 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.
· Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.
· 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.
You will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation. [For further information, see policy EF.]
As a parent, you also have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for your child’s participation in:
· Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding.
· School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information gathered from your child for the purpose of marketing or selling that information.
· Any non-emergency, 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 scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law. See policies EF and FFAA.
As a parent, if you choose that your child’s artwork, special projects, photographs, and the like not be displayed to the community on the district’s Web site, in printed material, by video, or by any other method of communication, you must notify the principal in writing.
· To request information regarding the professional qualifications of your 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; whether the teacher has an emergency permit or other provisional status for which state requirements have been waived; and undergraduate and graduate degree majors, graduate certifications, and the field of study of the certification or degree. You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of any paraprofessional who may provide services to your child.
· To review teaching materials, textbooks, and other teaching aids and instructional materials used in the curriculum, and to examine tests that have been administered to your child.
· To inspect a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to your child.
· To review your child’s student records when needed. 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 counselor evaluations,
· Reports of behavioral patterns, and
· State assessment instruments that have been administered to your child.
[See Student Records.]
· To grant or deny any written request from the district to make a videotape or voice recording of your child. State law, however, permits the school to make a videotape or voice recording without parental permission for the following circumstances:
· When it is to be used for school safety;
· When it relates to classroom instruction or a co-curricular or extracurricular activity; or
· When it relates to media coverage of the school.
· To remove your child temporarily from the classroom, if an instructional activity in which your child is scheduled to participate conflicts with your religious or moral beliefs. The removal cannot be for the purpose of avoiding a test and may not extend for an entire semester. Further, your child must satisfy grade-level and graduation requirements as determined by the school and by the Texas Education Agency.
·
To request that your child be excused from
participation in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the
· To request that your child be excused from recitation of a portion of the Declaration of Independence. State law requires students in social studies classes in grades 3–12 to recite a portion of the text of the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week unless (1) you provide a written statement requesting that your child be excused, (2) the district determines that your child has a conscientious objection to the recitation, or (3) you are a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity. [See policy EHBK]
· To request in writing, if you are a non-custodial parent, that you be provided for the remainder of the school year a copy of any written notice usually provided to a parent related to misconduct that may involve placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or expulsion. See policies FL(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), FO(LEGAL), and the Student Code of Conduct.
· To request the transfer of your child to another classroom or campus if your child has been determined by the board or its designee to have been a victim of bullying as the term is defined by Education Code 25.0341. Transportation is not provided for a transfer to another campus. See the school principal for information. [See policy FDB]
· To request the transfer of your child to attend a safe public school in the district if your child attends school at a campus identified by TEA as persistently dangerous or if your child has been a victim of a violent criminal offense while at school or on school grounds. [See policy FDD(LOCAL)]
· To request the transfer of your child to another campus or for a neighboring district if your child has been the victim of a sexual assault by another student on the same campus, whether that assault occurred on or off campus, and that student has been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for that assault. [See policy FDD(LOCAL)]
Test grades and daily grades each make up 50% of the six weeks average.
In grades 6–12, achievement is reported to parents as:
Report cards with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every 6 weeks.
At the end of the first three weeks of a grading period, parents will be given a written progress report of their child’s performance. If the student receives a grade lower than 70 in any class or subject at the end of a grading period, the parent and teacher will schedule a conference. [See Working Together]
Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been approved by the principal, superintendent, and board of trustees to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, and course. State law provides that a test or course grade issued by the teacher will not be changed unless the board’s designee determines that the grade given was arbitrary or contains a clerical error, or that the teacher did not follow the district’s grading policy. [See policy EIA.]
Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the principal in accordance with FNG(LOCAL).
Tutorials are required for a student who receives a grade lower than 70 in a class or subject.
Report cards and progress reports must be signed by the
parent and should be returned to the school within 3 days.
In addition to routine tests and other measures of achievement, students at certain grade levels will take state-mandated tests (such as TAKS: the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in the following subjects:
· Mathematics, annually in grades 3–7 without the aid of technology and, in grades 8–11, with the aid of technology on any test that includes algebra
·
· Writing, including spelling and grammar, in grades 4 and 7
· English language arts in grades 10 and 11
· Social studies in grades 8, 10, and 11
· Science in grades 5, 8, 10, and 11
· Any other subject and grade required by federal law
[See policy EKB.]
Many colleges require either the American College Test (ACT)
or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students are encouraged to talk with the
counselor early during their junior year to determine the appropriate exam to
take; these exams are usually taken at the end of the junior year. (Prior to enrollment in a
District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:
· Only authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:
· Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.
· Medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.
· Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.
· 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.
· In certain emergency situations, the district will maintain and administer to a student nonprescription medication, but only:
· In accordance with the guidelines developed with the district’s medical advisor and
· When the parent has previously provided written consent to emergency treatment on the district’s form.
A student with asthma may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma 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 and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication for use during the school day.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF]
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.]
State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.
Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.
Student participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing.
STUDENT RECORDS
Both federal and state law safeguards student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents and eligible students certain rights. For purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older OR who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.
Virtually all information pertaining to student performance, including grades, test results, and disciplinary records, is considered confidential educational records. Release is restricted to:
· The parents—whether married, separated, or divorced—unless parental rights have been legally terminated and if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights. Federal law requires that, as soon as a student becomes 18 or is emancipated by a court, control of the records goes to the student. The parents may continue to have access to the records, however, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.
· District staff members who have what federal law defines as a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records. Such persons would include school officials (such as board members, the superintendent, and principals), school staff members (such as teachers, counselors, and diagnosticians), or an agent of the district (such as a medical consultant).
· Various governmental agencies or in response to a subpoena or court order.
· A school to which a student transfers or in which he or she subsequently enrolls.
Release 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 principal or superintendent is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The principal or superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated.
Records may be inspected by a parent or eligible student
during regular school hours. If
circumstances prevent inspection during these hours, the district will either
provide a copy of the records requested or make other arrangements for the
parent or student to review these records.
The records custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests
for explanation and interpretation of the records. The address of the superintendent’s office is
The address of the principal’s office is:
A parent (or eligible student) may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are considered inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. If the district refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to request a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, contesting a student’s grade in a course is handled through the general complaint process found in policy FNG. [See Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences and Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns for an overview of the process.]
Copies of student records are available at a cost of ten cents per page, payable in advance. If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches and the parents are unable to view the records during regular school hours, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge upon written request of the parent.
The law permits the district to designate certain personal information about students as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it.
However, release of a student’s directory information may be prevented by the parent or an eligible student. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days of the child’s first day of this school year. [See the “Notices Regarding Directory Information and Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information” attached to this handbook.]
The district often requires the use of student information for school-sponsored purposes.
For school-sponsored purposes, the district would like to use the student’s directory information for school sponsored purposes. This information will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.
Unless you object to the use of your child’s information for these limited purposes, the school will not need to ask your permission each time the district wished to use this information for the school-sponsored purposes listed.
The district is required by federal law to comply with a request by a military recruiter or an institution of higher education for students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents have advised the district not to release their child’s information without prior written consent. A form has been attached for you to complete if you do not want the district to provide this information to military recruiters or institutions of higher education.
Please note:
Parents or eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the district is not in compliance with federal law regarding student records. The district’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the districts web site at www.westrusk.esc7.net .
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 teachers’ personal notes about a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher—do not have to be made available to the parents or student.
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed by a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the district has adopted a standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office or on the district’s web site at www.westrusk.esc7.net .
In general, the student or parent should submit a written complaint and request a conference with the campus principal. If the concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be presented to the board of trustees.
Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled, if possible, at times when the student will not miss instructional time.
A student who will need to leave school during the day must bring a note from his or her parent that morning and follow the campus sign-out procedures before leaving the campus. Otherwise, a student will not be released from school at times other than at the end of the school day. Unless the principal or designee has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional day.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student should receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. The nurse will decide whether or not the student should be sent home and will notify the student’s parent.
A student who is tardy to class may be assigned to detention. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action.
A student under 18 may be withdrawn from school only by a parent. The school requests notice from the parent at least three days in advance so that records and documents may be prepared. The parent may obtain a withdrawal form from the principal’s office.
On the student’s last day, the withdrawal form must be presented to each teacher for current grade averages and book clearance; to the librarian to ensure a clear library record; to the clinic for health records; to the counselor for the last report card and course clearance; and finally, to the principal. A copy of the withdrawal form will be given to the student, and a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent record.
A student who is 18 or older, who is married, or who has been declared by a court to be an emancipated minor, may withdraw without parental signature.
This section of the handbook contains information on academics and school activities, which is of particular interest to students. Students should take the time to review this information with their parents—especially if they are entering 9th grade or are a transfer student. The section includes information on graduation programs and requirements; options for earning course credit; extracurricular activities and other school-related organizations; and awards, honors, and scholarships.
Where to look when you need help with…
· Academic Programs page 20
· Awards and honors page 20
· Class rank/top ten percent/highest ranking student page 20
· State scholarships and grants page 22
· Class schedules page 22
· Computer resources page 23
· Correspondence courses page 23
· Counseling: academic page 23
· Counseling: personal page 23
· Credit by exam page 24
· Distance learning page 24
· Dual credit courses/college courses page 24
· Career and technology programs page 24
· Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations page 25
· Grade classification page 26
· Promotion and retention page 26
· Graduation page 27
· Homework page 29
· Special programs page 29
· Summer school page 30
· Textbooks page 30
The school counselor provides students and their parents information regarding academic programs to prepare for higher education and career choices. [For more information, see policy EIF.]
[See Academic Counseling ]
High School Class Rank/Honor
Students
The valedictorian and
salutatorian will be the highest-ranking seniors who have attended
1. Students who have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 (equivalent to a 90 average).
2. Students who have completed the Recommended Program with a GPA of 3.8 (equivalent to an 88 average).
3. Students who have completed the Distinguished Achievement Program regardless of the GPA.
High School Grade Point
Ranking
The following grade points are assigned to semester grades and used to determine the ranking of High School Students.
Numeric Avg. Advanced Regular Modified Content
100 6.0 5.0 4.0
99 5.9 4.9 3.9
98 5.8 4.8 3.8
97 5.7 4.7 3.7
96 5.6 4.6 3.6
95 5.5 4.5 3.5
94 5.4 4.4 3.4
93 5.3 4.3 3.3
92 5.2 4.2 3.2
91 5.1 4.1 3.1
90 5.0 4.0 3.0
89 4.9 3.9 2.9
88 4.8 3.8 2.8
87 4.7 3.7 2.7
86 4.6 3.6 2.6
85 4.5 3.5 2.5
84 4.4 3.4 2.4
83 4.3 3.3 2.3
82 4.2 3.2 2.2
81 4.1 3.1 2.1
80 4.0 3.0 2.0
79 3.9 2.9 1.9
78 3.8 2.8 1.8
77 3.7 2.7 1.7
76 3.6 2.6 1.6
75 3.5 2.5 1.5
74 3.4 2.4 1.4
73 3.3 2.3 1.3
72 3.2 2.2 1.2
71 3.1 2.1 1.1
70 3.0 2.0 1.0
69-below 0.0 0.0 0.0
**For purposes of determining class rank for honor positions, courses that have been modified by the student’s ARD committee as to the required content of the TEKS and reflected in the student’s IEP shall not earn the same number of grade points as regular courses. However, coursed modified as to methodology shall earn the same grade points assigned to regular courses.
Academic coursed taken concurrently at
Vocational courses offered for 11th/12th
graders at
Students who graduate with modified content courses have not taken courses that will prepare them for successful enrollment in college/technical school coursework.
TAKS Remediation classes are required for students who have not mastered that reas of TAKS. Local credit is given for this course but it does not colunt toward the state graduation requirements.
For two school years following their graduation, district graduates who ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating class are eligible for admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas if the student:
·
Completes the Recommended of
Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program; or
·
Satisfies the
· Students and parents should contact the counselor for further information about how to apply and the deadline for application.
[For further information, see policies at EIC.]
Middle School Class Rank
In Middle School, students will be selected for honors from
the core academic classes based on grade averages. The top two students
with the highest-grade average and in attendance at
· Under the Texas Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program, students who complete the Recommended or Advanced (Distinguished Achievement) High School Program may earn financial credits in varying amounts to apply toward college tuition. The amounts depend on the number of consecutive months in which the student completed graduation requirements and the number of early college credits earned and may be used at public or private higher education institutions within the state. The counselor can provide additional information about meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.
·
Students who have a financial need according to
federal criteria and who complete the Recommended High School Program or
Distinguished Achievement Program may be eligible under the TEXAS Grant Program
for tuition and fees to
Students have one week at the beginning of each semester to make any schedule changes. During this week, the student must see the principal or designee to drop or add an elective class, as the schedule will permit. NO CHANGES will be made after this time unless determined necessary by the principal.
College Credit
Courses
In addition to the programs offered by the district,
students may earn college credit. For more information contact Suzanne Rice at
903-895-4803 ext.123.
To prepare students for an increasingly computerized society, the district has made a substantial investment in computer technology for instructional purposes. Use of these resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only. Students and their parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) regarding use of these resources; violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Students and their parents should be aware that e-mail using district computers is not private and may be monitored by district staff.
[For additional information, see policy CQ.]
The district permits high school students to take correspondence courses— by mail or via the Internet—for credit toward high school graduation.
[For further information, see policy EEJC.]
Students and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school counselor, teacher, or principal to learn about course offerings, the graduation requirements of various programs, and early graduation procedures. Each spring, students in grades 6 through 11 will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next year and other information that will help them make the most of academic and vocational opportunities.
To plan for the future, students should work closely with the counselor in order to take the high school courses that best prepare them for attendance at a college, university, or training school, or for pursuit of some other type of advanced education,. The counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and deadlines for application, as well as information about automatic admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing, and scholarships.
The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, or emotional issues, or substance abuse. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address these concerns. A student who wishes to meet with the counselor should contact the office for an appointment.
Please note: The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.
[For more information, refer to policy FFE and FFG(EXHIBIT).]
A student who has received prior instruction in a course or subject—but did not receive credit for it—may, in circumstances determined by the teacher, counselor, principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for that course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score at least 70 on the exam.
The attendance review committee may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam. A student may not use this exam, however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
In all instances, the district will determine whether any opportunity for credit by exam will be offered.
[For further information, see the counselor and policy EEJA.]
A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction.
Testing dates will be scheduled as needed.
A student will earn credit with a passing scored of at lease 90 on the exam.
If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The parent will be responsible for paying an appropriate fee to the district or for purchasing the test from a university approved by the State Board of Education. [For further information, see policy EEJB.]
See Grade Point Ranking. Student MUST get permission from the principal before taking any course for HS credit.
The district offers career and technology programs in Agriculture Science, Family and Consumer Science, Business Education, and Technology Education. West Rusk CCISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
West Rusk has Articulation Agreements with
Students who continue their education in there areas at the
community college level may receive college credit for the above courses if the
student meets certain requirements. Please see both high school and college
student counselors for details. It is very important for students to pursue
information concerning these courses once the student has completed one
semester at
Approved 6-year Tech Prep plans are on file in the student counselor’s office at the high school. Tech Prep plans are also discussed with students as they prepare their 4-year or 3-year graduation plans. Students may become a Tech Prep student by completing and following a graduation plan that has the appropriate sequence of courses for the specified Tech Prep plan. Admission to these programs is based on state guidelines and class size availability.
Parents may request a copy of the Tech Prep plans. To request a copy of one of the Tech Prep plans, to schedule an appointment to receive more information, or for answers to questions, parents may contact, counselor Linda Ashby at 903-895-4428 Ext 123.
Participation in school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a statewide association overseeing inter-district competition. The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:
· A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any academic class—other than a class identified as honors or advanced by either the State Board of Education or by the local board of trustees—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks.
· A student with disabilities 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.
· A student is allowed in a school year up to ten absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and a maximum of two absences for state competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the board, are subject to these restrictions.
· A student who misses a class because of participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence.
Please note: 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 local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization’s standards of behavior.
[For further information, see policies FM and FO.]
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation.
Credits Earned Classification
7 Grade 10 (Sophomore)
13 Grade 11 (Junior)
20 Grade 12 (Senior)
A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.
In addition, at certain grade levels a student—with limited
exceptions—will be required to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and
Skills (TAKS), if the student is enrolled in a public
·
In order to be promoted to grade 9, students
enrolled in grade 8 in the 2007–2008 school year must
perform satisfactorily on the Mathematics and
Parents of a student in grade 8 who does not perform satisfactorily on his or her exams will be notified that their child will participate in special instructional programs designed to improve performance. Such students will have two additional opportunities to take the test. If a student fails a second time, a grade placement committee, consisting of the principal or designee, the teacher, and the student’s parent, will determine the additional special instruction the student will receive. After a third failed attempt, the student will be retained; however, the parent can appeal this decision to the committee. In order for the student to be promoted, based on standards previously established by the district, the decision of the committee must be unanimous. Whether the student is retained or promoted, an educational plan for the student will be designed to enable the student to perform at grade level by the end of the next school year. [See policy EIE.]
A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be prepared for any student in a middle school or beyond who did not perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment or is determined by the district as not likely to earn a high school diploma before the fifth school year following enrollment in grade 9. The PGP will be designed and implemented by a guidance counselor, teacher, or other staff member designated by the principal. The plan will identify the student’s educational goals, address the parent’s educational expectations for the student, and outline an intensive instruction program for the student. [For additional information, see the principal and policy EIF.]
Certain students—some with disabilities and some with limited English proficiency—may be eligible for exemptions, accommodations, or deferred testing. For more information, see the principal, counselor, or special education director.
To receive a high school diploma from the district, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level exam.
The grade 11 exit-level test, required for students in grade 11, covers English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and requires knowledge of Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Integrated Chemistry and Physics, English III, and early American and United States History. A student who does not pass the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test.
Any student who was in grade 9 or higher on January 1, 2001, is eligible to graduate under the former TAAS exam.
The district offers the graduation programs listed below. All students entering grade 9 are required to enroll in the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program. Permission to enroll in the Minimum Graduation Program will be granted only if an agreement is reached among the student, the student’s parent or person standing in parental relation, and the counselor or appropriate administrator. [See policy EIF.]
Number of Credits (Students entering 9th grade
before 07-08)
· Minimum Graduation Plan 24
· Recommended High School Program 24
· Distinguished Achievement Program 24
Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, a student entering the ninth grade will be affected by new state graduation requirements for the Recommended Program and the Distinguished Achievement (Advanced) Program. To graduate under either of these programs, an incoming ninth grade student will have to earn an additional credit in math and an additional credit in science. The credit requirements for the various programs for students entering the ninth grade during this school years are provided below:
Number
of Credits (Students entering 9th grade 07-08 and beyond)
· Minimum Graduation Plan 24
· Recommended High School Program 26
· Distinguished Achievement Program 26
Please be aware that 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 counselor about a transfer or other alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students request a transfer for those students to take a course in the required curriculum other than fine arts or career and technology, the district will offer the course for the following year either by teleconference or at the school from which the transfers were requested.
A certificate of coursework completion will be issued to a senior student who successfully completes state and local credit requirements for graduation, but fails to perform satisfactorily on the exit-level tests.
Upon the recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal committee, a student with disabilities may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her individualized education program (IEP).
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. Even if the student participates in graduation ceremonies to receive the certificate of attendance, he or she may remain enrolled to complete the IEP and earn his or her high school diploma; however, the student will only be allowed to participate in one graduation ceremony.
To be eligible to participate in the graduation exercise, a student must have met all credit requirements and met all state mandated test requirements prior to graduation date. Student’s receiving a certificate of completion will be allowed to participate in graduation exercises. Students who complete course requirements after graduation date may choose to participate in the graduation ceremony the following year or receive high school diploma from the school administrator upon completion of requirements.
Because students and parents will incur expenses in order to participate in the traditions of graduation—such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and gown, and senior picture—both 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 Student Fees]
It is extremely important that students have his/her homework completed and with him/her each class period. Students must bring paper, pens, pencils and textbooks to class. Students and parents must understand that learning must involve work that must be completed outside of school.
The district provides special programs for gifted and talented students, homeless students, bilingual students, migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, dyslexic students, and students with disabilities. The coordinator of each program can answer questions about eligibility requirements, as well as programs and services offered in the district or by other organizations. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact Jerry Nicks at 903-895-4503 Ext.104.
If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other support services that are available to all students.
At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.
If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of his or her rights if the parent disagrees with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards—Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities.
The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is Stephanie Hawkins at 903-895-4803 Ext 171.
High School-Courses that student’s failed are offered for
credit at Kilgore HS, Henderson HS, Chapel Hill HS, and possibly at
State-approved textbooks are provided to students free of charge for each subject or class. Books must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. A student who is issued a damaged book should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return a book issued by the school loses the right to free textbooks until the book is returned or paid for by the parent; however, the student will be provided textbooks for use at school during the school day.
Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information regarding school operati